I went to a new cafe today for coffee and whilst I grumbled at the $3.50 price tag I have to admit that the presentation won me over and the fact that it gave me a subject to write a blog about.
I am always hesitant when it comes to trying out new places for coffee and by that I mean the actual coffee not just the environment, because I am very fussy with my coffee.
Getting myself comfortable and set up for the next 20 minutes or so included moving my small coffee table to the left and my chair facing the passing pedestrians. Soon enough my beverage arrived and I was pleasantly taken aback. I had a fancy cup sitting atop a rectangular shaped saucer. Alongside it was a piece of biscotti and an individual sugar jar. Absolutely lovely it was, given that I was not sitting in Versace Conservatory but at a non-descript cafe at Southbank. However, I do think that 5 sugar sachets plus 2 equal sachets is more than sufficient for one small cup of coffee. The milk looked suitably thick and creamy and had a lovely looking swirly pattern on top, but swirls do not impress me, taste does.
The cup was an eye-catcher in that it had a lop-sided rim and a very roomy handle for me to rest my fingers in without being squished. Now if you think about a hug mug from Max Brenner’s Chocolate House and then add a handle, you have the cup that I was drinking from.
BUT WAIT – something is not right! Whatever could be wrong Tracey, you say? Well let me tell you! This cup was made for a RIGHT HANDER! Bah! How can you tell Tracey? Oh, I can tell, we can all tell!! I wanted to ask my waiter if they had any left handed cups but I refrained as I did not want to deal with the negative answer or the look of “are you for real?”. I hadn’t even touched the cup or put it to my lips for a sip and I knew. The lop-sided rim just screamed out to me, “I am made for a right hander, come on leftie, show me what ya got!” Oh my goodness, how will I manage?
Well, I lifted the cup in my right hand with great confidence and took a sip. Very comfy! As I went for the second sip I couldn’t help myself I had to switch hands, no matter how uncomfortable, no matter how much dribbling was about to occur, I had to defy the right handed domination of the world and prove that I could drink from that cup with my left hand. Okay so I used two hands!
As a child learning to write I was never told to use my right hand. Oh, we have trouble writing because we smudge everything but honestly, that just comes down to the pen that is in use – no? I don’t remember thinking too much about being left handed until I got to high school and our PE classes. We often played cricket or softball which caused me a little bit of confusion in that I never could remember which way to stand and hold the bat. I think I could bat both ways (pun not intended - is there a pun when I am straight?). I was actually quite good at cricket and had to retire one day to let others have a go! For the record I bat right handed and use a tennis racket in my left hand.
Eating is an interesting event. I put my fork in my left hand and knife in my right. This makes me a right hander. My sister is a right hander but uses her fork in her right hand and knife in her left. There is no reason for this, it has just happened naturally. She does look a bit weird, I must say!
Using a ladle is always awkward as the spout is placed for a right hander. Serving soup can result in spillage. Can openers are never easy but they are not as big a culprit as some, although I think in general they are horrid kitchen items. At the end of the day the worst offender and most evil of all kitchen utensils or multi-purpose item are the......SCISSORS!
For a left hander, using right handed scissors hurt. A lot! There is no escaping this pain. Full stop! Well if it’s such a problem why don’t you buy some left handed scissors then?? $16.40 is the reason why thank you very much! From the left handed store I could buy all sorts of goodies and I am here to give you an insight:
There are computer keyboards with the numeric keypad on the left side; boomerangs and cameras; knives and forks; come on, you can’t have a left-handed knife without a partner;
There are plastic rulers for a cool $3.30 for those who read backwards! Apparently it's not just the Chinese.
Best selling multi-purpose scissors - $16.40
Basic steel tin opener - $9.40 ooh yes these hurt too.
Pencil Sharpeners - $7.00 because we find them so difficult to use, we really are a bit useless!
According to Wikipedia, 90-93% of the population is right handed. Left handedness occurs more frequently in those who have neurological disorders – such as those with “mental retardation”. Ah, yes I can hear you laugh from miles away! In many languages “left” symbolises clumsiness (I think that is just because right handers haven’t got a clue). Even my own country, Scotland, believes this and uses the term “corrie fistit”. Other lovely names we get called are “Southpaw” originating from baseball; “Cacky-handed” of Latin or Norse origins; and “Mollydooker” from Australia. From another site we are more "creative but forgetful". Well, I beg to differ there! Yes, I am creative, but forgetful? Well, no more than a right hander!!!!!
Another site dedicated to left handers promotes “annual left handed day”, and “left hander of the year”. The top 2 retail items are scissors and a pen! A pen!
There is a bond between left handers that I am sure you right handers don’t have and you know it. I hear right handers say to me “oh you’re a left hander” all the time and I really do wonder why they feel the need to point it out to me. I already know! What do you want me to say in response? Um, “Yes, I am.” Alright left handers do say it too but that’s because we are bonding as a minority.
