Monday Mentions: Podcasts

Welcome to my very first Monday Mentions post.

There are many things I am enjoying and it would be rude not to share them with you. 

Podcasts have become a great resource given the pace of our lifestyles, and there so many great podcasts out there waiting to be heard.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a free digital audio or video file that is available on the internet to be listened to or viewed.

Why do I love them?

Because I am busy but I love to hear what other people are doing or thinking. I love to learn new things constantly! The beauty of technology is that I can listen whilst doing my work in the office or washing up. I can even listen via Bluetooth in my car whilst driving!

There are so many podcasters out there right now covering every topic imaginable. Some podcasts are entertaining, others are educational and a  few are just wacky.

The podcasts I'm enjoying currently include an ex-navy seal talking about physical and mental health, and interviewing others to get their view on leading a great life. I also listen to a couple who have taken real steps to slow down their way of living and what that involves. Also, I love a podcast of two mums talking about the funny side of parenting.

Where can you find podcasts?

iTunes(Apple) is great for finding podcasts, subscribing to them and keeping them together in order. BeyondPod Podcasters is the Android equivalent found in Google Play. There are many other programs and sites to assist you to tune in to your favourite podcast which can be installed on your desktop or played directly through your web browser.

So if you are not currently enjoying podcasts, I would encourage you to do so. I can guarantee that you will find one, or many, that you enjoy too.



Lighten The Load

Imagine if you had no one to talk to. No one at all. Imagine being weighed down with worry, and having no one to share the load. I can't imagine, as I have always had someone around willing to listen.
My world would be morbidly lonely if I could not talk about what is on my mind. I would literally go nuts with my thoughts trapped in my head, with no exit. I need to be able to bounce ideas off people, hear what others are thinking, share my worries and have a giggle.
So when a girlfriend recently apologised for dumping her worries on me, it was shocking to hear that she felt she had no one to talk to.
Seriously, no one?
I have been clearly spoiled for choice, with my husband, workmates, friends and relatives always willing (or painfully submitted) to hear my gibberish woes when I have needed to vent. It makes me wonder if maybe I share too freely, but a problem shared is a problem halved, and two heads are better than one, and on and on.
How do you sort through your worries? Do you have someone to listen?
  

             - Bright Side Up Pinterest

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The Tooth Fairy Scam

Miss 9 is quite practiced at the procedure involved when one of her teeth fall out. She has been building her skills since she was five.

She has a silky blue pouch that the tooth usually goes into, and she pops it on top of her blackboard easel with a big arrow pointing to where the tooth has been placed.

This time she didn't use the pouch, but placed the tooth on a tissue.

This is where problems began.

Being the very diligent, but awfully busy Tooth Fairy, money was left as usual sometime through the night, or certainly just before Miss 9 woke.

Miss 9 was ecstatic to see the fairy had remembered to come, since in her hectic schedule, she has in the past needed extra time to complete her obligations. Miss 9 also noted that she had left the tooth behind. Whoops!

As she lifted the tooth, the tissue came with it, so I was quick to explain that obviously the tooth had stuck to the tissue, which was a problem when transporting for the Tooth Fairy.

This was a satisfactory explanation for Miss 9, but it left her wondering what to do now.

"If I was to leave the tooth out again tonight, would the Tooth Fairy come again and leave more money?" she wondered out loud.

This suggestion was enough to send her brother into a whirlwind of possible opportunity.

"Yep, put it back out tonight and see if you can get some money for me" he encouraged excitedly. Master 5 is yet to lose his first tooth, so the thought that he could get some money for himself without even going through losing a tooth was too much.

"I'm sure it doesn't work like that. The Tooth Fairy keeps very good records of her visits and which teeth she has paid out on" I explained.

Regardless, the tooth was left out on it's tissue for several more nights.

I can't blame them for trying.

Carving the Pumpkin

What you need:

• Pumpkin
• Bag or bucket for waste
• Etching tool or blunt, sharp instrument
• Design (either on paper or free-hand) click here, here, here, here, and here, for printables
• Knife/Carving tool
• Vaseline (petroleum jelly)
• Toothpicks (in case of accident when cutting, a piece can be put back and secured)
• Candle or Glow Stick

 The all-important steps

1. Select and purchase your Pumpkin - you may already have a design in mind which may dictate the size or shape of your pumpkin. If you are doing this for the first time, I would suggest a middle-sized pumpkin. Not too small that it's awkward and fiddly to carve, and not too big that it takes forever and is too heavy to handle.
2. Cut lid - I opted for a lid that included the top circle and the back centre. (see picture)            My research informed me this was a great way to cut for easy handling and lighting of the candle. This worked well, and I did not burn my fingers once.

