Deep Fried Fruit

Day 864

2012-02-17T08:20:00.000+11:00

A moment suspended in time. My pioneering experience ...

While wandering the streets of Melbourne on my own last weekend I decided to do the things that (a) my family wouldn't be interested in and (b) I wouldn't ordinarily take the time out to do.

My first port of call was the National Gallery Victoria at Federation Square. It was a short walk from the Casino district, not far from South Gate and just across the road from Flinders Street Station.

I was very excited to find they were in the closing days of an Indigenous art exhibition. I love Aboriginal painting and would love to do it myself, but I feel disrespectful given I'm not indigenous myself. That didn't stop me from appreciating the talent, learning the stories behind each painting, and taking photos as inspiration for my own canvasses.

I was feeling so fulfilled from the Indigenous exhibition that I didn't feel the need to wander any further, then I reminded myself to "take the time to do the things I wouldn't normally take the time to do". So I decided to smell the roses and continued to the second floor.

What I found was a beautiful Australian history in paint. A combination of artworks by early Australian settlers depicting the land as it was 100, 150 and 200 years ago. I was pretty excited when I found the original of Shearing The Rams. It's such an Australian icon. I was very impressed.

But then I turned a corner and entered another room and did a double take with my stomach actually doing back flips ......

There was the original of The Pioneer.

I don't know when I first saw a copy of that paining but I know it was at some point in my teens and I loved it immediately Everything about it spoke to me and awakened my appreciation for Australia and it's heritage. So to see it there in all it's glory had be in complete awe. So majestic. So BIG! It was far taller than I and metres wide. I couldn't bring myself to see any more. My outing was complete ...

Those few minutes will forever be a moment suspended in time. My pioneering experience ...

I am so pleased I took the time to smell the roses.

The National Gallery Victoria is a beautiful spacious place to visit and so easy to get to. Entry is free and you are allowed to take photos (no flash please).

Indigenous Art Exhibition - National Gallery Victoria

Shearing the Rams - National Gallery Victoria

The Pioneer - National Gallery Victoria

Day 863

2012-02-16T07:33:00.001+11:00

Chocolate to beat all chocolate ...

When I was wandering along the river in Mebourne the other day I happened upon the Lindt cafe at South Gate. Lindt is my all time favourite chocolate (followed closely by Cadbury - I have simple tastes). Given I was on a mission to do the things I wouldn't normally take the time out to do, I walked inside.

My initial thought had been to have my standard Chai Latte and just take in the beauty of the chocolate around me without actually sampling any. Then I realised that was ridiculous. I can have Chai any day, but how often can I have an iced chocolate made of pure chocolatey heaven?

Tip: Don't be thirsty when you order your iced chocolate. Quench with water first and then savour the Lindt as you would a fine wine.

I sculled my drink in about 10 seconds. I was thirsty and it hit the spot. About half way through I actually tasted it and my senses exploded! YUM!!! It was the best iced chocolate I have ever had. But the glass was empty. My entire body was screaming 'more more more' but my brain, the roll of fat hanging over my waistband and my empty wallet said "no". I was feeling thirstier than when I started just for the sheer craving of another hit. Luckily they gave me a spoon because there were wonderful chunky flakes of Lindt around the edges of the glass that I was able to savour.

The Lindt iced chocolate comes in milk or dark chocolate and costs $8 a serve. I highly recommend it. But please, please, please drink it slowly.

Deep Fried Photo - Lindt Cafe Southbank

Day 862

2012-02-15T07:14:00.000+11:00

Picture courtesy of www.circlestickers.com

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF

That is the sound reverberating inside my head this morning.

I got nothing else just a great big honking WOOF!!!

That's all we heard last night.

All. Freakin. Night.

At midnight I woke up thinking it was Binny barking at our possum. I went to settle him down but it wasn't him. It was the neighbours dog. Unusual. I went back to bed. Two hours later I awoke to Husband swearing about the dog. It was still going. In fact, it had intensified.

We went out to investigate. Perhaps it was doing a Lassie and it's owner was lying on the ground having convulsions or something. Maybe there was an intruder. Perhaps he was screaming that the sky was falling in (back that would make him a little chicken).

Nothing. Just a dog standing in his backyard barking. They were clearly not home and he wanted to be inside.

Husband and I sat there staring into space trying not to get aggressive. An hour or so later with not a single break in the WOOFathon, the kids woke up, one by one. All four of us now awake with nothing but WOOF penetrating our brain. We tried closing all doors and windows. We closed bedroom doors, the hall door. We put pillows over our heads. WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF.

We had very little sleep.

The dog is silent now. But all I can hear is WOOF bouncing around my head. And now I am giving it to you. Because I like to share ....

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF

Day 861

2012-02-14T08:20:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I was in a car accident.

So glad it was in our car and not Mum and Dad's (refer yesterday's post).

It was a case of vehicular buggery on the way home from collecting Darby from school. A right royal rogering. Right up the ol' clacker.

Bugger.

You might recall a post I wrote a few months ago about my lack of decorum when I'm attacked by other vehicles. The few accidents I have had (none were my fault) have turned me into a screaming banshee complete with potty mouth and windmill arms.

Yesterday I was calm. Well ... "ish" .... The first word to spring to mind was of course "F*&^" But I don't think I said that out loud.

After I pulled the car off the road I realised that I wasn't the only victim. The person behind me had taken it from both ends with a third car also involved. The meat in the sandwich was pretty badly beaten up. It turns out Car 3 had failed to notice we were all in a 100 metre long line waiting for the cars in front to move through the green light and had ploughed into car 2 pushing them into me.

I didn't need to be screaming like a banshee. The driver of car 2 was doing that.

So I took on the role of calming everyone down, making sure no one was hurt and getting all the details sorted.

During all this Darby just watched with interest.

Once we were back on the road (I started to get a little teary and started shaking from the shock) I asked Darby if he was ok. We talked about what a big bang it was and how it sounded and felt. He said it was ok and nowhere near as bad as when he got smashed on the Dodgem Cars. I agreed. It wasn't that bad. And the good thing was he now had something to tell at news ...

Yep. And I have something to blog about ...

A tad inconvenient though. Now it's time to chase up other people's insurance agencies, log reports and organise to get my back end repaired.

No people were hurt in the making of this story, however a few cars are now in need of some TLC. I have to say it didn't do wonders for my already dodgy neck either ... but a couple of Nurofen fixed that up.

Day 860

2012-02-13T10:50:00.000+11:00

Picture courtesy of Yahoo Questions and Answers Service

Happy Monday!! Can I hear you say "woot woot"?!!!

Before I launch into the topic of this post - which I am loosely calling "the answers are right in front of you"post - you need to know three things:

My wonderfully spirited and energetic parents left for another volunteer mission yesterday. They are on their way back to Manus Island where they will finish off the water system they started to put in for a remote island community last year. They left from Canberra airport yesterday morning and we may well of crossed them in the sky as we flew in from Melbourne.
Because of number (1) Binny (the canine Brokeback Mountain gay cowboy) is visiting us for a few weeks which is making Max (the hip gyrating Lab) smile. Not only are lovers back together, but Binny it seems is working as Max's seeing eye dog which is quite magical in itself. This point has nothing to do with my "the answers are right in front of you" post (or is it?), but thought it worthy of a mention.
Derek's car is currently getting some repairs on the bodywork and is out of commission for a few days. We both have very busy weeks from a business perspective and both of us need a car which is making things challenging. We have spent a lot of time cross checking diaries to make this whole one car thing work. Juggling the kids and their activities is proving tricky.

The answers are right in front of you ....

Yesterday when we got home from Melbourne Derek drove off to pick up the kids from their cousins house. I unpacked and did the washing, got the lunches ready, and then got ready for an afternoon/evening of Cheer. When he returned with the car I was then able to gather a couple of cheerleaders together and head off to fulfill my duties as Canberra Liaison for this amazingly fantastic national cheer squad.

Now young Darby is also participating in this squad - not because he wants to become a cheerleader (although I would totally love it if he did) - but because he wants to learn to do backflips, front handsprings and other fabulous aerials. (Every up-and-coming sports professional needs to learn how to celebrate scoring a goal or try in true circus style.) While Tahlia and I spend four hours at cheer, Darby only spends one hour, so Derek was to bring him later.

Of course half an hour before Darbs was due to arrive I get a phone call once Derek realised he didn't have a car. Laugh out loud ... and ... bugger. So I raced across town to collect Darby and bring him across to cheer (a half hour round trip).

This morning it was our turn to do car pool for high school. So Derek took Tahlia and picked up two others for that school run (a 45 minute round trip) and then returned home so that we could get Darby to school. Normally this car pooling would take place on his way to work as the school is only a few blocks away, but given Darby had to get to school, and he starts half an hour after Tahlia, this is the way it had to be done. While he did a few things at home I did Darby's school run (a 20 minute round trip) and returned to give him the car so I could work from home this morning. We decided that after lunch we would swap so I could go to my client session and Darby's tutoring, while Derek worked from home.

Phew.

Are you following?

You can imagine my absolute ROFL attack when I drove into the driveway to notice the answer to all our challenges was right in front of us.

Right there.

All we had to do was open our eyes ....

Sitting under the tree outside our house was Mum and Dad's car which had been there the whole time with the keys sitting on our kitchen bench ready to use.

Got some challenges this week?

It's possible the answers are right in front of you ....

Day 859

2012-02-12T07:26:00.000+11:00

Do you ever book your accommodation through Wotif?

Has anyone ever tried the "wot a deal" mystery hotel option?

If you go to Wotif on the internet, there is an option when you are viewing accommodation lists to choose a mystery deal. Once you key in your search (we put in Southbank Melbourne) you see a whole range of available hotels along with their prices. Prices vary from night to night and we were looking at anywhere from $200 a night upwards. Right at the top of those lists is a section called "Wot Hotel? Mystery deal". The cost was only $154 a night.

Now I know this is pretty scary, because once you've paid you're in. There is no turning back. It is only on payment that you then find out where it is you are staying. You do find out a few facts about the hotel first. By hovering over the price with the mouse it gives you a short description. But for the most part it is a pot luck type situation.

I would never have done this without someone paving the way before me of course. Derek's brother has used this option many times (including overseas) and they have never been disappointed. Well now I can safely say that we weren't disappointed either ....

After moving out of the fabulous Metropol we headed down the street a bit to the Mantra Southbank and paid only $308 for two nights. We had a one bedroom apartment with lounge room, little dining area, full kitchen, laundry, bathroom and queen size bed. The hotel also had a lap pool and spa, plus a full restaurant, and the best part was it was right at Southbank. Not even a five minute walk to Southgate shopping and eating area right there on the Yarra, and next door to the Melbourne Arts Centre. Perfect location.

Has anyone else ever used the Wot Hotel? mystery option

What experiences have you had?

Here are a few photos of the Mantra.

The Mantra Southbank

Very Roomy (and with a sofabed to boot!)

View from the Mantra pool deck

View from pool deck - different angle

Day 858

2012-02-11T14:55:00.000+11:00

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and reflect ....

Who am I kidding?

I'm really just grateful for company-paid five star accommodation and frequent flier points.

As you know Husband and I are in Melbourne. The primary purpose of the trip was for him to attend a conference on Thursday and Friday. The secondary purpose was to extend our stay for some time alone together to unwind. As a bonus I got to spend his conferencing hours wandering the banks of the Yarra smelling proverbial roses and getting in tune with my inner explorer.

I flew here using his frequent flier miles. I got to stay in a posh hotel using his position in the company. I was able to spend two days as a free spirit due to his entrapment in the death-by-powerpoint zone. Yep, there's a whole lot of gratitude right there. Thanks Husband.

Let's get back to the being grateful for five star accommodation ....

The conference was at the Crown complex so we were staying at the Crown Metropol. Fabulous hotel. (It would wanna be for $320 a night.) My favourite parts included the open bathrooms (at first it felt odd but the concept grew on me .... especially after I discovered the sliding wall system that could actually close it off) , the free selection of magazines in your room, the sensational breakfast buffet, the king sized bed and HEAVENLY pillows, and the infinity pool with copious amounts of sun lounges and day beds.

My only complaints were that the pool was indoors which rendered the sun beds useless (for this little sun baking chick), and that we had to check out when the conference was over coz we personally weren't prepared to pay that much per night for a bed.

But if ever you get the opportunity to check it out GO FOR IT!! It's bloody lovely!

Right now I type this from a hotel down the street that isn't quite so fancy (more about that tomorrow) but here are some photos that I took so you can share some of the deep fried splendor.

Crown Metropol Foyer

View from our room at Crown Metropol

Our bed with the open bathroom behind it

From the bathroom angle

Just me taking a self portrait - small as flash was turned off

Complementary magazines in the room (yes, I took them with me when I left)

The infinity pool with plunge pool next to it - on the 27th floor

The not so sunny sun beds

A very comfy day bed

My breakfast!

Mr Hive Restaurant - my breakfast buffet

So that's my gratefuls for this week. A little materialistic I know, but what can I do? It was free!!

For more attitude of gratitude head on over to Maxabella - the queen of all things thankful ....

Day 857

2012-02-10T07:59:00.001+11:00

If you were a TV show, which show would you be?

I would like to say I am the next big story on How They Got Rich, but I think I'm a little more suburban than that.

There are quite a few TV shows I am loving right now and they all have something in common:
(a) They're funny
(b) They're short
(c) There's a little piece of me in every one of them (which is sad in so many ways ....)

Modern Family (Claire Dunphy/Leanne Shea Langdown - twins separated at birth? And yes Derek, that means you're Phil)

The Middle (Oh poor sweet Frankie .... I feel your pain)

Suburgatory (young lady, you are beautiful and powerful and don't ever change)

Up All Night (oh that juggling act .... good luck guys)

And re-runs of Kath and Kim (I have one word to say to you Kimmy ..... de ja vu. It's all far too close for comfort)

If you were a TV show, which show would you be?

Day 856

2012-02-09T11:52:00.002+11:00

Tip: If you want be successful in business, surround yourself with successful business people.

Today I am in Melbourne. I am meeting Derek who is here on business. Lovely husband booked me on business class for the journey. The ticket wasn't part of this whole money-flying-out-the-door journey we are currently on, but an exercise in frequent flier accumulation. It was a lovely flight and very comfortable. The smoked salmon was divine. When we landed it occurred to me (too late) that for someone about to launch a global brand, I should probably have struck up a conversation with fellow business people. A bit of networking may have been beneficial. But I was too engrossed in my trashy mag and the SAG fashions to think of that mid flight.

Bugger.

Creating new liaisons may also have prevented me from having to catch this rickity old bus into the city.I could be sharing a cab with some wealthy angel investor right now.

Oh well. Live and learn.

Next time!

Day 855

2012-02-08T06:17:00.002+11:00

Giant in a Giant City Photograph - Giant in a Giant City Fine Art Print - Grazyna Nikodemiak-Prajs

This week I have been taking giant leaps forward (then racing back to take the requisite number of normal sized steps).

I've been giving you a few snippets of news of late about launching my own product line. The product line only entered my head 6 months ago, but it has actually been the culmination of three years work and is seeing all my hats (mum, business owner, author, cheer coach) merge into one big project.

Well, this week money is flying out the door and I am making gigantic leaps towards the launch with every passing day. Or am I?

For a start it's kind of freaking me out that this money is actually flying out the door. Hundreds of dollars a day at the moment. Yikes! (2 minute noodles for dinner this month)

And for another thing, every time I make a giant leap I realise that I have to turn around and complete about thirty smaller steps first. It's all very interesting. I am learning a lot.

Without telling you exactly what it is (and spoiling the launch surprise) I can tell you that I have created a character aimed at primary aged children to assist them with their self worth, resilience, health and fitness. This character is being introduced to the world via a series of children's novels (there will be 24 in total) and an interactive website. The aim of the project is for children to absorb messages of encouragement and a healthy happy lifestyle through an exciting product range that feels like entertainment. Once the first three books are out and the website is operational we move to merchandise (clothes, wrist bands, drink bottles, diary etc) which will contain inspirational messages to help kids get through their day. That's just the beginning . The reason the ACT Government have backed it is (a) because it is innovative and different in that it is not a program that teachers/parents teach but one that kids absorb themselves, and (2) they think it has potential to go national and perhaps even global. Well, I don't know .. maybe ... I've got to be honest with you ... that is my vision. Dora who? And look out Wiggles!!

