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Welcome to this week’s open post where it’s all random. I tell you what’s been going on in the office and in my head and you comment about anything you like.

On my mind….

I’m really troubled by the behaviour of footy clubs over the proposed changes to poker machine legislation. With the opportunistic and misleading rush to call it a ‘footy tax’ and the outrage and indignation expressed by many in the AFL and NRL that their clubs will face collapse if this new legislation (designed to protect problem gamblers from themselves facing financial ruin) is passed, what about this: the admission that 40% of their revenue comes from problem gamblers.

That, to me, is shocking. Footy clubs are making money from people who are ruining their lives and the lives of their families? Where is the morality in that?

As news.com.au‘s editor David Penberthy wrote so brilliantly in The Punch yesterday:

One would hope that respected chief executives with the business acumen of David Gallop and Andrew Demetriou could find a way to monetise codes which are watched during the season by some 14 million Australians every week, and command combined TV rights in excess of $2 billion, without arguing that the continued enslavement of poker machine addicts is central to their business model.

He also went on to point out the disturbing role of former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, who in addition to being president of the AFL club Hawthorn was also the inaugural chairman and a director of mental health organisation Beyond Blue.

“Reading Kennett’s hysterical comments yesterday about how the AFL faces collapse because of the gaming reforms, I found myself reflecting on a conversation I had over the weekend about an old family friend, a policeman. It turns out that he had died tragically at his own hand. He had become addicted to the pokies and was so deeply in debt that he stole some money. Knowing he would lose his job as a policeman, he threw himself in front of a train.

As one of the founders of an organisation which has done so much to destigmatise mental illness, Kennett of all people should be aware of the links between problem gambling and depression. Problem gambling enjoys an especially evil symbiotic relationship with mental illness, being both a cause and a symptom of depression.

If Jeff Kennett isn’t interested in the work of a bunch of external academics he could at least have a look at his own website, beyondblue.com.au, which provides a sadly illuminating four-page fact sheet about the link between mental illness and gambling addiction”

If poker machines and problem gamblers are the foundation of the business model for footy clubs? I think they need to get a new one pretty damn fast.

This week’s Mamamia on Sky News, Fri 9:15pm

On the show this week are Jacinta Tynan, Lisa Hensley, Jason Stevens and Anthony Sharwood.

Picture 28 Open post of the week

From left: Jacinta Tynan, Lisa Hensley, Jason Stevens and Anthony Sharwood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also appearing on the show will be Julia Baird and Stella Young – check back Friday for the show post with full interviews and everything else.

Here’s a shot of backstage at last week’s show with Kristina Keneally, Simon Thompson, Sam de Brito and Btttina Arndt…

You can watch that show in full below (you sooo should – I think it’s our best one yet):

sky news Open post of the week

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The nailpolish colour of the week:

We’ve all become a little bit obsessed with Mecca nail polish and here in the MM office. Who would have thought charcoal would be a colour we’d be painting our nails. But somehow, it works. Sharing is caring – Nat and Lucy both currently have the same colour on their nails. You can buy Mecca at their online store here.

nails Open post of the week

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The album burning a hole in my playlist:

I’m currently obsessed with Gotye – especially now that I’ve discovered you pronounce in like “Got-ya” rather than “Goy-ter” which I was doing for quite some time.

Making Mirrors Open post of the week

Making Mirrors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s my favourite song, currently playing on repeat in the office…

The book on my list to read next:

Click kids photography cover 4001 Open post of the week

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Click! Problogger has launched an e-book with Rachel Devine to teach you how to take brilliant photos of your kids without the hassle – you can buy it for download it here.

 

My favourite interview of the week:

If you missed the full interview I did with actress Mandy Bishop who plays Julia Gillard in At Home With Julia, take a minute to watch it here. It’s amazing to watch her slip in and out of character…..

 

The very cool art project:

Photographer Irina Werning started this ‘Back to the Future’ project – she invited people to go back to their past and took photos of the results. Check it out.

What’s on your mind this week?

 

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Comments

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228 Comments so far

  1. robnlee

    I have a gripe about newspapers, blogs etc that edit comments. Mamamia is beaut, all gets in, to and fro happens. Newspapers and news blogs? – forget the democracy! They will only print what suits their political bent, and if you promulgate an opinion that is new, wow, wait for the columnists to, hey presto, write an opinion. I have taken the view, advertised the fact, spoken on the issue, that the only opposition to the Labor Governments of Beattie and Bligh has been (to now) the Courier Mail. But I have noticed on numerous occasions, recently, that when I offer an opinion, that comment does not get published, and yet, the issue is taken up and publicised in a future issue. Thank goodness for mamamia – main stream media is in the hands of one or the other of political parties! Don’t sell out!!

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  2. Lisa

    Hubby and I have officially decided to start trying for kids. WHOOP!

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    • Elli

      My mum said that, when she & Dad decided to start trying, she quit her job. By the time she finished the notice she had to give, she was getting morning sickness with me. Hoping you have similar luck!

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  3. Kate in To

    yay just found out Gotye is playing in TO for $15 at one of our local bars!!!!

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  4. Joey

    One of my best friends died a year ago today.
    I want to do something to celebrate her life but I am kind of stuck. I’m not religious (in fact I am a devout atheist so I prefer not to go to church). All our mutual friends live overseas… I need to mark it but just can’t figure out how. This is the first time someone close to me has died.
    Hugs to all those out there also doing it tough. xx

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    • kitten

      So sorry to hear your sad news Joey :( Have you thought about collecting every photo you have of her and making a beautiful album or scrapbook? I made such an album once and I love being able to just sit quietly sometimes and savour a lifetime of memories with that friend. I hope you find something fitting for you and your friend x

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  5. kitten

    My first ever OMM: my grandmother’s dementia, how it is exacerbating her already aggressive and unhappy personality, how this is impacting on her health and welfare and that of everyone around her as we all try to care for her.

    How do you get someone treatment for problems they don’t think they have? How do you keep resilient when after trying to help you are told to get out, never come back and that they wish they would just die? How do you help the other members of your tiny family maintain their own resilience, health and welfare?

    I would dearly love a MM post on caring for others with dementia… or even just difficult older people… :(

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    • PK - Australian Expat in CH

      It’s really hard to help someone with Dementia.

      We looked after my grandmother who had medium to severe dementia and the worst thing I found is that other relatives didn’t believe us, that she was ill!

      We seeked some government services (someone came to help clean and wash her) and they also supported us also by letting us talk to someone who understood.

      Even though my grandmother has now passed (at about 106 years of age!), we have become life long friends to those who came in our home and helped us care for her.

      You should probably go to your GP and ask them for what services are available for those suffering with dementia – there are a lot of services available in Australia to help support the patient and also their families.

