Paula Joye stopped by MM HQ.
By LUCY ORMONDE
I like to start my open posts by telling you all to pop the kettle on, make yourself a cuppa and get comfy.
Because that’s exactly what I’m doing as I write this.
If you’ve never read an open post at Mamamia before – welcome. And if you’re one of our regulars – you know the drill.
This is our one post of the week where we do away with a theme and open up for comments and general conversation. You can talk about… anything you like. It might be who you’ve met (we love those!), where you’ve been or where you’re going, what you’ve be watching. ANYTHING. You can also ask questions of the MM Team or make suggestions. We love that.
It’s also the time where we give you a bit of an insight into what’s been happening at MM HQ.This week we’ve all become a little obsessed with Instagram – so you’ll notice a bit of a theme. We each have our own account but we’ve been getting particularly snap happy with the @mamamiaaus account. Are you following? Hope so.
Mia's arm is having a party.
As for what’s on my mind (OMM), I’m looking at the date – June 27 – and wondering where the first half of the year went. Seriously. We’re half way through the year?! I swear it was only a couple of weeks ago we were all singing Christmas carols, right? But since it was the shortest day of the year this week, I figure we’re on the home stretch towards summer.
I’ve also got Melbourne on my mind – as I always do. I feel like I’m in a long distance relationship with that city but I’m thinking it might be time to cut ties. Or at least go on an extended break. Being in one place and having your people in another is so hard. Really hard.
But the more I go back, the less chance I give myself to create a life in the city I’m in.
So I’m hopping on a plane tomorrow night for one last weekend hit and then… (gulp) I’m going to try and embrace my new home.
That’s probably enough from me…. Now it’s your turn – what’s on your mind?
Comments
486 Comments so far
OMM.
Where do you get properly fitted shoes for toddlers? I’m from the UK and my daughter started walking when we were there on holiday so I got her a pair from clarks. Now she is up for a new pair and I ask my Aussie friends where they get their kids shoes and the answer is always target / Kmart.
I’m no fashion snob, but just want good shoes for her developing feet. Can anyone suggest a place? I’m in Sydney.
loading...
We always used to go to Forbes’ Footwear in Hornsby for properly fitted school shoes – maybe they can help?
http://www.forbesfootwear.com.au/
loading...
Try Myer or David Jones for Clarks shoes.
I buy Grosby riding boots for toddlers as they are supportive and hardwearing. I often go to Payless shoes as they will fit them for you – not like Target/Kmart where you have to fiddle about without anyone to help you.
Hope you find some!
loading...
Tried posting this already but it wont load…
A friend of mine is bringing this product to Australia, check out the facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Attipas-Australia/452671448091114
loading...
Betts Kids always fit the kids shoes. very helpful staff. they sell clarks and some other brands. look for deals such as buy 2, get the 2nd pair half price. xo
loading...
Thanks guys. I got a pair from ‘ sox and shoes’ fitted, sturdy and perfect for little feet. So pleased
loading...
Thanks for asking the question. I’m from the UK too and I’ve been wondering how to get shoes for my little boy without the magic Clarks ‘foot-squashing’ machine.
loading...
Glad you found some. I was going to suggest Forbes as well since that’s where I took my boys when they were little. I have always steered clear of Shoes ‘n Sox. When my oldest was little, we went to get shoes fitted. The assistant said he had a really wide foot and brought shoes out accordingly. Problem was, he had/has a really narrow foot. Last time I went there! Glad you had more success.
loading...
You have to get her fitted properly. I found the assistants on duty at the time in DJs and Myer werent necessarily the one who had been trained to fit children earning them their certificate on the wall.
I always go to Shoes and Sox because all their staff are trained and they have different width fittings. Most stores dont. I have kids with very narrow feet and very wide feet and they have sizes to fit them. Department stores just have standard width fittings. They have never let me down in 14 years!
loading...
I posted this but very late on Friday’s open post… but can you tell me if I am expecting too much from people please????
Three friends of mine were in email contact (long explanation) with a woman that I know but is a complete stranger to them. She caused me enormous trouble, is a very vicious nasty piece of work and I told them about what she had done – including lying to the police to try and get me into trouble which is very serious.
She is a terrible person, very dangerous and I had filled them in on the trouble she was causing me.
I was shocked and horrified to hear from one of my friends that in the numerous, so many!, emails she was saying the most terrible things about me and not one of them defended me or cut off contact with her!!!
The things she was saying were crazy (she’s insane) and terrible so how could they have (a) continued contact with her (b) not defend me.
When I asked one of them she got extremely upset and said that she had her own problems and didn’t need to fight w someone bcs of my problems!! But no one said she had to fight with this woman.
I don’t know how they could have just sat back and let this woman say the most horrendous things about me….. She obviously felt comfortable bitching about me and even suggested they all meet up for lunch soon!!!
If I were one of them I would have told her off in a big way! But not one of them did that……
loading...
what a terrible situation – are your friends a bit… immature for continuing to communicate with her?
I’d be feeling the same way. I’d be questioning the friendships and if they are a positive influence in your life or bring you down.
loading...
I’m wondering why they were in contact with her. That would make a big difference as to why they would a) stay in contact, and b) not defend you.
loading...
Thank you both for yr replies so much (love the MM community!) , they’re all middle age. The reason they wr in contact was I was taken to hospital unexpectedly and they wr worried abt my dogs. As this woman lived a few doors up from me.
So it was good of them to try and help but they shld have also known, considering the terrible things she did to me (ie lying to police which is what put me in hospital) I wld never let her near my dogs or have any contact w her!!
However a friend had collected my dogs the next morning and that should have concluded any contact. But it went on for weeks!
And one of my friends read to me the terrible things, truly shocking, this lunatic evil woman was writing about me.
So now I’m not friends with any of them anymore…… I think I’m right, they were really wrong to continue contact w her and to not defend me…..
loading...
Did they say they believed her though?
If it sounds like the rantings of a mad woman and they were not taking it at all seriously then I don’t see why they should actually defend you to her at all (not much point if she is mad and won’t listen).
Of course, I don’t know why they would keep up contact either as they had no reason to do so. Personally, if she is as mad as you say, I would not have defended someone to this lady, but nor would I have continued contacting her.
I wonder why they kept in touch?
loading...
Yes you’re right there is no point defending to this nutter. But it was also the continued contact that went on, let alone any contact at all! that upset me. This nutter even felt so comfortable bitching to MY friends that she invited them all to lunch!
One of the three has “unfriended” me on FB so obviously believed this womans insane comments.
But also what type of person bitches about someone who’s in hospital??
It annoys me too as she must feel like she’s “won” successfully bitching about me to my friends, she’d just love that!!!
Uh I sound so petty but the whole thing is insane!
loading...
Ask them why – maybe they thought they were helping by collecting evidence of what this crazy woman says? Maybe they were worried if they said anything she’d behave worse?
If it had been me, I would have either not replied to the emails, or politely shut down the conversation, but I probably wouldn’t have defended you for those reasons.
Crazy people are scary.
loading...
Thank you. Yes it was them continuing the email correspondence that really got me. I was just so shocked to find out that they were emailing this evil woman at all.
This woman is so dangerous, she really is.
loading...
I had a not quite the same but somewhat similar experience with a friend of 15 years. My brother’s former partner has done some really cruel and shocking things to their daughter, to my brother and our family, she’s very vicious and my friend was well aware of these incidences, had witnessed several of them first-hand herself, and knew of my dislike for this woman (ie my brother’s ex). Anyway, long story short, my brother’s ex invited my friend to go and have coffee with her, which I’m gobsmacked to say she agreed to, then she invited my friend to her work’s girls night out, and they’re now phoning each other for a chat or to look after their kids etc. It’s such a betrayal! – I told my ‘friend’ after she first had coffee with my brother’s ex, that if she wanted to befriend this woman then I wouldn’t be maintaining our friendship, but she didn’t believe me … couple if months on, now that my former-friend has outgrown her usefulness (ie by telling this woman what my brother is doing), their ‘friendship’ is no longer. At the time, I couldn’t believe that my former friend disregarded my feelings so easily – I would never have done that to her, had the situation been reversed. She has aaked me to be friends with her again, but the damage is done, the trust is gone – I say hello to her if I run into her, but it’s nothing more than that.
loading...
For some reason I can’t reply to Guest ….. but that is terrible and I completely understand you. I don’t get why your friend was so disloyal to you – 15 years! One of my friends I’d known for over 20 years and the other a few years. It’s done and happened.
This has been a real lesson to me about being so careful about who you let into your life. You’d think I’d know by now though! Life goes on… new friends will hopefully be found xxx
loading...
OMM – the job that I have worked in for five years will soon be no more as of next January. My wonderful boss will be moving to the US, which means that my department will be disbanded. I love my job and my boss is a rare exceptional man. I am quietly devastated, but know that this is a very good thing for him, so for that part, I’m happy.
My next move is focusing on chasing my dream down. I have longed to do this for so long, and can now prepare and be ready for when January comes. Wish me luck!
loading...
Good luck! Chase down that dream.
loading...
Jamila has a wonderful sense of style! Love it.
loading...
Omg, I LOVE Mias bracelets!!
OMM: I had a procedure on Monday called a HSG where they fill your uterus with dye and check if your Fallopian tubes are open/blocked (mine were open!). After consulting google, I saw that lots of women conceive after this procedure!! Could this be it!? After twelve months of well timed sex with no result, could this be all we need!?
loading...
Fingers and paws crossed for you!!!
loading...
My friend had this done after 15m of trying to conceive and then got pregnant straight away.. So you never know!
loading...
I bet I have the widest feet in Australia.
I am size 7.5 in length but size 11 in width. When standing, my feet measure 24.5cm long, 11.75cm wide, with a circ of 27.5cm around the widest part. Surely these flippers cannot be matched or beaten?!
