IRL cake day today! Will wander down to the little vegan cafe that does a mean three 'cheese' toastie for brunch, then my aunt and cousin are coming down to take me out to dinner because the restaurant they liked last time is only open in the evening Sunday.
It's a move we are thankful for daily. We ummed and ahhed for years about moving to the forest before actually saying fuck it let's do it. Its quicker to get into our respective workplaces too as we don't need to use the Monash...
For those who were following my comment yesterday about my boss trying to get me to fire another employee on her behalf I have good news. My boss listened to what I had to say and I managed to de-escalate the situation to a written warning. My boss was suprisingly reasonable about it, realised she was acting from emotion and thanked me for talking her down. That is not how i expected it to go at all. As someone who often struggles to speak up/stand up for myself I'm pretty proud of myself for once in my life. I'm going to hold off on looking for something else for the time being, but it's made me realise i really need to get serious about having disaster savings Edit: Thanks to everyone who gave their advice yesterday. It was very much appreciated and helped me so much.
Boundary setting is so good. As someone who had none a year ago, I now have clearly defined ones and no problem being diplomatic when telling people they're doing stuff which I find steps over them. It took practise, a traumatic event, therapy and deep personal honesty to get there though.
People either respect your boundaries or they're not worth the effort imo. We don't have to liked by everyone but people pleasing is hard to break out of as well. If someone doesn't like me now, that's fine. I know I'm valid and wholesome and for everyone, at the end of every day it's just them and their pillow like almost everyone else. It's easier to get to sleep when you didn't let someone walk all over you because it causes resentment.
Yes boundaries are so important and it can be terrifying when you come from a background of abuse and trauma. You just always assume the worse. Realising that you can stand up for yourself by being calm, rational and diplomatic is like being able to breathe again after holding your breath under water. I'm so glad you're at a place where you know your worth and your strength. I love seeing people empowered :)
That’s so great! Both for you and your colleague. Hopefully the written warning is enough to scare them into not doing whatever it was your boss was so strung out over. Good for you for handling it so well :)
Thanks a million for all of your advice. It helped get me on track to put it all together. You helped me help someone you don't even know keep there job :) The interwebz can be a magnificent place.
Back from the market. Found some honeycomb so that was a win. The whole experience left me very 'whelmed' though.
Some dickhead is attempting to sell toasties for SIXTEEN (16) AUSTRALIAN DOLLERYDOOS each. Incredible. I paid $6 for a walkin' around pretzel which may have been made yesterday because it was not fresh and under salted. I went to buy 2 simple iced donuts, 1 for me and 1 for Ron thinking they'd be fresh and delicious.. nope, chewy and $11.40. I felt like a banana smoothie but from what I can tell you literally cannot buy that. If you want a 12 berries, flaxseeds, rocket, dove feathers, spinach, kale, carrot and almond milk smoothie for $17 they have you covered though. Just whack some banana, frozen yoghurt, beef milk and maybe a dash of honey if you're feeling fancy into a blender and sell it to me for $8 you pretentious puffy-coated bastards.
I did pick up a lil lasagne for dinner from the fresh pasta place so I'm hoping that's good. Oh and I was only there for like 45 minutes I think so parking was free, which is nice.
I actually relate to a lot of what you said. When I was younger, markets were places to go to get bargains, cheaper than retail or cheap imported stuff. Now I find, especially on the ready to eat hot food side of things, it's not a bargain at all. Last week there was a stall selling pretty average gozleme for $15 each. At my local not terribly cheap bakery I can get 2 for less than that price! It's crazy. I ended up buying an underwhelming pie and 3 (admittedly very tasty) sausage rolls and ended up with very little change from $30. $16 for a toasty is just outright fucking ridiculous!
Afternoon peoples and thank you for all the kind words last night again. It's self care day. I haven't even finished lunch but I'm hell bent on fitting a basque cheesecake and a cuppa in. I think that will really fix me up and get me started for a new week.
I missed your post yesterday but I hope some self care brings some joy. I hope you're feeling better. Basque I had to look up. That does look like a cure for the blues! I always get a sense of warmth fill my heart reading these little empowering exchanges we do here and I thank you for being brave enough to share your darker moments, that empowers us all. Vulnerability is something to share and many times just journalling feelings can be therapy in itself I've found.
It's certainly heart-warming to know there is a community of people who care and are so generous and kind to others particularly in a world where that increasingly feels like a rarity. I do journal from time and time and find that it helps too.
