How’s your week going?
by JASMINE GARNSWORTHY
If you have never been involved with a website launch, please, allow me to educate you…
Basically it involves your best and your worst magically merging into one. The best being the launch and the worst being absolutely exhausted.
Over the past week I’ve taken several naps in the Mamamia office boardroom at 1am, before continuing to work through the night, I learnt how to do a whole lot of things in Excel that I really never wanted to know and I received a text from my housemate questioning whether I was still alive. I had red bull for breakfast guys. Twice.
Last week we launched Mamamia Shopping.
Just a quiet, soft little launch. We weren’t telling anyone just yet. Because we needed some time to test the site and, you know, sleep. JOKES! That was the plan until A Current Affair called Friday at 5pm requesting a story for Monday night. And when ACA wants to say nice things about you, you basically do whatever they want.
So a little over 48 hours later (thanks to a massive effort from the MM Shopping team) we had a boardroom filled with pretty clothes, the entire office dressed head to toe in new stuff from Mamamia Shopping and a camera crew from Channel Nine capturing it all on film.
Did you see the story on Monday night? Well, if you didn’t, here it is:
If you like what you saw (which we’re pretty sure you did) you can shop some of my favourite outfits from the story here.
Here’s a glimpse of what went down this week at Mamamia (and Mamamia Shopping):
Did you hear the news? Mamamia has a shopping site!
Now over to you… How’s your week?
Comments
148 Comments so far
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It’s so hard to find past Best & Worst of the Weeks and the other open post whatever it’s called – what section do they come under????
Also I have asked many times before if the date of them can be put on them so you can look up past ones easier, but still that doesn’t happen.
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Geez I seem to have to deal with one massive, and no I’m not exagerating, problem after another.
I have a very unhinged, very dangerous stalker. A woman who is in her late 50′s and very very evil. I became friends w her for a short while and then noticed that she was extremely vicious and fighting, really badly fighting, with the entire world. And extremely vindictive.
i realised that i had to be careful but I’m a good person and didnt’ think here would be a problem. Wrong! she turned on me like a wild fire!
She ran to the police in a small country town (she’s an ex cop decades ago) and lied to them, really lied to them. They just believed her and targeted me and caused terrible problems for me.
She and her equally terrible husband caused enormous problems for other people in the town including stalking a very old woman (over a neighbouring fence) and terrorised her so badly she packed up and left town, too scared to ever return.
Yesterday I found that she was stalking me on Facebook so I blocked her and tonight I received a number of vicious, threatening, truly shocking emails from her. Each one I replied pretending that I was the postmaster and the emails were not received, bouncing them back to her, but she kept emailing me.
In these emails she tells me that she’s been in contact with my recent and past clients (now i know why I’ve been fired by them); past landlord, etc etc. She’s been contacting everyone I know and telling them terrible things about me.
She is obviously a very disturbed woman and she is trying to destroy my life. She’s seriously affecting my livelihood by contacting my clients. God knows why they would even speak with her but they obviously are. She is a good actress.
What can I do? It sounds like something out of a soap drama, but it’s really happening. I’m completely alone, single, no family and have to deal with this on my own.
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Good grief, this is the stuff of nightmares! If it was happening to me, I think I’d take the emails etc to a solicitor and get him to fire off a warning letter to her. Don’t let her think she has the upper hand and that you’re frightened öf her. Make her think you’re even more of a lunatic and terrify her back. Tell her your brother is about to come out of the slammer for some horrendous crime, that he’s coming to live with you, that he’s a psychopath …. or do what I’d really do, leave town in the dead of night! Good luck.
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Best: Had a lovely lunch with my Mum and sister this week. The reason behind it was sad – Mum’s first wedding anniversary without my Dad who passed away in January. But having a nice get together with Mum and sis without my kids around was lovely.
Worst: Toxic relatives. I can always cut toxic friends from my life when they are making me miserable but I can’t cut family. Just need to learn to shut out their crap.
OMM: School holidays are nearly here. And I have already started getting the inevitable emails from my friends asking me to look after their kids while they’re at work. I don’t mind the occasional baby sitting request but I am really starting to resent the fact that my friends see me as a free child care service because I’m a SAHM. Especially since they know I have been trying to get a job for the last few months as money is getting tight.
I’d really like to spend the holidays taking my kids on outings and play dates while I still am a SAHM and can make the most of it. Instead I will be stuck at home with god knows how many children – (who will get on each others nerves after a day or so) – for the grand sum of sweet FA because I’m too embarrassed to ask them to pay me for it.
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Best: granting a wish this weekend for a little boy who wished for a super Mario birthday party. It’s been a stressful and busy week organising the party but I couldn’t be more excited!
Worst: husband being an a$$. He thinks I take on too much because our son is out of his routine and we have had takeaway twice this week as I havent had time to cook. I think he is just pissed because his Stepford wife left the building for a week. The house is a mess with Mario things everywhere and I haven’t sat down all week yet I’m cooking dinner, writing thank you certificates, on the phone ordering costumes and doing cardboard cutouts all at the same time while husband sits on lounge watching tv and says ‘are you going to put our boy to bed soon’. FFS! It takes all my effort to not spit in his food.
OMM: was doing a seating plan last night and I said to husband ‘babe can you please help me with something?’ his response was ‘no’. He didn’t even ask what I was working on or how I think he could help me. Just a straight up no. Wtf? For the most part he is a good husband and father but sometimes I wonder why I bloody married him! Ok, end vent!
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Resentment breeds.
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Best- I’ve lost two kilos!!
Worst- saw my ex at work this week and didn’t cope so well
But the sun is shining today, I’m off to the gym now and hoping that the mighty Hawks will kick some Crow butt later today!
