Do You Like This Story?

by JAMILA RIZVI

Welcome to the open post. On Wednesdays here at Mamamia, we do a little time travel back to our primary school days and come armed with an exciting prop and a thoughtful story – ready to share our ‘news’ with the rest of the class.

Except, you see, it’s way better than it was when you were six.

Why? Because everyone actually listens politely to your news and not just because they know that if they don’t sit still and pay attention they’ll get kept in during little lunch. And they ask questions. And they give all sorts of lovely feedback. And all of this without any prompting from the teacher.

Also, because this website is brought to you courtesy of the written word, nobody has to listen to me re-enact the entire score from Phantom of the Opera. And that is a win for all concerned. (For any readers who were in Mrs Horton’s year 2 class at Weetangera Primary, I really am sorry – what can I say? Musicals are my thing).

So what’s on my mind today? Far too much. You see it’s been a rather hectic week.

We took a new team shot

Originally I had all these super swell plans: I’d have a few days off in between finishing up at my old job and starting here at Mamamia. This would give me more than enough time to leisurely sort, wrap and pack up my life in Adelaide and head back to the east coast.

And then the Prime Minister’s Office called and thought it might be fun for the lady who runs our country to drop by Mamamia for a piece of cake, some tea and a chat about child care. You can see how that all went down here.

You can also hear directly from Mia about why you’re important enough to be attracting the interest of the most powerful red head in the country:

But enough of that – back to me and the fact that Mia suddenly had me relocating halfway across the country with 24 hours notice to hang with the PM – ruining all of my carefully laid packing plans.

It had me a tad panicked I have to admit. But you know what? I learned a lot from that panic. And for the bargain price of absolutely nothing, I’m going to share those learnings with you right now.

NEVER make plans.

Plans only serve to lull you into a false sense of security.

A sense of security that means you end up wasting evenings that could have been used for packing, on mastering the art of caramelising perfectly popped corn, painting your nails and watching more reruns of America’s Next Top Model than you will later care to admit.

I am never going to plan anything ever again. Ever.

Because plans this week have hampered my ability to roll with the punches – leaving me internet-less, phone-less, homeless (almost rectified!) and ID-less (long story, but it’s got to do with switching to a pretty new wallet on moving day and accidentally packing my passport and driver’s license in boxes that are now on a moving truck somewhere in the Hay Plains).

But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you have some fabulous plans for this week or even more excitingly – this weekend.

Share ‘em with us now people. We are all sitting cross-legged on the floor, hands on our knees, sitting not so much straight but with our backs at a 45-degree angle with the carpet. We’re ready.

And if you’re new to the open post, new to Mamamia or a long time reader but never-time-commenter, then why not break with your plans and give it a go?

Plans never did anyone any good anyway.

What’s on your mind?

Comments

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395 Comments so far

  1. Sydgel

    Hey MM, you know the section ‘You might also Like” which appears before comments on this page – can you put the dates on Open Post of the Week and and can’t remember what the other open one is called. Date would make it a lot easier to go back and read them again. Thanks!

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  2. BlackSwan

    I am actually sitting with my legs crossed, at my desk…
    OMM is the fantastic long weekend I just had roadtripping to a B&S Ball (where I managed to pick up a very hot country guy!) before roadtripping the long way home.
    Oh and movies in front of a fire tomorrow night before a fairly relaxing weekend, I hope!

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  3. Frangipani

    Mia I love watching you on live tv! Maybe it’s time for a return to MM TV?

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    • Mia

      lol. No thanks! I don’t mind being on other people’s shows but it’s too much work having my own!
      Thank you though…xx

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  4. karry327

    OMM: I’d love to see more regular posts from Zoe!! Twice a week isn’t enough :)

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  5. elle

    Does anyone else have any deep, philosophical, existential type thoughts? I have always been a deep thinker but lately keep thinking about 1) how tiny we are as individuals in a giant universe 2) the uncertainty of death, how short our lives are how we never know when or where we will go 3) what i should be doing to deal with all this!
    I’m feeling a bit crazy as no one else in my life seems to think about these things & they tell me not to worry but the thoughts are so persuasive! Sometimes I have even had panic attacks about death & the unknown of it all!
    How do you cope with these thoughts or do you not ever have them?

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    • Cinnamon

      Hey Elle,

      I know this sounds crazy but I used to have thoughts like that a lot, especially the death part! Weirdly thought (or maybe not) once I got off the pill those thoughts have gone… I guess in a way the pills were making me feel overly emotional and causing some depressed thoughts (could be to do with the fact that I’m overseas away from family). But basically I would have these thoughts like what if I die tomorrow or when will my time be or what if someone back home dies and I can’t get there…!

      I would see posts about my cousin on FB who died in a motor bike accident 4 years ago and would think shit he was only 23, I could go anytime or my husband etc. I don’t know how normal this is but like I said for me I believe the pill was the culprit but maybe if this is something on going for you then go and talk to someone about it.

      For me I think it is also the unknown of what happens when someone passes away…I’m not a religious person despite my parents (more specifically my mum) having religious beliefs. I wouldn’t call myself an atheist but I dont know if I necessarily believe in a God per say…. don’t want to go too in depth with all that.

      Like I said if it is bugging you then please go see a counsellor or someone.

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    • sjb1273

      Elle, I totally relate to your post. Wanting to know who you are and where you fit into the universe is a great thing to think about – and my advice is to ignore (or at least take with a grain of salt) those who tell you to ‘stop thinking so much’ or ‘lighten up’, if you get those kinds of comments from friends.
      I read a lot about religion and history – a great Buddhist book called Awakening the Buddha Within’ was particularly insightful.
      If you’re a bit concerned about your mental health and the panic attacks, try reading something like ‘You Can Change Your Mind’ which is about Cognitive Behavioural therapy and also a book I found useful.
      Additionally, you could go and see your friendly GP for a chat and see if you can be referred to a psychologist on the Medicare mental health plan. Talking to a psychologist about what’s going on in your head may help you out too.
      Best of luck to you.

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    • Elisha

      We should catch up if you’re in Melbourne. My girlfriend and I ponder over so many of life’s mysterious ways! We’re weird – but we totally rock at it! ;)

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  6. Anna Sparkle

    a really strange week for me this week, left me feeling so emotional and raw.
    had a terrible week for sickness in our household, my poor toddler had an ear infection in both ears with ridiculously high temps, zero sleep and lots of worry trying to keep the temp down… and just as the antibiotics were kicking in and he was feeling better he was struck down with a gastro bug (i blame the doctors waiting room) which quickly consumed everybody, i spent my sunday night divided between moaning on the bathroom floor ,hugging the toilet bowl and dragging myself up to change my toddlers feral nappies/sheets/spew covered clothes and feeling utterly sorry for myself and lamenting the loss of my long wkends and social life ….

    this was until monday when i was punched in the face with perspective… we found out last week that my husband’s dear aunt had been diagnosed with cancer which had already spread as they had found secondary cancers…aparently she had not been feeling right for quite some time but had put off seeing the doctor for ages or even telling people until the pain was starting to seriously affect her quality of life… and then on monday we got the call that she had been admitted to hospital for difficulty with breathing and the doctors told her son they do not know if she will make it to the end of the wk. fuck. still reeling from this and trying to process it…. she has a new grandchild due in october who she has been so excited about meeting. Life is so fucking unfair.

    The wonderful sunshine of the week has been the news that my beautiful friend who has endured 3 miscarriages within the last 2 years has has a wonderful 10 week scan – a scan she had been terrified about as she had lost her last two pregnancies between weeks 7 and 9 – the baby has a strong heartbeat and she could see its dear little arms and legs forming… i am so happy for her and am praying that everything continues to go so well.

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  7. elle

    Brilliant opening post Jamila! Like you already & happy to have someone else here who grew up in Belco ;)

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    • Tara

      Ooh, I’m an ex-Belco girl too!! :)

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  8. ameliastclair

    Hi all! Busy week at MM HQ, I hope everyone isn’t too dizzy! I hope someone baked

    Rick, I’ll miss your posts but am consoling myself by enjoying your IG posts :)

    Welcome to Jamila! Looking forward to getting to know you too! All the best in your new role and the move :)

    What you’ve said resonates with me at the moment – plans are bullshit. I’ve been planning my whole life (a little OCD…) but I’ve learnt that the best things that have happened in my life have been spontaneous. Like deciding to travel to Nepal (less than 2 weeks until I arrive, yay!), moving interstate for my (then) boyfriend, taking a job out of my comfort zone, and enrolling in my Masters. All of those ideas just popped into my head one day, and I thought – why not?! Why. The. Hell. Not.

    Now, I’m feeling like another change. I’ve lived in Brisbane my whole life, then moved to Perth in Jan last year. It’s been great, but I think I’ve spent enough time in Perth and am ready for a new challenge. My boyfriend an I split (we’re still good friends thankfully) and my job is OK, but it’s not enough anymore. I want something MORE. SO, I want to move to Sydney. I’ve been seduced by a city full of hustle & bustle, gorgeous food, beautiful clothes and excitement. Gimme! But screw the plans. I have no idea what I’ll do for work, where I’ll live, but I don’t care. Med school? Maybe. Research? Perhaps! Writing? That’d be nice! I’ll find something – I always land on my feet. I’m off to India next weekend for a week then 4 weeks in Nepal (for a volunteer med placement) where I hope to drink a lot of chai, hike the Himalayas and do some yoga and deep thinking. Then when I get home – bring on a new challenge I say! My puppy and I will cruise the Nullabor bound for Eastern horizons!

    So thank you for your post Jamila – it couldn’t have come at a better time for me personally. I hope you enjoy the transition and living in Sydney – the macarons! Kill me now!

