tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77236286828256535122024-02-09T03:39:59.510+11:00My Happy EndingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-31374655550381513382016-04-17T14:23:00.000+10:002016-08-14T13:10:45.642+10:00Mental Health - How do I help?<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In this world of Organisations like <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/" target="_blank">Beyond Blue</a>, <a href="http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/" target="_blank">Black Dog Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.sane.org/" target="_blank">SANE Australia</a>, <a href="https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au/" target="_blank">Mental Health Online</a> and such public personal accounts of experiences of Depression as this recent one by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dougleddin/posts/10153653909678920" target="_blank">Doug Leddin</a>, we realise there is now an awareness of Mental Health being 'a thing' and that is a start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But is that enough? </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The short answer to that is NO.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simply knowing Mental Health Conditions exist, does nothing to support the people who are living with them, or, struggling with them. We need practical information that can be used to support them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We now also have <a href="http://www.dancingwiththeblackdog.com/its-okay-to-say/" target="_blank">'It's Ok To Say' Campaign</a>', which aims to raise awareness of Depression and Anxiety in the same way the Pink Ribbon has worked for Breast Cancer. And that is a great initiative, but how does that encourage people to act to support those with these conditions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We have, what is a quite well known Campaign called <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/" target="_blank">R U OK?</a>, which I have my feelings about and have blogged about before <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/r-u-ok-and-social-media.html" target="_blank">here</a>. But does this really provide the <u>practical</u> answer to the question, "How do I help?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I must at this point say, as I usually do when I write these pieces, that this is my opinion only. There are many other opinions on this and many other perspectives. Every person's experience of life, Anxiety, Depression and the World in general is different. That is probably the first point to keep in mind in answering the question ... "How do I help?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(I may also at times only use the word Depression here, understand however, it often and usually, goes hand in hand with Anxiety)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have had my say a few times on this, <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/depression-true-account.html" target="_blank">here for example</a>, as I have a very committed belief that people need connection! ALL people, and so it follows, people who have Mental Health Conditions, need more consideration, because, somewhat ironically, many Mental Health Conditions actually bring about a state of mind where a person withdraws socially or completely from society, when in fact what that person needs is to feel included and valued. This can only come about with connection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLzHxU2MGHA/VxMEt6Xo0lI/AAAAAAAAA1I/6bApQPJxL6kTRCOt0L0MCGsml5shmRu6QCK4B/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-04-17%2Bat%2B1.33.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xLzHxU2MGHA/VxMEt6Xo0lI/AAAAAAAAA1I/6bApQPJxL6kTRCOt0L0MCGsml5shmRu6QCK4B/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-04-17%2Bat%2B1.33.29%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://scentsyspirit.com/post/93787658107/connection-the-energy-that-exists-between-people" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Source</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Often this is not just because of the Depression or the Anxiety or, any other condition, it can be because they are sick and tired themselves, of only having their experience of Mental Health to talk about, to live ... and seemingly, nothing else to share or contribute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I believe in a thing called "An experience of hope" ... I found this expression in a book I once read called <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/The-Bears-Embrace-Grizzly-Attack/dp/155365594X" target="_blank">The Bear's Embrace</a>. It was offered as support from a Doctor to their Patient who, no matter how they treated their Depression, felt they were not making a substantial progression. Life just kept throwing itself at her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This idea is like the saying 'building on your achievements', to achieve great things in life, often one just needs to achieve one small thing. Small achievements bring with them some confidence, a sense of ability, a sense of pride and worth, value. Those, are the things that move a person forward to a better place within.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How can a person with Depression improve their situation if their experience is only Depression? How can they heal in the environment which has made them unwell?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we as humans encounter other humans we build a 'Catalogue of Experiences' (some good, some bad and many in between), we step out of ourselves, we might even physically step out of our homes, we can then have 'other' experiences, which we can then talk about, and so on, this then becomes our 'new experience'. Eventually building a staircase to follow to a better place or building a 'Collage of Hope".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Depression, however, is a vicious downward cycle and requires an upward push to help overcome it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">YOU! As a friend, family member, partner, neighbour, adult child, colleague, volunteer etc., can help to break that cycle, provide an upward push. Help another person have an Experience of Hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MdiTtuZeVU/VxL-msaLeFI/AAAAAAAAA0s/2raWycP4IKcnH5FrgAP_MM2wiEUIbM6wQCK4B/s1600/Collage%2Bof%2BHope.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MdiTtuZeVU/VxL-msaLeFI/AAAAAAAAA0s/2raWycP4IKcnH5FrgAP_MM2wiEUIbM6wQCK4B/s200/Collage%2Bof%2BHope.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pickatheme.com/formspring-backgrounds/view.php?id=1489" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Source</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many people have those human supports around them, but their supports have become "used to the status quo", they watch their person with Depression and/or Anxiety live with it, they do not check in as frequently, they do not drop in for a cup of tea or coffee, they do not invite them to functions or dinner or BBQs, because that person never comes ... by not inviting them, you might just overlook the one day they might have come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It can be very difficult to be the person supporting a person with Depression, that is why it is even more important for many people to be involved, share the caring. Instead of committing to two phone calls per week each of an hour, have two people make one call each, have 4 people make a call each per fortnight, aim for half an hour, whatever it takes, if you are concerned, it is worth it! As is said to those enduring life's difficulties, It Will Get Better. For those supporting, It Will Get Easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">Just turning up with a smile after an extended period of disconnection, isn't enough, it is also a much harder role for the support person to perform. When a person who has a Mental Health Condition, and is continually experiencing Life's struggles, has to recount a month of their experience all in one go, nobody wins! That experience only helps them to relive the experience and depletes the energy of the people who care. It is also considered re-traumatising. This is why regular contact is important. And, the more regular, the less time is needed overall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, if I have not made it clear and managed to espouse the importance of consistent Connection ... here is the mantra ... STAY IN TOUCH!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Keep up to date in a personal way. Not on Facebook which by the way is just another means of communication, not a real life experience, or by email, which is so impersonal and originally meant for business communication. Having people you know and people you engage with, are two very different concepts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The sound of a human voice provides more connection that you can know, seeing the expressions on the face of another helps people to remember and experience emotions they may have forgotten. Human contact provides experiences of Hope. If you are still not convinced, watch the video below by clicking on the link below the image ... The Beauty of Human Connection</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUoO90oiWiA/VxMOFy7vVCI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/YQn2Sne85_0ujtZcYuRz8-56YmbLkyZFgCK4B/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-04-17%2Bat%2B2.16.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUoO90oiWiA/VxMOFy7vVCI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/YQn2Sne85_0ujtZcYuRz8-56YmbLkyZFgCK4B/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-04-17%2Bat%2B2.16.02%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.meetmindful.com/take-a-seat-the-beauty-of-human-connection-video/" target="_blank">The Beauty of Human Connection</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And finally, commit half an hour a week to your person who is struggling, or any person you care about. Give them something to look forward to, help them build their 'Collage of Hope'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It might just do you some good too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you or anyone you know is in need of support, use the links at the top of this page to seek support or referral, or contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank">Lifeline on 13 11 14</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This, for your listening pleasure ... fantastic version</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just click on the link below the image.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8mUm0AsfY/VxL3umWb6_I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7tXQGmwGuxkjRVQHjpU6T3v613BXnljngCLcB/s1600/Disturbed%2BSound%2Bof%2BSilence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ8mUm0AsfY/VxL3umWb6_I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7tXQGmwGuxkjRVQHjpU6T3v613BXnljngCLcB/s320/Disturbed%2BSound%2Bof%2BSilence.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://digg.com/video/disturbed-sounds-of-silence-cover-what" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sounds Of Silence</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-55081160546798649852016-02-25T17:54:00.000+11:002016-02-25T23:33:40.317+11:00Depression - A true account<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Trigger Warnings: Depression, Anxiety, Suicide, Domestic Violence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am posting this today, but I give notice that I wrote this about 12 months ago. I was too vulnerable then to put it out to the world. I'm doing well today, so here goes. Hope it can be of assistance to someone.</span></div>
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I know from time to time, the internet explodes with stories of people living with depression. Usually, this is brought about by a very public disclosure of a celebrity living with depression or having suicided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My awareness of depression or suicide is simply by being me. I have written this post from my perspective and am not speaking for any other person as everyone's experience is different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I live with anxiety and depression. It seems, I have lived with them (and suspected PTSD) most of my life due to being a child victim of Domestic Violence, and am now looking at a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD, which explains a lot). I was not diagnosed with Depression formally until I was in my late 40s, despite bouts of Post Natal Depression with both children, and the Anxiety has just been something I have come to understand as being my default because of the Trauma, through much counselling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now that I understand and recognise my behaviour when I am anxious or depressed, it makes it easier to see how my life has played out as it has. The contribution that BPD has also made is that I have made bad decisions, life changing ones, in the blink of an eye, because I did not know how to manage my anxiety, mainly because I did not know I had it. I just thought that was me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have encountered conflict because I was too anxious to say what I really felt, and being frustrated by this, have displayed anger, I have been walked all over and missed opportunities due to my inability to express my needs or trust in people who might have been able to help me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Depression and anxiety change who I am, they change the way I live, the way I relate to other people, the way I parent, interact with colleagues, plan my day/week/month, they effect my ability to be punctual and reliable, to </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">make choices about relationships, finances, job opportunities, education. T</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hey steal away my chances at a better life if I simply cannot perform at the level I need to in any given situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For anyone reading this right now who is thinking I am over dramatising this, or why don't you just take Anti Depressants, practice Mindfulness, learn Yoga and Meditation, get a hobby, cheer up … </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Firstly, here is a link to </span><a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Beyond Blue</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> so you can educate yourself as to what Depression actually is, secondly, how Depression is managed is different for every single person and usually involves a combination of many things, including support and understanding from others. Not forgetting my other diagnosis'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are thousands of Anti Depressants on the market. Currently, I am trying my 4th type in 12 months because the particular medication I had been on for a number of years, when increased to combat Anxiety brought on by a major life trauma, only made the anxiety worse, so I had to find another medication that would work for me. I am still looking, trying one after the other, experiencing side effects that cannot be lived with such as nose bleeds, blurred vision, insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, increased anxiety/depression, vertigo, exhaustion, high blood pressure etc, and therefore moving on to the next medication to see if it suits me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The reason I have decided to write about this today is that I know others who also have bouts of or live daily with depression, anxiety and PTSD, and I know of people who, when a disclosure is made, want to help. But don't know how.