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Take+a+smile 380x286 Best and worst of the week.

So, how’s your week been?

by LUCY ORMONDE

I think I’ve caught a bug. Nothing too serious. I reckon I’ll shake it with a few days and a decent night’s sleep – and maybe a few cocktails on the beach in an exotic location.

Oh, and did I mention my ‘bug’ is the travel bug? I know, I know….It’s tough. Hold me.

Welcome to Mamamia’s best and worst of the week. It’s the post where we all come together to talk about what’s been happening throughout the week. Tell us your best moments. Tell us your worst. Tell us the funny story you couldn’t wait to share with your friends. No story is too trivial. No problem is too small. We talk about EVERYTHING.

My best? I’m so glad you asked. I’ve just come back from a couple of weeks holiday in New York, which will now be referred to as the best-most-amazing city, like ever. I’m won’t talk about it too much here because I know what it’s like when people tell holidays stories (and I promise I won’t show you photos), but all I can say is that it was the most perfectly wonderful holiday I’ve ever had. Two weeks. Seven family members. Cocktails. Credit cards. Compromise.

As far as I can tell, there are only two ways to get rid of the travel bug. The first is to come home to the Mamamia office.

Tweet from Mia Freedman (@MiaFreedman)

When I walked in on Monday morning Nat screamed, Mia cried and Jamila did cartwheels. (Okay, I made those last two reactions up. But the screaming was real. Promise.)

The other cure for the travel bug? Twenty-one hours on a plane to get home. (And I’ll count that as my worst.)

Over to you now Mamamia folk, tell us your best and worst. We’re all ears. 

 COMMENT NOTE: To keep the site positive, respectful and troll-free, we are now pre-moderating all comments. So if you don’t see yours pop up straight away don’t panic! We will get to it as soon as we can (we’re aiming for close to real time) and so long as it doesn’t breach our comment guidelines, it shall appear. Thanks for playing. MM Team xxxxx

Comments

Comment Guidelines : Imagine you’re at a dinner party. Different opinions are welcome but keep it respectful or the host will show you the door. We have zero tolerance for any abuse of our writers, our editorial team or other commenters. So if you’re rude, mean-spirited, snarky, aggressive, defamatory or bitchy, your comment will be deleted (so will any replies to the original comment – so don’t bother arguing with rude people, instead just hit the ‘alert moderator’ button).
And if you’re offensive, you’ll be blacklisted and all your comments will go directly to spam. Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That’s how we’re going to be – cool. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation…

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171 Comments so far

  1. Mumabulous

    The best of the week was taking time out to wander down Queen St. Woollahra soaking up the fabulousness of it all. The worst was having to clean my house – but that’s the worst of every week.

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  2. Mumabulous

    Best – Put on the ritz and cruised down Queen St. Woollahra absorbing the fabulousness of it all.
    http://mum-abulous.com/2012/09/07/a-walk-on-the-posh-side/
    Worst – Having a huge house and no cleaner.
    http://mum-abulous.com/2012/09/06/housework-the-opportunity-cost/

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  3. Lala

    Does anyone have any recommendations for lovely cottages or other accommodation in the Blue Mountains? I’m not looking for kids’/family resorts but an eco-friendly cottage, or a nice hotel (not too expensive) Anyway, if anyone has any recommendations, I would LOVE to know…too much choice when I look up online!

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  4. Kate

    Best: BOOKED HANSON TICKETS! WOO!!!

    Worst: Got some ridiculously bad health news from a very close family member. Can’t even begin to talk about how angry it makes me (because it’s very serious but easily fixed. She has refused treatment).

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  5. mamaofhope

    Without doubt the best for me this week, and perhaps for my entire life, has been the new project I am running with a friend called Fairy Tales for Hope. You can find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FairyTalesForHope or see our blog at http://www.fairytalesforhope.blogspot.com
    My friend Tonia had an idea to do an illustration of a popular fairy tale every day this August to mark the four year anniversary of my daughter’s stillbirth. We are selling prints of the illustrations with all funds raised going to the Stillbirth Foundation. Please check it out and support us in any way you can.

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  6. Jane*

    Best: My bro’s friend is moving out of our house this weekend! Finally! He’s only been living with us for 13 (!!) weeks…. Hello privacy.

    Worst: Had a drunken night out in heels last week and apparently I fell over… Lots. Ankle is still swollen, cue weekend spent with it bandaged and up.

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  7. elle

    Best: Got lots done this week and making progress health wise
    Worst: Fear fear fear..too often it stops me

    OMM: I am SUPER anti the pre-moderating! As I am posting this at 1:23am I will probably have to wait till tomorrow for it to show up. It feels like Mamamia is going overboard with the new commenting policing. Why couldn’t we just have a stricter policy and see how it goes? What was great about this site was the way you could express your opinion and interact with others in real time. Commenting loses its edge when you have to wait for it to appear and everything is controlled. I feel like we now have to whisper what we want to say in Mia’s ear at the dinner party before we’re allowed to open our mouths. I understand you don’t want awful trolls being abusive but pre moderation feels too controlling to me and means the conversation will lose flow and freedom of speech.

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    • Katie

      I completely agree with you.

      I am very very anti the new commenting policy. It is a VERY dramatic response to a traumatic experience.

      I too feel like although the community (who keeps this site in business) emphatically responded NO when asked their opinion on a possible pre-moderation policy, and we were ignored.

      I do not think that it is fair that all my opinions have to now pass Mia Freedman’s moral code test before they are posted.

      That is actually not a dinner party, it’s more like a dictatorship.

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      • Mia

        Ps – to continue the dinner party analogy, the hosts get to decide what to serve for dinner and who they allow through the front door.

