Bridget goes back to London and freezes..

Bridgets, life it settling back into some irrational, chaotic, fun, random, yet planned inside out, routine. I'm off to Paris tonight - just had to write that, as i can probably , yes, actually, i have never been able to say that before....

Darlinks, I am off to Paris tonight. Whooaaa. Giddy up, tres bonne - i'd better polish up on some french on the plane - language that is...

A few days there, then over to the UK. It's all very exciting. I'm hoping to be swept off my feet by paparazzi wanting to take photos and exclusives because Richard Branson decides to back my book. Why wouldn't he - master piece, a literal gem, am some money is going towards charity (alot if i can get it right).

http://www.byebyebridget.com/dotnetnuke/default.aspx
So take care, bridgies.... i will check in and remember, we are here for a good time, not a long time.

love Bridget

Gold Coast Emergency Relief Centre Thurs 19th Feb

Gold Coast Emergency Relief Centre for Wednesday 18th Feb. (Typos and all - just to authenticate).

Positives-
We have dispatched 1844 boxes to date. Its difficult to put this in perspective but would visually look the same as a box high over a football oval or equivalent to emergency relief (ie 4 boxes of goods) for 450 families.- We believe we have had approx 300 different volunteers (but many have been coming for a few days now)
- The feedback from Golden Wish List recipients is wonderful. If everyone's work felt as good as this, we could abolish the word "work" from our vocabularly. I feel truly priveladged to have been able to help, no matter how small the scale
- With some 1500-3000 donations (difficult to tell, as many trailer loads of donations with some representing an entire school collection, RSPCA etc)- today we sent 2 large boxes of striped bags to the Whittlesea Camp for fire survivors to use as storage for their clothing (instead of cupboards etc)
- we have sent 94 boxes to the flood victims in FNQ

Plan-
- We will be closing it down when the last of the boxes leaves Thursday or Friday .
- There is a core of people and volunteers on the Gold Coast who would like to continue with the Golden Wish Lists and sponsor a town.
- Golden Wish Lists will be received by Carole Becker and distributed from Miami Storage King

CONTACT numbers for the Victorian Bush Fires
http://www.byebyebridget.com/dotnetnuke/default.aspx

Thank-you (s)
- Miami storage King
- Australian Air Express
- Carole Dennis
- Tanya from the Gold Coast Bulletin
- Judith and other volunteers
- Alistair from the Surfers Paradise AFL club for letting us reside there for 9 days now.

Saturday 14th Valentines Day

Me at headquarter for the centre

bridgets - how did you all fair? I received a card from my daughter (but it was really meant for her father apparently) and a that was all. Boo hoo.

Actually has been a great day. things are really moving along for the Gold Coast Emergency Relief Centre and I will post my most up-date that i send through to the media

The following is an up-date on today's activities:

Positives to date
- A total of over 500 boxes have now been dispatched from the centre to various locations and to various individual families, via our Golden Wish Lists
- We have been in contact with someone from the Salvation Army who is co-ordinating supplies to the relief camps. We will be now store goods in their respective boxes (e.g., baby nappies, toiletries, ladies and men's clothes, towels, linen, toys, bags, suitcases, animal needs and many other items that we have been given). Then when the request come from either Victoria or FNQ, we shall be able to send the boxes to them using Australian Air Express.
- we have at least 500 boxes of goods ready to go with probably another 300 boxes still to sort and pack.
- regular volunteers are now coming to assist and we have a very productive system going
- we have established contact with FNQ flood relief area - the local councilor was very grateful to receive our call and after a meeting on Monday - we shall look at how we can assist up north
- we are continuing to offer residents of the Gold Coast to fill in our "Best Wishes" book - we will send these down in a few weeks

Negatives
- still no local media to support and relay the great work of the volunteers (there have been over 250 different volunteers through the centre now)
- still no local or interstate media to relay our wonderful 24 hour turn around (FREE) service of the Golden Wish Lists
- I still am supplying lunch for all the volunteers using my own funds
- people are still dropping goods off every day (approx 20 today - despite the fact we are trying to turn them away)
- I am disappointed that Matt at the news room at the Bulletin said he would definitely return my call and never did

People to thank today
All these people are helping because they are in a position to - not because they have been "employed to do that job description". Many people that we ask are saying No. These people, listed below are saying "YES - what else can I do, how can I help".