    For the rest of the MM community that is thinking about a change – just leap. It may be the best thing you’ve ever done xx

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    • elle

      Love your positive attitude ! Was thinking how you were going with the breakup-you seem to be doing great! Hope to see you on the Sydney streets soon :)

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      • ameliastclair

        Elle, you darling! Thanks for checking in, you’ve made my night. Hopefully soon indeed xx

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    • Yaz

      Amelia, Nepal sounds absolutely heavenly! Enjoy xxx

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    • jamilarizvi

      Thanks Amelia. X

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    • Louisec

      You sound amazing! I find making decisions to move etc quite stressful. Don’t think I did when I was younger, it was a lot easier. I grew up in Brisbane too, loathed it, and moved to Sydney when I was 18. Then I went for a job to Adelaide for a while and spent some time in Perth which I really loved.

      Then I made a move to the country, huge mistake! Now going back to Sydney.

      Can I make a suggestion, make contacts in Sydney especially for somewhere to stay before you move. unless of course you already know people. If you have a dog then you will really need this. Accommodation in Sydney is a nightmare. You should try flatmatefinders maybe before you leave that seems to have the most share accom.

      Good luck with it all!

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  9. Iced Kirby (subject to change!)

    I may do this just once……On my mind? Being reminded of a certain someone’s missing passport just as they were about to holiday in Fiji. Asides from that? Looking forward to a rollicking road trip in Brangelina with Gibbers to see our ridiculously hilarious, boldly-clad petal! Missing our travelling berry, another who’s trailblazing in Birmingham and wishing little bee didn’t have to work night shifts. Bring on Saturday pickles!

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  10. Belinda

    OMM- this has been on my mind for WEEKS but why do the same adults who tell kids to be nice to each other then turn around and complain about another person… Isn’t it just as bad… Its just getting on my nerves

    OMM 2- I quit my job last Friday as I couldn’t handle the way I was being treated anymore. I was being bullied and ever since I announced my resignation they are being sweet as pie to me

    Omm3- my replacement is being paid 8 grand more to do less than me

    Omm4- I have anxiety issues and for that reason I have to make sure everything is planned and is in order, I’m going overseas for 5 weeks next weekend and will not come back to any work, should I just pray for the best?

    Omm5-I know it’s a fwp but I miss out on five weeks of offspring :(

    As you can all tell I have a lot on my mind, I have a psych appoint this weekend where hopefully I can get into a proper frame of mind, my eating has gone downhill too :(

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    • elle

      Good luck @ the psych appt! I think you seem to be doing pretty well considering how much is going on in your life! :)

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  11. Miss H

    I wish it would stop raining so much! (I’m in Sydney btw) Our pool has overflowed twice, our courtyard got flooded and now resembles a dirt patch, and i’ve gone through 3 umbrellas in the past 3 days!

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    • elle

      Lol yeah I’m in Syd too..Imagine how much we will appreciate the sunshine when it arrives again!

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  12. missneriss

    Work. It’s always work that’s on my mind. But this time finally, it’s positive! I had my performance review last week and it was a very frank discussion about what’s going on and how there is basically no work for me to do any more. So, we’ve come up with a plan. I’m going to move into our QA team (which I’ll be effectively doubling the size of) for 80% of my time and it’s exciting to feel challenged again.

    I’ve been spending some time reading and getting my head around some of the processes and it’s difficult to snatch a few moments to visit mamamia! How will I cope?!

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  13. Anne

    I have something that’s troubling me. I bought some leggings the other week. I’ve been wearing them a lot, they’re so comfy! Wear them to work (layered with dresses and long shirts), and as my mummy uniform with boots and puffer vest. But today I remembered something. A post on here a while ago by Mia which went something along the lines of “leggings are not fashion”.

    But you see, I thought they were. Or had become recently. Aren’t they?

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    • anon

      No no no. Leggings are not pants!

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    • Sweets

      As long as your crotch and bum are covered by your long top or dress you are fine!

      The problem is when people wear leggings/tights as pants. Not a good look, especially when they are out of thin material.

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    • elle

      If you have a perfect ass and thighs then bring it ! If not then I rec wearing a skirt or dress over it. Very happy that the local mums love to exercise then go for a coffee in their leggings..but lumps n bumps n cellulite isn’t the best look! Still if you are comfortable & happy then go for it! :)

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  14. bee85

    So, musicals are your thing, Jamila? I can see we’ll be good friends. Welcome, and I look forward to upcoming posts on Legally Blonde and South Pacific.

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    • jamilarizvi

      YOU ARE ON. Actually I saw Legally Blonde in London last year – it’s fab. But I think I’d better see it again, you know, for the Australian flavour….

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  15. Claire

    Had two exams today, and I’m in that mode of thinking over every little thing I probably did wrong, though wine is helping…
    Managed to destroy my back carry notes too. Oh, law, sometimes I despise your open book exams!

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  16. lauren91

    Just come home from my last exam!! Woohoo!! I feel like I actually did a pretty good job, too, so I am happy :) Mental Health Nursing subject DONE! Now, three weeks of placement to go and on to next semester!

    OMM: I have one more assignment I have to get in. I caved and got an extension because I had so much personal stuff going on I couldn’t cope. But now that I am on placement I don’t know how to find the time to do it! Gah, uni sucks sometimes.

    But, I am feeling like I actually might be good at this nursing gig. I’m finally starting to get some confidence in myself and I gotta say, it feels pretty damn good :D

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  17. A-Dubbs

    Love it Jamila!

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  18. thisweekwillbeagoodweek

    Went to the doctor today because of sore and lumpy breast – hopefully it is just hormonal but the doctor has referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound….. I am trying not to be too worried but can’t hep but think the worst.
    Plus I am waiting on a phone call about a new job. It’s been over a week and I have been assured that I have this new position but can’t tell my current boss until my new one confirms it.
    Other than those 2 stressful things hanging over my head, everything’s great!

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  19. kaufman

    So I’ve officially failed two subjects at university and now I’m feeling completely directionless, especially since one of them was what I wanted to major in.

    I have realised that I am deeply unsatisfied with my life. Whenever I talk about what I want to do, people tell me it is a stupid goal and that I should do something else instead. I am really sick of people’s unsolicited advice.

    How do you guys deal with this?

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    • Louisec

      Do not listen to them. You can do it

      Get this great book, will so help you feel inspired and optimistic. “How to get from where you are to where you want to be. The Success Principles” – Jack Canfield.

      Can not tell you how much it has helped me and does ongoingly. I keep it by my bedside and re-read it constantly. Always makes me feel better & stronger. xx

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    • May!

      Oh Kaufman, I feel for you so much. At the end of last semester, I also failed two subjects, (one being a prac which was supposed to the highlight of my semester and turned out being one of the most horrible experiences ever). I felt so lost and so crushed, and I definitely thought about quitting. I’d been at uni for 4 years at this point and I kept thinking “have I just wasted four years of my life for NOTHING? For a qualification for a job I hate and am terrible at?” I felt awful and it was a huge blow. In the end I just decided I was past the point of no return and should try to soldier on, even though I didn’t really think it’s what I wanted.

      And you know what? I’m glad I did. I have no idea what area you’re studying or what your career goals are but my strongest piece of advice would be to investigate your universities Career Mentor Program. I did that and it completely changed my perspective, and it gave me a lot more direction. I’m slowly realising I don’t think my career is going to take the same path as a lot of my peers – I’m studying nursing and I don’t see my future in a hospital, more in a community / public health setting.

      I’m getting experience with a lovely, supportive, clever career mentor who has a dream job. In your application you write your areas of professional interest or your career goals so they can match you with someone in the industry as close to your needs as possible. I don’t know whos telling you that your dreams are stupid, but hopefully there’s someone in your city with a career path you aspire to that they can hook you up with. I know the program at my uni only opens in the first semester and you’re assigned the career mentor for the year, but perhaps your uni is different. Anyway, that’s what I would recommend looking into, and if your uni doesn’t have a career mentor program, it might but a lot more difficult but see if you can knock on doors or send out e-mails to people who have what you consider a great job and see if they would like to mentor you!

      Whatever you decide, best of luck x

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      • kaufman

        Thank you May and Louisec, but the problem is I’m not really interested in a career. I want a career and I’d like to find something I enjoy doing, but my number one goal is to have a family of my own. All I want is children and a de facto (I am not interested in marriage) and people seem to think it’s okay to make fun of me or suggest things that I am in no way interested in.

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        • Louisec

          That’s ok, you don’t have to want a career. There sure is more to life. But I do think it’s important to find out what you want to do in life as it’s a very long time. And what about when your children are grown up?

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    • Anonymous

      Don’t be disheartened! Just because you fail a subject doesn’t mean you can’t do it again and excel in it next time. If anything, doing it again will allow you to learn it better. I’ve failed subjects before and I know how hard it is to deal with.

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  20. YoungVintage

    On my mind… I’m wishing we’d organised a cleaner YEARS ago! We’ve splurged on a cleaner once per fortnight, which is $60 for two hours and far out, I wish we’d done it so long ago! We came home to a spotless house yesterday after work and it was just plain awesome :)

    Total splurge and actually feel quite embarrassed by how diva-ish it sounds, but honestly, it’s the best “I got promoted at work” present I could’ve given myself :) definitely worth the cuts weve made elsewhere in our budget… No more arguments over who’s cleaning what and when… So good. We’ll just do a quick clean of the house on the off week of the cleaner and all is good!

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    • anon

      Yep! I wish I had discovered mine years ago too! And then in a few years time, the best progression we made from there was to go weekly. Pure bliss.