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    • AmyKate

      Kitten, I totally know how you feel.
      My Granny also has dementia and it seems to be getting worse by the week. She is such a dear sweet soul, but the agitation from her when you discuss something she thinks she has been excluded from (we always tell her everything, but she forgets) and the “nobody tells me anything anymore” comments, or “you didn’t tell me that mum was going away for a week, I must be such a nuisance to her thats why she doesn’t tell me” gets painstakingly awful. Especially as this is not in fact her character at all. I almost think it sounds like depression sometimes as there are the continual comments if you ask her out to a lunch or dinner which are like “oh don’t worry about me, you’ve got your own lives to get on with” and if you explain to her that you want to see her, that you would actually like to take 2 hours out of your day to spend time with her, you still get the same response and then she forgets 5 mins later and asks again, why you would want to spend time with her when you have your own life to get on with!! It is very trying.
      I got 6 missed calls on my phone on Tuesday morning all from her, I called her in a panic to see that she hadn’t fallen down and she had no recollection of calling me. Everything was absolutely fine! Later when I checked, each voicemail message was almost exactly the same, at 10-15 min intervals the time for get to forget and go back to the phone and call me!
      Bless her.
      The thing I have found that helps is that her long term memory is quite good. So, to save my sanity I often ask her to tell me about times that have past. Yesterday I took her to lunch and asked her about the time she first went to New York and her eyes and face lit up like I haven’t seen in a while. It was so beautiful. I even lamented that my husband was like hers in many ways and that it took a lot of work to support a corporate man. I joked about the work that goes into ironing shirts, getting suits dry cleaned, as well as being the corporate wife and getting your hair done and attending parties and reminisced about some of the lovely things she used to do with my grandpa and she smiled and laughed like I haven’t seen. It was like it was a flash back to her younger more well days.
      So, what I am trying to say…is that yesterday that was a little ray of hope for me. It is hard, I understand that – and I don’t know how unwell your grandmother is. I know my granny is only going to get worse, and that’s hard in itself, but she is fit in her body so she will be here for the long haul. So we just have to find a way to manage. I try to hold onto those happy images, the glimpses of my old Gran, the smile yesterday has warmed my heart all day today.
      And as my husband says, you will be sad shen she is gone.
      If nothing else, know that there are others out there just like you.

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  6. elli

    Blah, I’ve been sick all week. It started Monday last week as asthma, got worse, and has been a coughing-my-lungs-up thing since. (I’m on the mend now.) I obviously didn’t intend to catch this and tried not to pass it onto my boyfriend but I’m nevertheless feeling guilty that he caught it right when he had an audition, which he had to miss. I’m also feeling a bit guilty for thinking that, after my colleagues having time off with broken ankles and dog’s knee operations and whatnot, it’s my turn.

    I had my hair cut (for the first time in months) and coloured (for the first time in yearrrrrs) a couple of weeks ago. I thought the semi-permanent was quite a change – it’s somewhat darker than my natural colour and a bit goldeny-shiny in the light – and was wondering if it was too dark. But to other people it’s so subtle that I had to point it out to them. My boss commented on it today, ‘only’ 10 days later. Are they blind or are colours really far more obvious to the wearer than to other people?

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    • Anonymous

      I think people are often just preoccupied with themselves to notice when someone else changes their appearance. Or maybe they noticed but just didn’t feel the need to comment, I don’t think I would necessarily comment every time someone at my work changes their hair colour even if I noticed it.

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  7. Bo

    I didn’t get my graduate job :(

    Feeling disillusioned, sad and disappointed.

    BUT worse things happen, and while I don’t really believe that “everything happens for a reason” stuff I do know that things will somehow work out. They always do.

    x

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    • Daisy

      Hi Bo. I’m so sorry about the job. The grad recruitment process is so tough. No matter what you want to do, don’t forget that there are many ways to get into a particular industry or job – grad jobs aren’t the only way :) I hate it when you’re going through a really rough time and someone tells you that everything happens for a reason – but I agree that somehow these things do work out. Lots of luck xox

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      • Bo

        Thanks Daisy x

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      • Carlo

        Oh that sucks :( I actually work in graduate recruitment and it is such a tough competitive time..I don’t envy you. One suggestion I could make is to make an appointment with a professional careers advisor who is independent and not involved with Uni to take a look at your cv..it can be pricy so not always available for everyone but I think it can seriously help out you ahead of the pack :) good luck- you will get something amazing grad pos or not that will be right for you!

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    • Em

      Know how you feel, Bo. Applied for close to 45 grad jobs, and only got 1 interview. Had it on Monday, but it was really one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I’ve realised that all this is ok though – I will find a job doing something else for a while, and come back to what I really want. Like you, I know that things will work out, and that something I haven’t planned for might turn out to be something wonderful.

      Chin up! :)

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  8. No name today

    Hi MMers,I heard recently about Emotional Freedom therapy,would love to hear from someone who has tried it.

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    • TheDutchJess

      If you’re referring to ‘tapping’, I’ve tried it, and it works. I went into it with an open mind, and the attitude that if nothing happens, I’ve just spent a couple of minutes out of my life trying something new. Maybe it was just a placebo effect, but issues that used to keep me up at night don’t even cross my mind anymore. If you would like further resoures, Gala Darling (www.galadarling.com) is a massive fan of EFT and her website has a fair few articles on it, just search for EFT.

      …If this has nothing to do with what you’re actually asking about, then forgive me & my rambling :)

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  9. lauren91

    Best: having so much fun on placement!! seeing some amazing stuff!
    Worst: pm to am shifts – quick change over and not enough sleep!

    OMM: learned so much this week, how do i retain it all??

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    • nursee

      are the dreaded late/early. I can sympathise!
      Glad you’re enjoying your placement. When you figure out how to get info to stick to your grey matter can you pass it on to me?!
      xxoo

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  10. Anonymous

    I want to cheat on my boyfriend.

    I know I am going to get absolutely flamed in the comments.

    To be honest, it is not that I want to cheat.
    What I want is to sleep with someone else.

    We have been together for 3.5 years.
    We have an excellent relationship.
    We get on well.
    We have sex a couple of times week.
    We can chat for hours.
    I find him absolutely gorgeous.
    We kiss.
    We hug.
    I love him. He loves me.
    We have a great bunch of mutual friends.
    And our own social lives as well.
    We have orgasisms.
    He is a good cook. I do the washing.
    We look after each other.

    It is true my sex drive is way lower than it used to be when I was single or in the early days of dating. Well it is lower… with my guy. But recently I have been really attracted to … other guys.Guys that are physically or mentally much different to my boyfriend. I want that kaboom of the first kiss. The intensity of sleeping with someone new. Or not actually even having sex, but rather, ‘being intimate’ with someone else. I met a guy about a week ago who made all this clear in my mind (it has been loitering there for a while now, but not come to the surface). When this guy started flirting with me, politely but obviously showing an intetest, it all came to a head. Nothing even happened. But holy shit it was like someone had flicked a swtich.

    Luckily, (luckily?), he doesn’t live in the same city as me, so nothing has happened since. But shit, I feel like if given half the chance I want it to.
    In a different city.
    A different place.
    Where my boyfriend would never find out.
    A one night, or one weekend only thing. And thats it.

    And then I’d slip back into my normal life. And carry on as before.

    I just feel like I need to be woken up.

    This kind of thing has happened before, with my ex, we were together for 4 years, and then his best friend (yeah I know) and I developed a fixation for each other. We never acted on it until well after we (my ex and I) broke up, but it was probably one of the main reasons behind the break up.
    However, with my ex we didn’t hardly ever have sex, I didn’t want to (although I desired him generally), but with the other guy, it was like I was 17 again – hormones on fire (that’s all I’ll say, I don’t want to be too graphic). And it felt soo good to feel like that. Like your body is supposed to feel that way.