Although this means I can swim pretty well, and traverse soft sandy beaches with ease, trying to find shoes is a NIGHTMARE! I must be the only woman in Aus that hates shoe shopping! I would rather stick pins in my eyes. I mainly resort to thongs and uggboots
I wonder if other women share my pain? Surely in this wonderful world populated by diverse individuals each with our own physical quirks, there must be others out there like me?
loading...
Mrs Chom, you are not alone! My feet aren’t as wide as yours but they do measure nearly 10 cms wide, which is a lot for someone with size 6-7 feet. There are so many beautiful flats out there that I want to buy, but alas they are always too narrow for my wide feet. I usually have the best luck with shoes that aren’t structured because of that. Kmart have so many cheap flats which are quite soft and not too structured so they mold to wider feet better (as in they stretch). Oh and this doen’t make us freaks, I’m sure there is many like us out there!
loading...
Thank you for the shoe tips!
Isn’t it so frustrating that the only shoes that are available in our widths are either sneakers or the “nanna” styles with velcro!
Hey designrs, there is a massive un-tapped market out there for pretty shoes for wide feet!!!!
loading...
Mrs Chom I feel for you. I’m size 7 with 8.5cm wide feet and even I have trouble fitting some shoes. Why don’t they also make shoes in narrow and wide?
loading...
You could also try http://www.evans.co.uk.
It is a plus-size shop which also makes wide or extra-wide fitting shoes. The extra-wide fitting is humongous.
Their shipping to Australia is very reasonable and there are some very cute styles.
The only warning that I would give is only buy boots from them if you have super-chunky calves. I bought some knee-high boots from them last year and I absolutel swam in them.
loading...
I feel for you, though our shoe problems are opposite. I have size 8.5, very narrow feet with a very narrow heel. I can’t order shoes online because they almost never fit. I can try on 20 pairs of shoes and maybe one pair will fit, if I’m lucky. I envy those who can find shoes easily.
loading...
i have ridiculously skinny twig-like feet. I too have been traumatised by shoe shopping. My mum used to take me shoe shopping as a child and she’d end up with new shoes and I’d end up in tears (with no shoes). I live in lace ups and pad my shoes with insoles.
loading...
I hate shopping for shoes as well – I have Size 11 feet in length and they’re so wide, the only brand that fits is Colorado. I’ve been told there’s a NZ shoe company that you can order from online that specialises in wide width feet as some Maoris also have the same problem as you, but I don’t know the name of the company
loading...
I’m thinking of starting a blog….. any bloggers out there got advice for me on how to start up and more importantly what to use (blogspot? wordpress?)
loading...
I recommend WordPress. Just follow the prompts and voila! You have a blog!
loading...
Get as much feedback as you can on which is the best to use as it’s very hard to transfer over to a diffferent one..
Good luck!
loading...
I use blogger. I tried wordpress but I found Blogger much easier.
connect with other bloggers via ‘networks’ i.e. IFB (independent fashion bloggers) to get your name and blog out there.
I’ve only recently started taking blogging ‘seriously’ and have re done and re modeled my page and joined blogging networks. Before I did it to share photos (a pic a day sort of thing) but I am glad i’m getting into it now. I really enjoy it.
Here is my blog: http://katebmcleod.blogpsot.com
loading...
sorry it’s meant to be:
http://katebmcleod.blogspot.com
loading...
Husband is an IT teacher/developer/programmer and he is firmly in the wordpress camp. So all his blog sites (including mine) are WordPress based. In total he has made 12 blogs in WordPress and he is still happy with it.
Personally I’ve found WordPress easy to use, and my limited exposure (trying to fix a blog for a friend) in blogger I found it less intuitive.
Also this site is WordPress based.
Ultimately, it’s totally up to you and your preference! Why don’t you try a basic version in each and see what’s easier for you?
loading...
I mean blogspot (helping a friend with blogspot).
loading...
Getting married later this year (yay!) but am now up to my fifth close girlfriend who is pregnant and may not be able to make the wedding (it’s outside of any major city).
I’m so excited for my friends and love sharing this amazing time with them, but have been surprised by how disappointed I am that they can’t come and drink and dance and celebrate with me! I think, as well, that all of them falling pregnant has really forced me to confront the decisions I have made in that regard (I’m totally career focussed right now – have just moved states for my dream job (Lucy, completely feel your pain!))
I also feel (selfishness alert!) that all they talk about now is pregnancy and babies and feel like they should ask me about stuff in my life – I took such an interest in their wedding plans and now they have all moved on to the next thing and left me behind and left out!
Wow – just re-read and realise how ridiculous I sound, but feel better even just writing it down!
End rant!
loading...
you do not sound ridiculous at all. Why can’t they come to your wedding??
Can you not say to them something like “ok let’s talk about me now I’m desperate to get your input on the wedding!’???? And just say you’re feeling little bit “behind” them and need their support.
The good side of this is you have five close girlfirends, lucky you!
loading...
okso total FWP here. But I am frustrated. I cannot clean my clear glass shower screens. They are about 5 years old and now matter what I clean them with or how often, they always look patchy and scummy. I have been told it might be calcium build up? It is not slimy and doesnt feel like a film but they just look awful! Have tried everything, bleach, jif, bicarb, orange cleaner, BAM, vinegar, windex and mixed with scourers, scrubbers,cloths and paper towels…..but nothing! Any magicalsoluions out there?
loading...
Shower Power seems to do a good job for me most of the time…but if it is calcium, have you tried CLR?
loading...
Oh, I have the same problem. I hate it when you see those gorgeous plain clear bathroom screens. How do they get them so clean???!!! I’ve tried everything too. Might try CLR next. Thanks! Any other suggestions?
loading...
Ok, I will let you in on my secret weapon.
It is harsh, but does the job perfectly.
Blue Thunder.
You can get it in some hardware shops. I get mine from Home Hardware and a plumber recommended it to me.
Be EXTREMELY careful as it is a powerful acid, much more powerful than CLR. You can dilute it down, or I put it into an empty spray bottle (undiluted) and spray it on and wipe with a cloth and leave for a minute, then rinse it all away with water.
Be careful to spot test before you use it. Don’t melt your toilet seat and bubble your acrylic bathtub like I did. Careful on your tiles too. It is fantastic on glass shower screens that you can’t get that white stuff off.
Hope that helps!
loading...
Try enjo…a bit pricy, but if you use the mit and miracle cloth your shower comes up beautifully, all with no cleaning products!
loading...
I just spray my shower screen with window cleaner let dry then out with the scrubbing brush and warm soapy water. Newspaper and bit more window cleaner to sparkle finish!
loading...
My mum is a Clean Freak. Uses Gumption on everything and even bought me over a tub when I lived in London. Leaves shower screens squeaky clean and no smell!
loading...
We had that at our last house- is your water very hard? It can damage the glass and unfortunately there’s no fix. Goanna oil is supposed to make it look better by filling in all the teeny cracks- we did this for our exit inspection (rental) and it helped a little. It’s frustrating though!
loading...
Mix a small part of dishwasher detergent with some, make a sort of paste and rub over the screen. Leave for a bit then rinse it off!
loading...
CLR!!
loading...
You need the blue & white cloths from Windex. At least I think they’re from Windex…I think you use the blue one to clean and the white one to buff. No chemicals and they work like a dream! Good luck
loading...
Try Gumption. Bit of a procedure with the rinsing off but awesome stuff.
loading...
If bam doesn’t work I’m not sure what will. Is the glass etched from all the chemicals? I used bam but it was poisoning me and the environment. I now use Viva shower wipes which, with a little elbow grease, are fantastic. But the key is to squeegee off all the water each night after the last shower. My glass looks great most of the time now.
loading...
Its a build up of skin cells and fat, and soap scum from when you shower, so gross but so true!
I worked as a professional cleaner while i was at uni…we used straight undiluted mineral turpentine! No joke. Dribble it on the glass. scour with green scourer (not metal as it will scratch the glass) then wipe off excess, rinse glass and buff dry. The turps will literally melt it all away.
loading...
Seriously OMM: I’m five weeks pregnant!!! YAY!! Cannot think about anything else, so excited and I want to tell the whole world!!
loading...
Congratations ! Babies best thing in the world!
loading...
Waaaa hooooo!
loading...
Me toooooo!!!! I posted above and below about it….
Congratulations to you, i don’t know how i’m going to keep my mouth shut for the next 2 months!!
loading...
Oh, congrats to you! I have a friend being induced at the moment, another two due in October and one just pregnant on her fifth IVF treatment! So excited and can’t wait to sniff them all!
loading...
OMM: Tomorrow I’m going on a date with a very nice young gent
loading...
Ooh la la! Enjoy x
loading...
don’t forget to report back to us! xx
loading...
I am having massive trouble at the moment. I’ve been waiting for this post all week.
The boy that I thought was the man of my dreams has turned into a toad. We met each other about 3 months ago, he was fantastic for the first month, called, texted, wanted to see me heaps, made me feel like his first priority. Asked me to be with him as his girlfriend and things were really great. He said I love you first, I did three weeks after. And then shit hit the fan. Literally. We were arguing (well I was arguing) about the fact that we don’t see each other.
I am 22 and he is 21. I work full time, study law fulltime, make time for all my girlfriends and my family and still want to make time for him. Him on the other hand does rugby coaching and apparently has no time free for me but for once a week because he has to spend time with his family and work on his career. He never picks me up from my house as he doesn’t have a car (not because he cannot afford it but because he won’t take a car off his parents) and I always drive to him after work when I see him for an hour when I’m tired.