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The last time I had a really bad day and decided to disclose to a friend who had encouraged me to call her "anytime, day or night" she was so overwhelmed by my emotions, she admitted later to me that she nearly had me scheduled. For those of you who are not aware of what that means, it is being taken to hospital for a period of 72 hours against your will, usually by Police, with no option to leave. What I had needed was for her to listen to me talk and cry (sob really) and possibly share a cup of tea, but I could not express that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I am at my darkest with depression, it is due to the negative self talk that I fight every day, having won dominance. I start to doubt my ability to do anything. I question my worth and my value, I believe that the people who have offered to take my calls day or night, are not genuine because they never phone me … I understand why people never phone me, who would want to talk to or spend time with a person who is depressed? And so, I will not phone them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Catch 22 … Connectedness is a major factor in combating depression, but when people do not phone me or invite me or call in to see me, that is exactly what I lack, connectedness. I have many people say, "Let's have coffee" or lunch or go out or …. But they never follow up, they wait for me to call, but I won't, because I don't want to burden them with me, to interrupt their lives, to use up time they would prefer to be spending with their families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/" target="_blank">R U OK? Day</a> is a great program, very few people truly understand what it is about. It is about starting conversations. It is NOT about phoning a friend once a year to see if they are ok.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you truly want to help a friend who is living with any Mental Health issue, ask them what they need, have that conversation, keep having that conversation, regularly, then you will know how to help them.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-83326045141070001022014-09-13T20:44:00.000+10:002016-04-25T20:58:16.776+10:00I'll love my baby no matter what ...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Please Note: I have used pronouns here in places that may seem grammatically incorrect, but are respectful of the person I am referring to around their gender. I may not have the language perfect or completely correct, but I am trying. I apologise to any grammar police out there as I do appreciate it may make you squirm, but a heads up, you may just have to get used to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">E.g. She, He or They <a href="https://apps.carleton.edu/student/orgs/saga/pronouns/" target="_blank">Here is a link for further information</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0GkVaAGuaw/VBQWspISGDI/AAAAAAAAAzI/mQPGWBrhIZg/s1600/Gender%2BPro%2BNouns.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0GkVaAGuaw/VBQWspISGDI/AAAAAAAAAzI/mQPGWBrhIZg/s1600/Gender%2BPro%2BNouns.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As young parents blessed with a new arrival, we hope that our babies will only experience good health and happiness in life, we hope they will not have to endure never learning to sleep through the night. Even if that is actually the least of their concerns, but a huge concern for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We visualise well into their futures imagining them on many a pedestal accepting many an award. We ALWAYS imagine them with smiles on their faces, because, lets face it, when it really comes down to tin tacks, that is all that we do really want for our kids, is that they are happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've never worried about what my kids will do for work, I've only ever said that if they can find what they love and make that their jobs, they will always be happy in their work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've also tried to teach them self worth and to know that nobody has the right to not value them for who they are, if you come across those people in life, walk away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've only ever focused on the life lessons that I knew about, the ones I myself had experienced and the ones I felt qualified enough to talk about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all, we don't really think about all the other millions of things that have not touched our lives in some way … until they do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now some background information … *fade to playground at Local Primary School circa 1972* ….</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I was in Primary School I had a best friend, his name for the sake of this story, was Nick. Nick and I used to hang out all the time. I liked doing boy things and he liked hanging with us girls. Not that we ever made any assumptions about that, we were all just mates, sexuality, at that time, an unknown entity.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we went to High School and we started to meet other kids from other schools, Nick found a group of other kids that he seemed to feel more comfortable with and although we all said hello from time to time, we saw less of each other. I missed his conversations and his laughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me, being Queen of Naive, found out much later that Nick was gay, and I think a part of me loved him even more for just being himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went on to work in travel where I met a lovely man named, for the sake of this story, Nick 2, him and I used to have lunch together and talk about all sorts of things, mainly his travels and the ones I was looking forward to having. When I left that job I missed his sense of adventure and vision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I later worked in a bank where I met and befriended Nick 3, we used to go out picking up men together at piano bars and the likes. Nick 3 was much more refined than me … and I missed that and his intellect and cheeky grin when we parted ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I loved those Nicks, not because they were gay, but because they were fun, interesting, intelligent, caring and they were all good friends of mine, who lifted me up with their own sense of value and self worth, because each of them were complete individuals and comfortable in their own skin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So when I realised my son did not seem happy and did not seem as comfortable in his own skin as the memories I had of my friends from years gone by, I couldn't figure it out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Much time has passed since MJ first came out to me, we have had many things happen in that time, MJ has transitioned through friendships and found a group where he feels safe and comfortable, he is intelligent and has a vision for his future and he wants to travel and one day have special relationships such as the ones we all hope for.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently I learnt something very important about one of the things that have not been a part of my life and as far as I know, a thing that I had not experienced. That, is the concept of <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=genderqueer" target="_blank">Genderqueer</a>. I didn't realise that while sexuality is a very individual thing, so is gender.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlNOn_gk4GU/VBQbhjloeMI/AAAAAAAAAzg/BB5tI6wrlv0/s1600/Gender%2BNever%2BAssume.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlNOn_gk4GU/VBQbhjloeMI/AAAAAAAAAzg/BB5tI6wrlv0/s1600/Gender%2BNever%2BAssume.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://genderqueer.tumblr.com/post/6434264530/image-description-close-up-of-a-shirt-printed" target="_blank">Genderqueer - Beyond the Binaries</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And now, now that I know that and they has found the courage to be themself, things are going to get better. They can now plan a life that will meet their needs, that will be the life they sees for themself (I still hope that involves lots of pedestals and accolades because they deserves them), and while, when this wonderful young person was born I could never have imagined this life for them, I still want them to have whatever it is that makes them happy. Because I'll love my baby no matter what.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you or anyone you know would like more information on the subject of Genderqueer please contact Genderqueer Australia on 03 8640 9796 or via <a href="http://www.genderqueer.org.au/basics-pronouns/" target="_blank">This Link</a> Or <a href="http://www.gendercentre.org.au/" target="_blank">The Gender Centre</a> in Sydney 02 9569 2366</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Should you require urgent assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #535353; font-family: "calibri"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><i><span style="font-family: calibri;">I want to live in a world where the
words male and female are flexible and subjective, even redundant. A world of
perpetual transformation, where sexuality and gender become obsolete as people
begin to question why they should be the same person, day in, day out. A world
where the overriding ethos is to question and explore your sexuality and gender
without the restrictions prevalent in 'normal' society. Questioning what is
masculine and what is feminine is about redrawing the boundaries (or removing
them altogether) surrounding activities that are seen as inherently male or
female. I long for a world where the old oppositions of male/female,
masculine/feminine, heterosexual/homosexual have dissolved. I want to live in a
world where I am free to be whoever I want to be, whenever I want to be, male,
female, other or neither - I have been advised this piece should be attributed to a young Trans person named Silver Taylor</span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-60751927399680151152014-09-07T11:15:00.000+10:002014-09-07T11:58:41.097+10:00R U OK? and Social Media?<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trigger Warnings: Suicide, Suicidal Ideology, Self Harm, Depression, Anxiety.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">For those of you
who may not already know, I am studying Community Service Work Certificate IV.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2_3xsi6CkU/VAuo9geM69I/AAAAAAAAAy4/1qxIN25Di4Q/s1600/R%2BU%2BOK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E2_3xsi6CkU/VAuo9geM69I/AAAAAAAAAy4/1qxIN25Di4Q/s1600/R%2BU%2BOK.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The reason I am
mentioning this is because of a particular subject we are covering just
now, which has become even more relevant to my own personal experience with the
up coming event of 'R U OK? Day' looming.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I often ask the
question "Does R U OK? Day have a place on Social Media?” my answer is no. But
that is just my opinion, the opinion of a person who does not feel connected, I
am sure there are other opinions based on your own perspective/s. This post is not actually about inviting a discussion of our opinions however.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I've always said I
don't want all my friends sending me a message on Facebook all on the one
day of the year just because the media tell them it's the day to do it, particularly
if they are not available to engage in your response when you post your reply later.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">In
my opinion</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">, if you are doing
this, then you have actually missed the point of the day.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">People who are
'not OK' know it … you generally don't have to ask to get them to make a
decision on that or to evoke thought on the subject, they think about it a lot.
