One Ro, Many Roads

Hi Peeps, This blog is not about COVID or panic buying, it is about that dreaded feeling you get when you reach into the toilet paper dispenser and you come back with nothing! Yip, zilch, nada. This actually happened to me 3 minutes ago. I am in one of the most prestigious hotels in Brisbane (hint it is right on the river and starts with S). I have a work function to attend and thought I will use the restroom before it starts. Thankfully it was just number ones 😉. But whilst I am sitting there thinking what I should I do, I think this should not be happening in a hotel of this standard. Thoughts of a trip to Singapore popped into my head. This would never happen at Raffles or in The Fairmount in Seoul, Korea. Caught, literally, with my pants down, I prayed I have a tissue in my bag. It is a bag I rarely use so I was not hopeful. Bingo!! I scored. I was so happy. I did not have to do the crazy game of dashing to the next cubicle and hope I did not get caught. There was no one else in t...

Hi Peeps, Put your hand up if you have a specific work meeting you dread. 🙌 That is a two hander from me. In my workplace, it is the all staff meeting that is held once a term and runs until 5pm at night. See most teachers usually leave by 3:30pm, so 5pm is late for us. We generally start work around 7am - 7:30am so don't give me the usually BS about teachers only working school hours. (And if you mention the amazing holidays I will put a curse on your first born). All day, a dark cloud hovers over the school, it has been looming for a week and today it arrives. Staff see each other and say are you looking forward to tonight? Knowing you want to stab yourself in the eye with a fork before going to this meeting. Everyone sees -who was brave or stupid - and called in sick. They don't have to come but have to make the time up another time. They have already made the time up 10 x over because remember we only get paid for 5 hours and work a 7-8 hour day. The Boss provides some foo...

Hi Peeps, Expectation is this word. The definition of this word from the Oxford Dictionary of English - Over the last few years, I have been told by a few people (yes, men), that I should have no expectations. I find this very confusing. Why should I not expect certain levels of commitment? Let delve into this further. Reasons for Having Expectations in a Romantic Relationship Clear Communication: Because “I’m fine” rarely means “I’m fine,” so having expectations helps them know when to bring chocolate. Motivation: You expect them to plan date nights, which means you don’t end up spending another weekend sitting st home waiting for a call or text. . Accountability: When they promise to take out the bins, it’s not a vague suggestion—it’s a sacred vow. Trust Building: If they consistently show up on time, you know they’re trustworthy (and not just lost again without Google Maps). Avoiding Mind Reading: Because despite your hopes, they still can’t magically know you need a cup of tea the ...

Dear Peeps, I was lucky to spend two nights at FV Peppers, in Fortitude Valley (FV). For those of you who don't know , The Valley is very close to Brisbane City Centre and is the night club precinct. A girlfriend and I shared the cost of the room for one night and as a treat to myself, I had the first night on my own. FV Peppers is amazing. Worth every penny to spoil yourself. You can hire out the private spa room or go to the roof top pool and spa. I took myself on a date to the spa room and just enjoyed the water and view. Here are some photos of some iconic buildings in Brunswick Street Mall. On the Saturday, we went to Enigma, which is a night club. It holds an over 30s disco every few months from 3 - 8pm, playing 80s and 90s music. We had a blast. We wore our sparkles and danced the night away. The other regular site in FV is homeless people. My grandfather always advised me to give food to the homeless, never money. If that is right or wrong I don't know. I spoke to Jazz,...

Hi Peeps, Please note there are triggers in this story. I mention sexual abuse. Please stop reading if this is a trigger for you. A few weeks ago I mentioned I have been undertaking Somatic Experience (SE) therapy. This therapy has been so helpful for me as part of the many other things I do to try and heal. Most of my anxiety and depression is held in my body. I would be constantly telling the GP about the physical sensations I have. The pins and needles in certain parts of my body, the knotted muscles, the soreness - I felt like they ignored this. The medication did not help these symptoms so I started to investigate. A few years back, I came across some somatic therapy information, it made sense to me. However, like anything it is another cost and when you are raising 3 kids with limited financial support from your ex you put them first. At the end of 2024, I came across a local Somatic Experience therapist. He popped up on Facebook. Yes, this time I lis...

 Dear Peeps, I have so many amazing people in my life, I just have to share them. I will write a series on them but in no particular order. As in the first one is not my most favourite, it is they are amazing and I need to acknowledge them. I love them all. Today, I am going to talk about 🌞. The back story is I used to work 🌞 when I worked in a Admin Management role for a Hospital. 🌞 was in the same office.  🌞 is one of those people who are just so positive even when the chips are down. She taught me to like hugs (I am not a hugger so that is huge for me). I love 🌞. 🌞 and I started a staff wellbeing group at this Hospital. Once a month we used to run a challenge or event and ask all the staff to attend. We did push up challenges, plank challenges, Melbourne Cup hat competitions and many other fun things. However, when I left to go to be a teacher 🌞 stepped up the program and started an annual fun run called the  Reddy Fun Run  .  This run/walk raises...

Dear Peeps, You all will have your own opinion on this but for me it is being a parent. Please notice the present tense as once you have a child, this job never stops. As you know S&P were amazing parents (I thank the universe daily for them). I was lucky to have such great role models, and also see some other great parents like S&G, my childhood BFF's parents 👩‍❤️‍👨. These are the people I modelled my parenting style from. I was 24, when I had my first child - beautiful little boy 🐒. I do want to acknowledge, I had a miscarriage prior so he was not my first pregnancy. He was the first grandchild and great grandchild on my Dad's side. He was so welcomed and so loved. Then 18 months later I gave birth to identical twin girls 🐒🐒. My son was only 10 months old when I found out I was having twins. I laughed hysterically when I found out I was having twins. Only a parent will understand why. I was determined to be a great Mum and with the help of my ex husband we made a...