Share Your World – December 4th, 2017

What household chore do you absolutely hate doing?  

Basically anything that relates to cleaning. I am good with the cooking and even washing the dishes but scrubbing, wiping and dusting don’t do it for me. The only advantage of working full time was that I had a cleaner however working part time I can’t justify it.

At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? 

We are currently on holiday in Western Australia. Being on the other side of the country there are many new things to explore and learn about. Watching the sunset over the ocean this evening was different as living on the east coast we usually see the sunrise over the ocean.

How many times have you moved in the last ten years?

Over the last 10 years we have moved 4 times. Our latest move back to Newcastle last year I am hoping will be my last. We are currently considering our first ever renovations to make our forever house how we want it to be before we retire in the next few years. It’s a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

What inspired you or what did you appreciate this past week?  

Last Saturday night I was lucky enough to see Paul McCartney in concert. It was my husband’s birthday and he is a huge fan, so I went to enjoy the night with him. Prior to the concert I was not a fan but I must say it changed my world. The creativity and personal connectedness was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Not bad for a 75 year old.

 

Share Your World – December 4, 2017


Share Your World – 2016 Week 46

Are you a traveler or a homebody? 

I love travelling. I find exploring new places, their history and culture fascinating. Unfortunately, the longest time I have traveled is 6 weeks. However, I look forward to spending my long service leave travelling to far off lands in the next few years.

PS. Most of the world is far off when you live in Australia.

What kind of TV commercial would you like to make? Describe it.

I don’t think I would want to make a TV commercial, although I have been in two and not actually paid for either. The first was planned and I was shopping for baby goods in my friends’ parents baby shop. I was young and it was fun making it.

The second commercial I was in was for the first season of The Voice in Australia. I had seen the battles being taped live and as we were leaving they asked for our opinions. I must have done a great job as suddenly people were telling me I was on TV advertising The Voice. Personally, I was never lucky enough to see me on TV but it had my family, friends, colleagues and patients talking for weeks.  Fortunately, one of my friends sent me a photo of it on her TV. Gotta love technology these days. I think that I look okay for midnight. 532702_10150695973679053_427701941_n

Describe yourself in a word that starts with the first letter of your name.

Maternal, mindful, motivated

List some fun things for a rainy day.

  • Skipping in the rain
  • Jumping in puddles
  • Sitting by an open fire reading a book
  • Playing board or card games with the family
  • Sleeping especially under a metal roof
  • Baking
  • Planning my next holiday
  • Mindful colouring-in
  • Art and craft work
  • Spending the day in a museum
  • Blogging
  • Writing
  • Playing Wi games with the family
  • Swimming but only if there is no lightening

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

Last week I was grateful for family time celebrating my son’s birthday.  Even though he was overseas, my husband, daughter and I went out and enjoyed his favourite food.

This week I hope to finish painting my kitchen cupboards and finally decide where things will belong permanently in my new home.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 46


Share Your World 2016 – Week 36

If you were given a boat or yacht today, what would you name it?  (You can always sell the yacht later)

Choosing a name for a boat or yacht depends on it type. My father used to have a Hood 23, which he cleverly named Child. The rowing boat attached was called Baby. I loved it.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Which of Snow White’s 7 dwarfs describes you best?  (Doc, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey) Plus what would the 8th dwarf’s name be?

I think I am a mixture of Doc and Happy although there are times when I am tired that I could definitely be called Dopey. In my world the 8th dwarf would be called Techno. Although just for fun I asked my girls and their suggestions was Attitudy.

Name a song or two which are included on the soundtrack to your life?

I find music very powerful and the following soundtracks have been with me since they first hit the charts in the 1970’s. They have both gotten me through many hard times and remind me that I can do anything I set my mind to and to keep moving forward.

Complete this sentence:  I like watching…

PEOPLE! They are so interesting.

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

Last week I was grateful that the transition from Sydney to Newcastle is going so well with few hiccups. This week I am looking forward to getting some ideas for our home renovations from the Better Home and Gardens Show.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 36

 


Share Your World – 2016 Week 33

Would you travel into outer space?

