Not quite Nigella - 29th April 2012

Batch 1

Let's be honest, cooking is not my strong suit. So weak in fact are my culinary skills that I live on scrambled eggs and toasted sandwiches when James is away. For some strange reason I awoke on Anzac Day with an intense desire to cook Anzac biscuits. James laughed, a lot, then asked if I was ok. Call it patriotism. After spending the day talking about it, I finally went to buy the ingredients. It seems everyone in the eastern suburbs had the same idea. The shelves were bare of bi-carb soda and desiccated coconut. 

Fast-forward four days and I'm baking like a reject from Masterchef. Today I cooked my first batches of Anzac biscuits. I say batches because the first attempt didn't quite hit the spot (read too much golden syrup and oven too hot which led to burning of biscuit bottom). The good news is the second batch rocked! I'm not quite Nigella yet and I have no desire to cook anything else, but I am feeling slightly smug. I only burnt myself on the oven once and nothing caught on fire. That's a good day in my kitchen. 

Guilt free - 28th April 2012

The boys playing by the pool

Today I found pleasure in the strangest of places - at work on a Saturday. After starting the day feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work I have on at the moment, I finished it feeling relaxed and guilt free. It was worth sacrificing a Saturday for that feeling. While I worked away in the peace and quiet of an empty office, James played frisbe with Josh by the pool. He then picked me up and drove me home. Everyone is a winner today. 

Stepping forward - 27th April 201

Motivation and inspiration often appear in your life when you need them, if you keep your eyes open. Today I found both in the image above. Firstly the legs. I desperately need to do some exercise, my calves do not look like this. Secondly, it is a good reminder to stay focused on what I really want our of this year and my life. And right now, it feels like things are moving on the right direction. Forward we go! 

Insights at the Vet - 26th April 2012

So true

Another month and another trip to the vet for Cuba. She really is medically challenged this dog! A friend calls her The Bubble Dog. It's the perfect description. We need to put her in an environmentally controlled bubble to protect her from the world. It turns out she has somehow developed an ulcer on her eye. Awesome. Thankfully she is fine! Today I am grateful for a relatively healthy Cuba and only a small vet bill.

Anyway, the upside of being at the vet is their quote board. They always have a great pet related 'Thought of the Day'. Today's spoke directly to me. "The more people I meet the more I love my pet." 

OMG this is so true. The older I get the more I realise, I'm not a big fan of people. Most just annoy me - fact. I can easily count the people that really matter to me on my fingers and toes. Beyond that is a limited circle of people whose company I enjoy and who I have time for. Beyond that - I am done! I know it sounds terrible, but does this make me a bad person?

Lest We Forget - 25th April 2012

An incredible place

On this day nine years ago we had the privilege of sitting in Anzac Cove as the sun rose and the Last Post played. It was one of the most moving and memorable experiences of my life. Today, I wish I were there again.

As a kid I'd learnt about Anzac Day, been to services and marched a few times with school. But it wasn't until I sat, in the dark, on the slopping hill of Anzac Cove that the enormity of what our soldiers faced dawned on me. Behind us was a massive hill, so steep it would take hours and great strength to climb. In front of us, water lapped the sand where so many of our soldiers lost their lives. One look at the landscape gave the game away - they never stood a chance. On this special day, Lest We Forget.

I smell like a dude - 24th April 2012

I now smell like this dude

Some days I catch myself thinking about this blog and wondering what the hell today's entry will be about. Some days it's easy as there is goodness all around. Others are so busy I barley leave my desk and I'm just grateful for making it through the day. But it's often these days that throw up the best material when I least expect it. And today was a fine example.  

As I left the office tonight I saw a cab with its light on as the driver stood beside having a cigarette. Perfect, I thought. I jumped in, exhausted, and waited for the driver to finish. To my utter surprise, he got in the car and reached for a can of Lynx deodorant. Before I realised what was happening he was spraying it willy-nilly around the cab, including three squirts aimed at me and the back seat. And there it was right in that moment - the highlight of my day.  Despite smelling like the man, I laughed so hard on the inside (I didn’t want to offend him as he was really sweet).  I love the way people sometimes have no idea how inappropriate their behaviour is. He thought he was doing such a good thing so his cab didn’t smell like smoke. I suppose he was right - smelling like the Lynx guy is definitely better than a dirty cigarette.