Happy weekend to all MMer’s
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I only have bests this week.
Best 1: Going to two very different but equally inspiring and thought-provoking events about being female in the world today. One was called ‘Empower a Girl, Change the World’ where a panel of women talked about ways to improve access to education for girls in developing nations. The second was a screening of the documentary ‘Miss Representation’ which I highly recommend – I’m going to make all my friends, family and boyfriend watch it. Find out more about the film here: http://www.missrepresentation.org/the-film/
Best 2: Uni holidays start on Monday
Best 3: The forecast sunny temperature for Sunday. I can’t wait for summer.
– Myv, MM intern
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No worsts this week! Just lots of bests: the sun has been shining (even in Canberra!), had a week off work, caught up with friends and drank lots of coffee. Very lucky
OMM: Melbourne!!! I’m going to Melbourne next week for a short break. I haven’t been in a few years and I was wondering if Melbourne MMs could recommend their favourite places to shop, visit and, most importantly, EAT? I love getting recommendations from locals!
Happy Friday everyone. Have a fantastic weekend
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Eat
Longrain or Attica for fancy dinners
Auction Rooms in North Melb, Proud Mary in Collingwood- trendy breakfast/lunch cafes with great coffee
Bar Lourinha- Amazing Tapas & wiiiine
Visit-
Nat Gallery of Victoria- always amazing
ACMI- for the world of film
The Social Studio in Collingwood- fashion store with beautiful clothing made by young Melb refugees and also a cafe with Aussie/African food
Queen Vic Market- amazing market w everything
Shopping- I love the little boutiques in the CBD laneways, my sister loves Chapel St and Chadstone shopping mall.
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Oh and Botanic Gardens! I love walking around there
There is a restaurant The Bot (The Botanical) opposite which is pretty pretentious but usually delicious and kinda fun.
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Lunch in Degraves St for a classic Melbourne laneway experience. The old GPO building in Bourke St Mall is also great for shopping, or Bridge Rd in Richmond for a more budget- friendly experience
You’re also lucky enough to be in Melbourne during footy finals – they’ll be a real buzz in the city.
- Myv, MM intern
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Best :
It is the weekend and I am in bed reading this amazing book “The Bronze horseman ” it is seriously the best book I have read in years.
I am starting the Michelle Bridges 12 week challenge soon.
Worst : I feel lonely and miss being with someone.
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The Bronze Horseman is the best I’ve ever read too. I absolutely LOVE it and Alexander … Oh, Alexander, how I love you. He’s the most perfect man. Ever.
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I know ! They are apparently making a movie too. I am so in love with Alexander.Men in books are just better haha.
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the whole series is good!! there are two more books. and no cheesy ending
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I have already bought the second
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I think this week has been all bests and no worsts.
I got some serious one-on-one time with the boy. I love that he even holds my hand in public, it makes me giddy.
Took some time off work and had a fabulous winery lunch.
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BEST: Was very productive this week, in lots of ways…. and being productive makes me happy, so this week I generally felt very happy except for…..
WORST: Today when my son had to go to the Doctor because I was worried about his breathing. He’s definitely fine but it’s so scary AND STRESSFUL when your kids are little and they can’t talk
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend
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I made your pecan nut buns yesterday! They were AMAZEBALLS! The dough didn’t rise though because of the cold, overcast weather in Perth (that’s right, I’m blaming the weather) so they were mini but still delish!
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Well done!! Delicious aren’t they?!
Yeah they def need to be in sunlight / warmth for dough to rest but still would have grown in oven right?!
Thanks for following Phoodie!
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One of the hardest weeks for me in many years. My boyfriend of 4 years broke up with me, I need to move out. I’m 31, a full-time student who can’t support herself for at least another year… and scared that I’m running out of time to find my happy ever after. Grieving for the loss of my best friend and the future I thought we had together. Totally blindsided… a hell of a week.
But, the best of the week? I am stronger than I thought I was. I never thought I’d cope with breaking up with the love of my life, but here I am coping. Miserable and with a hugely heavy heart, but coping. And trying to focus on the good changes ahead.
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Oh Bedizz… I am so sorry this has happened to you. Just remember you’ve already got through the hardest part. It’s going to get easier, I promise. Take good care of yourself. Lots of love coming from the MM offices. xx
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Oh bedizz…. I know how you feel. This very week also sounded the end of my six year relationship. It’s hard.
Keep thinking strong. Every day you’ll become stronger than you ever thought that you were. Heartbreak is a bitch. We’ll get there.
Lots of hugs, chocolate, rom-coms and love xx
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Back at ya ozinuk! Thanks x
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Best: Myer five-day shoe offers!
In my break today, I bought two pairs of the same shoe (different colours, of course) because they were 25 per cent off. I found them last Friday when they were full price and held out in case a good deal popped up such as this. Saved $70
Worst: learning of the death of my neighbour from Leukaemia. So very sad. He was only in his early 60s, and recently retired. Lovely man.
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Best of the Week: Went to Cirque du Soleil with the bf on Wednesday night. Was amazing. So incredible, the things that people can do! Tickets aren’t cheap but I think they’re worth it. Highly recommend it!
Worst: I work in retail and it’s been a pretty bad week, business isn’t going to well. Its frustrating when nobody comes into the shop, as theres nothing you can do. I dread having to call my boss at the end of the day to tell her the final till balance :-/
OMM: bf and I have been bickering quite a bit. It’s just over stupid stuff and nothing serious but i sometimes feel like we don’t have much to say to each other.
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I’m going to Cirque du Soleil on Tuesday! I got tickets as a birthday present way back in May, so excited the day is nearly here
Good to hear you loved it!