Excellent so happy to hear you’re having a self care day. Restful day is a good thing, especially with the lack of sleep recently. Hope you’re feeling heaps better
My cat woke at 4:30 wanting to go out for a pee. I ignored him, so he used his (clean) litter tray. Then he said, well, I'm awake now, what about breakfast? I tried to ignore him again.
Mine (well the floof) woke me at something after 4 with affectionate headbutts and just one 'feed me, bitch' nip. I had to pee anyway so I fed them and crawled back in - only just woke up.
Miss Meow snuck in around 3am to sleep on my shoulder. Fortunately this morning she refrained from the loud purring directly into my ear she often indulges in. She was unhappy but accepting when I got up at 4am, wheras Mr Woof was thrilled as it meant an early walk and that he would not have to get me out of bed himself (he's been intolerant of me sleeping in past about 5:30 lately!).
The cat I'm looking after is warming up to me a bit and just loves indulging in a floor scratch session but then after about 3 minutes suddenly straightens herself out and decides it's a mistake and walks off like she's never seen me. Is not interested in most treats either. Bit of a tough crowd but I think she's never been without her humans (and with a stranger!) for this long before, so she's doing well all things considered.
Image: 1 large bowl, 2 spoons, 3 oval plates (only 1 showing), 1 small bowl, 3 small plates.
The bowl is larger than the ones I already had. Too bad so sad. Mummy gets the bigger bowl.
make up caddy
Image: 1 ugly red 3 level caddy filled with teenage make-up.
I spent the afternoon sorting this stuff for my daughter. The reason I did it is because she very long-sighted so she has trouble with the finer points of things. She does the best she can when tiding up but she sometimes misses the small details. That's another story. I am tired now.
Love the haul, mummy does the cooking, mummy gets the bigger bowl! Very impressed with the haul
That makeup caddy looks pretty good. Fits everything, nothing wrong having everything in one place, makes it easier to find things. Hopefully she’ll be able to stick with putting things back into the caddy, after usage
Thanks for the haul pic and the wonderful description 💛
You're welcome. I wanted something light weight but sturdy so I can move it around to clean under. There's still some adjustments to be done but hopefully this helps her and me to keep on top of things. Thank you again for pointing this shop out. Next time I'm going with a list. ☺
Love the make-up caddie. I wish I had room in my tiny bathroom vanity for something like that. I have some organisers though which are ok. So nice of you to work with her eyesight, that's good parenting imo. Actually applying make-up being long sighted is difficult I find, as I am long sighted as is normal for someone my age so I hope she can do it well enough to feel great.
Maybe something like this caddy might suit you. For someone who is very long-sighted she does an excellent job of her make-up with out her glasses on. Like seriously how does anybody put liquid eye-liner on straight but somehow she can.
Overthinking my status and station,
My personality, communication.
I just want to make connections,
New friends, but I'm too self-deprecating.
Online I have time, to think before writing,
But I open my mouth and out it tumbles,
Some embarrassing nonsense mumble.
I come across too strong, I ought to pull back fully;
I wish I was cool, smooth and funny, tactfully.
I try to be witty
To make up for not being that pretty
But I just feel kinda shitty
Too much beer, too much coffee
Sorry
Double post sorry, here's another bloody poem - sorry
Melbourne,
Grey clouds roll over your skyline
Like a quilted doona,
Made of rain and thunder.
The bluestone pavement
Smooth and slick,
Ready to send you to the ground
In your heels or smooth-tread soles
As you rush to a cafe,
Nestled in an alley,
Off Bourke or Lonsdale.
Rain, sun, or hail,
They'll be open to receive you
But only between 7 to 4.
Dinner and a show
At the Arts Precinct,
Docklands, Swanston.
The blinding sunsets down the streets
Running West to East.
The chilling icy winds,
Whipping off Antarctic sheets
And straight through black puffer jackets,
South to North, a howling racket
Burning cheeks red.
The summer thunderstorms, the summer heat,
A couple of days over forty
And we're all complaining,
Though we'll complain about the cold too;
It's who we are.
So many of us call this home,
And though I have visited the capitals of our neighbour-states,
(Brisbane is humid, Adelaide sucks,
Though Perth is great, you'll need a car),
I will always come back to my city,
Where I was born, worn, torn, and reborn.
Went to the local bulk foods scoop and weigh store to get some work snacks and a treat for Mr Smeg. Managed to only spend $15.
