Do You Like This Story?

By MIA FREEDMAN

Oh yes I did. Hang-gliding. Me. Hanging. While gliding. IN THE AIR. It was my son’s idea really. We were having a family holiday in Byron last week and he got it into his head that he wanted to hang-glide. So he organised for him, his friend and my husband to go, each of them taking a tandem flight that took off near the Byron Bay lighthouse and landed at Tallows beach half an hour later.

We all went – I figured I’d probably watch – but then I made an uncharacteristically spontaneous decision to do it. To jump glide.

So I did.

With the lovely Brian steering the thing and talking me through it, we glided (glid?) over the trees, the ocean and the beach. We saw turtles below us and eagles flew alongside.

Landing was smooth. And as long as I didn’t over-think it (I’m scared of heights), it was incredible. What I loved even more than doing it was having done it. Having not wimped out like I totally expected myself to.

When we were up there, Brian said to me “When we land, let’s play a joke on Jason. I’ll say ‘We spent the whole time talking about you. I learned some very interesting things!” to which I replied “Brian? You forgot that this is a man whose wife has been talking about him on TV, radio, in the newspaper and online for 15 years. He won’t even raise his eyebrows at the though of me telling you secrets.”

See the video of my take-off:

Here’s the website of the hang-gliding company I flew with. Tell Brian I sent you.

Has anything unexpected happened to you this week? Anything else you’d like to share?

This is what’s been happening in the office and on social media.

Tweet from Mia Freedman (@MiaFreedman)

Comments

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125 Comments so far

  1. sirquack

    I have a question for the mamamia team; how can I opt out of daily emails? I never recieved them until recently and my inbox is filling up extremely quickly…

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  2. Celia

    I have a strange predicament. I am 28 years old. My husband and I were going to start trying for a baby in September; however, just before this time I noticed my wisdom tooth peeking through my gums. I have had an X-ray done, and it will be fairly simple to remove…if I give it time to grow in. Right now, it would require major healing time/surgery to remove. I am worried, however, that if I get pregnant it will start to bother me during pregnancy, and I will have to get it extracted then!
    I know this is a weird place to discuss this, but I am going nuts waiting for this thing to grow in. My question is…what is your experience with wisdom teeth? Do they come in quickly? (interested to know as I wait for another consult with the dentist next week). Thanks!

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    • stacey87

      I don’t know too much about wisdom teeth in general, but I am 25 and have had mine growing through for the last three or so years! They sometimes (every few months) bother me as a slight ache but this usually only lasts for half a day and I don’t really need to take anything for them, ie, I have done nothing, lol.

      I would hate to think that you will be waiting for years and delaying having a baby because of your teeth, if they were anything like mine! However I have heard some people’s teeth shoot through and are really painful. How to distinguish between the two, I’ve no idea! Maybe your dentist will be able to advise you on your options, and the probability of needing them removed/pain etc.

      If I was in your situation though, just me, I would still go ahead and try to conceive, and see what happened. Come what may! Good Luck :) xx

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    • Emmeline

      Celia I would get it taken out now. 40 weeks is a long time to wait if your tooth starts to give you grief. You want to be enjoying that time as a pregnant lady not wishing it away so you can hurry up and get your tooth out!

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    • Lozzy

      I had my wisdoms out a few years ago, day surgery and a few days with a fat face. After a week I was fine… I would get them out. :)

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  3. Julia

    Just wanted to say I loved hearing Mia’s child yelling ‘Yay Mummy!’ in the background. I think it’s great for him or her to see their Mum doing something so brave and fun. If I ever have kids I hope I can be like that.

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    • Cordeline

      I loved that too. I have to say, that even though one of the best things about being a parent is being proud of my kids… I also just love it when they cheer for me. Hearing ‘yay mummy, go mummy’ gives me such a buzz. Knowing that my kids feel proud of me, it’s just as good as feeling proud of them.

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  4. malone1982

    My nan passed away on Sunday night and its hit me like a huge cement truck…

    Im 30 and this is my first grandparent to die while I have been alive/old enough to know… and im not coping…

    We have her funeral on monday and the weekend with family but I am not sleeping very well and not even crying just staring into space… i know it will get easier but im struggling just to be at work this week….

    :( i just needed to put that down.. if anyone has any advice please let me know… xx

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    • actually k

      Hey Malone1982
      I’m sorry to hear of your loss.
      What helped me was calling lifeline and the kids help line. The people on the lines are so amazing. I have a problem with one on one (face to face) counciling and found that over the phone, even just talking to them helped a lot. They were able to suggest support groups in my area and give me other ideas for coping. They never pushed me to continue talking and where so helpful. I am forever greatful to them.

      I also found one of the best things, especially for your heart, is writting a letter to your lost loved one and then burn it and bury the ashes. the first time I did it, it was a little weird but now I find it a little therapudic.