-Myv, MM intern
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Had a crappy week to end a crappy month. Just want to curl up and sleep until I’m old enough to retire. Ugh.
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OMM: Got offered a position at my old workplace.
)
Just started another one, but I know what an extreme order it is for a GM to call his former employee and ask her back, after she quit to go back to study. It’s also 10k more than the last time I worked there (because im now qualified
HOLY CRAP.
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Just have a real estate question & hoping someone knows about these things! We signed a lease for a house last week and paid a one werk deposit. Since then we’ve found a mych better house and wondered if its possible to break the lease at this stage or just have to go through with it?
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You signed it, it’s too late – the signed lease is what counts. You can break the lease but there will def. be costs! You will be obliged to pay to readvertise, pay rent until a new tenant is found and moves in etc.
Call Consumer Affairs in your state for advice.
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certainly breaking a lease in NSW has consequences…where ever you are please get some advice from a tenants advice service. before doing anything ..
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Maybe use the Craig Thomson excuse that it’s not your signature and that you have evil twins. It worked for him.
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Best- dresses with boots. Loving it.
That’s all!
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I am wearing boots and a dress! With floral stockings too!
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Best- where do I start? My first real hair cut in 2 years on Wednesday, catch up for morning tea with the girls on Thursday, awesome spin class and running around chasing my 3 year old in the amazing sunshine today. Sometimes being a sahm is mind numbing, sometimes it’s challenging, sometimes there is no time to go to the toilet let alone get a hair cut. But this week was fantastic, and I promise to remind myself daily that in a few years I will remember this as the most fun time of my life. Yep even better than partying all night at 17 and flirting with boys!
No worst this week.
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We have had a really hard time of late. We lost a baby born prematurely a couple of months and life certainly lost its lustre for the time being.
We are hoping to go on a family holiday to Sydney and the Blue Mountains for a few days in November. Can anyone give us some good places to stay?
We have one almost three-year-old so two bedrooms or a suite needed. It would be good to have a hotel/apartment with a pool if possible. Fairly central would be great too. Any recommendations? We want to shop, do museums, zoo etc. It would also be good to have some restaurants withing walking distance.
Also, good places in the Blue Mountains? Any ideas?
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Big hugs to you. Can’t help but tear up when I read that. It just sucks, (the prematurity I mean).
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It really does suck. It is pain beyond words.
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Hello – sorry to hear about your sadness
I just wanted to share some ideas about the Blue Mountains. We went there for the first time last weekend and loved it. Dinner or lunch at Solitary – great restaurant with delicious food – not cheap but good. Breakfast at the Red Door Cafe in Leura. The Leura Mall is just fab generally – gorgeous shops. You will love it!!!
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So sorry for your loss.
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For Sydney, Novotel at Darling Harbour. My brother has stayed there a few times with his family and been very happy. Darling Harbour is great for kids, has a new playground, the Aquarium, lots of restaurants and walk to QVB and Pitt St Mall for shops and ferry ride to Taronga Zoo. Other option to consider would be an apartment in Manly. Plenty of them to choose from. Manly good place for kids and ferry ride to the city.
We have stayed at the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains. It is popular with families.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
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Thanks for the info and the sympathy.
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Best – went to adelaide to see all the family which I haven’t done in a few years. Was so lovely to catch up and meet everyone’s new partners. Also met my sisters boyfriend who is lovely, it is so nice to see her so happy.
My partner is very keen to get home from work in a weeks time and buy me a pregnancy test. We had unprotected sex a few times and he is certain that a baby will result from it. I have only been off the pill 3 weeks so I am not so sure. But never the less I will take the test.
Worst : work!!!!! I am in a dilema about what to do. I am in a very high paying job, as is my partner. We both work for the same company but in different departments. We get to spend every morning and night together for the week that we are away on site, and then get to spend our whole week off together as well. It is the perfect arrangement… except for me disliking my job! If I was to leave it would mean a pay drop of at least 30K, I wouldn’t be able to see him for the week he is at work and when he is home from work I would be working except for weekends, which leaves just 2 days every fortnight that I get him to myself.
He has told me that if I am unhappy that he supports me getting a new job. We want to move to the town that we work at in a years time or so with (hopefully) a newborn which will save us a huge amount of money as the company pays for everything (except food) but we are now considering doing that a little earlier then the end of next year. At least if we are living up here I will see him after work, spend break with him etc and we can fly back to the city every few weeks to see the family etc.
Being an adult is so hard sometimes, take me back to about 6 years old please!!!
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You know when you apply for a job that you’re currently doing and you figure you have a reasonable chance at getting it because you’re actually, you know, DOING it, then you find out that via an impersonal ‘dear applicant’ generic email that you didn’t even get an interview?
That.
And the avalanche of ‘good but clearly not good enough’ crapola that goes with it.
I do not want to be a responsible grown up about this. I want to take to my bed with a bottle of whisky and drink and sleep until the bad dream goes away. I do not want the face the truck load of inquisitive ‘but what did you DO?’ subtext that my parents-in-law will direct at me as a result of my inability to get a job.
That too.
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SO SORRY to hear that. Really hope something even more awesome comes your way soon. In the meantime, enjoy the whiskey.
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The exact same thing happened to my mum after she did a job for ten months and got good performance reviews all the way along. They wouldn’t tell her why either. Massive slap in the face. Ppl are just a-holes sometimes. Feel better soon.
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oh big hugs. I had that happen to me once, it made me re-evaulate my position in the company and what their values were. Turns out they didn’t quite match mine, so I moved on. Sometimes it isn’t about you, sometimes it is about other relationships there.