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      • YoungVintage

        Oh – you’re living my dream… A weekly cleaner, ahhhh, I’m more relaxed just thinking about it haha!

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    • essessesse

      I’d love a cleaner even though I live by myself in a one bedroom flat. I just don’t like cleaning and I’m not terribly good at it!

      I worry about how to find one, though, I mean, you’re letting someone else in your house with access to all your things. How do you know that they won’t take anything or judge your CD collection? They’d certainly judge the contents of my fridge!!!

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      • YoungVintage

        That’s so funny, because I consider me and my husband to be pretty clean people – but we couldn’t believe how clean our house was when we walked in last night after work after the cleaner had been… Turns out we’re not very good at it either. I’ve never seen our kitchen and bathroom so clean! ;)

        The issue of having someone random coming into our house actually really put me off from organising it sooner… It just came down to picking an agency that seemed reputable, meeting with the cleaner beforehand to make sure we trusted her and knowing she only lives just down the road, so couldn’t escape us too easily if she tried to ;) and I just resigned myself to the fact that is she snoops, then she snoops… And I guess I don’t really care because there’s nothing too out of the ordinary/interesting to peek at in our house haha

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      • anon

        We got ours through a friend. She had a waiting list and finally one of her clients moved away so we got their spot. I figured she is so highly respected it wouldnt be worth her while to do anything wrong. As for the fridge, she did a huge clean out of our fridge last time we were on holidays. We returned to find that she had cleaned it out, dumped our manky old vegies rotting away and left us fresh milk!

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    • missneriss

      Can you tell this to my husband? I’m finding it really tough to fit it all in now that I’ve started back at work. I have never been a particularly good housewife, but now it looks like we’re living in a bomb site. I tidy, but I can see that it’s all just grubby, you know. Cobwebs, hand marks, the works. My husband doesn’t see it and doesn’t want to ‘waste money on something we can do ourselves,’ forgetting that we never do it! Rant rant rant.

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      • elle

        Organise it one time and then see what he thinks! :) Or pay for it yourself :)

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      • YoungVintage

        missneriss, I was lucky in that me and my husband have always split the housework 50/50 (well, actually – in theory we have, but I always seemed to be the one who’d notice when the house was dirty… whereas he’s half blind to it apparently!), so I didn’t have to fight my cause on it too much… But if you do the majority of the housework and are struggling timewise, I say you go on strike and get him to do it for a few weeks! I’m sure then he’d be happy for that money to be spent on a cleaner… :)

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        • MissNeriss

          Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up having a bit of a breakdown last night about it all, and we agreed that I’ll make him a chore list. He said he has no problem doing the jobs, he just doesn’t notice the mess! So, if I create a list of tasks for him to do he’ll quite happily do it (instead of immediately playing stupid facebook games or watching tv when he gets home).

          So, we’ll see how it goes over the next couple of weeks and if it doesn’t improve, we’ll have to go back to the drawing board (which for me is to get a cleaner!).

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          • YoungVintage

            That’s a good compromise!! It must be a dude thing… that’s exactly what my husband would say. He reckons he didn’t notice the dust or whatever and that’s why he’d wait for me to clean. And my sister’s husband used to say the same thing, and so did my besty’s boy… So it’s either a universal man lie or the truth!! ;) Good luck!!

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    • Lottie

      OK. That’s it. I am doing it too. Finally. Thank-you YV. I think you have convinced me! Am so sick of the damn house work taking me away from my life!

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      • YoungVintage

        YAY!

        Do it Lottie… I promise you, you’ll be kicking yourself that you didn’t do it sooner :D

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  21. Susan As Well

    Welcome Jamila. I loved your first open post :)
    Goodbye Rick. Gawd, you are gonna be missed :( . Best, best luck for your next venture in life. Sending you a kiss/hug even though you’re not a huggy person but that’s what you get for leaving xo

    OMM 1: The short holiday I just had with my daughter. I just love this young woman so much, even if I cut out my mother bias, she’s awesome and I love telling her so.

    OMM 2: Dating. Mr Maybe Keeper is a no no. You know that sudden change you see in people sometimes and you get the warning bells going off in your head like someone is trying to steal a car in the carpark and no one can turn it off? Sadly, a little bit too much bossiness started to emerge, no please or thank you for asking me to do something, just do it. I was completely turned off. Good thing, I only thought of him as a maybe keeper…

    So, onto the next date this weekend. Is there really a man shortage out there? I am not feeling it if there is.

    Love to all MMers xo

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  22. ozinuk

    Rick – you’ll be missed!

    What a big old week for MM… xxx

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  23. Kathy W

    Need some advice.

    Has anyone done ‘Celebrity Slim’ or one of those meal replacement diet things? I want to lose 10kg before the end of September. The usual diet/exercise thing doesn’t work for me as I want quick results. I don’t care that it won’t last – I just want to look okay in my holiday photos (am going to ITALY folks – where all the girls are teeny tiny size six)

    Which brings me to advice part 2 – I used to run 5km a day – and now I can’t even walk on the treadmill without triggering pain. I have planter fascitis in the left foot and now bursitis of the left hip.

    So….what kind of cardio can I do to supplement the weight loss that won’t involve using the hip joint too much (no cycling) or impacting on the foot (no running or fast walking). Any ideas at all will be gratefully received!

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    • jess88

      I did the Jeff Jowett bodytrim diet when I was wanting to shed 5kg quickly, it isn’t maintainable over a lifetime but it’ll get you the results you want quickly.
      And I’d say swimming would probably be the best form of cardio exercise for your injuries?

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    • Rabbitsal

      Maybe boxing or swimming for the cardio…. I’ve also heard doing weights is great for weight loss – good luck!

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    • hms

      I’m jumping on the swimming bandwagon here. Great exercise for the whole body but really low impact. Otherwise see a personal trainer at your local gym who can tailor a program for you. Good luck!

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    • anon

      I know this is really boring but I have lost 10 kilos in the last 4 months…..by changing how I eat. Big healthy breakfast, medium lunch, tiny dinner on a bread and butter plate. Works a treat!

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      • Louisec

        Not boring, but great advice. What type of food did you eat for each meal? Did you exercise? So keen to hear!

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        • anon

          Exercise, just a 20 minute walk around the block a few times a week. And only if I feel like it ;) I always hated going to the gym and couldnt wait for my membership to be up so I will never pay for a gym again!
          Breakfast, coffee, cereal and scrambled eggs on toast or mashed avocado, tomato and smoked salmon on toast etc.
          lunch ham and salad sandwich, chicken roll, sushi, etc
          Dinner, whatever I was cooking for the family but only a tiny portion on a dinner plate. For example beef and vegies, fish and salad, chicken curry. I dont avoid food groups and eat normal food, just in hugely reduced portions at night.

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          • anon

            Not a dinner plate – a bread and butter plate!

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          • Olympia

            Great advice. I am struggling to lose weight. I would be interested to hear what you eat for snacks between meals. These are the real killers for me.

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            • anon

              Also I forgot to mention I cut out all alcohol mid week, I only drink on Friday and Saturday nights now. I think that has helped a lot.
              Snacks, fruit or if I feel like a piece of chocolate I have it. Because I’m not having a massive dinner so I dont feel guilty if I have a treat during the day when I’m busy and likely to burn it off.

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    • missneriss

      You can try the Dukan diet. I did it last year and it was great to make me cut out sugar and all carbs (for a limited time). I dropped 10kg in under two months and only stopped because I was pregnant. I’m starting again as soon as I finish breastfeeding. You can buy the book on bookdepository. cheap and easy.

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      • Anonymous

        Not sure if you’re aware, but the latest research on low carb-high protein diets is that they only work once. After you’ve done it, lost weight etc, if you try it again your results won’t be nearly as good. I don’t know if that’s what the Dukan Diet is, but just in case it is, you might need to a different approach.

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        • elle

          Where is this research?

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    • elle

      Power Yoga or Bikram! Killer workout :) Don’t like to rec any of those shiitty diets but The Lemon Detox works for fast results.

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    • Anon

      I’d highly recommend the CSIRO diet. My sister is a nutritionist and exercise physiologist and it is the only diet she’ll recommend to most people. Depending on how much you weigh and how strictly you follow the diet, you should definitely be able to lose the weight in time. Plus, it will last. The first couple of days are a little hard going (I was quite hungry) but after that it is easy. I’m now down to a smallish size 10, which is as low as I want to go for my height (I’m in the lower quartile of the health BMI range and very tall) and I’m only following the diet about 60% of the time. Anyway, weight loss of 1-2kg per week is pretty standard on the diet. I lost 10kgs about 3 years ago and it has stayed off no problem.

      I suppose the other plus side to the diet is that it makes you feel so much healthier! I have much more energy, my skin and eyes look much better and I very rarely get sick. Anyway, I can rave on about this diet for years but you can buy the book which contains a 12 week eating plan plus recipes. And they’ve just released a second recipe book as well. The food is really tasty and you should adapt quickly. The other bonus is that it saves money because you plan your meals for the week and then take your lunch with you to work, rather than buy it.

      Finally, regarding exercise, swimming (as others have said) is a really good all over body workout. If your technique is not that great, it would be worth getting some advice on how to improve – the reason for that is that because there is so much more drag associated with swimming (versus, for example, running or walking), an inefficient technique will make you tire very quickly and you won’t be able to keep it up for long enough to get a decent workout.

      A light weight program would be useful as well, to develop a bit of muscle mass. That will ultimately help with your weight loss. You could also do yoga, as it is weight bearing and will help to develop muscle. Just make sure you tell your yoga teacher about your injuries so that you can get options for particular poses. Body Balance is also quite nice as well but again, speak to the teacher first. And pilates is a great workout as well to tone up and tighten the abs.