But seriously, that's what I am doing. And it's great to feel that others in the know can see my vision.

Over the last two days I've been deep in the bowels of the IP Australia website registering my Trade Marks. Now that's a brain-draining experience and one that sent me cross-eyed at one point. I have also been talking to my printer, graphic designer, the ISBN and bar code people, and doing all things "publisher" given the books are being published under my business name. Plus I've been talking to the bank, the website designer, self publishing experts and clothing suppliers. Oh, and I've also been conjuring up some "supporters" to ensure strategic alliances are in place and ready for launch day. Yes, it's been a busy few days.

Now let's go back to this publishing thing. Yesterday I thought I would put aside half an hour to put the title page together, and write the "information page" for book one. You know that page that has the publishing details, copyright, ISBN etc etc. I got out my notes and started to type. A 30 minute exercise turned into a two hour journey when I realised that I needed to have a physical address for my "publishing house". So off I went to get myself a PO Box. Their computers weren't working so after forty minutes of stuffing around, then racing off to collect Darby from school, I returned to finalise the transaction. Then I came home to finish off the info page and start on the title page. Should be easy but I have to do it in the same font that the graphic designer has used for the cover ... and it's a designer font ... my new signature font for this character ... a special one that is fancy and cute ... so I had to go to my design guru to send it to me. Turns out the font I have chosen has a cost involved of $150 for three years unlimited use. That's not a lot of money to buy a font. But I can only use it for three years? What happens then? When I am "global" (I'm right on your tail Hi 5) and my character is out there for the world to see with her name plastered on everything, will this mystery font creator charge me a million dollars to renew? Will I ever actually own it? This is clearly not going to work. Shit. Just as I am about to go to print it looks like I am going to have to start again with the whole design of my "signature". Luckily I hadn't applied to trade mark that bit yet. That was my "money flying out the door" venture for next week.

So this morning I have an emergency meeting with my graphic designer to get this little wrinkle ironed out.

And we will iron it out.

It's all very challenging .... a little bit ~~frustrating~~ fascinating ... but mostly fun if the truth be known.

So there you have it. A tiny little insight into the life of Deep Fried Fruit at the moment. Getting more and more fried with every passing day.

Giant leaps forwards then back tracking to include all the necessary steps.

What giant leaps are scheduled for your day?

Day 854

2012-02-07T06:36:00.000+11:00

'Nough said really!!

I'm off to find a way ....

Day 853

2012-02-06T06:04:00.001+11:00

Forget butterflies in the tummy .... we've got bees!

Booooo hoooooo hoooooooo.

Yayyyyyyyyyy.

Booooo hoooooo hoooooooo.

Yayyyyyyyyyy.

Booooo hoooooo hoooooooo.

Yayyyyyyyyyy.

I am alternating between both mindsets today as my first born gets ready for her first day of high school, and my baby heads into year 3.

I have a kid in high school!?!?!

My baby is no longer a baby!?!?!

Tahlia had trouble falling asleep last night because (in her own words) she had bees in her stomach. Yep, forget butterflies, they were buzzing bees. In fact, at one point she decided they may actually be turning into wasps. She's not freaking out or anything ... she is all smiles and excitement about year 7 ... she's just nervous. She's got bees ...

Darby is reasonably nonchalant which is a HUGE break through. Usually at the start of any school term he is throwing mini tantrums about having to return to school, and with a new teacher and different bunch of kids in his class this year he would normally be freaking out and having anxiety attacks. I would expect that today he'd have killer bees in his stomach. But he appears to be accepting of it all. No bees .... at this stage.

I have some bees. Just a few to keep me alert to the milestones this day brings.

It's all very exciting!!

Day 852

2012-02-05T14:04:00.000+11:00

The kids return to school tomorrow. Today is all about getting organised for a fresh start.

Groceries are done, baking is underway, washing complete, meals are planned, bedrooms are tidy, house is clean, uniforms are ready, bus pass has been purchased, and we've also had a family trip to the pool. A very productive morning.

The rest of the day will be splatsville ....

Oh how I love Sunday.

Day 851

2012-02-04T08:14:00.002+11:00

Today I am grateful for painkillers.
Despite my pain yesterday I managed to get a few things done. Including finalising arrangements with my printer and organising mock-ups of my first print run, and meeting with my new business banker and fixing up the money side of the business.

It was as I was walking out the door from the bank that I crumbled and fell in a screaming heap.

The pain in my head was vomitous. I literally started to gag...

As I got in the car and realised I still had to drive across town to pick up Husband from his much anticipated but ill-fated Prime Minister's 11 cricket outing (the Australia versus Sri Lanka game was called off due to rain) I burst into tears. The crying intensified when I realised I had forgotten to do our personal banking while at the bank which meant for a very lean weekend. I rang Husband and bawled out my frustrations. He soothed me and said he would do the banking on the way home. But that I still had to go pick him up (and one other) coz he'd been drinking.

I summoned up all I could to calm my shaky demenour and concentrated on feeling well. With this power of the mind trick the pain abated slightly and I was able to drive.

By the time I'd collected the Man of the House, and we'd been via the bank, the grocery store and the chemist, I was a total mess. At the end of it all I crawled into bed with my box of painkillers and that's where I stayed until 7.30 this morning.

Now I am pleased to say I am feeling fine! Sure, my back, neck and shoulders are still throbbing (the story of my life at the moment) but my head is clear.

Today I am grateful for heavy duty painkillers and a husband who ensured my bedroom remained the fortress of solitude until I recovered.

Now it's time to put teabags on my eyelids, ice packs on my cheeks, and find a make up trick to make me look perky and alive, because I have a client in two hours and I look like I've been dragged by my feet face down through a field of boulders ....

Happy Saturday!

PS Share the love and gift of gratitude with Maxabella on this fabulous Saturday. Find her at Maxabella Loves with her message for today being "smiles".

Day 850

2012-02-03T09:34:00.001+11:00

It's extremely hard to work and attend meetings when you are in constant throbbing pain. Back, neck, shoulders, arms and pounding head.

I'm not complaining ... (well, maybe I am) ... I'm just saying it's bloody hard.

But no sicky for me ... got a product line I'm about to launch so SUCK IT UP PRINCESS!!!

Day 849

2012-02-02T07:34:00.001+11:00

Something you didn't know about me:

I have to make all the beds first thing in the morning, and absolutely cannot leave the house with an unmade bed no matter how late I am running.

In fact, if I lived alone I would probably make my bed the moment I crawled out of it.

I even make the bed in hotel rooms.

If I am in a holiday group house situation I may even go around and make everyone else's beds.

Sometimes Husband wants to sleep in, but when he gets up to use the toilet he comes back to a freshly made bed. Yes, it drives him insane.

Unmade beds drive me insane.

Get out of bed quickly or I may just make you in it!

Coming home to an unmade bed feels like I am taking ten steps backwards in life and having to start the day again. I cannot cope with the "crumpled zone" (which is ironic given I am the one who hates to iron).

What about you?

Is there anything you simply have to do before you walk out the front door?

Day 848

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000+11:00

We still have a few days left of our Christmas/Summer holiday period. It seems us Canberra-ites are special and we get an extra week.

So I am trying to find a balance between giving the kids a few last minute fun things to do, while settling them back into a calming routine ready for next week. While maintaining my own sanity in the process...

As you know we went to Jamberoo water park yesterday which was heaps of fun. It was a very long day though with about five and a half hours of travel involved and the sheer exhaustion of walking around the park and climbing all their hills. We came home fulfilled but buggered.

Today I had planned to take the kids to see the Muppets. Daddy was going to try and come too. A family movie date.

The problem is that in amongst all of this I am trying to get my business stuff done. I have a list as tall as my husband in relation to my new product line, plus I have clients (as well as new ones) to look after, I have to finalise coordination arrangements for the school cheer squad which includes a meeting with the new school principal, and I have to start my role as Canberra Liaison for Tahlia's new team. All of these roles have actions with deadlines of next week. Oh, and did I tell you I am going to Melbourne at the end of next week? Yes well ... that too. Oh, plus Darby has an assessment today for his reading challenges and I am due to pick up Tahlia's book pack ready for her to start high school next week. And it turns out the school uniforms I bought her are too short ... or she is just way to tall ... so I have to let the hems down on those before Monday as well (school rule).

So as you can see I am starting to feel a bit stretched. All this wonderful holidaying must end. It's time for FOCUS (my word of the year) and action, action, action.

I'm sorry kids, but the Muppets will have to wait until tomorrow. Today you can lie around the house, put your feet up and feed each other grapes. While Mummy's head spins off her shoulders and she has a minor melt down ....

Day 847

2012-01-31T06:10:00.000+11:00

I am not here today.

We have gone.

On a day trip.

Day 846

2012-01-30T08:18:00.000+11:00

Something you didn't know about me:

I can't have the volume on an odd number.

Well, I guess I can ... I just don't....

Whether it be radio or TV I just can't bring myself to leave the volume on anything but an even number or a multiple of five. I can do fives, just not 1s, 3s, 7s or 9s.

As odd as it is, it's no odds for me ...

You got any oddities you'd like to share?

Day 845

2012-01-29T09:56:00.000+11:00

I love having a cleaner.

We have been at the coast again for a few days (yes, we've been sneaking back and forth) and this morning we walked in the front door to a perfectly clean house which smelt like lemons. All I have to do is unpack and head off to cheer. When I get home I get to relax!

I love having a cleaner. I highly recommend it.

Day 844

2012-01-28T09:40:00.000+11:00

Woo hooo for technology

As you know this week was a week of new beginnings, uncomplaining, super star pets, up-and-coming Aussies and a big ol' intelligence injection.

What you don't know is that n among all that frivolity it was also a week of serious forward movement in relation to grant agreement(s), organising quotes for my first production run, capturing domain names as part of my IP strategy, following up on some strategic alliance opportunities, seeing clients, organising new uniform coordination systems for school cheer squad, signing Darby up for guitar lessons, and organising my trip to Melbourne in two weeks.

It's amazing what you can do with a iddy biddy laptop, some wireless technology and a smart phone. You can conduct business anywhere!!

Today I am grateful for complete and utter mobility which allows me to pursue my business interests without jeopardising the kid's school holiday happiness.

There are a whole swag of gratefuls out there. Head on over to Maxabella to check them out ... She is the queen of grateful, even when she life is tough, she'll still manage to find a grateful in most situations.

What are you grateful for?

Day 843

2012-01-27T06:13:00.001+11:00

While I was driving around rural NSW this week I was listening to ABC Radio. Not something I normally do because I usually listen to pop music to give me energy or I like silence to give me time to think. But on a long trip with the kids watching a movie in the back I decided to listen to something informative, so the ABC it was.

During that trip I learned:

all about brown snakes, their character, mannerisms and behaviour, and what to do if you come across one;
the fragile X gene (fragile X syndrome) and its relevance to autism;
the Icelandic homogeneity database giving genetic information and family linkages on all citizens since the 1800s (apparently) to try and stop their very small population from "accidental" incense and in-breeding;
internet security and the new trend of young people giving each other their passwords and log-on details to prove their love and trust for each other (and the problems they encounter when they then break up)

I was very disappointed when the ABC dumped all the intellect and gave me the cricket commentary instead. I turned it off and went back to silence.... cricket(s) in a different form.

I have to say, that after that huge intelligence injection I now feel like a University Professor and am an absolute expert at everything! Well, not quite, but at least I had some good topics for dinner conversation ...

Day 842

2012-01-26T08:04:00.001+11:00

Happy Australia Day!! And who won the Herbal Essences give-away?

On this Australia Day I would like to say thanks so much everyone for their greetings from around the world. I had Fiji, Spain, Hawaii, New Zealand, Italy, Japan and Iceland all represented with big smiley hello's over the last week. How very multi-cultural. Isn't that what we love about this fair land of ours?

Without further ado, it's time to announce the winners of the Herbal Essences give away.

Derek is diving into my trusty crusty sweaty FBI cap ......................

(dive, dive, dive .............)

and wola!

Out comes BRENDA LISA H and E!

Woot woot.

Congratulations ladies!! I will be making contact with you shortly to get your details so that the Herbal Essences gurus can send your new Body Envy packs to your front door.

While I am on the subject of winners and success and fair dinkum Aussies, I'd like to give a big shout out to my son-in-law Pat. Pat is married to the lovely Chelsea and between them they have big dreams. I like big dreams. I support them whole heartedly.

While Pat is a plant operator by day (is that what you call someone who drives a digger? Excavating and landscaping and all that) he is a DJ by night. And I'm not talking about someone who whacks on a few CDs and talks into the microphone occasionally, but a fully fledged interactive DJ who creates his own dance tracks, mixes songs together on the spot, throws a few noises in, dances away in the background and excites the crowd by his sheer presence. That's Pat. Well actually no, that's not Pat, it's Bedrock Beats!

Today as we celebrate all things Australian This week we are celebrating Pat's positive forward movement with not one but TWO tracks appearing in the Triple J Unearthed Dance Charts, and an article about him in the Canberra Times newspaper. That's huge kudos for a young man following his dream.

I would love it if you had a listen to his music (look for the two Bedrock Beats tracks - Apollo 11 and Dr Beats) and would also love for you to have a read of the Canberra Times article. It's very inspiring to see someone so focused and intent on their vision, and receiving success as a result.

Keep aiming for that moon Pat ... coz you're already among the stars!

Happy Australia Day everyone!

We're off to a pool party ...

Day 841

2012-01-25T06:52:00.000+11:00

For Christmas our nephew and his wife gave us the ACT RSPCA "Pet a Day" Calendar for 2012.

It is a lovely gift for so many reasons. But what made it MORE lovely is that they paid for our beautiful Max to get his very own day in the calendar (he got 14 July) in which his photo appears. What a great gift!

Now as if that ain't special enough, he was then chosen by the RSPCA to STAR on the front cover!! Can you see him there? He is the lovely blonde bloke with the gorgeous deep brown eyes and the big smiling black lips.

Their own dog Ruby also got a guernsey appearing as "Miss January" in the calendar. That's her up there as the big January banner - black Lab with red collar. She is also smiling.

Why wouldn't they be smiling? They're loved ... and they're famous!

A lovely Christmas present for all concerned. Particularly for the animals that the RSPCA help on a regular basis.

PS Our poor Max's eyes are no longer deep chocolate brown. They have gone milky white due to his blindness. Seeing his eyes change like that is heartbreaking. But any warmth that is lost through his eye colour is still there with his big smiling lips and his very waggy tail. He's not quite as spirited as he used to be (he's feeling a bit anxious and confused at times), and he's not hip-gyratey and showing us his lipstick anymore (which isn't a bad thing), but he's still a very happy camper.

Day 840

2012-01-24T06:11:00.003+11:00

The Uncomplain Challenge

I was cruising Facebook on Sunday and marveled happily at how many of my FB friends are positive uplifting people. Then I cringed when I realised I still had a number of people on my page who feel the need to bitch at the world.

It's easy to feel joy when the people around you are joyous, but just as easy to deflate when the people around you are constantly sticking pins in your balloon.

We all complain. Hell, I do it here! In fact, I may be doing it right now?! There's no getting around the need to vent from time to time. But there is a way to get support and advice from the people around us without having to actually moan and groan about life on a regular basis. It's all in the way we communicate.

Here is a (purely fiction) example:
"Today has been the worst ever. It started with the freakin' battery on my car going dead over night due to useless husband who left the lights on, then when I finally got it started I couldn't find a single parking spot at the mall which made me late for work and then the shipment arrived late which meant I had to stay back and work overtime, which would have been OK I suppose but every customer that came in was so freakin' painful and had such bad attitudes".

Yep, I feel your pain. In fact, you have now transferred it to me. So much so that I am not only going to agree with you but I kinda feel the need to start complaining myself. Complaining is like that ... it's contagious. And you know those people with the bad attitudes that you had to serve? Perhaps they were just reflecting your energy. This is not life threatening stuff! It's not even life changing. So please stop sweating the small stuff. Try being a winner not a whiner and the people around you might become winners too!

What if the conversation had actually gone like this: "It was a bit of a challenging start to the day, and I ended up working longer than I had thought, but the overtime pay is good! It will pay to get a new battery for my car (LOL)"

Expressing your frustration but also seeing the light and giving gratitude in the process. And by taking complaint out of your communication (inner and outer) you are actually re-training your brain to take in more positive information which in turn leads to a happier mindset rather than one of anger and disappointment.