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Best: I’m on annual leave! Not going anywhere, just staying home for the next 2 weeks with my girls and not having to get up early.
Worst: my oldest missed out on a grad position she went for and I think really had her heart set on. Then the same day, a restaurant that had just hired her, decided that her prac blocks got in the way of her working there, even though she’d been upfront about it. I felt like sending them a nasty email, but didn’t. I know just how’s he feels about the grad positions. I was in the same place 19 years ago.
WOrst 2: one of our cats is in hospital recovering from a paralysis tick. The funniest thing is that even though he the female cat don’t get along she’s been missing him and acting up since he went.
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Incognito today but hoping someone may be able to help. Lately I’ve been having these very strange feelings. It happens a few times a day and I’m not sure if it’s anxiety (or any manner of other things) but it’s awful. It sort of feels like something comes and takes out my soul for a few minutes, leaving me feeling very empty. I don’t necessarily feel sad, just hollow and misplaced. I’ve had a few changes in my life lately and am having a rough time at work. I’ve started to worry about small things like will my boss be angry at me if I’m 15 mins late. It’s really not like me and I’m at a bit of a loss. Has anyone else ever felt this? Maybe I’m a medium or something…
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I relate to those feelings because I used to have them frequently.
I have general anxiety/depression (GAD). I take medication to manage it because without it, I’d be a basket case.
I recommend talking to a GP or a mental health professional on the beyond blue hotline. Even if you’re not feeling depressed, they can talk to you about your general state of mind.
May the force be with you.
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To me that is always a sign you need a time out for mental repair. Take 3 days annual leave, even if it is only to get 8 hours rest a night and sit on a blanket in the park in the sun.
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Keep a diary for the next few weeks to see how often this occurs and when etc. That way if you still feel like this in a month you will have the evidence there for yourself to see and you can go to a GP to talk about it without having to remember off the top of your head
It might just be general stuff, hopefully when the sun comes out you’ll feel better
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I have had these feelings loads of times and you’re def not a medium! I think it is an emptiness due to feeling disconnected with life. For me it is related to things like loneliness, depression, anxiety etc. I think it is common to experience these feelings sometimes but better to seek help early to prevent it escalating. I think doing some mindfulness exercises to bring you into the present and evaluating your life to see if you can make improvements may help you.
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BEST: Can i say this is the BEST EVER.. after being unemployed for 7 weeks I have been offered 2, YES 2 Jobs today!! The one I accepted pays less however there are more career opportunities with it, and its a higher title!
Another best collingwood is playing tonight!!
Worst: well not really but I only have a little bit of money left, how am i going to scrimp for another few weeks ahh!
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
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Congratulations Belinda!
Two in one week is sensational.
Good luck with the ‘budgeting’ till you start
Sorry Collingwood lost.
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Best: went into priceline to get some basics. Bought a new lipgloss a whim and got a free nailpolish and box of seashells chocolates.
The chocolates are very popular in the office this friday afternoon!
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How good is Priceline? So easy to spend!
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Every time I go into Priceline, I grab a basket and just fill fill fill…. so dangerous. I have NO FILTER…. and no restraint….. Sometimes it really is just safer for me to put my head down and walk straight past!
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I’ve got a milestone b’day in a couple of weeks and I’m coming to Sydney with my 6 year daughter. As a b’day treat I thought we could spoil ourselves and stay in a fancy hotel in town. Can anyone recommend a hotel? (Not in darling harbour, more CBD/The Rocks). Thinking of Shangri La.
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Swissotel is quite lovely – it was so open and spacious, and their lobby area (way up high) is incredible. as is their high tea.
Otherwise Sheraton on the Park or Hilton are quite great. Or down near the Quay – Four Seasons or the newly reopened Park Hyatt ( I think thats is)
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I stay at the Four Season or Shang for work when travelling to Sydney. I’ve always had lovely service and experience at both but I think I prefer the Four Season… the loby is just beautiful and no hill to walk up!
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The Shangri La is sooo nice. The Observatory Hotel has just become a Langham Hotel too, that might be nice. They’ve always done fabulous high teas.
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If you’ve got the money, I’d recommend the Park Hyatt. Its very expensive but its absolutely bliss. The views, service and food are superb.
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I second that. Very expensive and when I was booking there were no cheap rooms available on discount sites, but nothing else compares. The service is amazing and the views are fabulous.
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Worst: Not pregnant this cycle. I think we will try again next cycle but I’m also thinking i might just relax on the whole getting pregnant thing for a few months. I’m not running out of time, I’m just impatient.
Best: Won a decent amount of money in Lotto over the weekend! I’ve never won any money before and it’s come at the right time for husband and I
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Congrats on the win and best of luck with the “trying”…… I’m also VERY impatient by nature and I can relate to the “just wanting it and wanting it now” thing…..
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It took us 8 cycles to conceive. It isn’t that long and is well within ‘normal’ range, but it felt very long at the time. Hang in there – it really does take up to a year or longer for a lot of couples.
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Best: having a much better week than last week!
Worst: Just ran out of wine.
OMM: Just want to get this colposcopy over with now the pap was clear. Also, three weeks til the big 3-0. Ugh.
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And I ran out of bickies. FWP!!
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Running out of bickies is NOT a FWP….
It’s a VSFWP (Very serious FWP!)
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Best: started a resistance progam at the gym yesterday. Feeling very good about this – my meds won’t let me lose wieght but at least I can get nice and strong!
Best: Finally went shopping at Ikea.
Worst: The ONE Thing I wanted was out of stock! Doh, really should have checked before we went. I had to console myself with meatballs, and a few dozen other bits and pieces.