What they do need is a conversation or connectedness. So here are some points I have copied from
the <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: orange;">R U OK? Website</span></b></a><span style="color: #fd9409;"> </span>in an attempt to help people understand
truly, the seriousness and necessity of such a day.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #fb0007; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Lesson
Number 1:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="font-size: large;">R U OK?
Day is about Suicide Prevention!</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;">"R U OK? is a
not-for-profit organisation founded by <b><a href="https://ruok.org.au/stories/details/gavin-larkin" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Gavin Larkin</span></a></b><span style="color: #de7e2b;"> </span>in 2009, whose vision is a world where we’re
all connected <span style="color: #fb0007;">and are protected from suicide</span>.
Accordingly, our mission is to encourage and equip everyone to <span style="color: #fb0007;">regularly and meaningfully</span> ask “are you ok?”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #fb0007; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Lesson
Number 2:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="font-size: large;">WHY?</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;">"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;">We know that suicide prevention is an enormously
complex and sensitive challenge the world over. But we also know that some of
the world’s smartest people have been working tirelessly and developed credible
theories that suggest there’s power in that simplest of questions - “Are you
ok?”"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;">"One of the most
significant theories is by United States academic, <a href="http://www.psy.fsu.edu/faculty/joiner.dp.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: orange;">Dr Thomas Joiner</span></b></a>. Because
his father took his own life, Thomas has dedicated his research to try and answer
that question “why?”"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"> "His theory tries to
answer that complex question by describing <span style="color: #fb0007;">three
forces at play in someone at risk</span>. The first force is the person thinks
they’re a burden on others; the second is that they can withstand a high degree
of pain; and the third is they don’t feel connected to others."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #fb0007; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Lesson
Number 3:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT TO
DO?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;">"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;">It's this lack of connection (or lack of belonging)
that we want to prevent. By inspiring people to take the time to ask "are
you ok?" <span style="color: #fb0007;">and listen</span>, we can help people
struggling with life feel connected long before they even think about suicide.
It all comes down to <span style="color: #fb0007;">regular, face-to-face,
meaningful conversations about life</span>. And asking “are you ok?” is a
great place to <span style="color: #fb0007;">start</span>."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">My point is this,
if you are not prepared to hear the answer and to truly listen to that person
respond, get prepared! If you are sincere in your question, take the time
to read <b><a href="https://ruok.org.au/how-to-ask" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">THIS INFORMATION</span></a></b> and
learn, how to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">If you are feeling
suicidal or experiencing suicidal ideology please contact a 24 hour counselling support
service in your area. In Australia there is Lifeline: 13 11 14.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">If you cannot find
a link or phone number phone '000' in Australia, '911' in USA and <a href="http://www.sccfd.org/travel.html" target="_blank">here is a link</a> to numbers for other countries.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #131313; font-family: Georgia;">“It is an absolute human certainty that
no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it
has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia;">loving, caring human
being.” </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6533733.John_Joseph_Powell">John Joseph Powell</a></span></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-81397817558788673312014-08-12T17:14:00.000+10:002014-08-12T17:14:21.312+10:00The Tipping PointTRIGGER WARNINGS: Suicide, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Mental Health issues of any kind.<br />
<br />
If you performed a search on this blog under the heading #Depression, you would find about 9 posts.<br />
<br />
I cannot off the top of my head tell you what exactly they are about, but given this blog name is "My Happy Endings", I would hope they all end with a positive slant, some may not however.<br />
<br />
I have been travelling a road, and still do, of Depression. I do feel though that I have found a new direction of late and I am hopeful that I have found my tipping point, a point at which I will be less likely to go backwards again.<br />
<br />
Today, as is always the case when a high profile person is admitted for Mental Health support or a successful suicide takes place and is all over the news, Twitter, Facebook, I am feeling the pain of my Depression.<br />
<br />
I feel the pain of that person and I think of all the 'what ifs' as we process that such a worthy life is now over, never to be renewed. I think of the pain of that family and all the friends who will never, ever again, be able to hold that person, to be able to speak to them, to be able to have that one last moment.<br />
<br />
Once upon a time, all this exposure to another persons pain and torment would have triggered me, and by that I mean, would have sent me straight back to my darkest place, would have made me contemplate the other 'what ifs', would have sent me backwards on my road to recovery. Now, my heart simply breaks.<br />
<br />
I have travelled a long and dark road, as do many people day in day out. Some never find a fork in the road, some never find the hill on the road that lifts them to the place where they can see a different perspective, some never meet the people on the road that will make a difference in their life's journey, some, simply find that black dark hole and don't know how to climb out of it.<br />
<br />
Some people imagine that they would be doing other people a favour if they were no longer around, some people have so much pain from life's pressures that all they want is for that pain to stop and some people are so lost in a cycle of instability they believe thinking straight may never again be an option.<br />
<br />
The one thing I know is that those who are left, in an attempt to understand, start analysing, assuming, looking for the answer as to why, why did such a person take their own life, why did our person?<br />
<br />
Sadly, this information will do nobody any good …<br />
<br />
If you know a person who struggles with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD or any Mental Health issue, talk to them now, find out what it is that keeps them here now, THAT is helpful information, THAT is what may make the difference, the other thing that may make a difference is taking a walk with them on that road of life, try to be there, THAT may help. Keep them here and engaged with those things that keep them holding on to life, the things that keep them engaged with life, with people, with their better perspective.<br />
<br />
I write this from my perspective alone, everyone has their own road to travel, every story is different and every person deals with their life's struggles in the way they see fit. But we must ask, we cannot know, unless we ask. Talk, converse, engage with your person.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you or anyone you know is in need of support please contact:<br />
<br />
Australia - Lifeline 13 11 14<br />
<br />
USA call toll-free 1-800-273-TALK (8255)<br />
<br />
This is a link to other numbers internationally<br />
<a href="http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/North_America/" target="_blank">International Association for Suicide Prevention</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">OR PHONE A FRIEND!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">SERIOUSLY, JUST DO THAT!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JROw0FQyd7A/U-m5BQplaqI/AAAAAAAAAyo/pM_UmdDePlM/s1600/ROBIN+WILLIAMS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JROw0FQyd7A/U-m5BQplaqI/AAAAAAAAAyo/pM_UmdDePlM/s1600/ROBIN+WILLIAMS.png" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/robin-williams-dons-yarmulke/" target="_blank">Rest In Peace you gentle man ...</a></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-8267470279277863402014-07-11T23:52:00.000+10:002014-07-12T00:05:36.830+10:00When I Write<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To start this post I probably need to briefly explain why I write … I did write a <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/why-do-we-blog.html" target="_blank">post</a> about it once before if you wanted to read that, (it was a good post), but the shorter version is that I need to express myself, I need to speak out or clear my mind at times of all that clutters it, sometimes I need to clear my heart.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I don't always have people on tap to chat to, I write.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I write when I have something to say (need a rant), I write when I am feeling sad (need to be a crybaby), I write when I am feeling happy (need to gloat) and sometimes, I write because I'm bored. There are other reasons too, for example, every April I blog every day in gratitude.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, getting back to it, I didn't realise until last week how much I do actually write.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O17vPs9s5Ac/U7_n84iLeRI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/zNUmthyzj80/s1600/Lots+of+writing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O17vPs9s5Ac/U7_n84iLeRI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/zNUmthyzj80/s1600/Lots+of+writing.png" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://zavive.com/mixed-bag/5-more-ways-to-write-morebetter/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know, you are saying, "But she doesn't even blog every day!", and I don't, but I do find myself writing my random thoughts down by whatever means I have handy. I find pieces of paper floating around the house with impulsive scribblings on them, I find notes in my phone that I have written while I've been out and had an epiphany, the thing that surprised me the most though was only a few days ago, when I decided to clear through some of my electronic documents and trash what I was done with, I stumbled upon a document I had written only two months ago … The thing that dumbfounded me was not that it was there, but that I could only vaguely remember writing it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That seemed very odd because I had written it at a time of obvious emotion and it was a whole page of emotion laid out in black and white. One thinks we will remember these things. It seems our minds are much more self protective than we think, not allowing us to remember things that may hurt us or, may no longer be of use once put out there. Who really knows?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br8RlA8Uq9U/U7_pF6WTQsI/AAAAAAAAAyY/B8DkZiqUCtk/s1600/Writing+to+heal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br8RlA8Uq9U/U7_pF6WTQsI/AAAAAAAAAyY/B8DkZiqUCtk/s1600/Writing+to+heal.png" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.utexas.edu/features/archive/2005/writing.html" target="_blank">This makes a lot of sense though.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, that really does bring me back to why I am writing today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found this note on my phone, it was written 25th October 2012. That was the year I moved my little family from a place of complete familiarity to an area none of us knew. To a place where we knew nobody. I was trying my best to make connections, to meet new friends, to form new networks and this is what I wrote …</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #343434; font-family: Courier;">Don't lie
to me or mislead me in an attempt to be kind. You won't make me upset by
telling me you don't want to have coffee with me or start a new friendship
because you have a busy life already, or you are suffering depression and don't
want to socialise, or you can't fit any other people or relationships into your
life, or you simply believe we have nothing to offer each other. I am not going
to judge your reasons, I will respect them. Do respect me enough to be honest.