The joy of pets - 23rd April 2012

True love

James and Cuba, such a sweet pair. While my lack of desire to have kids deprives the world of a great father, the dogs in our house are the true beneficiaries. Tonight I caught Cuba lapping up the attention as James brushed her. I love watching them together. I'm not sure who adores the other more. For James, she must be such a pleasure to hang out with. She may be the second high maintenance, demanding lady in his life, but at least she can't talk! 

Retail therapy - 22nd April 2012

New boots...big smile!

There is nothing like a bit of surprise retail therapy to bring a smile to my face. I went shopping with James today to help him buy a pair of shoes. Opps...I found myself a pair as well. Big smiles!

While bathing in the delight of my new boots, I may have done a little too much thinking. Two things occurred to me in the hour after this purchase. This first was how bad retailers must be are faring at the moment. It's late April and winter boots are already on sale. In fact, everything we purchased today was on sale.

The second thought was how shopping can be compared to drug use - an exhilarating thrill in the moment followed by less than desirable after-effects. 

My thoughts started with, "These boots will totes go with my jeans and I think they make my legs look longer." Then came the crash. "OMG, I should return them. It's a waste of money I don't have or should be saving. Ahhh, why do I have no self control?" It seems I suffer from bad post purchase remorse.      

In a bid to rid myself of this condition (returning the boots is out of the question) I am going to channel my good friend Richard Mill who once said, "I do deserve nice things." I also adore the fact he said this after buying himself a new IPod, the third or fourth for the year, after giving his last one to a homeless man. Apparently he needed it more.

Why babies and drinkies don't mix - 21st April 2012

Happy Zachary

If laughter is good for the soul, then after tonights catch up with some good friends my soul is in great shape. It is with their permission that I share this rather hilarious story about the mixture of alcohol and kids. The thing I love most about this story, aside from the sheer comedy value, is the honesty with which they describe the realities of parenting. 

The story starts with Kimmy and Andrew  (their real names in the interests of truth in blogging) and their two kids visiting friends for a catch up. Long story short - Andrew drove so his dear wife could have a few drinks. However upon arrival he was persuaded to get on the beers. Kimmy, in an uncharacteristically relaxed moment threw caution to the wind and told him to keep drinking. And so did she. Her thought process, "Let's enjoy ourselves, we never do this. We can catch a cab home with the kids and pick the car up tomorrow." 

Fast-forward several hours. Everyone is at home safe and sound in their beds. Then, chaos strikes. Four-year-old Sienna begins withering in pain with a sore tummy. Daddy Andrew is passed out upstairs. Mummy Kimmy, sensing something is very wrong, rings the Nurse's Helpline. After describing the symptoms she is given the only advice she doesn't want to hear. "It sounds like an appendicitis, you need to take her strategic to the hospital.” Kimmy’s response - wait for it - "I can't take her. I've had too much to drink." I love it. 

The story gets even better when an ambulance had to be sent to the house to take them to hospital. 

Kimmy's second challenge of the night - waking a drunk Andrew so he could watch baby Zachary while she went to the hospital. Her strategy to keep him awake was to call every half-an-hour from the hospital to ask, "How is the baby?" Ohhh parenting ...it's good to know it's not all like a Huggies ad. Thanks for the giggles guys.

A sleepy end to a big week - 20th April 2012

It's been a big week

After a long and busy week, all I could think about on the way home tonight was climbing into bed and falling asleep. It seems the puppies had the same idea. This is the site that greeted me as I walked through the door. They really are too cute. Just the laugh I needed to end the week.

Conquering my fears - 19th April 2012

Finally enjoying the view

For as long as I've been a traveler, I've also been a nervous flyer. My issue is the loss of control. I'd be much more comfortable if I was the pilot. Take-offs and turbulence, in particular petrify me and while I've yet to burst into fear-induced tears mid flight, it will happen.

What I am about to say next is probably tempting fate. In fact, I know it is stupid to say this aloud but, on my flight today I actually found myself enjoying the experience. I managed to fall asleep and remain so during take-off. I also felt relaxed enough to enjoy the view out the window, rather than trying to telepathically land the plane myself.

