Monday 31 January 2011

Would you flash for a stranger ?

to warn them a police car is up ahead or around the next bend ?


After witnessing what speeding and drivers over the legal alcohol limit can do to 'families' my conscience says if other people are speeding they're taking their own risk of getting caught and fined.


They shouldn't be warned about the police presence in the vicinity.

I know it is also illegal to flash your lights as a warning that police are in the area ... and you can be fined. Drivers still flash their lights despite this.I witness it regularly.


I don't feel sorry for many of those who get caught as a consequence of poor driving decisions. I do a little when signage is confusing and it's tough when the road limit changes suddenly or you aren't paying attention or are just over and get pinged.

I worry if you are busy warning others you really aren't paying attention to your own driving. I would also hate to cause an accident by alerting others to the presence of police and they went on to hurt someone else...I mean I wouldn't really know but it's a risk.

I may not be completely law abiding driver myself (100% of the time ;) and when drivers flash me I automatically check my speedo and touch the brakes. It is natural reaction to slow down not just because of police but they may be warning of another accident or hazard around a bend.

Most of the time I travel within the speed limit. I may sound hypocritical but I try not to speed , sometimes I just creep over the limit a little.
 
There is feeling that there are gray areas in the battle between law enforcement's technology and safety .The feeling in the community that the allegedly speeding countermeasures - radar traps in concealed places, mobile & fixed cameras are more about revenue raising than saving lives.

Active police presence seems to have diminished. If the revenue from fines went to road improvement & repairs or victims' support instead of the government coffers it would be less controversial. It isn't the fault of police though.

Essentially, the police are there to protect us / our families . If they stop someone who is speeding/drunk maybe they will prevent loss of life or injury to innocent victims often involved in car accident by being just in the wrong place at wrong time, or the driver themselves and their family. A good friend of ours works in Highway patrol as a police officer. I don't envy her job when I hear the stories she tells.

I do flash strangers only if they have forgotten to turn on their headlights at dusk/dark or for cars overtaking & coming straight at me in my lane or a road hazard like water over the road (to slow down).

Flashing means different thing to different people too sometimes it is to warn of road hazards or other driving courtesies

Very rarely I have flashed my lights for someone in the opposite direction driving recklessly or speeding to prompt them to slow down ONLY if the Police are NOT on the road... to give them a subtle hint.


I digress ...in the early hours of Saturday morning about 12.30am on our way home from the farm and about 8km from home  my husband was given a direction to pull over to the left lane (a section of road in between was marked off by orange witches hats/cones) for 'alcohol' breath testing.
The Police officer greeted my husband with " I can tell you haven't been drinking Sir ! "
He still produced the breathing testing device and asked my hub to 'count'.
No problems there.

I was puzzled why the Police officer had said it ...
I asked DH - Ah ha ... DH was towing a car trailer 7m long , behind a Landruiser 5.5m and he didn't knock even one cone over. He eased in between the cones, swiftly too. I hadn't noticed. Lucky it wasn't me ...I may have knocked them all down LOL or NOT if they taken me away.

DH said police officer must not have seen the trailer behind the 4WD (it was dark & night).Usually when he has been towing trailers or caravans they rarely pull him over unless it is in a wide open space because of the tight spots they set up random breath testing in. He definitely doesn't drink & drive anyway.
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Saturday 29 January 2011

Grateful Saturday - P


...mmm another pav is on the menu when friends visit tomorrow

Paddling pools in the paddocks - a sanitysaver for the 5 kids when the temperatures shot to over 43 ° and the kids & parents were melting.

 

Pondering
who to the peg the
 
at ...another distraction when the kids were melting.



Pay it forward I still have a few spots available for my PIF giveaway & ...

Prayers - my husband , M has a followup PET scan on Tuesday we are praying he still cancer free. I am so grateful my friend told me her church in Dubbo, we visited recently, added M to their pray list.

Promise of a much cooler day today ...welcome home relief. 


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Friday 28 January 2011

Logitech mouse winners are ...




CONGRATULATIONS ...

Thanks to everyone who entered ... if you missed out here try HERE for another chance.


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Thursday 27 January 2011

13 ways to conquer the cravings

(not sure of image credit)
Excess {or any unhealthy snacking} between meals does not augur well with our get fit or weight loss efforts. I won't go into the psychological reasons why we do it (we all know why ~ not just because it tastes so good) just a few practical ways we can reduce it a bit. 

