Duality

Tell me the truth

2012-01-26T19:25:00.000+11:00

Inspired by a post from a wonderful blogger BabyMac (that is now weeks old because I've sat on this draft that long) it occurred to me that the one thing I'll ask of the people I love and trust is that they tell me the truth.

"Talk to me, tell me what's going on in that head of yours" is a common refrain of mine - particularly to the farmer who doesn't exactly appreciate it. But he gets there in the end and more importantly if asked I know he tells me the truth. And I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be married to him if he didn't.

Anyone who knows me well knows I'm an avid teller of the truth, at least when it comes to talking about myself (I do work in PR so I know what you're all thinking). My nature is I'm an over-sharer and if you ask me how I'm going I'll give the whole answer, even if it ain't pretty. It's something I try to temper, at least with new people I meet and certainly in a professional context, but saying too much is my default position. Many's the time I come home from a coffee with girlfriends and have to fess up to the farmer that I may have mentioned such and such. To which he always replies, "Why? They didn't need to know that." And he's right most people don't need to know some of the intricate details of our lives or the things we're trying to figure out for ourselves but it's hard for me not to give a bit of myself away.

The more time I spend in a (very) small community, the more I realise I need to tread a little carefully because the rumour mill can run out of control in about half a second if you fuel it. And I'm definitely learning to stay quiet about news and information that's not my own to share. Or rather, I should say I'm improving. Slowly.

Somehow this post has morphed from one about being honest and expecting openness from those around me to a confession of my gossip tendencies. Maybe that's what it's all about really.

Anyway, for a much more interesting take on truth check out Beth's post on the topic and more importantly the huge deluge of comments she received, it's pretty darn interesting to say the least.

especially when it comes to myself. If anything I'm an oversharer and often think back on conversations with a cringe that I gave too much of myself away to someone who perhaps I shouldn't have trusted not to share my inner thoughts.

Currently obsessed with...

2012-01-09T17:18:00.000+11:00

My holiday reading.

Except that I'm not on holidays and I'm not actually reading, I'm listening in the car every day on my way to and from work. To an absolutely fabulous audiobook that puts our celebrity crazed, reality TV loving world into perspective: "Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Marriage of the Century."

Now I can't remember what inspired me to download this book, I think I did it after hearing an episode of the Slate Culture Gabfest podcast that mentioned the book following her death last year and was intrigued. Up until then I'd had next to zero interest in Elizabeth Taylor and had barely heard of Richard Burton, but trust me this biography of a marriage, which is based on Richard Burton's diary entries and his love letters to Liz that she released to the authors, is a riveting read (or listen).

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I will caveat the recommendation by saying that it's not a literary piece, but it is entertaining and a pretty incredble insight into a seriously extravagent lifestyle and a seemingly intense, ultimately devasting love affair.

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Fascinating stuff! Or at least to me, in a very Vanity Fair, old Hollywood glamour kind of way.

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Things to be thankful for

2012-01-02T20:37:00.000+11:00

It's the start of the new year, which I think makes even the most practical among us a little reflective. So I was pondering last night, as my hangover ebbed thanks to homemade pizza and the evening had "cooled" to just 29 degrees, some of the things I have to be thankful for.

1) A pretty fantastic husband who loves me enough to put a compression bandage on my yet again sprained ankle and get me a series of ice packs. But most of all I'm thankful that he loves me in spite of my short temper and squidgy bits. And I love him despite his ability to always be at least 15 minutes late, work too hard and his mild case of OCD when it comes to cleaning the kitchen.

2) My health. While my fitness may need some work (or a lot, insert standard new year's resolution here), I'm still thankful to have a functioning, healthy body that does everything it's supposed to do.

3) Living on the land. I'm damn lucky to live on a farm and have wide open spaces all around me. Room to shout, run and play music really loud! Not to mention the scenery, the sunsets, the changing seasons and the crazy wildlife.

4) Social networks. It sounds silly but I'm pretty thankful for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! It's awesome to get a glimpse of other people's lives and to make friends you have things in common with (like life on the land for example). #Agchatoz and the number of farm/family blogs I've found in the past year have been an amazing opportunity to share and learn and laugh.

5) Manicures and pedicures. I don't get them nearly as often as I like - mostly on trips to Sydney - but boy they're so much fun! And OPI Cajun Shrimp is just fabulous :)

6) Friends and family. Last year (feels weird to say that when it's only January 2) I doubled my family by getting married and I'm damn lucky that they're lovely, or at least no more crazy than my own family! And on the friends front, while it's been hard to stay connected to old friends in Sydney, I do feel that 18 months into the community down here I've finally got a great gang of girls. Plus I can only hope these friendships will blossom more in 2012.

So on reflection, there's plenty to be happy about and I should really try and be a little more positive in my outlook day to day!

Pictures of harvest

2011-12-16T11:41:00.000+11:00

Making a visit to the paddock on the way home from work - guess who forgot to put a pair of flats / boots in the car

Filling up a truck and sending the wheat on its way - first stop Ardlethan

And filling up the grain shed

Putting the reinforced walls in the flat bottom silo
(but really a photo of his strong, sexy legs - he would be ropable if he knew this photo was up here)

The end! The last loads of grain go from the headers into the chaser bin.

Wordless Wednesday: Oats

2011-12-14T17:01:00.000+11:00

Taken while filling the silo on Saturday. These guys are destined to be your porridge.

To play along click here

Anonymity

2011-12-09T21:50:00.001+11:00

One more thing I particularly miss about full time life in the big smoke it's the anonymity. The ability to get lost in the crowd, be just another face on the bus or one of many busy people in the CBD supermarket. You can go for a walk and be just beyond your own neighbourhood and see no one you know or indeed that you've ever seen before.

But no more. Unless you count the fact that when I walk around the paddocks at Ardlethan the kangaroos don't remember me (and I don't). I now have a not inconsiderable fear of running into a client or someone I should be impressing while swimming laps at the local pool - or worse, hauling my drowned rat, goggle-marked eye sporting self out of said pool. I don't even want to think about the possibility of a change room run in.

Then there's running into people at the supermarket, the newsagent, the petrol station, the coffee shop and the pizza takeaway joint. Never before in my working life did the possibility of regularly running into clients outside of meetings occur to me.

It's not that I didn't expect it - I remember going to the supermarket with Mum as a kid in Bathurst was always potentially fraught because she might run into a patient or two (Mum's a GP) - but I'd pleasantly put it out of my mind until it happened.

And I'm a bit lucky, although I live in an even smaller community than the town I work in, at least I get to separate home from work a bit more than most out here.

I've also decided that the lack of anonymity is like a weird flip side of the fact that it's hard to make friends in a small community where everyone already has an established network. People know who you are (they're your acquaintenances) but breaking through that to genuine friendship requires a whole other level of engagement.

But the fun I'm having consolidating new friendships is a tale for another post...

The gambler

2011-12-01T22:36:00.001+11:00

How do you stay positive about your career when "success" or "failure" is outside your control?

Ask a farmer. They might not have a good answer but he or she will know what you're talking about.

For the life of me I'm not sure I'll ever come to terms with this aspect of life on the farm.

My sense of worth is definitely tied to my success at work - no matter how small the scale - and the satisfaction of a job well done, a project completed beautifully, a happy client, a great piece of media coverage is something I'm not sure I could live without.

This little fact hit me across the face again this week when the farmer rang to say that a proportion of his wheat crop was 'shot and sprung' after one heavy fall of rain, which means it's virtually worthless (well it is this year with prices so low), that this crappy result was largely outside his control.

Sure there's a lot of "what ifs" that can plague him about how the job could have been done better - in particular a big what if I'd only pushed a little harder and faster would we have got the wheat off before the rain? - but the real cause of our problems is that it has rained a little too much at the wrong time of the year.

There's a reason they call it a gamble! Sure there are some elements of dryland cropping can be controlled and you can maximize production and efficiencies through good practices like low till or no till and control traffic farming - but at the end of the day if it doesn't rain before the crop goes in and a few key times along the way then stop raining long enough to harvest it at the end of the year then you're going to have not much at all to show for your hard work. Except a big bill for all the input costs!

Someone once told me it's like a regular salaried person going to work for a whole year, then at the end of the year they get a paycheck for half as much as they expected, or some years no paycheck at all - just some expenses you've incurred on behalf of the business that you're now stuck with.

Honestly, he's my husband but I don't really know how he does it.

But I never was much of a gambler!

Here we go again...

2011-11-24T15:58:00.000+11:00

So harvest time has arrived again! The 2011 version has snuck up on me, I'm sure I knew on some level it was coming but then that first day the farmer was out on the header from 8am til midnight had me say "When did that happen?" And indeed, when exactly did it get to be the back half of November and just over four weeks til Christmas? Don't even make me thing about presents yet.

However, as I write this harvest has in fact ground to a halt the past few days thanks to some very unwelcome wet weather. You can't strip crops when the moisture level is too high so all you can do is wait for it to dry out and make running repairs in the meantime. I've also had the farmer on domestic catch up duties and he's done a bang up job of glazing a ham for his harvest lunches, tackling mountains of washing and even cleaning the bathroom from top to toe (I think he's getting antsy to get back on a large machine of some description). As well as the delay the rain causes it also has the potential to impact the quality of the grain which in turn means we get paid less for it, so it's an anxious time as he waits to get going again and looks constantly at the weather reports hopeful that their prediction of another 30mm this weekend won't come true.

Then quite apart from the #harvest11 chaos happening at the farm (which I admit I do my best to avoid even at the best of times) my own lovely regular income, weekly paycheck, non-weather dependent work has been keeping me 'through the roof' busy.

We've got a great bunch of new recruits who've joined the team, some new exciting clients plus a very new (less than a week old in fact) addition to the Sauce family which means our fearless leader is starting a stint of maternity leave - so it's been a little hectic to say the least at Sauce central! Frankly we're all hanging on for the end of the year and the promise of a slightly quieter summer season, I know I am anyway.

Hope you're all hanging in there too! See you on the other side after Christmas :)

If you can't...

2011-11-21T09:14:00.000+11:00

My motto for the week! Brought to me via bushbelles.

Expect the best

2011-10-10T15:02:00.000+11:00

Today's mantra!

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Winners are grinners

2011-09-20T13:14:00.000+10:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a little netball mad and last Saturday my fabulous team - the Ardlethan Ariah Park Mirool Northern Jets A graders - took out the Farrer League netball premiership!

It was such a good game and I'm so thrilled we won and that I've spent the last five months or so with such a great bunch of girls every Saturday!

Here's a little local Prime TV news coverage of the game for you - including post-game interview with our super coach and captain Chloe Wood.

Note to self

2011-09-06T15:53:00.000+10:00

Be less judgemental

(apologies but can't remember where I found this picture)

Being judgemental is too easy for me and it's a horrible trait. So I think it's high time I learnt to think before I speak, every single time.

The grind

2011-09-05T22:21:00.000+10:00

After a short bout of illness early last week - short because I had to go back to work, not because the cough went away - going into the office this morning after a lovely weekend of netball, pottering, cleaning and resting, just felt like going back to the grind. Or getting back on the merry-go-round, the treadmill, the revolving door - and all that jazz.

There's nothing like Monday's to put a dampner on your attitude and frankly mine may need resuscitating.

You know those week's when you look at your to do list and your diary, then you look at the month ahead and you know there are two choices - put your head on the desk and weep, or just keep swimming (because frankly if you took the time out to weep then you'd just be further behind). Well I'm having one of those days, weeks, fortnights, months - dare I say it - years.

And what better place to ~~moan about it~~ get it off my chest, than here on the interwebs.

I'm a great one for pessimism and feeling overwhelmed and despite being nearly thirty my Mum still constantly gives me this piece of advice "do your best, that's all you can do" when I'm fretting. Bless her she also often says, "as your medical advisor I'm telling you, you shouldn't be playing netball this Saturday" and "you really need another day off work" which I routinely ignore. No doubt to my peril.

And I love that piece of advice about doing your best, but I swear I'm not doing my best work at the moment. Not at the office, not on the netball court, not in the kitchen, not in the gym and certainly not at home with the farmer generally. I realise they can't all be or have my best" all the time but I have a feeling there's a better balance somewhere than this.

I just can't quite work out how to find it - and I'm sick of my fitness and my health coming last.

There's a light at the end of the road, but it is the sunset :)

Before I hit publish I have to acknowledge that this whole post is complete #firstworldproblem nonsense - I have a job, I have a home, I have a husband, I have my health and food in my belly - and for that I am and always will be incredibly lucky.

Tea versus Coffee

2011-08-18T12:49:00.001+10:00

I've always loved a good cuppa - a freshly brewed pot of English Breakfast tea leaves is a wonderful thing - but once upon a time I always started my day with coffee.

No more! As I spend more and more time in the country tea has become a full blown obsession, a morning routine that has well and truly replaced the daily "strong skim capuccino" habit I harboured for a good many years in Sydney's CBD. Especially those made by the wonderful team at Vella Nero on Clarence St.

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Now every morning as I collect my car keys, handbag, esky, laptop, sports gear etc and head to the car I'm also juggling a Thermos travel mug brimming with white tea. It keeps me company on the long drive, gets me in the right mood for big day a work, soothes any last minute getting out the door anxieties and provides lovely warmth for my hands on crispy winter's mornings.

If someone had told me 12 months ago that tea would overtake coffee in my affections I would have snorted cappuccino foam into their face! And it's not that I don't drink coffee, in fact I still love it but I cannot bear bad coffee so I'm down to one a week, maybe two a week when things are really busy.

So you can really put my change of heart down to a combination of my own poor coffee making skills at home (we have a lovely espresso machine and the farmer orders beans for his three-a-day habit strong long blacks from Campos, Allpress or Toby's Estate every three weeks) and the unpredictability of the barista skills at local coffee establishments - sometimes surprisingly wonderful, other times absolutely woeful.

And don't get me wrong, some days just cry out for extra caffeination and it's all I can do to make it into Leeton and pull up at the door of The Coffee Tree. Not to mention every trip I make to Sydney and Melbourne still involves chasing down machiatos and cappuccinos at every corner. But it's moved from every day habit to special treat, which probably isn't bad for me on the whole.