    I don’t want to ruin my relationship. I don’t want to hurt anyone.
    I don’t want a full blown affair.

    All I want is to have my body light up like that again – it has been so long.

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    • roserusso

      I think you have a case of “the grass is greener on the other side” and let me tell you it’s not. I’m not going to flame you – I think your post was incredibly honest but I think it shows from what you’ve said that in both of your relationships you have been selfish. This isn’t a judgement to make you feel like shit because believe me, I was you.

      I cheated on my last partner. Many times. I’m not proud of it. I took the relationship for granted which I think is what you are doing. You can’t expect to have a loving committed relationship and have your bit on the side with him being none the wiser. It doesn’t work like that unless you’re in an open relationship. Believe me it won’t just be once either – you’ll convince yourself you won’t get caught and it will blow up in your face.

      Just take a moment to think about what it would feel like if your boyfriend was thinking or feeling this way. Wouldn’t you feel like shit? Perhaps you should take a break from the relationship and be honest with him that you’re not sure you want to be together.

      I’m not trying to drag you down… your comments just sound so familiar to me. If you really love this man you will let him go until you sort yourself out. I wish I did the same because it broke my heart and continues to haunt me months later the image of my partner’s face when I tore her life apart with my selfish actions.

      Think before you act, that’s all I’m saying

      x

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      • Anonymous

        Hehe Rose. I had a feeling (in fact I hoped) that you would comment. I didn’t expect you to be first though!
        I know you are right. Just have to figure out how to get my goat under control!

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        • roserusso

          I think I know who you are… don’t worry your secret is safe with me ;)

          Think things through girl! x

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          • Anonymous

            hehehe. Thanks! ;-)

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    • Tripitaka

      I’ve never cheated, or had anyone cheat on me… but here’s my thoughts as someone in a committed relationship of 10 years and counting.

      The feeling of excitement of the first kiss, the getting-to-know-you stage is awesome and exciting and all around wonderful. But it is also fleeting, and it always will be. So keep that in mind when you make your decision. The excitement is wonderful, but even if you act on it now, will you want to act on it again? (and again, and again?) And if not, why not?

      Acting on urge will be fun and exciting, but it possible you will feel some measure of guilt for a very long time. It is also possible that it will break the bonds of trust, committment, openness and togetherness, that can be equally as wonderful in a long term relationship, but perhaps just not as thrilling. It is really, really wonderful to battle through life with a partner, someone who is on your side and who you have complete trust in.

      And if you cheat, you risk losing that chance. There’s nothing wrong with wanting that excitement back, except for how it might make your boyfriend feel if he found out. How would you feel if he wanted to cheat on you? Would you prefer he ended it? (I think I would).

      Perhaps you could consider talking to him about the possibility of an open relationship. Lots of people do this, and if it works for you then go for it.

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      • Anonymous

        I don’t think I could do an open relationship. I think we would end up breaking up.

        Thanks for the advice. A lot of what you said had been running through my head in muddled form, it is good to see it in black and white.

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    • Mo5

      Firstly I would be interested in how old you are, it is not such a bad thing to feel restless and move on in your 20′s. God, men do it all the time.
      Secondly, maybe you have some issues wth committment as these feelings can be VERY normal even in long term, very committed relationships, although the person thinking that way would probably not go through with it as they know the consequences.
      Or, maybe you could tell your boyfriend, I mean open marriages must be started somehow…
      The feelings you have are VERY normal, but acting on them is a different story…

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      • Anonymous

        Thanks for your comment Mo5. I’m 27 by the way.
        It is hard knowing that it is normal but at the same time so wrong. And I totally agree that it is the case.
        Love sure is hard work!!

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    • anon today

      the way you feel is not unusual. relationships get boring after a while. they might be really great but they just get a bit tired.

      it also is quite normal to feel an attraction to other people. the thing is that if you do act on it, you will most likely ruin what you have. you might think it would just be one night but there will be follow-up contact and possibly other meetings. can you imagine your boyfriend finding out about this?

      i am not having a go at you. god knows i have felt the same at times. i have just never acted on it. not because i stopped it, just that the actual opportunity didn’t arise.

      my advice? don’t act on it unless you are prepared to lose your current partner. try to enjoy the flirtation, take it as a compliment but don’t act on it. it will pass, and you might wonder what on earth you were attracted to. he might also be in a relationship, and enjoy some flirtation, knowing you are also not single. it is sort of quite safe.

      i would also try to ignite some fire within your own relationship. tell your partner that you need some extra loving. book a hotel room or something.

      good-luck!

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      • Anonymous

        Thanks for your comment. I agree with everything you say.

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    • MissT

      I have no interest in flaming someone for being honest.

      Are you sure that they are the one?

      If you are, why don’t you try adding some of the excitement you seek into the relationship you have? Engage in a little roleplay, send seductive text messages, tease each other, have a little fun. Hey, if what you really want is just to sleep with another man, why not ask your partner how he’d feel about that? Maybe you could have a threesome, he could watch you, maybe he’d like that. Or even just talk about it, that could give you the thrill you seek.

      But to me, it sounds like you’re not sure. If you’re not sure, why are you with him? Maybe something to think about. xx

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      • Anonymous

        To be honest I don’t believe in ‘the one’.

        I think that there are a bunch of people out there who you are more or less compatible with – on a sliding scale. Me and my boyfriend are very compatible. I love him. I would actually also say that I am in love with him . (So its not that whole “I love but am not in love with you” business). I also find him very very attractive in a “rowl” way but also in a “warm and fuzzy” kind of way.

        So no I can’t be “sure”. But I honestly don’t think I would be “sure sure” with anyone. Its just the way I am. (I have had a few long term relationships in the past with excellent guys, as well as short term ones too – so I do have a bit of experience).

        Also, we have already discusses open relationships, in the context of friend’s trying it (and failing dismally). Neither of us want to do it. I don’t have any desire to have a threesome either.

        Also, if he ever cheated on me I honestly think that would be it, relationship over. I know, I am a total hypocrite.

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        • MissT

          You’re not really a hypocrite, you haven’t cheated!

          I appreciate your honest response. I didn’t think anyone could be sure either, until I was. But I’m a hopeless romantic. Always was, always will be :) .

          Good luck xx

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    • dkmum

      Obviously you’re not alone! And isn’t it great that eventhough you anticipated it, noone has flagged you (yet).
      I completely agree with what’s written above, think twice, and take into consideration that ‘that feeling’ is addictive, but not true of a long term relationship. Thinking and acting are two different things etc etc.
      What I am left feeling after reading the comments is that you perhaps want to try and find ‘that feeling’ in your current relationship. I’m not myself comfortable with the idea, but have you thought about role playing? Or simply reminding yourself of why you fell for your partner in the first place. Try to relive those first months. If you can bring that feeling back into your brain and heart, a lot can happen.
      Or hey, perhaps you do need a new partner?? It’s possible, even if you haven’t realised it yet. Just do the right thing by your man either way and let him in on your thoughs before you hurt him…

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    • kitten

      I can’t really add any advice to the good wisdom that has already been dispensed, but I thought I would make a couple of left field suggestions.