1. Remove the pips and pith - I used a butter knife and/or spoon to dig lightly into the flesh at the top, which then came off in strips when I pushed it down the inner wall with some force. I then scooped the last out and smoothed with the spoon.

1. Select the design - There are many great designs from simple to crazily intricate.
2. Transfer the design - There are carving tools available. I held the design to the pumpkin while pushing hard with a pen in a scratching motion. You can also choose to use the tool to push holes around the design.

1. Cut the shapes - These orange pumpkins are not as fleshy as the grey skinned ones I am used to, nor is the skin as tough to cut. I used the butter knife to first cut a slit in the middle of the smallest shape, then cut from this slit to the edge of the shape, creating a criss-cross shape inside. I then pushed the knife around the edge of the design. This way, you can push the smaller pieces through instead of putting a lot of pressure to push one large piece. I then went on to do all the shapes in this fashion.
2. Tidy up shapes - I used the butter knife and my finger to tidy up the shapes and clear away any dangly bits on the inside.
3. Dispose of waste - I had my plastic bag on the bench right next to the pumpkin. The pith and pips went straight in there. There was much less waste than I expected.

1. Coat flesh on the inside with Vaseline - Smear the inner flesh and exposed cuts with a thin layer of Vaseline. This prolongs the life of your pumpkin a little so it doesn't start to breakdown, smell and decay for a while.
2. Light up your Pumpkin and put the lid on - I used a tea-light candle. It is small and not so obvious. Alternatively, you can also use Glow Stick which gives you options of different colour glows and no flame required. With the lid on it is ready to display.
3. Stand back and admire - They really do come to life as you light them up and the night creeps in.

In the words of Miss 8 and Master 5, "That looks awesome!"

Last cuddles for my Cowboy

I gave my four year old son his last cuddle tonight.
He was snuggled down under his doona, and fighting sleep. As I nuzzled in for my cuddles, he begged me to stay a while ..... to sing one last nursery rhyme, and his arms tightened around my neck. I laughed it off, smothering him in kisses and urged him to go to sleep. As I pulled away, I knew there would be no more cuddles ever with my four year old son, and it made me pause just a little longer.

Tomorrow, my son will bounce out of bed in excitement. He will be shrieking and running around frantically searching for presents.

Tomorrow is his fifth birthday, and he is so, so excited.

He has been asking all year when will it be his turn for a birthday. A year has been such a long time for him.

As I write this I am waiting for cupcakes to finish cooking. He will proudly carry them into his classroom tomorrow to share, and announce, finally, that it is his birthday.

That is the plan, anyway. He did try to tell me that since it is his birthday tomorrow, surely he would not need to go to school.

Good try buddy.

 These are my last photos taken of Master 4. This week at his Kinder Book Parade he proudly strutted his stuff down the Cat Walk, dressed as a Cowboy. Complete with a wooden gun, chaps, Cowboy Hat, and a coil of rope.

Happy Birthday to my little man 

to be known, from tomorrow, as Master Five.

Scratching your back

In our household, we work with "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine". It has worked well for us ever since hubby and I got together. We used it to renovate our home, build a family and shape our lives. We encourage it with our children to work together to get something done. It works well in the community too, so I wonder .... why some people can't see beyond themselves to support others and build their own support network?

It is common knowledge that despite being very skilled and competent, there are some things you just can't do yourself. And some things are achieved easier and faster with help. I'm sure the pioneers of every community around the world have used this system successfully, otherwise the barter system would never have been used. To share your skills, knowledge and material objects with others, who in turn can offer you something you need is invaluable. Even in this modern day, the barter system is used as much as ever to get things done, to save money and to make life easier.

It saddens me when there are people with skills that have a selfish attitude about helping others. Sure, you might have worked hard to obtain those skills, but what is the point if nobody gets benefit from that hard work? Some people need more help than others, and that's OK too. I'm a huge believer of "what comes around, goes around", in both the good and the bad sense. In the end, even if the only reward you get is seeing somebody happier, then isn't it worth it?