When you lie to me once, u will need to keep doing that, and when I find out, I
will judge you, I will also judge myself. Let's just be honest and not waste
each others time or judge each other. Let's respect each other.<span style="font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do remember writing this, but I was still surprised I had kept it on my phone, so, I thought I would share it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is a good message there for us all …</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's respect each other.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-29195691034453482252014-06-18T13:14:00.003+10:002014-06-18T13:38:36.457+10:00Carers Return To Work! Yes you, go on, go ...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well Mr Abbott, this, is a wonderful idea. I'd love to be able to accrue Superannuation, paid holidays, have a lunch break, be eligible for sick leave knowing all along, there is the back up support for my child so that I can return to the work force at the employable age of 51.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Note: When I Googled "Employed Older Women" to find an image to insert here, I got Liza Minnelli and Julie Bishop and lots of graphs), says it all really!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was no shortage of beautiful images when I Googled "Employed Women" however.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMMOGkJBpGo/U6D4npTAT4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/akcenX7-ztI/s1600/Pretty+Flowers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMMOGkJBpGo/U6D4npTAT4I/AAAAAAAAAx8/akcenX7-ztI/s1600/Pretty+Flowers.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flowers.babaklix.com/pretty-flowers-images-photo/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gratuitous "Pretty Flowers" image</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I could not think of an option more appealing than to be able to be a <i>valued</i> part of society again by way of a <i>well paid</i> work placement! Because we all know, the only person who values a Carer is the person being cared for. Mind you, when that person is your son, sometimes, they don't even appreciate it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To be able to first and foremost, get a job with the lack of qualifications I have after 11 years at home with my child, (despite my requests over the years for hands-on support so I could stay up-to-date with training or work experience but was denied those opportunities by various Governments, due to the comparative cost), would be a bonus!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To be employed with inclusive work practises, seems like a dream come true, which will allow for the many days or part days I will need to be at home with my sick, disabled child or to attend Physio, Speech, OT, Cardiologist, Paediatric, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Podiatry, Specialist Dental, Cleft Palate all day Clinics, Pathology, Minor procedures, Disability Parenting Training Days, Sensory Training Days and all the other unforeseen days that will require me leaving work in response to an emergency that nobody else can attend to in relation to my child, who by the way is seen to only have Moderate care needs, this list would be ten times longer for many Carer/Loved one relationships where care levels involve medical procedures. I'm assuming, eventually, the NDIS will cover the cost of all this though … </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not to mention the Mental Health Days I'm betting I'll need as I adjust back into the work force working 18 hours, 7 days a week, being that I am an unsupported Single Parent Carer. Not only will the pressure of working those hours moving forward take it's toll, keep in mind I have previously been isolated because of my Full Time Carer role, and I can assure you, it has already done my head in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, Mr Abbott, explain to me <i>again</i>, how <i>exactly</i> is this going to work without compromising the health and well being of myself, my child and the underpinning structures it has taken me the best part of 11 years of begging, negotiating and manipulating to put in place to support our ever changing sets of circumstance?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or is this just more of the heavy lifting you obviously feel us Carers have not been doing?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-79662873424730064752014-06-14T20:38:00.000+10:002014-06-14T20:40:55.252+10:00When Friendships End<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They say we learn to socialise as children, that all that rough and tumble, the 'dobbing' on each other, the push and shove, the winning and losing, the raw honesty "I'm not your friend anymore", "I hate you!" puts us in good stead for adult relationships, so we know how to have friendships when we 'grow up'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are two points there, we really need to know when the 'growing up' part happens and who is ever ready for adult friendships?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I watch the shows on TV (soap operas, sitcoms etc) and I see all this honesty, the perfectly scripted dialogue the resolutions and the tender parting of ways and I wonder …. WHAT THE FUCK!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's not how it is, that is <i>never</i> how I have experienced it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think my life is back to front or upside down or buggered if I know …</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The people I fought and played with when I was little, are still my friends. The person I came together with over a common cause, like standing up to a bully, she is still my friend, the person I shared some real moments with like when I got engaged and her marriage ended, (so did mine eventually), we are still in touch, the friend I met through our boyfriends and we decided we enjoyed each others company better than the boyfriends, she is still my dear friend, the friend I made by sheer coincidence and we now don't see enough of each other. These are <i>all</i> my friends.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUCKFGAAkTc/U5wejzWJqdI/AAAAAAAAAxc/tAO3L90xWzs/s1600/Friendships.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUCKFGAAkTc/U5wejzWJqdI/AAAAAAAAAxc/tAO3L90xWzs/s1600/Friendships.png" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what *is* it that ends friendships.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me, I believe it has been bad communication, because I have friendships that have ended, and I still don't understand why, or maybe even the other way around, maybe they were left reeling, but I was hurt, and that is often hard to say to a person's face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or we just change, our interests change, our life directions change and we start to have less in common, less to keep us together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everyone's experience is different, because, as I mentioned before, we are groomed for this as children.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_rNeMJEeGI/U5wlSesxL2I/AAAAAAAAAxs/rcAjlKEemYY/s1600/ANIMAL+FRIENDS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_rNeMJEeGI/U5wlSesxL2I/AAAAAAAAAxs/rcAjlKEemYY/s1600/ANIMAL+FRIENDS.png" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just writing this post though, I've noticed a common thread that weaves it's way through the friendships I still have … They have substance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friends are real, true and honest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, how do you end friendships? Do you even make that choice or do they just slip away? Or do you try hard, when you see them changing, to hold on?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What is your soap opera of life as far as friendships go? I truly am interested to know!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-19231525173511776662014-05-19T01:27:00.003+10:002014-05-20T23:20:29.779+10:00I'm still not convinced<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I sit here watching my Twitter feed scroll at a respectable pace with hashtags such as #MarchInMay #MorePopularThanAbbott #auspol #ICAC #Budget2014 #BudgetReply #Newspoll #BustTheBudget #DD it concerns me that twitter also scrolled with fervour the week leading up to the September 2013 election. Here's a couple of tonights fun ones.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtiZV-_4bPI/U3jJ3w1Q0YI/AAAAAAAAAw8/qBbOyaQpfbA/s1600/Hashtag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtiZV-_4bPI/U3jJ3w1Q0YI/AAAAAAAAAw8/qBbOyaQpfbA/s1600/Hashtag.png" height="60" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qXoXNvCleA/U3jJ6CCPb5I/AAAAAAAAAxE/0HT4QwFv-3U/s1600/HAshtag+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qXoXNvCleA/U3jJ6CCPb5I/AAAAAAAAAxE/0HT4QwFv-3U/s1600/HAshtag+2.png" height="59" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It seemed people had Mr Abbott pegged then too. I was in a state of shock when I woke on the morning after the election to discover he was our new PM.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why did it take a Budget release to show the people of Australia the truth. Why are so many of the country such bad judges of character?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How do people like Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey fly under the radar?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why are people like these in the stories below, forgotten? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Read their stories and see if you think it's fair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://somedaywewillsleep.com/poverty-isnt-a-choice-you-make/" target="_blank">Disability Support Pension Recipients</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NoNewstart4Families/posts/316348831848254" target="_blank">Single Parents of Disabled Children and their siblings</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/dear-mr-hockey-what-seven-dollars-really-means-to-australian-families/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Single Parents doing it alone</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://sallymcmanus.net/abbotts-wreckage/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And anyone else impacted by these broken promises</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is it the Mainstream Media exposure? Is it that Australians all hope one day to be wealthy and pin their hopes on the rich to lead the way? Are we truly <i>that </i>gullible?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whatever it is, if we get the chance to go to the polls again, I hope we get it right this time! Use your votes wisely Australia.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-35752857204625001152014-05-18T21:37:00.000+10:002016-02-25T23:57:04.685+11:00Humanity Continued<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started writing this post in December 2013, I wanted to really get my point across, but I couldn't quite find the words. Ironically, I think I now have them. The irony being the state of our own country's Public Housing. The federal budget that was recently released really challenges the question of <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/where-is-humanity.html" target="_blank">"Where is the Humanity?"</a> Add to this post the new wave of Homeless Youth we will now see if they are required to wait 6 months for an income even in extreme circumstances. Think of the burden to charities … just think about all this ...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wrote <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/where-is-humanity.html" target="_blank">this post</a> about humanity, because I had read a news article that proved to motivate me to write. However, I did not quite make the point I was going for in that post as I had also found this great piece on <a href="http://www.upworthy.com/if-you-thought-someone-couldnt-explain-empathy-with-a-dry-erase-marker-youre-wrong" target="_blank">the evolution of human empathy.