Thursday 28 February 2013

Ripples and RAK's


Last week I was delighted to be gifted a Random act of Kindness - RAK and I was so touched by it {That is a post for another day}. I am so thankful for the ripples of kindness surrounding it (comments) and some fancy new kit. It is one of the RAK's that have touched my life since the breast cancer diagnosis.

February 11-17 was designated Random Acts of Kindness Week ...I missed the memo - though I don't see why we need a special week to be kind !
(credit unknown)

This week I met a stranger who might become a friend.
Where it leads doesn't matter.

I was shopping and casually observed a lady in a coloured headscarf. I assumed due to baldness
There was something familiar about her , likely a recent visit to Cancer Centre waiting room. The lady was having coffee (or whatever) with a young boy (he had a donut not coffee).

My two boys and I entered the supermarket and the lady & boy followed about 5 mins behind us.The three boys some how hooked up and decided to play, chase and laugh like little boys should ...except not up and down the aisles of WW.

We smiled at each other (well I was thinking how to hog tie my kids ...) and I decided to take a punt and ask if she was having chemo - to offer her my headscarves , now my hair is growing back I don't need them.

In a round about way I confirmed that we both had Breast cancer. Q..Is your Nurse A ? No B !
I don't usually swap numbers with random strangers but we did.

The 3 little devils boys played chasey and we chatted for 5mins. She mentioned she was going on  holidays soon (as in -she wouldn't be around town) ..then she said it was for a Starlight wish for her young daughter who has a fatal genetic disease (A truly tragic one - children usually die before 4yrs).

OH MY gosh - what do say when someone tells you that ?

I followed her 'lead' and we talked about Starlight wishes . I told her how my friend, Tiff {from Three Ring Circus}, daughter Ivy received a Starlight wish.

She mentioned she was having chemo the next day so I decided to drop the headscarves there, without delay.

I also remembered the gorgeous, soft Starlight -Sandy Pillow Pet I blogged about recently - I had been waiting for someone to gift it to. I tucked Sandy, the Turtle into the bag and a little Tassie Devil softie for her rascal brother too. The little girl loves soft things apparently.
 
As I handed the things to my new friend we were surrounded by more than a dozen 'wide eyed' people all close and cosy, in squishy cafe table style seating at the Cancer Centre. We chatted a little and she showed me phone pics of her precious gorgeous girl.

I had already asked another Internet friend if their family could access Heartfelt services and she said yes. I told my new friend about this too. Hopefully it will give them some special photographic memories. As I was leaving we were both wiping away a few tears.


Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.

Scott Adams (1957)
Creator Of Dilbert Comic Strip
 

(credit )



It is never too late to make kindness a habit...{ignore the date below I just liked the list }

download it here
I feel good because I hopefully helped someone having a really difficult time. I know it wasn't much -kindness can be very simple things. I am still no better a person. I cannot imagine the path she is walking. I'd be stumbling.
 
Have you felt the touch of kindness recently ?
Do you pay it forward ?
Pass it on ? 




 

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Full February


My First complete month .
..




 

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Sydney BridgeClimb RedBalloon experience ~ review


RedBalloon Review 

To celebrate 23yrs of marriage (2 weeks ago) I thought scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge - would be perfect . The Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is a magnificent and truly unique way to see Sydney.

12/2/2013 ...the weather was not so perfect.


Its “Coat Hanger’s”  are omnipresent and imposing, its steel cables symbols of endurance and certainty.


I scoured Redballoon website for an exciting experience we could both enjoy. Since we have both crossed many bridges in our marriage it was fitting.

Not without trepidations, we booked it in with Redballoon for just after our wedding anniversary.




We chose the classic BridgeClimb . Bridgeclimb is very close to amassing 3 million climbers that have put their faith in this science and engineering structure and the heart racing adrenalin rush.


