OrganiSed Chaos » Faith

Give the Muslim a medal

anonymum — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:41:33 +0000

I didn’t want to leave it till Monday to post again, but had NFI what to post because my brain is a soggy mess after this week.
EOM and all that shit tends to make me feel like I’ve done a few rounds in the boxing ring with someone 87 times my size is the problem.
Anyhow, I was trawling through the 000’s of unread items in my news folder just now and found what I though was a great little story.
Let me preface this by saying I’m the least racist person in the world.
Yes, I’m opinionated, loud, and at times obnoxious, but at the same time I’m ordinarily non racist.
Live and let live I say.
Your beliefs are different to mine, I don’t give a damn, just don’t try and shove it down my throat, but don’t send suicide bombers or planes into places that will kill innocents either.
That kind if of pisses me off and gives me a somewhat disenchanted view of your beliefs.
Having said that, if there were more of these types of people in your religion, I could be tempted to take a little more notice of you.
Thought I would leave this up for the weekend, and I’ll be back with Malarky Monday…on Monday!
Have a fabulous weekend people.

Wandering

anonymum — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:33:29 +0000

As the new year begins, I’m sure many people look forward to better things than the year just gone had to offer.
Hope envelopes them with that sweet feeling only hope can create, making them all warm and fuzzy inside, buoyed at the thought of life being gentle, and easier.
I’ll admit I tend to do the same and rarely look back, however at this time of year I become reflective and take the odd walk down memory lane.
When I think about the year that was, it’s mostly with fondness and a smile, as opposed to anything else.
2009 bought much for us.
The bulk of it was good, with only a few little speed humps to traverse.
There were highs and lows, but that’s life isn’t it?
I’m realistic enough to admit my life was never meant be smooth sailing from beginning to end.
Yes, there were times last year when all I wanted was to go to bed and not wake up, but they were few and far between.
In general, I look for the polish on life.
Others tend to turn things over, and around, looking for the tarnish, however I see little to be gained by doing that.
Some of the highlights from this year were welcoming a new grandson in Lucas, taking our first trip overseas to discover some of the most amazing people you could ever wish to meet, Mark {finally} getting the promotion he worked so damned hard for, me getting my job under some semblance of control, and with the year being rounded out by close to the best Christmas we could have asked for.
Among those highlights were the odd worries.
Lucas had problems with his kidney which gave us some sleepless nights, the trip overseas, as good as it was, proved to be decidedly disappointing in some ways, we had an atrocious 6 weeks before Mark got the promotion, I nearly resigned my job before it came good, and Christmas could have been better had we manged to get all the girls and kids together, but do you know what?
None of those things matter, because the good outweighed the bad in every single case, and the end result of them all, was just what we wanted.
Lucas is now fine and has no need for a specialist until next year, and then it’s only to check things are as good as they currently are.
The trip overseas gave us more than we ever thought we could get from 2 weeks, and the disappointment was, as it transpired, quite unimportant compared to the gain.
Mark now has the job he wanted and is thriving in it.
My job is just what I thought it could be once I got my head around it {and the staff that gave me so much grief are now working well and with me as opposed to against me}
Christmas was fabulous regardless of not having them all with us, because we got to see and spoil those we rarely see and rarely get to spoil.
On the radio yesterday there was some twit holding forth about the terrible year that was.
Death and destruction, bush fires, floods, devastation worldwide in some cases.
And he’s right, there was.
But there were many, many good things that happened as well.
As with my year, for every bad thing that happened, there was a positive that had the bad fading.
In the coming year, when life hands you a gold coin, enjoy it!
Don’t turn it over looking for the tarnish, just enjoy it.
Deal with the bad when it gets there, sure, but don’t look for it.
You may get a pleasant surprise and never have a bad part to deal with.