Sure why not, however I do have one condition. I must be a passenger. I don’t want any responsibility for getting us there or back. Mechanics and science aren’t my things but I am up for adventure and floating around with no gravity would be fun for a bit.

Which country/city in the world (that you have never been to) would you most like to visit and why?

The top country on my bucket list is Iceland. I love natural beauty and the volcanos, geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers really interest me. The other thing Iceland has is aurora borealis—the northern lights. What a sight they would be.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

What could you do to breathe more deeply today?

Running a marathon would do it, however at the moment I think I will stick to running in 100 metre spurts. You never know one day 42 kilometres might be an option but I sincerely doubt it.

Complete this sentence:  This creamy peanut butter sandwich could really use some …

processed cheese slices, then it would do my husband for lunch.

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

During this week I had a birthday and I am always grateful to celebrate another year of wisdom and longevity. Next week I am looking forward to the blessings the universe has install as I transition into my new working life. Each day brings new beginnings.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 33


Share Your World – 2016 Week 30

Do you prefer a bath or shower?

I love a soak in a deep, bubbly bath sipping on a glass of champagne whilst reading chick lit. It my total escapism. Unfortunately, it rarely happens these days due to my lack of time or access to a deep bath.

If you had an unlimited shopping spree at only one store, which one would you choose? Why?

As we are in the process of moving and redesigning our house I would choose a store that is Australian and covers electrical, computers and furniture that we like. So historically for us that would be Harvey Norman. Over the years we have shopped there regularly and we even have made a special connection with one of the computer department staff and he has never guided us badly.

If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what age would that be?

Age is a funny thing and I believe you are only as old as you feel. My life is great now, I am moving into semi-retirement and finally have some money if I wish to buy any thing or travel. My body could be a bit fitter but that is actually up to me as medically I have no problems. The other advantage of remaining at this age may be that nothing deteriorates any more. So a WIN WIN for everyone.

List at least five movies that cheer you up.

Movies that cheer me up are a bit tricky as most of my favourites are tearjerkers. So after thinking hard I came up with:

  1. Suddenly 30
  2. Father of the Bride
  3. Parent Trap
  4. The Lion King
  5. Frozen

Yes! You could describe me as a kid at heart.

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

Last week I was grateful to get my contract for my new job. This week I am looking forward to getting a start date and working with my collaborator as my book gets closer to completion.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 30

 


Share Your World – 2016 Week 29

What is the perfect pizza?

I like a spicy pizza but not your ordinary Mexicana. When I make a pizza at home it has a pesto, chilli sauce and tomato paste base topped with the following ingredients:

  • roast pumpkin
  • roast sweet potato
  • roast capsicum
  • olives
  • cherry tomatoes
  • feta cheese
  • jalapenos
  • dried chilli flakes
  • fresh capsicum
  • bacon/chicken/hot salami/pepperoni  (which mix of these meats I use depends on my mood)

Once my pizza is cooked, I top it with rocket, sour cream and avocado (if I have any.)

What is your favorite time of day?

My favourite time of day varies depending on what I have on but it is always based on the one thing – ME TIME. I love the quiet time each day when I can do whatever I choose. It keeps me sane in this crazy world.

Show us two of your favorites photographs?  The photos can be from anytime in your life span.  Explain why they are your favorite.

I love this photo of me taken on one of the bridges crossing the Ottawa River, Canada. As we walked from the Quebec side of the river back into Ontario I am not sure which state I am standing in at the time but as we loved them both, it doesn’t matter. It also reminds me of the fun we had walking in the first serious snow we had during our 6 week trip to Canada. We kept believing it would come and eventually it did. I think it was also the last time I wore those jeans as they finally wore themselves out in Canada after over 10 years of faithful service. The colouful hat scarf I am wearing I made close to 30 years ago and is very unique. It remains in good condition however, as Australia doesn’t have enough days cold for me to wear it in.