Best: physically I’ve been feeling alot better the last few days which is great. It just makes life so much easier.
Also want to say a shout out to a charity that have supported me: http://www.mummyswish.org.au/content/standard.asp? over these past few months (with a cleaner, it is amazing how something so simple makes such a huge difference) and I am very grateful to them.
Hugs and chocolate chip biscuits to everyone today.
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You are braver than me – IKEA scares me!
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oh I could live in Ikea. It was also Miss C’s first real trip there and my goodness did she love it. All those little rooms! She kept having to show me them (one even had a toilet in it! A TOILET!!). Although can I say that a 3 year old who suddenly decides that she wants to go to the toilet “or she will explode”, in the middle of ikea, is a right royal pain. We had to run our way through the rabbitt warren. And she did this to us twice. sigh.
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I love your attitude, Oops. I would send you granola cookies in return (they are GOOD!), but I’m not sure they would still be edible when they got to you!
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We shall have to share in some virtual bickies then. Glad you are feeling better this week, it will all work out ok!
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Best: Bootcamp again yesturday and I am no where near as sore as the first time. Feeling really positive about it all and cant wait for boxing tomorrow.
The first time ever, since taking up serious exercise that I feel I have the mental motivation to see it through!
I really want to be fit and healthy. Nothing to do with weight! I think that is the key thing to think about.
Worst: Forgot to take my hayfever tablet this morning! I cant stop sneezing! I also have had bloodshot eyes for a few days! Annoying! Got my eye drops on standby though.
OMM: My Man. He really is amazing and even though he isn’t the most lovely dovey person (even though I am) I can now really see the small things he does o make me happy. I am so lucky!
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I’ve been chronically tired all week. Oddly tired and a bit emotional. I’m really hoping that all the stress I’ve been under isn’t about to give me another bout of glandular fever. Thank god we have two long weekends coming up.
It has been a great food week. Last night the family came to our house for dinner. We made a really yummy lamb rogan josh (I used Pataks curry paste for the first time and it is as good as the Sharwoods one) and made a blackberry shortcake for dessert.
I have also been really good at avoiding eating naughty things this week. Only ate one small slice of the cake and let my boyfriend eat up the trifle and leftover Spanish Cream (http://blithemoments.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/spanish-cream.html) we had in the fridge. He thinks my diet is brilliant – it leaves all the dessert for him.
OMM I need some more filling low fat/calorie lunches. I’m trying really hard to get out of my snacking habit but my salad, even with tuna in it isn’t getting me through to dinner easily. Suggestions?
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You’re allowed to eat some snacks, particularly if you are eating salads and such for lunch
Maybe try some natural greek yoghurt (low fat) with berries? Or carrot and celery sticks with tzatziki and hommus. Or corn thin with avocado, a piece of fruit, some raw nuts/trail mix.
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I do have some fruit mid-afternoon – couldn’t survive without that! I love nuts but I’m not sure how much I should be eating when semi dieting? Anyone got advice on portion control for nuts?
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A handful of raw nuts is a good way to judge (not a massive handful mind you, lol) – nuts are quite high in calories so you don’t need a lot of them but they are good fats and they say people who eat raw nuts are more likely to be a healthy weight. Almonds are the best I hear but I prefer cashews
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I love snacking on drained chickpeas, straight from the can! the saltiness is good when I’m really craving hot chips. sliced raw mushrooms and cherry tomatoes are good too. avocado with a splash of soy sauce…
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a punnet of strawberries (Under 100 cals) or an apple with some cheese are my fav’s!
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Nothing wrong with snacking, as long as the portion sizes are ok.
I find ryvitas with natural peanut butter (from the health food section) is a bit more sustaining that fruit. I often have a salad for lunch and then go home and go for a run around 6pm. If I havent had a snack, I definitely feel less energetic running.
If you dont mind protein powders, a scoop of choc protein powder mixed with natural yoghurt is quite yum!
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I guess I just have to learn to snack on the right stuff i.e. not the chocolate in my desk drawer! I might look at some ryvitas – I miss having a biscuit in the afternoon.
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Make sure your snack includes protein. Protein keeps you full.
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Capsicum has a chemical in it, (capsaicin), that suppresses your hunger hormones, (grehlin); also peanuts have a chemical that stimulates your keep full hormones, plus they have protein and efa’s which are more satiating than other fats or high gi carbs. So the perfect snack in theory should be a handful of peanuts, (almonds and walnuts work too), and a few sticks of capsicum with batural yoghurt or hummus.
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You need more fat at lunchtime with your salad! Dress it with some olive oil and put avocado in it. Also have some nuts on hand (macadamias are great and filling).
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Hi Mamamia
I’m wondering when we will receive email notifications again? I presume it’s due to the moderation process that these have ceased.
I still fill in my email address each time in hope, but I wonder if I should stop bothering?
Thank you xx
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Mine just started working again (just now). See if this comes up in your email.
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Thank you Zepgirl
Still nothing though… :/
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Mamamia?
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Best: applied for my Masters in information management on Monday night and was telling a friend about it and how I’m scared to give up the “solicitor” title and her response was: “It’s just a job. Seriously. It is just a job. It’s not exactly like there aren’t hundreds in our building alone. It’s not that special, it’s not a small and specialised field, it is just a job”. And all of a sudden, I felt 1 million times better. She was the only person who could have said that to me without me basically ignoring them!
Worst: Feeling completely anxious at work all the time knowing that I keep getting jumped on for the littlest things like typos…
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Whippersnapper, your friend is right. Many moons ago, I did a law degree and graduated with honours. Did clerkship and practiced for a while (criminal). Hated every minute of it. Left, ran off to cook, much family resistance (father and grandfather both silks) but I am so happy. We get so hung up on titles, on status, but at the end of the day, you must do what fulfills you and gives you purpose.