As I said, on Sunday I was cruising Facebook. I came across a link for Positively Positive titled "The Uncomplain Challenge" and of course lots of little smiley faces went off in my brain. Yes!! That's perfect. An uncomplain Challenge. So while I am focussing on FOCUS and new beginnings and limitless possibilities this week, I will be doing so without complaint. And if I come across complaint in others, I will intensify my efforts on turning their conversations around to make a negative chat become a positive one. It may just make us all that little bit happier.

You can check out The Uncomplain Challenge here.

Who's with me?

Gotta go ... I've got some uncomplaining to do ...

Click here to enter the Herbal Essences give-away.

Day 839

2012-01-23T05:02:00.001+11:00

It's Monday!!

New Beginnings

My second favourite day. A day for new beginnings, limitless possibilities, and lots of 2012 FOCUS.

Today though my focus is not on my projects, but on a little tiny baby boy. Today I take a three hour road trip with my kids to visit one of my best friends who had her first baby last week.

Everybody loves a baby, but we are loving this one all the more because this little man was 8 years in the making. No, she wasn't pregnant for an eternity, but it did take them that long to fall pregnant and hold onto it for long enough to go to term. This little man is a miracle of belief, longing, persistence and modern science.

So yes, it truly is a day for new beginnings and limitless possibilities.

Happy Monday!

What new beginnings do you have in store?

Click here to enter the Herbal Essences give-away.

Day 838

2012-01-22T06:56:00.002+11:00

It's Sunday! My favourite day ...

Yesterday we went shopping. It was lovely. We didn't spend a million dollars, but we might have spent a hundred (well, slightly more, but only slightly).

We went to our local DFO and bought Tahlia's school sneakers (and she bought herself some other shoes as well), and Darby got two pre-owned X Box games. Husband got two t-shirts and I got tops, a dress and some pants. Yes, I came out the winner on the day ...

I am grateful for my husband's January commission bonus and I am also happy to have an excuse for another wardrobe clean out. For every piece of clothing I buy, something has to depart my closet to be re-loved by someone else. So that is how I am spending my Sunday morning.

After that I will put on my "liaison" hat for my new role at the new cheer squad, and then it's massage time, followed by a BBQ with friends.

Yes, it is a very happy Sunday.

Click here to enter the Herbal Essences give-away.

Day 837

2012-01-21T09:00:00.001+11:00

I love my pile of cuddles.

Yesterday my daughter de-primary-schooled her bedroom and created a year 7 haven. Gone are all her soft toys, pre-teen books, and any sign of kidnom. The only thing left that shows she is my baby is her "Princess" pillow. Today we go out and buy her new book ends (to replace the Barbie ones) and get some hooks to hang up the pin board full of affirmations, photos and magazine cuttings.

Yesterday my son set up his new Christmas X Box in his bedroom with the new TV he got for his birthday. He spent a very long time down there emerging occasionally to tell us about his game and coax us down for a look. We sit on the bed and watch. Sometimes Daddy has a go at playing. I don't. It makes me dizzy.

Yesterday I was able to have the family room all to myself. It was bliss!!! In between meetings I had a cuppa, turned on the TV and curled up on the couch. But at about 7.30pm I got lonely and recalled my family. I love that they love their bedrooms, but I also love that they love to be together as a unit.

We will never replace evening couch time. That's when we all sit together in a pile and cuddle.

I love my freedom and time alone, but I also love my pile of cuddles.

Don't forget that it's give-away time. I can't necessarily give you my pile of cuddles (although I would totally hug you face-to-face) but I can give you a pile of bounce for your hair. All you need to do is say "hello" to me in a different language via comment, email or text and you're in the draw for a pack of Herbal Essences Body Envy shampoo and conditioner. Come on over and check it out ...

Day 836

2012-01-20T07:46:00.001+11:00

Today I am grateful for vision, focus, action and state government grants ...

Ok, ok ... mostly I am grateful for state government grants ...

I was cruising around the blogosphere yesterday and came across Jarrah Jungle's 2012 Word. She's taking part in a New Year's resolution topic to choose a word to best sum up the year she intends to have. Her word is "DECISION". For Jarrah Jungle 2012 is all about being more decisive. She got the idea from the lovely Maxabella who has been doing the "word of the year" for some time. Maxabella's word is "BETTER". For Maxabella this year is about striving to do everything that little bit better. Both are great words, and it is a fantastic idea.

So that got me to thinking. What would my word for 2012 be?

My initial thought was the word "vision" and that's what I put in the comment box over at Jarrah Jungle. I decided this year to have 2012 visualisations rather than resolutions so the word for me seemed obvious. The second word would of course have to be "action" because without it vision is nothing but a dream. So yeah, that was what I was thinking ...

Then I got a phone call. A very very good phone call.

I got a phone call to say that the ACT State Government has agreed to give me a grant to help me launch my product line. A product line to help children with self worth, resilience, health and fitness. THE product line I've been working on for the last six months and THE product line that will help me fulfill my life purpose and leave a legacy for my own kids. The fact that they believe in my vision is very encouraging. Now that I've got the thumbs up and support from my state, I'm off and running and it's time to get well and truly focused.

Time to change my word.

FOCUS is my word for 2012.

Scattered energy is not going to work. All my attention needs to be centred on this project. Like a magnifying glass harnessing the energy of the sun, the only way to light this fire is with a channeled energy. FOCUS.

So today I put my 2012 vision board together with the word FOCUS front and centre. Visualisation in important, and action is essential, but focus is the word that is going to keep me ... well ... focused (der).

What's your word for 2012?

While you're at it share it with Maxabella and Jarrah Jungle as well.

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the work of the ACT Government's Business and Industry Development division, and in particular ICON (Innovation Connection) who help Canberra-based businesses develop innovative products and services. Thank you for my Accelerating Innovation Grant! I will do you proud Canberra ....

Oh, and don't forget my give-away! Just say "hello" to me in a different language to be in the draw to win a Herbal Essences twin pack.

Day 835

2012-01-19T09:25:00.002+11:00

Image borrowed from www.innewyork.com

This week we've hosted a couple of dinners (given we are still celebrating summerous festivous and all that). We had a sit down indoor meal for one couple on Tuesday night, and a very casual BBQ for a family of 6 last night. Both were lovely evenings and had their fair share of laughter. Last night's in particular turned into quite an event. In fact, quite by accident, our guests got to enjoy dinner AND a show.

We have a possum who lives in our back yard. She is a lovely possum and hangs out with us often. She's been around for years and we often give her vegetable and fruit scraps so that she doesn't feel the need to raid our vege patch. Every year she has a baby and proudly shows the baby off. She came to visit us on Tuesday night with her precious bundle, and while we were on the back deck with our friends last night she gate-crashed our soiree to parade her baby around again.

Now prior to Possum's visit we'd been talking about the whole theatre restaurant concept. I have never been to a theatre restaurant but the others had. Apparently there is one up on the Gold Coast called Dracula's and we've had some in Canberra including some sort of Faulty Towers reinactment, as well as something that is called Dirty Dicks. It was while we were talking about the whole dinner and a show concept that Possum arrived with her bundle. We laughed and thought how lovely it was to have some Possum Magic in our midst while we ate dessert. Our very own show. Then something completely wild happened ... a big male possum arrived and our lovely Possum Magic experience turned into Dirty Dicks.

Yes people, our lovely little backyard soiree turned into the animal version of Patpong Road in Thailand. But unlike Patpong, we weren't asked "do you want boys and boys, girls and girls, or boys and girls?" we were just given some possum and possum action (whether we wanted to see it or not).

The dirty old male possum came and mounted our lovely Possum Magic right there in front of us while her baby was on her back!!!! I started screeching, the kids were gasping, the men were "holy shitting" and Possum herself was doing her best to fight him off while keeping her baby safe. There was a hell of a lot of activity up there with all three of them hanging by their claws from a branch at one point after a particularly physical battle. I was worried for the child (physical and psychological damage and all that). Possum tried her best to fight off the dirty old male, with a whole lot of screaming and grunting, while baby was scrambling around trying to hold on to Mummy. She couldn't sustain it though. Big man possum eventually mounted her and got his doodle out. Right there with baby and all. The whole session was a bit hit and miss (meaning we got to see his doodle many times through the course of the event) but he finally got his game plan sorted and they went for it. Baby managed to free herself from Mum's back and went to the under carriage instead to have a feed. Yes, poor Mum was breast feeding while Dad had his way ....

I don't know how Mum and Baby are feeling this morning, but I hope there is some counselling available in the possum world because I for one am scarred.

Have you ever been to dinner and a show?

Any that you would recommend?

I don't think I'll recommend this one ....

PS Don't forget about my Herbal Essences give-away. Just leave me a "hello" in another language in the comments section of my current posts, or via email or text, and I'll put you in the draw.

Day 834

2012-01-18T10:34:00.001+11:00

Herbal Essences Body Envy

Who out there has body envy? Me for one. I could totally take on Elle McPherson's physical perfection if it was up for grabs.

What about hair envy? Yes, well, her hair would be kinda cool to own as well. So long and bouncy and natural looking ...

What about body in hair envy? Yes, yes, yes!!! Give me volume, and bounce and loads of it ... that's all I've ever really wanted if the truth be known.

I am the master at getting what I want in life, and getting a bit of bounce and body in my hair is no different. With a little help from my friends I can help you with your body envy too.

You guessed it people, it's give away time!

The lovely people at Clairol have given me three Herbal Essences Body Envy packs to give away (shampoo and conditioner). All you have to do to be in the draw is say "hello" to me in a different language via the comments section below, or via email or text, and I'll put your name in my sweaty ol' fake FBI hat. The competition is open to Australian residents and entries close next Wednesday 25 January at midnight. If you are one of the three lucky winners, Clairol will send out the prizes directly to you! Isn't that awesome? I think that's pretty darn great.

So get your "alohas", "g'days" and "guten tags" ready and send me some love. You know you want to ....

Day 833

2012-01-17T10:57:00.001+11:00

I wrote a song yesterday. Strange but true. I was driving to the farm and as I toured the back roads of country-ville these words kept popping into my head. I started singing them inside my mind. I sounded pretty good too. Inside my mind ...

The moment I arrived at Mum's I raced to my note book and started writing. The song just poured out of me! The chorus, the verses, all of it. But not the music. I don't have a musical bone in my body ... and as for singing ... BRMP ... I might sound ok inside my own head but in reality there's a great big hook whisking me from side stage.

But I did write a song. A very inspiring song.

Now what the bloody hell do I do with it?

Does anyone know how I can make contact with Taylor Swift?

Day 832

2012-01-16T10:22:00.002+11:00

Image borrowed from www.ex-topia.blogspot.com

After my news breaking headline yesterday (does that make sense? That doesn't make sense. Shouldn't that have actually read "ground breaking headline" or perhaps "breaking news headline"?!?) I have begun planning my fit and fabulous comeback. Which, as I said, will start in two weeks. Not because I am not wanting to do it, but because I just not wanting to do it RIGHT NOW.

Yes people, there is a difference.

Excuses perhaps?

Of course I'm making excuses. Derrrr ....

But they are semi legitimate. I have too many dinner parties, too much travel and far too much Summerous Festivous still to experience before I cleanse and resume on my path to well being. So I am postponing it for two weeks. (Did you notice my use of the BUT up there. The word "but" is the catch phrase for excuse makers around the globe ...)

I will do it! Oh yes, I will do it. I have to ... my banner up there says "fit and fabulous". To not be fit and fabulous would make me illegitimate (or something) ....

But on a serious note, and in putting my official life coachy hat on, I do have a trick to turning continual excuses and resistance to change into positive forward action. Wanna hear it?

So often I hear my clients say "but" or "because" when we try to map out their course of action. They have excuses as to why they can't fulfill their dreams. They have far to many BUTS in their life.

"I would love to start my own business BUT I can't afford to quit my job"

"I would like to get a personal trainer BUT I have no one to look after my kids"

"I would like to go on a diet BUT there is no way my husband would eat diet food"

"I want to give up smoking BUT I've tried before and there is no point."

"I'd love to take my family on holidays BUT we have a huge mortgage to pay off."

"I really want to write a book BUT who what if nobody wants to read it."

If you truly want to move forward and would like to eliminate the excuses, try swapping the word "BUT" for "imagine if". By saying "imagine if" you are still acknowledging there will be challenges but you are giving yourself hope and encouragement to at least think about the possibilities.

"Imagine if I could start my own business while keeping my day job in the short term. "

"Imagine if I found a personal trainer who was kid friendly so that my children could attend my sessions with me"

"Imagine if I found a diet that meant I could still prepare similar meals for both me and my husband"

"Imagine if, by giving up smoking, I had more time and money to learn to play the flute ."

"Imagine if we found a cheap holiday that would still give us the relaxation and life experiences we are looking for without compromising our bank account."

"Imagine if I did write a book and sold it as an E Book to establish me as a fully fledged author. At the same time I could talk to publishers about the possibilities."

Believe me, it works. Just by changing the way we speak engages different areas of the brain which in turn changes mindset for positive forward action. The mind only knows what we tell it. If we verbalise barriers (BUT is a huge barrier) then we are training our mind to find barriers throughout our entire journey. If we verbalise possibility, then our mind is constantly looking for opportunities along the way. It really is that easy.

Give it a go! What "imagine ifs" do you have in your world today?

Day 831

2012-01-15T07:06:00.002+11:00

News breaking headline:

Fit and Fabulous 40 year old gets fat and flabby.

Self proclaimed "fit and fabulous 40 year old", aptly nicknamed Deep Fried Fruit, has lost all her fabulousness recently due largely to a phenomenon called summerous holidayous which apparently causes its victims to become lazy alcoholics with a propensity to sleep on beaches and eat large quantities of fatty food with a particular aversion to pizza.

"Deep Fried Fruit" openly admitted that the condition could have been prevented had she taken protective measures, but after too many champagnes at Christmas she became complacent and "simply forgot" to prepare herself properly. According to her coach, daily exercise and the right diet will get her back to fabulousness, but the road to recovery will not be an easy one and she needs to be prepared for the tough road ahead. To make a full recovery of summerous holidayous she will need a period of cleansing, deprivation and exercise which could possibly result in symptoms such as nausea, headaches, aches and pain.

The condition is quite contagious, particularly for those living in close proximity to sufferers, and can have life long implications if not handled properly.

"Deep Fried Fruit"agrees that while it is important from a communicable diseases perspective to cure the disease quickly she is not looking forward to the treatment. She has postponed her start date for another two weeks.

Day 830

2012-01-14T07:57:00.001+11:00

Image borrowed from Wikipedia

Last night Darby and I had a life defining moment. On the face of it, it wasn't overly major, but underneath it will be forever etched in my brain as one of those moments suspended in time.

As you know my boy just had a birthday. In the last 6 months he has gone through a huge growth spurt in mind and in body, and the biggest bit to grow has been his resilience. Self worth and resilience has not come naturally to our boy, so lots of work has been done on helping him believe in his own power. Last night I saw evidence that it is working ....

We are back at the coast and we went to the fair (as we do every year). It was very exciting to discover that he is now big enough to ride all the rides. Woo hoo!! So the first thing he did was to test out a few of the bigger rides (without mum by his side). The next thing he did was try the Dodgems. Now he has ridden shot-gun a few times in the past, plus he got to ride solo on Thursday at his birthday party (which was held at a gaming arcade) but that solo trip was on a closed circuit with the only other cars to dodge being driven by friends and family. To ride solo at the fair was a huge feat given the dodgems floor was filled with adults and kids from all walks of life (and let me tell you, there were many out there who looked a bit rough around the edges).

So there he is driving his own car. He was doing beautifully until he got a particularly hard knock that spun him around and jammed him into the side wall. It was still ok though, he was working on getting himself free. But in the meantime a few cars started to get wedged around him and before he knew it he was completely stuck with other cars and the wall jamming him from the back and both sides. He was facing in the wrong direction. I could see him start to panic a little. Then a car being driven by a large bulky adult male came flying around the corner at full speed and hit him head on. Given he was already wedged there was no where for his car to move so the impact jarred him completely and threw his little body upwards and forwards. I was watching a crash test dummy in slow motion. I could see the shock and fear on his face. The seat belt ripped at his stomach/ribs and his head slammed onto the steering wheel. The entire crowd gasped. I thought his ribs might be broken. It was high impact. His face registered pain (and possibly embarrassment) and with one panicked look in my direction he dissolved into tears.