Don't try it all at once - one step at a time one bite at a time and will power. We know it's hard to teach your self to say no.
  1. Plan ...Plan meals that keep you fuller longer and plan your meals in advance especially to resist the urge to buy takeaway meals because you can't think what to cook or have no food in the pantry/fridge that appeals.
  2. You have Google with 15,800,000 healthy meal recipes (yes I just checked) -so don't be boring try something new and look for lower fat versions of your favourite recipes or snacks.
  3. Make a Shopping List  - aiming to buy only the groceries according to your weekly meal plans. Stick to the list in your hand and do not be swayed by it.
  4. Write yourself a list of things to do if you feel the urge to snack .Leave it on the fridge. Try to understand when your body is truly hungry and you are not just snacking because you are feeling down, lonely or bored. Ring a friend, 'jump' on the computer or go for a walk with the kids to the park.  Or put on some music & dance with kids, grab a book or fold the clothes :).See if the craving passes.
  5. Remove temptation.Clear out the cupboards. Replace and substitute unhealthy "snacky" high fat/sugar type foods for a healthier option which will keep you fuller for longer. Pre cut vegetable sticks / make a tomato salsa or have fruit & yoghurt to eat / low fat baked pretzels etc. Drink more water too instead of eating or in place of other drinks.
  6. If you can't remove temptation...Reduce pack sizes - buy small portion packets (yes it might cost more) and/or divide up larger packs yourself and put them away in not easily accessible spots (the top of cupboard you can only reach with a chair) Instead of just grabbing a quick bag of chips or bar {PIECE} of chocolate - if you have to get out a step ladder or chair you might think twice.
  7. Brush your teeth soon after eating dinner {or breakfast} -when you brush the kids teeth is ideal - it makes me think twice about eating chocolate or snacking later.
  8. Teach your children to say - 'You 've had enough mummy' and 'Only a small bite' if you must try their snacks. Mine do without any prompting LOL. Request & remind your spouse not to eat  those irresistible 'snacks' in front in you and increase the temptation directing at hand.  
  9. Don't deny yourself completely. Of course at the end of a stressful day with the children we all wish the tune of gourmet ice cream and chocolate did not sing its siren song quite so loudly . Hoping it will drown out the fruit & yoghurt or other healthy snacks saying 'pick me' it not going to happen . If you do cave in then enjoy it, relish it and then let it go. Don't keep beating yourself up - instead look up how many minutes of whatever {exercise you prefer] takes to burn it off and give that a try. Don't give up on your commitment to reduce snacking over just one snack. Tomorrow is a new day.
  10. Blog about your commitment - join in the support .There are numerous groups of bloggers who are encouraging each other to get fit, get healthier and reduce their weight.
  11. Stick to an exercise plan approved by your DR or health professional that you are comfortable with. I'm doing the Couch to 5k to get fit , losing the kilos I've gained since ceasing breastfeeding & eating over Christmas is a byproduct.
  12. Put the sign above on your fridge or cupboard if you dare ...
  13. When friends visit and bring goodies or on celebration days like birthdays be mindful of what you serve or eat but remember one day is not the end. Ultimately it is your choice to say no or to just eat less.
Ps sorry I cannot get the formating right on new blogger post editor !

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Friday 21 January 2011

Grateful Saturday - Sam

This Saturday I am grateful again for my children.
The the light of my life & my happy place. I was feeling a lot of intense grief last week with the loss of so many children and mothers & fathers. I hugged them tighter and I read them more stories at night just because. I felt blessed.
I'm grateful for flowers.My Sam is so sweet.He spontaneously gave my Mum a flower today (but weedlike)...She said 'Thank you' and he said 'It's just a small one'. It breaks my heart to know that he faces many challenges in life because NF1 but he is so happy & cheerful at the smallest things. He gives me flowers too.


I am grateful for Sam's awe & wonder at the stars and moon ...most nights he wants to go check if the stars are out. One night he said 'Look, Mummy, look - the stars are multicoloured' as he awwed over them (was on the way home in the car at night). I wished I stopped driving to look.

Last year I wrote about how I was in awe of four and posted my interview with Joel twin#2.
I've finally got around to posting my Super Sam twin#1 because I kept losing his answers Id written down.