Getting to know me... with help from Bushbelles

2011-08-15T10:44:00.000+10:00

Taking inspiration from a blog I love to read - the beautiful collection of pictures never fail to brighten my day - Bushbelles I've answered a few questions that she sent me.

Town or Country?
Country, because it's my home now, but I never thought I'd say that. And certainly being in the centre of a big city will always make my heart skip a beat!

Music or Books?
Books, always books. I can't go to sleep at night without reading and audio books keep me company on the way to and from work but some days nothing beats turning the music up loud and singing along at the top of your lungs!

Perfect Day
Sunshine, a walk outside, talking to the farmer and a fabulous dinner!

Clooney or Pitt?
Clooney, I like 'em classically handsome and gorgeous in black tie!

Romantic Hero or Action Hero?
Bond - the perfect combination of both!

Prince Frederick or Prince William?
William, because he's only six months or so younger than I am, plus he's a blonde!

Princess Diana or Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge?
Diana, I remember reading Andrew Morton's biography of her when I was 14 or so and being rather fascinated. Catherine seems so well put together and stable by comparison but time will tell I suppose.

Heels or favourite winter boots?
Flat, back boots - if I could wear them everyday I would. I love looking at heels, but wearing them is agony most of the time and I'm lucky enough to be 5'10" without them.

Australian Stockman or Surfer?
Stockman. Thank God for the country boys!

Chocolate or Coffee?
Depends on the day but I do love chocolate - even on my cappuccino.

Great Shoes or Gorgeous Underwear?
A girl deserves both.

Pedicure, manicure or massage?
Pedicure, my toes feel naked without one.

Rodeo's or Picnic Races?
Picnics. I think they're a uniquely Australian day out! I'm lucky enough to now live in a town where the annual picnic races are still exactly that - people bringing a picnic lunch (and booze) and setting up camp from the back of their cars by the creek and I hope it never changes.

Talk it out or keep it to yourself?
Anyone who's known me for more than five minutes knows the answer to this one - talk it out. If anything I talk too much and am too quick to share what's on my mind. It's often the bane of the farmer's existence.

Karaoke - first to sing, last to sing or absolutely-no-not-ever?
Somewhere in the middle. And it definitely depends of the number of drinks consumed, not to mention the song choices available.

One Beauty Product that you would recommend or can't live without
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Tanning Moisturiser - it gets me through a long sunless winter and allows me to wear a netball skirt without glowing in the dark!

One book you would recommend to anyone or that you love and can read over and over again
I hope almost everyone's read it by now but The Help by Kathryn Stockett is amazing. Two of the many books I read over and over again are Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells and Almost French by Sarah Turnbull.

Summer or winter?
Winter - I'm a firm believer that it's easier to get warm than it is to cool down. And I love nothing better than rugging up against a cold afternoon and staying inside when it's bitterly cold out.

One life-changing moment
After spending my first weekend at the farmer's home I remember getting on the plane in Wagga to head back to Sydney, being very sad to leave, and thinking "Oh boy, I really liked the place, I'm in trouble now."

Camping or 5 star?
Five star, I'm no camper and I never will be. I can't sleep without two pillows, let alone on the ground.

One movie that makes you cry everytimeLove Actually - the scene where Colin Firth proposes in broken Portuguese gets me every time!

via IMDB

One moment you would like to revisit if you couldBeing a little girl being read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at bedtime by my grandfather.

Favourite movie/song
My favourite song chances every month or so but I'm currently obsessed with Adele, Someone Like You and Gotye, Somebody That I Used to Know.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?
What a hard question - pick someone too pretty and you look up yourself but show me a movie star who's not gorgeous? I love Cate Blanchett, perhaps she'd like to play me.

Who would play the handsome hero in the movie of your life
Daniel Craig. Blonde hair, blue eyes, muscles... um yes please.

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How long have you known your oldest friend
25 years. Her name is Emma and I was one of her bridesmaids last year and she one of mine this year. We met in Kindergarten and were best friends in primary school, she moved to Queensland when we were 10 or 11 and we would write each other desperately funny letters and see each other in the school holidays. Somehow we managed to stay friends and to this day we can't start a conversation without it going for an hour.

3 things you have yet to do
1) Book those flights to Italy for our delayed honeymoon
2) Take up singing again
3) Get to the bottom of my ironing pile

School days - happy or sad, good or bad memories?
Happy, great memories but year 12 was definitely bittersweet.

What - or who - always makes you feel better on those more challenging days?
Taking my time to cook dinner, having a glass of wine in the process and talking it out with the farmer. Or sometimes if I can't quite face the drive home from work then a walk around Leeton after work will do it.

Recommend a blog/website
http://gofugyourself.com/ - you'll laugh everyday - plus get a good hit of celebrity gossip.

Something you are passionate about now
Winning the netball grandfinal :)

Happier now than you were at 20 - honestly?
Definitely now! At 20 I was still figuring so much out, I don't have any answers now but there's definitely less questions in my mind.

Describe yourself in one word only
Polly - does that count?

Words to live by
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" eden ahbez, "Nature Boy" - or so Wikipedia tells me.

What is the one thing you know for sure
Tomorrow is a new day!

Weighty issues

2011-08-05T22:45:00.000+10:00

Let me be honest for a moment: moving to the country has not been good for my figure.

Getting married to a farmer who loves to cook and is exceptionally good at it, but who has a phobia of all vegetables that are not potato (preferably deep friend) has not been good for my figure.

My mother-in-law's excellent baking skills, and those of every second woman I meet down here (not to mention the wonderful team that have taken over the local coffee shop in Leeton) have not been good for my figure.

Discovering the joy of a Ganmain Bakery pie has not been good for my figure. But they are pretty incredible on a cold Saturday afternoon after you've played four quarters of netball against fierce opponents from The Rock or Marrar.

My brother-in-law's penchant for making French-inspired feasts that use more butter per 100g of food than anything I've ever tasted has not been good for my figure. Although luckily he's been in Canada for a few months now so my arteries are recovering.

Driving long distances home from work in the late afternoons and evenings has not been good for my figure. When I'm tired it's nigh on impossible to not reach for the Minties.

Having less time to exercise because of just under 2 hours commuting time almost every day has not been good for my figure. Nor has the lack of access to a heated indoor swimming pool! Boy do I miss doing laps at the Cook + Phillip pool before or after work.

No longer having to worry about walking down the aisle in a long white dress has not been good for my figure. Nor was the mini-honeymoon to Bells at Killcare where we ate Stefano Manfredi goodies three times a day for half a week, but it was fabulous nonetheless.

So whose got some handy hints for me to help moderate my food intake when it all tastes so good and abstaining from good food and wine is just too boring to fathom!

Green thumb loathing

2011-07-17T10:39:00.000+10:00

I have a confession to make...
And it may well make me a pariah among the women of Ardlethan, but...
I hate gardening!

Sometimes I wonder if I'm missing a gene, or whether I just haven't found my passion yet - is it something that will kick in later in life? When I'm desperate for a patch of green to call my own when all around us on the farm is brown and bare? Or maybe when we own our own home and the patch around it I'll invest in making it beautiful? Either way there's a big part of me that doubts I will ever think of it as anything but a chore.

Despite this green thumb loathing it still embarrases me to admit that we really have no garden to speak of - except for at least a lovely lawn that the farmer is solely responsible for - planting, nurturing, watering in summer (ok, so I occassionally remember to turn the sprinklers on at night). Then there's a succulent that my lovely friend Suz gave me - it lives in a tea cup on the kitchen windowsill, but that's it! Unless you count some two thirds dead plants in pots out the front and a lot of weeds growing up through the pebbles at the side of the house.

But if there's one thing I've noticed since moving, there's quite the garden culture going on here in the bush - I think it's because everyone's got the space and everyone loves to take advantage of getting outside. I was actually asked to join the local garden club to which I scoffed "Unless you have a weed club you surely don't want me as a member." Nevermind the fact that it meets on weekday mornings so is incompatible with full time work anyway. And while I'm sure I'd love it as a social outing frankly I'd feel like (and would be) a complete fraud and permanently terrified that one day they'd make me host said garden club and ask to see what happened to all the cuttings they've given me.

The same way that my mother in law occassionally asks after the herb garden she gave us which has died or the citrus splitzer plant which not really hanging in there, so the farmer and I look at each other sheepishly and shrug "It's ok" and then only ever invite her over after dark (just kidding).

I did flirt with the idea of a vegetable patch last autumn and winter and even managed to grow (by pure luck of the season) some lovely cauliflowers and spring onions but this year I just couldn't be bothered. Terribly non-The Good Life of me I know. But the farmer's aunt and uncle keep us in a ready supply of winter vegies, citrus fruits and tomatoes, and the local IGA in Leeton has ripper local produce from all the horticulture farmers in the MIA so at least we're not lacking in the fresh and local food department because of my reluctance.

But what of beautiful flowers, gorgeous roses or just something fresh to cut and put in a vase when people come to visit? Well that would be lovely, my problem just seems to be planting something and then looking after it along the way.

It also makes we wonder at how I can be quite the neat freak about the house being spotless and the table being beautifully set when people come to visit and yet I can turn an almost complete blind eye to what's outside the front door, or what's not there, for that matter.

Sometimes I say to myself, 'well at least I like to cook', otherwise they'd probably have shipped me and my dead herb garden back to Sydney.

A country girl's best friend - the freezer

2011-06-20T19:03:00.000+10:00

I'm certain when I lived in Paddington the only thing that lived in my freezer for more than four days was a bottle of vodka. Often it was paid a fleeting visit by Connoisseur Cookies and Cream ice cream but apart from that and maybe a few stray chicken tenderloins the freezer was something I paid very little attention to.

But not anymore, now I have three freezers (two attached to fridges and one standalone that lives in the laundry) and they're chockers. Full to bursting with bread, cheese (yep we freeze grated mozarella), milk, bolognese sauce, chilli con carne, pumpkin risotto, home made baked beans, raspberries, blue berries, zooper doopers, puff pastry, ice cream and mountains of meat from at least four species of animal.

I even have to keep a list taped to the fridge of what's in there so I remember to use it up before buying fresh supplies. It's currently got scribble all over it and I should probably start again.

In any case, you get the picture - I have a well stocked freezer. But let me tell you I really don't, you see I've seen my mother in law's freezer collection and it's a sight to behold! Not only are there a few sheep in there (pieces of which she keeps trying to offload to me which would be great but I happened to be married the only Australian sheep farmer alive who doesn't like lamb, and roasts for one just aren't worth the effort) but there's stuff that I swear went in some time in the early 00s - and I would have said the 90s but I know they've had at least one ripper blackout back then.

My post doesn't really have a point, except that I accidentally managed to not close the door of one of our freezers properly on Saturday and therefore half-defrosted the thing. I'm lucky I found it after only a few hours or the whole lot would have been ruined - all of which made me realise how much I use it. Where in my previous life I couldn't have given a fig if the freezer carked it, except for the problems it would have created with having to eat all the ice cream in one sitting.

And yes, we live on a property a fair way from town but I drive to a town with 3 decent sized supermarkets at least four days a week so it's not like we're at the kind of remote where you get the postman to deliver the milk and bread. All I can say is it didn't take me long to become dependent!

Long days and tantrums

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000+10:00

We all have 'em - those days when you drop your basket just a bit and surrender to those 'I can't be bothered' feelings. A lovely friend calls it "dropping your toys out of the pram" and has a chocolate mousse recipe to soothe away even the worst of days.

Well, anyway, I had one just the other day. Work finished later than expected, the drive home was long and boring, I nearly missed having a collison with a kangaroo, then had to carry in what felt like a thousand bags of groceries from the car and the trip from the garage to the house (in the dark and cold) involved rolling my ankle off the path. Cue an overflowing rubbish bin, a missing torch, mice in the barbeque and I was headed towards full blown tantrum territory.

You'd think by 29 years of age my tantrum days would be behind me. Well certainly they don't involve screaming and kicking on the floor any more - at least not often :). But I do love a good door slam! Our closest neighbours are at least a km away but I'm still inclined to think that they've heard my banging and crashing as the wooden doors throughout the house get slammed. It's also a pity there are so many sliding doors in the house, they just don't have the same slamming power.

When I lived in an terrace in Paddington I had to refrain from my slamming habit (most of the time anyway) because the doors and handles were so old they were prone to sticking or falling off and I was terrified of being stuck in my bedroom until someone with pliers - usually my brother - came to my rescue. Which if I'd just slammed a door in his face he'd be highly unlikely to do wouldn't he.

But I digress! I didn't slam any doors, but I did yell at myself and stamp my feet. Then I remembered that there was no one there to see me / help me, so the whole display was entirely pointless. Did I feel any better? Maybe for three seconds but there was still dinner to me cooked and groceries to be unpacked etc etc the list goes on. Plus all of sudden a twinge of guilt hit me, there I was dropping my toys while the farmer was driving up and down a paddock for the 11th hour that day - with not a toy spillage in sight. Maybe it's the enormous amount of caffeine he injests or maybe it's doing what he loves but somehow he gets through these 18 hour sowing days with nary a tantrum - at least not ones that I see at home.

So at last I remembered the universal rule of the tantrum - if no one's there to pull you out of the fug, don't have it. And if someone else has had a longer and shitier day that you have, then it's time to suck it up. Or at least take a deep breath, have a shower and start over on the evening.

What's sowing all about?

2011-05-12T10:21:00.000+10:00

For any of my less cropping inclined readers I thought I'd point you in the direction of a very useful explanation of seeding written by the lovely farmer's wife Donna - who happens to live and work on a farm not very far at all from ours and was in fact once upon a time a neighbour, but that was before we moved here. It's a small world out here in regional NSW!

In any case Donna has been getting down and dirty at this busy time of the year (which I most certainly have not been doing because I have no useful skills in that department) and also took the time to explain on her blog here exactly how sowing time works and all the bits of equipment involved.

Ok, so she calls it "seeding" and my farmer calls it "cropping" but it's all the same thing really - it's the time of year when we madly plant the winter crop seeds (canola, wheat, oats, barley what-have-you) and then hope it rains so they come up and begin to crow into thick, lucious crops. In any case I learnt something from reading her post so maybe you will to!