I've come home with chilli lime cashews, toasted bbq corn, and Turkish apricots for me. And the treat for Mr Smeg ended up being some dark chocolate coated almonds.
The guy who runs the store is so lovely. Asks your name and introduces himself. Very old-school and refreshing.
Fell asleep sitting up with my head wedged face down in between two couch... back section things. I was just supposed to be resting my head for five minutes but it turned out to be 90 minutes, I feel like I went into the deepest depths of slumber and frankly I'm a bit annoyed I woke up and have to go sleep in bed.
My plans to catch up on work today have completely failed. I can't even fathom touching my laptop, the best I did was move it in its bag into the study room. I've given up thinking about tomorrow for now. Nobody's going to die. Better to rest for now and try again tomorrow. night night everyone
Getting there: very close to the old site( Bunnings Northland) Entry way finding signage easy to see.
Parking: a VAST improvement on parking. Multi level undercover. Found a spot right near one of many entrances.
Pedestrian and way finding: all car park levels lead to the multi level foyer which in turn have both large lifts and travelators. 3 levels in total. We were on 2nd level so not sure whether to go up or down.
In Store: it’s really no bigger than the old Northland site. Just reversed. So the garden/landscape is now on the right side. I never ask for help finding things because it’s WAY quicker to look up on the Bunnings website. To my pleasant surprise the digital way finding was spot on and current for the new store. everything fully stocked and clean. Fuckloads of people.
Checkout: I always do self checkout and there are an additional 3 more scan stations. Awesome.
Trolley return: no trolley return bay even in sight. So just put it back in the foyer area as I try not to be a lazy bones.
Exit: getting out is a bit shit( this time exiting on Chifley Dr) you can only turn left so it backs up a bit. Will probably see if I can exit elsewhere next time.
Additional note: Bunnings is on level 3. Sausage is on Ground level. Today it was Yara Valley Hockey and the snags were 4/5 but they had a choice of white or brown bread.
Self care Sunday started with brunch at Harrow and Harvest in Lilydale. Amazing food and vibe, and a damn fine magic. The wagon wheels were 🤤
Then Eastland to buy new soft cotton doona cover, fitted sheet and pillow cases from Adairs, and king doona and memory foam pillows from Harris Scarfe.
All set for the new king size bed to arrive next weekend. Gonna sleep so good.
I've been reading a book on and off today, in between doing household chores and tending to the daily stuff. It was Wimmera by Mark Brandi, and I actually finished it! I haven't read a book in ages, let alone read one in a day. Having family in northwestern Victoria I was so familiar with the setting, and with the characters being born in the late 70s it made me feel like I was stepping back in time. It was such an authentic and genuinely riveting book! But I still have questions! Aargh! Overall a very satisfying read.
Ugh, I feel ya. My bloke is the same but with speeding tickets. He's not hooning around but it's the classic "just a little bit over" (bloody idiot!) thing.
pulling apart an old dangerfield dress - gonna use the skirt for mending holes in other clothes (first up in mein liebe's pants, the knees are jacked up), and then alter the bodice into some kind of tank-top for spring/summer
About to head over to the south melbourne market to hunt for honeycomb to try for the first time. That's my entire reason for going but I feel like I should probably think of other things to buy. Maybe I'll just browse around and grab anything which catches my eye.
So I'm finally watching the Betoota Advocate Presents on Paramount Plus. And I'm on the episodes about the Cronulla Riots. I was only 10 at the time, but watching this and just saying like this is bloody embarrassing. Seeing these people just go on the attack at people who were bloody innocent. And the inciting incident about these Middle Eastern dudes punching lifeguards is fake, like it is always is. It's the same embarrassment I felt when we had that transphobic woman come here and Nazis were on full display. This is a massive embarrassment, especially on an international scale.
Yes it was embarassing, I'm proudly trans and deliberately more visible now due those fucking thugs. It's made a lot more people show their support to the whole trans and gender diverse community and realise how much bullshit we have to deal with just trying to live our truth. But unfortunately it's not just nazis. Just tonight I had to leave a group of people I would have gained insight from because some straight cis men thought it was ok to misgender me and talk and laugh about me while I was sitting in between them. It was over quickly, but ffs. I'm over it now and have a safe space to vent, but so many of us don't have that luxury. Overall it's getting better but there's still a long way to go.
Thanks for bringing it up, it's always heartwarming to hear of other's disgust of bigots.
