Stop. Nana Time!

As we get older our priorities change, our wants and needs change. As I flew past 30, and rushed downhill towards 40 I realised that a lot of times the mind was willing, but the body said "not likely, buddy!". That's kind of hard to cope with sometimes, since I still feel about 25 in my head.

I love being social. I love meeting people for a meal or a drink. I can still cope with that. It's the big nights out that I struggle with. The night clubs and overly noisy pubs aren't as appealing as they used to be. Makes no difference whether I'm drinking or not. I discovered I'm truly a Nana a few weeks back when I met friends for a drink at a popular nightspot. We managed to find a comfy couch to sit, then realised that it would take a week to wade through the crowds of people to get a drink. So we sat and chatted. Or tried to, over the noise of the crowd and the pumping dance tunes. That was a big night, we headed home by about 9.30pm. Yes, pathetic!

So this leads me to my Top Ten Ways You Know You're A Nana (in no particular order):

Gone are the days where the kids eat early then you enjoy a quiet meal with your partner after the kids are in bed. Instead you eat with the kids. At 5.30pm.

You count down the minutes until the kids are in bed. Only so that you can go to bed too. And not for Extreme Cuddles, for sleep.

At 9pm, when you used to be heading out, you're sitting on the couch with a cup of tea.

And a blanket over your knees.

If you do head out for a big night, you're home by 11pm. Any later and it takes you 2 days to recover.

You find yourself watching more ABC.

You watch SBS for the fascinating insights into different cultures. Instead of the soft porn.

You watch controversial programs just so you have an excuse to yell at the TV.

You listen to Classic Hits radio stations, or talk-back, because current music is awful.

You can't get through the day without a mid-afternoon nap. But you're still considering bed by 9pm.

Are you a Nana? When and how did you realise that your youthful ways were long gone?

I love equal love!

You'll notice a new button on the right bar of my blog. It was created by the lovely Bianca at Big Words to show support for marriage equality. Instead of paraphrasing what she said, or writing my own version of the same, I will copy her brief post here.

The Right for Equal Love

Apparently, I am in a "normal" relationship and because of that I am afforded the right to be married. I have a husband, three gorgeous girls and we even have a white picket fence. I didn't have to fight for my right to marry. I didn't have to march the streets pleading my case for protection and recognition under the law. We stood in an olive grove in front of our loved ones and were married by a celebrant. We are now legally bound to not have as much sex as before, argue about finances and have stretches of silence between us like other married couples. I simply can't understand why people from same sex relationships don't have the same legal rights. Why can't they stand in front of their most dearest and be legally bound together in love? Their love is as strong as heterosexual couples. Love is love is love. I could write forever on the subject of equality. It's time Australia gets with the program. It's time Australia recognises, rejoices and supports marriage equality. Equal love for all.

So, in my own small way I wanted to show my support. I made an "I Love Equal Love" button for my blog. If you feel the same, I'd love for you to grab it and pop it on your blog too (you can find it on my sidebar). We have a strong voice us bloggers - let's use it! Equal love for all. xx

 If you'd like to show your support too, head to Bianca's blog and grab the button for yourself.

A weekend by degrees

Last weekend I was in Melbourne to attend Blogopolis. The conference was full of great, useful information and tips, presented by talented & experienced bloggers and professionals. It was also an opportunity to meet so many fabulous bloggers I know from Twitter, and to catch up with friends I've met previously. But this blog isn't about that. I realised when I started making some plans that a common theme was occurring, purely by coincidence. You'll soon see what I mean!

My flight into Melbourne was delayed which meant I missed dinner with @TwitchyCorner, @easypeasykids & @denwise1. Instead it was me, terrible TV, Twitter and barely adequate room service.  The time alone was awesome!

65 Degrees. Photo © Melissa Hobbs

 The following day started with a much sought-after sleep-in, followed by meeting up with @melhobbs at the fabulous @65Degrees. This is where my Weekend by Degrees began.