I was at the fence in an instant and I reached towards him. His eyes were saying "help me Mummy" and I knew he wanted out. The tears were flowing. Then humiliation started to appear and I saw him blanch. Everyone is looking at me! Why would this man be so mean? I can't move. I am stuck. I am hurting. I want this to end.

I was ready to climb onto the dodgems floor and get him out, but at the same time I didn't want to embarrass him further. It was all happening in slow motion but in fact it was mere seconds. He tried to wipe away his tears but they continued to flow. I climbed the fence. It's time to get him off. Just then a carnival bloke jumped on the back of his car and took control, turning Darby's car and getting him back out among the other drivers. I pulled back and let him go. His cousins and sister drove past him asking if he was ok and giving him smiles of reassurance. I realised that I needed to do the same. So each time he drove past I smiled and gave him a thumbs up. He continue driving, trying his best to be strong, and his tears finally disappeared just before the ride ended.

I'm not sure why this incident had such an impact on me. As I said, on the face of it it wasn't a major thing on its own. Just a ride on the dodgems. But for some reason it is deeply embedded in my brain - the anguish and pleading in his little eyes, combined with his need to move forward and push through.

Life is like a ride on the dodgems and Darby proved to himself that if you get side swiped you don't have to run. You can just turn your car slightly and get back on course. As I said, my little boy has gone through a growth spurt, in mind and in body. And I am having to let him grow no matter how much I just want to take him in my arms and cuddle him forever.

PS: After the ride we walked away and I told him how brave he was and how clever he was at driving. Then when we were far enough away from the dodgem crowd I took him in my arms and we hugged.

Day 829

2012-01-13T10:16:00.001+11:00

32, 952

No, that's not how much I won in the Lotto last night

(in fact I forgot to buy a ticket)

32, 952

No,that's not how much it is costing me to get the new product line off the ground

(although it's close)

32, 952

No, that's not how many people have cruised by this blog in its life time

(I am close to the 40,000 mark which is kinda cool)

32, 952

is in fact the volume in litres of intestinal gas you'll pass during your lifetime (according to the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records). In total, we will apparently contaminate the air around us by passing wind for the equivalent of 8.7 days non-stop!! They suggest that's enough gas to demolish a small block of flats.

Isn't that interesting!

Aren't you glad you stopped by?

Day 828

2012-01-12T10:18:00.000+11:00

Today is my little man's birthday. He is having an awesome day - with one party and cake last night (family) and another today with his mates.

Happy birthday little Dude.

Does anyone know what it is? I hope so. I found it stressful ...

Can you guess how old he is?

Day 827

2012-01-11T11:41:00.000+11:00

This is my view today.

I am writing book three of my new series.

I can't tell you exactly what it is yet (because I am still getting my intellectual property sorted) but I can tell you it's targeted at 7-11 year old girls to assist with self worth, resilience, health and fitness. And I'm excited! The character is literally jumping from my heart, into my finger tips and onto the screen. She is coming to life before my very eyes. That's an amazing feeling ...

Day 826

2012-01-10T15:00:00.001+11:00

Today's post is all about blatant self promotion.

Yesterday I did a story about an act of kindness. Well today I want to sell you my book "My Happy Gift" which touches on that exact issue.

I have written a kids book teaching children how random acts of kindness can bring joy to self and others, with a flow on effect that can impact positively on the lives of many. You can buy it in many on-line stores including The Book Depository, Booktopia and Amazon (just to name a few).

I would love to share it with you. It's getting some very good reviews from those who have already purchased it. Check out what others are saying here. This is where you'll also find the Foreword for the book by the lovely and very talented Johanna Griggs.

My Happy Gift also has its own Facebook page! Woot woot. You can check it out here.

And if' you'd like to grab yourself a copy head on over to my website for purchasing options. Just click on the book below and it will take you there.

My Happy Gift! It will make you smile ... and you might just help someone else smile in the process.

Day 825

2012-01-09T06:35:00.003+11:00

We saved a bird yesterday. Well, I hope we did. I think it's now safe ...

We were driving down a coastal road (yes, we've been back at the coast again this weekend) and I saw a seagull hanging with its wings spread between two power wires. My first thought was that it was fried having touched both wires at once creating a seagull crisp, but at closer inspection I noticed his head moving. Shit Derek, that bird's still alive! Husband stopped the car, reversed and we noticed the bird was wrapped in fishing line which was then wrapped around the wires. Shit, shit, shit. That poor bird. His head was moving from side to side in distress. I couldn't imagine how he must be feeling.

We realised that the whole electrical wire thing was a bit dangerous to all concerned so we couldn't do anything physically to help the bird, but we could call an expert. But who do you call?

Husband suggested the fire brigade. So we took a drive past the fire station but no one was home. So I then called the wildlife rescue hotline and a lovely girl took my details and said she'd call back within 10 minutes. In the meantime Derek called into the police station and they were surprisingly helpful. As Derek explained to them, it may "just be a seagull" but it was distressing to watch and in a busy area you wouldn't want a bunch of kids climbing the telegraph pole trying to save it. Seagull crisps are one thing, but human chippies are quite another.

Meanwhile I got a referred phone call from a lovely lady at the Australian Sea Bird Rescue Association. The wildlife rescue lady had passed on my details. She was located around 300km away but was keen to do something to save this bird from further stress. I told her we'd spoken to the police and that they were contacting the electricity people. She followed up with the police just to be sure that all was on track.

The anxiety in the pit of my belly was subsiding somewhat now that I knew a team of people were on the job.

Why all this for a seagull you might ask? Because they feel pain. They also feel joy. Shouldn't it be our mission to help others experience joy over pain every day? Seagulls are worthy of living their best life just like the rest of us. All in all, it wasn't just about the seagull.

Was it rescued? Well, we did head back to where he was and found a very kindly electrical expert at the scene. He was waiting for the cherry picker to arrive so that he could rescue our birdie. I then rang the lovely lady at the Australian Sea Bird Rescue Association to report on progress. She thanked me for caring.

I'm not telling you this to big note myself. Well, maybe just a little bit. But not really. I just wanted to say that through the simplest action one person (even a couple) can make a difference. I don't know how many cars drove past that bird, or how many people walked past. I don't know if there were people who thought perhaps they couldn't make a difference. Or didn't care. But there were at least 7 who knew that they could change the outcome - Husband, police man, wildlife girl, sea bird rescue lady, electrician, cherry picker driver and me. Proving yet again that we can all make a difference by the smallest of actions ... each individual action being far greater than the sum of its parts. We can all create joy over pain if we try hard enough.

Best wishes Mr Seagull. Hope you feel better ...

Day 824

2012-01-08T08:10:00.000+11:00

Yawn.

Stretch.

Ouch.

More stretching required ....

Loads more stretching required. I really must do something about getting some yoga underway.

It is Sunday, my favourite day. It's the day when (in my mind) rainbows are tangible and unicorns do shit sparkles. I guess every day is Sunday at the moment on account of the fact we are on holidays. Gotta be happy about that.

Doesn't change the fact that more stretching is required. No sparkles there.

Ouch.

Day 823

2012-01-07T06:13:00.001+11:00

Photo borrowed from www.vehiclesoftheworld.blogspot.com

Does anyone out there play spotto?

Does anyone else know what spotto is?

Does anyone know where it originated?

Coz I would like to go and methodically hit the spotto creator in the head with a bucket full of yellow match box cars, one little car at a time .... thwack ... (wait ten seconds) ... thwack ... (wait ten seconds) ... thwack ... (wait ten seconds) ... thwack ...

Spotto is a game played when travelling. It is quite a good family game when you're taking a long trip and need to keep the kids interested in the drive while taking in the surroundings. It definitely keeps everyone alert. It is a very annoying game if it is played every. single. time. you. get. in. the. car.

Basically the game is simple - if you see a yellow car you yell out SPOTTO and score a point. That simple. I'm not sure of the intricate rules of the original game, but in order to stop a car load of arguing we have had to create a few rules of our own. Our spotto rules are as follows:

Any yellow vehicle with wheels and a motor is a spotto (so that includes buses, diggers, cars, motor bikes, ride on mowers, but excludes push bikes, box trailers, boats and prams. Although a yellow boat on a trailer is a contentious spotto as it does technically have a motor and wheels.)
The vehicle has to be at least 50% yellow to qualify.
Gold does not count as yellow.
If there is controversy as to whether the yellow car in question is actually yellow then it is put to a vote and majority rules.
A yellow car can not be spotto'ed more than once within the same trip (and for the sake of sanity there may need to be a new rule that on regular routes we can't keep spottoing the same car every time we drive past it whether it is the same trip or not).
Yellow vehicles don't have to be moving, they can be parked, but they have to be visible (just because you know that family has a yellow car parked in their closed garage does not constitute a spotto).
You can't just randomly yellow SPOTTO in anticipation that a yellow car might come around the corner, or hoping that in a packed car park a yellow car will eventually present itself. You have to actually see the spotto at the time it is yelled and others need to verify it's existence. Failing to produce the goods means a spotto point is taken off you.
Green is green, and yellow is yellow. Lime green is not yellow. A green car is never a spotto, it is in fact a SNOTTO.
Snotto's aren't worth as much as spottos.

And that's about the size of Spotto. Aren't you glad I shared that with you?!

You've got to be careful of it. It sneaks up on you even when the kids aren't in the car which is the bit that drives me mental. I am constantly on the look out for yellow cars even when alone. And yes, I do yell out SPOTTO the moment I see one.

Which brings me to the next question - is a spotto actually a spotto if there is no one around to hear it?

Day 822

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001+11:00

Where were you the day Michael Hutchence died?

Purely by chance I was right there near the Ritz in Sydney where it all happened. Just a block or two away. I was on my way to a friend's wedding in the Botanical Gardens when I heard the news. I was devastated. A piece of my soul died that day ...

You are probably wondering why I am asking this question and why I have put a great big iPod Touch over there on the right hand side of the screen featuring nothing but INXS music. I even put it above the advertisement of my book! It must be good to knock My Happy Gift off it's perch. Well, it's because I just read the INXS biography and I'm back in love with the band that ruled my teenage years (and beyond).

The book Story to Story is the only official INXS autobiography, although there are a few unofficial ones out there. This one is endorsed by the band though, written a good many years after Michael's death (mainly because it took that long for the band to come to terms with it).

If you ever followed INXS you'll love Story to Story. Sure, it's a whole bunch of sex, drugs and rock no roll, but it's also a bloody good book on how it takes hard work, determination, vision and belief to achieve greatness. From the beginning they knew they could cement themselves as part of rock and roll history, especially Tim Farriss the oldest of the Farris brothers and the unofficial leader of the pack, but it took years of hard slog to get there. It helped that they also had a bloody good manager who held the same vision and belief to coach and guide them through their journey. From when they were simply called the Farriss Brothers working small pubs and beach side communities in and around Sydney, across to Perth, back to Sydney and around the globe, Story to Story takes you on their journey and helps you to get to know each individual band member one by one. I now feel like I know each of them like friends and am very grateful they shared their stories with me. I've always loved their music, now I love each and every one of them personally as well.

A quote from the jacket cover: "In 1979 three brothers and their three best mates from Sydney formed a band called INXS and recorded an album that would launch them on an incredible journey, from playing Australia's beaches and pubs to the world's biggest concert venues. Along the way, they'd sell 30 million albums, rack up seventeen hit songs in the United States alone, and experience a life of sex, drugs and supermodels to rival any in rock history. This is their story."

They didn't do it easily. It was strenuous, time consuming, and had many many challenges. It was definitely a long way to the top, but as with many "blood, sweat and tears" stories theirs is a journey filled with inspiration.

A quote from the book (page 35): "They were aliens true to their vision, and as much as they were shunned in the short term, their individuality proved itself essential to their success." Now that's a quotable quote. Love it!!

Story to Story - Go buy it, and keep on playing their music. They're definitely a group of Aussie legends ...

Day 821

2012-01-05T07:00:00.002+11:00

The wedding ring .... an unbroken circle being the symbol of eternity.

Eternity you say? Hell, that's a bloody long time. It sure is one hell of a ~~frustrating~~ fascinating journey.

Remember those new chairs I was raving about? The beach ones with cooler bag, cup holder, mobile phone holder and zipper storage compartment? Well now that everyone in the family has one I decided that I would no longer take responsibility for everyone else's possessions while at the beach. The fam could look after their own stuff by using the handy storage sections in their seat. Including Husband. So when he wandered into the surf last week, only to return holding his wedding ring and car keys, I told him to put them in his chair.

The only problem is he just chucked them into the open cupholder section. Of course this made it highly likely that he'd lose something. I suggested he put them in the zipper bit where they were safe. Yeah, yeah, yeah he said as he ran back into the ocean.

Yeah, yeah, yeah indeed. Fascinating man.

Fast forward four hours and we're in our bedroom at the in-laws getting ready for a post beach nap. Derek's face suddenly goes tense and his eyes show pure fear. He starts to scratch his head and then says SHIT. I'm reading my book and hardly even look up. I just say "you've lost your wedding ring haven't you." Yes he says. I go to do the whole "I told you to put it in the zip compartment" speech but he stops me with his yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's still fascinating.

Next thing he's grabbing the car keys and he's out the door.

Half an hour later he returns and the fear on his face is replaced with pride and self importance. He found his ring. Are you serious?! How did you manage that?

Apparently (by his account) he walked straight to where we were sitting and measured out the area. He knew exactly where it was because when he was drying himself he remembered seeing a twig poking out of the ground and recalled it's exact placement and angle from where he stood. So he started there, took a few measured steps and drew a big circle in the sand. He then sliced the circle into pieces with more lines in the sand. He then knelt inside that circle and started filtering the sand through his fingers section by section. He was in one of those head-down-bum-up positions which is very attractive ... particularly in the partially clad environment of the beach community. He said families were staring at him (no doubt wondering what sort of weird pagan ritual he was conducting inside the big sandy circle and possibly admiring his bum). After much sifting, a lot of bum waggling and some mild swearing he rose victorious. He stood inside his circle of glory and raised both arms into the air proudly showing his wedding ring to the world. The other people on the beach lowered their eyes and pretended not to look as this strange man paid homage to his Gods.

He walked into our room all glorious and important and grinning like a Cheshire cat. I found it! Can you believe it? I found it!

Again I didn't look up. I just said "Just as bloody well. Next time use the zip" and I kept on reading.

At least he takes his wedding ring seriously and went to the ends of the Earth (or at least the edges of the circle) to find it.

Day 820

2012-01-04T08:51:00.000+11:00

Black cars are lovely looking vehicles, unless they get scraped by mall pylons and then they look like shit.

It turns out Derek did go to work yesterday in the end ... about the time I laid down for my afternoon nap. His arrival back home awoke me which meant I had slept through the hours that had been reserved for "me time". Bugger. Anyway, he would have been better of staying at home given he drove the front passenger end of our lovely KIA Grande Carnival (the adventurous vessel of holidayous incredibulous) into a cement underground parking pylon. The entire front corner is now dinged and scraped into whiteness which looks crap on a shiny black car. Definitely not the accessory of choice ...

He was pretty upset about it.

Oh well, I said. It's just a car.

And really that's the truth. It's just a car.

Sure, it kinda sucks but three years is the longest I've personally ever gone before my brand new car cops a beating. So that's gotta be a good thing ...

I've only ever owned three brand new vehicles and all of them have been banged up by someone else.

I remember as clear as day when (20 years ago) I got side swiped in my brand new Holden Barina "escape" hatch. It actually was the "escape" model which included a sun roof and a trim of pictures of little boats and water low down along the side in blue and pink (the car was white). It was very cute and it was MINE. I'd only had it six months when I was taken out by a 4 wheel drive in the busy streets of Sydney-ville. I was sitting in a line of traffic about 10 cars deep at a set of traffic lights along King George Road. I was burping happily to myself in the sunlight, when the lights turned green and the car behind me decided to pull out and go around me as a way to jump the queue for the free lane on my left. He failed to notice that because the lights were now green the free lane was available to cars going at speed. As he pulled out a car doing around 60-80km/hour came down and took him out which in turn pushed him and his massive 4WD bull bar into my lovely little Barina which then pushed me to the right and across another lane of traffic. Luckily this lane was now vacant and injuries were minimal. But it still wasn't pretty. I got out of the car in a state of shock and just stood there screaming. I was yelling at the guy in the 4WD saying "what just happened here? Can someone please tell me what the F&^% just happened here!!" I was screaming like a mad woman. Clearly not in my right frame of mind. I'd gone from a burping free spirited lass to Sharon Osborne in a nano-second. Anyway, to cut a long story short the entire left side of my car was wrecked and my car had to be towed leaving me with a beaten up loan car for the next 6 weeks while my car got over $4000 in repairs.