</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, in an attempt to stay on track today, <a href="http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1979057/illawarras-huge-rise-in-homelessness/?cs=300" target="_blank">HERE</a> is the article that made me want to write about Humanity, well, at least the <i>lack</i> of it. Mind you, this point may still take some time to make, so bear with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The article is a story of a young couple who have moved to "the city" (Wollongong) from Forbes, to try to find work and accommodation. They were staying with a relative, on the couch. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they are now in temporary accommodation while they look for a rental property they can afford.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ45T7u0j2A/UrWfF4h0HsI/AAAAAAAAAkY/DlDuYs6ja8A/s1600/Youth+Homelessness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ45T7u0j2A/UrWfF4h0HsI/AAAAAAAAAkY/DlDuYs6ja8A/s320/Youth+Homelessness.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://blogs.rch.org.au/yac/2012/04/18/youth-homelessness-matters-day/" target="_blank">Youth Homelessness Matters Day</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Again, it is not this actual story that made me think about humanity, well, except for the part where the young lady talks about feeling judged because of her homeless status, no, it was the comments that appeared after the story, written by people who had read the story and had made judgements about this young lady, based on 650 words and 1 photo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were superficial judgements based on the fact the young lady has a couple of tattoos, they judged her because of her age, they brought into question her family assuming they were negligent, and it went on. Self professed Landlords citing they would not allow anyone with tattoos to rent one of their properties. Thankfully there were a few clear thinking people who left retaliatory comments in defence of the young lady, and people with tattoos.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eX17YiCrfJQ/UrWhGaOjskI/AAAAAAAAAkk/1DSX8B30yBo/s1600/David+Beckham+Tats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eX17YiCrfJQ/UrWhGaOjskI/AAAAAAAAAkk/1DSX8B30yBo/s320/David+Beckham+Tats.png" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tattooset.com/tattoo/19550-david-beckham-sleeve-tattoos" target="_blank">Would you rent your house to this man?</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have to disclose right here that I have a personal interest in matters of housing and homelessness. As some of you may know, I too have had a few problems securing long term accommodation for myself and my two sons due to the specific needs around LJ's safety and security associated with his disability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is because of my experience and this story about a young couple just trying to get a start in life, not to mention all the other stories I have heard as a bi product of my own journey, that has lead me to feel the need to explain a few things about the world of rental accommodation and social housing to the many who have not had the opportunity to live in that world and experience it first hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">PUBLIC HOUSING FACTS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Public Housing and Community Housing Organisations only have so many properties available to rent to their clients. (Which is why the waiting lists are currently so long, they have none available.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They rely on "natural attrition" for properties to become available.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In NSW, Housing NSW are selling properties that are in prime locations back to the public and not reinvesting that money back into replacement accommodations for their client waiting list, reducing the accommodations available while the number of clients increases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">People on those waiting lists are forced back into the private rental market to compete for properties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many people in the general population have never rented a property in their lives having lived at home and saved until they married and bought a home of their own. Some people's experience of renting may only extend to when they went on holiday. Some people may have rented for a short period of time while they saved for a deposit for their own home. Some people choose to rent and not to buy, often being able to find a rental property and be lucky enough to stay for many years in the one place. There are many scenarios here. And I will not take away from these people that have been conscientious and worked very hard to attain their goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The one thing all these people have in common, is they obviously all have some sort of consistent income. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, I am not saying they are </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">privileged or have any better opportunity than others, some would say, this is how most people live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, that is not quite right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Impacting factors that might not allow other people to make these same choices or have a stable income are their level of education, hence their inability to earn a reasonable wage, or find job security, they may have come from families who are already in crisis because of Domestic Violence, Gambling Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Mental Health Diagnosis, Disability, Cultural Diversity and Language barriers etc etc, therefore, have no support, no back up, they are on their own, or having to care for other family members, often from a very early age.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, bad things simply do happen to good people.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lu_rhHAQpGU/UrWkT4Ac_oI/AAAAAAAAAkw/1Q-9KO21q8A/s1600/Bad+Things+Good+People.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lu_rhHAQpGU/UrWkT4Ac_oI/AAAAAAAAAkw/1Q-9KO21q8A/s320/Bad+Things+Good+People.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://meetville.com/quotes/author/robin-mcgraw/page1" target="_blank">Robin McGraw</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During the time I have been in what they call "Housing Stress", I have had the opportunity to meet some really inspirational people, none so inspiring as a lady I met because she was volunteering at a charity that had helped her and her family when they were homeless. Mind you, that is a very common response from those who are truly trying to get back on their feet, to give back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She and her husband had both worked very hard, neither of them were huge income earners, but they had a home and a mortgage, 2 cars and kids and were happy. After three kids, they decided to go for another, and were blessed with twins. They knew then they had completed their family and were content. I'm not sure exactly when, but sadly, tragedy struck and one of their beautiful twins passed away as a result of cot death.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This loss tore their lives apart. Neither of them were able to recover from their grief. The Mum had previously given up her job because she needed to look after 5 kids and so Dad was the only wage earner left. He fell into a deep state of depression and despite their best efforts, he was finally unable to work. They slowly started to sell what they could to keep on top of things, but eventually, they had nothing else to sell and had to sell their home. Because they had already been struggling to keep it, there was nothing left over once the sale went through and the debt was paid. They were now homeless with 4 children to care for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They did spend one night in their car, but thankfully were assisted with Emergency accommodation from an organisation which deals in helping families.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That organisation helped them both to seek the medical care they needed and they allowed themselves time to process their grief and slowly, and very carefully, started to seek support in other areas. They had been too embarrassed to ask for assistance prior to this, and too proud.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, they are public housing clients and are getting back on their feet, they believe they will own their own home again one day, all they needed was a little help to get them back on track.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Or as I like to say, and hand up, not a hand out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, when you mention "Homelessness" to most people, the image they get is usually something like this fairly famous image …</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ytZ9n_6gA/UrWmPCxTfeI/AAAAAAAAAk8/PP8-tEq8jZ0/s1600/Homelessness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ytZ9n_6gA/UrWmPCxTfeI/AAAAAAAAAk8/PP8-tEq8jZ0/s320/Homelessness.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_popular_culture" target="_blank">Homelessness as most people understand it</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Homeless people don't always live on the streets, they are not always carting their belongings with them, they are not necessarily drug or alcohol addicted, they often have access to showers at a friend's house, at local beaches or school or gyms etc, maybe even work, yes, some homeless people have jobs! They eat because they access charity organisations, they may "rough sleep" (on the streets) some nights and be lucky enough to find an hostel or refuge other nights, they may have friends they can stay with occasionally, usually on a lounge or floor, and, in this day and age, they may even have a mobile phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You may say WHY??? Why when you are homeless do you need a mobile phone??? Why would you not is more the question?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How else can you stay in touch with Real Estate Agents, Housing Departments, Centrelink, Charities, Health Services, have access to information about bus and train timetables, keep in touch with Lifeline, make applications for rental properties etc etc. In this day of technology, where to even be considered to inspect a rental property, some agents require you to "register on line".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The one thing I do know for sure ... The majority of people who are homeless, do NOT choose to be and are trying very hard to find stable accommodation for themselves and often their family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And herein lies the problem of Humanity that I am writing about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you are really in a situation where you are completely unable to afford a rental property in the public market and find yourself having to apply to become a Public Housing Client, the first thing you have to do, is front up to the Office of the Public Housing organisation in your relevant state and start by jumping through hoops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The situation of Homelessness is so bad in Australia, that even the Public Housing Organisations are not accepting applications from just anyone, you need to prove your case, you must show evidence of need or that you have made a concerted and legitimate attempt at searching for and trying to secure properties independently before they will even consider offering you assistance. You also need to have some sort of income. It is NOT FREE HOUSING. I know some people believe it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I believe if you are living with ongoing or severe Mental Illness, or are Disabled or if you are escaping a situation of Domestic Violence things are a bit different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you are simply applying because you are starting to feel the pinch and your situation is not critical, you can look forward to going on the end of the, 15 - 20 year long waiting list for Public Housing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If your situation is extreme, you can apply for <i>Priority</i> Public Housing, that will reduce your waiting list to 2 - 5 years!