      You have mentioned that you couldn’t handle your boyfriend being with anyone else, or an open relationship, but have you considered communicating with your boyfriend about other options, such as going to a swingers’ party, paying for an experience or even investigating a poly/mono relationship (where you may have intimate relations with others according to rules negotiated between you and your partner, but he makes a choice to contain such relations to you only).

      It’s a tough job to be monogamous AND have excitable hormones, but the most important things are to not make any rash decisions, think things through and maintain effective, honest communication with your partner. Best of luck x

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    • Noelle

      We live in a culture where nothing but monogamy is accepted. Don’t feel guilty because you are tempted. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t tempted.

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    • momo

      Hi Anonymous (original commenter) I COULD HAVE WRITTEN THIS MYSELF!!! and we are the same age and everything. :) I have been with my bf five years and never acted on the feelings. It has been hard. Very hard sometimes. But ultimitely, I respect him and what we have too much to act on my feelings. I don;t know what the answer is?!?! Sometimes it bothers me how narrow society’s view of “normal” is.

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  11. Jess

    OMM – Put a deposit on my first overseas trip this week. London, France, Italy, Spain, Greece. Will be saving saving saving for the next 9 months but so excited. so, so excited. :)

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  12. Susan As Well

    Hey MM Team – I am wondering whether MM could do some more articles on relationships that include information about red flags to look for in the behaviour of a person that you’re getting close to.

    I was a bit surprised that so many people had not heard of gaslighting (another term for it is “crazymaking”) and so sad that many people had spent years in relationships and left and were now just recognising their ex’s behaviour as gaslighting or abusive.

    There is extensive literature on this behaviour. People should know the signs before they start investing their lives with another person. It would save so many people so much heartbreak.

    Thanks for another great week of articles :)

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  13. Joey

    No Sam this week?!

    Damn, I think Bradley just lost $50 bucks.

    And I don’t know if I will watch it now…

    (just kidding)

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    • Susan As Well

      You can get a dose of Sam this week from ABC website, The Book Show. He was interviewed today about his new book. Good interview, too :)

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      • Joey

        Ooo thanks

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      • roserusso

        Loved his interview with Dom Knight. Maybe he’s busy with his book launch?

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  14. Nicki

    Worst: Coming back to work and chilly weather after my holiday last week.

    Best: Being re-united with my cat. And It’s my man’s birthday tomorrow, I’m looking forward to taking him out for dinner.

    OMM: A friend shared this vid with me on FB

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOl4vwhwkW8&feature=youtu.be

    Ingenuity!

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  15. ella89

    Worst: Uni exams in a few weeks- I have been constantly procrastinating this semester so hopefully I get my act together over the next two weeks

    Best: Booked flights to NZ for 3 weeks over Feb and was invited to a wedding in Malaysia in June to hopefully going to make it over there for that as well before going back to NZ in November for my besties wedding :) Happy to know that I’ve got a few trips planned for next year because I sadly haven’t been anywhere this year!

    Will have to go back to full time work for November and December at least to get some money saved up for the trips but it’s definitely worth it! Can’t wait to be earning a full time wage again!!!

    Also happy to be going out tonight- I’ve been stuck at home doing assignments lately so can’t wait to catchup with friends over bday drinks!

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  16. Lu

    Last I read about Jacinta Tynan she was pregnant. Has she had her baby yet? Have I been under a rock? Really interested to know, I really like her….even though I’ve never met her!

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  17. nursee

    what a weekend! Broke up with boy friend, I thought it was going to be awful and it was but then he treated me like rubbish and really showed me that I made the right choice. My current mantra is onwards and upwards.
    Back on night shift, didn’t sleep as well as I’d hoped.
    3 weeks til Europe :)

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  18. bccbcc

    LOVING Gotyes new album – it must have something pretty special as it the first album our whole family (including our 4 year old son) have bonded over. Only (slight) downside is that, in his 4 year old way, our little one wants to listen to “Somebody I Used to Know” EVERY time we get in the car. I really love that song, but really?!
    How cute are those photos – love them.

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  19. Anonymous

    http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/panda-babies-have-the-cute-market-cornered-20110928-1kwux.html

    All together now: awwwwww!

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    • Lulu

      D’oh! That was me.

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  20. Gracie

    Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!

    So I’m writing to ask for some brainstorming help!!

    I’m about to start pulling together research and sources for the final feature article I will ever write for my journalism degree- the topic is the National Broadband Network and how it will revolutionise how education is delivered nationwide.

    What I am wondering is, could anyone out there suggest some good organisations or experts I could approach to interview for the article???…

    The topic is a little bit left field for me so if anyone could make some suggestions, that would be AWESOME!!!

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    • Joanne

      Sounds like an interesting topic Gracie! I do have two suggestions – though not sure how useful they’ll be, but you could try KU Children’s Services (if you speak to marketing I’m sure they will be able to help you out in some way!), or contact Kate Highfield at Macquarie Uni. I have heard her speak at a few seminars etc and she’s really passionate about the use of technology in children’s play and learning, so she could be a good interviewee! Good luck!

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      • LauraS

        How about The School of The Air? I imagine new technology makes an enormous difference to them!

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    • Anonymoose

      Gracie you may want to contact OTEN I’d imagine that the broadband network will change the way they provide courses for home learning.
      NSW Education Dept may be another point of contact for you.
      Good luck with it all.

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  21. Cordeline

    I have something funny to add…

    Just got the kids out of the bath the other night, there was a knock at the door, I quickly raced to answer it and a young guy (salesman/doorknocker) said ‘Hi, is your mum or dad home?’

    Being 38 years old I almost wanted to invite him in for a cuppa and chat about what he was selling :-)

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    • Myboyfriendisarockstar

      Oh, that is the opposite of what happened to me yesterday!

      I am house-sitting at my Aunty’s house (mid-40s). The postman, who knows my Aunty, asked me if I was her sister :(

      I’m 23.

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      • LellaK

        maybe think of it as a complement to your aunty instead of a bad comment about your appearance :)

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    • Petal

      Classic!

      Your story’s better than mine. I was holding a baby the other day and a patient said ‘Oh you’re so good with him!…Do you HAVE any grandchildren?’ (I’m 40 with a 14 and 12 year old)

      Felt depressed for the rest of the day. Have vowed to splurge on expensive moisturiser.

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      • Anonymoose

        I’m 38 and was asked to show ID recenty at the checkout of a major supermarket because I was buying rum essence, mind you I had my two sons with me and was heavily pregnant with my third child.

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    • Benita (MissBenben)

      I get this all the time when I answer the phone. “Is mummy or daddy home darling?”
      Cracks me up every time. I’m 34 years old…

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      • Em

        That happens to me too! I love it though – when telemarketers call I say “my mummy isn’t here” and they assume I’m a little kid and hang up!

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  22. Jimmy's Girl

    Feel I must post this as I’m sitting here in tears…. this morning I heard about the mother in Victoria who accidentally drove up into the house where her son and her father were sitting out the front. Her son died and her father was badly injured.