The second new car beating was no where near as bad. I was driving my nifty little burgundy coloured Daewoo Lanos (I upgraded from the Barina so that I could get some air conditioning) when some idiot on a mobile phone ran up my clacker on the way to work one morning. Again I managed to find my inner Sharon Osborne and proceeded to yell obscenities. Yeah, I know, you can take the girl out of Goulburn, but you can't take Goulburn out of the girl. Blah blah blah. Again I blame the shock. But this time there really wasn't anything to yell about. There was hardly a dint nor a scratch. So very minor. I was just frustrated that again my car was around the 6 month mark and already someone else had damaged it.

So you see, the fact that this brand new car has made it to over three years is kind of a coup. Definitely something to celebrate. It sucks and all that, but it would have sucked more if it happened 3 years ago. I'm just happy we've made it this far (and that again it is not my fault).

PS I am not a saint in the car scraping department. I have actually had my fair share of Leanne-induced bingles, but they have been in old crappy second hand vehicles so in my mind the don't rate quite as high on the crash-o-metre.

Day 819

2012-01-03T13:21:00.000+11:00

Today I'm wearing my Grumpy face

Today Leanne is Leanderthol. She has her grump on ...

Pulling the Christmas decorations down isn't nearly as fun as putting them up. Particularly when it's this freakin' hot and the evaporative cooling doesn't seem to be working effectively on this 35 degree day. It's interesting how putting them up invokes joy, squeals of delight and togetherness, but pulling them down creates grumbles, deafness and disappearance.

We got up early this morning and beat the traffic home from the coast supposedly so that Husband could get back to work. Which means we are now home. That's why I am currently putting the decorations away. The interesting thing about returning specifically for Husband's career is that he's not actually in the office. Instead he is pottering around the house constantly getting under my feet! Sure, he's working ... he's logged on and doing a bit of this and a bit of that while also messing up my lounge room with comics. After being around each other 24/7 for the last few weeks you'd think he'd want to escape. I'd like him to escape, even if only for a few hours. But no ... he's right here. And he's seriously messing up my day. If he's not going to work, why couldn't we have stayed at the beach?!

Sigh. As for the kidlets, they are also under my feet. They say MUUUUUM a lot. You'd think with Dad home there might be a few DAAAAAD's in there too. But no. It's always MUUUUUM. The good news is that they are heading off to hang with there cousin's for two nights. That's also the bad news. It means my husband has a twinkle in his eye and he's expecting me to "perform". I am far too hot and bothered for that.

Day 818

2012-01-02T16:24:00.000+11:00

I need new bikini pants. I have a gazillion tankini tops that I spend good money on so that they can be swimmers as well as tops to wear with white three quarter pants as part of my 'resort wear' range. But I am severely lacking in the swimmer pants department. I am down to one pair of brown and one pair of black with attached skirt.

I did have a goldie coloured pair but they got embarassingly threadbare. I suddenly realised in Hawaii that when I bent over in the right (or is that wrong?) light that spectators could possibly see what I'd had for breakfast. So I threw them out for the decency and preservation of humanity. I also had a pair of Hawaiian bottoms to match a Hawaiian bikini top, with matching sheer resort shirt, but they disappeared mysteriously while in Hawaii. Not sure if they too may have been confiscated for humanities sake.

Anyway. I need new swim briefs. Preferably black to go with majority of my tops.

So today I wandered into K-Mart to pick myself up a pair. They had loads of separates but all were at the higher end of the size spectrum, or were patterned, which was no good for me. I finally found a plain black pair and took them to try on. They were quite thick ... in fabric and in design ... I wasn't too sure about them. The thick fabric was good, the design was a little "butch" for my liking. Perhaps they would be good to hide my stretch marks and to tuck in my elephantitis (that phenomenon of over stretched skin around the tummy region resulting from the the stretch-a-thon of pregnancy that shrivels into hundreds of tiny wrinkle folds to look like saggy baggy elephant skin once the baby comes out). But no. They were hipster in variety and I couldn't tuck myself in. I needed a slightly higher waist. What a strange design. Kind of comfortable but kind of odd at the same time.

Then I noticed the draw string.

I was wearing mens budgie smugglers. That would explain the "comfy pouch" that I was failing to fill in the lower front region. Bugger.

I couldn't bring myself to buy them. They were only $10 and they kind of did the job, but the bargain could't hide the fact that I would be wearing dick stickers.

Back to the drawing board ....

Day 817

2012-01-01T14:24:00.000+11:00

Happy new year!!! Woooooot wooooooot.

Happy New Year!!

I've decided I'm not having New Year's resolutions this year. I am going to have New Year's visualisations instead.

I am going to visualise myself celebrating on NYE 2012 with a list of my accomplishments in my hand and work backwards from there. I can see snippits already .... but I need to work on the detail a bit before I share it. I'll keep you posted ...

I look forward to hearing about your 2012 goals, dreams and desires.

Happy New Year.

Day 816

2011-12-31T08:25:00.000+11:00

It's the end of another year. I've gotta tell ya, in my mind 2011 had a hell of a lot more forward movement in it that 2010 did. I mean, 2010 was a good year but I found it to be a very ~~frustrating~~ fascinating year. Yes, there were ~~frustrations~~ fascinations galore in 2011 as well, but on the whole there was a whole lot more forward movement than the year before.

Every Christmas and birthday I give my kids a book (rather than a card) and in the front of that book I write them a message. Their Christmas book usually has a summary of their year to help them chart their lives. For example I might write "this year you played soccer for the first time, got your first BMX bike and trained your eyes to help you read a little easier". Or something like that. And I continue on for a few paragraphs of recognition. Just little summaries to celebrate their year that was.

So I figured I could do the same for myself here. I help others celebrate their lives all the time. Perhaps today is the day I should celebrate my own. Because no matter how poorly you think you feel, or how shitty you think your life is (or phases of it) there is always something to celebrate. Always. You've just got to find it.

So here is my 2011 celebration:

This year I had my first book published, secured the Foreword and illustrator for another book, wrote another three books and publicly declared myself a "children's book author" to the world. From a business perspective I opened my mind to the possibilities, renewed my business focus and increased my client base and networks in the process. I actually got myself a coach and developed a brand new product line which will be directed at children to assist with self worth, resilience, health and fitness. During that process I had discussions with the ACT Government and wrote my first ever grant application.

From a friendship point of view I visited people (close by and with travel involved) attended celebrations, held babies, made loads of phone calls, sent text messages and cemented some on-line friendships. From a family point of view I got to be 100% involved with the lives of my children all year and was able to actively parent them every step of the way. I also got to be involved in Chelsea's wedding celebration in a relaxed and fully supportive way. Plus I got to see my Nanna turn 90.

Derek and I had an enormous fight during the year (mammoth) which scared the bejeebers out of me, but made us stronger in the end. We have further cemented ourselves as husband and wife for life. As an extended family (included my folks) we got to go to the Gold Coast this year and we also got a winter escape to Hawaii (again with my folks and Derek's brother's family). There was lots of time spent by the beach or at the farm throughout the year.

I was nominated for an ACT Lifeline "women of spirit" award this year which was nice in recognition of my work with the cheerleaders, plus I got to finish my cheer coaching career with a gorgeous group of year 6 children, while continuing to lead and inspire the younger cheerleaders. Another successful trip to Nationals capped it all off nicely.

This year my health was quite good, despite the challenges. Sure, I had some strange things going on with the dizzies, vertigo and other strange stuff that disabled me for a bit and left me unable to drive, and I have aches and pains and migraine, but it always passes eventually and it hasn't killed me (yet) so it all probably just makes me stronger.

Yeah, 2011 is worthy of celebration from a me, me, me point of view.

I am almost sad to see it end ....

I wonder what 2012 will bring!

Day 815

2011-12-30T06:33:00.000+11:00

I am still visualising that dream house in my mind. As I sit and plan for my new product line, I do so with clear visuals of me sitting in that home office, with the kids playing downstairs in the rumpus room and Husband in his own office space. I can see it as plain as day. The thought of the mortgage almost sends me into hyperventilation mode, but then the productivity that could occur in that space would totally counter-balance it all.

The house is still for sale. It is not yet "under offer". They won't accept our bid but it seems no one else is bidding either, soooo ....

We'll sit and wait. And visualise.

Day 814

2011-12-29T13:53:00.003+11:00

Today we are going to talk about Chairs. The Rio Gear beach chair to be precise.

When we were in Hawaii this year the hotel pool was closed, so to keep the guests happy the concierge would provide us with little fold up beach chairs with enclosed towel that we could wear as a back pack and walk to the beach. We fell in love with those little chairs. They had little beach legs, a cup holder, mobile phone pocket, zip carry compartment, cooler bag compartment and the best part is that they would not only recline, but could lay flat. And all of this could be strapped to your back for easy walking.

Imagine my delight when we walked into Costco a few weeks ago and found our Hawaiian chairs. It was pure bliss! Not only were they there and had ALL the compartments and special features, but they were less than $30 a chair. So we bought 12 of the bloody things.

Yep. The Clampets have arrived with a big dose of Griswold's thrown in. Everyone in the extended family got a Hawaiian beach chair for Christmas and as a group we now strap them to our backs and walk up the beach in perfect formation. There is no stopping us. We are in Aloha heaven ....

Go get yourself a chair. I highly recommend them

This is not a paid promotion - I genuinely love the chairs. They are made by Rio Gear and can be found at your local Aussie Costco. They are not totally magical though. In reference to yesterday's post, carrying the chairs does put a strain on my neck. It doesn't dispel the love though. Photos of my own special chair below.

look at the little cup holder there on thee side with mobile phone pocket next to it, and the lovely little neck pillow

the main zipper pocket is at top with the cooler pocket underneath (you can see the shoulder straps hanging underneath) . That other leg folded at the back also acts as a towel rack.

all folded up and ready to carry away

Laying down flat

Day 813

2011-12-28T08:23:00.001+11:00

I am as stiff as a board. Completely inflexible. I'm not actually talking about my personality (although some may argue that description may fit) but my body. For months my body has slowly been seizing up limb by limb. It started with my neck and shoulders, which then refers pain to my head, and has gone through to my back and legs. Now my arms are also feeling 100 years old. I am only 40 and 813 days old (that's 42 and a bit in lay-man's terms). Why is my body behaving this way? Is it the fibromyalgia pain that I never seemed to have suffered in a big way before finally kicking in? Or is it age? Or is it just lack of exercise? Or a combination of all three?

Every morning I lay on the floor and do my stretching exercises. Throughout the day I do a few more. I used to be quite flexible (for an old tart) being able to lay down and lift my legs back towards my chest. Notice that I said "towards" not against. I was never that flexible. But I was a hell of a lot more flexible than I am today.

I am hurting. My body hurts. It's constant. And I'm not sure what to do about it ....

My New Year's resolution. To become more flexible. This whole fibro/age/lack of fitness is not going to beat me!!

Yoga anyone?

Day 812

2011-12-27T12:04:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I sat in my Dad's study. I had his computer turned on with his Skype account open. Next to it I had my new iddy biddy laptop. Next to that I had the iPad with my Skype account ready and waiting, and Facebook sitting in the background. Next to that I had my super smart LG phone with Facebook open and my emails downloading. And I sat and I waited for my bestie to log onto something ... anything ... some form of connection ... from across the oceans to the east coast of the USA on their Christmas Day. I needed to talk to her because Christmas Day is also her birthday. This year it is a big birthday. 40. So I sat with all these gadgets and waited. Nothing.

Then we had visitors and I forgot about it all for a while. My friends had come down from Brisbane for their family gathering at a nearby farm and had popped over the hill for a cuppa and a Christmas catch up.

When I returned to the study a couple of hours later I found that my bestie had Skyped Dad, and me and Facebooked me. Bum. I missed her. And now she was turned off.

So I lined up my devices again and sat and waited.

Then Mum and Dad had visitors so I went to mingle with their people and to play Sticky Wicky with Darbs. When I returned I found an odd symbol on my phone. Tahlia told me it was someone trying to Facebook chat me. Ohhhhhhh. So I clicked on it (well not "clicked" on it as much as touched it with my too big finger) and there was Cathy chatting to me. But for whatever reason I couldn't chat back. My phone was frozen or the connectivity was bad or something. Bugger. I checked Skype on all the devices. She wasn't logged on. I tried again to reply on Facebook. Nope. Frozen. So close but yet so far ...

Then today we got in the car to drive home for a quick unpack and reload before we go to the coast. I have my new little pocket WiFi thingo. So there I was in the passenger seat with my phone, the iPad and the new iddy biddy laptop with Skype on, Facebook open and waited. Hoping.

When we got home I thought "all this technology and still no contact!".

Then I went STUFF IT.

And I picked up the home phone and simply rang her ...

Yep. The good old fashioned not-being-bugged plugged-into-the-wall telephone.

And we talked ......

Finally.

Day 811

2011-12-26T10:31:00.000+11:00

I am writing to you today from my brand new iddy biddy ASUS "fits in your handbag" laptop. Why a laptop and not an iPad you ask? Well, because I am a touch typist and I need to carry around full word processing capabilities for writing my books. So now I am not confined to a big screen, a keyboard with letters and buttons missing, and power cords, but instead have this little tiny thing with a real life touch-type keyboard that allows me to speed type anywhere and everywhere. And with battery life to boot!! Gooooo you good thing. Yay!!! Good Husband.

What did you get for Christmas?

Day 810

2011-12-25T11:21:00.000+11:00

Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas.

That's all. Nothing much else to say except ho ho ho. Too busy sharing the in-real-life love to hang here for too long. We are at the farm getting ready for extended family cooked luncheon gathering. No. We're not cooking the family. We are cooking lamb, pork, turkey and all the veges. Oh, and there is Christmas pudding, fruit salad and bon bons. Yay!

Wishing you a world of love and peace today. Hope Santa came.

See you tomorrow.

Day 809

2011-12-24T09:07:00.000+11:00

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ....

At the moment that should be "jingle boobs" given I have a severe case of the droops. Losing weight in your middle years unfortunately means some saggy baggy bits. Fat arse = firm and round. Skinny bum = bones and drapery. I guess if I'd coupled the weight loss with exercise I may have had a better result ... but for now my headlights are pointing towards the ground and if I lay down they mysteriously disappear into my arm pits. Is it too late to ask Santa for a boob job?

What am I doing today? Well, when I am not marveling at my jingle bits, I am packing for some time away. We will start at the farm and then head to the coast. For all you robbers out there don't think this is your free ticket to all things Langdown Lodge. We have a kick arse back-to-base security system on the house with little "eyes" about the place. So you won't escape ... The only thing worth stealing is the TV anyway. You definitely won't want this laptop as all the letters have rubbed off the keys and some of the keys are actually missing. I have now completely lost my E, U and Z. Hey Zeus!! Will the S be next?

My challenge right now is to stop Husband from actually packing the kitchen sink.

Before I sign off today I just wanted to say thank you.

Christmas is a time for joy, love, peace and magic, and it's also a time for gratitude. Thanks for having Deep Fried Fruit as part of your 2011. I look forward to seeing you in 2012.

Merry Christmas!!

Just because I have sent my "merry's" today doesn't mean I won't be back. Given this is a daily diary, I will see you tomorrow. You can try, but you can't get rid of me that easily.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ....

Day 808

2011-12-23T08:14:00.000+11:00

For the entire month of December I have been convinced our phone has been tapped. It made sense because Derek is going through a major security clearance for work so I figured it was ok if the spooks bugged the phone. We have nothing to hide.

No, I'm not all paranoid and no, I don't have my walls lined with tin foil. It's just that when I picked up my phone to dial out it had a weird tone which convinced me someone was hacking into our calls.

I didn't think too much about it other than that it was going for a long time.

Then last week I rang home. Usually our answering machine would pick up, but this time it didn't. The phone kept ringing and ringing. Who turned the machine off? Just as I was about to hang up I got the Telstra Home Message Service asking me to leave a message.

What the?!?!

Since when did we have Telstra messaging service??

Holy crap.

That's the weird dial tone!!! We're not being bugged at all ... it's telling us we have messages.