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If your situation is critical and you are accepted as a Public Housing client, you can still wait 15 years for Public Housing, but they can then offer you other services such as subsidised rental assistance if you have extenuating circumstances such as mental health, disability etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So you can now go out into the Private Rental Market and apply for properties. Mind you, you will be competing against everyone else. People who have two incomes (because there are two parents in the family), people who can offer to pay more rent on a property to secure it (not sure if this is illegal, but it happens), people who may offer 6 months rent in advance to secure a property and finally, and most relevant, people who are NOT Public Housing Clients.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Public Housing Clients are 50% less likely to secure a property they can afford (with subsidised rental assistance) because of the stigma attached to being a Public Housing Client. Many Landlords will simply not accept applications from people who are registered on the Public Housing waiting list. It is part of the application process that you either declare you are receiving assistance to pay for the rent you will pay, or, that the Community Housing Organisation you are represented by will make the application. So a Public Housing client cannot hide this on a Private Rental market application. But a landlord can hide their discrimination, because legally, they are not required to state the reason for not accepting an applicant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That stigma is not only reflected in dealing with Landlords, it is carried over to many other areas. How do you think "No fixed address" looks on a job application?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every form you fill in these days asks for a residential address. Medicare, Centrelink, Drs etc all require an address. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I experienced homelessness, I had friends who did not believe me. They thought I was exaggerating, being a drama queen, stretching the truth!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can assure you, it is hard enough to have to say those words, to admit it to anyone when it is true, why the hell would anyone PRETEND they were homeless? The stigma it brings with it is soul crushing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, I ask you all this very day, be more empathic, have some humility, be more considerate of other people's circumstances, consider they may really be having a hard time and need a short term hand up, not a hand out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My Happy Ending will be when the Public Housing System is a solutions based service which will help people to recover from life's tragedies, not just keep kicking them when they are down.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-2445075848451737642014-05-03T12:22:00.002+10:002014-05-03T12:22:25.434+10:00Me - 30th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, I am fully aware today is the 3rd of May and not the 30th April … I've been a bit busy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, not so much busy, I've been busy <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/motivation-12th-day-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">Procrastinating. Further explained here.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As that post explains, I am not talking about having had no motivation, I was procrastinating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, that is not exactly the topic of discussion today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I want to talk about me! Isn't that what you talk about everyday? I hear you ask.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, in fact, I generally talk about things that happen to me, things I've done, things my children have done, things I am grateful for etc., generally, I don't talk all that much about me, the person, ultimately because I try to focus my blog on Happy Endings, and as a person, I can't quite picture that one just yet, although I do feel I am getting a clearer picture everyday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many people in this world have had tough experiences, have lived in environments that were not conducive, to happiness, have seen much sadness, violence, anger, hate, or have even had these things levelled at them. In some cases people have seen so much suffering around them, that they don't see their own pain or suffering as significant, that is sort of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2wrkmzfOWg/U2RO_dvw1CI/AAAAAAAAAwc/mvBhSus7Sgs/s1600/Pain+and+suffering.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2wrkmzfOWg/U2RO_dvw1CI/AAAAAAAAAwc/mvBhSus7Sgs/s1600/Pain+and+suffering.png" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://meetville.com/quotes/author/lurlene-mcdaniel/page1" target="_blank">This says it right</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't imagine saying I might have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when I think of our Service People who have gone to war, who have seen people killed (mates and opposition) who have had to kill or be killed; I saw my own Mother beaten at the hands of my Father and can't imagine being her or how my experience was difficult compared to women who suffer Domestic Violence; I've heard stories of sexual abuse and mutilation, (short and long term) (children and adults) and can't see how date rape compares with that; I just cannot allow myself in so many ways to be called a victim and so, a label such as PTSD does not sit well for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have tried to see life from both sides, I try to be empathic of those who had lives much tougher than mine with little opportunity to speak of, or who only had role models who were not winning either, I try to understand the way people live when they have been raised with privilege and how much, at times, they have missed out on in the way of basic life experience. I also try to find the positives in the way I was raised, like the fact that I had a <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/coming-home.html" target="_blank">strong community around me</a> and was nurtured in other ways by other kind and caring people despite the neglect I also encountered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJBYEAshgfY/U2RRcZELJwI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Wrt2zQXfmWU/s1600/Light+bulb+moment.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJBYEAshgfY/U2RRcZELJwI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Wrt2zQXfmWU/s1600/Light+bulb+moment.png" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://victoriousendeavours.wordpress.com/2011/12/03/a-lightbulb-moment/" target="_blank">A good old fashioned light bulb moment</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There comes a time in all our lives where we need to resolve much of that which is called the past, my time has come. I have mentioned many times before about my ample history of Therapy and how I feel it has benefited me, well this is another one of those benefits. While I still have much to do therapy related, now that I am exploring the PTSD avenue, I have seen in myself much change, and I am proud of who I am becoming, I am proud of how I treat people less fortunate than myself, I am proud of how I bite my tongue to prevent a senseless argument I would happily have entered into previously, I am happy with my children and how I am still learning to parent in a more loving way, I am happy with my goals and my vision of my future and I am happy that I will make good choices to keep me on the road of improvement in all areas of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today, I am grateful for me.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I personally don't know other people who have come through what I have and still kept their sense of humour. Having said that, maybe I do, we all have a story, so be kind to everyone.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-35909310254311854022014-04-30T00:58:00.001+10:002014-04-30T00:58:52.158+10:00The Beach - 29th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used to live an hour drive from the beach. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used to think about going to the beach all the time, but never went because it was too far away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, I live 5 minutes from the beach. I still think about going all the time. I go more often, but still not often enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friends hate me posting beautiful photos like this on Twitter and Facebook</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T62An7BYz7c/U1-6pEc4bII/AAAAAAAAAv4/A6xcZ10AOCc/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T62An7BYz7c/U1-6pEc4bII/AAAAAAAAAv4/A6xcZ10AOCc/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And this</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMtbrU2mkhI/U1-68sTJaWI/AAAAAAAAAwA/lJLZpuwcmlc/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMtbrU2mkhI/U1-68sTJaWI/AAAAAAAAAwA/lJLZpuwcmlc/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I first moved here, I didn't appreciate it, simply due to the struggles I had at the time, my energy was elsewhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, I realise, when I am struggling, my energy is here, at the beach, so I go, I walk, I wet my feet, I inspect the beach, I look at things on the waters edge with the curiosity of a child and I enjoy the clarity the fresh air brings me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found these on the beach today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5s06KeKrX4w/U1-81ZxFhtI/AAAAAAAAAwM/vjMZd10skwk/s1600/Shells.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5s06KeKrX4w/U1-81ZxFhtI/AAAAAAAAAwM/vjMZd10skwk/s1600/Shells.png" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The snail like shell is twice the size of a 50 cent piece (The size of an iPhone screen) and was so heavy I thought at first there might still be an animal in it, and the small piece of Mother of Pearl was wet and sparkling in the sun when it caught my eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was lots of seaweed today, like the sea had been rough overnight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was calm today. I am calm today. Thanks to my adventure on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I am grateful I live so close to the beach.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-32832501809516779102014-04-30T00:27:00.001+10:002014-04-30T00:27:16.712+10:00Things We Take For Granted - 28th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I did not feel very well. I don't really feel much better today, but in a different way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amongst all the "not feeling well" however, I have had to find things to focus on that lifted my spirit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://gratefulinapril.com/about/" target="_blank">Grateful In April </a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;">is a global
campaign to get people focused on feeling good about what they’ve already got
in their lives. It’s amazing what can occur when you find ways to be grateful