    Later on this morning in Rushcutters Bay in Sydney, another mother reversed her car and hit her 3 year old son, killing him.

    What is haunting me this afternoon is that the Sydney mother probably heard the Victorian news story this morning, as I did, and no doubt dwelt on the tragedy of that event. Only hours later the tragedy repeats itself in her own life…… my god, life can be so cruel….

    We can repeat the warnings over and over, and every one of us needs to keep them in mind all the time. And also, go *slow* when you reverse, seems like that could help as these things seem to happen in the blink of an eye.

    My heart goes out to the families involved in this latest round of tragic events……

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    • Cordeline

      I was in tears over this very Sorrento story yesterday. Just horrific. I don’t know if I could recover from something like that as a parent. I hope they have the strength to though.

      I was reading in the paper that the next door neighbour came out of his house when he heard the screams and it turns out that he is an ex-colleague of mine. The community are devastated.

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  23. Mizzy

    Hi MM-ers,

    I had my 21st on the weekend and despite the onslaught on rain (Sydney) it was one of the best nights of my life. had dinner and got tipsy on sangria and then went to a backpacker bar. Ended up making out with a mutual friend and went back to our hotel and spooned with him the whole night.

    I was 17 when I was diagnosed with major depression and while things have slowly gotten better since then and my birthday felt like not only have a reached a milestone age but that I’ve come a long way and things can only get better. :)

    Just thought I’d share because I’ve been all smile since then.

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    • gypsy

      You are right, things can and do get better and soon you’ll have lots of “best nights of your life”. Yay for you!

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  24. a different dee

    Pretty sure Gotye isnt pronounced got-ya… nup.

    They say it “go-tee-ey’ or ‘goh-tee-ey’ on triple J.

    If you love Making Mirrors I DARE you not to adore Learnalilgivinanlovin. heres the Youtube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho71vJLIiys

    My first introduction to Mr De Backer was at Splendour 08 – the people sitting near me went from excited to almost hysterical weeping during ‘hearts a mess’. It was intense!

    But speaks to his brilliance.

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    • a different dee

      and PS at this years Splendour Kimbra came on stage for ‘Somebody that I used to know’ during Gotye’s set – Pure Magic.

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    • Belle

      It’s actually pronounced how Aussies usually pronounce Gaultier. He is named that because his mother nicknamed him Gaultier (or something…it has some connection to the name Gaultier).

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      • Zoe

        Yep his mum is French and nicknamed him gaultier which is how you pronounce it. His first album is also fantastic highly recommended

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  25. Anonymous

    Love those back to the future photos! What a great idea.

    My dear friend died a week ago, and we didn’t get a chance to share that bottle of Baileys from the Mamamia competition – but thanks for the kind votes.

    It is hard to comprehend that someone so loving and vital is gone. I feel empty and full of grief and when the day ends or when I have some time to reflect, I cry and cry.

    I am determined to learn from her life and to live the way she did – without judgement, without anger and with a lot of love and kindness. To not sweat the small stuff.

    She has left two very tiny children who were the light of her life and they are a beautiful legacy.

    As an aside, I have been busying myself with household chores to take my mind off things. Yesterday I even cleaned the top of the kitchen cupboards and sorted through my wardrobe! She would find that very funny.

    It was also my daughter’s second birthday yesterday and we had a lovely day full of cupcakes and baby dolls and all things pink. What a joy she is.

    Have a good week all.

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    • blossom

      Sorry that was me, Blossom.

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      • Susan As Well

        So sad for you and your friend’s family. Thinking of you all xo

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    • I’m so so sorry for the loss of your friend :(

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    • roserusso

      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    • Haven Mavne

      Oh hugs, blossom. How desperately sad x

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    • feistyangel

      So sorry to read that blossom. Sending you huge huge huge hugs

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    • Cordeline

      Blossom, I had been wondering how things were going. I am so truly sorry for the loss of your dearest friend. Reading your words makes me think that you both lucky to have each other as such wonderful friends.

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    • kitten

      Blossom, that is terribly sad. Sending you hugs and the will to live with enough vibrance for the both of you xx

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    • Becnherboys

      Oh Blossom! I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was wondering how your friend was getting on.

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    • JosieY

      I am so sorry for the loss of such a special woman.

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    • chef

      Strength and love to you Blossom, and to your friend’s family. xxx

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    • Isla

      Blossom, I am so sorry about your friend. Sending you much love and strength xxx

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  26. honey&spice

    They play Gotye a lot on triple J and they pronounce it as “gore-ti-yeah”

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    • Melissa

      I didn’t see it written for ages and assumed it was actually Gaultier, like he’d taken his stage name from the designer!

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  27. I love those back to the future pictures. They are just brilliant.

    The video that Mia posted yesterday about that little girl from Brazil, is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a long time. If you haven’t watched it, you need to.

    Today would have been my 9th wedding anniversary. Had to blog about it because it’s not a happy time. Thank goodness for blogging. If you ever feel like you need to vent, but don’t feel like you can vent to friends, I highly recommend setting up a blog. http://iamevilcupcake.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/9-years/

    This weekend I think is reserved for family. Might be going to the aquarium with my niece. That should be fun.

    Hope everyone is having a good week.

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    • Benita (MissBenben)

      Last Tuesday 20th would’ve been my 8th. I was actually able to get away by myself for a few days without the kids. It’s always a weird day for me….

      Hope all is well with you Cuppy. x

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    • Gracie

      Hi Iamevil cupcake,

      I just had a read, and I’m not sure what is the right thing to say. But I will say this, I think you must be an awfully strong, courageous woman to pull through that awful experience. And just remember, you’re free now!! Free to be and do whatever you need, like watch Star Trek ;)

      xx

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    • Anonymous

      Wishing you patty cake wrappers full of joy ;)

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  28. Bliss

    On holidays this week! Looking for some new reads/authors to seek out. Suggestions?

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    • katehunter

      Sister, by Rosamund Lupton (lovely thriller, if that makes sense about a girl trying to solve her sister’s murder.)
      Long Song, Andrea Levy (the story of slaves in the Caribbean – beautiful, sad and funny)
      The Help, Kathryn Stockett (Just in case you are one of the six people on the planet who still haven’t read it.)

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      • becauseimthemum

        I agree, definitely read The Help. I picked it up a couple of years ago when we went on holidays and I forgot to take my novel. I didn’t want to spend $40 on a novel from the local overpriced newsagency but it was there that I found The Help for $10. Now I wish I hadn’t lent it out and could remember who has it so I can re-read it!

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      • Whippersnapper

        Just read sister, can also recommend. Another is still Alice by Lisa Genova, about a Harvard professor who has been diagnosed with early onset alzheimers. It’s fiction, great read!

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        • AleceD

          Loved Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Our book club read it a few months ago, great read!

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      • ingy

        Snap – I just started Sister last night and am loving the first few chapters. Great recommendation.

        Haven’t read the Help yet but will have to add it to my Kindle since everyone is raving about it:)

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    • Cordeline

      Any of Liane Moriarty’s 3 novels. They are all terrific.

      Three Wishes
      What Alice Forgot
      The Last Anniversary

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      • Swester

        Absolutely loved What Alice Forgot and must read the others
        Hope they are as good!!!