About two weeks ago when all this fighting came to a head, he said he didn’t want to be with me anymore. I just listened and hung up and he begged for me to come back and told me what a stupid decision he had made and how he was going to change. A week on, I didn’t see it. I brought up my frustrations again – got a reaction. I have my sisters 21st this weekend of which I wanted him to come along and introduce him to my extended family. Because of my anger and frustration, I said to him that I didn’t want a guy like him meeting my family (its a wog family) because he wasn’t being a good enough boyfriend. He got really mad. We ignored each other for two days and then I called him after having enough and tried to talk to him last night where he proceeded to tell me that his mum’s birthday celebrations got cancelled because his dad was being a loser last weekend and that they were now on Sunday (the night of my sister’s birthday). He has known about this for eight weeks. And he said to me – if I have to choose between my mum and your sister, its my mum. Broke me right there. Last night, he said that he couldn’t be with me anymore twice and that I got dropped as a priority in his mind because his friends, family and career was priority because of the fight we had on Sunday and I just started bawling. And then later in the conversation, he said that it was all in my head. He said that I forced it out of him and if I had not pushed for an answer (after 2 days of not speaking – I find this unreasonable), I wouldn’t have got the answer I got if I gave him a few days to talk to older people (his mum, friends, dad, uncle) about our relationship.
All my friends think he is treating me like dirt and that I should kick him to the kerb.
I know I’m not blameless but I honestly feel like I am being treated like shit and he doesn’t see it.
Anyone have advice for me?
loading...
My advice : “Start as you mean to finish”.
If he is already treating you in ways that you find unacceptable end it now. It will only get harder and I have seen far too many girlfriends who have carried on trying to change their partners, when it was clear in the beginning that things were not right. Sorry you have to deal with all of this. It sucks x
loading...
Yes, cut your losses and run !!
You’ve been seeing him for 3 months and this is how he behaves. He’s done you a favour by breaking it off.
You’re clearly driven and intelligent. You CAN do better.
loading...
Leave! You deserve SO much better than that! Best of luck! xo
loading...
I think you need to cut your losses. He’s told you three times over three months that you’ve been ‘dropped’. That’s not cool. I had this on and off for four long years, it ends in nothing but heartache, and a massive waste of time. If he really liked you he wouldn’t dump you at the first sign of an arguement, that’s actually quite childish.
On the other hand though I do see his point of picking his mum’s birthday over your sisters, that just seems commonsense (and he may not have had any say on the day it got changed to).
In summary: say goodbye.
loading...
He’ll “never see it” so don’t try and make him. I truly know the feeling – how can he not get it?! How badly he’s treating me?!
But the fact is that it’s his problem, he will probably treat every girlfriend like this.
Think of this as an experience and a lucky escape. Get out now, don’t go back. It will never get any better, only worse, much worse. The sooner you cut all contact from him, the sooner you will start to feel better and you will get clarity – you’ll be able to clearly see that this is not for you. Who needs all this shit?! Not you.
Good luck xxxx
loading...
I agree with the others if your gut instinct is that he is treating you in an unacceptable manner than cut your losses and run! In 10 years time he will be a distant memory!
I would like to add on the other hand after years of reflection on my relationships and relationships in general maybe we want to much too soon! In my parents day people dated many people and the whole thing was taken a lot less seriously! If it’s possible to approach this relationship in a more casual manner then maybe you can enjoy each others company without the pressure of a full on relationship . But If that’s not for you move on make room for someone else in your life!
loading...
Life is too short to have douche bags like him in them! id say END IT now!
sorry you thought he was a dream guy and has turned out the oppposite – your prince is still out there!! good luck! xo
loading...
I’m really sorry, but if he’s being this much of a twit now (when in a good relationship you’d both still be high as kites), he’s showing what he’s really like.
It’s not you, it’s him. Maybe he likes the drama, or wants out but doesn’t have the guts to do it properly so is just hurting you.
There are so many better guys out there, and this one doesn’t deserve a second more of your time. I’m sorry he’s hurt you though!
loading...
Am I the only one who read that waiting for the story about shit “literally” hitting the fan? I was imagining some kind of poo-throwing incident.
loading...
No I was totally waiting for a poo / fan incident also!
loading...
Exactly my thought pattern too!
loading...
Leave now!! You are being treated like shit and don’t deserve it.
Relationships shouldn’t be this hard in the beginning. It’s a sign that he is not the right guy.
loading...
Walk away! The start of a relationship should be loved up bliss……….
loading...
Oh my god. I think my brain is weeping after reading that carcrash of emotions. Your feelings are 100% justified! That man is the biggest headtrip and doesn’t deserve another second of your time. Seriously, you could walk into any bar and find a guy better than that. Get out and get out now.
Not only is he wasting your time and energy, but if you stay in it he’ll erode your self confidence until you think you deserve him. RUN!
loading...
This bloke has all the grace and maturity of a 6 week old puppy. I agree with your friends and all the others who posted here Get Rid Of Him Today!
His actions are not only ridiculous, but somewhat suspicious, I think that there is most likely someone else in the picture. You seem like a lovely, intelligent girl, you do not need this bullshit.
loading...
I’m straight, but I’m pretty sure Jamila and I should date.
loading...
Can we all go on a group date?
loading...
You’re on. Xx
loading...
OMM: I feel like my brain is going to implode for all the thing that are in it currently!
1) must start exercising again to aid in aforementioned problem.
2) booking spontaneous holiday that I can’t really afford this week. Not until Nov though so where theres a will theres a way and I will make this happen!
3) FINALLY cut boy who was not ever going to commit free. It was 6 months of fun but ultimately, I had to man up and ask him for what I wanted or let him go. Feels good in a independent woman kind of way but have been a bit flat all week and god dammit I miss him a bit too. Blergh.
4) Ever hopeful that I can dream up an idea that will lead to me ditching Monday to Friday and working for myself. I’ll get back to you all on how I go
loading...
That is the best party dress Jamila! Gotta love sparkles.
loading...
Thank you! I am so ridiculously excited about wearing it.
loading...
Happy Hump day!!!
wow this week has been full on so far! its good makes the week go that little bit fast and closer to the weekend!
OMM: my brother broke up with his GF of 5 years on sunday night and its just so sad – she was like a sister to me and came to my wedding as well and i love her lots and going to be sad to not have her at chrismas times and such…..
OMM: i feel like we need a mini break from the city…just too poor atm so cant afford to go anywhere really…………
loading...
We moved into our new (60 year old with a wonderful local history) gorgeous dream house (that needs lots of work!) on the weekend!! I am exhausted, sick, sore and very very happy!
The only thing that could make me happier is if someone could please tell me which box the dishwashing liquid is in? And the dog bowls? You just KNOW if I buy new ones I’ll find the old ones as soon as I get home…lol
loading...
Congrats! New homes are exciting
loading...
Congrats! My boyfriend and I have just moved into the house we built. First home owners!
I found the cups last night and was pretty stoked, tonight’s plan is to find the gladwrap, washing powder and hook up the washing machine as I’m on my last pair of socks!
Enjoy!
loading...
How incredibly exciting!! Yay for you!
loading...
Oh, Mamamia Team: since you did articles on music yesterday and sex today, how about something to do with drugs (to fulfil the sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll holy trilogy)? What views people hold, what people take or would never take, legalising, crime as a result of etc. Would love to read!
loading...
Hey guys, BIG NEWS. The wonderfully amazing IT team tell us the galleries are now fixed. For anyone who was having issues, we’re so sorry. And if there are any further problems – let us know
loading...
I’m sorry Lucy, gonna have to break your heart. Gallery still doesn’t work properly for me…i’ve tried to ctl R too.
If i click on the image below the main one in the gallery, instead of replacing that large pic and being able to scroll along… it just goes to a new page with only the picture. It’s seriously annoying. To view without clicking back and forth, it’s easier to right click on each one and ‘open in new tab’. Still rather annoying.
loading...
I’m sorry too, but it’s not working for me either (Firefox 13.0.1)
loading...
Merinda and Goose: Try a page refresh while holding down the SHIFT button and until the page fully loads – this is a hard refresh that should clear your browser cache. If it still doesn’t work – please let us know!
loading...
Hi Jamila,
Nope, still not working.
loading...
it’s not helping for me me either. sorry
loading...
Thanks Lucy, is now working for me! Thank God for that.
loading...
OMM: Work paid me for a shift I didn’t do. I work for a very large company with hundreds of employees so it will likely go unnoticed, & I could seriously do with the money, but I feel guilty. Should I fess up? What would you do?
loading...
I worked for a large company once and was overpaid. I told them and they let me keep it as a gesture of good will for telling them about it. Might happen for you!
loading...
I would Charlotte, i look at is this way if they hadn’t paid me i would expect them to fix it up. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to money.
And you never know maybe they will let you keep it
loading...
My dad once told me the story of when his boss intentionally overpaid him when he was an apprentice mechanic as a ‘test’… To see if he was honest. Dad let him know that he’d overpaid him, his boss told him of his test and how he’d passed with flying colours and they’re still mates 35 years later.
I would fess up, absolutely. Regardless of whether you need the money or not, you didn’t work for it so its not yours and its only in your account through error. In my first full time job out of school I got overpaid by $400. I told my boss straight away who came back to me a week later and told me how she appreciated my honesty and to buy myself something nice with it
loading...
I work for a large company in payroll and infact they will notice next time the pay run happens, I would suggest you email or call to let them know the mistake.
loading...
I work for a large company, Charlotte, in payroll. They will notice, trust me. Let them know now, don’t wait for them to contact you.
loading...
OMM? Last week I anonymously asked people in the open post about when to say “I love you” in a relationship. I knew the feelings were bubbling but I was so nervous about saying it myself.
What do you know? Last night, I heard the words “I love you, babe”. Of course I said them back! I’m a little cheery right now
loading...
Love this, Fiona. Thrilled for you. There’s nothing quite like that heart-pounding moment. xx
loading...
Ah, well done! And glad you heard the words!
loading...
That’s beautiful!
loading...
yay!!!!
loading...
OMM: my younger sister’s impending birth, I keep dreaming about it. It’ll be at her place, and I’m part of the support team (I’m also a midwife, but that’s not my role for her birth). Really excited about the whole thing but dreading the conversation with her midwife, who is my former midwifery mentor, about why I am no longer working as a midwife. Which of the nine thousand complicated answers do I give her? I’m so worried that she’s going to be really disappointed with me (even if she doesn’t say that explicitly) for not following through on all the training and work that I did.
Oh, and can’t wait for ‘Sons of Anarchy’ tonight.
loading...
