Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to vote we go ♪ ♬♬

I think I’m doing this election in reverse. From the moment they called this one, I’ve been exhausted by it, and have tried to block it out as much as possible. However, now that it’s just ‘one more sleep,’ I’m actually excited. Gillard and Abbott are so busy trying to amaze us with their personalities that it has become quite hypnotic. I’m sure they’re both promising the same things, so does it matter which one lands the top job?


Adding to the excitement is the knowledge that after 20 years of moving all over the country, I’ve finally managed to be in an electorate that’s rated ‘marginal.’ My vote might actually make a difference! In fact, this will be the first time there’s actually a possibility that our sitting member might be ousted. We’ve had Peter Costello, who retired on his own terms, while Simon Crean and Bob Katter are both still going strong… Ahh, Bob I miss you. Every pollie we’ve had since has been utterly dull in comparison…

When I was at school, I was quite horrified to learn that voting was compulsory in Australia, but now I’m glad it is. It didn’t take me long at all to work out the value of the vote, and how lucky we are to be able to peacefully choose our own government. Besides, the weather’s so miserable right now, I can imagine being too lazy to leave my heater, rug and armchair in order to hit the polling booth!

And that's the only certainty. Will it be Liberal? Will it be Labor? I don't know, but it will be arctic!

Small acts of kindness

This week, Libby sent me a friendship book, Kelly lent me two movies she thought would enrich my life, a student gave me a homemade pot of rhubarb jam, and an anonymous donor put chocolates in my pigeon hole.

The book, the DVDs and the chocolates were no doubt sent my way to cheer me up in what has been a difficult time. And it worked. It’s impossible not to feel loved when someone has taken a moment to think about you and send some kindness your way.

Belinda’s jam was a lovely thought – and a lovely enhancement on the ‘apple for the teacher.’ She made it herself and brought me a pot when I said I’d never tried rhubarb jam. I have now. It was delicious!

It’s the small acts of kindness that bring joy to our lives. They brighten a tough day and fill our souls with light and sparkle. They make us smile. They make us dance on the inside. They can bring tears to our eyes.

My own ‘acts of kindness’ do happen, although this week, they are probably more about responsibility: I volunteered to help out at my sons’ school BBQ on election day; I made cupcakes with my 8 year old in his quest to learn to cook; and, I arranged to babysit a six year old so his parents can have a day out…

I’ve had weeks where the list is better! Perhaps, that should be my focus for the coming week – random acts of kindness!

And now, let me finish with a quote from my new book - thanks Libster!

Good friends are good for your health.

Behold – Beef and Mushroom Pot Pie

Coming back to one income has turned visits to the supermarket into an adventure. We’ve made a pact that our evening meals will cost less than $10 to feed the four of us. We’ve become menu planners and list makers as we set out to use every ingredient we buy. No waste for us!


Simon has taken this as a sign he can release his inner-Masterchef and is trawling through the recipe books with great enthusiasm. We haven’t had the same meal twice and it’s all been amazing. We’re actually eating a lot better than we normally do – which is probably not going to be good for the waistline. I’m definitely going to need to exercise!

Yesterday - pot pie; today - chicken schnitzel with sweet and sour cabbage; tomorrow - ???

A merging nightmare

Well, I've been worried about it for years and, last night, it finally happened.

On my way home from work, I have to merge lanes in a tricky spot - at the top of a steep hill and sharp bend. Visibility is low! Normally, the merging is pretty simple as most people seem to do the right thing and watch out for traffic.

However, at least once a week, I see someone who decides they don't just want to merge into the nearest lane, but who wishes to dart across both oncoming lanes and then into a nearby right turning lane. In peak hour, this manouevre is close to impossible. So, the merging car decides to stop and wait till both lanes are clear. Yes, they stop in a merging lane at the top of a steep hill and sharp bend. Low visibility. Cars everywhere.

On my way home from work last night, I rounded the bend to find a car stopped in the merging lane. So, I stopped and hoped for the best. Not this time. The two cars behind me didn't react so quickly and we had our own mini-domino fest. Crunch!

While the three of us limped to the side of the road, swapped names and addresses, called police and tow trucks, gave accident statements, and blew into breathalysers, our stopped motorist had found that elusive gap and taken off home. He/she was most probably clueless to the damage caused by his/her decision.

The three of us are now going to spend the next few weeks filling out insurance forms, arranging for repairs and organising alternative transport.

But no such inconveniences for our (non) merging friend. No doubt, this motorist will continue to stop in that merging lane when traffic is heavy. Why change a bad habit just for the safety of others? Their life hasn't been disrupted.

But ours has. Imagine if that driver had merged correctly and had been prepared to drive a few hundred yards up the road to the next right turn lane. It would have taken a few extra minutes and everyone would have made it home safe and sound.

I'm trying not to sound cranky. I know how lucky the three of us were to be standing by the roadside uninjured. Ironically, my car doesn't even look as though it's been in an accident - you have to lie on the ground and look underneath to see how bent it is! I'm very grateful that this was essentially a minor accident.

But really, couldn't people take a little more care on the roads? Couldn't they think a little more about the safety of others? Sometimes we forget about the duty of care we owe to others - and to our own loved ones. Next time, the end result might not be quite so positive.