Just as bad as those who find it hard to give, are those who are takers. There seems to be many of these around. They are absent or conveniently too busy if someone needs a hand, but are too happy to ask for help, and many actually expect it on a regular basis. I'm sorry but this can only go on for so long before you put someones nose out of joint.

We have often been in the situation of "it's not what you know, it's who you know". We have some amazing friends and contacts that we have called on over the years to get a good deal on a product, to do a particular job at mates' rates or offer advice. We like to think that these friends will call on us in return, and many of them have.

So have a look around you. What do you have to offer? Do you have the need for some expertise in exchange for something you have to offer? Are you a giver, a taker, or doing a great job at both? Do you work on this system?

Sell me the item, not yourself.

I am all for people trying to improve their customer service skills. I did my traineeship in retail, and worked in the industry for the next ten years. I enjoyed it for that ten years, but then felt I was heading in a different direction, and needed the change.

Retail is not everybody's cup of tea, in fact, some people should not serve people at all. They just do not have the interest or the respect to do so. Some people are born to sell, and just seem to have a natural knack and gift of the gab. I have worked with a few that could sell ice to Eskimos.

Some though, seem to be confused about what good customer service involves. They seem to be getting confused about meeting the needs of the customer in a friendly, but professional manner, and just being overly friendly.

I had once such fellow today. He was very friendly as he assisted me with my pet supplies. By the time I left the cash register, I had learned of his bad back, his renovating skills, his love of Bunnings, his dancing hobby, the area where he lived, that his dog has allergies and can not eat chicken, and that his girlfriend doesn't know how many cars he actually owns. All of this was very interesting, but completely unrelated to the sale. Eventually, I felt like saying, that's all very nice but I just want to go home to my family, and you are wasting my valuable time. 

I left with the items I required, a little frazzled after being privy to so much personal information from a stranger. I give the assistant credit for being very knowledgeable of the products I required. I also agree that it is good customer service to be friendly, and relate the customer's needs back to your own experience, as it shows you are listening and understand.

I do not think it is professional or necessary to turn the conversation away from the topic. In fact, unless it relates directly to the topic, then do not talk about your personal life at all. It is, after all, about the customer and their needs.

What is your peeve about customer service? I would love to know.

Enjoy the ride

I know we all like to have a whinge. Me included.

One of the great things about blogging is discovering other people's blogs. Some of these people I have come across in my short blogging life are nothing short of amazing.

Two in particular come to mind.
They are both women who write incredibly well.
They are both women who see such positive things around them and have lovely, inspirational things to say.
Both women are suffering from debilitating illnesses.

Yet ... they inspire ME and remind me that the world isn't all bad.

So I thought it only fair to share their blog links with you. If you haven't already come across these amazing bloggers then I encourage you to take a look.

Meet Melissa at thethingsidtellyou
I blog about all kinds of things - children, family, mental health, women's rights and issues, autism, grief and loss, chronic illness, all things beautiful, books. (taken from The things I'd tell you)

Meet Jess at 91 Odd Socks
These are just my reflections. Reflections of a 19 year old Australian girl fumbling her way through Chronic Illness, and learning to see just how pretty every single day is. (taken from 91 Odd Socks)



So, the next time I feel like having a whinge or feel that life is treating me unfairly, I hope to think of some the lovely things Melissa and Jess have shared on their blogs.
I hope you enjoy their blogs too.

Germs to the left and right

With the official start of Winter sickness has surrounded me BUT, so far, I have been able to fend it off.
For how long? Who knows!

Ironically, I am scheduled to have my flu vaccine this week. Last week I was inundated at home with one hubby and two kiddies down with the flu ALL WEEK! Then the flu started making it's rounds at work and a case of gastro. Argggh! Get me my garlic necklace.


Am I tough enough to make it through? Hope so. My husband insists that surely, I'm next.
My reasons for not succumbing to illness - haven't got time!
It's that simple and it's worked for me before.
Is it mind over matter? Most likely not. I'm sure it has more to do with health, exposure and resistance.
I think I'm fairly healthy right now but I have had more than my fair share of exposure last week - so - I'm counting on my little germ fighters to get me through. And some positive thoughts.

