The little things that count...

It's quite funny when people feel you've done them in. They go out of their way to bad mouth you to others.  Tell stories to their friends (who will believe them because stories were told about you from the beginning so these people chose not to get to know the person you are). I always remember something an ex used to say:  If you badmouth the person you are with, it says more about who you are, than the person you are talking about.  Some people don't see that.  They prefer to see the fabricated story.  But true colours always show. It may take days, it may take years.  Those colours always come out in the end. I've had a recent taste of this again.  People who chose to believe stories about me.  Lies. Lies spread by somebody who was supposed to be close to me.  But instead of playing victim and worrying about these people who can't be called friends, I carried on with my life, and worried about those who actually take the time to get t...

People often feel that they have the right to tell others (especially friends and family) that their weight is not ideal.  Too skinny. Too fat. Your arms are flabby. You look pregnant. You look starving. Should you be eating that? Have you tried eating celery instead? I had a family member who felt it was their duty to advise me that I'm overweight.  I'm not sure why people don't think you can see yourself.  I look at myself every day.  I know the size clothes I buy.  One day I had enough and my reply back: Do you like being called skinny? No? Then why do you think it's ok to tell me I'm fat. Do you not think I can't see what I look like? I'm happy with myself however I look. If you aren't happy with how you look, it's not my problem. Or its a case of you think I'm unhappy because you couldn't handle being overweight, not my problem. We all have our own bodies and if you're happy with yours, why can't I be happy with mine. She'...

My daughter is in her last year at school.  She changed her mind halfway through the year about what to study - right at that point when she should be starting to apply for further study. Never did it occur to me to insist she continue with her previous plans.  Her plans changed because she realized her passion.  She wants to be a paramedic.  Perhaps its the fact that I wanted to do exactly the same thing (I had never told her this - she started high school and joined the first aid team, never knowing I used to do first aid as a teenager).  My teachers and parents convinced me it wasn't the thing to do. Some told me I couldn't because it's a man's job. Some told me it's a nothing job. I listened and went on to do admin. I'm still stuck there. Many people are dead set against her studying paramedics.  She's so tiny they're not sure she'll manage. I assure them that I am 100% behind her choice.  And if she comes home from her first day on the job and...

I class myself as an introvert. No really... But many people disagree and assume I'm extroverted. Just because I can teach a class, speak in front of people and perform in front of crowds, doesn't mean I find it easy. I actually often try find a way out. I've had the comments: I wish I was as confident and extroverted as you. Fact is, it's confidence that gets me out there.  I often prefer to be alone.  But I like people too. If confused me to the point I wasn't even sure.  Then I discovered there is such a thing as and extroverted introvert.

60-something year old Granny to her 18 year granddaughter "Where are you off to?" "Nowhere, why?" "Why are you wearing make-up?" "Because it makes me feel good" *HUFF* "You kids these days wear far too much make-up"

Body Shaming is not ok. I've dealt with it for the larger part of my life. I would never insult anyone who is at least trying to consciously make a difference to their life. I may give a condescending look when an overweight person tells me "I hardly eat and keep gaining" while sitting eating a packet of crisps and a chocolate, while drinking a coke (and you've never seen them move more than from their desk to their car). I guess I may be silently judging them, dying to tell them things that I also get told all the time: then eat a celery stick if you’re hungry... Do you know how much sugar/ carbs/ fat etc that *insert bad food choice here* contains... But they know they’re overweight and they probably also know where and why they’ve gone wrong, and nobody but themselves will be the reason for making a change in their life.

I looked out my kitchen window yesterday morning.  I spotted a beautiful blue Starling in the garden.  Stunning. A sure sign warmer weather is on it's way. As I had a busy Sunday set out ahead of me, I went to finish up getting ready. While brushing my teeth, I had a thought, "I wonder if we have another tube of toothpaste?" So while still brushing my teeth I walked through to the kitchen to check.  As I looked out the window and saw the same Starling, but this time in my dog's mouth. No!!! Not wanting even more mess to clean up I dropped my toothbrush on the counter and ran outside to get the bird out his mouth.  Then I noticed, the bird was watching me. It was still alive!!! Aaaargh.... Considering the size and power of his jaws, I was surprised to see the bird was alive. By now my Koda (my one year old rescue dog), had gone to sit in the empty pond with his newly caught bird.  So down on the ground I go (toothpaste smeared across my face), and in his con...