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I spent too much time at the uni bar to graduate with honours, haha. Might have been an indication that I may not have been that into it!
Thank you for your words of encouragement! Now I just want to be a qualified librarian already!!
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Oh, I would LOVE to be a librarian. Good luck with the studies. Very envious!
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Thank you! I am a bit worried because some of the reports I have gotten have been a bit dismal about prospects in Brisbane, but hopefully good things come to those who wait!
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Hey Whippersnapper,
I was reading your post the other day about doing your Masters and I understand where your coming from about losing “the title”. I think its one of those few degrees that still have a lot of “prestige” to them (for want of a better, less wanky word). A bit like Medicine and Engineering – people respect Law degrees. I always find people say things like “oh wow” when I say I’m studying Law, whereas I never got that response with my first degree (Journalism).
I don’t know if I’ll ever be a lawyer, but I still don’t think it is wasted knowledge and neither should you. You could do a million things with a law degree. And I know its a cliche but life really is too short to care about what other people think!
Wishing you the best
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Thank you! I definitely don’t think it is wasted knowledge that is for sure. I think it is well on it’s way to becoming the “arts degree” of the noughties as there are too many university places and not enough jobs, but for now, people still think it is pretty “prestigious”.
I do agree, when I go somewhere and someone says “what do you do for a living?” I say “Solicitor” and their eyes light up and they say “Oh WOW”. I will force myself once I become a librarian, to not say “Oh but I used to be a solicitor”.
Oh and funnily enough, after I posted my best and worst, I got an email confirming that I had a place in the Masters, so that’s pretty exciting!!
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I graduated with first class honors in accounting. I was an auditor. Hated it. Then I was a personal trainer. Loved it! Nowhere near the cache of accounting but it was my passion!
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Good for you. I have just stopped being an accountant after 25 yrs as I hate it!!! Don’t know what I am going to do with the rest of my life but my health is better so that’s a start
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Welcome to the club! Don’t think it’s that big but I hope you enjoy it anyway! Btw I wasn’t just an accountant- I was an auditor! What was I thinking…
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Hi Whippersnapper,
Just wondering if you can offer some advice re:lawyering…? Before you escape
I am currently interviewing for first year positions after (nearly!) finishing College of Law – But I have no idea of salary expectations and am just after a general idea/ guide of what a first year solicitor gets paid? I’ll be practicing in Melbs – I would hate to be asked in and interview what I was expecting money wise and have to literally shrug my shoulders!
Thanks
ZT xx
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Hi ZT – it really depends. The best guide you are going to get is from Hays Legal salary surveys (just google Hays Legal salary surveys), but most employers will tell you they are all fluffed up to entice candidates.
I’d be arguing for a salary smack bang in the middle of the range they offer – BUT if you did College of Law and no articles of clerkship or traineeship, you should expect something lower than the average because you have no experience.
What you should remember is that most firms will make you a salary offer INCLUSIVE of superannuation. It is very weird, but my whole career (other than my first job as a grad) my offers have been inclusive of super.
It also depends on what type of firm you are looking to go to. I graduated in 2008, and I worked in a mid sized Brisbane based firm (about 20-30 solicitors) and was paid $45,000.00 plus super. I wasn’t admitted yet though.
I then got $55,000.00 inclusive of super on my admission and I was very unhappy with it and felt it wasn’t enough.
Melbourne lawyers also get paid more than Brisbane lawyers if the salary guides are anything to go by. Depending on the size of the firm, and your experience (if you’ve been a secretary or paralegal for awhile, you should argue for more), I’d be looking at a minimum of $55,000.00 including super. If you’ve got experience, at least $60,000.00 (including super). If you’re looking at top tier firms, even more than that.
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Hi Whippersnapper – this is really interesting.
Clerkship offers have just come out in Sydney this morning and the place I got offered said the pay is $50,000 incl super and that is basically what you end up on as a grad. I thought this sounded kind of low for living in Sydney. The firm is a large mid-tier, and I don’t know if the lowish salary means we wont be expected to work long hours (unlikely), or if they don’t value their grad.
Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated! And congrats on your masters
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Hi Katie – I would say that is about right for a clerkship salary. I would be very surprised if they didn’t offer at least $5,000 more for a graduate position…particularly in Sydney, however, they could be one of those firms that pay really average as a graduate, and once you are admitted, give you an enormous (like $20-$30k) pay rise.
I know a girl who was paid about $35k as a graduate and once she was admitted got a $25k pay rise. That could be the case with this firm.
That being said, you don’t have to take a graduate role there. You can get the clerkship under your belt and take your experience to greener pastures, like a small firm or government!
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Thanks for your advice! That makes sense that they might give you a big pay rise on admission, considering they can then charge you out at a much higher rate. Although its not all about the money, I was just wondering as I have absolutely nothing to compare it to!! However, in saying that, I think firms that pay highly for clerkships shows that they value their employees because they could get away with paying them pretty badly and still get loads of applications. I am going to accept it on Monday
Thank you!
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Ah, your friend’s comment has done me a world of good too. It’s so important to remember that who we are is not dictated by whatever labels get pasted on us by others because of our work, or anywhere else in our lives. I needed that reminder, so thanks to your friend.
I also want to take this opportunity to say how wonderful it is to see you back commenting, Whippersnapper. While I don’t comment that often, I’ve been reading mamamia daily for a couple of years now. Our politics aren’t, how you say, “in sync”, but I have always loved your contributions. I’m stupidly pleased to see all these replies to your post, too. I’m not usually prone to such ‘fluffiness’ so I’m having a bit of a ‘wtf!’ moment over this reaction
Congratulations on your acceptance into the masters. Excellent stuff.