      I hope this helped you a little(apart from my spelling mistakes) and it may not seem like it now, but you will, eventually, be happy again. :)

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  5. emmelineharris

    Hi Sad Anon, can totally relate re work and baby. Is there any way you can nurture yourself by having a break somewhere lovely. Come back and focus on the job change and your baby plans. Even a mental health day tomorrow? Focus on YOU. X

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  6. Sad Anon

    I am having a really tough week at work that has gotten worse yesterday and today. This is coupled with the overwhelming feeling of maternal desire for a baby which is compounding this. The worse the dynamics are at work, the more I think what am I doing here? I should be at home with my beautiful little baby about now. The feeling is almost like a loss.

    Despite my career achievements and that I am good at what I do, I’m tired of that being the main focus in my life. Also tired of being treated with a lack of regard or respect in my workplace, and the good projects and tasks going to the butt-kissers. I have been working for five months without a day off, covering two people’s jobs and managing several large projects. I just want that to be appreciated. I’d like to work in a meritocracy, because I’d be a Duchess of it by now at the very least! The last 24 hours at work have made me tear up people have been that trying.

    Also, I had a friend announce her baby due in March, plus another friend has announced an engagement. I am very happy for them but at the same time, so sad inside for my own direction not progressing – I worry my life’s not moving along. At this point, I have deicide to try and find the right new job and start before Christmas, at the same time focussing even more energy on meeting and starting a relationship with the father of my baby to be. Also on my mind with all this is life and death – a 63 year old I knew died of leukaemia recently, and then the horrid murder of Jill Meagher. Overwhelming to get my head and heart around these things all at once, and really think very deeply on the bigger picture and what is important.

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    • orion22

      3 years ago, this was me, sad anon. You never know what’s waiting just around the corner. Be happy for your friends, because good things are coming your way too!

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  7. Jenna Abram

    Today (3 Oct) is my 21st birthday!!!
    I had a lovely surprise by my three best friends who surprised me with a champaign high tea at the Park Hyatt. I was also surprised by my work giving me the night off. I work in an Executive Club Lounge at a 5 Star hotel in Sydney’s CBD so it was lovely to have the day/night off to celebrate my 21st with my friends and had a wonderful family dinner. Now onto Saturday night for more surprises and a night out :D

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    • Jenna Abram

      P.s. I plan to go skydiving to celebrate my birthday and landing my dream job in a graduate management program. Also I plan to treat my family to the bridge climb to thank my patents for providing me with a University education as I just graduated last month.

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    • phoodietweets

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA!

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  8. Kerri-Ann

    We got a puppy !!!!! She is a miniature dachshund called Miss Maud Von Krumm. She is the sweetest little soul. We love her…..A LOT !!!!

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  9. Mabol

    Wow, good on you for the hang-gliding Mia. How great to have a fear of something but do it anyway. Next step – flying lesson in a plane….

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  10. shy and unsure

    So, I met a girl online two weeks ago (I’m a . lesbian) we have been chatting and flirting since and swapped numbers. Tonight she asked me if I wanted to “hang out” but here’s the thing. Is it a date? Or just friends? I don’t know.
    So some help would be great. What sorry of things do girls day when they re interested?

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    • Anon

      I’m in the same situation. I’m an “out” femme lesbian and I met a very nice and extremely attractive woman about a week ago. She’s bisexual. She sent me a message this week asking if I wanted to have coffee. No idea if it’s a date or she just wants to be friends. Although I do know she met me with others (also friends of mine) and I don’t think she’s asked them, so… Argh…

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  11. Chellebelle

    OMM is that I’m only 42 but I think I may be perimenopausal

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  12. Dana

    Hey Mia, sometimes I forget you’re a mum (because you do so much other stuff!), and it was really heartwarming to hear “yay mummy’. What a great family you’re a part of. I loved it – that’s all!

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  13. ozinuk

    A few weeks ago I left my boyfriend of six years. It’s been really hard, however the whole time through this I’ve thought “this is the right thing to do”. It is. But in the last few days I’ve had my doubts about walking away. I don’t know if it is because I’m missing him, or if it’s my birthday tomorrow, or if it’s being so far away from home or what. I just don’t know. It’s hurting.

    I know I need to keep distracted, keep busy and spend time with my nearest & dearest (well, the closest I have to that here on the other side of the world). I’ve been doing all of this. But when I go home by myself I’m lost. I know I’m not ready to move on. That’s absolutely not an option. I’m just sad.

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    • Elle

      Of course you would be sad. The end of a long term relationship is a big transition! You are going to feel sad and lonely and hurt. Let yourself feel these emotions but remember it will pass. Why don’t you write a list of the reasons you ended the relationship and the emotions associated with those reasons? That usually gives me more clarity. There had to be something that was big enough to motivate you to walk away from a 6 year relationship. Happy Birthday :)

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    • Cait

      Elle is completely right – its perfectly normal, we have all been there!