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This photo the original of Inspiring Max’s profile picture was taken 5 years ago from Melbourne’s Aquatic Centre. My daughter and I were there for her last School Sports Australia Diving competition which marked the end of an era for us. At the time there was a lot of difficult things happening in our lives that got worse as the year progressed. However, never being one to focus on the negative, if I needed an extra boost of positivity that everything would be alright in the end, I would get out my double rainbow, feel inspired and keep going.

Another thing I love about this photo is that it was one of the first photos I have taken that I was really proud of as you can see the individual rainbow colours on both sides.

Complete this sentence:  I’m looking forward to…. 

moving back to Newcastle and commencing nursing in a new hospital. I have been working towards this for over 12 months and now it is getting very close.

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

My husband starting his new job and getting together with my family without having to rush back to Sydney to work. In the next eek I am looking forward to my future employment being confirmed and maybe even a start date given.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 29

 


Share Your World 2016 – Week 26

What’s your most memorable (good or bad) airplane flight?

On our way home from Guangzhou in 2013 we were upgraded to Premium Economy. The staff didn’t tell us of our upgrade, so image our surprise when suddenly we had more room and extra features we weren’t expecting. Nowadays, when we are traveling somewhere we always look at the price difference and if it is at all possible to pay the difference however we haven’t yet been able to justify it.

How many bones, if any, have you broken?

Fortunately, I have only had 3 broken bones and as doctors are now describing my bones as super bones, I hope to not have a problem with broken bones due to osteoporosis in my later years. My first broken bone, a greenstick fracture of my right arm, happened when I was 15.  I thought I was so cool skateboarding down a hill when I hit a stone on the pathway. Oh well. at least the plaster cast helped my cool image.

My second broken bone, my right little toe, somehow occurred during the Newcastle earthquake. I didn’t find out what was causing my pain initially as when we went to the hospital they were evacuating it and we suddenly realised my pain wasn’t the priority.

My third and hopefully last broken bone occurred in my 40’s when I was helping set up a gymnastics competition. Several men were carrying a balance beam when they dropped it onto the middle of my left foot. You could hear me yell for miles I think. It hurt and definitely wasn’t cool.

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

 

If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? (guest can be dead, alive, famous or someone you just know)

Walt Disney: Founder of Disneyland and Disney World and creator of Mickey Mouse

Paul Ramsay: Founder of Ramsay Healthcare

Florence Nightingale: Founder of modern nursing

Make a Currently List: What are you reading, watching, listening to, eating, needing, wanting, and missing right now?

Reading — The Winner’s Bible — Dr Kerry Spackman

Watching — Ally McBeal

Needing — My tenants to find a suitable property for them to move to early so we can begin our move

Wanting — More boxes to pack our belongings into when we can finally move

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Last week I was grateful to be able to  be able to focus on being a full-time writer and totally rearrange the order of my book. This task, while not yet completed does seem to have increased the flow between the chapters which was my goal.

In the coming week I am looking forward to going to Newcastle and seeing my family. It will be weird going back for the first time since I know I will be moving back in the next few months.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 26


Share Your World – 2016 # 24

What is the most fun thing you did in school?

During our 5th form  Jindabyne Ski Excursion (yes I am that old, now called year 11) I became a popular girl for 5 days. My rise to fame happened quickly and by accident, when I became friends with a group of popular kids from another school. Unfortunately, as they were from another part of the state, we never saw each other again as travel between areas wasn’t as easy as it is today. At the same camp I also discovered my natural ability to ski. This also helped my popularity as most of the kids couldn’t ski. It was a surprise to many as usual my reputation was as the person nobody wants on their sporting team. Karma felt nice for a few days as suddenly the roles were reversed.

What is your favorite type of dog?  (can be anything from a specific breed, a stuffed animal or character in a movie)

I wouldn’t describe myself as a cat or dog person. However, one dog I have always loved is Snoopy. So loyal, cute and creative, he helps Charlie Brown out of many scraps. I haven’t seen the Peanuts Movie yet but hope to enjoy Snoopy in his latest movie soon. My long time love of Snoopy is the reason somewhere hiding in our house is a much loved stuffed Snoopy that has been a part of the family since my children were little.