Whhaaaat? Sons of Anarchy new season? Husband will be excited!
loading...
It’s season three that’s on channel 12 (and 1). Over in the US they’re waaaaaay ahead of us…
loading...
I’m thinking about how Dan went missing almost a year ago (http://www.mamamia.com.au/mamamia-cares/dan-where-are-you/).
I can’t believe it was almost a year ago since you (Lucy O) wrote those articles for me in the Colac Herald. It’s been almost a whole year of life without knowing where Dan is. My head is exhausted, and my heart continues to break.
The other thing OMM is that we reach the $5000 target for Lifeline – I’ve got the whole fam marking the the anniversary of his disappearance by running in Run Melbourne. It’s the end of the financial year – best time to donate – claim it all back on tax. I am hopeful people will start to get donation-happy before Saturday – it makes so much sense! Even if it’s only $2, please do it.
http://runmelbourne.everydayhero.com.au/dancomehome
Share it around with your friends, and please continue spreading the awareness: http://www.facebook.com/dancomehome
loading...
I either read something or heard something on the news a few months ago about a lead in Queensland that sounded very promising. I’m assuming this didn’t eventuate? I think of Dan and my heart breaks for his family. I do hope you find him safe. Xxx
loading...
Hi Lealea,
Mum and I spent almost 2 months in SE Queensland after being informed of the November sighting in January – the delay made it near impossible to find any leads. At least we know that Dan was alive (albeit unwell) in November last year – that’s the only thing we’ve got. Hopefully the public stay behind us, keeping the momentum up on sharing the information. We need as many people as possible to see Dan’s face – it’s the only chance we have of him being recognised. The support shown via the Facebook page and Twitter account has been tremendous – it means that we have a team of over 20,000 people actively helping us search (since there’s no Missing Persons Unit we can rely on, that’s a huge help).
So if you haven’t liked it already, please go to http://www.facebook.com/dancomehome and encourage as many of your friends and family to do the same – it may be one of you who sees him walking down your street today. (That would be awesome.)
Thank you so much. x
loading...
Oh Loren, I’m so sorry he hasn’t been found yet. I think about Dan often and always keep my eyes peeled for him (I’m in Vic). I’m sending much love and strength to you, your family and Daniel, and I can’t wait for the day when we get to hear that you’ve found him safe and healthy. You are a fantastic sister, and such a strong young woman. I’m sure Dan and your family would be so proud of you xxx
loading...
Thank you so much Alice. I can’t wait for that day either! I hope Dan can one day understand my dedication to him – he never wanted to burden me (while he was in the depths of depression) – but I always told him I would never give up on him. And I won’t stop until I know he’s okay – any sister would do the same for a brother they adore.
Thank you for keeping your eyes peeled – we need as many people as possible doing that. Just keeping your eyes open for Dan’s face is all we need. x
loading...
Hi Loreno, I just put in on my FB and asked everyone to share. So awful.
i hope that everyone posts the Daniel FB link on their FB page and ask their friends to share. Such a small thing to do and may help.
And do it regularly, every couple of months. xxxxxx
Best wishes, xxxx
loading...
Sorry Loreno, me again, just wondering where he’s mainly been seen? Is it in your local area?
Have any of the people who’ve seen him talked to him or tried to take him back to their home? What are you advising people who may see him to do?
Sorry about all the questions but would just like to help. x
loading...
Hi Louise,
Great thinking on the FB sharing idea – that’s exactly how we’ve had our mini-wins over the year. We’ve now got over 20,000 followers who help by putting up posters, sharing with their friends, family and colleagues and offering their ideas for our next move.
Dan went missing from Geelong, but was sighted in Greater Brisbane in late 2011. So he could be anywhere by now (since I flooded SE Queensland with posters, business cards, local and statewide media over January and February to find that it was likely he’d moved on from that region).
If anyone thinks they’ve seen Daniel, we ask them to contact us immediately (either on our private hotline of 0478 661 092 or dancomehome@gmail.com) and also try to engage with him. Obviously a photograph is ideal, so if the situation permits, even a sneaky smartphone pic would be great.
We just need to know he’s okay – we try to mention that in every media opportunity – he does not need to come home. Dan can take his time and continue his journey, but we just need to know that he is safe.
Thank you so much for your support. x
loading...
You’re doing a fantastic job getting awareness out there. I really hope you have some news soon xx
loading...
OMM right now:
Little sister’s wedding fast approaching (early Sept). Still no bridesmaids dresses. I haven’t lost the couple of kilos I wanted to shed yet and she still hasn’t made up her mind about what she wants to do for her hens night! Plus I really struggle to get a hold of her because she is working like crazy to make all her incentives to pay for parts of the wedding. Argh.
The guy I was dating, with whom everything was wonderful and perfect etc, has vanished. No contact in over a week and haven’t actually seen him in over two. Completely bizarre and head-scratchworthy.
Depression. It’s something I live with on a daily basis and I take low-dose medication, but I’m going through a “bad patch” at the moment. The rational part of me knows it’s just the chemicals acting up and that it’s not really me feeling that way, but some days are pretty damn hard to slog through. I know this too shall pass but right now? It’s sucky.
loading...
Just remember whose wedding it is, won’t you
chill
loading...
Well aware of whose wedding it is – I’m trying to help her because she’s my baby sister and I’m excited for her. Not quite sure what you’re getting at?
loading...
It sounds like you’re being an awesome sister! Don’t stress, look on the upside – if you don’t have a dress yet, you still have time to lose those couple of kilos ;0) If she’s super busy and can’t talk about hens, maybe make the whole thing a surprise? What about high tea followed by cocktails, or kareoke or – the classy option – stripper boat?
Thinking of you and the struggle with depression – it sounds like you’re doing all the right things to get through it, hang in there.
loading...
My hens night was completely taken out of my hands and the girls wouldn’t tell me a thing, even on the night! It was the best night, ever.. started with martinis, manicures and makeovers, then went to teppanyaki for dinner which was hilarious, then off to a bar for cocktails.. then danced the night away at a club! The three day hangover was worth it!
I agree with b, make the whole thing a surprise, she’ll love it
loading...
Haha I think she’d murder me if I brought out the strippers! Thanks girls, I really appreciate the kind words
loading...
You could have put that more sensitively Kate, given she’s just said she’s suffering depression.
Savannah, Re the guy – I reckon he was probably casually dating other people and has met someone. Don’t be insulted by it – sometimes you just meet someone who blows your mind because they’re perfect for you (although not necessarily objectively ‘better’ than anyone else you’re dating). Whether he’s met someone or he’s just being a disappearing weirdo, be glad he’s out of your life so you can find someone better for you.
And re the wedding – it’ll all come together. You can find a dress at the last minute if worst comes to worse, and if you want to lose weight before hand then a delay in getting them probably isn’t a bad thing.
loading...
Thanks Alice. Yeah, the whole guy situation was just weird. He was massively into me, and then, nothing. He just didn’t seem like that kind of guy, but like you said, it happens.
loading...
Pretty sure this comment is totally unnecessary!
loading...
I had a bf disappear on me once – I was absolutely frantic for weeks. It is awful. I’m going to guess he’s a “self-startler”.
Combined with everything else, you’re doing it a bit tough at the moment, aren’t you? Poor love.
Hugs for you xx
loading...
Thanks pg, I really appreciate it xx
loading...
sorry you’re feeling depressed and it’s awful about the guy. Some men do this, it’s all great for a while, and then they go weird. It’s happened to pretty much all of us and it’s shite.
Just try and remember it’s him and there’s nothing you can do. It’s best to let go now then go thru crap. But it’s hard as you think about how good it was.
I hope the depression gets better for you, I’m going thru it too. Best wishes, xxx
loading...
Thanks Sydgel. It just sucks because I allowed myself to be hopeful and let my guard down and then boom! Sucker punch.
Hugs to you also xx
loading...
This happened to me with a guy I fell madly for. We had so much fun and it was so great and then he did the same.
But I was stupid and pursued it, boy was that a mistake. I guess I felt grateful to him as I had been going thru a terrible time and he really got me thru it. But it just got worse and worse with him cheating on me, leaving me, coming back, leaving me…
So my experience has taught me that when they withdraw early on let them go………. xxx
loading...
Hi Savannah,
Your sister is so lucky to have you care about her and her wedding so much. Re: bridesmaid dresses-definitely no need to worry about them yet. As everyone else has pointed out view it as plus that you can lose the few kilos you need to before dress shopping. Most importantly though, remember to look after yourself. The best accessory on any wedding day really is a smile, whether that be for a bride or a bridesmaid. I’m sorry to hear your depression-what amazing strength of character you have to battle that on top of everything else every day.
Exercise really is such a wonderful way to de-stress and boost your mood and get rid of those last few kilos. If you are looking for advice or extra motivation can I recommend the Bride Body website. We really do have lots of advice on our blog about eating for health and weight loss and exercise. Check out our recent post for example on tips for still exercising when it’s rainy http://www.bridebody.com.au/exercising-in-the-rain which is particularly important for this wet time of year.
We also have an amazing supportive online community on facebook of over 2,000 brides and bridesmaids all encouraging each other and working towards the same goal.
Sending you hugs and happiness.
loading...
OMM – Europe is only (just over) a month away! My friend and I have booked and paid for a week sailing on a yacht in Croatia this week, and are in the process of organising where to go and what to do in London when we get there. Cannot. Wait.
London suggestions?
loading...
If your looking for a cheap place to stay the Ridgemount Hotel is awesome. About 50 pounds a night, id say less if you share. You can get an ensuite or shared facilities. Its not a big place so save money and use the shared toilet & shower. It was never being used when I wanted it and always clean. They have an awesome free breakfast and its a really good location too.
Stayed there for 6 nights in April/May.
As for sightseeing list is endless in London, I loved British Museum (<5mins walk from Ridgemount), National Gallery, Tower of London. Have a blast London is the best place.
loading...
I’m lucky enough to have a friend that i’m going to stay with who lives in west London so I don’t need to organise accomodation. I may have to start googling “things to do in London” though….
loading...