      For me, it really helped writing down all of the reasons I left. I Kept those reasons with me in my pocket so I could read them any and every time I thought about second guessing myself. The doubts passed about 4 months later and they havent been back since. I know exactly why I left, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I try to recall why I left. my ex wasnt a bad person, but I had a list as long as my arm as to why he wasnt ‘my person’ and why it was best for both of us if it ended.

      Best of luck with it :)

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    • Anonymous

      Go and get the Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paulina Simmon. When you re-emerge you’ll feel so much better.

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  14. Anonymous

    So why dont those 4 girls in the custody dispute get a say in where they want to live? I admit I have not read everything but I thoguht I read somewhere that they wanted to stay in Aust wiht their mum. If the mum is a fit parent why cant they choose to stay with her? at what age can children choose? One of these girls is 15?

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    • oopsyboops

      At 16, they are still minors. The courts had no choice – they are simply upholding the hague convention (something which so so many parents are grateful that it exists). The mother needs to go back to the Italian courts and sort it out there. We can’t pick and choose which cases we support with regards to international law just because they received good publicity. Once you take the emotions out of it, it really is a simple black and white case. (well so it appears to me)

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    • chillax

      Unfortunately this seems like another tug of war over children that is based on winning rather than what the children really want and possibly what is in their best interests.
      If I knew my kids really didnt want to come and live with me there is no way I could drag them through the courts and uproot their lives just so I could get one up on their other parent.

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      • Emma in Melbourne-land

        My understanding of the case is that the mother removed the children from Italy without the fathers consent. The judge in his decision said that he believed the mother has been influencing the girls in their desire to stay in Australia. The rights of the father to his children can not be ignored and I’m glad that the girls will be going home and that the issue will be resolved in Italy… they are minors so a court needs to find what is in their best interests.

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  15. vivacious

    I’m home sick with a cold but am still wearing dresses for Frocktober! Is anyone else frocking up?

    Also I helped Mum set up a blog on the weekend. I’m so proud of her, only a few years ago she was really scared of technology. Now she is emailing, tweeting on Facebook and now has her own blog! Have a read at:
    http://am-i-old-yet.blogspot.com.au/

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  16. oopsyboops

    It’s been a busy week but now, I have manflu. I want to go somewhere quiet and lie down. Alone. In quiet. Hubby is sick too (it is just a cold, the kids have been sick for all of last week) but I have the real manflu.

    Also OMM, I did a blog post this week I’m a bit chuffed with. I have vain hopes of one day having something go viral lol (even though I’m not a writer, or trying to be one, I just like positive validation ;)

    http://morebananas.blogspot.com.au/

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    • Sneet

      Just read your blog post – it was brilliant.
      It really resonated with me oopsyboops.
      Thank you for sharing xxx

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    • stacey87

      doing some stalking, love your blog, very relateable! :)

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  17. Natjz

    OMM i have spent the last 4 days thinking how lucky my family is. After taking my 12 day old baby too the local hospital with a yellow eye we ended up with a very sick baby and rushed too the children’s hospital with viral meningists! We caught it very early and he is fine. Going home tomOrrow. Now i see all these very sick kids in here and i am very greatful we get too go home. Going too donate as much as we can afford for telethon as the hospital pmh have been wonderful.

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  18. Olivia

    Mia, you once mentioned a great hotel in Melbourne that you always stay at. I can’t remember the name though….Could you please remind me?

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    • Anon

      I think it’s The Olsen in South Yarra!

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  19. Rudyroo

    I’ve enjoyed the gallery today, much to giggle about in there!
    Those e-cards crack me up.

    Omm: could we please have an open Christmas gift ideas post ASAP?
    I would love to read suggestions for
    - cute online stores
    - quality but cheap ideas for secret santas etc
    - ideas for men’s gifts
    - and Tweens!
    - handmade ideas
    - teachers gifts

    Christmas is not far off and my kids finish school end of November. So I need ideas now as we will be handing out gifts school related in November. Seems crazy doesn’t it?

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    • Gracie

      I second you on the Christmas post!

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    • Lucy Ormonde

      Christmas post noted. Thanks guys!

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    • JosieY

      As a teacher, can I say a letter from you and your child thanking them and noting specifically something they have done for your child is the kind of thing that gets kept forever. I’m organising this for my daughters class – everyone writes a letter and they go in a folder for her teachers. So much better than chocolate! (and i don’t say that often)

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      • Joanne

        That’s a great idea… I have something similar I was gifted by my Preschool class a few years ago – it was the class photo with speech bubbles added around the edges (coming from each child’s mouth) quoting something about me, “I like it when she does puzzles with me” etc…there were some great memories there, and I still have it!

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      • Tink

        As a teacher I would absolutely adore this present! last year I received so many boxes of chocolate, which I very much appreciated over the summer holidays ;) however this idea just rocks my socks! There are only so many parents who ever say something kind about what I’ve been doing, this would make me feel absolute joy (especially at Christmas time!).

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    • Anonymous

      https://www.mamamia.com.au/social/welcome-to-the-mamamia-diy-christmas-guide/

      here is last years as a head start. I saved it to my favourites ready…..