What Kids Say ?
What Sammy @ 4yrs , 4 months ...on the right drums says ...
What do you want to be when you grow up ?
Teacher
How old is Grown up? 
30
How do you know when you are in love? 
you kiss somebody
How big is an elephant? 
bigger than mummy & daddy (thanks Sammy)
What's your favourite colour? 
pink
Name something that is bigger than Australia
Bigger up in the sky
Where does dust come from? 
from the dirt
Who's the most famous person you know?Daddy 
Why do people go bald? 
got all his hair cut'ted off
How do we get rain? 
from the clouds 
What do you do to make yourself feel better when you're scared ?
 cuddle a friend
What comes next in this sentence ?
>You can't teach an old dog to ...
talk
>If at first you don't succeed...run away with the wind (breeze was blowing that day)
>Boys are ...I've had enough talkin !! and he ran away
>Girls are ...

>Boys like ..
>Girls like...Playing with ponies

Why do mummies yell ?

Me
If you were an animal what would you be ?Lion
What is your favourite place?Farm
What won't you leave home without ?Me , Mummy & Daddy
(I borrowed this idea from the free local paper)



I'd be more GRATEFUL if someone wants to join in my Pay it forward .
I wasn't expecting a huge rush but to have no-one is very disheartening.


So, what's making you smile today?
... add your Grateful post below it's a blog hop .Please add a link back to Maxibella in your post. Blog hop to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine.





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Pay it forward

It's kind of fits into the category one of my 101 in 1001 days - Random Acts Of Kindness. Pay it forward is a such gorgeous idea.

 “Together we can change the world, one good deed at a time.”  
( I would credit the image if I could find it)

I've seen this PIF challenge around the blogosphere on so many blogs and all the while I envied them.
I've been fortunate to join in Kymmie's @A day in the life of us
This is her PIF post.
Kymmie took the PIF 'baton' from Cate who loves to keep busy.

Though I, too, am thinking what the blazes will I make that is good enough to send to others ?
Surprise me - surprise for you !
So, like Kymmie said " If I'm okay with this, you can be too ! "
Don't be intimidated (said Cate). I'm still am !!

How does it work ? :
I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. To be eligible, you must repost this message, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011. Ready, set, GO!




  • The commenters who ask to take part must post the same offer on their blogs, and then send something handmade to the five commenters who ask to take part, and so on and so on.







  • Please link back here so I can share some link love with the participants!








  • The commenters who ask to take part must post the same offer on their blogs, and then send something handmade to the five commenters who ask to take part, and so on and so on.







  • Please link back here so I can share some link love with the participants!








  • The commenters who ask to take part must post the same offer on their blogs, and then send something handmade to the five commenters who ask to take part, and so on and so on.







  • Please link back here so I can share some link love with the participants!





  • I've haven't got a plan as yet but I have got a few lovely ideas in mind and I can borrow ideas I see about the PIF realms. The Tip junkie has 100's of ideas.
    I have 344 days to complete my promise.
    It won't necessarily make the world a better place but I'll give it all my heart.

    “If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, give your heart.” Anonymous

    What are you waiting for ? Go ! (pretty please)
    Please link back here so I can share some linky love with the participants !

    The only eligibility is that commenters who ask to take part must post the same offer on their blogs, and then send something handmade to the five commenters who ask to take part, and so on and so on. It works on an honour system.

    Update ; Ps I'm very worried that I won't get 5 people but if so I'll still make 5 things and donate them. 

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    Wednesday 19 January 2011

    Wordless Wednesday - Only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping boy

    Aussie Wordless Wednesday


    PS ...There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson



    *Aussie friends remember to enter my Logitech Spring/Summer Patterned wireless mice giveaway - win 1 of 3 stylish fashion 'mice' , each mouse is valued at $69.95
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    Saturday 15 January 2011

    Grateful Saturday - Family


    This week I can't say it enough- I am so grateful for
    1. Family ...my husband, my little boys and even my bigger boy who got a job last week. My heart is still breaking, heavy and aching for the mothers of the little boys (& girls) lost in the flood tragedy and Lori losing her soul mate.
    2. That my Hub's family in Gympie stayed were safe.
    3. Going to see 'Tangled' thanks to Nuffnang & Naomi , taking along my little boys, my nephew, niece, their neighbour. Yes , it was just a Disney movie but it was heartwarming to see the family reunited at the end (of course you knew that would happen in a Disney movie). Then the kids had a swim in the pool and we went out for pizza to celebrate my brothers' birthday (which is today - Happy Birthday D).
    4. Community -  the courage shining through the unimaginable devastation and the hundreds of ways people are pitching in to lighten one another's burdens & loss.
    Think deeply about what you can do to lighten one anothers' load as you keep safe & laugh in the light today...
    If you are financially able please donate to the Queensland flood appeal here


     
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    Friday 14 January 2011

    Carpe Diem and Mothers' day classic.