Mouse plague

2011-05-10T16:36:00.000+10:00

Yep, we have a mouse plague. In fact most of regional NSW has a frigging mouse plague at the minute so I probably shouldn't complain but I'm going to!

As well as interrupting sowing by requiring the farmer to bait the rodents at the same time as planting his seeds, they're having a field day at home.

They are under the bonnet of my car chewing at cables like the ones that tell the windscreen wipers to work and degrading the radiator hose. You've smelt nothing til you've experienced what a decaying rat's nest smells like heated up by your engine. Oh, and you might also think your car is on fire as I did one cold morning last week!

But then there's the inside the house mice too - they're in the walls and the roof. Scratching away and scurrying about, eating their way through the plastic air conditioning ducts which has the lovely effect of spreading silver "glitter" all over the floor. Never mind that the air con won't work very well next summer either. For a while we even had a friendly goanna living in the roof, feasting on mice nests and the like but even he must have had his fill because we haven't seen or heard him in two weeks. And yes, if he hadn't been eating mice I would have been a little disturbed by his choice of our house for a new habitate!

Last night I opened the lid of the barbeque and three ran out - three!! So I had to spend 20 minutes cleaning mouse poo off the hotplate and disinfecting the hell out of it before making dinner. Even though I knew they were bound to be in there, I still screamed! And I'm not even afraid of the little monsters, it's just a reaction.

They even joined in the party at netball training last week and sent half the team screaming while the others tore after them like maniacal axe murderers. Nothing funnier than 10 netballers in trackies tearing around the court trying to stamp out a rodent or three!

It could be worse apparently, they're not often actually inside the house. There is certainly no sign of them in the bed or bedroom and I've heard those horror stories about waking in the middle of the night to feel something furry run over your face.

It's times like these I miss the cockroaches of Sydney - at least they don't run so fast so I have half a chance of catching them. Because that's the other good news, nearly every rural supplies shop has sold out of traps, glue boards and every other repellent available.

Sauce newsletter: The farmer finds a wife

2011-04-15T14:51:00.001+10:00

I was lucky enough to recently be "featured" in my PR agency's email newsletter.

Here's the blurb:

Sauce Account Director Polly Johnson's back-story sounds strikingly familiar to the tales told on a reality television program. It was love that lured this talented professional to pack up her city pad and relocate to a grain and sheep farm near Ardlethan. For Polly, securing a role at Sauce Communications really sealed the deal...

Read more (and have a giggle at my expense) online here.

Old married lady

2011-04-13T16:26:00.000+10:00

So I'm officially an old married lady these days - and have been for a whole month! I can now proudly wear the title of "Farmer's wife" so look out.

Do I feel different? Nope, it's back to life and work as usual. Although the 'mini-moon' to Killcare was lovely if far too short.

Was it fun? It was a fantastic day and night! What more could you want than to spend a few hours with your best friends and family, good food and good booze? Absolutely nothing, except a few more hours!

Were there any disasters? No major ones at all, although we did have a near miss in the bridal car on our way to church but all that turned out to be was a great ice-breaker for the nerves.

Best part of the day? The farmer's speech - he had me panicking because he'd prepared nothing but he blew me away with both some lovely words and his great storytelling skills. He even had everyone in stitches.

Mostly I can't believe all the running around and nonsense is over, and that the wedding is too. But what's nice is it means the marriage is here. Strangely it feels like it happened a million years ago and yet when I look at some of the pics I just got through from the photographer it feels like just yesterday.

It's the final countdown

2011-02-10T19:59:00.000+11:00

My days as an unmarried lass are numbered.

Numbered at 30 to be exact, or 4.28 weeks, or 717 hours.

Not that I've thought about it much!

So anyway, in about a month's time the farmer and I will have walked back down the aisle together as husband and wife - I'll be the one in a white dress, he'll be the one in the kilt and shoes better known as Ghillie Brouges that look like this:

They're interesting aren't they? Pretty happy they're his shoes, not mine. Rest assured mine are even prettier - can anyone say patent peep toe heels?

But I digress as always.

As for organising the event that follows that trip down/up the aisle it's been pretty smoothing sailing so far. That is, nothing more than the usual angst over the guest list and the heart-breaking realisation that you can't invite everyone you want to because you absolutely HAVE to invite a few people you'd rather not. I've also had a few too many phone conversations with Mum that involve discussing the merits of fruit cake vs moist chocolate cake with caramel cream. And don't get me started on the great smooth vs rough icing debate of 2010 :)

It's my hope that from here on in it's all about the fun details - picking up the ring (no the farmer isn't getting one), choosing flowers and watching the gift registry whittle down with glee - not to mention the hens party. So apart from the one minefield we need to get through called table settings, I'm rather excited. Full stop!

And as I sit here in the passenger seat of the farmer's ute hurtling towards Sydney for a long weekend of fittings, dinners and hens celebrations - it's dawned on me that it's really happening and more importantly it's almost here. So I guess I just wanted to take five minutes to soak in all the fun because the whole experience is bound to fly right be in any case.

I also thought I should acknowledge that no matter what happens at a Sydney evening party in a month's time, the important part (the best part) is that I'll always be right here - next to my farmer - driving towards a big adventure.

When harvest and Christmas collide!

2010-12-23T10:48:00.000+11:00

So harvest is running more than a little late this year thanks to rain, rain and more rain! But we're lucky in some ways, because at lease we still have crops to strip. Some others haven't been so lucky. In any case the Farmer has had a loooooong November and December and Christmas seems to have completely snuck up on us. But from tomorrow afternoon he and his fam will take a break from all of the above and we'll try for more of the below, at least for a day or two! Then, seeing as I'm on holidays for 10 days I'll be getting a few lessons in chaser bin driving :)

Merry Christmas from Ardlethan!!

Time flies

2010-10-26T18:31:00.000+11:00

Time has flown and continues to fly here in Ardlethan. For the life of me I'm not sure exactly how it became the end of October or why I felt the need to buy a Christmas tree (our first) just three days ago but in any case the year is rollicking towards its end.

I'm aware I've been a really slack blogger, but not for a lack of content ideas believe me. There have been lots of tres amusant events and anecdotes that have marked my new life in the country but it seems now I'm here full time it's almost too close to the bone to even gently mock them. It's really my life now, so is it still right to think it a little ridiculous? I'm certainly not suggesting that partaking in (or attending) events such as a tractor parade, bushman's relay, silo kick, bush dance, rice mill tour and rooster chasing have become so commonplace in my life as to not be worth a notable mention; it's more that I've actually been enjoying them that worries me!

Do you have any idea how hilarious it is to watch 40 kids aged between four and eight chase a rooster across the back paddock of a school until one of them launches on it and gets it in his grasp? I wheezed and snorted I laughed so hard. Or did you know that you could win a hundred bucks in a relay where four girls get dressed into gumboots, straw hats and skirts and run up the street to the pub? I didn't, but I surely enjoyed spending that extra cash.

For a while there I was certain I had a more active and busy social life here in Ardlethan than I had in Paddington, and without a great deal of effort on my part. Each weekend brought a community event or get together which turned out to be lots of fun. Now, admittedly this hasn't been the case quite so much these past few weeks as the netball/football season has wound down and the preparation for harvest has all the farmers (including mine) working over the weekends. But still if I was looking for entertainment there is the Ariah Park B&S just 40km down the road this weekend plus the Ardlethan Art & Jazz Festival is on as well. Truly there's no shortage of social events, and sometimes no escaping them. The scary truth is I think I might need a break, just for a week or two. Plus I'm expecting some city visitors soon and my non-existant green thumb combined with lots of rain means the garden needs some serious attention if they're going to be able to get through it to the house (which might also need an impressive spring clean).

The only flip side to all this keeping busy is my persistent craving for any food product I don't have to cook myself and that bares no relationship to a steak or a sausage. This is a dilemma really only relieved by mini city-fixes where I cram in as much spicy Asian food and great breakfasts/brunches as possible into a two day weekend. This is in amongst the shopping I am required to do to make up for the month long credit card abstinences (conveniently ignoring any or all of the online shopping I've been doing in between of course). It seems the farmer is already getting weary of pulling my bulky post packages of books and clothes out the mailbox each week when all he gets are bills. But it's so much fun to get parcels, especially when you only get mail three days a week!

Anyway, I shall not let this stream of garbled information go on any longer for you surely think me mad enough already. What I now want to know is, when do you get used to it? Do you get used to it? Will I next year think nothing of children chasing roosters or no longer pine for any takeaway food? Is there a tipping point where 'country Polly' overpowers 'city Polly' and I forget that some of these conveniences ever existed? Only time will tell.

Where do you live?

2010-08-19T22:32:00.000+10:00

Almost eight weeks have passed since the farmer and I packed most of my things in the back of his ute and headed West South West to my new home in Ardlethan. It's weird to even write that down, because one part of me feels like I've been here forverver and the other like I'm still finding my feet.

Ardlethan is certainly quickly becoming an intrinsic part of my identity. Mostly because everyone I meet for work or pleasure asks first "where do you live?" and then "where did you come from?". It's a country/regional NSW thing I've decided and it helps people get a bearing on you so they can then map a connection. I'll be doing it myself in a matter of weeks no doubt!

Anyway, before I get anymore long winded here's a quick digest of the ups and downs.

Highlights:

Netty. Always my fallback position, netball has been my saving grace for making new friends. I'm getting a real kick out of playing netball for the Ardlethan Ariah Park Mirrool Jets (yes that's our full name) and we've even made the finals.
Getting to know Griffith. I spent two days exploring the town while helping to film a TVC / take photos and got to visit a Citrus farm and eat four of the most delicious navel oranges ever straight from the tree, see inside the bottling plant and barrell room at a winery (so much wine but so little time), and basically just get to see the town and district alongside the locals.
Italian connection. Discovering (on the same visit) my new favourite food shop - the Italian deli on the main street of Griffith where Nonnas buy grated parmesan buy the shopping bag load! Plus managing to suss out the REAL coffee places in Wagga, Leeton and Griffith so my caffeine addiction continues to be fed on a regular basis.
The new job. Which feels less like a "new job and more like "my job" everyday. I still pinch myself that I'm even able to be PR practitioner and live in little ole Ardlethan! I'm definitely lucky, but making the move down here has also opened my eyes up to all the opportunities in the Riverina that I just never saw as a visitor.
The rain. A wet winter in the Riverina is a beautiful thing. The crops are green and lush, the dams are full and the mud splatters cover your car. Even more so no doubt for the locals who've been waiting 10 years between them. I'm taking it as a good omen for my move to the district :) and the farmer is just keeping his fingers and toes crossed hoping for a harvest.

Lowlights:

Forgetting people's names or better yet calling people by the wrong name. Everyone in Ardlethan somehow knows exactly who I am but I have way too many new people's names to remember. I'm struggling and the farmer must be getting sick of me whispering "who's that?" in his ear.
Building up friendships. It takes time and I'd forgotten. I'm making progress but nothing beats the easy companionship you have with old friends. Plus they already know I'm a bit loopy and for some reason decided to like me anyway, I can't be sure how new people will react :)
Frost! I'd forgotten completely what it's like to live in a climate capable of temperatures below zero. A frosty morning makes getting out of bed less than pleasant and my ugg boots are virtually attached to my feet these days. Bring on spring!

A little less duality

2010-06-25T12:31:00.000+10:00

So a few things are set to change in my so-called double life.
As you could probably tell I've been pretty confused and at times downright miserable always coming and going, toing and froing and feeling constantly torn between two places - something had to give.
And excitingly it has! In the form of a new job opportunity based in Leeton and working for Sauce Communications with some of their Riverina-based clients.
All of which means I'm finally making the big move, leaving Sydney and setting up a full-time home in Ardlethan with the farmer! So no more flying in and out every week, no more forgetting which wardrobe I've left my favourite top in and most importantly no more having to leave the person I love behind.
I'll do doubt still be a bit of a square peg in a round hole - not really a city chick and not really a country gal - but at least my head and heart will be in the same location for once.
So what happens next? And what happens to a blog that was once about living a double life? Who knows! But isn't that half the fun? Knowing the adventure has only just begun...

style magazine article - alternatives to chemical hair dyes

2010-06-16T11:32:00.000+10:00

This rather slack blogger thought it was time she shared another of her articles for style magazine - which now has a fresh new website I recommend you check out here. My favourite bit is the Editor Jacqui's blog.
Anyhow, for the latest issue (which is in newsagents right now) I spoke to Michelle Duncan from Hair X in Orange about using hair dyes with less chemicals.

Hair X in Orange: An alternative way to dye your hair

Anyone who regularly dyes their hair knows it goes hand in hand with damaging it. The fact that permanent dye dries out the hair and can leave it brittle and prone to breakage is a well known fact, and one of main reasons we pay professional colourists good money to make sure it’s done properly.

But what is it in permanent dye that causes the damage and sometimes irritation? As is often the answer when it comes to beauty products, it’s the harsh chemicals. One of the main culprit ingredients is ammonia; a chemical that even us non-experts know is about as subtle as a tonne of bricks. It’s commonly used in dyes because it opens the hair fibre so that the dye molecules can nestle in. It’s the chemical that allows hair dye to ‘take’ and helps it to last a long time, but the fact remains it smells pretty horrid and can irritates the scalps of those of us with sensitive skin.

Another common ingredient in permanent hair dye is hydrogen peroxide which is the developer or oxidising agent in the process that helps to initiate the colour forming process. There’s also p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) and Resorcinol that some reports indicate can cause skin irritations but the evidence on these is far from clear. And while there is still some debate about the causal relationships between the chemicals and the reactions people experience, which will always vary from person to person, there’s no doubt that we consumers are seeking out less-toxic alternatives when it comes to beauty products.

So it’s hardly surprising that companies from small independent ones to giants such as L’Oreal have been busy developing ammonia-free and chemical-reduced alternative hair dyes. And with successful results!

I spoke to the owner of Orange salon Hair X Michelle Duncan about the trend and what motivated her to start using ammonia-free dyes from CHI Organics in her salon. She explained, “It was a couple of years ago that I began to learn more about the adverse health effects that ammonia can have on both clients and hairdressers, in particular it’s links to lung disease and ill effects on the skin,. This knowledge then inspired me to look into ammonia-free hair product options that would be better for me and my clients but still give exception colour results.