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      • Mia

        Hi Katie,
        Until now, Mamamia has been the only site of this size in this area who has been post moderating comments.
        We discovered that with the decent growth in traffic that was no longer feasible if we wanted to preserve a civilised environment.
        The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. And nobody who leaves a polite comment needs to worry!

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      • Anonymous

        I agree, the new comment system sucks. I’m guessing that they’ve had to do it though. Maybe they are being really bombarded with a lot of negative comments at the moment? Or maybe too many of those comments that are advertising other sites. I remember a couple of weeks ago I noticed every second comment was from someone saying “great article” and then posting a link to their shopping site. And for each comment they’d change their name so they couldn’t be blocked.

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    • Lizi

      Agree. The loss of spontaneous conversation in real time is sad – I used to love some of the quirky backchat that went on between regulars, much of which wasn’t snarky in the least. Now if you submit a comment it goes up long after you’ve given up seeing it, so you either:

      1. decide it’s been spam-filtered, re-post it, which means the moderators have more traffic to wade through; or

      2. decide it’s been blocked, and give up altogether, which means the site loses some of its diversity of commentary and community.

      Sorry, I don’t know what the answer is, but I have loved coming on here to read and be part of an up-to-the-minute, fresh, interesting hub of news and diverse views, and I would hate to see the dynamic changed too much.

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  8. Stargirl

    Best – I think I found shoes for my wedding online (which might necessitate a trip to NY!)

    Worst – bit flat this week but no major dramas so all good here.

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  9. louem

    Best – Getting a date to get my gallbladder removed! At least if it is causing me pain I know there is an end date in sight.

    Another best – my partner. I continually find myself relishing the time we spend together, whether it be sitting on the balcony having breakfast, going for a walk on the beach, cuddled up on the couch watching tv… anything. The love I felt for him when we first got together is such a different love to what I feel for him now…. this love is much better!

    Worst – Got my period… ugh! It has been almost a week now and I am desperate for sex! It’s driving me a little mad.

    Also feeling a little fat and sluggish.. haven’t been to the gym for a couple of days and eating a bit too much chocolate :(

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  10. Anonymous

    Best – My husband is picking up my new car tomorrow!

    Worst – Nothing particularly awful.

    OMM – Feeling a bit melancoly. My 6 yo was in tears earlier after not being invited to a friend’s birthday party. I hate seeing her so upset and am now reflecting on how much I am always on her case (she is well behaved but takes forever to do everything, I am always time pressured and stressed out).

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  11. brizzy

    Best-hubby on holidays so we spent a few days at a farm stay cottage. Fed animals, drank wine, flew kites with the kids photo graphed them in their cute rain coats, ate great food. Great times.
    Worst- can’t shake this cold/flu thing. Went back to doctor he’s given me anti biotic.
    Omm-scared of getting thrush from antibiotic……..

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  12. Amandarose

    How bad are the comments you are getting to instigate pre-moderation? Seems lik site suicide to me. The conversations were the difference that made this site fun. I assume you must be getting some seriously nasty stuff?

    best-a few days of warm weather!

    Worst- Seriously sick grandma in law.

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    • Amandarose

      Ok- now that was quick! I will retract my concerns!

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  13. ozinuk

    I feel like I haven’t been home since Monday. I’m tired. So f*cking tired. Too much work. No fun.

    Best: the week is nearly over. the sense of achievement is creeping closer.
    Worst: no time to myself, body in agony and brain fried.
    OMM: there seems to have been a lot of death this year amongst my family & friends. it’s sad.

    x

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  14. Teal

    Happy Friday all.

    Best 1 – a week off.

    Best 2 – going through letters (some written in school and then from overseas) from almost 20 years ago – many many giggles.

    Worst – going through letters from almost 20 years ago. Many from one of my best friends that passed away after an accident 17 years ago. Many tears. Is it crazy that I still miss her?

    Have a sensational weekend.

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  15. Chellebelle

    Best: it’s the weekend!
    Worst: the weather in Canberra is seriously awful right now.
    OMM: I interviewed for a job 3 weeks ago and still haven’t heard a word.

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    • Teal.

      They sure like to take their time with all the paperwork – torture!
      Hope you hear good news soon Chellebelle and don’t get blown away.

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      • Chellebelle

        Aw, thanks Teal!

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  16. ashsmash

    Best: Getting my photos printed from my 2 month euro trip this weekend! Does anyone know any good photo editor sites (from a camera) that i could use for some arty ones?
    Worst: Being poor, and not being on holiday any more!

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  17. cher

    Soo many bests!

    Best 1: After 3 hideously stressful, frantic weeks the worst is over and I should be able to cruise through the next two weeks till school holidays. Yay!

    Best 2: Only 2 weeks until we hit the road on our epic family holiday! We’ve never taken the boys on a proper holiday before so the countdown is ON!

    Best 3: The annual dull conference was better today than it’s been in years. Mostly I just loved hanging out with my colleagues and talking about the things we’re passionate about (we’re all English teachers so yes, we talked books!)

    Worst: Big renovations happening at work so my cosy little office is about to be scattered. I’ve never sat in the one spot for so long, so I’m definitely apprehensive about this one. I’m sure it will be fine but I hate the uncertainty…

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  18. Angelina Ballerina

    The worst: I don’t like how the Mamamia site looks and works on my tablet now. It is very annoying. Also annoying is the massive zit outbreak I’m having.
    The best: Warm weather is back.

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    • August

      I agree re new MM mobile appearance – the rule of thumb for mobile sites is KEEP IT SIMPLE and you’ve gone and added a whole lot of additional functions which may be great on desktops but which are too much on my little phone screen. Twice now I’ve had to close my browser & reload the site just to get back to MM home page. Not happy.