for what you have.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;">I have been blogging gratitude throughout April (as I also did last year), and I have tried to find different things, having only repeated myself a couple of times this year. It is hard when you are truly grateful for things that you recognise are precious in your life not to constantly acknowledge them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;">Which is why, today (or yesterday, as I am once again a day late with my post), when I am not feeling much like being grateful for anything, I have pinned my hopes to the constants, to the 'norm', to the usual, the basics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/the-basics-24th-day-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">I blogged about this last year too</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;">I think it is really important that we do acknowledge our gratitude for these things we call the basics because I know from my experience of the last couple of years, they are things we truly take for granted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;">On the days when you don't think you have much, if you really get 'down to tin tacks' (Australian slang for basic facts or realities) you should know how very lucky you are, to have 'the basics'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRmC1qHglBI/U1-0gYOpS0I/AAAAAAAAAvo/DNrN_c-2RUE/s1600/Gratitude+Lift+Up+spirits.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRmC1qHglBI/U1-0gYOpS0I/AAAAAAAAAvo/DNrN_c-2RUE/s1600/Gratitude+Lift+Up+spirits.png" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://www.mi9.com/2011-up-movie-wallpaper_91027.html" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span style="font-size: large;">So today I pin my gratitude to the things which should lift us up when we are struggling to have hope, today I am grateful for the basics.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">See my list below ... What does your list consist of?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Food </span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Water </span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Shelter </span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Running Water </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 17px;">Hot Water Heat Cooling System A Bed</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 17px;">I think you get the idea, I'm talking the real basics, the things we really take for granted every day!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-45619385524789750752014-04-27T11:20:00.003+10:002014-04-27T11:21:40.331+10:00Thoughtful Friends - 27th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I had LJ some 11 years ago, my life has changed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People who say having children has not changed their lives in some way must be missing something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People who say having a child with a Disability has not changed them or their lives, must have really had their shit together before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I, have gone through so much change in the last 17 years since having my first born MJ and a whole different type of change since LJ came along in 2002, that I feel like I am not really sure what I did with my life before or where I thought I was going.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now I know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've had to make sacrifices as my ability to cater for others in my life was reduced, and so those people slowly backed away. I've had to accept when you become a single Mum you no longer fit into every social situation like you used to, and invitations wane. I had to accept that not everyone knows how to accept differences, and so they take their bigotry and walk out the door of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've found more recently that many people don't know how to be the friend of a person with fluctuating Mental Health <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/old-friends-11th-day-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">(as I have touched on here)</a> so to find special friends amongst all that lack of understanding has meant a great deal to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtD9bTYuKdU/U1xanCFDLAI/AAAAAAAAAvY/wKgMbO_f5Qg/s1600/Thoughtful+friends.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtD9bTYuKdU/U1xanCFDLAI/AAAAAAAAAvY/wKgMbO_f5Qg/s1600/Thoughtful+friends.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.highlightskids.com/poetry-player-poems/thoughtful-friends" target="_blank">Poetry, wish I'd written it ... beautiful.</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've recently found many people who are supporting me in a much more understanding and inclusive way <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/circle-of-support-4th-day-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">which I wrote about here, </a> I have also very recently met a friend who has had her own share of life's challenges. Maybe that is why she is more capable of thinking of others, but whatever the reason, I was really happy today when we suggested she would come for a coffee, that she made the offer we go to a park so LJ could also enjoy the visit! Might seem like a small thing to do, but you'd be surprised how many people still think only of themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am so blessed that I now have people who take the time to consider our needs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, and always, I am grateful for thoughtful friends!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-4676837795896431622014-04-27T10:48:00.001+10:002014-04-27T10:49:48.371+10:00Rockwiz - 26th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night as I sat pulling my hair out because my neighbours were having one of those parties where the music was so loud you could actually <i>feel </i>it, I was looking for some distraction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was unable to do the study I had planned to do because the music was making it impossible to concentrate, in fact it was making it impossible to do just about anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I still am not too sure how LJ managed to sleep through it ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decided to stop stressing about it and just try to work with it ... Music?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I KNOW ... ROCKWIZ IS ON TV!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMu8vIYGdyA/U1xSA30xe7I/AAAAAAAAAvI/fZBV2B5WGdE/s1600/Rockwiz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMu8vIYGdyA/U1xSA30xe7I/AAAAAAAAAvI/fZBV2B5WGdE/s1600/Rockwiz.png" height="320" width="283" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152222225939235&set=pb.96329489234.-2207520000.1398558829.&type=3&theater" target="_blank">The Gang</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I grabbed myself a glass of wine, some cheese and crackers and "The Gang" and I joined Ms Murphy and Continental Robert to have some fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so grateful for good entertainment on TV - Go Rockwiz!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-52366242312705824812014-04-27T10:26:00.000+10:002014-04-27T10:27:20.487+10:00Getting Back on my Horse - 25th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, I've dropped the ball on the whole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://gratefulinapril.com/" target="_blank">GRATEFUL IN APRIL THING!</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am however, fairly certain, that <a href="http://madwoman.com.au/" target="_blank">Melina (Click here to find out more about her)</a> would just be happy for me "getting back on my horse".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhDiuKGgZD0/U1xOQQtOd0I/AAAAAAAAAu8/sJ8-gBvrqCU/s1600/Getting+back+on+horse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhDiuKGgZD0/U1xOQQtOd0I/AAAAAAAAAu8/sJ8-gBvrqCU/s1600/Getting+back+on+horse.png" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://brookevstheworld.com/is-odessa-in-ukraine/" target="_blank">Not really me, but resembles the size I sometimes feel my horse is.</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So here I am, grateful that I have the capacity to get back on my horse </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Metaphorically of course) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">and carry on! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-80241267487846309952014-04-24T23:14:00.000+10:002014-04-24T23:15:04.609+10:00Driving - 24th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LJ went off to Vacation Care today. He had a wonderful time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got done all that stuff I decided not to do yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I enjoy being in the car on my own, it doesn't happen often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As most Mothers will tell you, 'Chauffeur' is part of the job description.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've always loved driving. Who doesn't want to just follow this ...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOczwOzACRs/U1kMkFOHv3I/AAAAAAAAAus/nLNbGBuNW38/s1600/Leisurely+Drive.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOczwOzACRs/U1kMkFOHv3I/AAAAAAAAAus/nLNbGBuNW38/s1600/Leisurely+Drive.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lwpetersen.com/blog/2013/09/07/weather-day-leisurely-drive-richardson-highway/" target="_blank">Where this is ...</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I used to drive to work, it never bothered me sitting in traffic, it was time to think (or sing really loud to the radio).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I find that when I am driving, I get to process things more clearly in my head. I also do a bit of self talking to help with that processing. I've always done that. Once upon a time it was a problem and I used to make it look like I was singing, but now we have hands free phones, so people don't look at you weird anymore, they just think you are on the phone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So today I got to be alone in my car. Not that I drove anywhere as picturesque as the photo above, but I might as well have done, as it served the purpose of relaxing me, clearing my mind and refocusing me for the rest of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today I am grateful for driving.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-74510843482211983792014-04-24T22:40:00.001+10:002014-04-24T22:40:30.455+10:00Chillaxing - 23rd Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am writing this post a day late because yesterday ... we 'Chillaxed'.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3u3mA89G98/U1kFKKbf5aI/AAAAAAAAAuc/_b82vavxzlc/s1600/Chillaxing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3u3mA89G98/U1kFKKbf5aI/AAAAAAAAAuc/_b82vavxzlc/s1600/Chillaxing.png" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://cheezburger.com/632252672" target="_blank">See, it's a thing!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some just do it better than others ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I actually had stuff I needed to do, but I made the choice not to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I knew LJ was going to Vacation Care today, so I made a conscious decision to wait until today to do all that stuff that needed doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, we did some cooking, played with water, watched movies and ... I can't remember what else! Not much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today, I have two posts to do ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">none the less, I am grateful for chillaxing.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-88554805350782215952014-04-22T20:01:00.000+10:002014-04-22T20:01:50.377+10:00Exhaustion - 22nd Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some things just have to be seen to be believed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a child, who, for the most part, does not stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LJ is on the move most of the time. Sure, he gets tired, eventually. Usually just in time for bed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These school holidays I have tried my best to keep up with him, but it is usually me who ends up having an afternoon nap so I can get through the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, however, after we had dropped the older sibling off at the train, visited with a friend who has dogs (which kept LJ moving) and then went to the skate park, I felt such a sense of accomplishment when we finally decided to settle on the lounge for an afternoon movie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So you cannot imagine my joy, when I glanced around a few minutes later to see this ...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2IZIr1iRsmQ/U1Y9f8k1GXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/0y7IbAJEnyE/s1600/Luke+asleep.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2IZIr1iRsmQ/U1Y9f8k1GXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/0y7IbAJEnyE/s1600/Luke+asleep.png" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I call that mission accomplished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today, I am grateful for exhaustion.