If you’re in West London, then you should be on the right side of the city for the V & A (Victoria & Albert Museum) in Kensington. I love love love it. Fashion, furniture, you name it they have it.
loading...
That sounds fantastic I’m sure you will both have a blast! London suggestions- the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Portobello Road Markets on a Saturday, Agatha Christie’s Mouse Trap or another show like Le Mis, Ferry ride on the Thames, Globe Theatre, Fortnum and Mason. Have fun!
loading...
Yes, the Globe is an absolute must. It gave such a fantastic ‘history’ of the whole of London, not just the theatre scene. In fact I think I learnt more about ‘history’ in the tour guides 10 min talk than I did in years of studying history at school
Definitely see a show while you are there. My friend who we were staying with surprised us with tickets to Legally Blonde and gosh it was fun!
Also, jump on a bike and peddle all over London. London has the most amazing bike system where you can swipe your credit card and pick up a bike from literally every street corner and return it to another bike station whenever you are finished. My fiance and I used this as our main way of getting around and had the most wonderful time taking in the sights like this. Spend a lazy afternoon in Hyde Park-it really is enormous-so much to see and do in this one park. Their parks are very different to ours-rather than just being grass and trees they are filled with their own pockets for you to discover, like speakers corner, paddle boats on lakes etc
Have a wonderful time!
loading...
If you’re in London on a Sunday try and get to Columbia Rd Flower Market, followed up by a wander around Brick Lane Market and Spitalfields Market. Best Sunday ever, East London is far cooler than West (yes, big bias here!).
The V&A is amazing. Afternoon Tea in the Orangery near Kensington Palace is lovely, as is the shopping on High Street Ken. The Tate Modern is also completely incredible. Tie it in with The Globe Theatre and the Borough Market (on a Friday/Saturday) as they are all only ten mins walk from each other.
But my BEST London Tip… skip the London Eye and climb to the top of St Pauls Cathedral instead. Better view, and no time limit on how long you’re up there, whereas the Eye is a fixed period of time. Do it. Yay! Enjoy!
xx
xx
loading...
Have lunch at Brixton Markets! Lots of teeny weeny restaurants that serve fab food.
loading...
Can somebody PLEASE tell me where I can buy silver ball bracelets with single charms dangling from them like Mia is wearing in the first photo?
PLEASE!
I have been dying to get my hands on some but I cannot find them anywhere!
loading...
Have a look on Etsy (www.etsy.com)
loading...
try Mocha if you are in melboune
loading...
OMM – ding dong, the witch is dead – my boyfriends divorce came into effect yesterday! This is my happy face
loading...
OMM: Money. Can’t seem to get on top of things. Everytime something pops up, I deal with it, and then something else pops up. I feel like I’m drowning. My next paycheck is already completely spoken for. Hoping that by August I’m sorted.
loading...
I hear you, cuppy. And ditto. I’m counting on a tax return to give me a little breathing room.
loading...
So with you Evil.. My next 2 paychecks are already spoken for and I can’t see the light. Finally have a night away from my boys (very rare) and I have a couple of dollars in my account and a nasty cold.. Feeling mighty sorry for myself.. Would love to go to the movies
Don’t want to get my hopes up re tax return but hoping for a breather.
Sending you love X
loading...
If you are an Optus customer (or know someone that is an Optus customer), Optus Movie Rewards has $10 tickets (more for v-max, gold class and 3D)
loading...
Optus Movie Rewards is the reason why my boyfriend and I go to the movies most Friday nights lately…. Love it!
loading...
Okay. So work has been interesting, that’s on my mind!
On one hand, my boss is giving me credit for the things I do.
Then, telling me she’s disappointed in what I am not doing.
This is my first job in the industry. I don’t really have a mentor, just my manager. So yes! BUT. It’s going well. I mean I struggle with being praised then being criticised (nicely), it’s like… so I’m on par here?
I want to do my best. So yes! I’m happy with how I’m going. It’s pretty hard to do what you don’t do when you don’t know what it is – it’s just stuff that comes with experience I’d say!
Feeling busy as usual – which really is good for me. Still not enough time to go to the gym – that’s normal.
Missed winners and losers last night and will miss offspring tonight as I’ll be out again! Will have to watch it online!!
Happy hump day everyone, lets enjoy it!
loading...
i need some advice on how to stop worrying about something that is going to happen in a few days thats out of my control like they say we cant control what other people do i have tryed walking reading and it doesnt work as i cant stop thinking please i would love some advice
loading...
How about trying some deep breaths (yep it’s always the same suggestions!). E.g. 20 deep breaths in the morning and make an intention for the day – that you’re going to enjoy it for example.
Think of people in worse situations. And think of how you are one person on this massive planet and think about the size of your problem in comparison to others.
Give. Be generous. Give compliments. Get your mind off yourself, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I have to actively think of others, and it feels good!
loading...
Yay for Offspring tonight!
Home with the cherubs with a Teachers Strike today. I love a sanctioned jammie day.
My bestie just got us tickets to Harvest in November. Old chicks rocking out a festival
New songs at rehearsal last night. Felt great. Voice almost completely back.
Insanely Tall Man is dull. Zero chemistry. Is it rude to say not intellectual equals? I know it sounds shallow but we aren’t on the same shelf there. And he seems to need to sling arms around me 24/7. Ownership- like. Like the equivalent to being peed on by a dog! I’m so mean, hey..
However….Tiny Tim has burst out of the back shed. Few pleasant chats over a few weeks have now become daily phonecalls and texts. Met him Monday night and the chemistry is – bananas. Ba- nanas! And he is cluey. I like clever men. I’m smiling a lot. And – I’m kid free next week!!
loading...
Shame about Insanely Tall man, but I have to agree with you about the arms around you thing. I hate the whole “ownership” thing. It’s one thing to be affectionate, but another thing to be “this is my woman”.
Anything else you can tell us about Tiny Tim?
loading...
Killer voice. Seems very aware – selfwise. I like that. Says positive things about his ex. Seems as keen as me
Oh and great kisser…
loading...
Yay on the good kisser part!
Keep us updated!
loading...
Go Tiny Tim!
loading...
I think I have also dated Insanely Tall Man… That description is eerily accurate…
loading...
Lozzy that made me laugh out loud
loading...
On my mind: anxiety and panic attacks have come out of nowhere and bitten me on the ass, badly, in the last 2 weeks. Have never experienced proper anxiety before, so its very weird. Got so bad that I barely slept last week and it was getting worse, so I took myself off to the doctor on Monday because I physically couldn’t bring myself to go into work. Doctor gave me sleeping tablets to take only for two nights to make me sleep so that I’d feel a bit more sane and she gave me anti anxiety meds which should kick in over the weekend. She said counselling should be on my to do list also, but that the tablets were for more immediate relief. And she told me to take 3 days off work to try to calm myself. I’ve never taken any medications before though and they’ve been making me feel very weird, so I’m very apprehensive at the moment… But the way I was was really scaring me (and my husband), so I need to give this a try. I was hoping it would pass as quickly as it came on, but I’m not so sure about that now….
Has anyone experienced anxiety before? Any wisdom to share with me? I’m feeling really lonely at the moment because I don’t think my fam or besty are getting that it’s full on anxiety, complete with insomnia and hysterical crying, not just me worrying over my new job…
loading...
What’s the medication? Some of the initial side-effects can be weird, including similarities to the anxiety symptoms.
My experience was that the drugs really did help. At some point, you’ll probably realise that you’re not constantly *aware* and ‘on edge’, and you’ll remember what normal feels like.
loading...
Oh, and about other people’s ‘not getting it’ – the anxiety may seem ‘irrational’ to them, but sometimes that’s exactly the problem: the feelings/attacks/etc may not be rational, but it doesn’t mean they’re not real.
loading...
Oh you poor thing. I have no wisdom to give but know that I am thinking of you and sending you hugs x
loading...
Yes chicky. I ride that pony and have done for 7 years – that I’ve been diagnosed for anyway. The meds will buy you space to deal with the day to day. I started keeping a ‘dump diary’ where I would just type out the stuff in my head. I found that by getting it out of my head it gave it less power and stopped me spiralling. 2 big episodes ago my doc gave me a week off work. I went into the city and just lay in a park watching clouds for hours. Another day I just lay in a park with a book. Its ok to give yourself some mental time out. Your bestie and your husband can help by just giving them tasks that you cant do. Even if its just the dishes, or dinner.
I also hit my music and walk. Ipod in and just walk. The exercise ups the seratonin levels which seems to help. Take care of yourself honey, but know that you aren’t alone x
loading...
Oh YV, I totally feel your pain. Anxiety has been my companion for years but moreso since I had my son 5 years ago. I have never taken meds for it but I have had regular counselling which was enormously helpful for me (I am a talker). Also as Anon mentioned below – brain dumps are GOOD. I write constantly anyway, but lists help me just get things out of my head, and I often spend 15 or 20 minutes before bed just writing anything and everything down so I feel like I have a piece of brain free for sleep. Mindfulness also helps me (I know lots of people find it doesn’t help but it helps me slow down and breathe) as does a walk outside if I can. The best thing for me is having my husband and a few friends who I can emotionally vomit to, and they know not to try to solve my problems but just to listen. I’m sure it can be tiresome for them sometimes but god love ‘em, they help me. Much love to you – just remember one breath at a time xxx
loading...
I love mamamia but have always been a reader, never yet posted, but I wanted to reply to you as I wish I had got advice sooner! I know all too well what you are describing and it is hard for anyone who hasn’t experienced it to relate. I had panic attacks for 9 years before getting help – sometimes they would be months apart but then sometimes it would be every day. With the help of a week off work, then anti-depressants and counselling over the past 5 months I finally feel ‘normal’ again. I hated the thought of taking meds but they give me a break from the feelings of panic and anxiety and allow me to think more rationally. This helps now and also long term as eventually when I come off them, my mind will be better able to cope with stress. It’s great you are seeking help straight away and I hope you will nip it in the bud before it becomes an ongoing issue. I can’t agree with Anon’s comment enough – take the time out that your doctor is suggesting to completely chill out – read books, sit in the park…. There isn’t many times in your life you can say you are under doctor’s orders to do this! Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon x
loading...
