Bridgets, as if there isn't enough guilt associated with indulging in one of life's greatest delights, eating chocolate, then here is something else to think about.
When i was in the UK, I noticed that this is a BIG issue. It will become more of an issue here in Australia, for us, less refined, convicts, in the next year or so, i imagine. That is the big issue of FAIR TRADE chocolate.
For a product to receive the FAIR TRADE stamp of approval, the Cocoa must be grown and cultivated in a manner that doesn't include child slavery (as one example). Apparently many cocoa beans come from Africa, with 58% coming from Ghana and the Ivory Coast, who are not FAIR TRADE COUNTRIES. This puts one in a delimma. Well maybe it doesn't.... Maybe we should all take the correct stance and say "no" to non-FAIR TRADE countries. I really don't know the ramifications of denying this countries their income - I really don't . I know ethically, morally and as a mum, it doesn't sit right, but there is more at stake for these struggling countries.
For now, maybe we should err towards buying FAIR TRADE. And as i know more, I shall post away.
I need to go back to my chocolate now, it is late, my head is hurting and i know sweet chocolate, FAIR TRADE or otherwise will heal the soul.
Nitey nite Bridget
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Psyching up to detox
Bridgets
this is the best time of the year, down under, without a doubt. The sun is resting and sleeping in at least until 5am, the nights are cooler and balmy (about 20 degrees) , there is no wind, the days are magic - (25 degrees) and things are perfect. I am psyching up to do a detox. I know I need to (!@!) but I need to have the right frame of mind to carry it through.... it will happen any day now... Anyone want to join me? "uncommitted-but-nearly-there" Bridget
this is the best time of the year, down under, without a doubt. The sun is resting and sleeping in at least until 5am, the nights are cooler and balmy (about 20 degrees) , there is no wind, the days are magic - (25 degrees) and things are perfect. I am psyching up to do a detox. I know I need to (!@!) but I need to have the right frame of mind to carry it through.... it will happen any day now... Anyone want to join me? "uncommitted-but-nearly-there" Bridget
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Australians love to hate Pauline - but they do love her
Bridgets- their is a nasty element in our society that will exploit others, despite, the other person's contribution to that society. What i mean is that people, I imagine, must feel some sort of power or just cause, by putting others down.
I am not necessarily a Pauline Hanson voter, but I really feel for her and how the media has ostracized her and these silly photos. Who cares if it is her and who cares if it isn't. It hasn't nothing to do with her current policies. It is gossip and scandal!
Instead of responding to the $10,000 bounty Channel 9 have put up for the person in the photos to come forward, and instead of the lie detector testers, the forensic people filling our minds with doubt/fact or otherwise,give the lady a break. What if she did pose nude? Give her a break. She is a woman who has a life. Leave her be...
bridget
I am not necessarily a Pauline Hanson voter, but I really feel for her and how the media has ostracized her and these silly photos. Who cares if it is her and who cares if it isn't. It hasn't nothing to do with her current policies. It is gossip and scandal!
Instead of responding to the $10,000 bounty Channel 9 have put up for the person in the photos to come forward, and instead of the lie detector testers, the forensic people filling our minds with doubt/fact or otherwise,give the lady a break. What if she did pose nude? Give her a break. She is a woman who has a life. Leave her be...
bridget
Monday, March 16, 2009
Centrelink forms and bureaucracy
Bridgets - i couldn't even spell bureaucracy (nor could spell check), that's how much red tape is choking society!
Tonight I am embarking on a paper trail, carefully and strategically mapped out by some Bachelor in Arts graduate from the Public Service, on claiming some insignificant child allowance. I forfeited many such allowances in the past , as the paper work is enough to make sitting on the Hume Highway at midnight look appealling compared to filling in the endless questions...
For example (this is the exact wording on the front of the Claim for Child Care Benefit 30 page application):
"..You should have received the booklet Information booklet about your claim for Family Assistance with this form. In this form, this booklet will be referred to as the Information Booklet. If you don;t have this booklet, call the FAO.."
After reading it a few times I understand what it means, but isn't there a more simple way of saying things.
I would write:
"...there is an accompanying guide for filling in this load of .... you will pull your hair out if you don't have the guide. Don't bother calling to get one as you will be placed in a long queue and then the person will only baffle and upset you even more. If you are really keen to persist with this allowance application, pay some Uni student to do it for you.."
Jaded Bridget
Tonight I am embarking on a paper trail, carefully and strategically mapped out by some Bachelor in Arts graduate from the Public Service, on claiming some insignificant child allowance. I forfeited many such allowances in the past , as the paper work is enough to make sitting on the Hume Highway at midnight look appealling compared to filling in the endless questions...