      Finally, can you do some circuit training? Things like stations where you do push-ups, sit-ups, tricep dips, shoulder presses, chin ups, 2 mins on a rowing machine followed by a break, boxing…that kind of thing. Although good for strength, it can also give you a good cardio workout as well. And it can be fun if you do it with a friend or some great music.

      Anyway, I hope this helps and that you have a great time in Italy! :-)

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      • Kathy W

        Wonderful advice! Thanks so much!

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  24. jess88

    OMM: I have a friend who I used to be quite close with who had a baby about 18 months ago, as to be expected, with her baby and partner consuming her life we didn’t get to see each other much which I was totally cool with and expected, so I’d keep in touch via text and the phone to arrange catch ups until she stood me up for a date without any explanation until days later and she would also not reply to texts sometimes and wouldn’t always return calls, so eventually I got jack of it and stopped bothering to contact her to see if she’d reach out to me at all – no, she didnt, we haven’t spoken since before Christmas, but then today I get a text saying the following “hi Jess, just letting you know I’ve put your name down as a reference for some jobs I’ve applied for, hope you’re having a good day xoxox” I was like “whaaaaa!?” and haven’t replied to the text as yet as I’m unsure what to say, any advice on this situation MMers?

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    • Cold

      Oooh, tricky. Were you friends or workmates?

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      • jess88

        We’ve been friends for about 6 years, we met when we were 17 & 18 – I was her supervisor at work.

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        • Susan As Well

          Maybe tell her that you feel really surprised that she has texted you out of the blue, especially seeing as she stood you up without explanation last time you had contact with her.

          I would be wondering too, Jess, do you really want to be a referee for her without knowing her for the last 6 months?

          The other thing I would be wondering about was whether she withdrew because something was happening in her life that she didn’t feel able to share with you and maybe she’s dealt with it and now wants to pick up the friendship. However, I wouldn’t blame you for feeling unsettled about being dropped and picked up like that either. I would want to know what happened with her before I went ahead as her referree and friend.

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          • jess88

            Thanks Susan As Well. You’ve given me a lot to think about. I think one of the main things that bothered me is the fact she text me to tell me she’d put my name down as a reference as opposed to maybe calling and asking me first, that’d be the polite thing to do, right?

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            • tanlee

              Right!

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            • Susan As Well

              Ooooh yes … it’s very poor business etiquette to not ask you first if you would provide a reference for her.

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        • essessesse

          She’s presuming that you’ll give her a reference, then? How rude. You’re supposed to ask first.

          Personally I wouldn’t even bother to reply. That might get her arse flapping & she’ll call you. Either that or text her back & tell her that she can call you to discuss it.

          No call – no reference. I’m feeling a bit evil tonight.

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          • jess88

            That was my first thought too, I just wanted to check I wasn’t over reacting first – so you’re not evil ;)

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            • essessesse

              Well, I am, but thanks for the vote of confidence!!!

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    • Sydgel

      If you don’t feel comfortable doing it just be upfront and tell her. Just text her back and say you don’t feel comfortable and you think that it woudl be best for her to list other referees.

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  25. Liza

    Wondering why I work so hard and go the extra mile at work.

    I applied for a promotion last week but was nervous at the interview and didn’t sell myself enough. I had hoped all the hard work and experience I’ve acquired from the last 8 years at this company would be enough to get me through, but it wasn’t. I was told that the panel ONLY considered the answers given at the interview so no one had an unfair advantage.

    All my work reviews have been excellent plus I’ve always gone out of my way to do the extra things that help our department run smoothly. I just can’t believe that none of that counts for anything.

    What do I do now? I want to carry on as normal, but really, am I crazy to do this? Is it time I pulled my head in and only do the things I’m paid to do?

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    • Anon

      YES! Work to live don’t live to work, unless you’re earning mega bucks. I find that people who just get on with it and go the extra mile without making a big deal are overlooked, whereas the people who do a mediocre job but sell themselves hard (usually men and/or extroverts) will get the promotion. I would either tell your bosses that you’re no longer going to do overtime or any tasks outside of your role description as they clearly don’t appreciate it. Or find another job. Otherwise they will never promote you as you’ve proven they don’t need to pay you more to work harder.

      BTW, that excuse about how they only consider answers given at the interview is bull – they hire who they want to. They know your capability and if they wanted to promote you nothing was stopping them.

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      • Liza

        Thanks Anon – that’s exactly what I’ve been thinking and I wanted to hear it from someone else :)

        Time to start clocking off when I should. And time to start looking around. I get the feeling good things are not going to come my way where I am :(

        Onwards!

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  26. georgiepie

    OMM – Do you ever sit back and think ‘Wow. Why are people friends with me?’ and then feel really lucky?
    A friend took me out for lunch today and I’m seeing another tonight. I annoy MYSELF constantly, when I speak I lose track of my thoughts, stumble over my words, tell HORRIBLE stories and am generally boring, but somehow these people, and others, like me lots and make plans and enjoy my company.

    I just feel really happy and really loved :)

    also OMM – bisexuality. I watched a SATC episode yesterday where they dealt with it in a HORRIBLE way. I wrote about it here- http://pommier.tumblr.com/post/25010084140/sexuality-and-satc – but really, for a ‘forward thinking’ show they were so backward!

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  27. Lala

    Is there any way to see the photos with the usual arrow to move to the next photo? I can’t see them unless I click on them and it leaves the page..thanks

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  28. hms

    OMM is how good I feel after having my hysterectomy last week. I keep waiting for something to go wrong as I’m sure it’s not supposed to be this easy.

    I’m still very tired as I find it difficult to sleep on my back & sleeping on my side is uncomfortable & the whole windy bum thing still hasn’t settled but overall, I’m really happy with how I’m recovering.

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    • elli

      I remember my mum quoting her best friend (my godmother) after hers: “OMG why didn’t I do this ages ago?”

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    • Mia

      Take care of you…..

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    • anon

      I know 5 people who’ve had it done now and they ALL say it was the best thing they ever did and wished they’d had it done much sooner. And they were all surprised by the recovery, even the 2 who didnt have it done by keyhole!

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      • Lottie

        Why did they wish they had had it done sooner? Sorry, I know nothing about this!

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        • anon

          They had all been suffering with terrible symptoms like cramps, irregular cycles and unbearably heavy bleeding for a long time and kept putting off having the operation. Once they had it done all said it was life changing!

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    • hms

      Thanks everyone!

      Well said anon, the end of prolonged periods (up to 6 weeks at a time), an irregular cycle even with hormones and cramps that literally dropped me to the floor on a few occasions will change my life. I’m sure I’m going to be one of those who wondered why I waited so long once I’m fully recovered!

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  29. jessc

    The past week at work has been crap. Bitchy boss (for no reason), bored, counting down the days til my 5 weeks off. On a break today I saw an email that an assignment mark had come out, so I checked it and I got 80% when I had actually been worried about it. Was a timely reminder that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and FT work/PT Masters will pay off.

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  30. Waffaete

    Mia, I love watching you live. You are always so genuine and entertaining! Also, you looked beautiful on The Circle. xxxxxx Go Mia!!!!!

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  31. Haven Maven

    Geez – you catch a lurgy for a few days and the world changes. Rick has gone?? Scuse my ignorance. I’ve been living in a flu/virus/lurgy filled haze which is not my ideal choice for how to spend a long weekend. My youngest has it too – I know she’s not well when she is off her food. Good on the tooth that one. I’ve been washing the jammies daily – and avoiding the dishes. There is some kind of domestic karma in this, I am sure.

    Middle one off to camp at stupid o clock this morning. I’m sure she also is getting this lurgy but is valiantly holding it off to attend camp – however accompanied by a doggie bag of cold and flu meds.

    My big girl is having a tough time atm. Her neighbour’s husband committed suicide yesterday morning, and they have all become close. My beautiful girl called me in tears not knowing how to cope. And she has an exam today. Heart breaking for them all.

    Such a funny world. Last week I was present as my beautiful friend gave birth. This week I am consoling my big girl over a shock death. Its a strange old thing, this life.

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    • Anon

      Maybe tell yr daughter that when people suicide, they just can no longer handle the pain. The pain is so severe that even with the love of their friends, family, they just can not take any more.

      Their thinking changes drastically, they don’t think normally. They do not act normally.

      It’s hard for people left behind to understand suicide and naturally they consider it a very selfish act. I have tried to kill myself so am speaking from that perspective which I hope may help a little to understand.

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      • Susan As Well

        Wholeheartedly agree with Anon about helping your daughter to understand how suicide happens.

        Doing things to mark the life and unexpected death of someone close can help with getting your head around it and to show that you cared about them. Light a candle every day, buy and plant a tree and call it so and so’s tree. Anything that reminds you of the person can help.

        Thinking of you all xo

        Lucky your girls have you with them to help with lurgies and the big stuff of life.

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        • Haven Maven

          Thanks anon and Susan for you kind input. Sadly had one of my schoolfriends take her own life 11 years ago so we have talked about that today. My girl felt he was being very selfish, and we also talked about how at the end of he day he must have been in so much pain that that was the only answer he saw for himself.

          How I love our MM community. Thankyou again, lovely people xx

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  32. smashleigh

    OMM – heading to origin tonight to cheer on the blues. a girl at work is also going, and after much discussion about probably needing to buy a poncho (damn rain!), she came back from lunch and had bought me and my fiance ponchos! i was so appreciative.