When have you ever heard someone say “oh you’re a right hander!”
You haven’t!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Can You Keep A Secret?
When a conversation starts with someone asking you not to say anything or tell anyone, you know immediately that you are going to be entrusted with juicy information. And we all know that secrets are hard to keep. Sometimes we are desperate to tell someone else but don’t because this would mean betraying the confidence instilled in you. In all honesty, everyone at times has then gone on to another person and said, “Don’t say anything, I said I wouldn’t tell anyone”.
I was told something last week that was quite serious in that a person’s reputation was tainted and was causing a lot of angst. I kept the story to myself and then a few days later out of the blue I was told the other side. I wasn’t expecting to hear anything from anyone else but when I did learn more it was quite the opposite to the first story. That generally makes it difficult to know who to believe if the information is conflicting. There was then a discussion as to what was going and who said what to whom. Where this will end I don’t know but I have my suspicions. The thing is, it’s not a secret anymore. I am relieved not to be the only one who knows something about it.
Secrets can be a burden at times and you can end up in a right tizz if you can’t handle knowing a serious one. On the other hand, some secrets are light hearted and harmless.
Growing up, my best friend lived at the other end of my street and one day when we were about 12 or so we were riding our bikes or walking from one house to the other. We were laughing about something and got ourselves into quite a state of hysteria. I was laughing so much I wet my pants. I thought sitting down would allow me to be discreet, although if anyone was watching us from their front window they may have been startled to see the gutter suddenly become wet. Maybe standing would have been a little less obvious. This is what I mean when I say some secrets are harmless and if they get onto to the telegraph of gossip minimal harm will be done.
I begged my friend not to tell anyone. I mean how embarrassing wetting my pants at that age AND in the street like that! Yet, the first fight we had after the incident she gleefully let everyone know. I was mortified and immediately denied it saying, “No I didn’t, you did!” She said, “You did!” I said “No, you did!” And so on!
Unfortunately I did!
I was told something last week that was quite serious in that a person’s reputation was tainted and was causing a lot of angst. I kept the story to myself and then a few days later out of the blue I was told the other side. I wasn’t expecting to hear anything from anyone else but when I did learn more it was quite the opposite to the first story. That generally makes it difficult to know who to believe if the information is conflicting. There was then a discussion as to what was going and who said what to whom. Where this will end I don’t know but I have my suspicions. The thing is, it’s not a secret anymore. I am relieved not to be the only one who knows something about it.
Secrets can be a burden at times and you can end up in a right tizz if you can’t handle knowing a serious one. On the other hand, some secrets are light hearted and harmless.
Growing up, my best friend lived at the other end of my street and one day when we were about 12 or so we were riding our bikes or walking from one house to the other. We were laughing about something and got ourselves into quite a state of hysteria. I was laughing so much I wet my pants. I thought sitting down would allow me to be discreet, although if anyone was watching us from their front window they may have been startled to see the gutter suddenly become wet. Maybe standing would have been a little less obvious. This is what I mean when I say some secrets are harmless and if they get onto to the telegraph of gossip minimal harm will be done.
I begged my friend not to tell anyone. I mean how embarrassing wetting my pants at that age AND in the street like that! Yet, the first fight we had after the incident she gleefully let everyone know. I was mortified and immediately denied it saying, “No I didn’t, you did!” She said, “You did!” I said “No, you did!” And so on!
Unfortunately I did!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Curse Of The Crisp
I never used to eat crisps except at parties, bbqs etc but for some strange reason this year I have had an increasing addiction to them. I like to have a glass of wine most nights and a little nibbly such as the potato crisp goes a long way as a complementary food item. Unfortunately this item is LOADED with fat and salt. Therein lies my problem!
I have been a regular exerciser for many years and have luckily managed to avoid the increasing waist line that comes with age. Until now. 2006 has been a crazy year for me with all kinds of upsets and dramas and it doesn't take long before it all just gets too much. Oh don't worry, there is nothing major to report but it does give the story a bit of suspense, does it not?
I didn't really believe in the middle aged spread - not that I am middle aged - but you always hear about women and men who complain that once you are over 30 ish it is harder maintain your weight. I turned 37 in March so I guess this problem, for me, has come late in life. And now I believe it!
Don't ask me how it all started because I wouldn't have a clue but I know that Red Rock Sea Salt Potato Chips have something to do with it. And then I moved on to Pringles and as we all know..."once you pop, you can't stop". How true those words are.
My clothes started to be a little uncomfortable and soon enough I found myself sulking over my skinny clothes as I took them down from their hangers, folded them and put them at the back of the cupboard. I simply couldn't throw them out or put them in the donation bins...not yet...I might be able to fit back into them. Some of them are so nice and I barely got to wear them. Do you know how hard it is to find the perfect pair of black pants? It can be a traumatic experience.