As a nervous flyer this is a state of being I never expected to achieve, and I am so grateful to have experienced it. My only hope now is that I haven’t tempted fate for my next flights. I really like this new world and want it to stay this way. 

Super soaking - 18th April 2012

Happy feet

Nothing beats a long hot soak in the bath. I adore baths. Unfortunately the one in our house is so huge it is completely impractical to use. It would take hours to fill and it would be impossible to keep the water hot. Put it this way – it’s made for orgies or communal showering. Six people and you’d still have room to throw a party.

Anyway, my point is that I am grateful for any opportunity to soak in a bath, and tonight I did just that. Thanks to a work trip to Melbourne with a night in a hotel, I floated around in steaming hot water like a princess…ohhh…it really is the simple things in life.   

Lightbulb moment - 17th April 2012

The magic potions

I wonder why I constantly feel sluggish and tired? Light bulb moment – maybe it has something to do with my diet comprised largely of chocolate and coke (the liquid kind).

This recent conversation inside my head, and a spare few hours on the weekend, lead me to a naturopath. A one-hour appointment and quote a bit of cash later, I am now on a detox to mend my exhausted and neglected body.

My plan is to be kind to myself. I want to stop letting my busy lifestyle rule my diet, get more sleep and feel healthier. Apologies to Sydney’s take away food industry – your profits may take a hit. 

Today was the first day of the ‘rejuvenate my body’ program. I’m taking enough herbal supplements to kill a horse and they taste like arse, but I have to admit I do feel a little perkier. I’m not sure i that is due to the supplements working in rapid time or if it’s psychological. Either way, I’m happy to take it. It’s exciting to be doing something positive to change a pattern in my life. Let’s see how I go on the chocolate and coke front. That is where the real challenge lays.

My new addiction - 16th April 2012

Amazing!!!

My name is Patrice and I am an addict.  I am, like many Australians, addicted to The Voice. This reality talent quest has the power of crystal meth. After just one hit I am hooked!

My addiction began last night after being seduced by Channel Nine’s advertising barrage of the past few weeks. The ads looked good and I was curious. Curiosity developed into full-blown addiction tonight when blind teenager Rachel Leahcar sang me to tears. Yep, you read it correctly – I had a little cry (while James laughed at me). This is feel-good TV at its best.

The thing I love most about The Voice, apart from the high quality of talent and the lack of annoying repeated content after each ad break, is the judges. I love they way they pitch so passionately when they really want a contestant. It makes for brilliant viewing.

I have now officially confirmed my allegiance to Team Joel. His unashamed begging and desperation is endearing, and amusing. Despite Seal’s brilliance at the elevator pitch – he nearly had me a few times – there is something a little too smooth and calculating about him (for me). The surprise package has been Keith  Urban. Before today all I knew about him was that he was married to Nicole Kidman. This fact did not endear him to me. But ohhh, he is so lovely and genuine. Can I be on two teams?

I’m already counting the minutes until tomorrow night’s episode. God I love crap TV!

Guilty pleasures - 15th April 2012

The jazz

It was a day of self-indulgence and guilty pleasures. I truly adore and appreciate days like this. There is something about the freedom of Sunday’s that makes me feel so alive. The day is mine to spend/waste/indulge as I wish. This sacred Sunday involved a lunch with the girls, two hours on the couch watching my fantasy sports boyfriends’ drive their Formula 1 cars around the track and the development of an addiction to The Voice. I'm on Team Joel for the record.

Top all of this off with the pleasure of filling my new jewellery cabinet (inside a full length mirror none the less) with all of my favorite "jazz it up" possessions. Today I love my life as much as I love jewellery. And that is a lot.

Puppy progress - 14th April 2012

Look...they are walking together!

It was a big day in the Gibbons/Rule household. The puppies learnt to walk together nicely and calmly on their leads. It doesn’t sound like much, but it spells the end of me looking like the mad woman on the streets of Darlinghurst who can’t control her cute but unruly dogs.

Until today, our walks have been characterised by Rocco running and jumping over Cuba, him stopping to sniff anything what mybe classified as remotely edible and both dogs walking in opposite directions. I’m regularly spinning in circles to untangle myself from the leads and swapping hand at a moments notice to stop one dog’s lead from strangling the other. Organised chaos, that’s what it is. Very amusing to viewers!