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Hey thanks Zed30! It would be a very boring place if we all just agreed on everything, wouldn’t it?!
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That’s for sure! Diversity makes the world go round
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I have decided this week I need to get me some regular action in the bedroom. Anyone here ever enlisted an FB? Where does one find one, how does one arrange this, what are some rules? Thanks.
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Hey,
I’ve had 3 in my life time, one being an ex-boyf, another someone I met at uni, the other met out on the town….Wouldn’t really say I went out looking for a FB, just ended up that way, And it worked at the time/s.
If you’re looking for an easy solution, I’d suggest Adult Match Maker is probably the easiest way to go about it, I think people are pretty straight forward on there about what they are looking for!
Goodluck!
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Also try RedHotPie (assuming its still going?) I had a couple of friends who used this and AMM. It seemed to me that they would get people who wanted more than casual sex from AMM, but RHP tended to be the true FB site.
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Best: My SIL having a wonderful time away with her little boy, and things seeming to be improving with her baby-dady.
Worst: The fact her baby-daddy had an arsehole moment last night while they were on “date-night”, basically accusing her of being a bad mother.
OMM: How to help her deal with his bad behaviour. I find it infuriating how he seems quite happy to allow his other child to behave so badly in the company of others, yet accuses myself, my husband and my SIL of bad parenting.
OMM: Big decisions business-wise for us at the moment.
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Just a random question of opinion, about the tricky subject of custody and child support….
My 4yo daughter’s father lives in QLD and has her stay with him twice a year for about ten days max. In the past I have paid half the fares to visit my friends in QLD as well as drop my daughter off. Now however, I don’t want to go on a holiday as I am studying, saving money to buy a car etc etc… And little miss is supposed to be visiting him over Christmas.
Her dad has told me that I have to fly to qld to pick her up after her holiday and I have said no. I just cant afford to do that when I have rent and everything else.So he has then told me that all the money he pays for flights for himself and her to pick her up from Syd and her back (6 flights in total) he is going to have taken out of child support payments to me in the next few months or so (which arent very much anyway so we are looking at about 6 months of child support).
Now, I know that it is expensive to pay for so many flights but it is also unrealistic to expect me to pay such a large expense when I am the sole provider and living on the bare minimum, especially seeing as he wants me to pay for peak season flights over Christmas (his preference, and I will be without my baby daughter at Christmas..which is hard enough as it is.)
In the past I have been happy for him to pay for flights and then have the expense taken out of his child support payments. Nothing has changed my reasoning with this and therefor the arrangement has been working for us.
However, the people that know about the arrangement are telling me I am being ripped off and that the child support payments are in place in order to provide for my daughter’s everyday well being expenses, not to be used as a holiday/visit expense. I am pretty torn about this as I am terrified to even confront her father about having to actually pay for the flights himself. I know he will lose it and we have always had a very friendly, civil relationship, for our daughter’s sake. We are both adults.
Does anyone have any opinion on this whole arrangement?? I hate the thought of him just using child support to see his daughter, and feeling victoyrious that he is getting away with never having to contribute to her scooling fees, rent, food, clothes etc which is what I would be using her child support on had I recieved any surplus from the flights. Part of me, however, just wants to leave things as they are to avoid conflict, and not seem money hungry (even though I do struggle).
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I’m not a lawyer but my partner has 2 kids interstate…
Its my understanding that generally the parent who moves away has the obligation to pay. So if your ex chose to move away from where you live, to live in Brisbane then it was his choice and he foots the bill of transporting his child to see him. And no, he cant just deduct that he CS amount without your agreement.
I think you’ve been very generous to date and its time to put yourself first.
And I say this as the partner of a man with 2 kids. He and I fork out quite a bit to fly the kids to see us but I would never suggest their mother pay for some of it or that we deduct it from the CS amount.
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Sarah– bless your kind and open attitude that supports your partner being a responsible and loving parent!
My relationship with my dad ended in 1993, five years after he remarried a women who resented his two young daughters. She had the opposite attitude and approach to you. I grew up without a dad, and in total hardship. After all that, they divorced over ten years ago, but it wrecked our relationship forever.
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I do not understand women who take that approach. I want to have kids with my partner and if he was able to walk away from his kids, I dont think he would be the kind of Dad I would want for my kids.
Having said that, I’m not perfect – I do my best to avoid the ex-wife!
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Sarah, you sound like a pretty amazing person.
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I’m in court for this right now and the Magistrate has made it very clear already – we’re only in the pre-trial process, not even the actual trial yet – that if I am given permission to relocate I will be responsible for paying all airfares for our child to visit with his father. She said she wanted me to be aware of this immediately because I needed to consider how that considerable expense (overseas location) would weigh against the big jump in salary I will be receiving.
Before the Magistrate even said that though my barrister had already prepared me for this so I’m assuming she’s not just being a hardass and that really is the standard should a parent choose/have to relocate.
In no way should child support be used to pay for visitation flights and deprive your daughter of the money she needs for her every day living expenses. You are not the one who chose to move – at least that’s what I gather from your past comments on here so please correct me if I’m wrong – so it is his responsibility to handle that expense.
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You are WAY too nice girl! You are NOT money hungry at all! Child Support is for everyday costs of raising a child as you said! Not to pay for flights because he chooses to live in QLD and fly his daughter up for a holiday. He sounds unreasonable and cheap to me. You are clearly responsible for the vast majority of finances involved in raising your daughter so how dare he cut into the child support payments!