Now I am not overweight by any means and most people will say there is nothing wrong with my figure, blah blah blah but everyone has some kind of issue with their own body whether it be their nose, muffin top or hairy back (oh god, did I have to say that - they really should not exist).
After a long while I managed to cut down significantly on the crisps but tonight I succumbed. I had a shitty day at work and I wanted to sulk over my Houghton's White Burgundy (Classic) and my Pringles. Well actually they are Smith's Stax. As soon as I popped I regretted it. They now sit in front of me, the first 10 or so eaten, my white burgundy next to them, tempting me to put on 2 kg overnight.
But I won't do it, no I won't. I will be good and nibble in moderation. I know, why don't I take them to work for friday drinks? What a great idea! I will let you know if I actually do that. In the meantime, cheers!
I have been a regular exerciser for many years and have luckily managed to avoid the increasing waist line that comes with age. Until now. 2006 has been a crazy year for me with all kinds of upsets and dramas and it doesn't take long before it all just gets too much. Oh don't worry, there is nothing major to report but it does give the story a bit of suspense, does it not?
I didn't really believe in the middle aged spread - not that I am middle aged - but you always hear about women and men who complain that once you are over 30 ish it is harder maintain your weight. I turned 37 in March so I guess this problem, for me, has come late in life. And now I believe it!
Don't ask me how it all started because I wouldn't have a clue but I know that Red Rock Sea Salt Potato Chips have something to do with it. And then I moved on to Pringles and as we all know..."once you pop, you can't stop". How true those words are.
My clothes started to be a little uncomfortable and soon enough I found myself sulking over my skinny clothes as I took them down from their hangers, folded them and put them at the back of the cupboard. I simply couldn't throw them out or put them in the donation bins...not yet...I might be able to fit back into them. Some of them are so nice and I barely got to wear them. Do you know how hard it is to find the perfect pair of black pants? It can be a traumatic experience.
Now I am not overweight by any means and most people will say there is nothing wrong with my figure, blah blah blah but everyone has some kind of issue with their own body whether it be their nose, muffin top or hairy back (oh god, did I have to say that - they really should not exist).
After a long while I managed to cut down significantly on the crisps but tonight I succumbed. I had a shitty day at work and I wanted to sulk over my Houghton's White Burgundy (Classic) and my Pringles. Well actually they are Smith's Stax. As soon as I popped I regretted it. They now sit in front of me, the first 10 or so eaten, my white burgundy next to them, tempting me to put on 2 kg overnight.
But I won't do it, no I won't. I will be good and nibble in moderation. I know, why don't I take them to work for friday drinks? What a great idea! I will let you know if I actually do that. In the meantime, cheers!
10 Things I Hate About Shopping
There might be more than 10 when I finish....
1. Nothing fits me since I have put on weight
2. Everything is made for skinny pre-pubescent teens
3. I have found myself in shops like Suzanne Grae and Katies looking for regular sized clothing
4. Mothers with prams
5. Screaming children
6. People wander aimlessly and get in my way
7. Sales Assistants asking me how I am today
8. Music so loud that I can't hear what the Sales Assistant is saying to me
9. Shops so crowded with stock (like Supre) I can't move
10. The fashion which hasn't changed in about 6 years or more
11. Everything is made from t-shirt material
12. I'm on a roll so I will keep going
13. Target don't stock enough size 10
14. Messy clothing shops
15. I can't find any help when I need it and when I don't need it, I can find it
16. Extracting information from dippy Sales Assistants
17. There is only 1 newsagent at Chadstone and I always remember I want to go there when I am at the other end of the centre and after I have been around a hundred times
18. I buy a netball and a pump but when I get home I find the ball has a hole in it and the pump breaks
19. No one should wear camoflauge outside of the Army. NO ONE!
1. Nothing fits me since I have put on weight
2. Everything is made for skinny pre-pubescent teens
3. I have found myself in shops like Suzanne Grae and Katies looking for regular sized clothing
4. Mothers with prams
5. Screaming children
6. People wander aimlessly and get in my way
7. Sales Assistants asking me how I am today
8. Music so loud that I can't hear what the Sales Assistant is saying to me
9. Shops so crowded with stock (like Supre) I can't move
10. The fashion which hasn't changed in about 6 years or more
11. Everything is made from t-shirt material
12. I'm on a roll so I will keep going
13. Target don't stock enough size 10
14. Messy clothing shops
15. I can't find any help when I need it and when I don't need it, I can find it
16. Extracting information from dippy Sales Assistants
17. There is only 1 newsagent at Chadstone and I always remember I want to go there when I am at the other end of the centre and after I have been around a hundred times
18. I buy a netball and a pump but when I get home I find the ball has a hole in it and the pump breaks
19. No one should wear camoflauge outside of the Army. NO ONE!
Not The End Of The World
OH dear!