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  33. Anon for this

    OMM – 36 weeks pregnant and writing to the Macquarie Dictionary to tell them that they need a new synonym for ‘big’ because ‘humungous’ isn’t cutting it anymore. I have suggested ‘humungotron’ or ‘massivenormousness’.
    What’s really OMM though is that I am feeling neglected by my bestie. She lives interstate and didn’t make it to my baby shower over the weekend. I told her the date ages ago (and specifically picked a long weekend so that it would be easier for her to travel the 4 hours home) and she said she’d be there. I didn’t organise it so I wasn’t involved in the RSVP arrangements, etc, but she was invited, never responded and then when the organiser chased her up a few days before she just said she wasn’t coming. It’s now 4 days later and I have heard nothing from her. Is it petty that I want an explanation and want to tell her that my feelings are hurt?
    It’s not so much the non-attendance that has upset me, but the fact that this has come to be expected behaviour. She is very inconsiderate and I had said beforehand that I thought she wouldn’t be bothered … just like my hen’s night, 30th birthday and a few other things and sadly I was proven right (although the optimist in me kept expecting her to walk in, especially as I hadn’t received a “Sorry I can’t be there today” text). I feel like I am very low on her priority list. And I am upset that I have come to expect such treatment.

    Honestly, am I being hormonal?

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    • smashleigh

      i dont think ur overreacting. my ”best friend’ doesnt appear to make time for me anymore either. she’s expecting her first child in september and i feel like im not a part of it with her like i thought i would be (as we were so close during school and our early 20s). after the years we have drifted apart and i have on numerous times tried to organise get togethers but she’s always been “too busy”, “working” “babysitting” “going to the footy!!??”, so i’ve just stopped trying. it breaks my heart, but what can u do. she’s got her own life now….

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    • iamevilcupcake

      Nope. You aren’t being hormonal. As the bestie, it is our responsibility to be there for the other bestie, and if you can’t be there, you make it up somehow. That’s the way it is with me!

      I would just send her a text saying you missed her at the baby shower, and you hope she is well. Nothing more, nothing less. Just put the ball in her court. If you want to remain friends with her, don’t push it.

      I know, I know it seems weak, but I have a friend like that who annoys me with the fact that I do ALL the corresponding, but I love her and I need her in my life! So I do all the corresponding (she does reply).

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      • Anon for this - back again!

        Cupcake (if I may be so bold as to use your shortened name!), we sound like the same person!
        We’ve been friends since primary school and I don’t want to ruin the friendship, but man it smarts knowing she’s just gonna do it again and again and again!
        Not long after I posted this she sent a text asking me how I was feeling and I replied nearly word-for-word your suggestion (before i read it). And her reply was “Yeah, sorry I wasn’t there” … I can’t believe (no wait, I can) I had to solicitate my own ‘apology’ ….
        Oh well, I guess I have to accept that this is just our relationship, as it has been this way for years, and have to just worry about what I can control – my own reaction…
        Thanks!

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        • essessesse

          I think she’s doing a pretty good job of ruining the friendship, to be honest.

          Time to prune the friendship tree.

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    • Jenna

      Besties don’t treat each other like this. May I be so blunt as to suggest perhaps (for whatever 100 possible reasons) she doesn’t want to be your friend anymore? Maybe your happiness is hard for her to deal with.
      Whatever the reason, you have every right to feel the way you do – even with the hormones! I’d be taking a deep breath, calling her and explaining how you feel. Ask her if she wants to remain friends with you. If she is evasive or rude, then I think you have your answer. Good luck. Xx

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      • Jenna

        I used to have a friend like this too who I’d known since we were 10. Besties. Was there with her through boyfriends, nightclubs, breakups, movies, dinners, loved each others parents and friends etc. then she moved to the gold coast to be a teacher (I’m in Brisbane). She used to emphatically state she would come and visit me “the NEXT school holidays. I will DEFINITELY be there”. Then those holidays would come and go and I’d hear nothing for months. I later found out she had been traveling to Brisbane each week on her day off to see an acquaintance of mine but never saw me. Gutted. So I sent her a very nice email saying how this upset me and if she didn’t want to be friends anymore it would make me sad but I’d accept it. I never got a reply. That was that. Still think about her but friends grow apart and some people don’t know how to deal with it.

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        • Anon for this - back again!

          She does that too! She once asked me not to put photos on FB of my birthday dinner because she didn’t want one of our mutual friends to know she was in town and I am sure she does the same to me. Then it’s always with the promise of ‘we’ll catch up next time’ … but it never comes.

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    • anon

      I’m so sorry about your friend letting you down. Without knowing her situation it sounds like you’re ticking all the boxes she would love to be ticking too but isnt so she’s letting the green eyed monster eat away at your friendship.
      Having a baby has a way of curbing friendships where the other person is prone to jealousy. I had a very close friend who was very selfish and always had to have a one up-manship type drama every time something happened in my life. The last one was when I rang to tell her I had just given birth and she said she couldnt talk because she was too upset about having an irregular pap test result. So I was still drugged and delerious, in the delivery suite and nursing my brand new baby counselling her about her worries. Talk about sucking the life out of a happy event. Needless to say she was fine, she rang me to tell me that her results were ok soon after, but didnt ask one question about how I was or how my baby was. I dumped her.

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    • MJ

      If she’s done the same thing for that many events then she’s not a good friend. That’s a pattern of behaviour, unless she has a good reason she is a bum.

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  34. maggie

    OMM: My birthday present from my partner. He is the kind of guy who always buys those practical presents, but apparently this year (as due to circumstance nothing happened last year for my bday) he has really really tried hard in getting something special. My best friend helped him out as he is flat out with work.
    It didn’t arrive in time for yesturday, so am I very excited to see what it is when it hopefully turns up!

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    • hms

      Happy birthday for yesterday! I love it when my very practical boyfriends gives me something romantic or out of the ordinary. I hope it’s a fantastic pressie!!

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  35. Shannon

    OMM: the boy has gone overseas for a week starting today. Usually wouldn’t faze me, but my first exam is tomorrow (he alwaysbooks holidays in my exam period…beginning to think he’s avoiding the caffeine-wired stressed out girlfriend) and I like having here to distract me from my stress every now and then. And Tell me I’ll be fine and all that jazz.

    Also, I need to stop procrastinating and get off Mamamia…tomorrow is closed book!

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  36. oopsyboops

    OMM: being jealous of things that people have/do and then realising how silly and petulant that makes me. Think I need to hide in a corner where I can’t see what people are up to. If I can’t see the Jones then I can’t keep up with them. That’s the solution! Off to build a bigger fence!

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    • Anonymous

      Is that corner big enough for two? I feel exactly the same sometimes. Don’t feel too bad, we are only human :)

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  37. Rick Morton

    Hellllllllllllooooooooooooo!

    Firstly, welcome Jamila to your first full week!

    Secondly, I miss everyone. I’ve been on an impossibly off-the-grid holiday in Brisbane and now Grafton and have barely been checking in to anything apart from Twitter. I still don’t have consistent Internet access but I’ve noticed some of the comments saying goodbye and wondering what happened to me!

    I didn’t want things to become about me when I left. I definitely wanted to say goodbye and say it properly it just happened to coincide with me being away and unable to pop on and comment properly like I normally would.

    But I’ve read all the comments on my leaving post and this one and I am SO humbled to read all your messages. They do mean a lot. Seriously.

    And on that note, I’m off to do some more writing on the back deck overlooking the river :)

    Rick

    xxxxx

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    • carmenr

      I was just about to comment and ask if I’d missed a post about you leaving Rick (which obviously I have!) and then your comment popped up!

      I will really miss reading your articles and your cheeky but always courteous responses to comments! Good luck with your new endeavours and hopefully we’ll still see some articles from you every now and then!
      Carmen

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    • maggie

      Going to miss your awesomeness Rick :)

      All the best for the future!

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    • Jackson

      I have been thinking about you Rick and the manner in which you left and the obvious upset from
      many of the readers here.
      now this is just my opinion and I am only commenting on how I see this situation.
      Mamamia is like a community. While you are also a business your biggest draw card is the community
      of people who comment on here, otherwise it would just be a group of people writing to themselves.
      You actively draw all the readers into the world of MM, we all celebrate with the staff when it is
      birthday time, babies, good news etc, and we all commiserate with the bad times.
      The MM staff post photos for all to see of the daily going ons at MM headquarters. We all feel some sort
      of ‘ownership” of the site.
      We also support each other between the commentators and some real life friendships have grown and
      blossomed from here. People have followed others to their own blogs, new writers have been
      introduced to us through blog posts. We have gone as a group to gay rights marches etc etc.
      We all feel like a big connected family and no matter where people are in the world we all feel like we
      are in something great.
      So, after a year and a bit of getting to know Rick and welcoming him into the MM family people have
      fallen in love with him. He is part of their daily lives, part of the on line family.
      I really really feel that everyone here, Rick and the readers deserved more than a rehashed old post
      with a bit tacked on the end, on a Friday to say Rick was leaving THAT VERY DAY.
      Now I understand that Rick is unable to say where he is off to, that is not the problem I have, I also
      understand that people move on to new jobs.
      BUT it is really really disrespectful to leave like this, even if Rick did not want a fuss, how about the
      readers who have invested in the MM family? How about those people who help make this site what it
      is today?
      It feels like the MM team want us to feel like a family and do the warm and fussy posts with the kid
      photos and the birth announcements etc but when the real stuff comes up, we are just some clicks on
      an SEO and google stats counter and a way to sell advertising.
      If the MM team was unable to foresee that the way they announced Ricks departure was not going to raise eyebrows and upset people then I wonder if you really know your reader base at all.
      I am left wondering if the warm and fuzzies is just a marketing ploy to boost readership and is not really the the true actions of the MM staff.
      I am really disappointed by this and I am left questioning what else on MM is smoke and mirrors.

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      • JM

        I’ve had exactly the same thoughts.