Ugh, that just, UGH! I've mentioned I'm non binary (genderqueer/genderfluid, very gender anarchy), and definitely not going to say that like my struggle is worse. But yeah like transphobia doesn't have to be blatant attacks calling trans binary and non binary folks pedos and shit, transphobia can be misgendering, using dead names, just not being nice towards us. Like I have to deal with a lot of she's and stuff, and it's similar to the singer Demi Lovato who says that they don't use they/them pronouns strictly any more because it's so exhausting trying to explain it. And I feel the exact same way. Especially when it comes from people you care about too.
My dad and stepmum call my sister and I 'the girls' because it's easier, and I understand. But like 1) I'm not a girl gender-wise (even if I'm feeling feminine one day) 2) I'm an adult, when I brought it up I think I was maybe 25 or 26. I'm fully in my mid-twenties (now I'm in my late twenties)... please stop calling me girl, just say, the children or something. Even though I'm not a child, I am my father's child.
And even with that said, transphobia is hurtful towards cis folks. Like you have the 'always tell' crowd who will attack cis men and women. There's stories in America of cis girls being attacked because they win sporting matches. Or women getting killed because men think they're trans women. Like, this is my fight as a trans nonbinary person. But I will fight for my trans brothers sisters and siblings. Like, our entertainment, our slang, our makeup, our fashion, is all on the backs of trans folks.
But also it's just the right thing to do. Trans rights are human rights, no matter what. I am so proud of you for being you, I'm so proud of you for standing up to him, I hope that someone at least stood up for you, and if not, that's a damn shame.
💖💖💖 You are always welcome to talk to me whenever you need it. I am so sorry for this long comment, I'm just very passionate about... well, social justice. My ex-stepdad was a dickhead but he'd always call me a social justice warrior. But honestly, I wear that with pride. Humans need to stick together and stick up for people. I might not understand what it's like to be a trans woman, but I know that they are my fellow beings and it'd be terrible for me to not fight for them and with them.
Omg @[email protected] we headed down to Ming Ming's after 3 large coffees and I was like a cat on catnip. So much stuff there. Picked up bowls and plates (I'll show you my haul later) and other stuff. I call these places "shit shops" because there's so much stuff. I had octopus arms. Thank you so much. I'll definitely revisit again.
If yous haven't ventured outside do it. It's spectacular out there.
Your post is just the right pick me up. Made me really happy to hear you finally made it there. In my family we call it the $2 shop even though the items aren’t $2 (more in reference that things are cheap.. well they used to be cheaper and the name stayed) I haven’t had a chance to pick up any of the soup spoons yet, so I should get onto that.
Took the lil market lasagne out of its plastic vacuum sealed bag, covered it in foil and chucked it in the oven for 30 minutes @ 180. Took off the foil at the 30 minutes, topped it with some grated cheese I had in the fridge and put it in for a further 10 minutes. Looking good.
I get it out of the oven and try to do a knife test to make sure it's cooked and the top layer of pasta seems to be uncooked! Nope.. there was a clear thickish piece of plastic on top of the lasagne which was not at all obvious. I'm pretty sure this means I shouldn't eat the lasagne even though it doesn't smell like plastic and the oven only seemed to warp it a bit rather than melt it. God damn it.
Should be OK. Just take off the plastic, put on some more cheese and bung it back in the oven for 10 mins or so. The first lot of cheese you put on it probably not good to eat, but will have protected the rest of it.
I hope I'm not jinxing it by saying it but I think my neck and shoulders are getting significantly better. I think it's the field work wot did it, funnily enough. The last thing I felt like doing, but I needed more whole body movement to promote healing... That, followed by uninterrupted deep sleep knowing I didn't have to wake up to another work day. It still feels uncomfortable when lying down in bed though. Maybe I need to get different pillows.
Hoping my tax return surprises me by showing up sooner then it's supposed to. Haha. Could do with the money.
Also finally got a manicure in honour of Lizzos concerts (design entirely unrelated)
Image description: left hand pictured in fist to show off nails which are a pale pink background with purple squiggly lines in different directions and the other picture is my right hand in the same sort of position, this time with blue squiggly lines on the pale pink background. The nails are long (almost too long) and rounded/almond shape.
I too like banherts! It is a good tune but nobody remembers the words in a singalong. Mack, aka Mark Morrison, who was from the city next to where I lived around that time, has a dubious record (pun intended). Has also has various run-ins with the law.
A bit late/early to be canvassing opinions, but has anyone been to Frankston Brewhouse? We've done all the local breweries around Mordi and Braeside so thinking of checking it out tomorrow. Cheers.