My photos but taken of random climbers 10/2/2010 



(I just checked back and 2 yrs ago on 10/2/2010 - I said I was adding must do The BridgeClimb to my 101 list )

The Bridgeclimb has been in operation for over 14yrs, since 1998 . It took years for the idea to come to life over Sydney sparkling harbour and expansive surrounds.

I've lived in Sydney over 40 yrs and I travelled across the bridge by car, train and walked from side to side. I've sailed under the bridge by ferry, catamaran, tall ship and on a luncheon cruise boat and I was still unprepared for stunning views. Even on a grey rainy day.

Everyone comes to admire the breathtaking 360 ° views from the top of the arch. We were only 2 Australians of 14 climbers in our group of Irish , Canadians, Americans  and a Russian lady from New Zealand  - because Bridgeclimb is one the most sought after tourist experiences in Sydney. Still 35% of climbers are Australian.





The spectacular view will be long admired -  beyond any impressive description I can give you. When I got to the pinnacle ,  the summit being 134 metres above the water,  it was exhilarating being there against the wind , barely a dot on the horizon to those below.


Our informative guide had been at Bridgeclimb for over 18 months and she answered every question ...number 1 question -  16 construction workers died ...only 10 on (or rather off) the bridge itself.

The only drawbacks - the rain and overcast weather that hampered our views.

It was so professionally run that during the 'downtime' waiting for the groups ahead to ascend or descend the 4 vertical ladders that take you to the start of the outside arch - the guides chat and time passes quickly enough asking questions.

The pace is one of constant but slow motion. The climb wasn't daunting at all and a few in our group were elderly. For safety reasons cameras of any kind are not permitted ...I took some of these photos while on a cruise thinking how amazing it would be to climb the bridge 2 yrs ago.

Visit the museum in the BridgeClimb Visitors Centre if you want to know more about the Bridge and its construction or the historical exhibits.

Thanks to RedBalloon - the BridgeClimb was a wonderful experience we will long remember. It was so easy to book a time suitable with Redballoon team.

They have the ultimate in 2500 + different experiences across Australia. The variety of experiences that cater to all ages means there is something for everyone to choose.

If you can't decide on an experience buy a gift voucher. Redballoon vouchers are perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day ...start hinting about those spa packages mums.

There is also a special deal for My Little Drummer Boy readers!
  • Offer: Spend $129 or more on any RedBalloon experience, and receive $30 off.
  • To redeem:  Visit www.redballoon.com.au and enter the promotional code REDMUM12 at the checkout to receive your discount.
  • Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31/12/13. Promotional Code can only be used once per person. All purchases are subject to Red Balloon T&Cs, for full details see www.redballoon.com.au/help/terms-conditions


RB_blogger_badge_lowres

Disclosure: Thanks to the team at Digital Parents Collective for inviting me to be a part of the Red Balloon Experience Program. I will be sharing more awesome experiences with you over the coming months. Stay tuned!  As always, all opinions are my own however the experiences are complimentary.
I totally paid for my husband's BridgeClimb experience less the Redballoon discount.


 

Friday 22 February 2013

So women like to watch videos with hot guys ?

I only had to think for a minute about posting this - no offense intended but it is a serious message presented in a unique fun way to promote breast cancer awareness.

Warning:  I fairly certain you can handle it but there are a lot pecs, biceps and abs on show.  
  
Tits It's  had more than 5 million views on YouTube  - enough said.

While , I've got your attention still before you rush off to the app store.

Watch another hot inspiring guy - Samuel Johnson, with an important message. Bring your kleenex.



Love your Sister
PS - Not sponsored at all- take nothing in life for granted.

 

Thursday 21 February 2013

Nescafe Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee ~ Review


Gifted Product Review

Whoa – when my husband picked up this machine from courier office in December he thought Christmas had arrived early for him! Though he first chided me for adding another gadget to the arsenal that are taking up space in the kitchen.

While we are bigger tea drinkers he loves the coffee my Brother’s fancy machine makes. I enjoy a rare cup of coffee when out with friends. Neither of us are drink instant coffee.