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  20. JamandCream

    You’re far braver than I Mia- I would be way too scared to go hang gliding!
    OMM: Uni assignments and the ever present question on my mind- will I get enough marks for a transfer into law? Also planning a Cancer Council’s Girls’ Night In which should be fun! Any ideas for pink recipes and/or decorations anyone? Phoodie?? Can your domestic goddess genius come to my rescue?

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    • JosieY

      Go to bestrecipes.com.au and look for strawberry jelly cake. Delicious and pink!

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  21. Jay

    OMM: I’m feeling a bit lonely this week. My husband is working longer hours at the moment and is travelling a lot. I had a friend cancel on me for dins and drinks tonight and it took me back to being 7 years old – I was devastated! I mean, I have friends, but they’re not really friends you can just call on a Saturday morning and be like ‘meet me at the shops’ or ‘come over and watch the Puberty Blues finale tonight!

    In other news, I’m loving the new Pink album.

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    • Elle

      Yeah I wish I had those friends too! I always have to plan things in advance! Pink is brilliant isn’t she?

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  22. beansbeansthemagicalfruit

    Yay Mommy!!! :)

    Came home from a long walk with my son on a beautiful Melbourne day looking forward to doing a bit of a house cleanup (sunstroke maybe?) and as I was taking off our shoes in the hallway I look up to see a guy late 20s/early 30s standing at our front door. I screamed and in the process scared the crap out of my toddler. This despite my screen door being locked and the biggest crime in our neighbourhood in months being a broken into car. The guy was very apologetic for scaring me and said he just wanted to ask if he could grab water from our outside tap.

    So now I’m sitting here with the front door closed, angry. WTF is going on in my world that this is how I react to someone arriving unexpected in the middle of the day? What happened to make me like this and how can I fix it? I’m angry at him for not thinking to say something as he approached the door as he could definitely see us inside. And I’m angry for feeling guilty for screaming and my bitchy reaction “yeah there’s water around the side of the house somewhere”. I keep thinking to all the conversations we’ve had on Mamamia lately about how we need to ditch the fear of being seen as rude if we’re frightened or uncomfortable yet here I am feeling guilty again. So my awesome mood changed to feeling like such a weirdo wimp.

    *Just to be clear, I’m in no way trying to imply this has anything to do with what happened to Jill Meagher as my reaction would’ve been much the same regardless. Maybe that heightened it a bit but definitely not by much. I’m just worried there’s something wrong with me.

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    • Jay

      Beans I think I would’ve had exactly the same reaction – regardless of whether the visitor was male or female, especially if you were startled. If he’d made some noise, or knocked on the front door a short time later I’m sure you would’ve reacted differently. I think in these situations you also take on the ‘fight’ (of flight or fight) because your protective instincts and adrenalin for your child’s safety kick in.

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  23. erin86

    Sounds like fun Mia! I love Byron

    OMM: My sister in law is pregnant…. shes 18 years old and only been with her BF for 6 months, his such a douche bag.. my husband is so upset, she said to us a few months ago she wanted to have a babay next yr and we talked to her to explain how much of a responsibility a baby is and how she has so much more to do like get a career, travel, be on her own 2 feet before she has a family! Obviously she didn’t listen. I don’t think she knows what its going to be like to have a baby and how she can’t go out her friends 5 nights a week

    OH and to op it off shes still smoking…WTF??!!!??

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  24. amyspeak

    Oh wow Mia. Byron AND hang gliding – two things I’d love right now. Thanks for the lovely prose though, it’s the next best thing to that holiday I can’t have just yet ;)

    My week’s been productive until today…I just can’t quite seem to find the motivation. The upside is that I’m four days into a new strength training regime that I’m loving, and I have three hours of dance to look forward to tonight.

    Plus I wrote a blog post about expressing emotions that I’m really happy with (and the feedback has been great).

    It finally feels like spring in Melbourne, both literally and metaphorically for me!

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  25. Xanthe

    A friend and I are hosting a Swap Party in November.

    I have been to only one, and so has she. The format was different in both meets.

    In the one I went to, they issued one ticket for each item you brought, and you could take that many items home.

    In the one she went to, she just rocked up to have a look, not knowing anything about Swap Parties. She didn’t take anything. But came home with three things – encouraged to take them even though she had nothing to swap.

    Now, we really haven’t got a clue what we’re doing, but the flyers are out and the date is set in stone.

    Have any of you ever hosted/been to a Swap Party, and is there anything we should know about these things?

    Any tips and hints would be really really appreciated.

    I WISH the e-mail notification worked!

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    • Pumba

      And just to confuse you further, I have been to one where it was loosely based on value of items bought (items divided into approx value piles, swappable for other things in that pile).

      Others I have been to/known of were based on the ticket system, and if things were remaining at the end, people were then able to take extras.

      Goodluck with your swap party

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  26. Sarah

    Argh! It’s my birthday!