Today, somehow they got it together, or more to the point, Rocco got it together. I went from feeling like the local loony to the girl with the super cute dogs looking disheveled but slightly cool (in my head) on the way to buy the papers. Thanks puppies!

An important reminder - 13th April 2012

So true...

Today I heard some news that took me by surprise. Then, two minutes later in a totally unrelated situation I read this quote. "Don't be mad when someone else starts to appreciate the person you took for granted. What you don't do someone else will." It was a refreshing reminder that relationships are two-way streets. You need to appreciate the ones you love and show them you love them everyday. It also works in reverse. You deserved to be adored and cherished by those who love you. It's that simple. My mission this week to show those close to me just how much I do love them. I know, but do they?

Hail Hillary - 12th April 2012

Love it.

For anyone with an interest in politics, you have got to check out this hilarious website (if you haven't already) http://textsfromhillaryclinton.tumblr.com/

‘Texts from Hillary’ is a site "built around photos of Clinton checking messages on her cellphone aboard a military C-17 aircraft. The blog features Clinton responding to texts from politicians and celebrities in various awesome and hilarious ways." It is classic!

I love the power woman look she is rocking, her super cool vibe and the hilarious captions. My favourite is the Barack and Hillary text. As a fan of both, I love how it captures their perceived personalities – cool and groovy vs power woman.  

This site gave me more belly laughs today than I've had in a while. And some days, that is all you need. 

Feeling my age - 11th April 2012

It's the one in the red pants...

Twice today I felt every one of my 35 years, and given I still like to fool myself into thinking I'm 21, I didn't really like it.

During dinner with a gorgeous friend who is five months pregnant, she was recounting a story from her Doctor which included the comment "given your age". I was gobsmacked. "What do you mean, given your age?" I asked with a tone that indicted the Doctor must be an idiot. "You are only 34. What is he talking about?" We all know that 34 is the new 24, which is super young. It wasn't until my dear friend rightly pointed out that in fact 34 is on the later side for a woman to be having her first baby. She then quoted a load of stats that made me realise the only place where 34 is the new 24, is in my head! 

The second incident was slightly more entertaining. Today I happen to catch One Direction appearing live on the Today show. I spent a good 10 minutes passing judgment on the pathetic teenage girls crying and carrying on over a boy band. At the eleventh minute I found myself checking out one of the One Direction boys. Two thoughts went through my mind.  First: "The one in the red jeans is a bit hot". The second thoughts moments later: "OMG, is he even 17? Is that even legal? Oh no… I feel like a dirty old perv." Thirty-five sucks.

But hold on... there is an upside. I goggled said boy in red jeans and he is actually 20. Mass relief, I am not a pervert.  Now that IS something to be grateful for!

Teamwork - 10th April 2012

It's all about teamwork

Today I am grateful for the pleasures that teamwork brings. When people step up and go above and beyond, it takes a lot of pressure off one person's shoulders. Today those around me did just that when the heat was on. It's such a great feeling to be part of a team that supports each other and is pulling in the same direction. Work is a pleasure on days like this.

Peace and quiet in the country - 9th April 2012

What a peaceful view

Today peace and quiet was achieved. The need to walk the dogs forced me off the couch and to my great surprise, this is the relaxing view I found at the bottom of Mum and Dad's backyard. I'd forgotten just how pretty their place is and how relaxing it is to spend a little time with nature. I am now vowing to get outside more!

Chaos in the country - 8th April 2012

James' shower buddy

Happy Easter everyone! James and I are having a nice chilled out, relaxing break at Mum and Dad's in the country to celebrate Easter his year.

We were pretty much nailing it all day (massive sleep in and a lot of TV watching) until chaos descended. It seems the great outdoors are too much for us city slickers. The normally unflappable James had a mild cardiac arrest when he noticed this big creepy crawling staring at him as he took a shower. To be fair, he says the photo does not do its size justice. There was a lot of shouting from James, "Oh my god, there is a huge spider. Get me some spray, get me a container to catch it in, it's a BIG one. Oh shit, you should see it." I was shouting back from the lounge, "No, I don't want to see it. I won't be able to have a shower in there if I see it. Can you take a picture for the blog before you kill it?            