“In doing my research I discovered United States brand CHI Organics and so I went to visit a couple of the salons in Australia that use its products and had my hair coloured to test the results and ask the hairdressers what the dye was like to work with. The results were great, so I was satisfied that CHI Organics ammonia-free dyes were a quality product and could do everything I’d been doing with other dyes,” said Michelle.

She continued, “So I opened Hair X as a CHI Organics salon 14 months ago with the aim of creating an eco-friendly and natural environment to be a haven for people. And while the CHI products aren’t 100 percent chemical-free they certainly are a healthier alternative to products with ammonia. I’m very happy working with them and my clients are very happy with the results too. As well as the dyes we also stock CHI Organics Shampoo and Conditioners which use Olive Nutrient Therapy to keep hair in excellent condition and don’t contain any sulphates or parabens.”

With more people than ever making purchasing decisions based on their health, environment and sustainability concerns this trend that Michelle herself has tapped into has come into its own. At the same time the technological advances that are allowing hair dyes and other beauty products to use less chemicals are steaming ahead, so combined it’s quite the force to be reckoned with.

Confusion reigns

2010-05-13T18:58:00.000+10:00

Hi my name is Polly and I live in two places:

I have two "homes", one in Ardlethan and one in Paddington - you can choose which is my favourite
I have two wardrobes of clothes, which means I'm constantly searching for items of clothing to wear that are in a whole other town
I have two beds with a total of 10 pillows (six of which I use)
I have two cupboards of shoes, including two almost identical pairs of black ballet slippers
I have two sets of toiletries (actually I kind of have three because there's a travel pack too)
I have two costume jewellery collections, the good stuff stays put
I buy groceries in two towns (actually I buy takeaway and Pintago products in Sydney and proper groceries in Wagga
I have two offices, one I share with 50 other people and one where I'm lucky if I see another human all working day
I take two flights every two weeks (although the in the last four weeks I've taken eight!)

And yet I am one person with just one significant other who lives in just one of these homes...
So I guess I shouldn't really be surprised that confusion reigns, and yet I am.

style magazine article - aromatherapy

2010-04-14T08:48:00.001+10:00

This is the article I wrote a couple of months ago for the Autumn edition of style magazine - it's on newsagent's shelves now and the next edition is coming out in a month's time so I thought it was time to share my story on aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy – isn’t that just for hippies?

What do you think of when you hear someone say aromatherapy? You’ve seen the headline, maybe it’s along the lines of your ideas about it – it was certainly the initial response I got from the farmer boyfriend when I mentioned the topic to him. And to be honest a similar thought had already crossed my mind, along with “it’s that nice smelling stuff”. As usual I was mostly wrong, and a little bit right. I was even already using aromatherapy on a regular basis without even knowing it.

I’ll confess it can be a little tricky to find the factual, scientific and historical information about aromatherapy among the information that mentions foremost its influence on ‘the chakra’. But the search was worth it and The International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association turned out to be an excellent and intelligent resource. From them I learnt that aromatherapy is an ancient healing therapy involving the use of pure essential oils to treat, influence or modify the mind, body and spirit. And essential oils are liquids derived, usually through distillation, from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots or similar of a plant. Essential oils are highly concentrated and need only be used in very small quantities. The chemical composition and aroma of pure essential oils can provide powerful emotional, physical and psychological benefits. Some have anti-bacterial properties, others are antiseptic, sedative, uplifting or stress relieving. Essential oils can enter the body through inhalation or skin absorption (as in massage or topical application of anti-septic) and less commonly through ingestion. You should always consult a qualified aromatherapies for treatment advice, these people are trained in various applications of the essential oils and have completed a diploma qualification.

Now that’s all well and good but how exactly does aromatherapy work? The answer is in three ways: emotionally, topically and physically. The first is the most obvious and comes down to our sense of smell and the influence that has on our brain. The inhalation of essential oils aims to stimulate the olfactory system of the brain (responsible for your sense of smell) which sends a signal to the limbic system of the brain (responsible, it is believed, for emotions, motivations and memory. This stimulation of the limbic system causes reactions in the autonomic nervous system effecting nerves, hormones, body temperature, appetite, thirst, digestion, stress and arousal. For the second, topically, it is about the essential oils creating a chemical reaction between themselves and the skin’s surface, unrelated to their aroma. An example result is the relief of dryness and itchiness. And lastly the physical results are when essential oils penetrate the skin, enter the bloodstream and react with hormones and enzymes. An example physical result is that lavender oil can help skin regeneration in the case of small burns.

I’ve listed some of the popular essential oils and aromatherapy products and their applications below, no doubt a few of these you already have in your cupboard and perhaps like me you never realised they were aromatherapy.

• Basil oil is used to sharpen concentration, relieve headaches and can alleviate some symptoms of depression but shouldn’t be used if you’re pregnant

• Citronella oil is a common insect repellent

• Eucalyptus oil is used to clear the airways of people with a cold

• Jasmine oil is said to have aphrodisiac qualities

• Lavender oil is used to help people relax, treat insomnia and has antibacterial properties

• Lemon oil is used to lift mood and is said to relieve the symptoms of stress and depression

• Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic and disinfectant qualities

• Thyme oil helps fatigue, nervousness and stress

• Yarrow oil is used for cold and flu systems and is said to reduce joint inflammation

VIETNAM

2010-03-13T10:57:00.001+11:00

It's a mere 7 days til I'm off for 10 days in:

VIETNAM!

I can hardly wait for the sites, smells, sounds, shopping and food!

Puppy pics

2010-03-09T16:12:00.000+11:00

Just because...

Nino - 14 months

Nino (and the mower)

Trigger - 5 months (and his enormous ears)

Besties

2010-02-09T09:41:00.000+11:00

This is me and my best friend "Emma from Queensland" the other weekend (thanks Jo for the snap). Em's and I have been great mates since she switched to my primary school half way through the kindergarten year. She's lived in Queensland since 1991 but we've stayed close, despite looooong periods where we don't get to see each other. Last July I cleaned out my cupboards at Mum and Dad's and found boxes and boxes of letters I'd received from Emma over the years, they were equal parts hilarious and embarrassing! In August this year I'll be a bridesmaid at her wedding to a lovely chap, Adam. And I know that someday in the future she'll pack up her family into a big car and head south to visit me for a farm holiday and I'll do the same and head north to see her for some beach time!

Did I miss something?

2010-01-22T16:52:00.000+11:00

I think I might have, just a bit. My birthday passed on Wednesday in a whirlwind and frankly if I didn't have these flowers to look at I wouldn't be able to remember it happened. Bless dear FB! Although I'd rather have spent the day in the same town as him, this isn't a bad substitute.
I should also say a big thanks to the team at work for acknowledging the day with a quick thai lunch and cupcakes among the other chaos that was happening!

When did the holiday end?

2010-01-13T16:40:00.000+11:00

Back at work exactly one week and my head is spinning!
What happened to easing in slowly after Christmas holidays?
What happened to a January with precious little work with a hard deadline and lots of time for big ideas, big plans and big hopes?
Maybe it has something to do with an overactive out-of-work life that's kicking up some action at the moment?
Throw in a birthday, having to cancell a planned beach holiday, some brideslave duties, two trips to and from Ardlethan, one trip to Bathurst, new clients, an enormous work project there for the winning, catching up with friends post-holidays, meeting new like-minded people, a public holiday, some future overseas holiday planning and one BIG relationship status update and you've got yourself a freaking hectic January!
I can't actually think straight about anything before February, let alone contemplate organising something.
So forgive me if the blog gets a bit kooky, because I'm a bit kooky at the moment!
Now, time to get back to the grindstone.

Making lawn

2010-01-08T18:54:00.001+11:00

This one's for Emily - just to prove to her I really did do a little gardening a few weeks ago, and continue to :)
We're in the process of making lawn, or rather extending the small paltry patch of lawn we have right at the back door to something green that covers most of the more than ample backyard. We've now done all the prep work (and by that I really mean that FB has done a lot of heavy lifting and shifting of dirt and I've done a bit of shoveling and clearing) and just need to seed the lawn and stay home for a few weeks to keep massive amounts of water up to it to ensure it stays alive. Here are some pics of the work in progress so you can see exactly how much we've cleared and keep us one the ball until one day we hopefully have some nice green pics to share.

Nice touch with the clothes on the line don't ya think?

Lotsa dirt / future lawn

One of the piles of rubbish we cleared

Just a teeny bit happy

2010-01-06T12:48:00.000+11:00

Just a quick happy thought for the start of the year, thanks to Digital Bowerbird (although her post was from so long ago now I exactly can't find it again, but I did save the picture - whoops and apologies).

My country backyard

2009-12-23T09:50:00.001+11:00

For those of you interested to see where and what it is I actually run away to in Ardlethan... this is it:

Our cottage from the front

I like to think it's a great example of those words real estate agents like to use, including "basic", "modest", "cosy", "simple" and "rustic". And it absolutely is all those things but its also extremely functional and comfortable (and more importantly air conditioned) so we're happy.

And from the back, looking towards the only door we ever use (as is the country way). Please also notice our small but green lawn patch, we're working on planting some more!

The view from the front (and incidentally from my office), the road is about 200m away.

And lastly the view from the back gate, of the neighbour's/landlord's paddock, hill and the scrub where many many kangaroos live

So now it's not a mystery anymore, and in 2010 I'm hoping it won't just be me visiting the place. Maybe a few others will make the trip :-)!

Shortbread bender

2009-12-17T13:17:00.000+11:00

I went a bit shortbread crazy earlier this week. I got Mum's famously simple, designed especially for a Magimix recipe last Saturday and then proceeded to make no less than 5 batches by Tuesday!

It all started with Sarah and Ralph, for whom I bought some funky biscuit jars (OXO POP containers) for Christmas but they looked ridiculous with nothing in them so the mission to make something to fill them up began, and because my Mixmaster now lives in the country my recipe options were limited. Enter shortbread!

Then once I started it was so ridiculously easy and tasted so delicious that I made some for afternoon tea at Vanessa and Matt's new place and then decided I'd make Christmas gift packs for the team at work. I was so proud of my handiwork (and good shopping to find cute bags and cards) that I just had to take a photo or two.

Voila - Christmas shortbread a la Polly! Bring on the Country Women's Association I say :)

Sandwich time...

2009-12-03T13:47:00.000+11:00

This is definitely one of my more mundane posts but it occurred to me today that every Thursday and Friday I've been working from home in the country for the past couple of months I've had exactly the same thing for lunch - and been super happy with it.

This never happens when I'm in the city, I get sick of things quickly and then the sheer volume of choice that's available creeps under my skin and tempts me to try something new - and generally the result is bogus (exhibit a = yesterday's crappy noodle box concoction from somewhere in Town Hall station). I'm sure there is a deeper psychological theory that says somewhere that greater choice actually makes people less happy than a small available selection, but I'm not the one to explore those. Or maybe it's as much about being able to make it myself, with all the ingredients fresh from the fridge, surely there's something zen about that? But all I really know is at the moment give me a couple of slices of Helga's pumpkin seed or country white bread, some pastrami or salami (fresh from Knights Meats in Wagga preferably), some Pilpel hummous, a slice of cheddar and some rocket and I'm as happy as a pig in mud - see it in all its simple glory here:

I also recommend following said sandwich with a Zooper Dooper for maximum lunch time refreshment.

style magazine: all about shampoo and conditioner - get the basics right

2009-11-26T11:01:00.001+11:00

So another three months has gone by and another edition of style is in the newsagencies of country NSW - pick a copy up if you're travelling outside of Sydney for the holidays!

However what that also means is that my beauty column has been published. It's not the most exciting one I've ever written that's for sure but tradition is tradition so here it is:

While we often espouse the value of a good hair cut it’s not often you hear people speak about the importance of shampoo and conditioner. And yet it’s on everyone’s shopping list, is in every shower and comes in a million different varieties with different price points, packaging, availability, fragrance, type and suitability. So if you’re like me and spending up to $20 a month on the stuff, perhaps it’s time we thought about what makes it good, bad or suited to you.

To understand the importance of shampoo you only have to think of your hair without it...yuk. Oily, greasy, unclean hair is my pet peeve and it and researching this topic has only indulged my obsession. With little more than a week to test some ten different brands of shampoo and conditioner I was in wash-my-hair-twice-a-day heaven!

So that establishes that shampoo is important because clean hair is important when you want to look presentable but conditioner is a bit of a different matter, it’s actually good for your hair. If you colour your hair – especially to a heavy blonde tone – conditioner is essential to keep it looking healthy and shiny. Think of conditioner as the positively charged ying to shampoo’s negatively charged yang, helping to restore the hair’s natural barrier and protect it. And it pays to spend a bit more for this protection, which brings me nicely to a common debate about shampoo and conditioner: is there a real difference between salon brands and supermarket brands? The answer is far from simple and for most people comes down to a personal choice based on price, loyalty, results and preference.

The first and most obvious difference is availability. Salon-exclusive products are those available for you to purchase only at your hairdresser’s. They should be recommended to you by a professional based on the unique needs of your hair to help you get the best results at home. Supermarket products are the broader category, also known as ‘high street’ brands, available at your local market, pharmacy and variety story. But within this category there’s a huge spectrum from the $2 own-brand specials to the elite ones we’re all familiar with like Pantene and Clairol Herbal Essences.

Then there’s the difference everyone cares about, price, and I’m afraid to say it, but you do get what you pay for. At the bargain basement end of the spectrum are the no-name brands that are so cheap because they really aren’t that effective for cleaning and protecting your hair but they are perfect if you’ve got toddlers obsessed with using your shampoo to make Barbie bubble baths! In the middle of the spectrum is where the efficacy differences become close to negligible. The elite supermarket brands do a perfectly good job if you match the right product type for your hair type are generally reasonably priced (if you can consider $7 for 350mLs reasonable). And then at the top end of town are the most expensive, and most effective, salon professional shampoo and conditioners.