    Had drinks with a lovely man last night and had a bit of a kiss after. It was nice but, not the same butterflies as the gentleman at work (who is proving himself to be a true gentleman and great office company) – is it because it’s more illicit to have feelings for the office crush?

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    • amyspeak

      Happy birthday Sarah!

      As for the situation with your men, I don’t think you can ever help who does and doesn’t give you butterflies. Sometimes the spark is there and sometimes it isn’t…so my advice is go with what works for you (as long as it doesn’t compromise your job, that is).

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  27. cassidy

    Can anyone provide any feedback of their experience about coming off the pill/switching pills? I’m on Levlen and wonder if it’s the cause of a couple of issues (have been on it for 5 years), and am thinking about the IUD instead. Any feedback? Cheers :)

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    • a

      I would talk to my GP. I started taking Levlen to control my periods, which were so strong that I had iron-deficiency anaemia for years, since I was 13. I got on Levlen at 22 (I’m 28 now) and came off it in July because we wanted to start trying for a baby. I’ve had no ill effects, and because I got pregnant pretty quickly (no periods!) my iron levels are okay.

      I travel a lot for work and asked my GP about switching to the implant you can get on your arm, because switching time zones and going out of routines made me forget to take the pill occasionally. She said that I was doing so well on Levlen, with no issues, that she didn’t recommend the switch. It was something to do with the implant (notoriously difficult for some women apparently) but also because if it was doing its job and I wasn’t any worse for wear she preferred I stay on it rather than trying to find something else that worked for me. I didn’t realise how complicated it was to try and find something that works for you until I asked. I think I only got prescribed Levlen the first time because it was the cheapest variety!

      I don’t know what your issues are, but speak with your GP about your concerns and see what s/he says.

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    • Anonymous

      That may have been the one I used to use… after being on the pill for almost 10years since I was 19, I decided to stop to go ‘au naturale’ before we wanted to have children. It seemed like a long time to be on the pill and I just wanted everything out of myself – chocolate, caffeine, the pill… No side effects and I didn’t notice anything different with my skin or weight gain. Now I’m preg with my second but not sure what I’ll do in future – pill/iud/nothing!?!?!

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    • LaLaLauren

      I was on Levlen for about 7-8 years until about 12months ago. After reading lots of comments on here one day about other peoples experience with the pill, I realised it was the cause for a lot of the problems I was having, the moodiness being the worst. After talking to the Dr my options were the implant or changing pills to diane. I wasn’t keen on the implant as I’ve heard too many bad stories about it and taking a pill everyday really doesn’t bother me. Have been on diane ever since. It hasn’t fixed all my problems though, but I feel a lot happier and no longer get so moody and mean.
      It is a hard, long process of trial and error to find the right one for you, but if your willing, give it a go. Its been worth it so far for me.

      Good luck!

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    • Cait

      I have tried over half a dozen pills over the last nearly 10 years, and after prolonged use of Juliet, I decided it was time for a change as my hormones were off the charts two weeks out of every four (during these weeks it wasnt uncommon for me to cry over literally nothing).

      I moved to implanon. I wasnt keen on the idea of the IUD, and while I was interested in the injection, I knew that IF i hated it, I would have to wait it out, rather than with the implant I could just have it removed.

      Anyway it still took a bit of adjusting to. I experienced about 3 weeks of zero sex drive, which was something neither myself or my partner expected, nor were we prepared for it. I decided that if it was permanent, I would get the implant removed. My skin didnt break out, and there was only a week of needing to double up on contraception.

      After the 1st month I went back to normal in every other way except for the mood swings which havent returned. On my follow up i simply explained to my Dr that I love it so much he will have to pry it out of my cold dead arm – or remove it in 3 years – whichever comes first.

      Ultimatley asking my dr about changing my contraception was the best thing i could have done. But I kissed some contraceptive frogs before I found my prince, so just dont necessarily to get it 100% right, straight away :)

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    • Pumba

      I have just (a bit over a month ago) come off Levlen, which I had been taking for about 11 years (with a short 6 month gap after the first 2 years).
      I am a migraine sufferer (so debilitating) but so far so good – no migraines since coming off. My skin did break out a bit for a couple of weeks, but its settled already.
      No other side effects of coming off, except my libido appears to have returned.
      Let us know if you have specific questions.
      Sorry I cant comment on IUD’s – never had one.

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    • Mouse

      I am in the process of switching from Microgynon to Norimin. I was on Micro for 6 years and recently decided to change. Am about two weeks into the change now and I feel bloody awful, completely exhausted and emotional. But, my doc said it takes awhile sometimes for the body to adjust so to give it some time.

      The thing is it is always different for everyone.

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  28. oddsocks

    OMM: I have started a new blog with a good friend of mine. I am quite excited about it…. it will be focussing on DIY, crafty, thrifty things mostly in preparation for her wedding next year but there will also be non wedding related stuff too (e.g. kids birthday parties, furniture restoration etc). It is lovely to feel inspired and excited about something. Feel free to have a look and follow us too – http://craftthriftwed.wordpress.com/ So far we only have two posts – both DIY things I did for my little brothers wedding last month.