Christmas past

anonymum — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:07:57 +0000

As we hurtle towards Christmas, my mind, as it generally does, has gone into reflection mode.
It turns to times when all was well within my world, there were no family arguments, nor was the phrase “dysfunctional family” coined.
A time when family was first and foremost, no matter what.
Everyone was talking to everyone else, and whilst disagreements may have occurred throughout the year, we would always forgive and forget when Christmas rolled around.
In the true spirit of the season, anything from the previous 12 months was buried amidst our love for one another.
Goodwill abounded and, in the interests of seeing people we care about happy, forgiveness was rife.
Family came together as one, regardless of any perceived, or real, transgressions that had been visited upon one another since the previous year.
Slightly ashamed looks may be seen, heartfelt apologies made, and there were sometimes many, many tears, but there was not a recrimination to be seen. They were banished from the house.
I was bought up to believe that family must come first, and they must stick together.
I was also taught that whilst some things may seem unforgivable at the time, every dog deserves a second chance.
Maybe not a 3rd one, but absolutely a 2nd one.
As I grow older, I realise there is little point in carrying something on forever, because one day, the people involved {be it me, you or someone else} will be gone.
With their passing, also gone will be the opportunity to tell that person how much you loved them, regardless of how it may have seemed at times.
Without going into detail, know that I have first hand experience regarding these things.
Very close first hand experience.
I’ve been the one to make the first move when needed, and it’s quite the pleasant feeling to know I did the right thing.
Trust me on this.
Don’t let too many Christmas’s go past before you realise what someone means to you, and that whatever happened isn’t really that big a deal, no matter how bad you think it was.
You never know how many Christmas’s you have left to do it.
Besides, is Christmas not about a birth?
A birth is a new beginning, so there really is no better time, surely?

{Trying to} Ignore the madness

anonymum — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:25:28 +0000

It’s only the middle of November, and already the madness has begun.
Starts happening earlier every year, I know, but hey, when there’s a buck to be made, money grubbing retailers have no scruples, we all know that.
Ads are rife already.
They tell us what children need under the tree, and let me add, it was decided many months ago, what is in for Christmas this year.
Ordinarily, what’s in has a price tag that could feed a 3rd world country for 6 months.
Apparently kids have got to receive it under the tree, or their lives will be forever ruined and in post Christmas months, parents will be forking out for therapy bills the size of a national debt, because the children will feel ~~depraved~~ deprived.
Amidst the madness, why we actually have Christmas is lost, that’s the sad part.
I’m not an overly religious person, but the meaning behind Christmas is certainly not lost on me, not by anyone’s standards.
This year we’re going to Victoria.
We’ll spend 5 days with family we don’t see nearly enough of, we’ll eat, drink and be merry, but before we go I have things to do, and buy.
Yes, we’ll leave presents behind for those we’re not spending the holidays with, but there are other presents to buy as well.
For many, many years, I’ve bought gifts for people less fortunate than us, and I put them under the Wishing Tree, and in fact, until about 3 years ago, Mark didn’t even know I do it.
As our family has been blessed, and grown with grandchildren, the amount of gifts I put under the tree has also grown.
For every grandchild we have, I put a present under the tree.
This year there are 8 presents to be bought and wrapped.
Our grandchildren are lucky to have been born into a close knit {albeit somewhat disfunctional} family, and are surrounded by people who love and cherish them, but many are not so lucky as we all know.
Before we board our plane on December 23rd, I will have purchased the following gifts.
2 for 9 year old girls
1 for a 7 year old boy
2 for 6 year old boys
1 for an almost 3 year old boy
1 for an almost 2 year old girl
1 for a baby boy, a year or less old
I have no idea of who they will go to, but I’ll buy them all the same.
These gifts will be nothing like what’s in this year, nor will they cost a squillion dollars, but I can tell you this.
They will go to children far less fortunate than our grandchildren.
Children who don’t have the advantages every child should have.
Children who were born without the choices I know our grandchildren will have as they grow, and born to parents who are either unable, or unwilling, to do what should be done for every child born.
To me, it’s things like we do every year that Christmas is about.
Thinking of those less fortunate, and making an effort to brighten their lives just a little.
Whilst I detest the commercialisation of Christmas, the thought of any child having nothing on the day, breaks my heart.
Every child deserves at least one gift, even if it’s only a teddy bear.
I tell you this not to have people say “Good on you Maureen!!” but in the hope that they will remember what Christmas is about.
A celebration of life and family and a time to reflect on how lucky some {read Mark and I} are in comparison to many.
As uncharitable as it may be to say this, the retailers can go to hell and shove their what’s in this year gifts clean up their arse, because I want none of it.
I’m trying hard to ignore the madness and merely do what I’ve always done.
Enjoy our family and be bloody grateful for exactly how lucky we are with the family and friends we have, because it’s these people that make the day as good as it can get.
That’s what Christmas is about.
It’s got nothing to do with the garbage sprouted by slimey money grubbing retailers, nor has it got anything to do with how much you spend.
It’s about what you do, and appreciating what, and who, you have in your life, and being grateful for them.
I’m more blessed than I could ever have imagined I would be, and I appreciate it more than I can ever say.
I can but hope there are 8 kids who’s Christmas will be brightened just a little this year too.