When it comes to ingredients the differences between supermarket brands and salon brands are subtle at best. In theory more expensive shampoos and conditioners should use gentler chemical compounds in more concentrated amounts so you need far less product to achieve the same results, which over time actually makes them cost effective over time. Plus I should mention that for people with sensitive skin or scalps they can sometimes have a reaction to the surfactant chemicals – often sodium laurel sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate – that make shampoo lather for which organic or natural brands like Sukin and Burt’s Bees are recommended.

Truthfully in a week of testing between brands, which is I’ll admit less than the ideal scenario for a scientific and objective assessment, it’s a toss of the coin to decide between salon products and elite supermarket products. The visible differences are minimal, but I definitely was able to only use a comparatively tiny amount of salon shampoo and conditioner to achieve a result I was happy with.

Snakey and shakey

2009-11-19T12:58:00.000+11:00

Witness: Weapons of snake destruction aka the shovel and the metal snake whacker

If I ever have cause to use these it will be a very interesting time to say the least! My skills in the craft of snake whacking are zip, zero, zilch and yet I'm strangely comforted by our current weapon collection. This is all because FB just happened to find a large, contented brown snake in the backyard on Monday - happily hanging out next to our garden path. So now every opening of the back door onto the verandah is proceeded by 'Snake Check 101' which is a look to the left, a look to the right and a look to the front to make sure our new brown friend (or any of his posse) is not seeking refuge on the cool concrete near the house as temperatures climb to 40+ degrees.

Witness: Favourite snakey afternoon hang-out joints

In my wildest dreams of living a charmed country life, it really didnt occur to this naive kid that there would be a blog post like this one to be written. Let's hope this is the last snake update for a loooooooooong time.

This might be a problem

2009-11-16T13:57:00.001+11:00

So I just checked the weather forecast ahead of my trip to Ardlethan on Wednesday night to see just how hot it's going to be while I'm there and the result is this:

Thursday Nov 19
Sunny: 43 degrees (C)

Friday Nov 20
Sunny: 40 degrees (C)

Holy moly mother of WTF? I don't function particularly well much past a good 32 degrees, and I'm pretty sure the evaporative air conditioner in the house might have some trouble too. Argh!!! I thought I might get away with no 40+ days until after Christmas but, no! And might I remind you all there is no beach in Ardlethan, and no lovely Nor-Easterly breeze coming off the ocean! Can anyone say all day siesta? If you need me later in the week it might be best to call early in the morning or late at night because otherwise I'm going to be useless.

Lest we forget

2009-11-11T11:08:00.000+11:00

Image

It's my first...

2009-11-08T12:18:00.001+11:00

Harvest.

It's all business a-go-go down here at Ardlethan at the moment because harvest has started this week. It's about two weeks earlier than usual thanks to some seriously hot and dry weather in October and even though for most people in this district the crops (canola, oats, wheat, barley etc) haven't come up particularly well, again thanks to that little thing called drought, havest is well and truly on!

Outside my window here I can see the neighbour's yellow header going up and down in the paddock, tailed by a new blue tractor pulling the red chaser bin. And this morning at 8:30 I looked up from the toaster to see a big semi trailer rock up just past the back fence and take a load of grain from the mother bin (also red and attached to an old blue tractor) to deliver - I assume - to the silos in town. All of which is pretty exciting to this city-kid but no doubt boring as batshit to everyone else down here.
It seems incredible that this is the third harvest that FB and I have been together for and yet this is the first time I've actually been in the viscinity of the action (even if it's only for a few day stint). But for the other two times I kept well clear of the chaos and kept busy in Sydney, which is not a hard feat in November and December as we all know, and waited til he could take a break and come and see me. This time I'm here for the start and I'll be back in 10 days when they are (with luck) getting to the end of it. Must admit I kind of like being near to it all and getting a proper feel for how it works, not one based on the sounds I hear down the telephone line and the stories of friends who grew up on cropping properties and/or are parting of farming enterprises now.

While the work of harvest has nought to do with me, thanks to a complete lack of skill at tractor driving not to mention lack of experience, it's still interesting to witness the important role the support crews of partners, wives, siblings, mothers, fathers, kids and friends who all pitch in at this time of year plays in keeping the header moving and ensuring the grain gets out the door.

This post has turned out to be quite a long one, but in truth I've found it a bit difficult to write. I think because I'm trying hard not to sound like a complete ignorant idiot about the whole thing and yet express the excitment for me that is witnessing the very process that earns FB a living. So forgive me if I've hit the wrong note, but my feelings are very mixed up at the moment.

The Perfect Gift for a Man

2009-10-29T15:15:00.000+11:00

Some stories back in July this year came out of the #Manweek campaign and really touched my heart. Suicide is a horrible tragedy that has effected almost everyone I know, and tragically nobody does it better than men and boys from the country.

I strongly urge you to check out and buy The Perfect Gift for a Man - which is a compilation of stories about what it means to be a man .

It was the brainchild of Mark Pollard and Gavin Heaton and their way to make a difference. The results are excellent.

This is how Blurb.com desribes it:

"In Australia, young men commit suicide at more than three times the rate of women of the same age. Further, mental illness and drug and alcohol dependency is severely affecting men aged 16-24.

In mid-2009, The Inspire Foundation launched the #Manweek campaign to raise awareness of these issues. A number of Australian bloggers supported this campaign, sharing their thoughts, challenges and experiences with their readers.

Each of these stories was a gift — sometimes painful to write, always astounding to read.

They got under our skin, and as the campaign ended, the organisers felt that the campaign had only just scratched the surface.

They wanted to take these stories and share them with others — with our brothers, fathers and uncles. With our friends and families.

This book is the result. Please buy it for the men in your life.

All proceeds go to The Inspire Foundation.

We think it sounds like the perfect gift."

You can buy the printed book from Blurb.com or you can purchase the eBook version from The Perfect Gift for a Man website. ALL the profits from the book are being donated to The Inspire Foundation.

Scones

2009-10-13T12:50:00.000+11:00

Is there a dish that epitomises stereotypical country hospitality more than the humble scone? I think not. So being possessed of a desire to at least pretend to be traditional for a minute or two I baked a batch of scones last weekend in my Ardlethan kitchen (not my first batch ever but I think the first country batch in my history).

So how did I fare? Not too bad, as the photos will attest (thanks BlackBerry). Most of them are a little flatter than the ideal, except for the wonky ones so I'm surely not about to take on the CWA anytime soon but they tasted pretty damn delicious - especially when smothered in strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream - if I do say so myself. So what do you think should be next on my country baking list? Anzac biscuits? Jam roll? Shortbread? I had forgotten how much fun baking can be!!

How a four hour flight delay can mess with your head

2009-10-04T14:44:00.000+11:00

I hit a bit of a low point in my 'duality' adventures last Friday evening and it was all because my flight to Wagga Wagga was dealyed...and the delayed again...and then delayed some more...until all I was doing was staring at an LCD screen at Gate 47 of Sydney's domestic airport terminal 2 willing the loudspeaker to crackle into life.

It's these kind of times when I find it hard to justify the practicality of this existence and a loop of "it's not worth it" plays in my head. It's not rational, nor particularly fun, but when stuff like a four hour flight delay happens it's just there and I can't shake it.

Even before the delays I was perilously close to breaking point on Friday, as anyone in my office that day will tell you! I'd had a manic week at work - with two members of my three person team out at a conference and me sporting a burgeoning head cold that was being kept at bay with ignorance, panadeine and coffee - so I was always going to be a little emotional by the time it was over. And frankly I can think of a number of more pleasant ways to spend the start of a long weekend than in an airport lounge seat eating lollies, reading OK! magazine and watching Home & Away with written subtitles.

But then just as I am reaching the point of no return - I'd have cried if it wasn't so damn public - the PA system springs to life and utters the sweetest words I'd ever heard: "Ladies and gentleman, Regional Express welcomes all passengers travelling on flight ZL677 to Wagga Wagga, your flight is ready for boarding."

And all is well with the world again.

My "office" in action

2009-09-30T11:43:00.000+10:00

So here's what the "office" looked like late last week when it was in action! Note the lack of books or files on the shelves as yet, the presence of the heater - it was a bit fresh in there first thing in the morning, and the iPod dock in the corner. I also think my use of a Photoshop box as the balancing device for the webcam is most ingenious! It's back to an empty desk this week (as I tidied all the paraphenalia into drawers) but with a bit of luck it will start to look permanent in the weeks to come.

Where everybody knows your name

2009-09-28T16:16:00.001+10:00

After my first day of remote working I decided to go for a walk to clear my head - and not knowing my way around the paddocks that surround FB's house I stuck to the main drag which meant heading straight out the long driveway, turning right and walking for 800m on the main road then turning left onto the dirt road that leads to FB's parents house. I figured the main road wouldn't be that busy, but I was prepared to hug the fence line if a big truck came thundering by. What I wasn't prepared for was to be recognised!

A couple of cars zoomed past me then one came towards me at a slower pace, and being the nervous nelly I am I didnt look at the driver as it drove on by, then 50m down the road it swung around into a u-turn. My heart skipped a beat and pulling out the mobile just in case, then got over it. The car pulled up beside me so I turned and smiled and its quizzical driver asked me with a cocked head, "Are you just going for a walk?" which to my relief seemed an innocent enough question, she just seemed concerned. So I figured I should put it in context a bit, "Yes I'm just walking up towards the Mcthingy’s place", at which her face opened into a smile and she said, "Are you Polly?" and suddenly I realised you can never be anonymous for long in a country community!!

Turns out my drive-by friend was FB's landlord's wife who has been curious to meet me for months now. So she turned the car around again so it was facing the right way for her to get home again, got out, shook my hand, told me I was welcome to walk in their paddock's fire breaks (strips along the fenceline sprayed bare to prevent fires from jumping across paddocks) next time, introduced me to her daughter and invited me for tea next weekend. Which is only a little different from what happens when I go walking in Sydney - not!

And so it begins

2009-09-25T09:51:00.000+10:00

Wednesday: I drag a small suitcase full of stationery and basic clothes to the office (through the red dust I know everyone's sick of hearing about) and with a little taxi help from Kat and her sprained ankle, somehow get through a day of work then at 5pm pack up the laptop and my files and haul myself by train to the domestic airport, after delays caused by the feral weather in Sydney I arrive in Wagga and then head straight for "home" to unpack the portable office of stuff Iv'e brought with me and fall into bed.

Thursday: It's a disorienting wake up call; I'm "away" but I have to "go to work", and so does FB, this is weird! Have mild panic by 7:30pm and rush to boot up the laptop to check email, twitter, facebook, smh.com.au just so i know everything is ok back in the big smoke. Beaver away from the dining table while my resident workman assembles the flat pack desk that was only delivered yesterday, with minimal swearing impressively. Then by 10am I'm in my office, have had a failed Logitech Vid call with Carly (whoops our speakers are broken but at least we cans see each other), FB has disappeared and suddenly its very very quiet save for the odd passing car or truck 500m away on the road. Music is required pronto. Down to the important big tasks of the day, those requiring PowerPoint skills and brain power, and the time flies. In no time FB returns for lunch - how quaint - and after tea and chicken sandwiches its back to just me and the laptop. I'm starting to feel a bit isolated but am using twitter and the email to maintain a semblance of 'connectivity' when Kya calls to remind me that people still want to talk to me - hooray! It's a wagon wheel (old school) for afternoon tea and before I know the day is almost done and I'm feeling smug that I've made it through a productive day a long long long way from the normal office. After 5pm I chase what's left of the daylight and head outside to explore my new surroundings, walking towards the sunset (that Ijust had to take a photo of) and FB returning from an afternoon on fencing, the whole time marvelling at the difference two days can make!

I heart Paddington

2009-09-20T16:48:00.002+10:00

I've been a proud (and extremely lucky) Paddington resident for almost the past four years and like many people I'm pretty in love with the place. As a suburb it's really spoilt me and I now find it very very hard to imagine living anywhere in Sydney. It's actually easier for me to envisage life in Ardlethan than it is life in Sydney without Paddington.

There's a number of reasons for my love affair with Paddo:
1) Proximity to the city and the beach. 15 mins on the bus or 30 mins on foot to work is a ridiculous luxury in this sprawling city. And then on weekends its only 15 mins by car to Bondi (although looking for a parking spot may take you another 30!!).
2) Shopping. My bank balance took a significant dive when I first moved to Paddo, purely because I would wander up to Oxford St on the pretence of buying a nice loaf of bread and some juice only to return with some new shoes, a top or three and some jewellery. Dangerous! But also fabulous.
3) Pubs. There are too many great "pubby" pubs in Paddo, all within a hare's breath of each other and all fairly relaxed, laid back and serving up excellent food. Some are to be avoided on a Saturday night when the hoardes arrive from elsewhere, or after the Swans have played a home game but generally they're excellent. And best of all, I can always walk home from them.
4) Terrace houses. Paddo's architecture is unique and pretty amazing. I've always loved terrace houses (who doesnt think they're gorgeous) and now I'm lucky enough not only to live in one but live surrounded by other fabulous ones so I can spend my walks craning my neck to look in people's houses admiring the architecture.
5) Laneways. Everywhere, in four years I haven't even come close to exploring them all. Whenever I change the route of my early morning walk I discover a new hidden delight and secret shorter (or longer) route to somewhere.
6) Family. I feel at home in Paddington, as much as I do at the farm in Bathurst or at FB's place in Ardlethan. When I was born Mum and Dad lived in a terrace opposite the old Royal Women's Hospital barely 5 minutes away from me now and there we stayed until Bathurst called in1 1984, my Dad's parents lived literally just around the corner for 20 odd years and I remember visiting them lots when I was young, then Mum's parents moved here round the same time she and Dad got married and until the last few years they lived in a house across the lane from here, and this house I share with my little bro belongs to Grandad (Mum's father) who has rented it out for the past 35 years - so you can see its worked its way into my psyche.

So wherever I end up, Paddington will always have a special place in my heart and I can't wait to see how it transforms over the next 10-20-30 years.