    Also OMM: I am doing frocktober! I am not a dress person, and I am struggling on only day 3 of this adventure! On the bright side I have raised $270 so far and and pushing myself out of my comfort zone!

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  29. Ju

    Hi Mama Mia Girls and Guys, Is there any way you could add the video link from the Today show whenever Mia is on it. I constantly search for it on the Today Show videos and always have trouble finding it. Thanks

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    • Natalia

      Hey Ju! They don’t always post it, but we they do, we get it up on our Youtube page: youtube.com/tvmamamia

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  30. phoodietweets

    Wednesday already! Thank goodness….. actually feels like Monday to me….

    I’m EXHAUSTED after hosting a birthday party for about 70 people on Saturday! It was my husband’s birthday as well as my son’s so it was full on!

    We had loads of fun and I still have enough food in the house to feed a further 3000 people…..

    Still thinking about Jill Meagher…… cannot help it….

    And Happy Birthday to you Mia! Librans are the best!

    p.s below is a pic of the birthday cake I made the boys…. it was a “Herb Garden”!

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  31. Haven Maven

    Unexpected? Yes!! :)

    Kid free the weekend – they’ve gone to the Human Mollusc’s for a week. So hanging out with my usual social crowd, bit of singing here and there. One of the guys – the only other single my age, ironically – and have always been mates. Early on I was told he liked me but just didn’t feel it. Stayed mates, have a laugh, a dance, a few bevvies, all good.

    Anyway…stuff has been changing. In a good way. We’ve been talking lots. He took me to the movies the other night – we roared laughing. New movie Mental – with Toni Collette. Great movie! Go see it. Next night we went out with our social group again for a sing. His best gf had a chat with me – told her I hate the feeling of the groups eyes on us and that comes with pressure I spose as well. She was lovely – told me lots of good stuff bout him. So – a bunch of us kicked on to one of their houses for more drinking and singing – and he and I hooked up *giggling*

    Spent the rest of the weekend together. Crazy but omg its been fun. :) ))))

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    • iamevilcupcake

      Oh yay!!!! That’s so exciting Haven! I’m sure you’ll keep us all up-to-date with the goings on :)

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    • oopsyboops

      oh yay! Sounds like fun! Sometimes the best relationships start from “just friends”.

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  32. Cinnamon

    First of all Happy belated birthday Mia! Sounds like you had a fun trip!

    Got a few things on my mind this week. First of all my digestion is playing up again BIG time! I have no idea what is triggering it right now but it’s very frustrating! I’ve been following a pretty strict elimination diet and while it has helped in some areas it hasn’t completely rid me of my symptoms…. well I haven’t really started introducing anything back yet except for rice which did make me feel sick when I ate it! But I’m going to give that one another go just because I need to make sure!

    Anyway on the flip side I had the best period of my life this month…. I know crazy huh! I seriously had no pain, no discomfort, NOTHING! Usually I can feel things coming up to a week before, I get so emotional, moody, etc, etc but this time no PMS, no pain and it lasted for fewer days than usual!

    Also OMM is husband’s work. He has been offered a position here but he also may have an opportunity to go to the UK for work. He will have an interview soon for the UK position and then we’ll have to decide, we went through a list of pros and cons for each place so yeh I guess we’ll really have to think about things if he also gets an offer from the UK position.

    Meanwhile….. I keep wondering where our kids will be born and when we’re even going to have kids….

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  33. Sarah Hill

    ha ha ha I thought it was hand gliding until now… woops

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  34. Broken Hearted (now Kindred Spirit)

    OMM1: Went for a new job at a major organisation and was really really nervous and didn’t know whether I was going to get a second interview. I’ve got an interview with the director and the head counsel on Friday. Sooooo nervous but hopefully I get it!

    OMM2: Met a new guy on Saturday night. He was too shy to come up to me so his best mate came up to me instead and said that his friend thinks I’m really beautiful and would I come over. He got my number and we went out on a date last night. He is such a lovely guy, had butterflies, he kissed me right at the end and it was sooo good. He messaged me good morning this morning and two messages after and that’s about it. Is this a bad sign?!

    OMM3: All the girls at Mamamia are soo beautiful. Is it a pre-requisite for working there?!

    OMM4: Life is soo good right now. I’m soooooo happy.

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    • Cinnamon

      Yayyy for the date! Reading that reminded me of when I went my husband and our first date :) Not a bad sign at all! Enjoy :)

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      • Broken Hearted (now Kindred Spirit)

        I felt like a little girl in a candy store and after a really really really really bad breakup – it really helped!! I love the butterflies feeling.