Hi YV. I was diagnosed with anxiety in Feb this year so I know the roller coaster you are on. After initially being reluctant I did go on meds which helped a great deal. They can take a while to take effect and I found that the first one I tried make me very sick, but another worked really well. I also saw a psychologist who was fantastic. She made me understand that anxiety is certainly a real illness and you need to be kind to yourself and look after yourself to get better. I was finding that the anxiety diagnosis was adding to my anxiety. Just last week I have started to wean off the medication as I have been feeling really well for the last couple of months but I would really like to try to be drug free. Coming off has been up and down as i had the same symtoms as going on it (nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite) but hopefully I can move on knowing support is available if I need it and if I need
to go back on medication so be it.
Take care and be kind to yourself and know you are certainly not alone. A good doctor and psychologist are essential and can help to getting back to life without constantly thinking about anxiety and back to enjoying a “regular” life. You may need to just have a little patience. Xxx
loading...
I experienced severe anxiety out of nowhere from Dec 12 – till recently. I ended up going on Zoloft 3 months ago. It was really strange to begin with, but ended up providing my sanity with a much needed break. I had to stop taking it a month in due to an allergic reaction. I feel so much better now. Like that month off from the constant anxiety was enough (for the time being anyways). My thoughts are with you x
loading...
YV, I so get this. I was in exactly the same position mid-last year. Anxiety and panic attacks slapped me in the face, completely out of the blue; and it was the most frightening period of my life. The most important thing for you to know right now is that you are not alone and you are not crazy. I know it probably doesn’t feel like it right now, but it WILL get better. Seeing a counsellor and starting yoga were the key for me. I now understand my anxiety, and I can manage it. But, if you need medication, that’s perfectly okay too. Take the time to suss out the various coping mechanisms, and go with whatever works for you. Be kind to yourself, reach out to your loved ones, and know that you are not alone. You will get through this, and – when you do – you will realise how strong you actually are. I’m thinking of you. xx
loading...
I’ve struggled with anxiety for the last 10 years of my life. The first panic attack is really scary. It’s important to take your meds and find a really good therapist. With proper treatment you learn to live with it. It won’t be this bad all the time. Good luck and feel better.
loading...
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for sharing your experiences and advice. I’ve organised to take the rest of the week off work, am going to be conscious about chilling out (reading and watching movies is the plan) and thinking positive. I’ve organised an appt with a psychologist for tomorrow too, so that will be good. I’ve also realised that just because my fam and besty don’t ‘get it’ doesn’t mean I’m alone in this.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart xx
loading...
OMM: My health. Just feeling so sluggish, chubby, tired and stressed. New job is getting to me, and I really think it is time that I get my health back on track. I feel that if I am fitter I will handle the stress better.
So I made the random crazy decision this morning to do Dry July!
it will be hard as I have my own housewarming, a wedding, sporting events and a massive girls night, all in July!
My family and so many around me has been dramatically changed/affected by cancer. So I also felt this was a great way for me to get out there and help, even if its in a tiny way.
So I am asking the amazing MM Community to help out all those affected by this terrible disease. All donations go to the Cancer Research Unit at St Charles Gardner Hospital in Perth (because I am in WA)
http://www.dryjuly.com/profile/danacleeve
Either that or sign up yourself! I am already feeling optimistic about it all :p
loading...
Good on you Maggie and good luck!! Were you by any chance listening to jjj this morning?
loading...
Indeed I was
I think that’s what go me into action 
loading...
What’s on my mind?
I finished work yesterday for 8 weeks leave! 6.5 of those weeks will be spent overseas!
I leave for London on Friday!!
loading...
That sounds awesome, Carly! Have fun, you deserve it!
loading...
Woo! London!
loading...
at the risk of seeming hopelessly shallow one thing that has been really bugging me lately are the ‘crappy mags’. I know they are built on ‘gossip’ but it seems to have gone beyond ridiculous. I never buy them, only ever flick through at the hairdressers but really the rubbish they headline with. Now I do waste a bit of time each day flicking through various websites – from the UK Daily Mail to E-Online, from SMH to Huffington Post and assorted sites in between. I know Kate is not pregnant and Joel has not left Nicole but WD, WW, NI etc publish these headlines and I know they are LIES! Anyone with internet access knows this. Is their market only people who don’t look about online and if so which I guess is obvious, doesn’t that seem short sighted? Why should I care? It is just bugging me more than usual that’s all.
loading...
This crap bugs the hell out of me too. I gave up buying mags years ago for this very reason. How can you sleep at night knowing that you are writing total lies about real people? The photos are usually photoshopped to the nth degree. Aarrrgggghhhh, I could go on for days about this. Ok, rant over!
loading...
Yes it is hard to believe that it is June and time is whizzing past so quickly. I had a big reality check of time going fast this morning. As I reach for my ipad and check the world events before I step out into them. ( Come on, admit you do it too!!) My eldest baby has now turned 15 and I awoke to a picture sent to me from Paris, where is he is travelling for a month with his water polo team. My son with his arm around the French boy that we billeted over summer, delighted to see each other again. I have raised my sons to be independent and confident, and now can see that my husband’s and my hard work in investing in time, discipline and love is proving worthwhile. So if today is a long one with small children, give them a big hug and tell yourself you are doing a wonderful job and one day they will show you all by themselves what a fantastic effort you have done.
loading...
one of the best comments I have seen on this site in a very long time!
loading...
Your post is gorgeous Caroline. Your son looks like such a happy confident young man. I have two little boys ( 2.5 & 1 yr), hope I feel like you when mine are teens.
A lady at my Grandmother’s nursing home said to me enjoy them when they’re little as ‘the days may be long but the years are short’, I think of this often.
loading...
“the days may be long but the years are short”, with an 18month old gorgeous boy I’m going to remember this beautiful pearl of wisdom!
loading...
Yes Heart SA, you enjoy the moment that your children are in and you are aware that they are growing. I just hadn’t expected that sudden jolt as if looking from outward in of how proud I was of this young man who at 15 worked hard to earn a place in this travelling team, studies hard and is in a music program at school, finished his exams in time to go on this tour. He got a job to save the spending money required for his travelling all without a whinge. His friends are not unlike him. It has put my faith back in teenage boys and just how delightful, motivated and responsible they can be with the right encouragement. It just starts when they are babies, planting the seed with small rules and consequences and growing these rules with them. Then suddenly they blossom all on their own. Quite amazing.
loading...
What a beautiful comment! xx
loading...
I just want to hug YOU!! Great work mum x
loading...
Reading this brought a little tear to my eye. Thank you for reminding me. And wow, LOVE that quote. Will put that on my wall to remind my husband and I
loading...
Sooooo many things OMM right now. I guess that’s the beauty of being on holidays (I’m a teacher). Now that I am having a break from the classroom, many other things are starting to swirl in my mind. Oh well. Like most people, MONEY is OMM.
I’m going to Adelaide for the first time in two and a bit weeks. My brother moved down there and my family are going down for his 21st birthday. Since I spent soooo much on airfares ($800 return) and then the other bits and bobs that go with a holiday in Adelaide (KI tour, Barossa Valley tour, etc), I am still stuck on what to actually get him for his birthday…
I got my HECS statement yesterday and it looks like I still have another year to go before it is paid off. Bugger. I thought this year was it.
I ended up spending $200 on something that should have only cost me $20. My headlight died and with my sister’s old car you needed to replace the WHOLE headlight, so I assumed I had to do the same. I ordered the headlight online at a cost of $110 (includes postage) and my dad went to put it in over the weekend. He put it in and the headlight still wouldn’t work and my indicator went all weird too. After a few hours trying to figure it out, my dad finally gave up and said I needed to take it to an auto-electrician. So yesterday I took it to an auto-electrician only to be told four hours later that the new headlight had no globes… And I didn’t need to buy a WHOLE NEW HEADLIGHT. Just the globes. Bugger.
And finally, I’m looking into getting a personal loan to pay off my credit card debt. I feel a bit weird about getting a loan to pay off a loan, but it has been recommended by a lot of friends. They reckon I should take advantage of the lower interest rate offered by a personal loan.
Gee, I sure know how to ramble on. Sorry for the super long (and boring) post…
xx
loading...
I feel your pain with the HECS! Feels like its never going to go away! Damn uni education…
loading...
I’ve done that, it’s a good idea if it’s a substantially lower rate and fees (which it usually is).
If it’s not, set up a regular transfer for payday, as much as you can afford, cut your cards up and close the account, that way you can’t do sneaky online cash advances (like I used to).
loading...
Yes, the consolidation of debt is good. BUT you have to make sure you get rid of the card (or at least reduce the limit to a realistic amount that you could pay off in a month – for me $500)
And feeling your pain with HECS/HELP/whatever…lol. Just finished up my postgrad and received ATO letter this week letting me know that I still have $28 000 left to pay (about $3500 is my undergrad, graduated in 2007 and working full-time since).
To all uni students out there (at least the ones that live at home and pay nothing), try and pay your fees upfront, I earnt some pretty good money when I was at uni, as I worked in hospitality and would do pretty much full-time hours when on holidays, so got great tax returns but just spent it on crap. i probably got about $10 000 back in the 3.5 years that I was at uni, and I didn’t even travel till a couple of years after uni…lol
Speaking of uni fees, anyone else pissed that the upfront payment discount is now 10% instead of 20% and that if you make a lump sum payment on amounts already deferred it is now 5% instead of 10% discount??? This is one thing that I am really not happy with the current government for doing. Budget savings shouldn’t have been made in this area as far as I am concerned!!!
loading...
I’ve done that with the loan thing, as long as you cut up your credit card and close it off. You will definitely be able to get a cheaper rate, but the better thing is that you can’t spend the money again once it’s paid off. I use http://www.ratecity.com.au to compare interest rates, make sure you shop around for a good one (or if you go with your normal bank ask them to match a rate you found elsewhere)
loading...