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Machine is a little beauty , it looks stylish and is so compact unlike my brother’s fancy , chunky coffee machine. It is also Australia's first Hot and Cold coffee machine.

Considering the forecast was a for long hot summer – I was keen to test it fully but never got around to purchasing cold coffee varieties.

In between a few trips to Sydney, Christmas, New Year and appointments I've given the automatic  Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Machine , a fair workout to give my honest review.

Plus I thought I'd lost the plot post...hence the delay.

I also asked a few visitors for their opinions too. My brother said the coffee "Wasn't bad "
My friend said it was "better than golden arches and better than instant granules"
Another friend said she was tempted to slip out the back door with it because I didn't use it everyday.

My humble opinion - Literally under a min to a beautiful beverage a 'homestyle' barista would be proud of ... without the fancy froth artwork.



 Each capsule is loaded into the slide out tray and then the lever pushed down towards the machine
(a fine needle pricks the capsule).



 
Scroll the amount of ‘water ‘ using the dial wheel on the top of the coffee machine (the recommended amounts for each pod are on every Nescafe’s box - this can be over-riden to make it more or less water, depending on what strength you want) Press the red -hot or blue cold button and presto – 15 bars of pressure (whatever that means) 
 


Some flavours require a milk and coffee capsule, so you just change the pod -in turn. Dial up the amount for second pod, put lever down and press the button again.




Why is Nescafe Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Machine different to other coffee machines ?

Well , I can't honesty say having not personally compared it with other capsule/pod brands. Though I've tasted other pod machine coffee. The most unique feature of the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio is the range of drinks it can make that the others don't !

It could be tricky to choose between different models within a brands before you invest a wad of cash on them. Maybe bug your friends or Facebook contacts ... for their opinions.

So I will stick to my experiences– there is pages of information on their website.

Pro’s and con’s: Nescafe Dolce Gusto 

Pros: 
  • Simple and easy to Use – My brother’s machine is complicated and time consuming to operate. GENIO is so simple and easy to use. Insert pod, scroll to the recommended level (refer to image on individual box) press the Hot or Cold button! .
  •  Fast – your coffee or hot chocolate is ready in less than 30-60 seconds – water is heated almost instantly. Time means that a lot to some people especially the rush of getting kids ready for school and onto the bus.
  • Convenient – with no beans to grind and no milk to froth and no messy grounds to dispose of. 
  • Refilling the water between cups is easy too - a 600ml water tank is attached at the rear of the machine is plenty for 2 cups. 
  • There is virtually no cleaning up, the machine; barely needs any cleaning takes but 15 seconds to rinse the removable drip tray (if required) and wipe and drips from pods as you dispose of them. (I haven't needed to descale).
  • Detachable cup holder in three different height positions in order to fit large, medium and small cups under the spout.
  • Awesome hot chocolate and I love the coffee and coffee aroma.The froth is delicious.
  •  Available in Hot and Cold beverages ( though we didn’t try the cold varieties yet) with 14 flavours to choose from you can try them all and never be bored 
  •  You could take it with you on holidays or even to work (if you really wanted to – make some cash on the side) 
  • The website has some stylish accessories and the ‘right’ cups available to order if you are into that kind of thing. Plus a choice of five machines .
  • Dolce Gusto technology is by De longhi of Italian design and quality . 

Cons: 
  • You can only use Nescafe capsules or pods so you better like their coffee which we did ! 
  • Do the maths - At approx $7.99 a box – available online and in stores - 16 capsules in them – either 8 coffees (if milk capsule variety – need 1 milk and 1 coffee pod per cup) or 16 (Café Au Lait without - that’s 50c - $1 per cup – significantly cheaper than a cafe’ purchased coffee but dearer than home brewed or instant / granulated coffee. Previously , I liked the occasional pre-mixed Nescafe Cappuccino sachets @ about $0.50 per cup too. 
  •  Sugar is pre-mixed (in some varieties) , they weren’t too sweet but tough if you don’t take sugar with your coffee.
  •  Milk Froth is powdered (in some varieties) and you don’t have a choice with some varieties to use your own milk/froth. 
  • The capsules are not recyclable as I’m told and seen other varieties are. They will drip and leak the watery residue too if you leave them on the bench. • I know roasted coffee beans for coffee machines costs vary depending on quality , so I can’t comment on these costs . Milk too - barista milk is pricey. 
  • Be aware of the fat content of the milk varieties – if you are watching your weight and calorie intake. 
  •  While the capsules are available at most retailers , there is limited stock at some and two varieties are online only.My local supermarket has not had much shelf stock at all and it's been very annoying. I haven't seen any stock of the skinny varieties at all.