The calamity continued when we took to dogs for a walk. Mum's cute little fluffy dog, who oddly has the speed of a greyhound, sniffed out a wild duck minding its own business in the creek bed. She launched an attack and as quick as a flash she was off, racing towards the road in hot pursuit of said duck. Fearing a car would hit her, James and I took off after her - although the pursuit was not that hot from our end! My lungs were burning after about 30 seconds due to lack of fitness and James was lagging behind as he tried to sprint through long grass in thongs. Oh, the joys of the country. We may not be relaxed, but we certainly know we are alive, and we laughed a lot today. The laughs alone have been worth the trip.

     

Birthday wish list – 7th April

New York...on the Bucket List.

Today is my birthday. And it’s a big one...35 years old. Wow, even typing the out feels weird. Technically I am now middle aged, given that 70 is a decent life expectancy. Holy shit. I didn’t see this coming. In the true spirit of The Perspective Project I’ve decided not to dwell on the downside, but instead use this birthday as an opportunity to decide exactly what I want out of the next five years of my life, and then set about making it happen. 
And so a new project has been born...The Pre-40 Bucket List. James and I are making a list of everything we want to do and achieve before we turn 40. We will then move heaven and earth to make these things happen. 
After an initial conversation the list already has an impression line up of things to be ticked. Top of my list is living in New York or Hong Kong (minimum three months),  watching the World Cup in Brazil and swimming with whale sharks. Top of James' list is to live on a boat (that could be interesting!), buy his longed for motorbike and travel through northern Australia. Hold onto your hats world, here we come. I will post the full list as soon as we compile it. 

Bra crimes – 6th April

Possibly the worst bra crime ever!

I need to start this entry with an apology. I would never normally use this space to discuss anything negative or poke fun at others. That’s not the purpose of this blog. However, I need to break these rules today in the interests of big laughs and a topic that is close to my heart. The issue is bra crimes. I have always been a passionate believer that bra straps should be hidden and I do regard myself as the unofficial bra police. I get wildly offended when I see nice tops or dresses ruined by women wearing the wrong bra. The rules are simple: a strapless top requires a strapless bra, a halterneck or racing-back top requires a strapless or matching bra, and if your outfit is backless, don’t wear a bra. Simple. It is that easy! Today I came across possibly the worse bra crime I’ve ever seen. I managed to snap a pic to share my disbelief. Just take a look. What the hell was she thinking? The story of me taking this pic in a crowded fast food shop is equally as funny, however I won’t distract from the issue at hand. I am now on a one woman mission to rid the world of bra crimes. Feel free to join the campaign. 

Feeling the love – 5th April

The celebrations begin

The warm up celebrations began today for my birthday, which is in a few days time. The lovely crew at work gave me a cake and sang Happy Birthday accompanied by a few bars from a toy guitar. Classic. This lovely gesture reminded me what a great team of people I work with. It has also put me in a great mood to start the Easter long weekend. I really think everybody should receive a personal public holiday on the day of their birthday. This year I am feeling particularly special. I get four whole days off. Bring it on. 

Closed minds and open mouths – 4th April

I just love this quote. While it does not sum up today, which was rather pleasant, I stumbled across this and it made me laugh out loud. How often do we have doubters around us or people with big opinions, based on nothing but their own personal ideas on life? It’s a good reminder to shut these people out and stay true to your own hearts and heads. Deep down, only you know what is right for you. 

I’m learning – 3rd April

The bench of progress

It’s been 103 days since I started The Perspective Project. To say I’ve fallen in love with blogging is an understatement. I am also feeling much happier about the direction of my life than I was in December last year. Taking time to appreciate the pleasures around me has helped to focus my mind and find some new direction. I’m also learning to slow down and breathe every now and then. I’m still stressed and busy, but occasionally I remember to stop and take a minute to myself. Today I had 10 minutes to kill while I waited for my lunch. Normally I would make a call, check Facebook or do something to fill the space in time. It seems I am allergic to silence and unoccupied minutes. Instead today I sat on a bench in the sunshine and just waited, breathing in the fresh air and sunshine, with no thoughts or worries in my mind. Now that is progress.