The 4am sacrifice

2009-09-14T17:15:00.001+10:00

The last couple of times I’ve made the weekend trip to Ardlethan I’ve chosen to fly out of Wagga (back to Sydney for work) first thing on Monday morning instead of the usual Sunday night departure. The reasons for the recent switch have been a combination of wanting to squeeze that little bit of extra time in with FB, which is lovely, and also practical considerations – like a slightly cheaper flight and the fact that it takes an hour to drive to Wagga from Ardlethan so when FB has the need to visit the town on a week day (to attend a meeting or run farm errands) then it makes sense for me to book a Monday AM flight so he can get some stuff done after dropping me off. Sounds logical right? Well here’s the flip side: to make the 6:30am flight my alarm went off this morning at 4am – which is just plain yuk! Now, at the moment it’s still really very dark (and a bit cold) at that time of the morning so after getting up and organised (a bit slowly) we left the house, armed with travel mugs of tea and coffee, under a blanket of stars and hurtled towards Wagga watching the sky turn pink and the moon set. The actual getting up thing isn’t so bad, I’m a morning person anyhow, but what does happen is that by late afternoon I feel more like hopping into my PJs and getting ready for bed than being at work, which works especially marvellously if I’ve got a late meetings scheduled, pass! Then there’s the fact that by the end of the day I’m feeling pretty dishevelled, having worn the same clothes for the past 14+ hours including for 4 hours spent in car, plane, train transit. All of which makes me vow never to do the 4am sacrifice again, but then I’ll reflect tomorrow that it wasn’t really too bad and with a big thanks to my friend macchiato I’ve had a pretty productive day after all, so hey maybe it is worth it for an extra 12 hours away. Hmm, my befuddled 4am-ified brain just can’t decide.

A year ago today...

2009-09-12T13:00:00.001+10:00

I started a little blog called Duality (thanks always to Emily for thinking up the name) as a place for me to talk about whatever popped into my head and to try and describe the feeling I have of being attached to two very different places at the same time.

So it seems pretty fitting that I'm sitting here writing this from Ardlethan - on FB's laptop while he is needling lambs and I am (thankfully) sheltering inside from a wicked hot wind that is threatening to blow us all away and dry to a crisp the wheat crops outside the window - when only yesterday I was in Paddington.

Although quite a bit has changed in the last 12 months one thing is certainly the same; I am still torn between two places, but only in the best possible way!

Happiness is...a flowchart

2009-09-09T13:43:00.002+10:00

Happiness Flowchart by Mike, repeat this cycle frequently.
With thanks to Lani.

This seemed to capture a bit of the essence of what it is I'm trying to do with this city-job/country-life dream chasing thing! Or at least why I'm even considering it. We don't like to ask the direct question "Are you happy?" too often, but with a pragmatic (and amusing) approach it's not nearly so intimidating.

Quick catch-up

2009-09-07T14:25:00.004+10:00

So I've been a little manic of late and as much as I have been meaning to jump on here and write something it just hasn't happened - but rest assured that my brain works in mysterious ways and on numerous occassions over the past weeks I've fallen asleep at night writing in my head my next blog post, only to completely forget it by morning!

Instead of giving you something intelligent instead check out my weekend in Bathurst visiting the parentals (and Butch) and attending my 10 year school reunion - eek!!

Tam, Gen, Brook and Wes in the ASC dining hall!

Butch the wonderdog!

Home gate

Halli, Mic, Charissa and Andrew

Dave, Dan, me and Tim

style magazine: smells like celebrity

2009-08-17T14:19:00.006+10:00

It's been a while since I shared one of beauty pieces on here but seeing as it's out in the current (Spring) edition of the fabulous style magazine - i.e. the essential lifestyle guide for women in country and central NSW - I thought you too might like a peek at my take on celebs and their perfumes.

Smells like celebrity
A guide to the fragrances of the rich and famous

The first thing I notice when I throw myself head-first into the world of celebrity fragrances is the sheer volume. Because frankly if we are generous and consider celebrity fragrances to be those designed, endorsed, advertised, branded and promoted by an assortment of (supposedly) famous and fabulous individuals we’ve pretty much tied up the whole market. However, for the purposes of this article we’ll define celebrity fragrances as those where a celebrity lends his or her name to the product – at the very least.

In any case it’s big business. In 2006 Aussies spent $600 million on perfume, 10 percent of which is estimated to have been on perfumes of the celebrity variety. And this number has only increased in the intervening years, as it seems not a fortnight goes by without a new celebrity scent entering the market. But I’m still a sceptic and frankly surprised by the figures floating around the fragrance industry. Yes, I know we live in a media-hungry, attention-grabbing, celebrity-obsessed, 24-hour news kind of a world but do we particularly want to smell like the people whose antics flesh out our tabloids and gossip magazines? Unfortunately my basic understanding of marketing and economics puts paid to any doubts I might have, why else would major fragrance companies keep spending millions signing up celebs?

The key question then becomes, who is buying this stuff? Apparently no one I know. I took a random poll of peers (in person and on Twitter) and nobody was willing to admit they loved a celebrity scent. The best anyone would say was, “Well someone did give me a Britney Spears one once.” But then it hit me, am I too old? The answer global consumer, product and market research firm Mintel gave me was yes in a report which found celebrity fragrances have the greatest appeal among teenagers and young adults (aka not me). Celebrity fragrances were the 1990s answer to some problems the perfume industry was experiencing. The trend has allowed perfume companies (and the department stores that sell them) to counterbalance the older generation’s waning interest in fragrance by capturing and captivating a fresh, young and entirely new market.

This brings me to the psychological aspect, which centres on aspiration. It’s pretty obvious really; celebrity fragrance is an affordable, accessible way to get a taste of a perceived glamorous, successful high life. The formula doesn’t change much over time or from one luxury or beauty product to the next. In the case of perfume it’s take one famous creature, get her to think about her favourite smells, add a perfume expert, a beautiful bottle, then finish with advertising that presents it as an extension of their personality, life and general fabulousness. The dame herself, Elizabeth Taylor, did it first (and best perhaps?) in the late 1980s and since then it seems every socialite and her handbag has jumped on the bandwagon, with mixed success.

Another thing to remember is that fragrance success is no longer measured by longevity. We’re apparently no longer interested in finding a favourite and making it a classic (however sad that may be). And the numbers confirm this; in the 1950s the number of new fragrances launched in a year was 10-20 with the average market life of a product being 15-20 years where as in the 21st century there are close to 200 launches each year and a product’s market life is only 3 years. So our demand for the latest, the greatest and the most popular is what drives the success of the celebrity fragrance trend.

In any case the only thing I’ve learnt is that no matter how much you like or admire a celebrity if their perfume stinks (so to speak) no one’s going to wear it. So my only advice is the bleeding obvious – buy what you love and what suits you as individual.

Work-from-home practice

2009-08-13T08:49:00.003+10:00

So yesterday I spent a lovely day practicing my technique for working-from-home ahead of the one-day-not-too-far-away when I have to do it from a much more remote location than Paddington.

I had a radical sleep-in til 7am, rolled out of bed and into some clean clothes, strapped on the ugg boots, fired up the laptop, moved the heater from the bedroom to the study, made some tea and toast and began the day - all by 7:20am no less!

I beavered away, dashing through my emails and crossing all the boring first thing routine items of the to-do list - emails, newletters, blogs, open tweet deck and say hello to the world on Twitter - all by 8:00am. Then it was time to move onto the big project for the day - a rather large and rather unstarted proposal and presentation that needed completing by the end of the week. And with the exception of ducking down the street for a coffee (in trackpants and sneakers, attempting to look sporty rather than sloppy) I worked away quite happily all day. Taking myself offline when I needed to be extra focused then jumping back on to stay in touch with the team in Kent St.

However, by 5pm I had a bad case of cabin fever and a bit of the old-blurry eyes from loving my computer screen too much. So instead of waiting til 6:30pm when I was planning on hitting the gym I decided to take myself for a walk and managed to catch the sunset over the Harbour Bridge from Rushcutter's Bay park, lucky me. Then after a shower it was back online and back to work to fix up and review my writing from earlier in the day.

All in all a very peaceful and productive experience. So I think as long as I've got lots of work on, use the phone liberally to keep in touch with the office and to keep myself busy with genuine actions I'll be more than ok working-from-home every couple of weeks. But I will definitely need to find away to get out of the house and get moving every day, otherwise I'll be like a caged tiger by the time FB returns from his working day. No harbour-side walks down there for me to do. Anyone know a good gym or pool in Wagga?

Lessons from Ferris...with thanks to Sam de Brito

2009-08-08T20:23:00.003+10:00

Sam de Brito's All Men Are Liar's blog on Fairfax's online sites (SMH, The Age, WA Today etc) never fail to amuse me. But yesterday's struck a chord, not just because I love the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off and was sad to learn it's creator had died but because the lessons Sam pulls out of the movie and applies to life are so damn true.

For example:

You are smarter than your parents
We all know the premise of the film, right? Ferris Bueller, perennial sickie-taker, throws his ninth of the year and has an awesome day off school. You and I know Ferris is faking it at the beginning of the movie, but his parents buy it in spades mainly because of ...

The power of the reverse sell
Ferris does not pull off his scam until he tries to get out of his sick bed saying: "I have a test today." His parents dutifully push him back into the pillow, assured by his academic vigilance.
This is called the reverse sell and it means stepping back, not being too keen to push your product or services, or sometimes even withdrawing your offer to get the buyer to commit.
Works very well in bars about 9pm on a Friday.

Life is unfair
Suck it up, freaks. As Ferris says: "Please don't be upset with me, at least you have your health."

Life moves pretty fast...
... if you don't stop to look around once in a while you could miss it."
An absolute mortal lock for line of the movie. Line of your life. Get it in a tattoo and read it in the mirror every time you feel like staying home to watch Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? instead of, umm, experiencing life.

Singing in the shower should be mastered
As should shampoo mohawks.

Believe in yourself
Says Ferris: "Not that I condone fascism. Or any 'isms'. 'Isms', in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an 'ism'. He should believe in himself."
Slow clap for the second most profound line of the movie.

"You're not dying, you just can't think of anything cool to do."
Which relates to about 80 per cent of people. No imagination.
There's always someone trying to hold you back in life

Never underestimate the power of gossip
So by the time we're 12 minutes into the movie, we've got chicks saying things like: "They said he's like on the verge of death. This guy in my biology class said that if Ferris dies he's giving his eyes to Stevie Wonder."

And the list goes on...impressively. I always knew I loved that movie for a reason other than it's zany 80's quality!

The double-up list

2009-08-05T15:34:00.005+10:00

My little moleskin notebook is currently home to a burgeoning list. This list is one of all the items that I deem essential enough to double up on when I begin this country/city living in two places malarky. Just when I think I've got it all covered, I brush my teeth and have a brainwave of more items to add and let me tell you, it could easily become an expensive exercise.

To date the list of items I need in both locations (to save on travel baggage and pesky "OMG I forgot my..." angst consists of:

hair dryer
shampoo
conditioner
face wash
ventolin and seretide
paracetemol and ibuprofen
moisturiser x 3 kinds
nail clippers
clear nail polish
nail polish remover
emery board
toothpaste
electric toothbrush heads
lip gloss
powder foundation
mascara
blush
brown eyeshadow
silver earrings
black scarf
stockings
havaianas
cap
sneakers
sports sox
exercise leggings/shorts
basic singlets
black and white tees

And there must be plenty more right?? Do I have a good excuse to go shopping yet?

The office...use your imagination

2009-08-03T11:57:00.003+10:00

This lovely (if slightly nauseating) pink room with grey shaggy carpet will one day soon become my office in Ardlethan. Can't you just picture the professionalism?

Rest assured however, that it will soon be resplendent with a desk or two, some shelves, a printer, chairs and lots of lots of pictures and posters to cover the walls (because the house is rented I can't splash the paint around). Plus I think I'll add a rug to liven up the flooring too.

Find me hunting for bargains on eBay shortly!

What's news?

2009-07-28T09:07:00.003+10:00

I'm moving to the country...

I can hear the gasps through the interwebs. But stop people, I'm not really moving to the country.

What I am doing is embarking on a formalised program to begin spending more time in the place that FB calls home. This begins in September with an approximate two day per fortnight work-remotely-from-home (in a small shack 20kms from Ardlethan) arrangement my work has kindly agreed to let me experiment with.

See people, two days a fortnight. This is not moving to the middle of nowhere! Let me be clear. I will be spending the majority of my time working from my desk in Kent Street and then sleeping in my bed in Paddington.

But I do have a small confession to make...if I find the work-from-WoopWoop program (which is the office code name we have apparently given it) is not too painful, I will then attempt to organise a formal way to spend a greater proportion of my working and weekend time away from Paddington and Kent St - like maybe three or four days a week. But that's something to ponder for 2010, not yet.

And so this blog becomes the story of me trying to have my version of the best of both worlds - a city job and the country life. No doubt I will both sink and swim!

Five reasons why I'll never be "cool"

2009-07-27T09:50:00.003+10:00

I've come to terms with this myself over the past 27 years of my life and am quite happy with the truth, but I thought you guys should know (in case you hadn't yet worked it out for yourself):

I like wearing a suit to work, casual Friday is my least favourite day of the week to get dressed for - too much pressure and too many decisions required.
Staying at home on a Friday night all by myself, ordering take away and watching a DVD while I finish my ironing makes me happy.
The highlights of my weekend was making brownies to take to a friend's house to accompany Sunday afternoon tea.
I have really enjoyed being alcohol-free for a whole month for #DryJuly (only five days to go though).
Then there's the whole I like spending time in the middle-of-nowhere with farmer boy thing, even though there is no pub, club, coffee shop, restaurant or takeaway place for at least 30kms.

Searching for inspiration

2009-07-21T17:29:00.004+10:00

Just to keep you dear readers - you may be few in numbers but you're precious nonetheless - up to date on the current workings of my mind; I'm currently looking for some fresh blogging inspiration and contemplating a shift in direction. So bear with the lack of action on Duality, hopefully it will lead to something exciting.

Picture with thanks to Jeff Pedone

If you've got nothing else to say, revert to a meme

2009-07-08T13:50:00.003+10:00

Not a bad new theme for the blog this week. Is it? It's also kind of like a new age online version of the Steel Magnolia's classic "If you don't have anything nice to say about somebody, come sit by me". Which of course is also a favourite expression of mine!