 Overall - Dolce Gusto coffee is very addictive – just saying ...you won’t want to go back to instant coffee. There’s no excuse not to have seriously great coffee any time you want at home, but it will cost you! My favourite was Latte Macchiato.




Flavour
8 Cups
16 Cups
Cost/cup
Cappuccino
*

$1
Hot Chocolate
*

$1
Latte Macchiato
*

$1
Skinny Cappuccino
*

$1
Skinny Latte Macchiato
*

$1
Caramel Latte Macchiato
*

$1
Chai Tea Latte
*

$1
Cappuccino Ice
*

$1
Americano

*
.50
Café au Lait

*
.50
Espresso Ristretto

*
.50
Espresso Decaf

*
.50
Espresso Intenso

*
.50
Nestea Peach

*
.50
 

Check the snappy Nescafe Dolce Gusto website which has all the information with interactive flash demonstration videos you might like to check out. The music is mildly annoying though.

Disclaimer : No financial payment was received for this gifted product review - I received Nescafe Dolce Gusto GENIO Coffee Machine {and 3 boxes capsules} to review and keep. All opinions are my own.

What is your favorite coffee variety and do you own a coffee machine  ? 

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~May all your weeds be dandelions


InLinkz

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Shattered and the Whine Free Zone


I've been on edge and anxious all week as my husband had his yearly PET scan yesterday.
To check ... 

I had no-one to tell how worried I was.

Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.” ~Regina Brett
 In my Facebook feed (no offense) there is so much whining lately.

 “Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.”  ~ Regina Brett


I wanted to fast forward to today and then NOT.
 His appointment with his oncologist today and it was thankfully all OK.



Yesterday was such a bad day emotionally and physically that I am not willing to repeat it. I was alone, with my boys, as my husband was in Sydney having his scan and I couldn't be with him.

Sunday night was worse. I was so over their whining {and others but I couldn't switch off Facebook}.

I have so many friends going through the worse times.
Worse.





I knew the remedy to whining and fighting is to give in and say yes. It was easier at the time, after I'd screamed a few dozen times and felt like world's worst mother.

I want to them [and everyone] to count their blessings and not their problems.

“If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.” ~Regina Brett
 
I'm trying not to judge but telling me you got a speeding fine ...you are tired ... you don't like your inlaws ... !

Here is my rule for today {hopefully for a longer term}.

When 'you' whine, you have to think of a blessing : be thankful.

For example...They whined all the way walking from the bus stop at the gate to front door ... I said shall I show you a picture of a boy with no legs ? I didn't ...yet !

I am thankful I can walk, thankful they can walk and we have a home to walk home to.

That wasn't so bad...for me.

We will see how this goes. 
 
I shattered my iPad screen today and I can't whine about it because it was my fault.

If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, 
PS:You think you have problems ...read this story about Emma.

What is your thankful blessing for today ?

 

Sunday 17 February 2013

Sunday Session ~ Shine on

Every day I am reminded how lucky I am.

I find it can be such a mood lifter to focus on the good things that you have in your life when you feel so sad and it's paralysing you.


Sometimes is music that makes me 'feel' .

I feel very sad for a special friend.









What music makes you 'feel' ?
 

Thursday 14 February 2013

Roads to Recovery

Cancer has challenged my life completely. Twice in two years if you count my husband's cancer. It is the same for any traumatic or stressful life event we go through the processes and start healing,  again.