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        • Cordeline

          They are great. And I believe she has a fourth novel coming out next month. I shall be stalking the local bookstores!

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      • loved what alice forgot, going to put the others on hold at the library, thanks!!

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    • Melissa

      I just finished the A Song of Ice and Fire (well, what’s out so far) series by George R R Martin (the series Game of Thrones is based on). Epic fantasy which feels more like historical fiction which is intriguing, fun and completely addictive. Great escapism while you are on holidays, although it’ll take longer than the holidays to get through them all!

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  29. Another day, another handbag

    Could it be pointed out that not all AFL Clubs are disputing the proposed poker machine legislation. Read below

    GEELONG Football Club has backed poker machine reform, breaking ranks with the AFL, which doesn’t support the Federal Government move.

    Cats president Colin Carter was yesterday one-out in his backing of the new laws, which would force gamblers to set a limit on their losses before playing poker machines.

    “We’re in the business and we’re committed to it and we’re proud of it but we can’t ignore that the business has some social issues attached to it,” Mr Carter said. http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2011/09/27/281845_news.html

    Having a great week down here in “Cat Land”

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  30. Lila

    Love those ‘Back to the Future’ photos. I think Gotye is pronounced Gaultier as in Jean Paul.

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    • Lauren

      That’s how i’ve been saying it too.

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  31. katec

    Tip for Mia- Gotye = gore-ti-yeah! Seeing him next week in Brisbane with a 10 piece orchestra and feeling the need to be snooty and claim fandom from his Boardface album ;)

    OMM- I was contacted a couple of months ago by a journalist who read my comments on Mamamia and then my blog (www.withoutpeanut.com.au). She interviewed me about my miscarriage and the way it affected my friendships and it goes to print next month.
    All well and good, but I have a photographer coming this afternoon to take pictures for the piece and I’m dreading it. I’m overweight and hate having my photo taken plus not feeling well and up to posing for hours on end (was told it could take 2 and a half hours!). Please send me single-chin vibes! x

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    • gypsy

      Hi Katec, what’s the link to your blog?

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    • Kerr

      Ok, I’ve perfected the single chin photo opp. Here it is, put your shoulders back, face the camera dead one, smile and stick your neck out and down a little. It feels weird but it works for me! Good luck with the shoot, you’ll be gorgeous!

      Oh and you must put the link to your article on here when it’s available.

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    • MissT

      Congrats on the article! Avoiding a double chin tip (I have a weak chin) – Hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

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      • Floss

        Haha, I do that tongue on the roof of my mouth thing in photos and my family and friends call it my ‘photo face’… I get so much shit for it!!!

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        • MissT

          I can’t keep a straight face when there’s a camera near me. Cheese all the way! ;)

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    • M

      I second this pronunciation of gotye. Good luck Xx

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      • katec

        Thanks Kerr and Miss T! At the very least I should get some pretty pictures of Peanut’s garden.

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  32. roserusso

    Funny email I just got from my hilarious Aunt, thought it might give you all a laugh too

    MIDDLE AGE TEXTING CODES:

    ATD -at the doctor. BFF -best friend fell. BTW -bring the wheelchair. BYOT -bring your own teeth. FWIW -forgot where I was. GGPBL -gotta go, pacemaker battery low. GHA -got heartburn again. IMHO -is my hearing aid on? LMDO -laughing my dentures out. OMMR -on my massage recliner. ROFLACGU -rolling on floor laughing and can’t get up. TTYL -talk to you louder!

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  33. Naz

    Feeling kinda homesick today and been thinking about the future and whether we will stick it out here or return to Australia. At the moment it looks like we made the right decision to move overseas since my husband probably would have ended up with a job if we had stayed in Oz. I do think about when we have kids though and what that will mean… I think I’m feeling like this (thinking of home more) since seeing my sister on her visit last week.

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    • PK - Australian Expat in CH

      I know the feeling Naz.

      I’m the Australian and my husband is Swiss and the 2-3 years we wanted to spend here have turned into almost 9 years.

      I do hope to return in January if we are both well and am currently going through some insecurities after being away for so long (I visited about 4 times over all those years).

      For me it’s important to go back so I can nurture the relationship with my family and friends. I’ve spent 9 years trying to build a good relationship with my inlaws and whilst it’s okay at times, they can sometimes be so nasty and I don’t want to have children in such an environment.

      I am sure you’ll make the right decision for you and your family. No decision is set in stone though so if you decide to stay or go, you can always change your mind later.

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      • Naz

        Hi and thanks for the reply. We just moved recently so I think it’s going to get some time to get used to being here, so far we’ve planned for 3 years but who knows what could happen! I’m worried also about having kids and my relationship or lack thereof with my inlaws

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      • Naz

        Hi and thanks for the reply. We just moved recently so I think it’s going to get some time to get used to being here, so far we’ve planned for 3 years but who knows what could happen! I’m worried also about having kids and my relationship or lack thereof with my inlaws. But my family is also back home so it’s hard because I like being away from the inlaws but sad about being away from my family!

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  34. tessy

    I have no problem with footy clubs having pokies. I don’t think they will be too affected by the new legislation, people will still gamble won’t they? But I think what does need addressing is the frenetic amount of TAB and sportsbetting on AFL. Watching the brownlow the other night there was a TAB ad every 5 minutes telling you odds and that you can bet on not only who will win, but how many votes players would get. The amount of betting advertising involved in AFL is sickening.

    In other news, the sponsored post about risk taking really hit home for me.

    I just had a skin cancer removed from my face, in terms of skin cancer it wasn’t the worst type to have but my doctor was pretty concerned that I had one as I am only 24. Typically these kinds of cancers are more common for people in their 40′s – 50′s. The thing is, I wear spf 30 everyday and have never been to a solarium. Now I cannot even consider not wearing sunscreen 24/7 and covering up, no more beach days without a cover up or long sleeve shirt. And I am about to move to Perth! Sunny summers and I can’t even enjoy it!

    Please Fake it, don’t Bake it. Your skin is too delicate.

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    • elli

      Since you’re keeping out of the sun, please keep an eye on your vitamin D levels (just a blood test a couple of times a year). I’m a bit slack with sunscreen and get the average office worker’s amount of sun exposure, but my vitD levels were 1/3 of what they should be. After a few months of supplements they reached the upper half of normal and I’ve probably saved myself from osteoporosis.

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  35. Anonymous

    At home, 35 weeks pregnant and to be honest am relishing in the time of doing nothing. I have seriously being lazier than I ever thought capable of and loving every minute of it. Obviously the pregnancy is taking it out of me more than i expected.
    OMM – still cannot come up with a boys name. Have agreed on a couple of different girls names and have chosen our number 1, but cannot agree on a boys name. Have read through every book out there and still nothing….. I just keep suggesting the same ones that i like to hubby again and again hoping he will forget he has already knocked it back on previous suggestions. Trouble is, he doesnt like anything i come up with, yet he has not given me 1 suggestion of what he likes.
    Not sure if its a sign it will be a girl, or a sign that it will be a boy! LOL

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    • K

      I’m 32 weeks and having the same problem with my husband, only we have a boys name but can’t find/decide/agree on a girls name. He knocks back all my suggestions but can’t come up with one himself! So frustrating!