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      • Mia

        August, we are still ironing out bugs. Getting closer to how it’s meant to function!

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  19. Lottie

    Best: Pneumonia has left the building :)

    Worst: My BFF is going through a rough patch and I am 2500km away.

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    • cleo

      Pretty incredibly crappy rough patch actually but made a little easier by an extremely caring and wise BFF 2500km away who is amazing – xoxo

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  20. Jackson

    Nothing to report in my world so just dropping by to wish everyone in the Mamamia family a great weekend.

    Stay safe and hug those you love.

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  21. Broken Hearted

    BEST: After a truly truly rubbish four weeks after a breakup, I managed to go to work every day and get all of my university assessments in on time. I am really really really proud of myself that even though I have struggled with everything personally that it did not adversely affect the one thing that will haunt me in a few years, my university transcript.

    OMM1: I really really really want to start a blog but am struggling to find a name and was wondering if MM’ers could help me. I’m nicknamed “pocket rocket”, a massive chatterbox, little in size, petite, an aspiring lawyer (a year to go in my law degree). Can anyone think of a name with those characteristics? I’m open for suggestions.

    OMM2: About two weeks after I broke up with my ex, I went out with the girls to a nightclub in Sydney and ran into a guy that I went on a few dates with before I met my ex. He was also there on the night I saw my ex again. He’s asked me on a date this Sunday. Should I go, four weeks after breaking up with someone?

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    • Ug Lee

      Hell yeah GO BH (im abbreviating your name to BH as I hope you wont feel “BH” for too much longer)!

      Life’s too short to sit around ‘waiting’ – go and have some fun; at the very least he’ll end up a great freind, and at best….who knows?

      The say (though, ‘they’ say a lot lol) everything happens for a reason – look forward not back!! And report back to us what happens.

      We’re rooting for you :)

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      • Anonymous

        I agree – go for it!!
        Worst case you will have a funny awkward story to tell – and looking back I love those stories!!
        Go and have fun – its the best way to move on and start feeling good again.
        BTW – Congrats on achieving everything whilst going through a breakup, I know how hard that is.

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    • Anonymous

      Yes you should go! Whats the worst that can happen? Worst case you will have a funny date story to share!
      And congrats on getting through that – I can definitely related to how hard that kind of situation is.
      Bring on the weekend!!

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    • hms

      If you want to, then you should go on the date. It’s over with the BF and there’s no prescribed time to wait. Whatever feels right, is right. Enjoy and tell us how it goes.

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  22. Shaezy

    Best Best Best – the new Marian Keyes book is released next Thursday and it’s all about HELEN!! I am SOOOOO excited!!!!

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    • nikster

      That’s so exciting! I’ve been wondering if/when there would be a Helen book. Rachel’s holiday is still my favourite of them all.

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      • winky

        I love her books and the crazy Walsh clan!

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  23. picardie.girl

    Best: Discovered a blog on minimalism yesterday and I am in LOVE. It resonated so strongly that I sat for hours yesterday reading post after post. Oops. No work done. Bad me.

    Best #2: Change is coming and it feels so exciting, I’m practically tingling from my head to my toes!

    Best #3: Life is sweet right now. After a slightly quieter weekend resulted in a fridge full of meals and house full of flowers to start the week, I’ve had a week of joy. Lots of chances to catch up on things have given me more breathing space.

    Best #4: My dear boyfriend has been an absolute joy lately – doing lots around the house, being super helpful and positive, motivated, going out and being active… it’s beautiful to see him so positively charged.

    Worst: Work is boring today and my back is sore. Ha. Whatevs. Happiness is mine!

    Much love to all, especially those with a tough week xx

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  24. Natalia

    Worst: My boyfriend is in Bali without me and keeps sending me pictures of his pool and tasty meals. Sook sook sook.

    Best: Florence & the Machine is playing in the office, the weather is warming up, I’m wearing SHORTS, and I have a big weekend planned – lots of exercise and time with the girls planned.

    Love to all :) x

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    • Anonymous

      Why did he venture away to Bali without you… I would be worried.. Very worried…

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  25. Elle

    Oh Lucy, love NYC!! Especially adore NYC in August – what an absolutely amazing, energising city. Alas they say the prognosis for post-holiday blues, is at least 3 x the time you were away, so looks like you will be daydreaming about adventures to be had for a few months to come.

    Worst: I’ll start with my worst first. A few weeks ago I consulted the MM community on the silent treatment. It was great to get a “response” from such a lovely community on how to manage this particularly situation with a friend. Turns out the silent treatment has ended. But the sadness and uncertainty has not. Reality is that this friendship has been in decline for quite a while, many signs point to such but I have been fighting to hold on for dear life. For many various reasons. But if I were to be completely true because I did not want to let go. This friend held my own validation. My own self confidence and belief in myself. I valued this friendship so much because I valued the feeling of self confidence that this friendship provided when it was at its peak. Unfortunately we are now just acquaintances, not sure that we will ever be anything more than that. I have seen friendships cycle before, but I have just never had a friendship this close that has diminished to so little. Not for any valid reason beyond that we grew apart.

    Best: in the last few weeks I have invested in other friendships and have grown some really valuable connections. Friendships that I hope I can grow even further. I have also learnt that I can’t rely on external validation of how fabulous I am :) ! Oh and the silent treatment has ended :) !

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  26. Alibee

    Best: I posted last week that it was my birthday on Sunday and my boyfriend surprised me with a kitten adopted from the SPCA! I was so surprised and had no idea (our landlord had previously said we weren’t allowed one. Best. Present. Ever!

    Worst: She hasn’t been keeping her food down so I took her back to the SPCA to go to the vet and they wanted to keep in her over the weekend for observation. A bit sooky I know but I cried on the way home – will definitely miss my wee girl!