E: Great place, they've put a lot of effort into the decor and general vibe. It's clean, it's bright, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the beers and food. The music volume level was perfect, both in-house and when the solo and his guitar came on at 2pm. Rec.
I have a backlog of a bunch of issues I bought over ten years ago from a con (it was like a "buy 5 or a collection of comics" got some really great ones) that I need to actually read through.
Had a lovely birthday - walked up to the local vegan cafe for a triple cheese toastie and a chai latte, then got a small loaf of sourdough bread from the little bakery. Then did some more tidying and vacuuming before my aunt and cousin came by with birthday presents consisting of a cat themed tote bag and several bags of wood, then took me to the local Vietnamese restaurant they loved last time where we proceeded to stuff our faces. They're already making plans to come down soonish (from Rezza mind you) so they can go again... 🤣
how do you deal with achilles tendinitis? i might be playing a little too much tennis and my heel hurts now ouch, i asked my podiatrist and she asked me to do a couple of calf raise stretches, but anything else?
I've been dealing with this for months. And it has gotten better but ..and you won't like it this...but initially you need to rest. Your body is telling you that you've put more strain on your Achilles than it can handle.
Now I am moving on to some rehab, namely eccentric heel drops.
Spent a fair whack of the gift card on toys and schnackos and a brushing mitt for little miss kitty. Why am I like this. I'll take better care of a cat than myself.
e: she loved the mitt on one side of her body... then suddenly decided it was not trustworthy. I'll leave it around for her to get used to. Got a decent amount of fur off her.
The little toy with a jingly ball in the middle and feathers on either end has been a hit, pleasingly enough
she loved the mitt on one side of her body… then suddenly decided it was not trustworthy
This happened with one of ours. On closer inspection it turns out that she had a tiny scratch on one side that the mitt must have caught. She loves the mitt on all sides now since that healed up,
I see that UMG has spare brains going around. Any chance I could partake of some from your collection? And anything else that might alleviate my head still feeling like death after stupidly staying up late last night
Afternoon nap acheived. Flat cleaned. Cats scared and then treated after nasty vaccuum machine utitlised. Mining and crafting done a little. A nice walk to the beach and surrounds after a solid coffee and another walk to my meeting this evening should see me to 7ks today hopefully. Nothing philosophical today. A bath and a face exoliant later is on the cards. Skin care has become a new pastime. Make up is fun, but it's just unneccessary most of the time.
I'm seriously considering having another rest day from my exercises today. My foot is getting better but still sore and I've been alternating between household chores and resting it, with probably not enough resting to be truly beneficial. I feel pretty guilty though, so I'll probably cave in the afternoon and try to do something. After I hang out another load of washing and unload and load the dishwasher again.
Ok I’ve finished watching the movie. First up I’m not very good at reviewing and im a very basic person when it comes to movies.
This is the first Noel Armstrong movie I’ve watched and my historic knowledge of space events are pretty minimal as much as I love sci fi and spacey stuff.
It was a pretty grounded take on things. The way things were portrayed it in gave it a sense of it being a real scary proposition going and achieving what they set out to do. Some of sequences were quite daunting with the sound effects of launching into space and hearing the hull buckle and squeal from it while being boxed in with hardly a view as to what’s going outside was quite scary.
It was quite amazing how his focused remained on task despite everything was going on.
I’m not sure how to read into some of the sequences or interpret them and if they were his motivations for landing on the moon.
there was a certain amount of liberty taken with the more personal sequences, however the scenes with the test flights, apollo 1, moon landing, all were extremely well represented. I appreciated the camera being up close in the cockpits, as it gives a sense of how harrowing it would have been.
I am very glad you watched it and enjoyed it! :D it's a long one, but Ryan does a great job at playing Neil imo, but Claire Foy as Janet (his wife) stole it for me, she was legit amazing.
Totally wack, feeling gross
Heart attack, at great loss
Make your mind up, start a fire
Make the time up, before you tire
Rake your brain for the words
Take the pain and spew it forth
Light it up, because of and in spite
Ain't no rest, we soar to great heights
They'll only respond to our might
I'm not sure what it is that I type
I reckon Mrs browns boys might be one of the most consistently funny shows on tv. It’s never “set your calendar around it” tv, but at the same time it’s “if your flipping and it’s on your not gonna go past it”.
Dried as tea or as growing plants? The living plants are all over every railway siding, park and footpath here in the north. Health food shops will have the tea.