It goes without saying that the bushfire crisis in Australia is beyond crazy. The smell of smoke hung heavily in the air at my place yesterday morning. I hear the smell of Australian bushfire smoke is even hanging heavily in the air in Argentina. Fortunately, the most wonderful burst of rain arrived at lunch time.... Continue Reading →
Researching promises
A friend was planning to throw a party this weekend, but she's cancelled because it seemed wrong to celebrate when so many bushfire victims are suffering. I've been feeling similarly conflicted about posting on social media. It feels weird to share smiley snaps at such an unhappy time for Australia. Not that I've been doing... Continue Reading →
Paying it back
I blogged about complimenting a stranger earlier this week and yesterday a stranger complimented me! I've decided it was the universe paying back the nice. I wrote a story for Drinks Trade about what the drinks industry is doing to raise money and provide support to bushfire relief. A woman from one of the companies I... Continue Reading →
Independence days
These school holidays have been a bit of a revelation to me - its the first time both kids have been quite independent while I've been working. In the past it's always been a stressful juggle of parenting responsibilities with office ones. But on Monday, I only saw the youngest briefly when she asked if... Continue Reading →
Too much vinegar
As I was walking to the gym yesterday, I passed a young woman wearing an emerald green dress that looked absolutely fantastic on her. I thought, bugger it, I'm going to tell her. So I said: "You look gorgeous! I love your dress." She seemed really chuffed and said thank you ... then I overthought... Continue Reading →
The hermit emerges
How was your weekend? Mine was all over the place, literally and figuratively. Actually, on the literal front I was mainly on the road to DD’s place. It’s a pity I didn’t earn Frequent Flyer points each time I drove the 40 minutes north over the Christmas break - I’d have enough for free flights... Continue Reading →
This is what it looks like
My daughter was supposed to be coming home from a family holiday today, but it's too dangerous. She's staying at her paternal grandparents' house in Albury with her dad. He thought he’d attempt to drive back this morning, but changed his mind yesterday afternoon. When you see the bushfire map of NSW it's not hard... Continue Reading →
How would you rate 2019?
Just before Christmas, I was midway through a moan about life to my hairdresser when he held up his hand and said: "Stop, that's enough. I've spent the past few weeks listening to people moan all day and I can't deal with it any more." Oh! OK ... "Let's find something funny to talk about... Continue Reading →
Popping corks and paella salad
How was your New Year's Eve? Mine was lovely and relaxed, spent on my sister's deck with a glass of wine in my hand. I feel a little guilty saying that when so many people spent the night fighting bushfires or huddling in evacuation centres and on beaches to escape the flames. I shed tears... Continue Reading →
Ticking all the wrong boxes
Ah, New Year's Eve ... that delusional time of year when everyone resolves to eat less food and guzzle less booze. Me included ... yet again. I have an additional motivator for abstinence in 2020 - I’ve been consulting with Dr Google and he says I'm too fat. Well, he didn't say those exact words,... Continue Reading →