Genna, often it’s a better idea to find a balance transfer card with a low interest rate. There are HEAPS. Often the balance transfer credit card will offer you 1-2% for the first 12-18 months. After that, the interest rate goes back up to a normal credit card rate, so it gives you a real incentive to pay it off as quickly as you possibly can. Personal loans can often still have really high rates (the ones I’ve looked at are about 14%) so a balance transfer credit card was a much much better option for me.
And yep I’m another HECS debtor too.
Unfrountately I did a good chunk of a law degree (highest HECS band) but now I’m not a lawyer. And I make nowhere near what a lawyer would make. Sigh.
loading...
Thanks for the comments guys. I know I’m not the only person to go through financial stuff, and it’s nice to hear advice from people who have experienced similar stuff.
Ozlicious, thanks for the credit card transfer suggestion. A good friend suggested it a while back, so I will actually look into it more thoroughly before I decide between that or a personal loan.
loading...
Olive leaf extract. I’ve heard so many people going on about it lately, it seems to be the new miracale elixir. But I actually did some pub medding and it does seem to have some good uses. So…. anyone use it? Thoughts? Is it just another useless herbal product?
loading...
Eldest daughter studying Dietetics and working part time in a chemist swears by it!
loading...
Yes! I use it religiously! It was recommended to me when I was teaching and around germy teenagers and I found it works for me. You can either take it every day (more like a vitamin) to keep your immune system up, or when you feel like you are coming down with something you can dose up and it usually helps to stop it in its tracks. You can get it in capsule or liquid. I have tried both and the liquid tends to work faster (but has an interesting taste!
) but the capsules are fine too! Hope that helps a bit! 
loading...
I loved that you just made pubmed a verb!
loading...
tee hee, my lazy grammar at work there. Really I should say “I utilisied a free online search engine entitiled “Pub Med” to review scholarly articles that are available in an online format” but pub medding sounds a bit cooler
And if anyone is interested, there have been heaps of reasearch (overseas). It appears this stuff helps heals the brains of gerbils!! Gerbils I tell you!!
loading...
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!! Take it at the first tickle and then follow the dosage on the packet. Works a treat, my man is an “elite athlete” and he and his team mates swear by it too!
loading...
I go through my phases with it but It’s boosted my immune system heaps. I tend to get sick when I forget to take it for a couple of weeks though but i’m fine for the rest of the time.
loading...
Can I ask if any brands are better? I know from experience with fish oil, that not all fish oils are equal……
Great info, thanks!
loading...
Has a root canal started last night. Oh the relief! Don’t belive what people tell you about root canals, it was painless! A little uncomfortable when they were cleaning out the abscess, yuck! I’ve been in pain for a little over a week with the abscess and now, all gone!
Heading overseas on Saturday for two months. 4 weeks for work and 4 weeks for a holiday with my boyfriend who lives in Italy. I go through stages, sometimes I’m so excited, othertimes I’m scared and hate the thought out of living out of a suitcase for 2 months when I just want to be curled up on the couch! But, I should be happy that I’m escaping to the warm. While I do like the cold, I’m not sure I can take another 2 months of winter in Adelaide!
loading...
I was the opposite! It wasn’t painful or anything, but overwhelming, and very unpleasant. I think having the dentist and her assistant up close in my face and the smells didn’t help. Unfortunately it didn’t work, so I’m back in a couple of weeks to get the tooth pulled out, and once it’s healed I’m having a bridge put in. Good times.
loading...
Oh no! Having them in my face was pretty unpleasant, but I had about 10 years of orthodontics so I not really phased by having people work in my mouth.
My worse fear is having to have the tooth removed. But the dentist said my abscess is from a knock (not that I know when I knocked it) rather than tooth decay, so the tooth was perfectly fine except for a dead root so hopefully it’ll be all good!
loading...
OMM: I have two massive pimples. Huge. No amount of Zoe-advice can make these bad boys go away.
Also OMM, and I’ve said this before, lack of motivation at work. How can I just sit here and not get anything done? I waste a lot of time and I don’t enjoy doing it, but I’m just so easily distracted that I can’t seem to focus clearly. I’m a smart girl, uni educated etc, but nothing can seem to keep me on track these days!
loading...
Ash I am exactly the same!! I can only focus for short amounts of time before I think I should check my email/facebook etc! It is horrible! I feel like I don’t get much done at all! I try to bargain with myself and say if I get this one thing done I can check something… not that it works much!
loading...
I can be the same, and what works for me (when I actually start… totally just about to!) is using the Pomodoro technique. I read about it a few years ago on Sarah Wilson’s website, and basically you work solidly for 25 minutes, no getting a cup of tea, no toilet breaks etc, and then have 5 mins off, and then repeat. I would find I would sit down, and do 5 mins and then get a drink, 5 more mins and put the washing on,5 more mins, fix this, and not get anything done.
I actually often find that after 1-2 rounds I get to the 25 mins and keep working through, as I don’t need the break/am on a roll.
loading...
I’ve also found (this has been an area of struggle for me, that I have changed) that sitting down (before I start my timer)and writing a list of things to do. I have a massive master list of things for the week/month or whatever, but then I choose the priorities for the day, and I cross them off when I have finished. It feels good.
I also get all set up and get my tea and have my computer on and ready to go, with the books I need before I start my timer.
If possible I change where I am-eg I go nd work at the library or go into school on a weekend. They mightn’t help you with your job, but they have helped me, and might help others with uni and other work. I can;t then get up every 5 minutes to unpack the dishwasher, or whatever. Good luck!
loading...
Hello, this has been me for about the last 8 months. It has gotten so bad, that last week I took myself off to our EAP provider and had a conselling session. What my issues boil down to are a lack of career progression and independence (still live at home and help out HEAVILY with my younger sisters) and resulting feelings of why bother if this is it??? I get my work done, though I know that I could do so much better and have ideas if I was more motivated and had better confidence.
So I have started looking at things I love doing to possibly enrol in a course – photography, french language classes and maybe going back to doing athletics when the season starts up again – things that I enjoy, (not all at once though, do not want to overwhelm myself).
Also started looking at moving out of home, possibly somewhere closer to work to reduce the 3 hour round trip. Probably into shared housing as I think if I live on my own, I will become an even bigger loner than I am now. I even bought the Kikki K “Goals” book and have found that just making these plans have seen me in better frame of mind. Now if only people were not difficult douchebags
loading...
Get some Ella Bache Cream Intex, it is amazing!!!
loading...
OMG!!! I am so sorry! tHis was meant to be reply to a post about pimples…..
loading...
“Mia’s arm is having a party.”
I *love* that combination of bracelets. But doesn’t it make keyboard work difficult?
loading...
I went out for lunch and had to change my Arm Party to my non-drinking arm, as the weight of all that bling made it quite hard to drink my champagne!
(Should this be in a “first World Problems” post?)
loading...
Birthday cakes are on my mind! The baking type not the eating type (yet)!
That’s the “happy” on my mind – with my boy turning 1 next week and my lovely gal turning 3 soon too.
The “not so happy” on my mind is work. I’m on extended mat leave at moment but big restructure = new boss. They have now asked that I return to work by end of July, full time and at different location. I have no care for the young one till next year, they agreed part time when I went on leave, and different location means an extra half hour travel time in an already up to 2hrs commute one way.
Going in to work in a couple of days to try and sort out a compromise – if possible. I love my job and was looking forward to going back next year. I work in IR/HR so I know all the legal, policy, flexible arguments etc….I find it ironic that the policies I drafted are now biting me in the ass!!
loading...
Oh no! Hope you can come to a good compromise. It’s not fair the parameters have changed. I wonder if they would be happy to fund a nanny since you have no care. Good luck with the negotiations. Yippee for cake choosing,baking and decorating time though!
loading...
nora ephron died. that’s sad. i enjoyed her films
loading...
What, really?! How sad.
loading...
OMM – watching the @miafreedman trashy comments pop up on twitter. bloody hell people are awful. whether i agree with you or not mia. rudeness sucks.
loading...
I know I have mentioned this in another post, but seeing as though Lucy offered to hear some suggestions, I would LOVE to read one or more articles about single parents and the things that are issues in their lives, like balance, parenting, ex-partner’s roles, custody, etc. Serious or light hearted, there are alot of us that are single parents for so many reasons and I know we would love to read about other like us!
I hope others agree with my suggestion
Also on my mind is the cut on my finger I just got from a carton of milk… how does that even happen? Mysteries of the universe….
loading...
I’m a stepmum and I would also love to read about more unconventional family issues. There have been a few articles on MM and I have really loved them. There are soooo many things that happen in divorce/separation/co-parenting/re-partnering etc that readers may not be aware of. So many issues of priorities and balance and finances and custody and egos and legalities.
loading...
http://kikiandtea.com/2012/06/the-stepmonster/
I’d have a look at this article. It is pretty good.
loading...
Hey, I wrote that! Suppose I should be all cool and nonchalant about someone linking to my work but, no, stoked!
loading...
Thanks for the suggestions Ozlicious and stacey87! We’ll go on the hunt for a great writer to cover off on some of these issues for us. Jamila Xx
loading...
What about MissT???
loading...
Hear hear. As a single, full time working mum of three years now I am surprised that I am still adjusting, and that there are new hurdles around every corner.
This is a very timely post, as today I am very bummed about it. Needless to say the ex found a new girlfriend two months after splitting up, he is still with her and happy as Larry (who is Larry anyhoo?)
Wouldn’t want him back – we are actually better friends now – but I would love to be able to think about a future instead of worrying all the time.
And what about this dating lark? 42, single mum, and out there is NOT a good place. Men of our age all want to date the 30-somethings. Mind you so do men of all ages. We are pretty invisible actually.
Oh my word… depressing myself. Stop right now, woman.
Also OMM is the cost of schooling. My 11 year old is going to high school next year, and the local public schools are not great – but I can’t afford to send her to the school I know she would be happy in and excel at.
loading...