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      • Alice

        Who’s Rick????

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      • Jules

        Hmmm…. I was disappointed to learn that Rick has left as well… but, as great as the support and sense of community this site fosters is, I think some people are losing sight of the fact that MM *is* a business of which Rick was an employee.

        The way I see it is that a beloved employee has resigned, it was announced at the appropriate time and without much fanfare and we are now lucky enough to be able to see what all the fabulous new contributors to this site will bring.

        This feeling that the employees or the business of Mamamia itself somehow “owes” the readers more than that is quite odd.

        I’ve really enjoyed Rick’s contribution here and wish him all the best on his new adventures, good luck!

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        • Jackson

          I think you are underestimating the community on here. This was not some faceless journo leaving the Sydney morning Herald or a staff writer on The Punch. Part of the appeal of this site is the personal side of the staff, the baby photos, what they are wearing, the cupcakes they bake etc. Of course it is a business, no one thinks differently, but when you personalise your business so your customers become part of the family, those same customers deserve to be treated with respect and be shown that it is acknowledged that they become attached to staff and they deserve a better resignation than a few lines tacked onto an old post, put up on a Friday. Just by the huge number of people over the past few days that have commented on many different posts who did not know Rick had left, shows that the manner it was announced was neither effective or fair to the readers.
          Further, everyone wishes Rick the best, that was never the issue. It was the manner the news was delivered. Obviously everyone gets something different from this site, I don’t think it is fair that you bring into question how others are feeling.

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          • Cold

            What if Rick wanted to go quietly? Doesn’t that matter more than what the community wants?

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            • Jackson

              If Rick wanted to go quietly and deny his fans a chance to say good bye then he never really connected with them in the first place. That is NOT the way you treat people who have supported you and welcomed you. You have respect for your fan base and you graciously bow out. All it would have taken was a post that was put up, with some indication in the title that it was a farewell from Rick and he was leaving. no one is asking him to turn up to each readers house and tell them in person. But it would have been polite to at least put a post up that half the readers would have seen. Look how many people didn’t even know until today. MM want readers to connect with their writers, then it is a two way street and they then owe some sort of respect back to the readers.

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            • JulC

              Yes I agree. Rick chose the way he ended his employment. Attachment is the root of all suffering people…

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      • Olympia

        Hey MM – can you please tell me why my reply to this previously has been deleted? I kept it respectful and ‘dinner party-ish’ and voiced my opinion without being rude or abusive………….??? A little confused, that’s all. Look forward to hearing from you.

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        • LBF

          Same thing happened to me last Friday. Hmmm..

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        • Mia

          Hey Olympia,
          You are clearly upset about Rick leaving – you’ve left many comments on several different posts about it. Which is totally cool.
          But when statements are made about Mamamia or anyone who works here that are incorrect or inflammatory, we may choose to delete them.

          And when we receive multiple comments with identical sentiment under different names on the same post – all coming from the same IP address, we may also choose to delete them.
          We ask all commenters to stick to one name per post.
          Sometimes, if your comment was in response to one of the deleted comments, it can become collateral damage.

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          • Wendy

            I don’t think it is fair to blame Rick for the manner of his departure. Look at the language used….his role wasn’t replaced and below Mia says the decision was by mutual agreement. Resignations are not mutual decisions.

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            • essessesse

              But even if it wasn’t his choice, it’s still none of our business what happens behind closed doors.

              I’m not sure what all this furore is supposed to achieve. We’re not shareholders of Mamamia. We’re readers. We post comments. We might feel a sense of community but what happens in the office & behind closed doors is nothing to do with us.

              If something less than sunshine and lollipops did happen I’m sure these posts aren’t helping.

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          • Olympia

            Thank you Mia for taking the time to reply. I would like to state clearly that I have left comments under one name only. Your reply unfairly infers that I have been leaving comments under multiple names. I know you take issue with this and have been sure to use this name only. I would also like to point out that I and many, many others will miss Rick but I think the important point which I believe you are choosing to avoid is that we are upset with the way in which this whole issue has been dealt with by MM.

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            • Sydgel

              well said Olympia. Why was Mia inferring that you posted under different names? as you obviously didn’t.

              And it’s surprising that she has not replied to you and clarified that you did not do this. Disappointing also.

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      • Anonymous

        Jackson that is just perfectly put. And exactly how I feel.

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    • Purplepoppy

      Are you in Grafton now, Rick? Isn’t the river flooded yet? Wanna pop down to Coffs and have a cappa?
      All the best…

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      • Janed

        Hi where do you think the best coffee is in Coffs? Moved up here (25 kms inland from Coffs) 4 mths ago. Love it!

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        • Purplepoppy

          Hi Janed, well, they’re all pretty much lifting their game these days, coffee-wise. But, Cafe Aqua, Cocoa in the CBD, and Wholly Cow in Sawtell. But wherever you go, you have to ask for a HOT cup, else they tend to serve lukewarm … something to do with customer safety.
          I’m glad you love it here – so do I. I moved here 4 years ago from Hobart, and like Rick’s departure, I just WENT. Best thing I’ve ever done.
          I wonder how many other MMers are here? I’d like to set up a coffee-date for some of us to meet up.
          Anyone else out there?

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          • Mimi

            Go the bello! we have the best coffe and shops around :)

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            • PurplePoppy

              I do agree with you Mimi – I didn’t mention Bellingen as I don’t know quite where Janed lives and whether she wanted coffee in town for regular visits, or was happy to venture a bit further o ut….
              Love Bello!

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    • Frangipani

      I miss your posts Rick! Good luck with the next step, whatever that may be :)

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    • Anonymous

      go well rick. you are/were one of the things i LOVED about MM

      xx

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  38. Pocket Rocket.

    A couple of things on my mind this week.

    I have come to have two of the best friends ever and the best boyfriend ever in the past 2 months. I went through the last year with no friends and just am ecstatic that both of these girls call me their best friend. Just says that good things happen to those who wait.

    The thing on my mind is university. I study graduate law. This semester due to a lot of problems (struggling to deal with demons of my past i.e friends, cousin who nearly got me assaulted and corporate psychopath that proceeded to ruin my life), I have to discontinue four out of the four of my subjects. I was such a good student (got the UAI over 97, distinction average) but it all fell into a heap this semester and I’m not sure what to do about it so I’m throwing myself into getting invaluable experience at the workplaces I love, into friendships that I love and just making this a me time.

    Does anyone out there in the mamamia world have any advice for me? Is this normal with university?

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    • jamilarizvi

      Hi Pocket Rocket

      I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough year to date and it’s good to hear things are looking up. My experience is that it is pretty rare for an employer to want to see an actual transcript of your university results – they just want to know you got through the degree and walked out with the piece of paper.

      Some law firms are different though – and I think the best bet is just to be honest. Most employers will understand if you had one semester where you bombed due to other events in your life. (I had that happen to me… Oh legal theory, let us never talk of THAT exam again).

      Once you get back to your usual high-achieving self during semester 2, nobody worth working for is going to die in a ditch over a little blip.

      Best of luck.

      Jamila

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      • Anonymous

        Pocket Rocket, when I changed jobs as a third year solicitor, I was STILL asked for my academic transcript, even with considerably more work experience (legal secretary, then paralegal before becoming a solicitor so 4 years under my belt) than most of my fellow university graduates.

        Nothing was said about it, it wasn’t a super star or terrible GPA (5.1), but it was still asked for.

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      • Guest

        Nearly every law firm wants to see your marks and they count. For other degrees, like say a BA, it is rare. If you want to take your law degree somewhere other than a law firm then it may not be looked at.

        Withdrawing from a whole semester is not going to be a big problem. People take time out. If it comes up you can just say ‘I withdrew from the semester due to personal reasons’. Most employers will leave it at that.

        If you withdraw from one semester but the rest of your results are really good it should not be a problem when you get to the end of your degree and job hunting.

        It happens to lots of people. What matters is not gaps in your transcript – like going to part time for a semester, only doing three subjects on semester, or none at all another, what counts is that of the subjects that do end up on your transcript that you get good marks. Employers know that it can take time you work your way through – particularly graduate law where the transcript may not flow 4 subjects a semester after semester as people need to take time off to work to support themselves for example.

        Don’t sweat it, you did the right thing, taking it off your transcript (I assume you withdrew in time or got the subject remitted due to your circumstances) is better than perservering and having a crap mark.

        Re-group and you get to go back and try again like it never happened, except for being behind in how long it takes you to complete – which is not unusual at all at the grad law level. Good luck!

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        • Guest

          ugh so many typos hope that makes sense!

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        • Guest

          Oh and for next semester it is worth looking into what considerations you could obtain from the start that detail your circumstances so if you need an extension you already have your circumstances documented and your teachers are aware you may need extra help.

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      • Pocket Rocket

        Oh goodness Jamila, are you an ex law student as well? Thanks for giving me such great advice!

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        • Jamila

          Sure am! Always worth remembering that it is a useful degree in a whole of fields too. You don’t need to practice to have your law degree be useful :-)

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    • Anonymous

      Pocket rocket – if you’re not completely sure about studying law, I would say you should defer for a while and go into the workforce and see how that goes. Having recruited for a big law firm in the past I can tell you that your marks and GPA are very important. Candidates are often ranked in this way and then a selection of the top 50 applicants will be interviewed. It’s not nearly as bad at the mid to smaller firms though. Just think carefully about it. Perhaps you could go back to uni part time next semester until you get your groove back and then see where you are?

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  39. vivacious

    OMM 2.5 days left of work before a 4 week holiday. I have been so busy with work I feel all flustered about the holiday, but I’ve just printed out a whole bunch of stuff so I’m slightly more organised. Just need to do a big chemist shop and buy some new socks – honestly where did all my black socks go?