I had to update my online biographies(resumes)and seeing the facts in cold, hard typeface has dealt me another blow to my body image. "What have I done to deserve this?", cried The Pet Shop Boys!
At 37, do I have to just deal with this or is it a phase I am going through?? Am I denying my age and the body changes that come with it?
Well, I have no issue with my age, never have, can't see that I ever will. My problem is with my state of mind, a lax attitude to exercise when I used to be so disciplined and my love of food/wine. They are the enemies of my body. Love thine enemy, as they say!
To talk about one's weight increase is easy to laugh at and dismiss but when you are asked your measurements at every casting, it becomes a blinding reality. Yesterday I went along to a casting for a TVC and I ran into a very good friend of mine. Since I dyed my hair brunette, I have thought that my look was now very similar to hers (which is understandable given we are going for the same role). Anyway, we made some asides about weight etc, and she is a very busty babe so when I commented on my vitals, she said......"I know, look at these!" Wow! My eyes popped out! We felt each other's pain.
As we continue to age, we continue to grieve for the body we once had. I guess I am lucky to have had a good figure for so long. Mind you, I had to work hard at it! There will always be a friend to console with, that does not take offence when you notice their weight gain and vice versa. The best thing to do is laugh at yourselves, shrug your shoulders and say..."hey, it's not the end of the fucking world, let's go and have a drink!"
I had to update my online biographies(resumes)and seeing the facts in cold, hard typeface has dealt me another blow to my body image. "What have I done to deserve this?", cried The Pet Shop Boys!
At 37, do I have to just deal with this or is it a phase I am going through?? Am I denying my age and the body changes that come with it?
Well, I have no issue with my age, never have, can't see that I ever will. My problem is with my state of mind, a lax attitude to exercise when I used to be so disciplined and my love of food/wine. They are the enemies of my body. Love thine enemy, as they say!
To talk about one's weight increase is easy to laugh at and dismiss but when you are asked your measurements at every casting, it becomes a blinding reality. Yesterday I went along to a casting for a TVC and I ran into a very good friend of mine. Since I dyed my hair brunette, I have thought that my look was now very similar to hers (which is understandable given we are going for the same role). Anyway, we made some asides about weight etc, and she is a very busty babe so when I commented on my vitals, she said......"I know, look at these!" Wow! My eyes popped out! We felt each other's pain.
As we continue to age, we continue to grieve for the body we once had. I guess I am lucky to have had a good figure for so long. Mind you, I had to work hard at it! There will always be a friend to console with, that does not take offence when you notice their weight gain and vice versa. The best thing to do is laugh at yourselves, shrug your shoulders and say..."hey, it's not the end of the fucking world, let's go and have a drink!"
You've Got Mail
I love to receive mail in any form but especially in my letterbox at home, the good old fashioned way. There are many times when we get a letter or package that we may not be expecting and we don't know who it is from. There is no name or return address and the post stamp means nothing.
WHY do we stand there turning the letter over and over and over again saying to ourselves "what is it?" "who's this from?" or something to that effect. We eyeball the handwriting on the front, put it up to the light to see if it's see-through, try to guess what is inside, try to feel what is inside and when we can't get an answer we say "well, I don't know what it is!"
Last night was the latest occasion of this happening to me. I did all of the above with a small white paper package which had come from Belgium! I was expecting a package of new business cards that I had ordered via the internet but certainly not from Belgium. Besides, the package looked and felt too small. It had my phone number on it so it must have been the cards - but they aren't coming from Belgium!!!! What the hell is it???
I got inside, put it on the table with my bags and promptly walked away. Well, I don't know what it is, so I don't care. It can wait....
Yes, it was my business cards after all that.
I know I am not the only person who does this!!!!!!
WHY do we stand there turning the letter over and over and over again saying to ourselves "what is it?" "who's this from?" or something to that effect. We eyeball the handwriting on the front, put it up to the light to see if it's see-through, try to guess what is inside, try to feel what is inside and when we can't get an answer we say "well, I don't know what it is!"
Last night was the latest occasion of this happening to me. I did all of the above with a small white paper package which had come from Belgium! I was expecting a package of new business cards that I had ordered via the internet but certainly not from Belgium. Besides, the package looked and felt too small. It had my phone number on it so it must have been the cards - but they aren't coming from Belgium!!!! What the hell is it???
I got inside, put it on the table with my bags and promptly walked away. Well, I don't know what it is, so I don't care. It can wait....
Yes, it was my business cards after all that.
I know I am not the only person who does this!!!!!!
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