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-35934464150928546472014-04-22T00:51:00.002+10:002014-05-04T00:53:31.134+10:00Absence - 21st Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. And as I type those words it occurs to me how familiar it seems to me, almost like Dejavou.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having now had a look back, it is because almost a year to the day, I blogged about the exact same thing! And for the same reasons! <a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/absence-22nd-day-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">This was that post if you would like to check it out.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For this year however, I have this post ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe that is true. But for different people at different times absence can serve many other purposes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My eldest child MJ has turned 17 years old. MJ and I recently agreed our relationship is changing as adulthood looms on the horizon. Independence needs to be learnt, responsibilities taken on, consequences truly understood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How better to learn those things than to experience situations on our own. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guQCMUw7tPk/U1Yz3WY2umI/AAAAAAAAAtU/9fRLIn-1nQ4/s1600/Independent+Tenager.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guQCMUw7tPk/U1Yz3WY2umI/AAAAAAAAAtU/9fRLIn-1nQ4/s1600/Independent+Tenager.png" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/499385/hunger-games-character-playlists-songs-for-katniss-more" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first 5 days of the school holidays, spanning the first weekend, MJ spent at a Camp with like minded people, having to take part in all general house keeping; and all campers obviously are responsible for their own personal care. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MJ was only home one night when the agreement made previously to house sit for friends over Easter was enacted. MJ was solely responsible for a complete house AND one dog plus three puppies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have never had pets of our own. Despite that, MJ has always had an interest in owning a dog. Not sure if that is still an interest. This could be one of those cases where absence makes the heart grow fonder as MJ forgets over time what hard work pets actually are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So while I am certain much learning has taken place over the last ten days for MJ, I know I too have learnt something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have learnt I am grateful for absence because it truly does make the heart grow fonder.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-42853899438756016572014-04-21T00:04:00.001+10:002014-04-22T19:28:59.063+10:00My Oven - 20th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now I know I have been grateful for my ability to cook already this month. This is different.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Where we lived before this year, the oven wouldn't cook properly. You either had to wait an hour for 15 minute muffins, or burn them in under 5 minutes. It didn't have a "moderate" setting. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb0ZxHwoq9s/U1Y2G2Mt0dI/AAAAAAAAAtg/K5gZUPrs_xo/s1600/Burnt+Muffins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb0ZxHwoq9s/U1Y2G2Mt0dI/AAAAAAAAAtg/K5gZUPrs_xo/s1600/Burnt+Muffins.png" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://a-smalltownstory.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/its-all-very-weekish.html" target="_blank">Similar to this</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When you are living on a tight budget, it is imperative to be able to whip up something from the basics you have in the pantry. Most of our snacks are oven baked. Sweet and savoury. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So tonight as I was baking up a storm for lunch tomorrow, I realised how nice it is to once again be able to whip up some old favourites. Particularly since they will actually be palatable!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, I am grateful for my oven. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-74785562714484772812014-04-20T00:52:00.000+10:002014-04-22T19:34:17.542+10:00Having something to look forward to - 19th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have found myself less than enthusiastic of late to get the mundane stuff done, the stuff we <i>have</i> to do. The washing, the washing up, sifting through the paper work, folding, tidying etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not the type to clean my house because we are having visitors, I like to keep a clean house because we have to live in it and can enjoy being able to find a clear spot to sit when we want to.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVS5aqHMci0/U1Y3Urb8eeI/AAAAAAAAAto/dwnQcY5svKs/s1600/Uncluttered+lounge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVS5aqHMci0/U1Y3Urb8eeI/AAAAAAAAAto/dwnQcY5svKs/s1600/Uncluttered+lounge.png" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/myspot-home-how-to-declutter-every-room-in-the-house+5976+173+article.htm" target="_blank">This is my imaginary lounge room!</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a bit different this week however, it came to pass that when I was expecting a friend to pop in for coffee today, I took an empty washing basket, went around the house and filled it with my clutter and threw it under my bed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Clutter does make me feel a bit claustrophobic anyway, so I was glad to have cleared up. This evening when things had settled down, I retrieved the basket from my room and keeping in mind I have more visitors coming on Monday, I went through and sorted out my paperwork!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was motivated today because I have had something to look forward to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am grateful I have things to look forward to.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-64972931864425423292014-04-19T01:25:00.000+10:002014-04-22T19:41:33.403+10:00Technology - 18th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In our house we have 2 iPhones, an iPod, an iPad, an iMac an old PC and only three (3) people! Not to mention 2 iPod/iPhone docks and many chargers in many handy spots around the house, oh, and the school issued laptop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And tonight, I am using the iPad to type my blog post. Last night I used my iPhone forgetting I <i>could</i> have used the iPad. This is why there were no photos in my blog yesterday, nor will there be any today or, I dare say for a couple of days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You see, the teenager is 'off site' and also, therefore, is the best Laptop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You might think that number is excessive for one small household, I happen to know, by comparison, it actually isn't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just consider it is predicted that this year there will be more active mobile (cell) phones in the world than there are people. Also, remember *that* figure includes all the people who don't even have access to food let alone phones or electricity, and, that also includes all the children and babies! And THAT is only phones being referred to!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-TBAxlHJrY/U1Y5Ay6OCvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/iv5du1OmtDA/s1600/Indian+Mobile+Phone+use.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-TBAxlHJrY/U1Y5Ay6OCvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/iv5du1OmtDA/s1600/Indian+Mobile+Phone+use.png" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://currentsnews2012.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/indian-census-half-of-people-have.html#.U1Y4nhYWw04" target="_blank">A 2012 Census in India found more people own mobile phones than have access to a toilet!</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having now pointed out how ridiculously focused on technology we seem to be as humans, I must also say how grateful I am for my technology.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You see I am reasonably housebound most of the time for various reasons and without my technology, I wouldn't have a clue what was going on outside of our little home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also use my technology to research information that I hope will improve our lives such as things like parenting, nutrition, education, learning methods for people with Down syndrome, local activities for the kids etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, I am grateful for my technology</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Even if I'm not a techno geek.)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-74384877721325143472014-04-18T00:07:00.001+10:002014-04-22T19:51:33.621+10:00Honesty - 17th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had a positive experience today with a Tradesman. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't laugh ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It <i>does </i>happen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our hot water stopped working, and being the day before Good Friday, I did what any other self respecting, intelligent person would do ... I made a phone call, I sent a text (or two) and I sent an email. And then, I started begging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Real Estate Agent got back to me (fairly quickly in fact) and assured me, "he's on his way". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I started trying to remember where my soup pot was. I had visions of the three of us using the same bath water after having boiled up many soup pots of water. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0f3WvirLNgk/U1Y7XWc807I/AAAAAAAAAuA/vumOKlkBu1s/s1600/Sharing+a+bath.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0f3WvirLNgk/U1Y7XWc807I/AAAAAAAAAuA/vumOKlkBu1s/s1600/Sharing+a+bath.png" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://brittanybingold.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/wanderlust/" target="_blank">Copied with thanks from here</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then it happened ... The phone rang! It was "The Hot Water Guy". Marty assured me he would be there today, and he was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You cannot believe just how grateful I am for the honesty I received today as I received good service from two people who, without their commitment to their jobs and their honesty, might have produced a very different result for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today my gratitude is dedicated to honesty. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7723628682825653512.post-61670509459762263982014-04-16T12:48:00.004+10:002014-04-16T12:48:48.499+10:00In Memory - 16th Day of Gratitude<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today is the Anniversary of an event, that like all Terrorist Attacks, changed the lives of many people, and touched the lives of Millions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A year ago I wrote a post about being grateful for gratitude itself, so today, I will feature that post as my offering of gratitude once more.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFiWZId42fo/U03u7YYZ9pI/AAAAAAAAAtE/yHpc7Tu84aQ/s1600/Boston+1st+Anniversary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFiWZId42fo/U03u7YYZ9pI/AAAAAAAAAtE/yHpc7Tu84aQ/s1600/Boston+1st+Anniversary.png" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/2014/04/15/photos-anniversary-practice/f3jdaKcHA8b45ZvU2b1UcL/story.html?pic=17&refuuid=c24377b4-c4ba-11e3-896f-6e1e3db4c0f5" target="_blank">Boston Remembers</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am <i>still</i> grateful for gratitude itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sl6163.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/gratitude-16th-day-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read on here ...</span></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780073704306384645noreply@blogger.com0