    Of course holiday also means money is on my mind. Oh for the day when every $ isn’t budgeted for but at least we are in the fortunate position of being about to afford a lovely holiday with only minor scrimping (but lots of saving).

    However, I did go change my health insurance policy today (am affected by the change in rebate) and managed to get a lower premium, despite the rebate change with only minor less benefits. Still bloody expensive though.

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  40. ipomenscarlet

    “NEVER make plans.

    Plans only serve to lull you into a false sense of security…”

    Jamila, I hope things ease up a bit for you very soon!

    I’m shocking when it comes to trying to plan for every contingency and possible disaster. I’m a genius at finding stuff to worry about. Starting a new business and wanting a family are 2 A-grade topics for panic at the moment.

    Luckily, my husband is good at talking me down.

    His philosophy is – there’s only so much you can plan for. The unexpected will always crop up. So why bother worrying about what might happen, when usually you can’t foresee what actually does happen? Worrying’s a shocking waste of time and energy.

    On the one hand, it’s a comforting thought, on the other, knowing I can’t plan for everything is another source of freaking out! :)

    Ipomen Scarlet

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  41. Ash

    My offer for a house got accepted yesterday – now to organise the building inspection and termite inspection!

    Can’t wait to move and control who gets to stay in my house!

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    • hms

      Yay for you! The most exciting part when we moved into our own home last year was that we could finally have pets. I love my kitties! Hope the inspections come through ok for you!

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  42. Cinnamon

    Ok I know I already posted but something just came up which has got me REALLY annoyed! So recently I posted about how my SIL had sent my husband a text saying quote “Your wife has no idea how easy she has it and she is very lucky’…. I didn’t say anything to my husband about this because in the past whenever I have brought up something his sister or mum have said he is quick to go to their defence, so over time I have learnt to let things go.

    Anyway so recently he has been bugging me about getting a full-time job (I currently work 2 part-time jobs and am not interested in anything else other than teaching but I have to do a 6 month course to be able to teach here anyway) so not like I’m going to get a full-time job soon. But the thing is he has never had a problem with me working part-time until recently and he keeps saying things like oh you know you’re so lucky and making it out to be a joke like haha. So tonight I just cracked it at him and said why have you been saying these things lately, and he’s like oh I’m just joking and I said no I think some people might be saying things to you (didn’t mention his sister) and he was adamant that no nothing has happened.

    So then I asked if anyone had told him that I have it easy and that I’m lucky and he said like who? So I flat out said I don’t know maybe your sister and he just went off like NO how dare you say that, why would she say that…..so basically he blatantly lied to me!

    Now I can take that 2 ways: 1 he doesn’t want to admit it because he doesn’t want there to be a problem (he wants me to think his sister thinks nicely of me and likes me – which I know is utter BS).

    or he just can’t admit or see when his sister is wrong. Uhhh anyway so I’m just not even going to bother saying I saw the text…..

    :|

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    • Rach

      I have no words. That sucks! Feel free to vent over a nice long email tomorrow.

      Its awkward when you give them a golden opportunity to open up about something, and not only do they not take it, they deny it!

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      • Cinnamon

        Rach just sent you that email hehe, tried not to vent too much!

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    • Anon

      My ex did exactly this. I stumbled upon an email from his sister, she was accusing me of apparently rolling my eyes at her and that I hurt her feelings with an off-hand comment. It was untrue about the eye rolling and she totally misinterpreted my comment. I was so hurt he didn’t tell me so that I could explain and clear up the misunderstanding, as well as her bitching about me to him via email instead of being mature.

      Anyway, after a few weeks I started to ask him a few probing questions and in the end asked outright if his sister was upset by something I’d said or done. He said No.

      In the end, it was a defining moment in our r’ship. His family had been an issue for us for a while and if he couldn’t defend me, discuss it with me or better yet tell her to discuss it with me, I felt it would continue to get worse.

      Good luck! I really feel for you. In-laws can really make or break a r’ship…

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      • probMIL

        I completely agree! inlaws can make or break a relationship…..

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        • Cinnamon

          probMIL true….but I guess only if you let them.

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      • Cinnamon

        Thanks for your response anon. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened but I have learnt along the way that when it comes to me versus his sister/mum I will never win that fight…I think the world would end if he ever admitted wrong on their part. I think in a way he didn’t want to admit she had sent him that particular txt because he doesn’t want a whole thing to start up again with his sister and me (which has happened in the past).

        I honestly think the best thing for me to do is to just ignore her and get on with my life with my husband. I honestly don’t know what it is by in-laws (not all but from what I hear most) thinking that it is their duty to give their opinion on the person their brother/son chose to marry. Uhhhhh can I just say I’m so glad I live on the other side of the world to them now!

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    • Sydgel

      Hey Cinnamon, the whole situation with the bitchy (and importantly insecure) SIS must be a huge pain in the arse (HPITA)!!

      So how to cope with it? Sometimes I have to sit or lie down and work out ways to handle stuff that is really upsetting me. It works.

      How about making it into a funny situation? Ok don’t leave me here!!!! Turn it around – so that you can laugh about it – this is all about making YOU feel better about this shitty situation.

      She must be so jealous of you!!!! If not, then why would behave like a total tool?!

      I absolutely know there are MM’s out there that can help us with this (kinda sick but funny) sense of humour.

      Please do not think I am trying to minimise or mock your situation, I am so not. I just think that you need a winning way to handle it xxx

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      • Susan As Well

        Agree with Sydgel. I would call her out on it because these kinds of comments from her can sow the seeds of years more of them. And, I would definitely use humour, because if you’re working two jobs already, can’t work full-time in teaching without going through the rigmarole of a six month course, you’re pulling your weight already and what she said is so plainly ridiculous, she’s gotta be joking, right? Ha ha ha ha, such a funny girl! Once she knows you’ve got a sense of humour, she won’t be able to keep saying these things. I would definitely let her know that you know what she said. Your husband can sit back in awe of you too!

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        • Cinnamon

          Thanks for your response Susan As Well…. I was contemplating mentioning something on FB along the lines of what she said in her message (I had recently mentioned on FB about my pinched nerve and she commented asking what I had done to cause it so I was thinking I would write back something like I don’t know maybe my easy life caused it lol)

          But I stopped myself because I knew if I did that it would cause a shit storm! So I think ignoring her is the best thing….I’m sure she would come up with a million excuses as to why she wrote what she did. I mean like I said in my original post she has zero idea of what goes on in my life or how I feel….she seems to think her brother waits on me hand and foot like I’m cleo fucking patra or something!

          Uhhh lol

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      • Cinnamon

        Hey sydgel thanks for your comment. I totally get where you are coming from and honestly I used to get soooo worked about things like this…. my husband kept saying to me why do you care so much? and I would say to him well your sister is saying these things and why shouldn’t I care? You’re not doing anything about it and he just told me that I should just focus on me and him and not worry about anyone else’s opinion.

        Which isn’t always easy to do when your SIL is sending your husband msgs about you! But when it comes to this situation the more I say something the more it’s like I’m banging my head against a wall…. so I do my best to ignore, otherwise the whole situation just blows up in my face!

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        • Bec as well

          I feel for you, Cinnamon. We have a similar situation in our family, only it is one of my sisters passing judgement on the rest of us – yet she’s had much less life experience than the rest of us and doesn’t bother getting her facts straight before shooting her mouth off to all and sundry. My husband, children and I have recently had major health and financial issues – which according to my sister are all my fault (yet she lives for free on our grandparents house and has never had a mortgage. She also earns herself what my husband and I combined earn and her husband only works part time). She has now turned on our brother and SIL, commenting to our parents that their marriage (probably one of the strongest partnerships of anyone I know) is in dire trouble. Yet no one in the family will ever say anything for fear of the stink she will kick up. Sigh. SIBLINGS!

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  43. GG

    I really need some advice! I did something bad and am dreading having to deal with it tomorrow at work!

    I expressly went against something my boss asked me to do (nothing super bad) and I cannot decide whether or not to tell him tomorrow at work. It was not something serious just something he asked me not to do. It is unlikely he would find out so I could lie but if he did find out later on down the track I would lose his trust. Any advice??

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    • anon

      honesty and a genuine sincere apology with a promise not to do it again will earn respect, lying and covering up will earn distrust.

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      • Kirsten

        Totally agree anon. GG take this advice. It will be hard and awkward and maybe humiliating but that will be the worst bit and then you will feel relief and probably proud of your courage and you will be able to deal capably with the outcome. Otherwise you will continue to feel like you do now and waiting to be found out….horrible.
        We’ve all been there hon – or will be at some stage. Take heart, be honest and promise to learn from this one.

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        • GG

          Wow thanks so much for your replies- you are both completely right! I feel guilty enough about it now but it will only be worse if I lie about it. Really just wish I hadn’t put myself in this situation! Thanks again, I really appreciate your comments xo

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      • OprahWinfrey

        Deny deny deny

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    • guest anon

      why did you do it? was it something u believed would be better or worth it? might help explaining why with the apology…. sorry typing & feeding baby at same time. good luck

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  44. phoodietweets

    What’s on my mind!?!?!

    Well……

    After almost FOUR MONTHS OF BLOG SILENCE……..

    Phoodie’s baaaaaaaaaaack!

    I’m SO excited!

    My computer died and so I was unable to blog but now it is fixed!

    I am back!

    I never stopped cooking and creating and snapping and loving phood, but I just wasn’t able to share it all with my loyal, loyal phans…..many of whom are MM readers and who I “met” via this very website!