So here's a meme I pinched from Hide & Neek.

What is your current obsession? Today, this afternoon, this minute my current obsession is a little gift I bought myself (happy new financial year and all that) a very pretty pink Coach wallet that is causing a sensation in my otherwise boring black handbag.
Coffee or tea? Both. I love coffee and can't live without it but there's also nothing like a cup of Twinings English Breakfast.
What’s for dinner? I have no idea. Hopefully little bro will be generous once again and have something waiting for me when I get home after 8pm tonight. Otherwise it'll be tuna on toast like last night - thrilling.
What was the last thing you bought? Um, my first answer tells you that. Bought it oh about two hours ago!
What are you listening to right now? Until 10 minutes ago I was listening to a four-way conference call, or trying to concentrate anyway. Now just the sounds of the office.
What is your favorite ice-cream flavor? Peppermint with Cookies & Cream a close second.
What is your favorite colour? Pink with green a close second.
What is your dream job? I have absolutely no idea. Pretty happy with the current one really, most days anyway.
How many times do you press the snooze button before you get up? Generally zero. But occassionally I let a couple of snoozes sneak in.

And for tag time I'd like to see some answers from Tori, Emily and Lani.

Break it up

2009-07-06T12:59:00.002+10:00

So I went away for two weeks and delightfully didn't check my email or twitter (but I will confess to a facebook sneak peek). All of which means I also haven't been switched on to Duality either. So apologies, but I was enjoying myself driving round the countryside. But normal transmission resumes from today...Aren't you lucky :)

Someone smarter than I...

2009-06-17T10:04:00.003+10:00

...Has found some clever questions, which might just be answerable.

I just couldn't resist the below Happiness in Business diagram from Bud Cadell via an old colleague Lani Pauli's blog.

Now to figure out where I fit into all this.

Maaaaate

2009-06-16T10:24:00.003+10:00

It occurred to me this morning - as I overheard one of the advertising execs that works in the office with me roll up to a waiting client (or prospect I'm not entirely sure) at reception - that the Australian male really loves the word "mate". It's like a catch-all for breeding instant familiarity and getting them out of remembering people's names all at the same time.

Nearly every male to male conversation I catch in this office begins with "Hi mate, how are you?" or "Hang on mate, I won't be a minute." or "Mate, can we get you a coffee?". But personally I'd never walk up to my clients - male or female - and address them as "mate". I do it with my friends certainly, often as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek joke, but not working colleagues. And sure I expect to overhear it in the pub, at the footy, even netball - but in the office, not so much. And now that I think about it, the males in our little PR company (which works adjunct to the advertising company) don't really go in for "mate" either.

So what is it then: a clever networking strategy, a signifier of the male-dominated world that is advertising, just a habit or an overreaction to pure coincidence on my part. Thoughts?

Questions

2009-06-15T12:35:00.002+10:00

How do you want to live?

What about your career?

What about money?

What about travel?

What are your goals?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

How important is your family?

How much change is too much change?

What price for happiness?

Sometimes it just helps to write them down. Even if the answers are nowhere to be found.

Pupdate

2009-06-12T10:39:00.004+10:00

Nino has grown a little in the past six weeks or so - and found his teeth big time - but he's still cute enough for me to go snap-happy with him!

Orchids on Wednesday

2009-06-04T09:25:00.004+10:00

Continuing my trend of posting photos of any flowers that arrive on my desk - I feel it makes them last a little longer - above are the absolutely lovely orchids I received yesterday (Wednesday). Thanks xox

Gentle men

2009-05-27T14:51:00.004+10:00

My latest favourite Aussie blogger Mia Freedman drew my attention today on her blog to an article by Fairfax journalist Adele Horin on the topic of the type of man our boys today are allowed and encouraged to be in the school yard. I highly recommend you take a look at it here.

The basic argument is that while girls have gained freedoms over the past decades that enable them to be sporty, edgy, funny, feminine and practical all at the same time, for boys the stereotype of masculinity and macho still sticks - especially in the school yard. It can be a more difficult run through school for those boys who pursue more indoor, gentle activities like reading and music (and dare I say it even computers) than it is for boys endowed with sporting prowess or practical handyman skills for example.

It made me think back to my school days. I went to a co-ed school in the country quite a few years ago now, and the majority of the boys that were my mates (and potential dates) were sporty and masculine and representative of an excellent country man stereotype - with a few notable exceptions of course. But I remember by year 11 and 12 the majority of my selected subjects' classes were awash with girls and contained only a few dedicated boys. Which was partly related to the subjects I chose - like modern history, advanced English etc.

But today's article has made me wonder a bit, because I know there were some boys at school who definitely hid their intelligence and their quieter achievers (even if just a little bit) in order to fit closer to the mould of the "traditional male". Whereas as a girl I genuinely rarely felt the need to hide any of my talents - where I had them - for me it was more than ok to try to be fairly clever and fairly sporty and I still fit in to the crowd reasonably well.

So anyway, now I'm older (and assuredly no wiser) I wonder if I am to have children down the track, and if I have gentle boys at that, whether I'll witness a similar trend to the one Adele highlighted on their behalf as they progress through school. Because at the end of the day I'd certainly try to raise them to be gentlemen - in every meaning of the word.

Home

2009-05-26T13:50:00.005+10:00

It's been almost six months since I last went "home" - that mythical place which in my mind is where I grew up and where my parents still live - the family farm north of Bathurst. I generally don't give it too much thought, I see my parents almost every two weeks because they frequent Sydney so often but there is something about the change of seasons that brings it to the front of my mind.

Winter is Sydney is marvellous, spectacular sunny skies and chilly nights, but winter in Bathurst is a real winter. It's about frosts, fog, skeletal trees, scarves, jackets, gloves and two pairs of socks.

Anyway these photos are from 'Wallum Butta' (our property name) in the autumn a few years back, so not entirely relevant, but hey indulge me! You'll get the idea. It was a wonderful place to grow up.

Never tickle a sleeping dragon

2009-05-21T10:37:00.006+10:00

A new motto for a new day...

Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

‘Never tickle a sleeping dragon’

So it's been a while since I updated but I got a great response to my motto last Monday - which for the record I'm not sure I lived up to terribly well - so I thought I try again. It's another of Jacquei's great quotes - sometimes it's nice to have librarians as friends.

This one is especially for my peeps with customers, bosses or colleagues waiting in the wings to tear them down!

Today's motto is...

2009-05-11T11:36:00.002+10:00

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

With thanks to my friend Jacquei Hicks from Sydney Uni's Curriculum Resources Library!

Sundays are for...

2009-05-10T15:55:00.005+10:00

sleeping in, or not having to set the alarm
late breakfasts that spill into lunch and must include bacon
several cups of tea and/or coffee
watching Sex & The City re-runs on Arena (Foxtel)
pulling the angora rug over my legs while sitting on the couch
not wearing high heels or make up
wandering along Oxford St or Westfield Bondi Junction, trying not to do too much damage to the credit card
day dreaming
napping
ironing for the week ahead
playing mixed netball in the evening and hearing the latest goss from the boys
reaching to the take away menus and making a lazy decision at dinner time
pretending that work doesn't exist until monday

Sundays are for being happy, taking stock of the little things and enjoying what you've got because it's all going to fade on Monday!

Remember, farmers feed us all

2009-05-07T08:51:00.003+10:00

Paul Myers, a freelance journalist and former editor of The Land plus an Australian trade commissioner in Canada wrote this article, which I've included excerpts from below. It was published by a number of Fairfax sites and really encapsulates what's happening to Australian farmers and agriculturalists today. And why we all need to remember where our food comes from!

If there's one industry in Australia that needs some decentPR, it's agriculture.There are 175,000 farmers who feed Australia and contribute significantly to global nutrition. But they have lost the hearts and minds of the people who depend on them. Their status has sunk to an all-time low, and they are now regarded, variously, as environmental vandals, cruel managers of livestock and economic opportunists.

How times and attitudes have changed. Fifty years ago farmers (or more so, graziers) were at the top of the social and economic pecking order. It was a status symbol just to belong to a farming family, or to have relatives on and connections to the land. Not now. In a world where the lines between perception and reality are blurred, all types of farming are viewed as being bad, and taking water to grow food and fibre is worse. Using fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides is untenable. The farming community seems incapable of overcoming this negativity, incapable of working out how to make a public argument that sustainable food production is a national and global necessity...

The planet has more than 6 billion people, but only enough for five. By 2050 9 billion people - the vast majority living in cities and towns - will compete for scarce food produced from less agricultural land than we have available now. Nutrition has to come from somewhere, and farms seem an obvious choice for continuing to meet that need. But the prospect of widespread food shortages does not, apparently, engender any greater understanding of the vital role of farming in the future of both the plant, and humanity...

Take, for example, the way the federal and NSW governments trashed the reputation of responsible riparian pastoralists when they bought Toorale station in western NSW last year. Government and environmental spin machines went into overdrive to convince us the purchase was necessary "to restore water flows to the Darling River". Not true. Farmers can take water from regulated rivers like the Darling only when there are certain flows and river heights downstream. They can't, and don't, take water when there isn't enough. Until recent rain, little water had been extracted by Toorale or nearby properties for years...

Toorale is to become a national park, and will not be cared for like a private property. Within a few years it will be overrun by weeds and feral animals, to the detriment of the property, the neighbours and everyone. The property has been taken out of production to satisfy an agenda that doesn't pass scrutiny. It was a $24 million stunt. But it may be the policy blueprint for future food and fibre production and, as such, is an ominous signal that producers will ignore at their peril...

Farmers will lose this battle if they don't take the initiative and sell it to the people they feed. The world will lose. We need it to eat, prosper and survive. Extreme views about agriculture are biting farmers hard, but losing control of the food production imperative will be disastrous for everyone. Farmers may have lost some battles, but the planet can't afford them to lose the war.

New puppy

2009-05-05T10:15:00.007+10:00

Meet Nino - the latest addition to FB's troop of kelpie work dogs. Still very much "in training" aka eating, sleeping and pooping everywhere at just seven weeks old but too cute not to share with you!

2009-05-04T09:09:00.004+10:00

I found this fabulous little picture doing a random Google Image search - it's from a blog called Afterlife.

Support

2009-05-01T10:48:00.003+10:00

Who do you count on for support? I think I’m pretty lucky to have people in my life that are indiscriminately, unstoppably supportive of me. Yes, they are always looking out for me and checking that my best interests are met but when it comes down to it they’re just there – right where I need them to be.

Support is anything from lending a listening ear when I’ve turned up at a party wearing the same outfit as someone who everyone thinks I hate; a hearty “here here” when I need to moan about something that is driving me to distraction; an interfering squeeze of the hand or supportive look across the table when my lower lip is trembling with emotion; total acceptance of me at my most toxic and my best; and not (vocally) questioning my judgement when I’ve dared to try something different.

Supportive people bolster me against my own self-esteem demons and others who intentionally or inadvertently drag me down. At the end of the day, most people look out for #1 above all else – and I’m certainly guilty of that too – but I love just knowing that there are actually 3 or 4 people in the world who put will put me in that position at the drop of a hat. And I do the same for them. That’s the other thing about support you see, you can’t be all take and no give or you might just use up your quota.

Colorblind

2009-04-30T11:12:00.003+10:00

Forgive the US spelling of the title but it's officially correct after all. This song is ridiculously old now but will always be one of my favourites. For a long time as a uni student I had the lyrics up in my room because even without the music they're pretty poignant. Or maybe I was just trying to give the impression I was deep and meaningful. Nonetheless Counting Crows - Colorblind is a fabulous track that was in my head when I woke this morning, it always happens on grey days when I find I need to be reminded that "I am fine". So even though the sun is peeking through now in Sydney-town here it is:

I am color...blind
Coffee black and egg white
Pull me out from inside
I am ready
I am ready
I am ready
I am...taffy stuck, tongue tied
Stuttered shook and uptight
Pull me out from inside
I am ready
I am ready
I am ready
I am...fine
I am covered in skin
No one gets to come in
Pull me out from inside
I am folded,
and unfolded,
and unfolding
I am...colorblind
Coffee black and egg white
Pull me out from inside
I am ready
I am ready
I am ready
I am...fine
I am.... fine
I am fine

Bad blogger

2009-04-28T13:47:00.004+10:00

Work priorities and little southern travel over the weekend has left me reeling at the sight of my to-do list! To the point where I'm sporting a long list of items designated this Saturday - I hate when that happens.
So once again, you dear friends are the first to suffer. But fear not, I still love you! Just not enough to think of something interesting to say :)
I promise to come up with something more exciting that 'what I had for lunch today' which is about as creative as I can be today!
Pol

Three things you may not know about me

2009-04-20T10:10:00.009+10:00

1) I was a complete scardey cat as a child, especially when it came to movies (and if I'm completely honest I still am). The evil queen from Disney's Snow White scared the pants off me when I saw her at the movies as a five year old. And she gave me nightmares for weeks! I likewise had to leave the theatre half way through Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade at the age of eight (or thereabouts) because I was terrified.

2) Every boy I have ever "dated" drove a ute - the most Australian of vehicles - which is a pretty frightening indication of my taste in men! I will also confess that when I was 17 part of me wanted my own ute, but I am very very thankful I grew out of that idea quickly.

3) I love the crappy shows on Foxtel's E! channel - like Girls of the Playboy Mansion, Keeping Up With the Kardashians and especially E! True Hollywood Story. I know they're totally fake, American and ridiculous but there's nothing better than zoning out on a Sunday morning half-watching them and half-reading the paper or ironing.

PS: Em tagged me for this early last week and I've been a total slacker getting on to it!!

Feminism is...

2009-04-14T14:30:00.005+10:00

Thanks Em for copying Sam de Brito's words from Sunday's Sun Herald and his reiteration of this important point:

"Feminism is the belief that women should have equal political, social, sexual, intellectual and economic rights to men"

Frankly it's about time we remembered it's a truth relevant to everybody and that it has nought to do with the length of your skirt, the height of your heels or the status of your armpit hair!