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    • Natalia

      A KITTEN! What a gorgeous present Alibee. I hope she gets better soon :)

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    • Anon

      Dare I suggest that when you get her back you get a ‘second’ to keep her company? Pretend the vet suggested it. Although if you ask the vet, they probably will suggest it. Two kittehs are so much better than 1 if you are away during the day. Just my thoughts …

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      • stargirl

        I hope your kitty gets better quickly – and I second Anon’s suggestion of getting your furry fried a play mate. They’ll keep each other company – all that kitty play keeps them fit too. Welcome to kitty mumma land!

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      • Stargirl

        *furry friend*!!

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  27. phoodietweets

    Isn’t NYC insane Lucy!!!?

    I can’t wait for my next trip there…. although I fear with 2 little ones, it may still be YEARS off…. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa *firstworldproblem*

    BEST:
    It’s been an excellent week here in Phoodieland! Plenty of time in the kitchen – my fave room in the house! Lots of recipe testing (and tasting!) and have also spent quite a bit of time working on the cook book too!

    I’ve got a BIG birthday party coming up – my son and my husband share a birthday so it’s gonna be a cracker! The theme is “Gardening Fun” and I am going to town and back with it! It’s funny because so many people say “Why do you go to so much trouble for kid’s parties when they are too young to even realise?!” and my answer is always the same “it’s not for them, it’s for ME! I LOVE IT! I love cooking for them and creating everything and watching everyone (normally the adults!) having a ball…… and I also take 42 million snaps so even if the kids don’t appreciate it now, they sure bloody will later when I pull the photos out and show them….hehe!”

    The cake is causing me a little bit of grief, it’s going to be a “Herb Garden” cake and I am struggling to find everything i need….but i will get there!

    WORST:
    There’s been some horrible stories in the news, like the fire yesterday and the story of those 2 women who were forced to jump from the building. I cried so much reading that this morning. Life is so, so, so unfair sometimes. I just do not get why things like this happen. There is NO reason at all. It absolutely sucks to hell and back.

    Looking forward to a really busy weekend packed with parties, dinners and family time! Oh…. and a few more million hours whipping up treats in the kitchen! Hooray!

    Happy weekend fellow MMers!

    :)
    Phoodie – MM Community Moderator

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  28. maggie

    Best #1: One besties and I conspired to cheer up our other bestie. Sent some beautiful yellow flowers (her fav colour) to her office yesturday with a lovely note, and she is still buzzing from it :)

    Best #2: Had my holiday in Sydney last week and that was pretty awesome for my first time visit!

    Best #3: Got 2 months of bootcamp for $19 on Cudo! Woohoo! i have been feeling really sluggish lately, but I don’t really have spare cash for anything fancy. Best of all it’s in a park in my estate so I can walk there!

    Best #4: Girls night on the weekend, face painting for a kids party and my BF’s semi-final match of 20/20 cricket! Going to be a great weekend!

    Worst: Too happy to think about anything crap. Even work :p

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  29. Elizabeth Bennet

    Honey, he’s six weeks old. I had barely got out of my nightie by that stage. Nothing prepares you for the fatigue but it won’t be forever. Coffee, naps and mother’s group got me through the worst. Be kind to yourself, and persevere with breastfeeding if you can.

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    • Elizabeth Bennet

      Sorry, that comment was meant for a post below. Long time reader, first time poster – and clearly still have my training wheels on!

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  30. Jobe

    Best: weekend away with the husband to celebrate our first wedding anniversary! Can not wait for him to get home from work so we can hit the road, no stress, no technology, no worries, just each other.

    Worst: our anniversary happens to also be 14 months since we started trying to conceive. Nothing, not even a late period… I know that’s not really long in the scheme of things, but I really thought I’d at least be pregnant by now! All those years worrying I would get pregnant and now appears its bloody hard to get pregnant!

    2nd best: I have realised over the last year how amazing, supportive and perfect my husband is and we are so lucky we have each other, fantastic experienced doctors and money to pay said doctors to help us hopefully realize our dream!

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  31. Emmeline

    Phoodie? PHOODIE? Are you out there? I’m sorry to crash B & W but the below is my best of the week. My baby is turning 2. How time has flown. I swear I was only in labour yesterday.

    Was wondering if you wouldn’t mind helping me? I’m making a cake for my little boy’s birthday tomorrow but need a recipe for chocolate icing as it is quite a large cake (using a 14 cup/3.5L baking pan to make a large slab cake).

    How wonderful that we need a hand and think who can we turn to? MM of course xxxx

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    • vivacious

      I’m not Phoodie but this is a really nice icing that is easy to double quantities of.

      Mix 3 tablespoons cocoa with 3 tablespoons hot water till smooth.
      Sift 2.5 cups icing sugar.
      Beat 125g butter until creamy.
      Add icing sugar to butter alternately with enough of the cocoa mixture to make it nice and smooth. I usually add nearly all the cocoa mixture by the time the 2.5 cups of icing sugar is mixed in.

      It really is yummy and very easy.

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      • Emmeline

        Thank you Vivacious (cool user name!). Will bookmark this one, thank you x

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    • phoodietweets

      I just literally sat BOLT UPRIGHT in my chair!!! How exciting to be hollered down here on my fave, fave site (apart from my own blog of course!)

      YES! I AM HERE AND I AM HERE TO HELP! I actually feel that I should come over and help you make it!

      Separate story, if you ever need me URGENTLY e.g. cake is in oven and you need icing within the hour, PLEASE email me – phoodietweets@gmail.com – even though I DEFINITELY come here everyday, I might miss your comment!

      Ok, lets get down to business…..