You are invited to a party that will be attended by many fascinating people you never met.  Would you attend this party if you were to go by yourself?

I have spent my life doing things by myself so attending a party I want to attend doesn’t phase me. The secret is if I want to attend it or if some else thinks I should for whatever reason. I am not a work the room sort of person but can easily find my way when I need to.

Complete this sentence:  Never In My Life Have I…. 

Won a talent or popularity contest. To be fair and honest however, I have never put a great deal of effort into trying to win them either. One thing I plan on putting a bit more effort into this year is my Toastmaster speeches to see if I can by polishing them give myself the chance of taking my speaking to the next level.

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

Last week I was grateful that most of my family was able to travel to Sydney to farewell my son who left on Saturday to spend a couple of years in Japan. We had a great afternoon although it went quickly before his departure later that night.

During this coming week I am looking forward to getting back into my aqua aerobics and organizing my house. We have many things that are no longer required and need removing.  Now is the time to put this plan into action.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 24


Share Your World – 2016 Week #14

If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work?

I have 3 cleaners in my real world and I would never go back to life without them. They came today and my house looks and smells beautifully clean. Given the opportunity I would also love to employ a cook as I usually spend part of the weekend preparing meals for the week ahead as I get home to late to be bothered. In reality, I don’t think I want anyone to help with the yard work as it’s my husband’s job and it keeps him busy for hours. If someone did it for him, he would be inside the house, making noise and distracting me from my writing.

What makes you laugh the most?

Laughter in our house is a common occurrence. Some examples of where it comes from include:

  • Evening meals in our family are very funny especially if we have guests. I don’t know why but our conversations make everyone laugh and are memorable.
  • Playing board games, Wii games or anything interactive.
  • I also find Table Topics  — impromptu speaking for 1 minute — brings out the laughter in me.

What was your favorite food when you were a child?

I don’t know that I had a favourite food although when I could choose what I wanted to eat for my birthday I always chose prawn cutlets. I still love them however the size of the cutlets have shrunk over the years.

List at least five favorite flowers or plants.

Roses are my absolute favourite.

2012-06-24 08.07.19

I also enjoy daffodils and the smell of jonquils. My favourite Australian plants are kangaroo paw and wattle.

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Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up? 

Last week I was grateful to spend Saturday night enjoying the company of our special friends of many years and Sunday visiting with all sets of mine and my husbands parents. This week I am looking forward to some quiet time and to getting more organised and catching up on the Blogging from A -Z 2016 challenge.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 14


Share Your World 2016 – Week #8

What household chore do you absolutely hate doing?

I hate doing all house hold chores which is why I pay a cleaner. They enjoy it, are definitely better at it and the stress is removed. I love to come home the day the cleaners have been and just sit quietly and smell the clean silence. It rejuvenates me to think about the blogging and editing I can do at the weekend.

What was the last URL that you bookmarked?

I don’t know what this question means so I guess I don’t do it. I am really only an amateur when it comes to this technology.

Close your eyes. Listen to your body. What part of your body is seeking attention? What is it telling you?

When I closed my eyes I did so at my computer desk and put my head in my hands. At this time my body began to tingle and my head began to slightly ache. I think it was telling me thanks for stopping and are you going to feed me soon as my blood sugar levels are dropping after a long day computing and working. Message correct. I felt better after food.

Would you rather have a two-bedroom apartment in a big city of your choosing or a mansion in the country side in the state or country where you currently live?

If I could afford to not work I would rather be in country New South Wales. If I had to work I would rather be in apartment in the city close to work. I of course would be happy to give working in Canada, London or USA a go if I met the qualifications.

Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Last week I was grateful for the support I received during a tough week. This week I am looking forward to putting all the little illustrations back into my book before I review it with my collaborator. Editing is such a long process.

Share Your World – 2016 Week 8