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    • Haven Maven

      Oh yay!! I love hearing you are on your upswing xxx

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  35. That Girl Fiona

    Hi guys! Good to be back here on MM and read about what everyone’s been up to!
    I just returned home from a 5 week stint in Europe.. First big proper trip, it was awesome! Went on a Contiki tour and had a blast. Since you posted about hanggliding, I thought I’d share my photo of my sky-diving over the Swiss Alps! How cool is that? I still can’t believe I did it. 14,000 feet…. Out of a helicopter, too! The only place in the world you can commercially jump out of a helicopter.

    Amazing views! Can’t wait to go back to Europe some time.. And I want to live in London.. It’s intoxicatingly wonderful. I saw 3 West End shows in my week there and I just wanted to stay there forever. Wonderful!
    Haha, I wonder if anyone noticed I was gone (doubt it, lol) but hey, I’m back! Glad to be reading MM again after so long of internet cafes ahaha.
    Peace out :) xo

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    • Amelie

      Welcome back Fiona! I did sky diving from a helicopter in Swizterland a few years ago… your post is bringing back some great memories for me :)

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  36. MissV

    OMM: money, work and uni applications.

    Why can’t the government just fund me to study?? I haven’t even reached my HECS limit yet! Education is so expensive!

    also OMM is my partner’s parents. They are so horrible to him at times, really petty things that add up over time. We’ve decided to turn down their offer of giving us money for when we purchase our place. Mostly because with them, there are always strings attached and neither of us want that.

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    • Cait

      I really relate on the in laws thing.

      My partner is still fresh on the pain side of it, but he hasnt yet resolved on what to do (if anything) about the way he is treated, especially in comparison to his sibling.

      If anything it just makes me thankful that my family are particularly welcoming of him.

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      • MissV

        It’s horrible to watch isn’t it? His brother’s don’t cop it nearly as bad despite the fact that they are both 7 and 8 years older than him and still rely on their parents for everything.

        The sad thing is that there isn’t really anything to do about it.

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  37. Alix

    OMM started new job 6 weeks ago. LOVE the job but one woman in my team is very hot and cold with me. I’m an even-keel kind of person and can’t stand this behabiour. Feeling self conscious being blatantly ignored then thinking I must have imagined it when she is as nice as pie. It’s doing my head in.

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  38. Lozzie

    You’re a brave woman, Mia.

    I havent got the guts to hang-glide but I imagine its awesome and the views must have been spectacular.

    Well done.

    You can cross that one off your bucket list – unless you’re planning on going up again?

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  39. Jane

    I just LOVE the “Yay, yay Mummy!” shout-out in the video. Well done Mia.

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  40. OMM: wow, there are no library jobs in Brisbane. Well, the few ones that are around are either part time or demand you have years of experience.

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    • Jess

      I feel your pain. I’m doing a Masters in Editing and Publishing and I’m going to have to move to Melbourne or Sydney to pursue my career. But it also makes doing work experience hard if you live in Brisbane.

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  41. August

    Aw, how cute is the ‘yay! yay Mummy!’ from one of your bubs.

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  42. chachi

    At a crossroads where I need to pick up my fitness levels but I am unsure what path to take – don’t know whether it is worth signing up to a gym again or trying something else. Just wondering what kind of things other readers do to get and stay in shape for some inspiration!

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    • maggie

      I am doing bootcamp!

      It’s so much fun, outdoors and the work outs are different every session so you never get bored.

      I highly suggest looking to see if there is any in your area.

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    • guest

      I have started doing taekwondo with my kids, in a family class. We all love it, great for fitness and just a lot of fun!

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    • guest

      I have started doing taekwondo with my kids in a family class – love it!

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  43. pinksparkle

    Hang gliding, wow don’t think I could do that (i’m terrified of heights). I actually saw some hangliders on Saturday, and I watched them land on the beach! Maybe I should just do it to get over my fear.
    Well I got 2 unexpected job interviews this week, been applying for jobs like a madwoman since getting made redundant 2 weeks ago. So far i’ve had 3 interviews (including one this morning) and now I have 2 more! Holding onto hope!

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    • pennypacker

      good luck !! :-)

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  44. Kathy

    Something I just found interesting was watching Jennifer Livingston from CBS respond to a viewer sending her an email basically asking how she could not do anything about her weight (she’s a bit overweight) and she has a responsibility as a role model. The email was actually I think politely worded but I may be insensitive to think that and one thing Jennifer said resonated with me. Even though the email wasnt in capital letters shouting STUPID FAT TROLL (ergh that even looks disgusting) it was STILL hurtful!!! And she says to the viewer “do you think I don’t know that I’m overweight?” that just struck me! Thats the main thing! I had really crooked teeth when I was younger and people used to always say “omg your teeth are so weird/crooked/gross” and I was like yeah I know I brush them twice daily! On the topic of trolls I was disgusted and shocked to see some forums regarding Jill Meagher. I don’t even think I can repeat it but disgusting comments made about her and even other discussions saying Adrian Bayleys children should be killed. I really didn’t even want to write that. I know we need to ignore it but I can’t get it out of my head. I can’t understand it, and I’m glad I can’t but I hate that people act this way!