      Good luck with everything, I can’t wait to go on ML! Enjoy!

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    • becauseimthemum

      We were still debating a name on the drive to the hospital to give birth to Mr3. Thank goodness he was a boy or she still wouldn’t have a name! My huband didn’t like anything I suggested for any of our kids. He has put all the names together and I like them all. Just make sure when you stand at the back door and yell the names of all your children one after the other they all roll off your tongue easily :)

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    • Alycia

      Snap!! I had a little boy last week who was nameless for the first couple of days due to the fact that my husband and I could not agree on a name, and he was incapable of coming up with one himself. Kept putting out there again the same names that I always wanted and loved to be knocked back each time. Ended up with a major meltdown in the hospital after I still hadn’t sent out the text by day three to all and sundry, and we finally agreed on Nicholas, which I now think suits him to a T!! Good luck with everything and I’m sure you’ll come up with the perfect name eventually!

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  36. Emmeline

    If anyone is looking for gigantic tea cups like Mia and the team use I saw some huge ones in Big W the other day for about $4.80. They were MASSIVE with some lovely patterns. I live in a smallish town in North Queensland so if we have them I daresay some of the bigger metro areas should have them. Cheap as chips!

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    • Toots

      Thanks – I’m definitely going to go check them out!

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  37. Cordeline

    I’m sad this week… my Grandad died yesterday. My last grandparent and a lovely man.

    On the positive side, he lived a long and full life. He will be hugely missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a great story-teller :-)

    And completely un-related to my Grandad, I am looking forward to seeing Crazy Stupid Love with a girlfriend tomorrow night after a quick bite at the local Japanese place. Always feel revived after an evening with a girlfriend.

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    • Lucy Ormonde

      So sorry to hear that Cordeline. Much love.

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    • becsparrow

      I’m sorry too, Cordeline. xxx PS Let us know next week what the movie is like!

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    • Kris2040

      Oh, sad to hear about your Grandad, Cordeline. :( I still think “Why don’t we ask Pop” about stuff often. He rocks on. Your Grandad will too. xo

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    • Lulu

      I’m so sorry to hear that – it sounds like you had a good relationship with him.

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    • kitten

      So sorry to hear that Cordeline :( But lovely to hear that he was surrounded by a big loving family at the end of his life!

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    • hannahfromsa

      So sorry Cordeline

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  38. red shoes

    well there wasn’t really anything on my mind until I watched that clip. Now that Gotye dude is, how sexy is he? Might watch that again, for the artwork of course…

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  39. Sparky

    Note to Andrew Bolt: You can’t just go around saying any old racist thing and call it “free speech”.

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    • chef

      That man says some appalling things under the guise of “free speech”.

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    • ella89

      When I feel the need to be outraged I read his blog.. then I always see a post about how he had a record amount of views that month so I vow to never do it again… lol

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  40. roserusso

    I’m sick of being sick. Just finished my course of antibiotics and I’m sick. Again. I’m a bit over it.

    This week I’m in love with

    - Earl grey tea … so soothing

    - Sydney’s wet weather is giving me a good reason to write in bed

    - Sam de Brito’s new novel ‘Hello darkness’ is fantastic. He signed it last week and it said “stay in the sunlight” which is an obvious play on the title. I’m taking this quote to be part of my everyday life. The sun always makes me instantly happy. It’s such a mood lifter so whenever I’m feeling a bit depressed I’ll remember this.

    - I’ve been buying myself Iris’ every week to keep my new home a welcoming place to come back to after a long day at work. It definitely lifts my spirits.

    Can’t wait to spend this weekend with my sister – she’s coming to my place to stay over for the whole long weekend. I’m going to take her to gold class to see ‘Crazy, stupid, love’ I really want to see that movie, it looks fab :)

    Hope everyone’s having a great week xxx

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    • kitten

      Mind if I share your new motto? I am feeling jubilant after a dark period and would very much like to remember to ‘stay in the sunlight’, that’s beautiful :)

      And I hear you on the flowers – just bought bright purple snapdragons to make home more sanctuaryesque.

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      • roserusso

        I would love to share my motto with you Kitten :)

        Wow snapdragons sound interesting… I will have to google this! I love everything purple.

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  41. missjane

    Today I’m working away from my usual office and am situated next to a room where a group of elderly ladies meet each week to play Bridge.

    I’m not sure how much Bridge is being played but their conversations are brilliant.

    Topics covered thus far…
    Sean Connery;
    Greece;
    Taxes;
    Gay Marriage;
    How girls in the city dress for work;
    Religion (door to door preachers + the guy who thinks he’s Jesus)
    Sean Connery; and
    Being a bridesmaid

    Am sure there’s more to come, but at each pause they say “you have to laugh don’t you”, and they do.

    Gosh, I hope I’m as happy and open minded as they are when I’m their age.

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    • Sharon

      Thanks for the giggle… I feel like I’m there with you! I can just imagine the ‘you have to laugh don’t you’ punctuation…

      On a related note I sat next to 2 women yesterday eating lunch. They were probably mid-late 50s and clearly both ‘newly single’ and I was also entertained and cheered up by their conversation

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  42. Jessica

    I’d like to see some more fashion posts. There were some really good ones for a while there but there haven’t been any in ages. And can you please bring back the ‘what have you found’ posts? They were my fave!

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    • Clare

      Yep. Or what you scored at an op shop? I had a huge score 2 days ago. Sass and bide skirt. 2 cool witchery top and a country road jacket. It was like Christmas and all for $22..

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      • orchid

        Wow! Where was that op shop?

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      • Jessica

        I need to op shop where you’re shopping! I don’t usually have much luck at op shops

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    • becsparrow

      Thanks for the feedback guys! I’ll make sure we list these ideas in our next editorial meeting! (Actually, I love those “what have you found?” posts ….)

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  43. LadySarah

    Getting furstrated with my work colleagues. The ‘girls’ group have decided, because I don’t like to sit around gossiping during my lunch hour, they have decided I’m not worthy of socialising with them.

    SO ANNOYING.

    http://www.theyouthlife.net

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    • Cordeline

      Oh my god, sounds like bloody high school!

      I was kind of ‘across-all-groups’ at one of my high schools. But one day, when I decided not to hang with the ‘cool girls’ (read ‘gossipy’) and go on a cross-country run with the sporty girls instead, I was instantly dissed by the ‘cool girls’ and not welcomed back again. Biatches…

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      • LadySarah

        It’s so annoying. I see no point in being nasty to people. Haha. As I said to my poor mum last night, I wasn’t aware I’m back in high school.

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    • Noelle

      They might just not like you… Not everything is a bitchy female conspiracy :-P

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      • LadySarah

        I really don’t mind otherwise. I have plenty of books I can read.

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        • Bunny

          LadySarah, I find myself in a similar situation at my work sometimes.

          I’m the youngest (by about 20 years) and there’s about 12 people in my department. Except for one guy, they are all women in their mid 50s.

          They’ve worked together for at least five years and being a newcomer is hard (okay, I’ve been here nearly 16 months). Sometimes I’m included in things, like being asked to contribute for a group gift for birthdays or morning teas for special occasions, other times I’m not. They seem to get together for dinner every two or three months, although the only reason I know this is bits and pieces I’ve overheard or a comment or three in the days after.