      Chocolate icing is a broad category – there’s your stock standard, then there’s your glaze, then there’s your ganache style icing! I ALWAYS prefer the ganache style as it’s more chocolatey/richer…. and if you have any left over it acts BRILLIANTLY when it’s heated in the microwave and poured over vanilla ice-cream.

      The recipe for my ganache icing is here – I use it all the time, but in this instance it was for my daughter’s 1st birthday.

      http://phoodie.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/chocolate-coconut-cake-with-fresh-raspberry-cream-and-dark-chocolate-ganache/

      If you like the idea of a ganache/thick stye, like this one but don’t want it to be as rich, go with a milk chocolate or even half milk, half dark!

      More questions, lemme know!

      And I want a pic!
      :) Phoodie

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      • Natalia

        Gosh I love you Phoodie. Look at you coming to the rescue :)

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        • phoodietweets

          Ha Nat! I love coming to the rescue…. but not sure I’ve rescued yet…. :)

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      • Emmeline

        Phoodie, you are too funny. I love your use of capital letters, I can picture this happy go lucky lady with a really expressive face. Thank you ever so much for your assistance. Re the photo – er, after some of the creations I have seen you do I think my large, square, bog standard cake will make you giggle….xx

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        • phoodietweets

          Emmeline!

          You know since the day I was born (not really, but you know what I mean) I have overused and ABUSED capital letters! I love them! I always get in trouble for doing it, all through uni, often on here by other commenters, and at every job i’ve ever had…. but I just can’t help it!

          People say that it’s bad internet manners and it means you are screaming etc but please! If you can’t tell by reading my messages that i am just over excited then you’ve got rocks 4 brains!

          Or perhaps I’VE got rocks for brains….. (Definitely true at least 4 out of 7 days every week, at minimum.)

          I would love to see your pic but if you are shy :) then at least FB / tweet / MM comment or email to let me know how you go!

          :) P

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    • phoodietweets

      I’ve responded but there’s a link so it’s probably on it’s way to being posted!!!

      :) Phoodie

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  32. Molly M

    LOl Nat!!! Were you meant to be responding to another comment? The first line is hilarious without context!! xxxx

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  33. Snow

    Best: Husband and I adopted a Sharpei. she’s 5 years old and needed a home. I didnt want a dog yet as we are trying for a baby but hubby took one look at her and was smitten.
    worst: Dont think im pregnant this cycle :(

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    • Teal

      I’m sorry Snow.
      I hope next cycle you come in to tell us your good news :)

      Enjoy the new pup and have a restful weekend.

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  34. Batesey

    Hi Em it sounds as if you have given Sydney a good go, having spent 2 years there. Go with your gut instinct, really search your heart and if you think you need to go back home then do it. As you said, you are free to go if you want to. Brisbane is a lovely place. Just remember that the people in your life are what makes a good life not a particular location. Good luck to you, I hope you make the right decision for yourself. take care

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  35. Em

    Advice needed… I moved from Brisbane to Sydney 2 and a bit years ago for work but also for change of scenery/a challenge etc. I took me about a year to settle and make friends, but I don’t have any family here and just cannot seem to save any money. Sydney is damn expensive! I’m happy here but just have a lingering thought that life would be better if I moved back to Brisbane. Have any other MM’ers been in the same sort of situation? I’m just worried that if I went home, once the novelty of moving had worn off, whether I would regret my decision. I really do love Brisbane but worry that returning while I’m so young would be a mistake. Or am I only here because I feel like it’s the ‘right thing’ to do. I’m 28 and single btw so completely unattatched.

    Sorry I know this would be better on Open Post, but thought I’d sneak it in here. CoOnsider it my worst I suppose!

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    • Melissa

      Go home!!! Sydney clearly isn’t your happy place. Return to Brisbane and enjoy all the things you have been missing (family, friends, living costs, weather). When you go back you will be a different person. Moving communities/states/countries does that to us. It gives us unique learning experiences and the chance to grow. Once you’re back in Brisbane you’ll either get really comfortable or really fidgety. Comfortable means you’re content, fidgety means you’re ready to explore again. And if you can save money living in Brisbane then that will give you the foundation to go out on the next adventure. Good luck. xx

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    • vivacious

      I live in Canberra. I grew up here and have never had a desire to move away. People question this all the time, like it is some right of passage that I missed out on. I wonder if it is the same if you grew up in Sydney or Melbourne?
      Anyway, the reason I stay in Canberra is that I know deep in my heart this is where I belong. I love the city, it is full of my friends and family. I know the best burgers are at the glassworks and the best indian is in a suburban shopping centre. I know this town.
      So if your gut is saying that you need to go back to Brisbane, I say follow your gut.

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      • LJA

        I have been away from Canberra for 20 years and I still miss it – I know that is unbelievable but it will always be home. I was there recently for work and loved it. Even the roundabouts and politicians don’t put me off the place.

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      • worldobserver

        I moved from Melbourne to Canberra and ALL my friends asked me why. Melbourne is the best city in the world but it doesn’t mean i want to be there every single day.
        I can say I love Canberra, its unlike any other place on the planet.

        PS I knew i could call myself a Canberran after I basically inhaled one of Brodburger’s fine creations!!