For example (this is the exact wording on the front of the Claim for Child Care Benefit 30 page application):
"..You should have received the booklet Information booklet about your claim for Family Assistance with this form. In this form, this booklet will be referred to as the Information Booklet. If you don;t have this booklet, call the FAO.."
After reading it a few times I understand what it means, but isn't there a more simple way of saying things.
I would write:
"...there is an accompanying guide for filling in this load of .... you will pull your hair out if you don't have the guide. Don't bother calling to get one as you will be placed in a long queue and then the person will only baffle and upset you even more. If you are really keen to persist with this allowance application, pay some Uni student to do it for you.."
Jaded Bridget
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Single mums you are doing great!!!
Bridgets et al, especially those that are single (or solo) raising kids.... {which by the way is the latest way to raise kids in separated families - the biological parent does the disciplining and the "new" parent just supports and backs up}.
... you have done a fantastic job today if they are roughly the same as they were 2 days ago , ie alive...
....you have done a handsome job if your children were fed vegetables, and some meat....
.... you are a legend if you told them you loved them....
....and you are marvellous if you did an activity that was soley for their benefit and they secretely loved....
...if you have more than one child and you did this par 2, congratulations...
..if you have 3 kids and you still did this.. "you are nominated for mother-of-the-year"....
WELL DONE, solo mum bridgets....
That's all we need on a Sunday night - just a well done mum, you're the best....
Solo Bridget
... you have done a fantastic job today if they are roughly the same as they were 2 days ago , ie alive...
....you have done a handsome job if your children were fed vegetables, and some meat....
.... you are a legend if you told them you loved them....
....and you are marvellous if you did an activity that was soley for their benefit and they secretely loved....
...if you have more than one child and you did this par 2, congratulations...
..if you have 3 kids and you still did this.. "you are nominated for mother-of-the-year"....
WELL DONE, solo mum bridgets....
That's all we need on a Sunday night - just a well done mum, you're the best....
Solo Bridget
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Red Mars Bars?!
Bridgets don't get conned!!
Mars bar have brought out a "red bar" apparently with half the fat.
"Does that mean we can have 2?", (of course we all want to know)....
It is that similar to "low calorie" Blonde beers?
"Does that mean we can have 2 beers instead of one"?
It's all working on our vulnerable sub-conscience. Don't fall for it Bridgets....
Some other things that don't equate bridgets...
- being in a relationship doesn't always equal double (or even more) happiness...
- having a nicer looking house doesn't always equal double the assets than someone else. It usually means, double the debt and mortgage!
- being continually busy and having a hundred and one engagements doesn't always equal multiple friendships, increased popularity etc.. it often means: loneliness and not wanting to be alone all week-end!
No, Bridgets! Be strong, look hard, and off-set your vodka with soda, your mortgage with a tenant or man and always keep your friendships going, even during those times when you are madly in love and have forgotten that the rest of the world exists.
PS and maybe 1 1/2 of Mars Reds instead of 1.
Ciao for now, Bridget
Mars bar have brought out a "red bar" apparently with half the fat.
"Does that mean we can have 2?", (of course we all want to know)....
It is that similar to "low calorie" Blonde beers?
"Does that mean we can have 2 beers instead of one"?
It's all working on our vulnerable sub-conscience. Don't fall for it Bridgets....
Some other things that don't equate bridgets...
- being in a relationship doesn't always equal double (or even more) happiness...
- having a nicer looking house doesn't always equal double the assets than someone else. It usually means, double the debt and mortgage!
- being continually busy and having a hundred and one engagements doesn't always equal multiple friendships, increased popularity etc.. it often means: loneliness and not wanting to be alone all week-end!
No, Bridgets! Be strong, look hard, and off-set your vodka with soda, your mortgage with a tenant or man and always keep your friendships going, even during those times when you are madly in love and have forgotten that the rest of the world exists.
PS and maybe 1 1/2 of Mars Reds instead of 1.
Ciao for now, Bridget
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
bye to prague
bridgets, how magnificient is Prague?! I have had 5 wonderful days here, experiencing fairy lights on castles, fairy lights in the black theatres, amazing food and a generous culture in people and value. One can be ripped-off here - yes that has happened - but over all this is a good place to come to get a taste of old, cold and gold! Ha, just made that up. Yummy mulled wine and hot chocolates too.
The biggest tips while travelling for me is to always learn how to say please and thank-you. I cringe hearing other people demand instructions and orders, with no please or thank-you, even in their own langauage. it's not hard to make the effort.
bye, bridget abroad
The biggest tips while travelling for me is to always learn how to say please and thank-you. I cringe hearing other people demand instructions and orders, with no please or thank-you, even in their own langauage. it's not hard to make the effort.
bye, bridget abroad
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