So I raced home and had to ring a friend to find out how I retrieve the messages (given I didn't order the bloody thing and have never used it).

Turns out we had a shit load of voice mail and once I cleared it all the phone returned to it's normal tone. We're not being bugged at all! How funny ....

How very very funny.

And I promise I'm not paranoid ....

But now I'm sitting here sucking my thumb wondering how many unanswered friends I've lost in the process ...

Day 807

2011-12-22T07:57:00.000+11:00

Overdue electricity notice.

Overdue water and sewerage notice.

Added together they total over $1000.

Bugger!!

Time to start shopping for Tahlia's new school uniform. She will be attending a "ladies college" next year. Well ... its not so much a ladies college as a Catholic school for girls. Her uniform is not cheap and we haven't managed to find any hand-me-downs. It'll cost us hundreds. Today we go and put it on lay-by.

We also got a notice about her book pack. We've got to buy the school issued bits and bobs. $75.

My first mobile phone bill for my new phone came in last week. My capped plan of $49 came in at over $200. Something to do with me being between plans and it having to get pro-rata'ed. I called to question. They explained. I am none-the-wiser but Husband understands it all. It sucks.

Our back-to-base security provider called yesterday. Apparently there is an issue with our payments or something? Shit.

I'm too scared to open the rest of the mail. Ignorance is bliss and all that.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I'm just realising that the magic of Christmas (and all this wonderfully uninhibited Christmas shopping) doesn't mean the bills stop arriving nor the commitments become any less pressing. Money is spewing from our bank account.

Spewing!!!

Day 806

2011-12-21T06:33:00.000+11:00

The fabulously ~~frustrating~~ fascinating world of FFS ....

Husbands just wouldn't be husbands without a big dose of FFS thrown in on a weekly basis.

I don't like going to the malls when it is busy. That's why I plan my Christmas shopping for first thing in the morning, with concise lists and limited need for a return visit. I will not shop the week before Christmas. No way. Of course there are exceptions to this rule - the first being when actually shopping FOR my husband's gift, as well as the last minute need to shop FOR/on behalf of my husband. The former is my cross to bear, the latter is a great big dose of FFS and one I'm still taking deep breaths about.

I asked Chelsea what she would like for Christmas. She said "Paco Rabanne Lady Million" perfume. I have no idea what that is but I will get that sorted.

So I told Husband.

Ok, he says. But she's my daughter I will buy it for her. I have a guy who I sell comics to on EBay who specialises in perfume. I'll ask him.

Righteo then. Over to you Husband ....

That was four weeks ago.

As you know I had my Christmas shopping trip around three weeks (or so) ago. Want me to pick up Chelsea's perfume? No, he says. I'll do it.

A week later. Have you ordered Chelsea's perfume Husband? You'll need to allow plenty of time for delivery.

No. What is the name of the perfume again?

I wrote it on a Post It and gave it to him.

Another week goes by. Have you ordered Chelsea's perfume Husband? We'll be seeing them for an early Christmas. Need plenty of time for delivery.

No, will get it sorted.

Last Saturday as I was out shopping for the big Langdown Christmas Bash I got a phone call. I juggled my bags, dropped my keys (which broke the door-unlocker-button) and almost dropped the phone trying to answer Husband's call.

What is the name of that perfume again? I'm at the mall. Will look into it ...

FFS. I sat in the gutter with my bags and scrolled through the text messages trying to find Chelsea's original message with the name of the perfume. Paco Rabanne Lady Million.

I'm going to go look for it now.

Ok. good.

So I then forget about the perfume until Sunday. You got that perfume for Chelsea so I can wrap it?

Oh, I didn't get it, they didn't have it at the chemist.

The chemist?! You went to the flippin' chemist? Did you try anywhere else? You needed to go to Myer or a perfumery or something.

Oh yeah. They said that. Apparently it's around everywhere. Not to worry. I'll get it.

So now Derek is on his way back from the coast and we are meeting with Pat and Chelsea tonight to exchange gifts. I am thinking there will be no time for him to get perfume. So yesterday before I went to my nails appointment I arrived at the mall at opening to check out the whole Paco Rabanne Lady Million situation.

Myer have a special gift pack which you get for free with the 50ml bottle. It has other lotions and potions with the perfume in a very nifty "safe". I thought that sounded lovely!

The bad news was there were none left. They had sold out the day before. FFS. Are you shitting me?! Can I get some anywhere?

They rang around Canberra and found one box left in the city. They put it on hold for two hours.

I rang Husband. Did you get that perfume yet?

No. But I will.

No you won't. They're sold out! I have some on hold in Civic. It's the last box.

Thanks Wife, that's great.

I really should have got this three weeks ago you know. When I first suggested it. Before it all ran out.

Oh well he says. That happens.

That happens? That happens?!!! As I was driving around the city in bumper to bumper traffic trying to get the last car park in the entire place for the last box of specially gift packed Paco Rabanne Lady Million I was thinking THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN!!!

You ~~frustrate~~ fascinate me Husband. You really really fascinate me.

Merry Christmas Chelsea. Luckily you're one in a Paco Rabanne Lady Million ....

Day 805

2011-12-20T06:13:00.000+11:00

Shhhhhh .....

It's quiet here.

I am all alone.

Completely and utterly alone.

Even the dog has left me.

On the spur of the moment Derek took Max and the kidlets to the coast for two nights. They left yesterday morning. He's still working of course ... he's just doing it remotely while the kids get a change of scenery. Apparently he has all these on-line courses he has to complete before Christmas and doing it in the office is difficult, so he's getting them done from the comfort of his parent's lounge room.

As a result I am all alone. Only the third time I've ever been in this house alone of a night time without kids or husband. Only the third time in 13 years. Wow!!

Did I run around the house naked all night? No. I thought about it. But instead I had a girlfriend over for a drink and a chat, and then I sat up watching re-runs of Friends and Everybody Loves Raymond. Despite my reference to "girlfriend" she's not of the getting naked together variety.

Prior to the evening hours I spent the day getting my business bits and pieces sorted, as well as finally finding the bottom of my in-tray, finalising my tax, and overhauling my filing cabinet. I also had a meeting with an innovations expert, contacted a couple of lawyers for more quotes on getting my IP sorted, and had a phone call with a group about forming a strategic alliance. It was a good day from a business perspective.

It was also a good day from a Leanne point of view, although I wouldn't do this "all alone" thing on a full time basis. It's OK occasionally but I miss my family. Mind you, not screaming at kids to close doors and drawers is kinda nice .... and not sweeping up dog hair is a relief also ... and having a king size bed to myself which hardly needs to be made this morning is pretty awesome ...

Be careful what you wish for...

Day 804

2011-12-19T12:03:00.000+11:00

Sometimes it's hard to know if you were in the right place at the wrong time, or the wrong place at the right time, or the wrong place at the wrong time, or the right place at the right time.

Phew. That makes me exhausted just thinking about analysing that.

I am contemplating that right now as I think of the experience my nephew had on the weekend. He may very well have been in the wrong place at the wrong time .... but then he could have been in the right place at the right time ... depending on your perspective.

Josh was walking through the mall on Saturday having just bought his lunch when a bag full of "something" (possibly cap gun ammunition) exploded nearby. He was about 4-5 metres from the explosion when it occurred and he saw an adult man fall to the ground with his jeans ripped off him, covered in blood. Josh said it all happened in slow motion. He thought the man was dead. He wasn't moving and his clothes had shredded. Nobody knew what had exploded. The panic mindsets suggested it was as bomb. People started running everywhere. The police came. Josh felt like he was standing outside himself watching a movie. His ears were ringing with one ear numb. He rang his mum to tell her what had happened. She was on her way. He just stayed where he was watching it all unfold wondering if perhaps this was actually real, or whether he was dreaming. The police interviewed him and he told them what he could. Meanwhile the ambulance treated the man as well as a teenager who was injured. The area was roped off and a tent was put up around the victim. Nobody died.

As far as we can tell Josh seems to be handling it all very well. He is talking about it freely. He is not injured and his ear is getting back to normal. Of course there may be some post trauma still to come, and he has yet to go back to the mall so it will be interesting to see what his cellular memory might do when he first sets foot back inside the mall. But for now he is good.

So, was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or the right place at the right time?

If he was only two metres further to the left could he be the one lying on the ground with a tent around him? If he had chosen to eat a donut rather than a burger could he be the one with pellet cuts all over his body? If he had stopped when crossing the street for a do-not-walk sign could he have missed it altogether ? If he had chosen a shorter line in the Maccas queue could he have already been in another area of the mall?

There are a lot of "what ifs" in our world. As well as a lot of "if onlys". It only takes a split second decision or a minor diversion to potentially change the course of our lives. That's why there's no point getting hung up on it.

Direct what you can, use your sensory acuity to adjust as necessary, and just know that the rest is out of your control.

I know what is in my control! My new business venture. It's my job now to make sure I am in the right place at the right time to take advantage of opportunity ...

It's also my job to make sure I'm in that mall when the electronics sales are on so that I can get my hubby his Christmas gift. Why do I always leave him til last?

Day 803

2011-12-18T12:11:00.000+11:00

Another Langdown Christmas bash done and dusted. Around 70 people partied with us last night for our Hawaiian themed bash. We had a ball!

And now all we need to do is finish the cleaning.

Nah .... stuff it .... sleeping sounds far more appealing ....

Day 802

2011-12-17T07:12:00.000+11:00

Note to self: never sob after a spray tan. Facial stripes are so last season ...

Yesterday Tahlia came home from school sobbing. We hugged and we sobbed. She cried because it was her last day of primary school and everyone was feeling a great deal of love, gratitude, relief, expectation, fear, loss and loneliness. I cried because the entire school gave them a guard of honor to thank them for their leadership and to wish them well, and I missed being part of the outpouring of love and gratitude.

Then I headed off for a spray tan and came home to relay my day to Mum on the phone and started sobbing all over again. Hence the new look facial stripes. Forget my inner lioness, I am now exploring the merits of my inner tiger.

Today I am grateful that my children go to an amazing school and that Tahlia's years in primary school are actually worth crying about.

Day 801

2011-12-16T07:23:00.000+11:00

Today is the last day of school for the year.

I have one very excited little boy. He can't contain himself.

I have one sad little girl who says primary school was her second home. Her heart is breaking that she is now walking away. There are a lot of cuddles, words of wisdom, encouragement and reflection this morning ...

Day 800

2011-12-15T06:35:00.003+11:00

Look at that big round number up there. Day 800! That means I am 40 years and 800 days old. Not a good way to view one's age.

Of course the kids are counting down the days until Christmas. I am just counting the days until the end of the week. Today is another one loaded with back-to-back festivities - farewell breakfast at school, Tahlia's candle ceremony, the cheer concert, the cheer party and the cheer planning session tonight.

Rather than think about all that right now, I think it might be time for a Christmas reflection:

I remember one Christmas a few years ago when Darby was only about three years of age. We were at church on Christmas Eve and the priest was talking about the birth of Jesus and was talking about the importance of that in life etc etc. He spoke of the spirit of Christmas and the need to remember it's true origins.

At one point he said something like "Christmas signifies the coming of our savior Jesus Christ" he then said something like "tomorrow let Jesus come into your life...." (blah blah blah) at which point the entire congregation went very quiet to reflect ... you could hear a pin drop.

Darby looked towards the priest with a big frown on his face, then turned to me quizzically. His little voice spoke up and bounced off the church walls in the silence. It was a voice of panic ...

"Jesus is coming? Jesus is coming? But I thought it was supposed to be Santa!!!!"

Hysterical!

Of course I got the uncontrollable giggles for the rest of the mass as did many others in the pews around us ...

(Which brings me to another reflection of when I used to have to go to church for school and I'd get the giggles in all the wrong places .... shoulders shaking, eyes watering, trying unsuccessfully not to make a sound. The more important it was to stop laughing, the more uncontrollable the laughter would become. Yes. Hysterical.)

I love those stories ... they continue to make me smile today.

Happy Thursday!! I hope at some point you manage to get an uncontrollable fit of the giggles ...

Day 799

2011-12-14T07:05:00.001+11:00

Well, my daughter is now officially a year 6 graduate (sob).

We had the most beautiful graduation ceremony last night which included the graduation mass, a slide show of memories, a beautiful song (and dance) routine from the year 6 class in which Tahlia actually got to sing on the microphone in a bit of a "solo" (who knew she could sing?!) and finished with the year 6 party. Of course my battery was too low to video Tahlia's singing debut which SUCKS. Oh well ....

After a late start the party went off without a hitch. Husband and a team of blokes took charge of the sausage sizzle, while I stayed inside and took the role of MC and DJ. A very fabulous and talented mother took charge of the photography for us on our special red carpet. She does amazing work (including my official author shots). You can check out her website here and her Flickr site here.

The theme for the party was Live, Laugh, Love and the special highlight of the night was a red carpet experience leading to a "photo corner". The kids LOVED it!! Definitely no shyness involved. They were all movie stars ... and we had a few rock stars thrown in too. And quite a few shufflers and hip hoppers as well. That was obvious once I got the strobe light and laser light out. Everyone was shuffling. It was all very sad when I had to announce the final song at 8.45pm.

Here is a picture of my one minute of fame on the red carpet. That is the photographer I am cuddling. So who took the photo?!

Day 798

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001+11:00

Please step away from the screen ....

BRMP BRMP BRMP

I repeat ...

Please step away from the screen ...

BRMP BRMP BRMP

We have a head that is about to implode ....

Did I take on too much?

Possibly ....

But then again, I've always liked a good challenge.

Where would be the fun if things went smoothly?

It's the year 6 graduation ceremony and party tonight and coordinating it is becoming quite a fascinating little adventure.

Day 797

2011-12-12T06:54:00.000+11:00

Yesterday Tahlia and Darby both headed off to Tahlia's new cheer squad for the summer program. No, Darby won't be cheerleading, but he did ask if he could do some tumbling classes. Apparently when he's a huge football star he wants to be able to do flips when he scores a try! Or something like that ....

So they went and they had a ball. Even when they got home they went straight to the trampoline to practice. Darby is even doing stretches in front of the TV to keep his body flexible. When's the next one Mum? Not till after Christmas mate. Scowly face ...

Tumbling wasn't the only thing to hit our house yesterday. Christmas landed smack bang in the middle of our lounge room as well.

Every surface of the lounge room has been Christmas-ised.

As you can see I go with the traditional Christmas colours of green, red and gold. It just seems to work for our house ... which is all wood trimmed and set in among tall pine trees. You will recall (from last year) that our tree is the Luke Longly of Christmas trees ... even taller than Derek's 6 foot 5. I guess it must be at least 7 foot. Lucky we have those cathedral ceilings. When we dress the tree we start with the lights, then I move to the standard store bought baubles of red and gold. Then it's time for the special decorations - the ones that have either been given to us as gifts or the many many MANY that the kids have made over the years. That is what I like about our tree ... the eclectic arrangement of personal bling. It may look a bit like Rudolph threw up all over it, but there's a history there which (for me) far surpasses the perfect trimmings of shopping mall decorations.

How's your Christmas decorations going?

Are they up yet?

I would love to see your tree ...

Day 796

2011-12-11T09:28:00.000+11:00

Last night Tahlia was at a birthday party sleep over so Darbs and I did boy things together. We played the Wii, we watched Transformers and we build with Meccano. Daddy was there around the edges but he was super busy getting all his comic sales posted out in time for Christmas (and watching the cricket). I must say, that Meccano caper isn't bad for challenging the mind. I'm not sure it was invented with acrylic nails in mind, but we managed to get through about one fifth of building an aeroplane. I feel like a freakin engineering genius!! Note to self - must let Darby actually do some himself next time.

Today is Sunday - my favourite day.

Today I de-clutter my mind a little by writing lists, ticking off a bunch of to-dos and getting my week started from a calm place. I've gotta tell ya ... I'll be bloody pleased when the week is over. It's a big one .... my grant application needs to be finalised, last week of school, Tahlia's year 6 graduation ceremony and party (yes ... the party I am coordinating ... idiot), a bunch of end of year activities at the school including the cheer concert, a strategic planning session for cheerleading, clients, and hosting the annual Langdown Christmas party where we are expecting about 60 people this year. In the middle of that I am supposed to be focusing on getting the trademarks in place for the new product line, finishing my Christmas shopping and cooking occasionally.