Can you smell that? - 2nd April 2012

My lovely shirt in Rocco's toy basket 

Having a strong sense of smell is both a blessing and a curse. It' s a blessing when food and perfume are especially pleasing to the nose and I can detect fire at a thousand paces. Curses include involuntary heaving upon entering the fish markets and being able to smell every fart dropped on a crowded dance floor...and believe me, loads of people do this. Today I discovered another curse. There is no escaping the smell of dirty dog emanating from the work shirt you are wearing once your dog has kindly removed it from the clothes horse, placed it in his toy box and sat on it all day. 
I came home last week to find Rocco had done exactly this to my favourite shirt. At the time I was just grateful he hadn't ripped it. It smelt fine once I washed it so I thought we were good to go. But no. Today, every time I moved my head or my body I immediately smelt an odour I wanted to Fabreeze. It was me and I was stuck with it given I couldn't strip in the office.

I am sure you can imagine the horror and hilarity this caused. Can anyone else smell me? Is everyone in my office emailing each other with suggestions of why I smell like a dirty wet dog? Why did I remove that travel size bottle of perfume from my bag last week? Am I exaggerating the smell in my head (possible) or and I getting use to it and it's actually stronger for everyone else (hopefully not)? Oh the torture.

The upside is I can see the very funny side - now that I am home, showered, fresh and smelling like roses. Thanks Rocco.

An advertiser's dream - 1st April 2012

So happy together...

James is right, I am an advertiser's dream. He's been telling me this for years. One morning this week I woke up with the song "Happy Together" by the Turtles rolling around in my head. It stayed there all day and every time my brain burst into song I had an intense feeling of happiness. It was lovely and lasted all day. 

I was perplexed as to why that exact song because I couldn't remember hearing it anywhere, but I didn't give it much more thought. That is until I was watching TV tonight and an ad for the new season of Offspring came on. Well what do you know - the theme song for the new season is "Happy Together". As I watched the scenes with wonderfully crazy Nina and gorgeous Patrick looking all loved up, I instantly felt the same level of happiness I'd experienced earlier in the week as I sung to myself.

Obviously I must have seen the ad before, but being so caught up in life I didn't notice it. It seems my subconscious took a liking to it and stored it. I feel a little violated and slightly in awe of the power of advertising right now. I am also launching an argument that all of those unplanned shopping splurges over the years were not actually my fault. It's not because I have no self-control, the ads made me do it. 

Straight lines - 31st March 2012

The joy of straight hair

Vanity strikes. The thing I am most grateful for today makes me shallow, vain and lazy. But I don't care because I love the way it makes me feel. As a little pre-birthday treat to myself (convenient excuse), I had another Keretin straightening treatment put in my hair. Yes I know, it's suppose to be bad for me. It contains formaldehyde and does have a very strong chemical smell to it. But as someone who drinks way too much coke and consumes an excessive amount of sugar, I am taking my changes.

The reason I love this treatment so much is two fold. First, it saves me about 10 minutes every morning as I get ready for work. I don't do mornings, so that 10 minutes is a massive deal. Secondly, it makes me feel good about myself, because for three months at a time, my hairstyle looks pretty much how it should all day. It can rain, it can snow or the humidity can reach 100% and my hair is still straight and my fringe is where it should be. That right there is reason enough to bring a huge smile to my face. I am already looking forward to my sleep in on Monday morning. Vanity = 1,  Sensible decision making = 0

Karma repays - 30th March 2012

Karma working its magic on Mags

Karma is powerful force and one I have always believed strongly in. While life often throws challenges and obstacles in our path, I hold onto the hope that good things do happen to the good people who deserve them. This week I've had the pleasure of seeing two great souls realise some of their dreams. My dear friend Mel has found the man of her dreams and is getting married. I can't think of anyone who deserves some good karma as much as this selfless and brilliant woman. Then there is the lovely Mags, a key member of our team at work, who had her last day in the office today as she moves cities to boldly follow her study and career dreams. These women are two of the most genuinely caring, honest and gentle souls I have ever met. Today I am grateful that the universe is paying them back. Ladies, may all of your future dreams come true.