Our tree-change was initiated because of my husband's cancer. I was diagnosed less than 5 months after we moved here. It has been difficult being away from family and friends but we stayed for many reasons I won't go into now.


Recovery, after the door has closed on active ['aggressive' chemo] treatment is the next step on the journey. A new door has opened and I'm on the road to recovery ; 8 months after I was diagnosed. I have miles to go ...




Treatment now is focused on preventing the cancer from returning. I am still having an IV treatment called Herceptin every 3 wks till October . I've also just started on anti-hormone therapy - Tamoxifen which I'll take every day for 5 yrs.

The drugs I am taking chemically force me into early menopause. I may change to a different medication once they decide I'm fully menopausal.

The whole cancer journey has taken an emotional and physical toll on our my everyday life. It's like a roller-coaster...don't ask about the mood swings.


I've been experiencing a few side effects with joint and muscle pain. I still get fatigued and suffer with insomnia. I take medication to help me sleep most nights. Hot flushes are very unpleasant and they wake me up (hubby too when I toss back sheets and forth and thrash around).

My left underarm was affected by the removal of all my lymph node on that side. It feels like it was chopped off and not reattached properly. It wasn't. It is tight and an uncomfortable feeling but not really painful , though I get sharp jabs occasionally across all my scars and surgical site.

I don't like any pressure on my chest or underarm so I rarely wear my silicon boobs prostheses or bra.I only wear them out sometimes and remove them as soon as I get home. The bra puts pressure on my port (for IV medications - I'm not sure how much longer after Oct I'll have that.). The prostheses make me very itchy for some reason.

Yet, I know I will never go through reconstruction because I cannot face my fear of more surgery. I am happy as it is. I'm capable of feeling feminine without cleavage.

Honestly, I don't feel a right to complain at all, about anything . I know there are other young mothers and women, especially in a Facebook group I joined recently, preparing for a different journey ~ funeral planning, living with intense pain and trying to 'make' as many memories as they can with their children.

Heart breaking stuff. Enough said.


The roads steps I'm taking - one step at a time and in no particular order ...

Taking Time to heal ...  I know things will still be difficult for a while and I'm being patient. I'm trying to find better ways to deal with my stress, fear and depression.

Re-establishing a regular routine ... I don't really have a job to return too though I am still keeping the books for our own business; which has been on hiatus.

Now that the kids have returned to school I will try to structure my day better ...read - less time on the internet. Though I do spent a lot of time reading information not playing games. {what is Candy crush?}

I take time to rest when necessary and I include some pleasurable activities too. Housework unfortunately still is an avoidance activity. I'd rather have fun.

I walk everyday because research indicates exercise is vital to help prevent cancer returning plus weight gain. I'm just starting to run again too - in preparation for Mother's Day classic.

Though I've posted these tips before I pulled them 'out' again to remind myself . I like post-it /sticky notes...my memory is shocking.


I can't live in fear of my future ...

My cheeky boys help me with #7 and so does my hubby.

I manage a few of these every day.

I stopped drinking alcohol [wine] 5 months ago though I used to find it helped me relax and unwind. Mentally, I can't 'drink' because I've read the risk of re- occurrence is higher.

“Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead, and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is also unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that as well.” ~ Maya Angelou
I'm not sure where we will end up on this road but we are having fun on the way...Did you see our Color Run post below.

Now it's my turn to ask you a question-

What is one thing you would like to look back on in 20- 30 years time and be able to say you had done? 

Could it be something like sky-diving, a bridge climb, visit world heritage site or learning a new language or .........?





I had to update this post to share this inspirational and heart breaking story - an interview at Planning with Kids about Connie living with 'terminal' breast cancer  at  Love Your Sister 

Actor - Samuel Johnson’s sister Connie is dying of breast cancer so he’s setting out on an epic challenge. He’s riding 15,000kms around Australia on a unicycle to raise $1 million for cancer research.
 Please support them on Facebook too - Love Your Sister