After coffee, I headed for lunch at Three Degrees where I finally got to meet one of my very first tweeps, @seanbradford and we spent 3 hours talking and tweeting. 

Photo www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

The degrees continued after the conference Saturday night with a visit to @Eureka_Skydeck. 88 floors above the city, with 180 degree views. Fantastic views, and very calming. Next time I visit during the day!

Sunday I scored another sleep-in! I was picked up from my hotel by @crazycuddles, and we headed for a leisurely breakfast. Next stop was Gasworks Arts Park for @melhobbs's photo exhibition NYC -6 degrees. 

 

By then it was time to head for the airport. So much fun, not enough time, but I loved the coincidence of it all! Can't wait to see you again, Melbourne!

What the f*#k?

Last night on Channel 10's new show "Can of Worms" the question was asked "Do Australians swear too much?". It just so happened that 2 of the guests had opinions at opposite ends of the scale where this subject was concerned, and it made for hilarious television. (You can view the segment here. It does contain swearing!)

I'd also noticed similar discussions on Twitter over the last few days regarding acceptable or unacceptable swearing. It's interesting to see where people's thoughts differ on the subject. At a brief glance there doesn't seem to be any pattern with regard to acceptability, aside from, what is generally regarded as the worst, the C-word. Generally speaking, it seems that women have a bigger problem with that word than men, although many men find it offensive too.

Personally, I don't have a problem with swearing. I do draw the line at the C-word though. But even there the line has blurred a little. I still won't say it, nor probably even write it, but some of the people I follow on Twitter do use it, some frequently, and I've become accustomed to seeing it used. Sometimes the context is even funny. I'm not so keen on hearing it, however.

Having spent most of my adult life working mainly alongside males of varying ages, sometimes in relatively high pressure situations & often being the sole female, I've gotten used to people swearing a lot. And consequently I probably swear far too much now. The F-word comes out often, as well as shit, crap and other less offensive words. I do struggle to keep the swearing under wraps when I'm dealing with the kids, not always successfully. I'm sure many parents have had "those" days, where they've let the odd inappropriate word out when totally frustrated with their offspring. I'm not proud of it, but it happens.

Where do you draw the line? Is "bother" the extent of your swearing? Maybe you're comfortable with the C-word? If you don't swear does it bother you if others do? It will be interesting to see how feelings differ!

I can't go a day without...

Everyone has their own favourite things, whether it's a feeling, a place, a person, an object. Some of those things are just nice and we feel blessed when we are able to experience them. But there are others that are our lifeblood. Things that we must experience everyday or life becomes a struggle. Obviously there are times when some things might not be possible, but go without for too long and I notice a difference.

I can't go a day without:

Tea or coffee. I'm definitely not a morning person, never have been. So don't expect anything useful from me before I've had a hit of caffeine. Of course, the trouble with trying to get 3 kids organised and out the door on weekdays means I don't often get what I want. Fortunately, my favourite coffee shop is only a block from school and they take very good care of me!

Hugs and kisses from my kids. The unconditional love from my kids can get me through the worst of days. From sleepy morning bed time snuggles with Thing 3, to my favourite big boy hugs from Thing 1, they're precious moments that can't be taken for granted.

Sunshine. Of course, this one is a bit out of my control, but there's no feeling that sun on my skin can't improve. Some days it might only be whatever rays I can catch while driving around. Others I might have the luxury of just sitting for a while, feeling the sun on my face. Overcast days are my nemesis!

Internet time. I know this one is very superficial, but as the saying goes, so many of my friends live inside my computer. I get my news and weather from the web. My work involves the internet. But mostly, it's the interaction from Facebook and Twitter that I need. Since most of my conversations during the day are with small people it's nice to be able to chat with other adults!

Clearly, food and sleep are necessary every day but in both cases it can often be poor quality and less than I need! 

So tell me, what can't you go a day without?