My daughter struggled with having to be away from school ALL week - and the last week before school holidays. I hope there are other responsible parents and people out there who insist on keeping their infectious germs children at home. At home we are loving the current TV ad - Catch it, Bin it, Kill it. Not because we are ultra-hygiene freaks, (because I grew up fine in the pre-hand sanitiser era) but because it's encouraging people to take some responsibility and think of other's around them. There are certain things it is NOT COOL to share.

So I hope the bugs haven't got to you - yet.
And if they have - I DON'T WANT IT - thanks anyway.

This is the start ....

Today is the start of.........

well, Winter here for starters. I was working today so my little heater kept me toasty warm.

It can be hard to gauge the temperature outside when the heaters are cranking through the winter and air conditioning in the summer. That's why it's great that our trusty and thoughtful computer technician - PC (and that really is his initials) installed, for our convenience, a little weather application that tells us the temperature outside our cosy building.

For the first day of winter, the weather was actually quite pleasant. I'm sure the cold stuff is on the way though, so we are making plans to the head to higher country for our annual family snow trip. We are hoping to get the timing right.





Today was also the start of The Healthy Heart Challenge. I'm sure you can still register and you would be doing yourself a real favour. If you are anything like me encouragement and something to aim for is great.

https://healthyheartchallenge.goredforwomen.org.au/ehome/index.php?eventid=22691&

Not inspired to join me?
Maybe you could read Dreena's story. She happens to be one of the ambassadors and she also happens to be my hubby's adored cousin. Her story is VERY real and one that should be taken note of, as it mirrors the current situation of so many people. I'm sure she won't mind me sharing.

https://healthyheartchallenge.goredforwomen.org.au/ehome/healthyheartchallenge/DreenaLawrenceGray/?&

So part of the Challenge is to choose a goal suitable for you - so I have chosen "be active everyday". So I checked the weather application today before venturing outdoors. I chose my route and set off at a decent pace. Once on my way, the sun felt great on my back, and I think if it was hotter

I may have been a bit "stinky" when I got back to the office. On my return I had some water (very important) and had a healthy lite lunch.

I'm not training for a marathon, just trying to improve my fitness and quality of life.

Have you had a check-up the the doctor lately? Do you know the risk of heart disease or of you having a heart attack? A little gruesome, I know... and I know you read my blog for some upbeat, positive influence.... so look on the positive side and join me in the challenge to make the most of life.

A wise person once told me "YOU need to look after number 1, because you can't rely on anyone else to do it for you". I have thought back to this on many occasions and it was sometimes been the "make or break" when I have chosen one way or another.

Are you looking after number 1?

Ode to O

Oprah has been a part of my life since first becoming pregnant, eight years ago now. I didn't really have the time for her before then, being a full time employee. But then she entered my life, and she brought out the best in me.

I know she has a lot of critics and I guess she is "just doing her job", but it is the passion and emotion she puts into her work, and the way she shares her views that I admire. She was one of the first to make me sit up and look beyond myself, at myself, and question the way we live life.  Before this point, I had been going along in life in "automatic", plodding along, doing whatever was fun and thinking life would take care of itself. BIG WAKEUP CALL! Preparing for parenthood gave me a kick in the pants and Oprah has grounded me and helped since.

I have spent many episodes either in tears or grinning from ear to ear, depending on the content of Oprah's show. She has made me feel proud by things she has said, even though they weren't about me. She has also "wowed" me with her generosity and love of sharing. I remember her saying on many occassions "if it is worth doing or having, then it's worth sharing".

She has dared to prove many wrong over the years that she could do the job, and infact, was the presenter to try things on television nobody had done before. It has been to her credit that she now has her own magazine, her own production company, she has discovered talents like Dr Phil and Dr Oz, she was the first on day time tv to present her audience with gifts, and she has shared details of her life openly to the world.

I will miss Oprah, but I'm sure we will be seeing re-runs of her show for some time to come. I really can't see Oprah sailing off into the sunset to live "the quiet life". I'm sure she has much more to say, more things to share and much more inspiration to give.

Here are some of my favourite quotes.

As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around.
Oprah Winfrey
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.
Oprah Winfrey

Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.
Oprah Winfrey

I don't think you ever stop giving. I really don't. I think it's an on-going process. And it's not just about being able to write a check. It's being able to touch somebody's life.
Oprah Winfrey

I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.
Oprah Winfrey