Steve Jenke again at Coles, Healesville . We will now be in liaison with The Salvos and their dispatch store (which they have established), but Steve has been an integral link in making this happen.
AAE (Australian Air Express) I will never use anyone else again except these guys for courier services, (Sean Patterson, David Neylon and Leo - the driver) have been polite, efficient and very obliging.
Corporate Express for dropping in 100 boxes for us to use
Helen from Hope Island Vet Clinic (again for coming in when she was sick) and offering to chase up QLD Vet Assoc and find out what needs their are north and for letting us know in Victoria - all the vet clinics are well stocked at this stage. But will let us know if they need supplies.
And all the volunteers again for their tireless efforts. (ESP Carole Dennis, Ethel, Nicole Holland, Debbie, Vicky, Olivia, Lisa... And the other 50 people who helped out today)
Alistair Mitchell (Licensee of CBD - estate agents) for his tireless support and tolerance for us using their (flooded and leaking) AFL club rooms

The next steps
- I am going to Sydney to collect the first run of my book (taking it overseas next week to promote) and will be back Tuesday
- Carole Dennis is filling in for me while I am away
- we are locating people that have been interviewed on television and are offering our Golden Wish Lists.
- our Golden Wish Lists are being received with great joy and I imagine in the next few days we will have multiple amounts of requests arriving
- we are already to assist as need with the flood situation up north
- we are honored to assist with the Salvation Army down south

My Wish List
- for the media to start thanking the volunteers and people who have assisted to make this happen
- for the media to start promoting the wonderful service of the Wish Lists
- for the people in immanent danger again in the hills of Healesville to be safe and not to suffer any more property or personal loss

Kind regards and let's all remember it was only last week that majority of the people who died were going through their ordeal at this time.

My book "Hot Tips for the Business Traveler " comes out this week. I am going to Sydney tomorrow to get it from the printers. It's like awaiting the birth of a baby- except I pretty much now what it will look like. But I have no idea how it is going to feel, having my own book, in my own little hands - time will tell.



Have a lovely Valentine's day and I hope you scored some chocolates! Bridget

BUSH Fire relief is here

Bridgets - I am sorry I have done a cut a paste of my meagre attempt at doing a "press release" for tonights posting - it is self explanatory.

Hi all
And I have totally forgotten that today was Friday 13th! And that tomorrow is Valen--who- day's.
This is an up-date on today's movements (once again - excuse grammar, typos)

Positive
We had approx 80 volunteers through the footy club/donation centre
We packed approx 500 boxes
We have 3 golden wishes lists today
We found out we are the only national group , providing this service. (I discussed with head office, Red Cross and they are only able to take financial donations and are struggling keeping up with that) .
So we are the national centre now where people can call for relief centre specific deliveries and families can ring for their personal needs (via Golden Wish Lists)

Negatives
Telstra - only fixed fax approx 430pm today (will see if it works tomorrow)
The Gold Coast Bulletin and Sun are not interested in coming down to take photos and let the public know what we are doing (despite us having over 1000 donors now), nor are they interested in promoting the Golden Wish Lists for people that need help. They just wanted us to find a "pregnant lady" in one of the relief centres for them so they could do a story on her.
No one turned up with lunch despite hot tomato broadcasting and advertising.

People to thank for todays efforts
All these people are helping because they are in a position to - not because they have been "employed to do that job description". Many people that we ask are saying No. These people, listed below are saying "YES - what else can I do, how can I help".

These people are the 3rd and 4th line people behind this massive rescue and rebuilding mission and I hope one day they are truly recognised for what they are doing . And I can tell you now, none of these people are doing it for publicity. They don't even know, until they receive this tonight , that I am doing this.

Steve Jenke again at Coles, Healesville (gave me the heads up at 73oam that the relief centre was being relocated so we could stop BIG drop off) and his off sider Dustin for stepping in as Steve's replacement
Kim Hocking - rounding up Marysville town folks and spreading the word about the Golden Wish Lists
Corporate express for dropping in masses of packing tape
Sue Yates from Coomera pharmacy for their donations
Marilyn BRuton from Fastway - for her lovely individual care
Sandra Bostock principle Bostock and Frazer Lawyers (these ladies are amazing - sorry Sandra - I hope you don;t mind if I keep asking you to fill "golden wishes")
Helen from hope Island Vet Clinic
Hot tomato for our broadcasts
Australian Air Express for giving us an account to freight things free of charge to anywhere in VIC for Fire victims
And all the volunteers again for their tireless efforts. (ESP Gary Waldon, Nicole Holland, Debbie, Vicky, Olivia.... And the other 75 people)
Alisdair Mitchell, president from the AFL club. I don't think Alisdair realised, (I certainly didn't)what we were getting in for

The next steps
1. We are delivering the boxes to Healesville relief centres tomorrow.
2. We are hoping you can let the relief camps know that we have mass -stocks of all sorts of items and with radio broadcasts have the ability to collect all sorts of items
3. We are anticipating the Golden Wish Lists to increase in requests by Monday
4. We are now, going to see how we can assist Wildlife rescue, domestic pets (via AVA), and funerals (we have a collective group of celebrants available to assist with funerals - after the 23rd Feb - we just need an airline prepared to pay and help in transporting to the funeral homes)
5. I need some more support - i.e. Either from you guys ( I have been disgusted with the Bulletin in case that wasn;t obvious) and I am surprised their isn't a national body or government agency doing what we are doing
6. Recruit more volunteers
7. Try to get the word to ACA, Today tonight and ABC 774 that we are doing this fantastic service (not red cross) - but if red cross want to take it on, its all theirs.
8. We are setting up an on-line order system for individuals and the camps