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    • zelicat

      I grew up in brisbane, moved to sydney for 4 years, then canberra, then back to Brisbane. Whilst I didn’t ‘regret it’ I found that while i had changed, many things hadn’t. For example, all my old school mates were still there, hanging in the same crowd (except they had married each other), after two years I was ready to go again.
      That said, I have since had another stint in Sydney, now Canberra and I am desperate to go ‘home’ to Brisbane. If I could find a job I would move back in a heart beat. It is the sameness and being close to family that is the attraction. Also my mum has retired and the lure of free childcare is pretty strong… not so much an incentive in my 20′s…

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  36. Em

    Advice needed… I moved from Brisbane to Sydney 2 and a bit years ago for work but also for change of scenery/a challenge etc. I took me about a year to settle and make friends, but I don’t have any family here and just cannot seem to save any money. Sydney is damn expensive! I’m happy here but just have a lingering thought that life would be better if I moved back to Brisbane. Have any other MM’ers been in the same sort of situation? I’m just worried that if I went home, once the novelty of moving had worn off, whether I would regret my decision. I really do love Brisbane but worry that returning while I’m so young would be a mistake. Or am I only here because I feel like it’s the ‘right thing’ to do. I’m 27 and single btw, so completely unattached.

    And sorry, I know that this would be better for the Open Post but thought I’d sneak it in here. Perhaps I can call it my ‘worst’ :)

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  37. Em

    Advice needed… I moved from Brisbane to Sydney 2 and a bit years ago for work but also for change of scenery/a challenge etc. I took me about a year to settle and make friends, but I don’t have any family here and just cannot seem to save any money. Sydney is damn expensive! I’m happy here but just have a lingering thought that life would be better if I moved back to Brisbane. Have any other MM’ers been in the same sort of situation? I’m just worried that if I went home, once the novelty of moving had worn off, whether I would regret my decision. I really do love Brisbane but worry that returning while I’m so young would be a mistake. Or am I only here because I feel like it’s the ‘right thing’ to do. I’m 27 and single btw, so completely unattached.

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  38. Megan

    Lucy, please share photos! I would love to travel to New York and any and all daydream inducing material will be appreciated!

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    • Lucy Ormonde

      Hehehe. OK. Just one. This is my favourite. It’s from the top of the Rockefeller Building.

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      • phoodietweets

        Ahhhhhh all of the jealousy inside me just EXPLODED!

        Like (almost) the rest of the world.

        I HEART NYC! :)

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      • Megan

        Oh that looks amazing, I’m so jealous. Thank you!

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        • louem

          I have a similar picture to that.. I went last year and fell in love with the place. Will be back there this new years, woo hoo!!

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  39. mumof2

    best of the week: i finally have my 14 month old daughter taking a bottle and she is now weaned
    worst of the week: i finally have my daughter taking a bottle and weaned
    omm: was giving up breastfeeding the right thing to do? haha

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  40. Cinnamon

    Ohhh forgot to mention another best… I got two new books to read today wohooo! Looking forward to doing some reading.

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  41. AJ

    The mobile site doesn’t work on my phone. It just shows a greyish/black screen and nothing else.

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    • Chellebelle

      I’ve had the same problem. It also comes up on my iPad but on the iPad you can move the box and find the x at the top of it to tap, to close the overlay box. Unfortunately on my iPhone tapping the x doesn’t do anything. Is very frustrating as I rarely read MM on my PC, just my devices. Sorry I don’t have anything helpful for you, except my commiserations!

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  42. Purplemonkey

    I haven’t commented in so long that I have forgotten my login details!

    Best: my six week old baby boy is becoming much more interactive cooing, looking us in the eye and making lots of little happy noises. I could be mistaken but I think his smiles are now not always related to wind!

    Worst: as much as I love him and can’t imagine my life without him I didn’t realise how bloody hard motherhood is. I’m so tired sometimes I just want to cry (and I do), cranky with my husband, almost jealous that he gets to go to work to have a break. As much as I know breastfeeding is important and I am lucky to have been able to breastfeed fairly easily with good supply after a few minor technique issues part of me wishes that I couldn’t because if he was on formula I wouldn’t always be the one having to do the feeding. Also hate getting my boobs out in front of people and I’m still not really good at covering up and getting him latched on at the same time. The constant fear he will catch something like whooping cough before his immunisations next week. How hard it is to get him out of the house without planning for what sometimes seems like week! Have to work around feeds, will he sleep, what to bring. Sometimes it just seems so hard I want to stay home and that’s just to go to the supermarket.

    Omm: guilt for feeling the above! I know I’m so lucky to have him and that many women who are having problems conceiving would love to have my problems….

    Anyway thanks for letting me put it out there I think just writing it makes me feel better. Can’t really bring myself to talk about it with anyone in my life

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    • mum of 2

      lose the guilt…. all mums feel like this 90% of the time (not to invalidate how you are feeling as motherhood truly is difficult) its just not all that many mums have the balls to talk about it… you can feel teary, sore, tired, shy, guilty and worn out all at the same time and still be greatful that you are a mum… i know this because i feel all of these things all at once almost everyday…. motherhood is awesome but hard and it sounds like you are doing a great job!

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    • Amanda

      Did I write the above? Purplemonkey – what you are feeling is absolutely normal. I felt the same way. I love them to bits, but being the sole feeder is difficult, and I just wanted a break, but now he is coming up to 12 months I am planning on finishing weaning (just breast feeding him morning, night and in the middle of the night if he wakes) I kind of don’t want to. I want to be out of maternity bras, be able to have a drink and not worry, but then I won’t be breastfeeding…

      It is so conflicted being a parent – just roll with it and don’t spend any precious energy feeling guilty for doing what you think is best – that is all you can do!