    I talked ENDLESSLY about blogging my daughter’s “American Diner 2nd Birthday Party” and now it’s up! After months of NOTHING! I want to thank everyone who kept checking in with me to see I was still alive and still blogging!

    Here’s a link to the party post for those who have asked me here and on twitter :)

    http://phoodie.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/american-diner-bubbas-2nd-birthday-party/

    Happy SHORT week everyone!

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    • Nelly

      great news phoodie!! Been awaiting your return. Can’t wait to check that post out!

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    • gypsy

      where has the last 12 months gone??? It seems like only yesterday that you had us all in awe of your daughter’s first birthday – the Wonderland theme. Can’t wait to check out the American diner.

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      • phoodietweets

        How lovely are you?!! Thanks gypsy! :)

        Please let me know what you think of this one! :)

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    • Petal

      OMG That party looks fantastic – too good to let children into! What a massive job in organisation that would have been! And here I was complaining about making one normal sized Mars Bar Cheesecake. That spaghetti and meatballs cakes is seriously awesome!

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      • phoodietweets

        Wow Petal! Thanks! I had SO SO Much fun planning and cooking – when it’s your passion none of it feels like any work at all! :)

        Mars Bar Cheesecake sounds DELICIOUS!!!! :)

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    • LaLaLauren

      I’ve been checking on your blog often to see this long awaited birthday party blog and wondered where you had gone.

      Party looks Fabulous. LOVE LOVE LOVE the cake, you are so clever. Well done!

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      • phoodietweets

        Ah Thanks!! :) So sorry I was away for so long. i REALLLLY missed posting but was LITERALLY physically unable to as can’t upload pics from iPad!

        But Im back now and hope to post at least once or more per week!!!

        If you go to blog homepage and look at top right of screen there is a subscribe box, if you subscribe you don’t need to “check” blog as you simply receive an email every time I add something new!

        :) Phoodie

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      • phoodietweets

        Oh, and I also just started a Facebook group that you can “LIKE” and join!! That’s another way to know that you will NEVER miss a new post! :)

        http://www.facebook.com/phoodieblog

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    • lozzie

      Wow! thanks for sharing the photos

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  45. CuriousCat

    I was wondering whether anyone could tell me how Mamamia can afford to pay so many staff! And they’re obviously paid well, with their sass and bide and country road and mimco and zara (lucky ducks!). I know they have the jobs section now, but is that the only form of revenue they have? Apart from ads of course – but there’s never very many! Ps thanks for that!

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    • Anonymous

      The ads would generate huge revenue, most likely, it would be the biggest source of income. Sponsored posts as well. Advertisers would most likely be willing to pay huge sums to associate with the site given how big the audience is.

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      • CuriousCat

        Hmm I guess so… It’s just that I can only see 2 ads on this page… surely advertisers wouldn’t pay enough for 2 ads that would cover EVERYONE’s wages – Mia, Nat, Jamilia, Lucy, Jason, Nikki, Wayf – there’s SO many people that work there! And also rent and bills. It baffles me!

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        • Mia

          Hey Curious Cat,
          I’ll have our bank manager be in touch with a spreadsheet.
          M x

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          • CuriousCat

            Haha Mia! I’m not THAT curious! It’s just impressive is all!

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          • OprahWinfrey

            Which bank? And when?

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        • LBF

          Hi Curious Cat, MM pays quite low for most roles. They used to advertise salary ballparks but have gone quiet. I know someone who went for a role and was quite shocked so it’s rather the love of MM than money. Advertising would pull huge revenue for Mm with such a large readership and pay per clicks on average to articles for example would be a great base for their sales manager to use to pull in advertisers. That’s why sometimes you will notice the same themed articles come up which pulls in the readers and numbers. Plus sponsored posts, advertising other jobs etc etc etc would all pull in money. Even clothes being worn or freebies would be another way. I’ve worked in advertising and digital for a number of years and its a small world. What you can’t see from experience just taking a skim through the site, you pick up through industry chat. MM does exceptionally well and all kudos to Mia and her team. One criticism I do have of MM is when the ideas run out putting it back on the audience or having the audience do a lot of the work for you ie Zoe’s posts. She rarely comments of at all and I smell another book coming out soon straight from her readership. Or after the wedding. MM is a very successful business.

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          • Sydgel

            Just be aware that magazines pay ridiculously low pay!

            It was well known that people working for Vogue in the US (and internationally) had a husband who would support them. There are articles published (not in Vogue) on this and it’s so interesting to research the women (married women) who worked for Vogue.

            You basically had to have a husband to work for Vogue. Sad but true.

            Not much has changed, even today. When I worked at Vogue in the 1990′s the average wage for a secretary was about 40k. They paid their beauty writer 16k!!!

            How do I know? I was the secretary and applied for the beauty writers role.

            So do not think it’s just MM that pays low, the magazines are renowned for it.

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            • LBF

              Digital is the way to go! Sure, low pay is across mags, across a lot of industries, but my comment was regarding how MM staff dress so expensively and the comment about advertising banners x 2. I love the digital space and I’m excellent at my job with all rounder experience. I’m lucky I get paid so well as a lot of industries have cutback, but i know i will always have a job in digital. To me MM has always been ahead of many sites and that’s from a personal and professional perspective.

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          • ParisChic

            You seem to know what you’re talking about. What I’m curious about is ad blockers – do they hide the offending ads or stop them from being downloaded? Do they affect sites’ revenue?

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  46. essessesse

    Still off with my broken bone. Pain now moved to the ankle. Grrr.

    Am watching The View. Who knew that the ginger doctor (married to Yang on Greys Anatomy) was Scottish? Not me.

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    • Lana

      I remember finding that out – mind blown. I think his American accent is excellent.

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    • Sydgel

      Oooh love him!!! Mega spunk and even more now that we know he’s Scottish!

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  47. Ally

    OMM – So, so many things! I don’t normally share but I need to put it all on paper today I think. I feel like Dumbledore … my head is so full of thoughts I need a Pensieve to try to sort them all out!

    I have 5 weeks left of a 12 month placement in Cambodia. I don’t know how I feel about leaving. Up until yesterday I was looking forward to moving on and then all of a sudden I felt really sad to leave. Trying to focus on a) enjoying the next 5 weeks and b) not melting down about how much work I still have to do!

    In 5 weeks my fiance and I are travelling for 2 months before we head home. I’m so excited about the trip but a big part of me is just ready for home.

    Home at the end of September to ….? No idea. My fiance will go back to his old job short term before he starts uni next year (after spending a long trying to figure out what he wants to do – occupational therapy – yay!). As for me … I’ve got no idea. We are getting married in January so have a wedding to plan. A lot of the big stuff is organised but I know it will be a bit hectic!

    I hate having no idea about a job or where we are going to live (my parents for awhile). I hate not being in control and I hate that worrying about all of this stuff is making it harder for me to concentrate on just being here. Example: I have work to do, yet I’m posting on MM!!

    I think I just need to breathe.

    Thanks for giving me the space to get it all out!

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    • Alibee

      Just interested, what’s your placement in Cambodia for? I spent my summer there recently and loved it and love hearing about other people who are there/have been there!

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    • Christy

      I think I need a Pensieve for my birthday, wouldn’t it be marvellous.

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  48. Cinnamon

    So I’ve written on here in the last couple of weeks about having problems with neck and shoulder pain, and some back pain. Well turns out I have a pinched nerve…so been put on some meds (anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants). The only problem is that the muscle relaxant knocks me out! I took one the other morning after waking up nice and fresh and within 5 minutes I couldn’t keep my eyes open! I’m meant to take them both 3 times a day but I stopped because I can’t be half asleep at work so now I take one just before bed if I really need it.

    So far tiger balm and heat/ice packs have been a great help and back for another massage soon.

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    • Rach

      Ugh, still sending best wishes and hugs!

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    • Guest

      Hey Cinnamon, I replied to you recently recommending Doxepin Deptran (in low dose as higher dose is used as antidepressant) as a brilliant muscle relaxant. Not sure if you gave it a try. But I only took it at night. At first I experienced drowsiness but it wore off after taking it a few days.

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  49. Petal

    God, I’m sick of being in the kitchen. It’s my daughter’s 13th birthday tomorrow and she’s requested Mars Bar Cheesecake. She’s having friends over for a party on Saturday where she has requested they decorate Cake Pops, which means me making them today as I’m at work for the rest of the week. Have only just cleaned up and now am about to go and cut up the chicken for Lemon Chicken for dinner then squeeze, oh, about 10 lemons to make one cup of juice. I know, I know, First World Problems, I have enough food for my family and enough money to buy my daughter an iPod touch for a present. Woe is me.

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  50. Christy

    What is on my mind is what is on my son’s body.

    My baby (14 months) has been taken over by Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. Which scientific community do I need to petition to get this awful illness on the immunisation schedule. Might not be as bad as measles, or chicken pox, but I’ve never seen or experienced those illnesses so this blasted HFM is the only infectious disease I’ve seen and have decided it needs to be eradicated too. Poor little tyke has blisters all over his face, tongue, hands and from his doodle (I’m not at the stage of calling it a penis yet) down to his ankles.

    So I’m home with a sick baby and hoping like heck it doesn’t spread to the toddler. OMG my patience couldn’t take my toddler being sick.

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    • anon

      I ended up catching it from my baby and toddler a few years ago. It was horrible, I had a temperature and felt so sick. Have sympathy for your poor little boy because he wont be feeling very well. Good luck.

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    • Mel

      Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for this disease :-(

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    • Angelica

      you poor thing! I caught it from my toddler many years ago and it really is awful.
      lots of panadol and also I seem to remember teething gel for the blisters in the mouth worked but also numbed the backs of hands as well?

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