    There are been so much sadness and tragedy the last week with floods of biblical proportions across 2/3 of Queensland , NSW and now in Victoria (and even in Brazil I heard this morning 300 lives lost to flood). Bushfires rage in Western Australia. When will in end ?

    l've struggled to know what to say.

    Across the internetz we have seen a wife (mum of 2 littlies) prepare to farewell her husband (today RIP Tony) and we've been reading heartbreaking stories of courage amidst the tragic loss of life & destruction.

    We 've been watching horrific scenes on our TV's that will never be forgotten least of all by those who were there...


    It made me contemplate my own worries and grievances more closely... really what do I have to complain about. Everything seems so small in comparison.

    I just want to seize every day. Life is short we never know what is waiting in the wings for ourselves or the ones we love. We don't have to wait ...

    Carpe diem ('seize the day') is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace (see "Source" section below) that has become an aphorism. It is popularly translated as "seize the day". Carpe literally means "to pick, pluck, pluck off, cull, crop, gather", but Ovid used the word in the sense of, "To enjoy, seize, use, make use of".Wikipedia
    We each hold all the moments of our life in our grasp and what we make it of determines who we are. Every day we hold opportunity or excuses.

    I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity. ~Hazel Lee
    I have a goal to get fit and run the C25k running program. My weight is ok , though I have grown wider than I wanted to over the last few months :).

    I needed a challenge and a goal to keep me motivated , to take this opportunity and use it purposefully.

    I found it in the Mothers' day Classic. I am hoping to run and raise money for Breast cancer at the same time. An honorable cause because Breast cancer affects so many of my sisterhood.

    MDC

    I'm joining in with Naomi and others who are motivating each other to get fit and if we are able to walk or run the MDC on May 8th. We will link up and encourage each other. I couldn't post it on Tuesday and even yesterday I felt doubtful because talking about getting fit is kind of trivial at the moment.

    Today I know life goes on ...and we should take every opportunity.

    Life is too short and you only get one go , so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly. Practice a little more prayer with a little less worry, a little more patience and a lot less hurry.
    Think deeply about what you can do to lighten one anothers' load as you keep safe & laugh in the light today...
    If you are financially able please donate to the Queensland flood appeal here

    Win - 1 of 3 Logitech stylish fashion wireless mouse ['mice' ] each valued at $69.95




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    Wednesday 12 January 2011

    Wordless Wednesday - “It's not easy being green.”

    Aussie Wordless Wednesday



    {Please add the exact url link of your post} Please leave a comment & visit other WW'ers on the list or over Faith, Hope & Whole lotta love}


    *Aussie friends remember to enter my Logitech Spring/Summer Patterned wireless mice giveaway - win 1 of 3 stylish fashion 'mice' , each mouse is valued at $69.95

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    Monday 10 January 2011

    Grateful ~ Friends



    I missed posting on Saturday.It just felt wrong to me , on a few levels, after reading the incredible support being rallied for Lori.

    Each time I tried I couldn't find the right words to say (write) because the thing I was most grateful for was my beloved husband and family. I felt so guilty for the times I've been less than loving and haven't been so tolerant of things lately beyond his control.

    Today I am grateful
    • That I'm able to watch and be awe inspired by the online community ... I know some people don't get it , our online friends we have never met that matter so much . Still thinking of Lori and her family today and #praying for Tony.
    • For a surprise catching up with my friends from over 22yrs ago, essentially because of a FB chat with another friend. A lot has happened in 22yrs but they still showed the same warmth and generosity, gave the biggest hugs, and have same laugh out loud sense of humour.
    • Even better they live in the Central West rural community we are moving too and that makes my heart sing. We will have friends.They have adult children but a dozen grandchildren and another 2 on the way so they love kids.Their home looks like a creche with oodles of toys/books/bikes and trampolines. My small boys loved visiting them. They are such special people who love God and his people to bits.
    • For unconditional love of my special husband, my dearest friend, whose strength in all the challenges we have faced in the last year continues to lift me up every day.
    So, what's making you smile today?
    ... add your Grateful post below it's a blog hop .Please add a link back to Maxibella in your post. Blog hop to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine.

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