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    • Ness73

      Purple Monkey – first of all – congratulations!
      Yep, it is hard work – but so worth it! I have just had my fourth little girl – so it does get easier! With 3 other little ones I have to go out with them all at some stage and a couple of things make it easier.
      Make sure you get a big nappy bag that you can fit everything in – nappies, change of clothes for bub, a t-shirt for you (in case of power chuck!) wipes, extra blanket, dummy, spare dummy,creams, etc – everything you think you may need. Then feed before you go and depending on what you have to do you may not have to worry about feeding again until you get home. You will get to know where the best parents rooms are and some even have little cubicles with curtains to make you more comfortable.
      Have you thought about expressing – if you managed to get enough for a bottle a day it might be enough to give you a break. I sometimes feel like you in that it is always me feeding. Once when my twins were about 4 months old I went away overnight with some girlfriends, leaving enough milk for the twins – I was only an hour away which was lucky as my husband had to drive one of the girls up to where we were as she refused to take a bottle, syringe, cup – it had to be breast! She didn’t feed for over 8 hours – and she is still stubborn at 4!
      Finally, my last recommendation would be wrap style carrier. If bub is unsettled or crying in the pram and will only settle being carried, it will be a godsend! Without fail my babies fall asleep in the wrap and I a left handsfree to chase the others!
      Best of luck and keep in mind that it will get easier as you “learn on the job”

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    • hh

      Sister,I hear ya!My son started school this year and I have taken this year off.I am not working ,nothing,nadda and I feel no guilt!I was only able to get him off my boobs just before he turned 3,he still wakes in the night occasionally and is usually up at 5 30 AM most mornings.He has been the equivalent of 2 kids and has pushed me to my breaking point many times.He is turning 6 next week and I still remember clear as day feeding him round the clock,it taking me 3 hours to go get milk from Coles which was pretty much my outing for the day!Hang in there,purple monkey,it gets better and easier.Do not feel guilty,sounds like you are doing a great job and just try to enjoy your baby cuz(and I always used to hate it when people said this!)the time goes by so quickly and you will never get these days back.xx

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    • Anonymous

      It gets easier! Much, much easier! My eldest is 8 now and maybe I wont be saying this when he is a teenager but so far the hardest bit was the early weeks. It got heaps easier at about 4 months with my eldest. With his sister who was a more difficult baby things got heaps easier at about 18 months. I often say to my husband that I would love another child but only if I can skip the first year, little babies are such hard work.

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    • Faybian

      I always hated the way I felt the first 6 weeks of my children’s lives. Leaking out of differing areas of your body, not getting enough sleep, not knowing your baby very well and no routine of any sort. It all sort of culminates around 6-8 weeks when your baby has a growth spurt. Gaarh!
      Worst of all, I felt more obliged with every child to perform better because 1. I had more kids, 2. I became more specialized in the area of mothers and babies.
      Don’t be too hard on yourself. This too, will pass.

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    • Nat

      You know what? The first six weeks I found to be the most difficult period becoming a new mum. Just remind yourself that nothing stays the same for long….it gets easier as time goes on and you’re allowed to feel this way, you’ve just given birth, you are looking after another human being 24/7 and getting next to no sleep.
      Best place to get it off your chest is maybe your mothers group if your council/ maternal health centre has one, or the MM site!
      Good luck and take care.

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    • Blue22

      You’ve totally nailed what’s REALLY hard about the newborn stage. I have a 10 week old with reflux and a 21 month old. Sometimes it’s overwhelming and I find myself just wishing the bub would grow up which is such a shame.

      I can say that it’s true that this is just a brief blip in a lifetime though. I can’t believe my baby boy will be two soon. It really helps me to remind myself that it’s not forever, especially when facing another day is almost too much.

      It is a huge adjustment with number one and my advice is to not put pressure on yourself – it’s so much easier to have fewer expectations of both yourself and bub. For the first three months it’s basically a full time job just feeding and taking care of your little one so let yourself go with that. A time will come when you emerge from that phase and feel up to doing more. I find that changing my expectations and leaning into this phase, it’s possible to enjoy it as an precious, unique gift in life.

      PS I’ve never mastered the discreet latch, just don’t care anymore.

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    • MJ

      I don’t have kids, but my best friend felt exactly the same way when she had her baby a few months back. I promise it will get better, if you can make it through the first six weeks then it’s all uphill from here. Once they start smiling and giving back to you I think it’s so much better. Once they are a few months old they get really fun!
      My friend’s baby is six months now and she’s a pro, I think it was around the three month mark she felt like she was on top of everything. It’s so hard, but it will get a bit easier to handle everyday! :-)

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    • JosieY

      Repeat after me: this too shall pass, this too shall pass…

      For my family, the first 6 weeks was hell, the first 6 months was horrible, the first year was difficult… Then things start to get better. Hang in there! And Icompletely get about the feeding, it IS a pain sometimes. Someone has suggested expressing – get a couple of bags in the freezer and go have an afternoon off. And remember, this too shall pass….

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  43. Cinnamon

    Best – I’m currently on day 11 of the Whole30 program, I think I mentioned it on here recently, it’s basically a 30 day program where you don’t eat sugar, grains, legumes or dairy. I’ve had issues with my digestion for a LONG time and have been through numerous tests and taken different pills but nothing has really worked until now. It’s amazing how much better I feel just in these past 11 days! I won’t go into all the detail but I’m very happy! Now of course I’m not sure exactly which of these food groups are to blame or if they all are… once the 30 days is over I will probably start introducing them back in slowly one at a time and gauge it from there.

    Worst – FWP but my hair, I cut it short recently, not short short, but short… anyway now I just want it to grow! I haven’t had long hair for ages but I’m feeling the need to have it now….. I wish there was something to make your hair grow faster!

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    • Anonymous

      Zinc really helps your hair. I had a shocking cut a few years ago and cried for weeks (it was THAT bad). Hairdresser friend got me on to Blackmore zinc tables and within 6 weeks it had grown dramatically (well for my slow growing hair at least). It’s worth a try if you’re really frustrated with it.

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      • Cinnamon

        Ohhh thanks for the tip!

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      • Cordeline

        And Silicia gel is really great for hair as well. And skin. Lots of people say that drinking it make their grow quickly or thicken up a lot.