Yes, today is Sunday - my favourite day - and I am going to savour the serenity of it while I can. Because (quite frankly) sometimes I get a good feeling ... and I like to savour that feeling.

Pump up the volume and dance with me ... my new favourite song.

Day 795

2011-12-10T14:01:00.000+11:00

Sometimes you've just got to look fear in the face and stare it down ...

The kids and I just returned from the city pool - a different pool than normal - and they experienced the diving boards and diving tower for the first time.

Darby took to the diving board feeling his way on the spring board and learning to trust the depths of a seemingly bottomless pit.

Tahlia went straight to the 5 metre tower (of terror). There is actually a 10 metre tower as well, but apparently it is now closed to the public.

Darby didn't take long. He felt safe. There wasn't far to fall and it all looked quite respectable. He walked to the end, looked, bounced and jumped.

Tahlia, on the other hand, had much further to fall. She was way out of her comfort zone. She stood there for a very long time looking over the edge. Just stood and stood. She walked away. Then came back again. She was going to do it ... or was she? You can do this Tahlia! Yes, she said. I can. She looked and looked. She stood and stood. She contemplated and contemplated. She hesitated and hesitated. Then she jumped and squealed the whole way down.

Once she resurfaced she smiled and smiled.

Then she went up those stairs and did it over and over and over again.

She had stared it down. Fear conquered.

Day 794

2011-12-09T12:02:00.001+11:00

Yesterday I got out of the wrong side of bed. I was a negative Nelly.

Today I got out of the right side of bed and I went for a walk around the lake. I am now a positive Pete.

I think I should do this walking thing more often ....

An update: That house ... the dream home ... they are still rejecting my offer. I am not despairing yet though. It might still happen. No one else is buying it ...

Another update: My beard is growing back. Will Nair it next week.

Yet another update: My new project (my product line) is becoming quite real! Am in discussions with lawyers and business coach about intellectual property and the fact that this idea of mine has real potential to go global. Turns out I am about to spew money from every orifice to secure my trademark across many classes. Money spewing is not overly fun and can be very painful, but if the ultimate vision is worth it then it's gotta happen!

A final update: I found out all about Sticky Wicky and made a new friend and someone to network and mastermind with in the process. The lovely lady at Sticky Wicky told me all about how her hubby dreamed up the new approach to back yard cricket 15 years ago and two years ago they finally decided to do something about it. And now they are going like the clappers!!! It is good to hear the stories of others as I embark on my own (very scary) innovations journey ...

Happy Friday.

Day 793

2011-12-08T06:41:00.000+11:00

From little things, big things grow ....

Like planter warts, lady beards and arses.

That's all.

Day 792

2011-12-07T07:01:00.000+11:00

What keeps you up at night?

For me last night it was "Meet the Fockers" on TV. I'd forgotten just how hilarious it was!

For the kids it was watching farts on You Tube. Yes, we still can't go past a good fart joke ...

Day 791

2011-12-06T09:17:00.001+11:00

Google Images

It seems I have spoiled my kids when it comes to Santa. Apparently whatever you ask for, you get!

Hmmm. Really?

I guess they might be right. Perhaps Santa does give them all that they ask for. The thing is they never ask for much so I guess that's easy. Both kids have only ever put four or five things on their lists ... it's always been relatively low key and achievable.

One year Darby got a heap of other things in addition to his list. I remember it like it was yesterday. He said "hey, I didn't order this!"

Yes, apparently you order stuff from Santa and he delivers it. He even stuffs up sometimes and gives you extras.

So this year Darby says to me "Mum, if Tahlia and I both ask for iPads for Christmas, then we will get them and the family can have three!".

But we've already got an iPad mate. We don't need anymore. We can share.

"But that's what is so good about Santa! You ask for stuff and he gives it to you for free, we don't have to pay for it and then we don't have to share anymore."

Ohhhh. I see. Hmmm. But .... if we ask for two iPads for Christmas from Santa, isn't that a bit mean because we've already got one and we might be taking iPads away from kids who don't have any yet?

"Oh, you're right Mum. Santa might only have like a thousand for the whole world. I'd better not ask for one then."

Phew!!!!

"Am I allowed to ask for an XBox?"

Sure. But we do already have a Wii. What if there are kids that don't have any games at all and we take the last XBox?

"Oh. Ok." Big sigh from boy child as he processes the thought that this Santa gig isn't as easy and as magical as he'd thought. There is still so much darn conscience involved!

So I started to feel a bit bad that I was putting limitations on his wishlist. Perhaps he should wish for whatever he wants and then when he only gets part of the wishlist I deal with his response then. Is that what I should be doing? Am I taking the path of least resistance with my current approach? Am I taking away from their resilience training by not allowing for disappointment? It's a tricky one.

Anyway, this is Darby's Christmas letter to Santa this year:

Dear Santa

How are you?

I hope you are well.

I am looking forward to Christmas this year and hope that everyone in the world has a happy time.

I have put my Christmas list together. Number 5 on the list - the XBox - is just in case you have any left over. I already have a Wii so don't want to take games away from people who don't have any yet.

Thank you Santa.

Love from Darby

1. Super Smash Bros Wii Game

2. Mad Gear Scooter

3. Sticky Wicky

4. Nike shoes

5. X Box
6. A hat like Tahlia's
7. A Tiger's football

As you know I have already done my Christmas shopping and I am feeling good about what has been allocated to Santa - but numbers 3 and 4 are new items on the list. What the hell is a sticky wicky? I hope Santa knows. And Nike shoes? What happened to good old fashioned Kmart sneakers? I hope Santa does name brands.

And that Number 5. Well ... it goes against every grain inside my being to lavish the kids with more indoor gaming devices, but interestingly enough when I bought my new smart phone the offer included a free XBox. I'm not giving away any secrets, I'm just saying that if Santa also bought himself a new phone this year he might actually end up with a spare XBox. Darby might be lucky.

Day 790

2011-12-05T08:18:00.000+11:00

Maxwell TP The First

Max the hip gyrating Lab is almost completely blind.

You'll recall that year ago we took him to a visiting optomologist who diagnosed him with a degenerative retinal disease. He predicted that he would lose his night vision first and then be fully blind within the year. He was pretty well right.

Max cannot see in the dark. He cannot see in half light. He cannot (and will not) go down stairs. If a school bag is left in the hall, or we move the furniture on the back deck he will fall over it. While he can still see in full daylight, it is fuzzy so he will do things like run into wire fences, or fall over rocks, or bump into branches. Our dog is almost completely blind.

It is odd seeing a big beautiful blonde Labrador (traditionally the poster pet for leading the visually impaired) being the one needing a seeing eye dog.

Yep, we thought of getting him a seeing eye dog, but decided that was a bit weird, so we are his seeing eye people instead.

His tail is still wagging, and he is smiling a lot (especially after a weekend spent humping with his gay cowboy lover), so we know he is doing ok.

He just needs us to guide him ...

Day 789

2011-12-04T14:18:00.000+11:00

Borrowed from Google Images

Christmas shopping!

Yep, finally started.

I drove to the mall at opening and went straight to the things I knew I was getting. There were no crowds, no Sunday shufflers, no pushy foreign sales person trying to catch my eye and lure me to the exotic beauty products. I was safe!

I grabbed the goods on my list and carried them straight to the car.

I then returned for things more spur of the moment, and delighted in the ease of the decision making process. I found stuff that was just perfect for my kids. I again went to the car to secure my treasure in the safety of the boot.

Then it was back again for some mindless meandering with a bit of a thoughtful browse thrown in. Again I returned to the car with more bags and marveled at the loveliness of my load. And all the while I hadn't even noticed that the mall was full and that shoppers were clogging up alley ways and congesting the escalators. I was so immersed in a Leanne bubble that crowds which would normally peeve me, just passed me by with not so much as a glance.

It was a very pleasant experience!!

The good news is that my kids are done.

The bad news is I still have about 15 other people to buy for ...

Next Sunday perhaps?

Day 788

2011-12-03T11:14:00.000+11:00

We have escaped. We are all hanging with Ma and Pa at the farm. I write this from the steps of the front veranda. The sun is shining,the dogs are panting (very content after a few hours of hip gyrating broke back mountain cowboy activity), Derek and the kids are in town at the markets and may hit the local pool and Mum is pulling weeds from the garden. The sprinklers (run with bore water) are spraying near my feet. Dad is in town doing some Rotary work before then doing a course to certify him as a fencing contractor. Fencing is something he has done all his life but now he needs a piece of paper. Another feather for the qualifications cap. I don't need to move. I am sitting here in the now. Something I don't do enough of. It feels good.

Focus is important, but so is mindfulness. Today my mind is at peace. Will get back to focusing on Monday.

Happy Saturday.

Day 787

2011-12-02T08:41:00.000+11:00

That's been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.

Steve Jobs

Yesterday I talked about the many roads I am travelling on and the different hats I am wearing on each road. What I didn't tell you is that on one of those roads ... my business road ... I am wearing just the one hat but I am continually scurrying up and down different forks in the road trying to manage a bunch of projects. All wonderful projects but all requiring so much of my energy. Well, that scattered energy is not going to lead to success in any of them. Success comes from focus.

After discussions with my coach and a long supportive chat with my husband we all agree that it is time to focus on my dreams and the dreams of my family. I spend a lot of my business time supporting the dreams of others, but in 2012 it is time to focus on Team Langdown. So over the next week I will be cleansing my work pallet so that the business road doesn't have quite so many in-roads and off-ramps.

Focus.

That's the word of the month.

One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.

Tony Robbins

In December I am focusing on moving mountains with my husband.

What will you be focusing on?

Day 786

2011-12-01T09:52:00.001+11:00

So many roads, all leading to the one destination. I am travelling all of them. Each road I am a different Leanne wearing a different hat. But they are all leading to one big thing. And that big thing is becoming evident with every passing day. How exciting!

But these roads aren't easy. Some are straight and steady. Some are speedways. Some are bumpy bush tracks. I drive the trusty ol' KIA Carnival down most of them, but occasionally I wish I had a four wheel drive, or a racing car. Both would help me get to my destination quicker (depending on the road I am on), but I guess then I would miss the challenges and some of the scenery. So my vehicle is the KIA ... that way I can take my family with me.

One of the roads I am travelling on has a brick wall in the middle of it ... that road is my publishing journey ... that brick wall is my lack of books on my door step.

I have sent emails and made phone calls. Still no books. Everyone is looking! But no one is finding. Apparently they are either swimming with the fishes in the Pacific Ocean, or perhaps they are flying to the moon with Richard Branson. If it is the latter then I know greatness is just around the corner. If it is the former, then I ~~have~~ ~~failed~~ haven't quite gotten the result I was after. This is where I would like to start hitting my head against the brick wall. Hell, I've had headaches all week anyway, might as well make it a blinder.

The other day Mum came to the rescue. She not only arrived to help me around the home, but she also handed me a bag with a pile of books inside. My books. Can you believe that two days ago it was the first time my husband and kids had seen my book?! The first time. A proud husband took a copy to work with him yesterday. A proud son took a copy to school with him today. My daughter smiled a lot and then got distracted with all things year 6 with ne'er another thought about my book. I know that she is secretly proud on the inside.

But despite this slight cushioning that Mum has supplied, the brick wall is still there. And my head is bobbing about on my shoulders in an agitated state ready to start butting it.

There is a reason my books are not here yet. There is a reason behind this challenge. I know they will arrive when the time is right ... and that there is an opportunity here hidden in the brick wall ... but I'll be stuffed if I can bloody well find it.

Better get that Panadeine Forte out ...

Day 785

2011-11-30T10:21:00.000+11:00

Did you know that there is a certain species of flat worm that has two penises (or is that peni??) and these worms are actually hermaphrodites which means they have both male and female bits and pieces going on?

Yep, penises and ovaries. And that's not all .... they participate in an activity called Penis Fencing where they have to cross swords (so to speak) and fight the other penises out of the way so that they can mate with another worm. Apparently they fight because both of them want to be the boy and refuse to be the girl. Obviously both of them want the sex but neither wanting the child birth. So in effect they are fighting to see who will be the man of the house, and who will be the child barer. These sword fighting penises aren't well rounded penises either ... they are sharp daggers and they try to pierce each others skins. Wow!! The defeated worm is then inseminated by the winning worm via the sperm being absorbed through the skin. The loser falls pregnant. Isn't that interesting?! Don't ask me how I know that. I read it somewhere and it suddenly popped into my mind.

I have far to many thoughts going on in my mind with correlations to human behaviour. Far too many to share here.

But one thing is for sure ... beware of sword wielding penis worms!! They're a pack of bastards ... the lot of them.

Day 784

2011-11-29T08:39:00.000+11:00

Imagine if you could clone yourself. That way you could have it all ... the job, the family, a spot in community, the clean and comfortable home AND the dreams.

I have been trying bloody hard to do the whole cloning thing. But I just haven't quite mastered the science of it all yet. So instead I put up a hat rack and carefully placed my many hats in a strategic order so that at least I could tame my multiple personalities by allocating them a day and a time in which to come out to play. That kinda works but sometimes they start clawing at each other and the battle does my delicate little head in.

Cue blinding headache.

So the next best thing to cloning is bringing someone with closely matched genes, and similar appearance, into the mix.

Yep - I have contracted my mother.

She will arrive any minute to wear a couple of the hats for me today ....

Thank goodness for closely aligned family, that's all I can say.

Let me know if you have managed to find the secret to cloning ... I'd love to hear your secrets.

Day 783

2011-11-28T10:23:00.000+11:00

There is a major shift happening in my life right now.

Everything is changing. Even though it is positive, everything is new, and scary and unknown.

Change is like that.

For successful change, a fair bit of change management is required. And I'm not sure I'm doing that real well right now as I am constantly finding gaps where I come to a complete halt, look around me, and wonder whether I really want to step into the abyss. There are moments of time where I suddenly wake up and think WTF?! What the hell was I thinking? But there are bigger moments of time where I am inwardly jumping for joy at the possibilities.

For example, I am no longer going to be a face-to-face cheer coach with my beautiful school full of cheerleaders, but hope instead to be an advisor/mentor so that I can guide the squad and continue to nurture them from a distance. But that means change for everyone, and it requires agreement, and it means a slightly different method of operation. I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

And then I am also moving across to a new cheer squad (for my daughter) which will help her to grow in her high school years as both a cheerleader and a person. Again, I won't be coaching, but will instead be helping manage and coordinate the squad and providing mentoring and advice. I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

I am moving forward in my business to specialising in career coaching Executive Assistants which means a whole new level of networking, a bunch of possible alliances and a great big Public Sector Congress I'll be speaking at in the new year (as part of an expert panel). I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

I am creating a product line in my business to help children with their self worth, resilience, health and fitness and for the first time I need capital, and there will be big wads of money involved, and there will need to be a big marketing campaign, and networking of a completely different type. I feel that everything I have done in the last five years has led me to this point. To this product line. I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

We have put in that offer on that house which they did not accept. We would like to own that house but we won't compromise on our financial security to do so. No one else has made an offer on the place and it is still for sale. I know that if the house is meant to be ours then it will be, and if it's not then we will simply renovate our current home to allow us to run businesses and still remain civilised as a family. Either way, we will be making changes. I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

My daughter is going into high school. My son is going into year 3. There is nothing else to say about that other than they are growing up too fast. I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

My step-daughter is now married and together they just bought their first major league family car. They are moving off into the world as fully fledged adults. They are talking about babies. I am excited and nervous about the prospect.

Of course I have dreamed about all of these things. But when they start to become real it can be a little confronting.

Bob Proctor once said "if your dreams don't scare you as much as they excite you, it's time to get new dreams." Or words to that effect ....

Well Bob. My dreams must be pretty good ones because (quite frankly) I'm shitting myself ....

There is a major shift happening in the lives of many right now.

How's your change management treating you?

Day 782

2011-11-27T10:19:00.000+11:00

My favourite day.

Yesterday was the start of Christmas shopping, a great big drooling afternoon nap, and a house warming party last night. The great big drooling afternoon nap was the highlight of my day. I sooo needed that sleep. I've been sleeping 11 hours a night of late and that arvo nap just capped if off nicely. I decided yesterday that sleep was definitely the new black ...

Having said that I think I may finally be refreshed. Today I have energy again.

So today is a day of house work, groceries, working on my new product line, a meeting, visiting a brand new baby and a late afternoon massage.

I love Sunday.