Persistence

anonymum — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:43:07 +0000

There are times in everybody’s life, when life itself becomes too much.
The effort to get out of bed and face another day is a task bigger than Mt Everest.
Much is happening in our lives at the moment, and it’s neither good, nor rosy, and it’s not even comfortable.
Yet, in true human spirit, I persist, and continue to get out of bed, every single day.
Day.
After.
Day.
We do what we must in order to make something of our lives, just to survive, do we not?
I’ve had many hard knocks in my life, some worse than others obviously, but none of what I speak of were easy at the time.
Still, I survived.
It’s what we do.
Human nature, being what it is, ensures our survival instinct is the strongest of all, no matter how low our mood, or the events happening at any given point in time.
Our instinct to survive in the face of adversity or whatever troubles us, is so strong, it sustains us through any dark tunnel we find ourselves in, and more often than not, gives us a far better appreciation of the good times when we manage to find the sunshine.
In the absence of darkness, how does one see what the light has to offer?
The old adage of what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger is 150% accurate.
I’ve always needed to be strong, for many reasons and for many people, and ordinarily I bounce back quickly.
I just don’t stay down for long.
Not seriously anyway.
Resilience is a wonderful thing and stands me in good stead most of the time.
Having said that, the days when I need to make an effort are, seemingly, becoming more frequent.
Of late I find it difficult getting my head to a place where I can dismiss the crap as beatable {is that even a word??}
Maybe I’m getting old, or I’m simply tired of adversity and problems?
Perhaps I’m over having to be strong?
Most days it seems like 2 steps forward and 1 step back.
Yet, I persist.
It’s just what we do…..

What a little trooper!

anonymum — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:41:38 +0000

How good is this baby?
Major surgery on Monday, home Friday afternoon.
Damn we breed ‘em tough don’t we????
Mark has decided he’s a future flanker for the Wallabies.
{Why does that not shock me??}
Lucas was discharged today, much to Mel and Steve’s delight, and they were going to surprise the other kids when they picked them up from school too.

The whole family thank you all for the emails, texts and messages of support.
It’s been fabulous!
For your viewing pleasure, here’s a pic of the little tough nut while he was in hospital.

Have a great weekend, and keep your eyes peeled for some fun with myself and a few others on Monday.
We can all do with a laugh on Mondays, so we’ll do our best to give you one.

The Fairy of Joy

anonymum — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:11:34 +0000

I really need to get ready for work, but felt I should so a quick post for those following the trials and tribulations currently being experienced by our little boy.
It seems the Fairy of Hope and all the prayers worked, so today I have the Fairy of Joy for Mel and Steve.
Lucas has had his surgery, and all is well.
After an agonising 2 1/2 hour wait, Mel was told she could go down to recovery and see their precious little munchkin.
20 mins later he was back in his room, and whilst still feeling the affects of the anesthetic, he was ok, and that’s what counted.
What needed to be done had been done, so all was well.
They were told he wouldn’t want to feed until today, but in true fighting Aussie spirit, he proved them wrong and at around 8.30 last night, I received a text message saying he WAS feeding.
This morning I’m told he’s all smiles for his Mum, which in turn makes her smile, and helps her forget the exhausting, emotional day they had yesterday.
Cannot even begin to tell you how much we all appreciate the comments and emails we’ve received.
Mel and Steve have asked I pass on their thanks to everyone who has expressed their concern, and sent their good wishes.
They’re quite amazed at the level of support shown by everybody, but grateful all the same.
As for me, well, it’s times like these I’m reminded why blogging keeps calling me back, every time I think I’m done.
You guys are the absolute best!