You say you are afraid to discuss this with him because he will ‘lose it’. It doesn’t sound like he is particularly civil or friendly..except for when he gets what he wants!
I would consult a professional who is experienced in these things and ask for advice in how to handle it.
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Sweetie, you sound far from money hungry. You sound like you are living with a very unfair situation just to keep the peace. Your daughters dad cant have his cake and eat it too and unfortunately you might have to upset him to make him realise how one sided his request is and how he has to support his child in a more reasonable manner.
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best: I have the house to myself for 10 days!
best: it’s fun being single and going out again. I have missed it.
worst: the cold! I am so sick of wearing jackets, cardigans and jumpers! I want it to be warm in melbourne!
omm: I have monday and tuesday off!!! yay for annual leave and a long weekend!!
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My best from this week was last night: I hosted a screening of Miss Representation. Quick summary for those of you not familiar with the film: it’s the most incredibly eye opening and powerful film about how the misrepresentation of women in the media has led to the under representation of women in positions of power and influence. I saw the film about five weeks ago and wanted everyone I know to see it as it’s message is so powerful and needs spreading and last night helped spread it a little further.
The best part for me was meeting the Mamamia team. Who not only promoted the film but then came along AND (the best bit) Jamila even was gracious enough to do a Q&A on stage with me after the film and discuss some of the issues the film uncovers.
Let me say this: Jamila is awesome. Totally awesome. The kind of gal that every girl in the audience wants to be like when they grow up (even those of us who have already grown up!).
The whole evening to me was a wonderful reminder of just how supportive women can be to each other: there was such a lovely sense of sharing stories and experiences and camaraderie amongst everyone there, both in the questions/comments time with Jamila and informally at the end of the film in the foyer.
On meeting the Mamamia girls: The feeling is one of strange over familiarity. You feel like you know them so well because you a) read their thoughts on the site most days b) they are instantly recognisable from their photos, so it takes enormous restraint to not act as if they are your long lost close friends.
No worsts for me.
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Awww Grace! We loved meeting you too
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Was so nice to meet you Grace. You did such a rad job last night
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Where can you watch the movie? Is it actually in cinemas, or can you get it on itunes? I’m so lost.
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Thank you so much for screening the film. I’ve been wanting to see it for such a long time and it was great! Was lovely to meet you.
-Myv, MM Intern
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Best: saving money! Able to buy things I like instead of paying for petrol and parking. Will be in my parents granny flat tomorrow. Won’t run out of money every week anymore.
Worst: moved back in with parents on Sunday night. Miss my boyfriend so much. It’s a good thing though. We will still visit each other every weekend.
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Why did you move back in? Is your parents housr closer to your work? Just general curiosity here, as I’ve often watched your stories about the in-laws!
Good stuff on the $$ saving
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I was driving from Central Coast to Pyrmont every day for work. My parents live in the western suburbs in Sydney, so I save around half an hour getting to work just catching the train. Plus I save $100 from not having to buy petrol every 2 days and parking fees!!
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I took a pregnancy test last night and one blue stripe showed up – negative. This morning it has two blue stripes. Does anyone know why this might happen? I took another one, so far just one stripe, but I feel pregnant.
Doctors appointment is booked but not until Monday and i’m very curious if anyone has answers about the possibility of 2 blue stripes showing if i’m not actually pregnant?
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Unlikely to be a false positive… Early morning urine is most effective for testing so I’d do another test tomorrow morning! Fingers crossed
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Happened to me, tested in the morning, one stripe, later in the day looked at the test again, two stripes! Was definately pregnant, have the boy to prove it! Good luck!
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I’ve heard that false positives are unlikely, but false negatives are definitely common.
Good luck!
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With my daughter I got half a pink line, (pink line is pregnant), no blue. So confused! Took it to my doctor, she was confused too! She said, “well your not half pregnant so let’s do another test!” she did her more sensitive industrial strength doctor urine test and it was positive. It was just very early and my hcg levels were borderline. Good luck!!
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I need some MM help. I am looking for new shorts and am having a lot of trouble. I love the Rodeo Show ones on the MM shopping website but can’t quite afford them at the moment. Can anyone recommend where to look?
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Seed & Esprit at the moment!
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What style are you looking for Lizzy? I love loose-fitting shorts in lightweight fabrics. Plus, a bit of a print is much more fun than standard denim shorts! What about this pair from Suboo? https://www.mamamia.com.au/shop/suboo-ipanema-printed-short.html. We have heaps more coming in (at some lower prices), so it’s worth checking ‘What’s New’ on Mamamia Shopping over the next couple of weeks..
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Worst-a prowler in our street yesterday morning.it was so scary not knowing whose back yard he went to next.
Best-our neighbors. Everyone pulling together to give support and awareness.
Omm-my 2 boys. Growing so fast. My 3 Jr old increasing his speech ability and yet still considered behind other kids his age. He has made big changes this week alone! And my 1 yr old knowing everything and taught nothing!
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I really enjoyed the choice of picture! I’m surprising my boyfriend with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Melbourne City tomorrow moring! Sounds great hey? I got an email to say we have to meet at 4.15am… That is surely a bed time? Anyways, really looking forward toit and should be amazing!!!
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My boyfriend gave me one of them for my birthday in July over the Yarra Valley… it was AMAZING – best thing ever!!
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Is this your first balloon ride? If so, I guarantee you’ll love it, and want to do more.There are some awesome options in other countries (if you do get to Egypt, you HAVE to do the Valley of the Kings one) and I also recommend the Yarra Valley options.
Beware: it can be an expensive addiction!
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It is my first, yes! Valley of the Kings sounds amazing! Loving the great feedback!! It’s making me even more excited!!! Thank you
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