Day 781

2011-11-26T13:06:00.002+11:00

Today we walked into Costco for the very first time.

$300 later we walked out with a trolley full of stuff we didn't even know we needed.

End of story.

Day 780

2011-11-25T08:17:00.001+11:00

Sock image borrowed from http://tiilipeninsula.blogspot.com

Socks.

They drive me mad.

I personally don't wear a lot of socks. I guess because most of my shoes are not sock-able shoes. I do have a few pairs of sports socks for my sneakers, and I steal my hubbies socks when it is boot wearing season. But on the whole I could probably do without socks in my life.

Socks seem to appear under my lounge, in the middle of the hallway, on dining room chairs, under the cushions.

Socks never match up. What goes into the wash doesn't necessarily seem to come back out again. Socks get divorced quite a bit in my house.

So then I hold swinger parties for my socks and whether they match or not I just pair them up.

Then when all hope is lost for a pairing I send the socks to a big ol' sock orphanage where there are piles and piles of single socks. I guess in their world this could be a bit of a dating service where a whole bunch of singles are searching for their mate. This all takes place in a dinosaur shaped washing hamper.

This morning my husband went looking for some black socks. I sent him to the laundry. He found the sock hamper full of dregs and whooped with joy. So many socks!!! He was a little disappointed that I had cast them all aside so quickly. He is a bit of a romantic and he thinks that this eHarmony basket may actually have some matches made in heaven.

So he is going to be on sock duty tonight. He has made it his mission to become the matchmaker extraordinaire of the sock-iverse.

I don't much like socks. He can have it ....

Just as I was about to hit "publish post" my son walked in. Mum, I have no socks.

Sigh.

*&^%$#@

Socks.

They drive me mad.

How's your sock tolerance?

Do you have a good sock relationship or are you a bit Sock-ist like me?

Day 779

2011-11-24T06:53:00.000+11:00

Apparently I've got to focus. Well, that's according to my new business coach. It seems that while I fit neatly into the "visionary" personality type which is great for someone who is highly driven and got fabulous ideas, I've got to take on some more of the "programmer" personality types to bring me back down to the here and now. It's great to see my vision at the other end ... but I've also got to make time for the step by step approach needed to get there. So this week I have to clean my diary and start fresh by prioritising my projects and focussing on the one that means the most. Wow. Ok. That's tricky ....

So yesterday I took the fact that my son was sick as a good reason to cancel all meetings and start working on my vision from the bottom end. But first I had to take my beautiful and very grown up daughter to catch her bus for the year 6 camp. And then I had to spend time chatting to the other parents as we all marveled at the kids confidence and independence. Then I got side tracked with tidying up some cheerleading stuff for end of year. Then I got side tracked doing stuff with my book. Then I got a little distracted with the washing. Then I got giggling with some stupid farting elves Christmas song on You Tube. Oh, and then I spent some time cuddling my boy. And then I got side tracked lying on the couch resting my eyelids. But then I got energised and started focusing on my new product line and doing the paperwork needed to get the idea off the ground. That was lucky coz my coach called me last night to see what I had been doing all day. Yikes!! He wanted to make sure I was focused on that particular project. This new project, it's the one I have to concentrate on for the next three months. So today, in anticipation of tonight's call, I need to get some serious stuff done. The diary has to be cleared and I need to make some measurable progress. I do have one meeting at morning tea time .... which I will attend ... but that will be my "coffee" break. I will try not to get distracted. It's time to haul out my old time management schedule and do a little more of that "practice what you preach" bullshit.

Have a great Thursday.

What will you be focusing on?

Day 778

2011-11-23T11:10:00.000+11:00

After a weekend of cheer spirit I was back in the spirit mindset yesterday at the ACT Women of Spirit Awards for 2011.

The Women of Spirit Award is a Lifeline event that recognises the efforts of women who make a difference in their local community despite their own "hardships". I was nominated this year for the work that I do with children on self worth and resilience, through my cheerleading. I had a bit of trouble with the nomination because of the "hardships" clause ... I don't feel that I have adversity in my life. But according to those that nominated me, the fact that I don't see fibromyalgia as a barrier or excuse is the exact reason I should be a "woman of spirit".

I don't know. Sure, the fibro stuff and chronic migraines are a bit of a challenge at times, but I wouldn't say it was a hardship. Nor would I say that pushing through illness is particularly exceptional. But I am honoured that there are people in my community who acknowledge that it isn't always easy for me to get out of bed every day and work with the kids when I am chronically fatigued, am in the midst of the fibro fog, have neck and shoulder pain and migraine. So, while I was a bit uncomfortable with the nomination in some ways, I figured that if I am able to inspire and motivate others to get off their whinging whining bums and do similar things, then I guess being a nominee can only be a good thing.

So despite my initial discomfort, it was an absolute honour to be mentioned amongst so many exceptional Canberra women. It’s nice to know there are people making a difference to the lives of many despite their own challenges. And I am talking major challenges. Some of these woman have gone through major life altering events - paralysis, cancer, bi-polar, stroke. Some of these women are already full time carers - mental illness, learning challenges, the disabled. Yet these women are able to look beyond their challenges to find ways to turn them into opportunities.

There are a lot of women of spirit in the world - let's take some time out to recognise them and learn from them. Life might be tough at times, but it doesn't mean you have to lose your ability to give. It's in the giving that you truly receive (and challenges almost become worthwhile).

Day 777

2011-11-22T07:43:00.000+11:00

I often look at middle aged dance and cheer coaches and think to myself "gee, they've had a hard life". All that make-up, bags under the eyes, drawn faces and fried hair. Then on Sunday afternoon I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Holy shit!! I've become one of them. I look like absolute poo. Oh well, nothing a paper bag won't fix ...

Day 776

2011-11-21T06:55:00.000+11:00

That's it. Nationals is over for another year. It has been one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever been part of. Just the coaches conference to go and we're done.

You want some results? Well I am very proud to announce we got 2nd in poms, 4th in cheer and 2nd in Tahlia's partner stunt.

Woooooo hooooooo.

Happy Monday.

Day 775

2011-11-20T16:17:00.000+11:00

Exhaustion. But can't stop. One more section to compete in. My own daughter is starring in a partner stunt. After already being awake for 13 hours and much energy already spent she has to base with spirit, strength and motivational energy. And she'll do it too. She is good at that. She has spirit (yes she does).

So not long to go now and it's all over. The best part? Every one of these kids displayed perfect behaviour and competed to the absolute best of their ability. All performances have been their best yet.

Oh . . . want some results? Well - watch this space.

Day 774

2011-11-19T10:42:00.000+11:00

One sobbing coach. Tears streaming down my face. There is no saddness only pride. My cheerleaders were amazing out there on the Nationals floor.Amazing. No matter what the result.they are already winners. Anything else is a bonus.

Day 773

2011-11-18T06:55:00.001+11:00

There won't be any issues with sleeping in and missing our spot on the competition floor, that's for sure! This Qld caper is an early bird's heaven with the sun rising as early as I do making it very easy to sieze the day. I can see how not having daylight saving up here could appeal to some. Our only problem will be getting our kids to get enough sleep so they are competition ready. My Tahlia in particular. Yes. Brisbane is very welcoming. The sun, the birds and the palm trees. At this point I am very relaxed.And that, my friends, is a very good place for me to be.

Day 772

2011-11-17T05:43:00.000+11:00

I got a new phone on Tuesday, and yesterday I finally worked out how to answer it. Big thumbs up on that one. It's so nifty I can even get my emails, and play 3D games, and cruise the net. And the good news is I managed to stick to my guns and I didn't get an iPhone. I've been avoiding that phenomenon for years ... trying my best not to cave ... and then a few months ago we got an iPad and I saw the attraction. I could see that my Nokia N series just didn't cut it. It was time for me to convert. But when I walked into the store on Tuesday my eyes lit up to see that I had options! The iPhone wasn't the be all and end all. I could have all the glory without actually having to grow wool and join the herd. Silly, I know, but there is something inside me that makes me want to be a bit different to the pack. So I came home with an alternative smart phone. I have got the LG Optimus 3D. Yeah, I feel a bit fancy with my new gadget. You know I had to get it this week so that I could still talk to you all while I'm at Nationals. I never did master the internet and blogging on the Nokia ..... I seemed to have the caps on permanently which meant I was always yelling. But not now ... the LG Optimus 3D is nice and calm and works just like an iPad. Yeah ... Life's Good.

Getting ready to head to the airport.

Happy Thursday!

Day 771

2011-11-16T08:15:00.002+11:00

Did you know that cupboard doors and draws were invented to keep this packed away, out of sight, in a neat and tidy manner?

My husband and kids haven't grasped that concept yet. I live in a house with doors open, drawers open, lights on, socks scattered, clothes crumpled and shit on display constantly. Apparently the concept of doors and drawers has managed to bypass them.

I have come to the realisation that I am not compatible with my family. I am not sure I can live here anymore. I think I may build a granny flat out the back, or buy an apartment, or perhaps relocate them all to the cubby house. Something has got to give before I go completely insane ...

Or maybe buy a mansion by the lake with loads of room for me to escape ...

Day 770

2011-11-15T07:22:00.000+11:00

Sometimes it's just time for a good cry. There might be a trigger, but there doesn't have to be a reason. You've just got to purge.

Sometimes there is a reason.

Sometimes there are lots of reasons.

Sometimes there are none.

I purged last night.

It was time.

Why?

Well, just because.

Last night I had a good cry because:

I have misplaced (possible lost) my camera
My face is fuzzy and I need Nair
I have too much going on inside my head and the chatter won't let me sleep
My neck suddenly got really saggy overnight
I have an empty scrunched up paper bag permanently living on my stomach
I can' t live with my messy family
I couldn't live without my messy family
I have friends going through divorce
Sometimes divorce appeals to me
I'm scared of divorce
I don't want to get a divorce
I am tired
I am nervous
I am sad
At Nationals this weekend it will be the last time I ever coach the cheer squad I created back in 2008
I am scared of letting go
I am relieved to be letting go
I am scared I won't achieve my vision for the future
I am scared I will actually achieve my vision for the future
I watched Ellen and there was a family reunited after 7 months of both parents being absent due to war
My kids are growing
My daughter is becoming a beautiful young woman
My daughter is becoming a moody little cow
My son is making progress at school
My son is not making progress at school
I am tired
I've got Nationals this weekend
I'm too emotionally involved
I'm going to have to hand it all over
It will no longer be mine
One baby is leaving the nest making room for new babies to arrive
Just because

A counselor friend of mine once said "it's important to schedule yourself a breakdown ... that way it won't sneak up on you at inopportune moments". I often pass on that advice to clients. I had my scheduled breakdown between 10.30 and midnight last night. Today I feel a whole lot better.

Day 769

2011-11-14T07:06:00.000+11:00

Warning - this is a little rushed. Got a meeting in an hour and gotta do the whole hair and make-up thing yet, and get kids ready for school. Apologies if this doesn't read very well.

What's happening in the world of Deep Fried Fruitnom?

Well, for a start, it's Monday so that means a new week and lots of opportunity for fresh starts. And hopefully a bit of fun as well.

This week I am working on my new product range for kids (yes ... I am ... it's so exciting ... and so freaking frightening ... but more exciting than frightening ... so watch this space) and at the end of the week we have our cheerleading national championships up in Brisbane. Faaaarrrrk!!!!

Warning: Stomach doing back flips right now.

Where are we at with the house? Well, it doesn't seem to be happening. The house (the upgrade we were looking at) was "by negotiation" but it seems they weren't willing to negotiate. Hey, have I told you this already? Anyway, we put in an offer and the real estate agent thought it was too low and wouldn't even take it to the owner. So we put in a slightly higher offer and again she said it was too low. And I said, you can have that money tomorrow. Take it and finish the sale, or don't take it and wait six months, whatever you think is best. So she went to the vendor with that and I haven't heard back. She figured he would probably end up taking it off the market if he didn't get the price he was hoping for. That's fine with me. I reckon we'll get a phone call in a few weeks saying "we'll take it". But if not, that is ok too. It will happen if it's meant to.

Where are things at with my first book? Well, Mr Publisher got back to me last week advising the E Book will be available in a few weeks, and the audio around mid next year. He also advised marketing is about to commence in USA with print, radio and TV advertising (really ?!) as well as an author website under their publishing banner by end November. So I guess that is all good news. No one can tell me where my box of books is though ... it may be missing in action ... more information to come shortly.

Where are things at with my second book? No idea. I don't know what to do with that one. I have a meeting with my illustrator this week, but I'm not sure whether to go with current publisher or self publish. I am waiting for a sign ...

And that's the updates from this end! Well, for me anyway. This is my diary ... so ... it kind of tends to be about me ... that's how a diary works. I will update you on the kids and Husband tomorrow.

Day 768

2011-11-13T11:05:00.000+11:00

Husband and kids are at the beach, but my coastal escape has me house bound today. I've managed to pick up a bug. Sigh. Oh well, the view from my little writing "desk" is pretty awesome. I have written two books from this here table. Thought I might try and start a third ... if the bug will let me ...

The view from Derek's parents back deck - my coastal writing spot

Day 767

2011-11-12T16:10:00.000+11:00

So we bolted to the coast last night because a little birdie told us the weather was gonna be sensational. The birdie was correct. After a 13 hour sleep (yep - the sleep-in of all sleep-ins) we headed to the beach for the usual sun, surf and sand. Nothing stupid happened, there are no deep fried fruitisms to report, nobody's pants fell down and the wind was minimal so there were no beach umbrella projectiles. It was all boringly straight forward and oh so pleasant.

Then after the beach I headed off to the shops to buy myself my summer shoes. This year I have chosen some neutral coloured wedges. I could have paid $105.00 for a pair, but declined. I could have paid $59.00 for a pair, but declined. I almost paid $39.00 for a pair, but declined. Instead I went to K-Mart and for less than the cost of the original pair of shoes I came home with my wedges, a blouse, a pair of linen pants (yes, linen) and some summer bangles. All for the bargain price of $80.00. Yes, I'm cheap. Husband will raise an eyebrow at my shopping spree, but hey, it's K-Mart. He ought to be lucky I'm not out at Myer or DJ's or Calvin.

My K-Mart Haul

Oh, and I also came home with a hair dye. Last week at a conference a male business associate very cheekily stood staring at my hair under the conference lighting. He then started to squint. He then looked shocked. He then said (staring at my skunk line) "I didn't know you were grey Leanne!!". Yeah, thanks for that. Which testicle would you like to keep, because they other one is about to be kicked across the stage. So yeah, I am dying my hair this arvo.

That's my Saturday sorted.

How's yours?

Day 766

2011-11-11T08:16:00.000+11:00

Today I am grateful for this fabulous country that we call home. For it's freedom, it's sense of camaraderie, it's values, it's humanitarianism, it's multi-cultural ism, and the fact that we always remember and never forget.

Lest we forget.

Happy Remembrance Day.

Day 765

2011-11-10T06:58:00.001+11:00

Problem: Scattered energy.

Solution: Get yourself a coach.

I am a coach. I help people achieve their goals.

Who helps me achieve mine?

Well ... I've stepped up and this coach has gotten herself a coach. Someone to help me sort through my priorities, look at which projects mean the most to me and which help me reach my ultimate vision.

I have just signed up to be mentored by a world class success trainer who is going to help me focus my energy to achieve great results.

My man ... my coach ... my mentor .... he believes in me and what I'm setting out to achieve. I "interviewed" him yesterday to see if he could actually coach me better than I can coach myself. I interviewed him to see if he believed in my dream and could help me achieve, not only through coaching me, but by forming an alliance with me for future success. I interviewed him to see if he would ultimately promote my dream through his networks.

He passed.

A new alliance has formed.

We shook hands and the deal was done.

I have created a product line about to go into production which will ultimately help children with their self worth, resilience, health and fitness. And yesterday I found the man who is going to help me achieve it. I got my coach.

My coach is Eric Bailey. A man who is all about the vision. He's an ex-NBA player (having played with the likes of Michael Jordan) and also played here in Australia in the NBL. As it turns out he played with many of my husbands best friends. We already have connections. And so does he! His previous clients include McDonalds, Nike, Australian Defense Force, Flight Centre, Hilton Hotels. The list goes on.

Yep, this little coach got herself a coach.

Did it cost me a million dollars? Not even close.

I got myself a coach.

I'm ready. Are you?

Who coaches you?

Spouse, parent, friend, professional?

Who keeps you focused?