Welcome Home

michaelm — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:39:40 +0000

Miss you guys already.
Glad you’re finally DownUnder . . .
Just dipped my finger into the Vegemite jar you so graciously left behind.
YumYum, Pigs Bum . . .
Welcome home.
{{{hugs}}}
~m & p

Merry Christmas to all

anonymum — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:01:22 +0000

It’s Christmas day here in Australia. By the time you read this, everyone on my blogroll will have a comment to wish them all the best.
For most of my readers it’s not quite there yet, but with the time difference, we start the day a little earlier than you.
We’re off out for lunch this year, something we’ve never done and I’m quite looking forward to some good food, even better company, and a few quiet drinks. Knowing there is no preparation or cleaning up to be done is odd, but in a good way.
No presents as such, in our house this year, which I mentioned in an earlier post.
We’re off overseas in July to meet some very special people, and in fact our “presents” for each other were the return flights, finally booked and paid for last Saturday with dates and times sent in an email I’ve been waiting to send for many months. That there was an amazing rate to be had was a bonus. We were going to book and pay around February, but the 1400.00 saving was just too good to go past.

To each and every one of you, I wish nothing but good things for you and your families. Not only for Christmas but the coming year as well.
I know some of you have had a long year for various reasons {you know who you are} I pray for easier times, relief from worry and all the very best that life can offer. It is surely desrved.
For those a little closer, know that January 1 is the start of a new year, and the time for new beginnings. To you I send hope for inner peace and health, with much love attached.
To all of our children and grandchildren not with is today, we send all our love and hope your dreams come true. Know that whilst we miss you very much all year round, we will feel it more today. Far more than you know.

I would ask that all of you spare a thought for those away from family and all things familiar, particularly our armed forces, regardless of which country you live in, and also those sick and/or in hospital.
If you have nothing else today, you still have more than them.
People you love are around you. At the end of the day that is worth more than any present you can give or receive..

For those of you that have family who don’t understand the day, or maybe even don’t know you’re there, please know our thoughts are especially with you. Keep doing what you’re doing. I’m sure that if nothing else, they can feel the love that radiates from you.

I leave you with a carol that reduces me to tears every time I hear it, because it was my Mums favourite.
Doesn’t matter where I am, I cry like a baby at the thought of Christmas as it was when she was still alive. Seems the passing of time can’t soothe me when it comes to this time of year.
Quite besides that it reminds of what the season is all about.

Merry Christmas everyone!

A few little gems

anonymum — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:38:20 +0000

I find some interesting little things while stumbling around the net, and now have quite the collection of quotes and expressions.
I’m not the most talented person when it comes to putting things into words, so I tend to look for other ways to express what I often struggle to verbalise.
I thought those below were quite appropriate for a few I know in the blogoshphere. There is a story behind each of them, and I felt the need to let these people know they’re rarely far from my thoughts at a time when maybe they would like to know someone is thinking of them. No, they’re not alone by any means, but now and then it’s nice for a person to give a little just because they can, and for no other reason.
If you’re not there, fear not, there will be a couple of these posts between now and Christmas. I would hate anyone to think I didn’t have something for them too!

Hope your weekend is kicking along swimmingly. Mine is. I’ve made my phone calls, got the washing done, lawns mowed, and house respectable. Top that off with a walk along one of the most beautiful stretches of beach you’ll ever see, all while eating vanilla ice cream with fresh raspberries and passionfruit, and I’m sure you can see why.
*sigh* The delights of living in the tropics. Beaches, ice cream and clear, balmy nights
Anyhow, I’m gone. There’s a rock pool full of cold sea water that has my name on it.

Michael.
So appropriate my friend. I can see you smiling as you read it. Substitute the “I” and “Me”for “You” and it will make perfect sense.

Annie.
I’m sure you understand this totally my precious.

Peter Parkour. I know you’ve been facing some challenges in your life too, so felt this might just give you a little inkling that whilst I may not say a lot, I do understand where you are.