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    • Lulu

      “Jennifer Livingston from CBS respond to a viewer sending her an email basically asking how she could not do anything about her weight ”

      My response would have been short (like the viewer’s probable attention span): “Fuck you, pal.”

      This is why I do not work in televesion.

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  45. Rach the Muso

    I have had a frustrating week or so, but I think I’ll save it for B&W, so you can all have a couple of days to prepare yourself for my whining. :) I am such a baby sometimes!

    Anyway, OMM is body image. Actually, no, more like body expectations. I am in the US atm on a college campus. Husband works with the marching band, which means he also works with the cheer squad/dancers. There have been two instances in the last week that have had me drop my jaw in disgust/amazement (and husband as well). Firstly, he was sitting with another assistant watching a band rehearsal and to pass the time, they were talking about the girls in the band who were good-looking (doing what boys do best). They got around the front row to my stand partner, who is girl-next-door gorgeous. The other assistant said, “She’d be hot if she dropped 20 pounds.” Husband said, “What?!” Seriously, she is about 5’6″ and maybe 55kg? And this guy is no picture of beauty either.

    Then all the assistants were discussing the cheer squad. There were comments flying about how this year’s squad was ‘not as professional’ as last year’s, and that actually turned out to mean that there were overall more ‘pudgy’ girls on the squad. By pudgy, I mean, maybe 1kg overweight, if you can even call it that? They want the old director to take over the squad so she would ensure they ‘looked after themselves better’.

    This is a country whose smallest adult size is a 00 – I am an Aussie 8 (usually our smallest size in most stores) so a US 4, and I think I am tiny. There are 5 sizes SMALLER than me. And there are definitely girls on campus who could fit into those clothes.

    I was disappointed in humanity that day. :(

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  46. Carly Findlay

    Gosh hang gliding is brave Mia! Well done!

    OMM – a boy I just met. After meeting him at an event I worked at for a few days, he asked for my number then asked me to dinner. I don’t know if it was a date. He is funny, very cute, intelligent and kind. We both said we want to see each other again. We have been messaging each day since exchanging numbers, and he’s liked my pictures on Facebook (even saying “hello!” to the one of me in my bathers, while in front of me. I don’t know what this is, I’m clueless with dating, but gosh I like him.

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    • jamilarizvi

      Woohoo! Love the ‘new boy’ feeling. xxxx

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    • Anonymous

      He asks for your phone number and then invites you to dinner? That’s a date alright :)

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  47. Minnie M

    I wasn’t going to comment but I really hope you rethink the sunbaking bit. And I hope your baby is head to toe covered in sun protection.
    You can’t reverse sun damage and it’s the fastest way to age yourself.

    On a lighter note (!) I just devoured a book and finished it late last night called, “the light between oceans” by M.L.Stedman. An amazing story about a couple who live in a lighthouse and one day a boat washes up with a dead man and a crying newborn in it. It’s a gripping tale and I highly recommend it.

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    • TLS

      Just finished reading this, loved it!

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  48. Minnie M

    My 6yo has a friend from school over for a play. While they’ve been running around the backyard together I hear the friend say “hey did you know yesterday I vomited four times?!”. Oh yay! Thanks for letting him come for a play!

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  49. Petal

    Good for you Mia! Hanggliding, wow, especially considering you are scared of heights. Looks amazing! Is Harry back yet?

    Oh, and Kate, Victoria’s Queen’s Birthday Holiday is the second Monday in June.

    OMM this week: getting our floorboards sanded. Yes, we have to move EVERY single piece of furniture out of our house and back in again. And, being school holidays, this event brings it own special kind of hell. Son is currently on Xbox, daughter on laptop. Nagging is officially my new language. Will be worth it in the end though!

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  50. maggie

    FWP: Shin splints and hay-fever making my life fairly unbearable.
    the shin splints are making it really hard to train properly at bootcamp as I cant do any running exercises! Which is my weakest point.

    Jut feeling rather down about it. I am trying so hard to get fit, but this is just making it that much harder!

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    • Tripitaka

      You probably already know this, but just incase you don’t, the thing that helped me with shin splints was to do a really long hamstring stretch. The kind when you are standing, bend one knee, other leg outstretched, and bend at your hip. Then – and this is the most important bit – make sure you lift the toes of the outstretched legs towards you, so that you feel the stretch behind your calf muscles, as well as in the top half of your leg. Doing these stretches before exercise got rid of my shin splints completely.

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      • MissV

        Oh great tip! I suffer from shin splints too but have never known to lift your toes up as well!

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      • maggie

        Thank you so much! I didn’t know that one :)

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    • bookkat

      Hi Maggie,

      There are so many ways to treat shin splints. May I put my 2 bobs worth in too?

      I used to fill foam cups with water and freeze them. I would then cut away half the cup (long ways) and then roll the ice along your shins. I found it helped.

      Good luck!

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