Maybe have a word to the school. There are always ways around this. They will most likely be very understanding of your situation.
loading...
Its funny but the blokes seem to move on much quicker don’t they? I rationalise it though that we girls usually try and work on our stuff and do a bit of healing before sallying forth (Sally should be Larry’s partner).
Yep – I’m the same vintage and it can take a while before the dating pool is less muddy. I also think it can be an indication that I need a little more time when all I pull out of the pond is old boots…
Keep the faith. Or at least have a few nice dinners and a few excellent stories when they are douches that you can regale us all here with!
loading...
Ha ha! There are loads of douches for sure.
My birthday is coming up in August and I have decided that it will be a bit of a symbolic watershed. I will dip my toes into the muddy dating pool and see if I can have a bit of fun. With no expectations.
Watch this space…
loading...
I’ll be watching, I can’t wait to hear about it
Good luck 
loading...
I really feel for you! Just as an aside if there is a catholic high school in your area, despite the fees they will not refuse enrolment based on your financial situation. The only reason they can refuse students is if you are not catholic but even then there’s always some non-catholic students!
loading...
Men don’t so much as move on to a new relationship as SPEED to it!!! Whilst we are still, sensibly, healing.
And yes many men, the bad ones, in their 40s are wanting women in their 20, early 30′s not all. I think those men are pathetic and emotionally immature.
But the REAL men want someone their age and they are the ones worth looking out for.
I’m in the same boat, only considering dating after two years. Good luck to us both xxx
loading...
I suppose it’s inappropriate now, seeing someone linked to my post about being a stepmother up there, but Bek wrote a post about being a single mother that was really moving here: http://bit.ly/I4c1vg
Wouldn’t link to it if I didn’t think it would be helpful.
loading...
OMM: Pretty sure i’m pregnant. Just waiting for the nurse to ring me back with the blood test results, before I let myself get excited!! This is going to be a looooooong wait……
loading...
Fingers crossed for you, and I hope it isn’t too early to offer my congratulations! I hope you hear the news that you are wishing for
loading...
Thank you! The excitement is creeping in…
loading...
The same thing that’s always on my mind. MONEY.
Bottom line – our small business (a construction-related business which has sadly suffered in the last few years from the collapse of several big construction firms) is probably just a few days from closing its doors. We opened it a few months before the Wall St crash and subsequent GFC. We have poured our hearts and souls into it and, worse, used the equity in our home to finance the loan.
So, in the next few weeks we will probably lose our business (and hence our incomes) and our home.
It’s honestly a nightmare I never thought I would be living.
I also wonder if there are any bankruptcy support groups out there?? The word itself has such a stigma attached to it — I myself am ashamed to say I would have judged someone in our position before it happened to us. I would really like to connect to others who have been through what we’re going through. Honestly, until it happens to you you have no idea of the impact it has on every single aspect of your daily life.
On the upside though…I’m very healthy, we’re relatively young (early 30s), we are madly in love and I know we can rebuild.
loading...
All the best Noni Mouse.
Sounds like a really tough time but you’re right, if you are young and have each others support you will definitely get through! There are so many opportunities out there in our country.
loading...
Darling, my heart breaks for you! Today marks 23 months since my husband and I filed our bankruptcy papers after our business failed. Like you, I thought it was the most awful thing that could possibly happen and I was so ashamed. These are the things that helped:
I read every word on the website Bankruptcy Saves Lives http://www.fredappleton.com.au which helped me put everything in perspective and also spelt out exactly what we could keep and how much money we could make.
I put it in perspective – about 35 000 people decalre bankruptcy each year in Australia – you are not alone! And, let’s face it, it’s just money. I still had my family. Keep you family close and you’ll be fine.
I looked at our actions – we acted with integrity and did everything we could to keep the business going and try to trade out of trouble. We had lived simply for a decade which made it easier to forgive myself.
I don’t know if there is a support group, but these things helped me. We were also quite open about our bankruptcy so we suddenly found a whole stack of people who then told us they had been there too. That helped!
Bankruptcy has been heartbreaking, but it has also transformed our lives. The first year was tough, but now we have both found work, we have been able to contribute several thousand dollars to the trustees to help with our debt, and we actually have some money in the bank. (My washing machine has broken down again this morning and I know I can pay for repairs!) We lost so much stress and got our lives back.
This is not the end of the world and you will get through it. Be kind to yourself and look after each other. Sending you much love and hugs.
loading...
Thank you so much for your support, cher. You’re right, there is a lot of perspective to be gained by thinking logically on the whole situation. It’s only money. Although I had no idea how many people per year declared bankruptcy – 35 000, my God!
Thanks for your link and for the kind words. xx
loading...
Construction is terrible at the moment. We came back at the beginning of this year to no contract work and it has snowballed to the point where we are just hanging on. We have picked up a couple of new contracts in the past month but we are so far behind with all our bills and tax. The ATO is a joke, they don’t assign case managers so basically we have to explain our financial situation every time we ring and the outcome of the call depends soley on the person you speak to.
Is there no way you can trade out of it? Do you have a experienced accountant? If you have tax debt are you on a payment arrangement?
We are on the Central Coast NSW so if you want to get a second opinion before making your final decision we can give you the name of a great accountant and Bank Manager.
All the best xx
loading...
I find it’s really snowballing in construction at the moment. Nobody can pay their bills. The reason we are in this mess is because so many invoices – big and small – have gone unpaid, and it messes with your cashflow to a point where it’s just unworkable. We really have tried to do the right thing, have really tried to trade out of it, but there seem to be no other options now.
Fortunately, our bank manager has actually been wonderful (as wonderful as they can be when sending you letters from lawyers’ offices – trust me, people out there…if you hate checking the mailbox for bills now, wait until every second envelope is from solicitors’ offices). And our accountant is being very helpful.
Fortunately the ATO are not a huge problem yet, but I do have a friend who works for them and advised us to communicate, communicate, communicate when the time comes. So that’s what we’ll do.
It’s just really hard because…well…we’ve never done this before. GOD I would love someone who has been through it all to hold our hand.
loading...
Good luck, what a heartbreaking thing to go through. My husband and I aren’t in your position (yet) but we have a small business that is struggling in this economy. We work 7 days a week, we barely earn a living wage after paying bills, and just so LOVE hearing how the economy is in such great shape and we should all stop whinging. I hope you get through this OK and go on to bigger and better things.
loading...
I think St Hillier’s, Hastie and Reed going down has hurt a lot of ‘little guys’ and that’s the problem, it starts at the top and slowly filters down. Not to mention payment terms in construction are a joke 30-45 days after EOM is too long. How can they justify that?! Shouldn’t be more than 14 days. Makes too many companies reliant on overdrafts.
We almost closed about 5 years ago (lost around $400k) and are still trading out of it. Sometimes I think my bosses wished they’d started a fresh then but, they made the decision to trade out of it and to be honest, we didn’t get anymore respect from our suppliers for doing so. We still have issues with one large supplier to this day.
You and your husband sound liked you’ve worked so hard to try and change your situation and that’s all that matters. You know you’ve done everything you can to do the right thing.
All the best to you, and your husband during this time and, for the future.
PS: I know a guy who declared bankruptcy and wanted to get a home loan before the seven years was up so, he put in writing what had happened and he was approved because of the circumstances. I wish you two the same luck when/if you choose to borrow again.
loading...
I just wanted to say that I wish you and your husband all the best – the last sentence of your comment literally brought tears to my eyes. Stay positive xx
loading...
Thank you so much, Young Vintage!
loading...
My youngest is 9 today. i have been a mother since 1986 and that seems a lot of years of mothering.
I am bogged down in coursework for my first lecturing role and terrified I will make a hash of it. Much like I felt (feel?) about the parenthood thing;)
I have ZERO time to quilt, and that is a bummer, because I LOVE the quilting creative time with my bffs.
Evil back is still being evil, but pushing myself is no solution. This won’t stop me, just a note to self. Which self will ignore.
On bright front, shiny new Macbook Pro, my nearly 80yo Dad is still climbing into the ceiling to fix things (not my nerves!), I have happy kids and a gorgeous bloke.
In balance, good times:) I hope it is so for as many of you as it can be. For the rest of you, hugs.
loading...
I am so sorry. Please know that you are not alone. We are in the industry too and 2010 nearly killed us. I had to go back to full time work, but my nub in care and do admin at night. Lots of really good operators went down so you are def not alone. Good luck, take what help you can get including bankruptcy and start again. Good luck
loading...
Offspring is on tonight. Sad, but it’s all I am looking forward to today!
loading...
This.
loading...
It’s my birthday today and last night I set an alarm on my phone to go off while I’ll be getting ready to go out to dinner tonight to remind me to set Offspring to record!
It is very important!!!
Not that I want Nina to be drunk ALL the time, but that episode the other week was so hilarious – I wish there were more like that!
loading...
Happy birthday!
loading...
Thanks Lulu
loading...
Have a most excellent birthday today Alyssa!!
loading...
Thanks Merinda
loading...
haha, the bit about drunk Nina made me laugh. I think she should be drunk at least every second episode. Absolutely pee’d myself laughing at her when she was drunk. Asher Keddie for Gold Logie!!!!!!
I love Offspring, makes me laugh out loud every week.
loading...
Me too, Offspring is the highlight of my week!
loading...
Just something that gave me a little giggle.
There’s a cubby house plaything in the Target catalogue for approx $850.
You need two people to assemble it. Fine, but it takes 8 – 10 hours to put it together! Errr, pass.
loading...
Anything and everything takes me that long to assemble… in fact a former boyfriend and I almost broke up over Ikea furniture construction one night!
loading...
I consider Ikea furniture construction to be the greatest relationship indicator out there. Forget counselling and quizzes. If you can construct a lounge room full of Ikea together and still laugh, you are on the right track!
loading...
Target get the honesty award today!
Most would just lie and say it takes 2 hours and 10hours later, in the dark and cold, you would be cursing that damn cubby!!
loading...