Easter - my way

2009-04-14T14:10:00.004+10:00

1) I saw a movie...2) I ate one (or maybe more) of these....

3) I ate, drank, danced and was merry at Jess and Joe's wedding....

4) I might have done an Easter bunny impersonation at Slip Inn

No mines on Liverpool Plains - another great reason

2009-04-09T09:35:00.005+10:00

Not only is it Australia's food bowl, it's also this little fellas home!

Polly-ology: meme time

2009-04-08T11:19:00.006+10:00

So I've been tagged for another meme - and just in the nick of time - my creative brain is dying a death these past few weeks and blog posts topic ideas have been few and far between (as you readers will no doubt have appreciated - not).

So thanks Em for this one - even if it is as you say "a bit of a cop out".

1) What is your salad dressing of choice? Balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
2) What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Bistro Moncur - I returned to its warm glow last Sunday night and I still love love love it!
3) What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of? Hmm, I think I'd get sick of everything after two weeks.
4) What are your pizza toppings of choice? garlic prawns, roasted capsicum, chilli flakes and maybe some pepperoni or salami
5) What do you like to put on your toast? Turkish bread toast must be eaten with butter and honey while regular toast with peanut butter is a fabulous hang over cure.
6) How many televisions are in your house? 2
7) What color cell phone do you have? Black
8) Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
9) Have you ever had anything removed from your body? 3 wisdom teeth (only had 3 in total, never grew a fourth)
10) What is the last heavy item you lifted? The bag I carried from the pool to work this morning full of wet towel and sneakers was pretty heavy.
11) Have you ever been knocked unconscious? Nope
12) If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? I think not, it would be too hard to say goodbye
13) If you could change your name, what would you change it to? When I was kid I really wanted to change my name to Blanche (like the character from the Golden Girls) but now I'm very glad I never took that seriously!
14) Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Probably, if there were appropriate relief aids nearby e.g milk.
15) How many pairs of flip flops do you own? At least 6 pairs of Havianas and then 4 pairs of "dressy" flip flops - or thongs as we Aussies like to call them.
16) What is/are your goal/s for the year? Is to hold on to my job. Too banal I know - damn GFC! There's another one too but I'm keeping that close to my chest.
17) Last person you talked to? Carly about the Kinetics website backend reporting function. Thrilling ain't it
18) Last person you hugged? It has to have been Farmer Boy on Monday morning.
19) Favorite Season? Autumn - love the leaves changing colour, the beginning of bundling yourself up in layers and the end of Sydney humidity
20) Favorite Holiday? South Australia and Victoria road trip this past December and January was excellent. A little bit of everything. But I tend to think your last holiday always seems like the best. Doing a surfing safari from Sydney to Byron with Croc and Jo Jo in 2006 was definitely one for the record books too!
21) Favorite day of the week? Friday
22) Favorite Month? Never really thought about it. September is always nice though
23) First place you went this morning? The pool at Cook and Phillip Park in Sydney (or the bus-stop to the pool if you want to be more accurate)
24) What's the last movie you saw? I watched The Dark Knight for the first time a few weeks ago, I am shameful at keeping up to date with movies
25) Do you smile often? Not as often as I should
26) Do you always answer your phone? 95 percent of the time
27) It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? Hopefully no one, it worries me getting those late night calls and messages.
28) If you could change your eye color what would it be? Green - just cool and unusual
29) What flavor drink do you get at Sonic? What the hell is Sonic? Is it an English nightclub?
30) Have you ever had a pet fish? Nope never, hate goldfish
31) Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night
32) What's on your wish list for your birthday? A nice day with people I love, can't think of anything dreadfully materialistic yet but rest assured I'll get there by next January!
33) Can you do push ups? Only girly ones which so dont count
34) Can you do chin ups? Absolutely not
35) Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited
36) Do you have any saved texts? Yes, quite a collection
37) Ever in a car wreck? A very minor rear-ending - my fault entirely
38) Do you have an accent? "Strayan" - I am an Aussie after all!
39) What is the last song to make you cry? Truly I can't remember but it happens quite regularly, especially when I'm driving which is rather inconvenient
40) Plans tonight? Stocking up on groceries for the long weekend, cooking spaghetti and maybe a glass of vino
41) Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? In hindsight, I realise I've been nowhere near rock bottom but have had some times when things have seemed pretty low
42) Name 3 things you bought yesterday. A tie, a cookbook (both presents) and a ticket to park at Sydney Uni
43) Have you ever been given roses? Yes. I'm rather opposed to roses, especially red ones they make me want to puke. White and pink ones are fine.
44) Current hate right now? Nothing worthy of "hate" lots of petty annoyances
45) Met someone who changed your life? Absolutely, lots of them
46) How did you bring in the New Year? In the Barossa with a glass or three of Two Hands Brave Faces red - delicious
47) What song represents you? My favourite song in the world is Bruce Springsteen singing "If I Should Fall Behind" Live in Dublin with his wife Patti Scialfa and the Sessions Band
48) Name three people who might complete this? Beats me, most of the people who read this gave me the idea for this! But I challenge the rest
49) What were you doing 12 AM last night? Lying in bed, most likely sleeping.
50) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Whether or not I really should get out of bed and go for a swim, the answer was yes

Crop dusting

2009-04-07T14:35:00.003+10:00

Did you know they still did this? I surely didn't until last September when I was sent this photo. Must be a bit of dying profession crop duster pilot. Pretty crazy how low to the crop they get (and incidentally how close to the power lines). I can't remember what the canola was actually being "dusted" for though, whoops!

PS - one of my more random posts I know but hey, why not?

If it makes you happy

2009-04-02T16:19:00.005+11:00

I have taken a little bit of inspiration this afternoon from office-buddy and (to be honest) the purveyor of far more original ideas than I, the oft-quoted Emily , for this particular post topic. And I will confess a little inspiration for the title from Sheryl Crow!

Anyhow, Emily wrote a fine piece on the power of positivity, her own optimistic outlook and the fact that she makes a conscious effort to concentrate on the good things, especially in writing. So I thought as a little optimism trip and to distract myself from the humdrum of this afternoon's to-do list I'd compile a quick five list of some of the things that make me happy:

Planning a long weekend away in Byron Bay
When old tunes like John Mellancamp's Jack and Diane pop up on shuffle and surprise me
When being the PR person means you're up close and personal with someone and/or something truly inspirational (which happens just often enough to keep most of us going)
Jumping into a bed with crisp clean sheets
Walking down the steps of a little Rex plane at Wagga Airport knowing that FB is behind the glass waiting for me

Stay tuned as I predict more posts like this to come, it's been very therapeutic!

Proof

2009-03-30T14:09:00.004+11:00

See it's true, I really do play in a maroon skirt!

And no I'm not standing perversely close to my own team-mate, that's Ali I'm defending and while we share the same club we're in competing A-grade teams. But it sure does get confusing when we play each other!

PS - how good is my on-court hairstyle?

PPS - this is a 2008 photo but you get the idea

Symptoms

2009-03-30T13:28:00.003+11:00

On Sunday morning I had:

a sun burn line at the very top of my forehead (my hairline)
a large-ish graze/bruise on my right shin
a fatter than usual right ankle
a blister on the inside of either foot
two velcro and lace-up ankle guards tied together in a disorganised knot
very smelly socks in my washing basket
less grip on my new sneakers
a fairly sizeable headache

So what are these symptoms the result of you ask? Why netball of course!

The winter season of Inner West Netball Association at Concord's Cintra Park began last Saturday afternoon. For me this means a return to the Shammies, a return to the maroon pleated netball skirt and accompanying scungies (no idea how to spell that word, pretty sure it's jargon only a netballer would understand), a return to the hard asphalt courts and a return to the above symptoms on Sunday mornings.

Although I will admit number 8) wasn't so much the result of the netball game itself but rather the club's New Players Night at The Alfred afterwards!

And as much as I might complain, I wouldn't trade it for the world. You can't beat the real thing and outdoor netball in skirts will always be the real deal for me!

Days like this...

2009-03-24T14:37:00.005+11:00

This is just too cute! Thanks Love You Big for pointing me in its direction. The artwork is from Rifle - Anna Bond, an illustrator and designer from Orlando.

And today's song that won't go away is...

2009-03-19T11:25:00.005+11:00

Coldplay - Fix You

And I didn't even go to their concert/s last week! Nor do I even particularly like Coldplay but this song is rather haunting and poigant. Nonetheless I woke up with it in my head and it wont go away. In particular the line "Lights will guide you home..." over and over again. Which could have something to do with being a little over tired, more than a little drugged up on paracetamol and missing someone.

So in continuation of my latest blog trend, herwith the lyrics to Fix You.

When you try your best, but you don't succeed

When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace

When you love someone but it goes to waste

Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home,

And ignite your bones,

And I will try to fix you,

High up above or down below

When you're too in love to let it go

But if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home,

And ignite your bones,

And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

Tears stream down your face

And I

Tears stream down your face

I promise you I will learn from my mistakes

Tears stream down your face

And I..............................

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Super Choc Cake

2009-03-16T12:55:00.003+11:00

Super Choc Cake is a note stuffed in the back pages of my Mum's book of handwritten and hotch-potch recipes. It's been there as long as I can remember and I have a vague recollection of it having been passed to Mum by Grandma (Dad's Mum and the Johnson family queen of baking).

It is also the easiest recipe in the world. This post is not about me showing off my cooking skills, far from it! In fact it will reveal to you just how much I like to cheat and always take the easy route. Super Choc Cake is a recipe I made as a primary school kid for friends' birthday parties, to cure school holiday boredom and whenever Dad and my brother complained about a lack of dessert in the house. It was my signature for many years but I haven't attempted it for the last 10 - I think it got lost to late teenager past-times, share houses and the like.

However I reprised the recipe yesterday to make a cuppa with Miss Mel a little more festive and it turns out the recipe is still as easy and fool proof as ever? So here it is - my very basic version of a chocolate cake - you can expect it appearing at a party near you shortly!

Super Choc Cake by 3 generations of P. Johnson

1 cup self raising flour
1 cup sugar (white)
2 tablespoons cocoa
3 eggs
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/2 cup milk

Mix dry ingredients together. Add in eggs, butter and milk. Beat (with a mix master) on high for 3 minutes exactly. Poor into lined/greased cake tin. Shove in preheated moderate oven (say 180 degrees celcius) for 30mins.

Serve with icing sugar on top (thickened cream and raspberries are optional).

Josh Pyke - song of the week

2009-03-15T09:06:00.004+11:00

So I went to Josh Pyke at The Metro last night - that's right folks he didn't just play Sound Relief! And it was a pretty cool show with a very excited and enthusiastic crowd!!

In anticipation of this concert I've had Make You Happy in my head for the best part of a week and it's still there after last night! And as much as I love it (which is apparently nothing in comparison to the love Emily's friend Erin has for the song, she has it pegged for her wedding dance) I think it's a wise idea to try and expunge it from my head. So here goes, hum along and imagine yourself driving around the harbour in a guitar-shaped boat!

Josh Pyke - Make You Happy (from Chimney's Afire)

Every now and then

I get a little too close

To a kind of truth that’s not worth thinking about

But you can’t stop the mind from wandering

You’ve gotta slow it down

Maybe get yourself under control

And it’s hard to stop the pondering

And there have been points when

I feel like I’ve been on a roll

But then those curtains get drawn

And the chances that you thought you had

They really come to nothing at all

And I have no need

For such things

But to make you happy

Does it make you happy?

And I’ve busted strings on this guitar

Makes me feel like I’m getting nowhere
Could you make me happy?

And if you keep me on your right

Could I keep you on my left?

And there’s a question on your lips

On your finger tips

Stabbing in the dark

Like you’re cut, cut,

Cutting your fringe back

But it’s grown out at such an angle

That the shears aren’t sharp

You’ve got to straight, straight,

Straighten the blades up

And if I could make it easier

I would always try to make it easier

But to be a cautious operator

Is the way to

Stop this falling apart

And I have no need
For such things
But to make you happy
Does it make you happy?

And I’ve busted strings on this guitar
Makes me feel like I’m getting nowhere
Could you make me happy?

And I have no need

For such things

But to make you happy

Make you happy
Does it make you happy?

Does it make you happy?

And if you keep me on your right
Could I keep you on my left?

An apology of sorts

2009-03-09T11:29:00.003+11:00

Life and work has kicked itself into top gear in the past week or so and I've responded by being very slack with the blog posts! But I wanted to quickly apologise and let you know you're on my mind, even if my fingers arent walking across the keyboard here often enough for you to feel loved.
Here's hoping that this weekend coming will be slightly less hectic than the last and that once dear Emily returns to Kinetics from the Australian red centre next week my workload will resume normal programming, or something close to it. Have a good week!

Song of the day

2009-03-04T18:18:00.003+11:00

I wish you were here – Incubus

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind, pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy
Happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were... here

I lay my head onto the sand
The sky resembles a back-lit canopy with holes punched in it
I'm counting UFO's, I signal them with my lighter
And in this moment I am happy
Happy

I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were... here
Wish you were here

The world's a rollercoaster
And I am not strapped in
Maybe I should hold with care
But my hands are busy in the air
Sayin

I wish you were here
I wish you were...
I wish you were here
I wish you were here
I wish you were... here
Wish you were here

Plug: shoot the messenger

2009-03-03T17:26:00.004+11:00

Kinetics last week launched it's official blog Shoot the Messenger and the team are putting up their thoughts and ideas as we speak. I'm totally biased of course but I think it's rather hysterical! Follow us along the blogging journey and see how we fare...

Small change

2009-02-26T09:24:00.003+11:00

Those of you who don't know what I look like probably don't give a toss about the colour/style of my hair but hey I got quite a bit chopped off last night and went a few shades darker than usual (I'm normally blonde-ish) so thought I'd share. Because if you can't use your own blog to be shamelessly self-indulgent what can you use? Am quite happy with it so far, after 10 years of being almost exactly the same colour the past 18 months of trying new things has been quite exciting! The jury is still out on Mr John Deere's reaction though. You see another strange side-effect of a long-distance relationship is that he gets to hear about my hair changes over the phone and get subsequently disturbed by my lack of ability to accurate describe colours etc.