          Occasionally, it gets to me – especially given that in my previous jobs I’ve always gotten on really well with most of them, there’ve been people close to my age with similar interests and some connections, and there’s been social functions outside work hours for everyone, not just the handpicked few.

          Other times, I don’t care – I go for a walk in my lunch break to clear my head, stretch my legs, and enjoy the scenery.

          It’s confusing – some days I have really great conversations with a couple of the girls, in particular, and then other days everyone seems to be in a mood or sticking with the clique.

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          • Lady Sarah

            Thanks bunny.

            To be honest Noelle, I am a tiny bit offended by your comment. Purely because I’ve never had the experienced (perhaps until now) of someone not liking me ‘just because.’

            Seems petty, and ridiculous if I had to be point blank about it.

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            • chef

              I thought that comment was a bit harsh and unkind too.

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  44. Anonymous

    I’ll tell younwhat’s also disturbing, and that is that Tabcorp (Australia’s biggest gaming company, pokies, TAB, Sportsbet, Star City, Jupiters etc) used have a community partnership with Beyond Blue. I don’t know if they still do, but they did circa 2005 when I worked for their head office for a short stint.

    I found it hard to take, Tabcorp joining forces with Beyond Blue. Beyond Blue obviously do fantastic work and welcomed the financial support from a cashed-up company like Tabcorp. But this company contributes hugely to the massive issue of problem gambling and then to see them try and ‘help out’ the community by supporting organisations like BB, just doesn’t sit right with me. The whole experience there gave me the heebeejeebees…

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    • Lucyloo

      I think people are going to gamble one way or another. Organizations which make huge sums of money out of addictive activities that cause major upheaval in people’s lives should be mandatorily forced to contribute their income to combatting the effects of those activities. What’s sad is that it has to be through “voluntary association” as opposed to a legal requirement. In my ideal world I’d love to see the liquor and cigarette companies contributing to health and hospital systems, car companies contributing to road safety infrastructure projects, the hotel industry contributing to beyond blue, lifeline and other such organizations. etc etc etc

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      • Cordeline

        Sorry, that was me posting above, my name didn’t appear and I can’t change it now. Oh well.

        I see your point and do agree somewhat.

        I guess on the flipside, I just found it cringe-worthy when I worked at Tabcorp that they were basically saying ‘hey, we have all these products that in many ways designed to make people addicted, but hey, don’t worry, we’ll also throw some money at an organisation that might be able to help you when you become depressed/suicidal after using our products’.

        Does that make sense?

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        • Lucyloo

          Your right in that it has a bad feel. But many things do. In the ACT the Catholic church has major interest in a netowrk of licensed clubs (all of which have gambling machines). They very proudly tout their “community spirit” funnelling large sums of money into community groups (including those responding to family breakdown/upheaval), childrens sporting clubs, counselling services etc. What irks me that that same money has come from the pockets of people who are the ultimate beneficiaries through the clubs largesse! But I weigh this against the thought that it is better they support the industry putting people back together than continuing to grow their already very healthy bank balances (and/or shareholders pockets)!!

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          • Cordeline

            Yep, I get it. Tabcorp also has a very healthy bank balance! And to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have much of an opinion on this if I hadn’t worked there for a while. The area I worked in covered BOTH problem gambling and community partnerships and sponsorships, so I saw a lot of the ugly and I mean, really ugly stuff that gambling can do to people and their families.

            Oh dear, if only we lived in some kind of Utopia where there were no products/services that saw people come ‘undone’.

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          • Melissa

            Oh of course, Southern CROSS clubs. I can’t believe I never put that together!

            More disturbingly, the ACT branch of the Labor party makes 70% of its income from its Labor clubs, which have huge numbers of pokies.

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  45. Am seriously annoyed today. First WORLD PROBLEM. Office junior did a clean out of the fridge and threw out my lunch. Did just eat delicious bento box from sushi place across the road though, but not happy having to buy lunch 4 times this week!

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    • gypsy

      On the flipside, at least your office junior cleaned out the fridge. I don’t know many who are prepared to do that these days. :)

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    • nursee

      you might enjoy this tumblog officefridges.com
      sorry about your lunch

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  46. Secret Squirrel

    This sure has been a crazy week for us.
    We am blessed with beautiful 14 month old twins, born after IVF treatment.
    We are pretty surpised this week to discover I am pregnant again (with a natural conception), and next year we will be proud parents of 3 under 2! Exciting, overwhelmed and very very grateful to the universe! :)

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    • Em

      Oh wow!

      Congratulations!

      Im sure it will be very busy, but very wonderful!! :-)

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    • S.

      CONGRATS!!!! What a beautiful time! So happy for you :)

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    • orchid

      Congratulations! How exciting for you!

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  47. Em

    The art project reminds me of the blog ‘young me / now me’

    http://www.zefrank.com/youngmenowme/blog/

    My couisins and I have been planning on submitting one for a while!

    :-)

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  48. Clare

    Having an embryo transferred tomorrow. It has been frozen for 4 years. It is my last frozen one so fingers crossed it holds on. Also been bonking like mad so hopefully I am pregnant one way or the other next month.

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    • becsparrow

      Wishing you so much luck, Clare. xxx

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    • marmalady

      Good luck Clare!

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    • Laurensmum

      Very best wishes. I hope it all happens for you :)

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    • orchid

      Good Luck for tomorrow! Sending you lots of sticky vibes!

      Careful with the bonking though, a friend of mine went for her ultrasound after falling pregnant through IVF to find out there was two babies six days apart!

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    • katec

      The very best of luck to you!

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    • gypsy

      Good luck and blessings to you.

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    • Clare

      I had a call from the Dr doing my transfer tomorrow. My embryo did not survive the thaw process.
      Pretty sad. No transfer.

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      • Laws for Clouds

        Sorry to hear that Clare. I’m going to cross my fingers that the bonking worked for you x

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      • nursee

        sorry to hear that. sending love and hugs

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  49. Anonymous

    I live in Sydney and am constantly upset by people’s unwillingness to move to the left for Emergency Vehicles on the road.

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    • I live in Canberra, and its EXACTLY the same frustration here! Some people must have missed the memo about giving way to Emergency Vehicles!

      Its part of the reason i think its so damn irresponsible when people drive with their headphones in for their mp3 players. It does “zone you out” to outside sounds, and thats a recipe for distaster in itself!

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  50. petunia

    My toddler’s birthday party went off well. Hard work though. Turned out a bit bigger than I would have liked since one side of the family invited themselves to the party, and several siblings of the invited kids came as well…so a lot more than the 5 invited kids!!

    Funny thing is I was at the shops doing grocery shopping the next day and said to the checkout person that I was tired because of the party, and he could not understand how someone could be tired after a kids’ party (obviously he doesn’t have kids!!) :)

    We are all sick for the 100th time this year – I’m a bit over the coughing, coughing, coughing….

    It’s my birthday today, so despite being sick and looking after coughing and vomiting children, I’m determined to have a nice day! :)

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    • Alyce

      Happy Birthday!! hope it’s wonderful :)

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