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    • malone1982

      Cinnamon – I just got results back from the docs last night and it looks like a combination of those things as well… how did you get onto the WHole30 program? Is it tough???

      Kylie. x

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      • Cinnamon

        Hey you can go here: http://whole9life.com/2012/08/the-whole30-program/

        There’s a sign up registration but I didn’t do that, I’m just doing it on my own but you can have a look over the website and get a good understanding of it. It depends how much of those food groups you’re eating now. I thought it would be harder than it is, prior to this I ate grains every night and had a lot of dairy but I’ve been fine so far.

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  44. Faybian

    Worst: got my eyes checked (i wear reading glasses) and I have some very early signs that may point to glaucoma. At this stage they just want to see me in 12 months, but I have been a tad upset by it. I’m probably feeling sorry for myself, but I feel like its just another health issue to worry about. Wasn’t a brain tumour enough???
    Best: Caught up with friends from Melbourne on the weekend.
    OMM: the news that the health minister will be further cutting jobs from the frontline in Qld health. This after they told us they would not be retrenching clinicians/frontline staff.

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    • vivacious

      It isn’t much consolation but at least they caught it early. It is quite treatable from what I understand. I get the test every time I go to the optometrist because it runs in my family too.

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      • Faybian

        I know, I’m trying to not stress too much about it. The worst thing is there is no family history at all of it. I was actually worried about my daughter having it down the track, because she’s had eye surgery, but I also need to watch for it.

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  45. iamevilcupcake

    Yeah got nothing.

    Hope everyone is well! Have a good weekend full of love, sunshine and cupcakes. Especially the evil ones ;)

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    • Cinnamon

      You too cupcake!

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  46. Nerida

    Best – my 8yo daughters Cochlear implant was turned on Wednesday afternoon. She giggled and said we all sounded so funny!

    Yesterday at a follow-up appointment we found out she can distinguish between “shhh” and “ssss” which is great after only having it on for 1 day! Unfortunately at the moment she can’t hear “mmm” or “ooo” but she will in time.

    She does have some hearing in her right ear with a hearing aid and the left ear was the one that was implanted as she was profoundly deaf in that ear. Looking forward to the months ahead as she learns to hear new things through her implant.

    I couldn’t resist putting in this cute pic of her after surgery enjoying an ice cream!

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    • iamevilcupcake

      So freaking adorable!! That’s so awesome Nerida :)

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    • Lucy Ormonde

      That is so beautiful!

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    • Cinnamon

      Ohhh precious! :)

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    • Cordeline

      That is the best ‘best of the week’. How amazing for your daughter and you all.

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    • neola

      What an incredible world must be opening up to her every minute right now!

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    • phoodietweets

      Such a gorgeous pic!

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  47. Lizi

    Worst: A friend (not close, but we’ve known each other for years) is going to her husband’s funeral today. He committed suicide last week. Depression – ongoing – was at the root of it all. So tragic for her – and they have two kids, who are teenagers.

    Best: Freelance work is flooding in (which is great!) while I look for a new job. I’ve also found a job I’d really LIKE to do! Outside my previous work experience, but, hey, I’ve been getting nowhere travelling down the usual job finding paths, so why not give this ‘left field’ opportunity a go?

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  48. LC

    Best: losing [ a bit of excess] weight.
    Worst: going down a bra cup size! (long live the push up bra)

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    • vivacious

      Why does that always happen? If only we could direct our body on the whole fat loss thing.

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      • picardie.girl

        I always lose it from the boobs last! Argh. Wish I could direct it to my tummy first though. *sigh* ;)

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  49. odette

    Worst: Didn’t win the trip to London. Boo hoo, poor me. I wasn’t entering for myself, I was entering for one of my work colleagues. At our sales conference in July, one of the trade show stands gave away a trip to London, but you had to be there for the drawing, or they’d redraw. I was there for the draw…and they called my colleague’s name. AND SHE WASN’T THERE! She thought the draw was later in the day. I tried to phone her but they drew a new name too quickly. She was so disappointed. So when I saw the Downton Abbey competition a few weeks after the sales conference, I thought it was fate. I decided to win the competition and take Sharon with me. So I entered. So. Many. Times. Like, all month, I kept putting in entries. Seriously thousands of them. But no luck. Never mind, I’ll keep my eyes open for something else for Shaz.

    Best: We get our Family Tax Benefit paid in a lump sum and it finally hit the bank account this week. Husband phoned me; “Why do we have so much money in the account?” Me: “DON’T TOUCH IT!!!!!”

    I also received my annual review results and I get a nice payrise and a lump sum payment next week, so it’s off to buy new couches and rugs! Woohoo! (Our current couch is held up by a brick. Seriously.)

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    • vivacious

      Argh, how terrible for your colleague. When I was a teenager, Burke’s Backyard gave away a car. They went to the break to call the winner and our phone rang. We all just sat around looking at each other, no one got up. Eventually I jumped up and just as I got to the phone it stopped ringing. The ad break went on and on and about 3 or 4 minutes later they came back with the winner on the phone. To this day we wonder about that call.

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  50. aleced

    Worst: Partner accepted a job in Central QLD and started about two months ago. He comes home every second weekend and whilst I thought I was handling it okay at first, the novelty has well and truly worn off now and its become our new normal and I’m not enjoying!

    Best: We are planning a trip to NYC and the Northeast at Christmas and I am so excited! Will be a lovely time of year and we really need something to look forward to.

    OMM: How do women with kids whose partners are away cope?

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    • Haven Maven

      By venting here. And drinking wine x

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      • aleced

        Ha! Perhaps this is where I’m going wrong – not enough wine :) x

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