My wish list
1. The Herald, and The Sun to get behind the Golden Wish Lists
2. The website to get up and running ASAP
3. Someone to pay my mobile bill (making 300+ phone calls a day)
4. For a valentines to declare themselves for me tomorrow (sorry my humour not very funny when I am tired - that was a joke)!
5. To have Tania Major hear about our cause and to become involved.
6. To find a contact for Matt Falla (in press release about CBA and his mortgage) and Sam (the dad shown on the news ) who lost his wife and children

My absolute highlight today (photos attached) have been
1. Watching my daughter, Mischa , assisting everyone in packing, sorting, mingling and so happy she can help victims of the fires
2. Watching the volunteers, lead by Debbie, put together Golden Wish Lists - we feel we know the people. We received one late tonight for 2 men who have lost their familes. They are men of the Land - they are humble folks. We have tried to match clothes to what we think they would like. The vollies and myself feel very connected to these people.

LOL Bridget

Gold coast Bush Fire Response

Bridgets, the last 2 days have been truely moving and rewarding.

I have been fortunate enough to be involved with one of the biggest relief efforts I have seen in my life. On the Gold Coast we had 500 drops off yesterday - some modest individual toys from kids, others had truck loads - literally.

With the help of over 100 volunteers (just in one day) we have sorted, packed and posted off 240 boxes. We are deploying another 200 boxes in the morning to a refuge set up outside of Healesville and continueing with our Golden Wish Lists. these are a form we have sent out to people so that they can give us their shoes, bra, pants and top sizes for the whole family and we are sending boxes to where they are being housed. these wish lists will increase dramatically in the next few days.

so far we are focusing on domestic pet goods (there are many cats and dogs in the tent cities with no collars, leads, drink bowls etc..), toiletries, loo paper, blankets, towels, clothes, baby goods, shoes, socks and undies. i have attached some photos to give you an idea of the magnitude of the event.

we are also assisting with the flood relief up north. volunteers still needed;

come to Surfers Paradise AFL club house, Ashmore Rd, Bundall.

We will be going all week=end and next week.

this guy is a well wisher signing the "I just want to wish you well book" that we are sending to the camps from the Gold Coast.

Other things being organised. I am trying to organise long stem roses for the camps tomorrow for the guys to give to the ladies for Valentine's Day. I am typing and sending bravery awards for the kids in the camps. Mike Bennet and his mates are offering to do gigs for free.

If you have any ideas that will make a difference please contact me on sam@sanxing.com.au

We are after a few boxes of Cadburies chocolate (no - not for me, bridgets - tisk tisk) but for all my fellow bridgets in the camps.

lots of love, Bridget

GOLD COAST BUSH FIRE DONATIONS

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=50261151167

This is a link someone set up for me (Judie) about donations. Thanks Bridget

GOLD COAST BUSH FIRE DONATIONS

Red Cross are asking that people only donate money at this stage.

However many residents of the Gold Coast would like to donate clothing, nappies, linen etc...

I have arranged a drop off for these goods Tues 11th, Wed 12th FEb at :

Surfers Paradise australian Football Club
Cnr Carrara and Ashmore Rd, Benowa.
8am - 6pm.

We will then have the goods transported to FASTway Couriers who are delivering the goods FREE of charge to Fastway in Bendigo. he is a CFA and is going to help with distribution on the ground. Call me if you need more details 0405 669 135,

thanks Bridget

Summer sport nearly over

Bridgets, where did Christmas go? Can I have it all again please - I mean seriously - where have the last 6 weeks gone.

I have a theory about time (I have found out that some other dudes, Eckhart Tolle and Paul Wilson also came to the same conclussions as yours truely, Bridget). My theory is that Time is not a reality. It's not substance, you can't catch it, you can't see it, you can't smell, hear or even feel it. It is ellusive, independent and totally unbothered by anything.

I believe that if we as a global mass keep wishing time to hurry up (because we have something we are so excited about lying in the future that we wish time to travel quick), then I believe it obliges. I really think people can influence the speed at which time passes. At the risk of sounding like a total loop head, I believe that we can also slow down time.

A positive, enjoyable experience usually results in time passing quickly (or is it our perception) and a dull, monotonous experience travels slowly.

In bringing this back to some "real" experiences. I would have to agree with the masses that kids don't stay little for long. Their first 5 years really goes quick. Christmas time goes quick, balls go quick and holidays go quick.

Things that take forever to pass are paying off Visas and debts, The US election (but what a fantastic outcome), pregnancy and finding Mr Right (that was a joke).

This photo is of my oldest baby. Good grief - she wore my shoes out the other day!

Have fun bridgets and remember not to stress about time. Enjoy the moment, the mood and the event for what it is, fun or otherwise. Adios Bridget