Sunday, December 27, 2009
Fat from Christmas EXCESS!
I have become sooo fat in the space of a week. I gave up a week ago, when the first fruit mince tart passed my lips (still slightly warm too ). Since then, it was as though someone said gobble up. I am now out the other end, and are psyching for a lemon detox. 5 days of lemons and the maple syrup, in exchange for better health, more energy and fat loss.! Too easy....signing off fat bridget.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
GIVING is one of the strongest symbols of Christmas, but research suggests a majority of Australians don't think too much about donating to those less
PRESS RELEASE
According to the Westpac Community Markets Give Differently survey, just 21 per cent of respondents say Christmas is a time when they most think about making donations to charities.
While 92 per cent of people say they have donated to a charity in the past 12 months, only 33 per cent say it was during the holiday period.
More than half of all the donations were in reaction to national disasters such as last summer's Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Sole parent of 3, Sam Beau Patrick from the Gold Coast would like to change these statistics and encourage others to follow suit. Sam has written 2 books in 2009 and is donating part proceeds of the sales to her 2 favorite charities: Paradise Kids and Bravehearts.
“. . I want to help as many people as possible but being a sole parent means I have to be smart about how and where I divide my time and energy. Writing the books and then donating part of the sales to charity is a great win-win for the charities, the people purchasing the books and I know I am helping people who have a genuine need…” Sam said.
Sam organised for 2500 boxes of clothes (boxed, washed and sorted) to be shipped to the Victorian Bush Fire Survivors and FNQ flood survivors in February this year, so donating to charity is strong in her heart and passions.
Sam would like to see other businesses follow her lead and donate part of the sales profits back to charity. With 92% of Australians donating to charity this year (and over 50% being the Bush Fire Appeal), Sam would like to see the generosity and act of giving continue.
Sam’s 2 books can be purchases on line from www.byebyebridget.com.
Her books are: HOT TIPS for the BUSINESS TRAVELLER
And BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITHIN
Give where you can Bridgets - it's not just money that you can give. These are my favorite free gifts:
- A big smile
- A hug
- A note, telling someone how special they are
- A nice comment about someone - their hair, their clothes, their work, their commitment
- Your time
- A joke
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Nanna naps
Hands up if you feel tired most of the time...or at least more often than you reasonably should. I'm not sure if it's the weather, Christmas preparations or bloody school holidays, but I am sooo tired! I've needed multiple nanna naps this week. Oh to live in a country that embraces nanna naps as part of every day life. Here in Australia we just don't seem to get that the hottest part of the day should be the least productive not the most productive, our lovely long evenings are perfect for catching up after a refreshing siesta.
OK double hands up if you think we could tweek our way of life slightly to better enhance it? Yep me too! It's time to admit that our colonial forbears came from a place far different to Australia and what worked in the Northern hemisphere just don't cut the mustard here, case inpoint Santa dressed in full white fur trimmed snow suit pretending that the 40 degree heat is a white christmas! Talk about confusing....and inappropriate. Let's stop the charade, slap a pair of budgie smugglers and some thongs on him and let him relax with a beer!
Merry Aussie Christmas!
OK double hands up if you think we could tweek our way of life slightly to better enhance it? Yep me too! It's time to admit that our colonial forbears came from a place far different to Australia and what worked in the Northern hemisphere just don't cut the mustard here, case inpoint Santa dressed in full white fur trimmed snow suit pretending that the 40 degree heat is a white christmas! Talk about confusing....and inappropriate. Let's stop the charade, slap a pair of budgie smugglers and some thongs on him and let him relax with a beer!
Merry Aussie Christmas!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Do you feel shitty a lot of the time?
In the last month have your felt shitty, agitated, annoyed or just restless? If so, you could be suffering with a hormone imbalance. After 22 years health experience and working as a nurse and naturopath, Sam Beau Patrick has compiled an easy to understand book on female hormones. The first in the series is for women who suffer with poly cystic ovary syndrome, or feel grumpy, shitty or angry.
Have a look http://www.byebyebridget.com/ecommerce.php?action=search&stk_group=Bridgets Shop&stk_category=Books
Monday, December 7, 2009
For the Baby-Boomers & Early Gen-X's
I received this as an email today and it was too good to just forward;
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE
1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and early 70's !
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.
Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds , KFC, Subway or Nandos.
Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY, no video/dvd films, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
Lawsuits from these accidents.
Only girls had pierced ears!
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...
We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!
Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!
RUGBY and CRICKET had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on MERIT
Our teachers used to hit us with canes, blackboard dusters and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla'
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL !
And YOU are one of them!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.
And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE
1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and early 70's !
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.
Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds , KFC, Subway or Nandos.
Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY, no video/dvd films, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
Lawsuits from these accidents.
Only girls had pierced ears!
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...
We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!
Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!
RUGBY and CRICKET had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on MERIT
Our teachers used to hit us with canes, blackboard dusters and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla'
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL !
And YOU are one of them!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.
And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.
For the Baby-Boomers & Early Gen-X
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE
1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and early 70's !
(sent to me by a friend)
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.
Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds , KFC, Subway or Nandos.
Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY ,
no video/dvd films,
no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
Lawsuits from these accidents.
Only girls had pierced ears!
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...
We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!
Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!
RUGBY and CRICKET had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on
MERIT
Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla'
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO
DEAL WITH IT ALL !
And YOU are one of them!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.
And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.
1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and early 70's !
(sent to me by a friend)
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.
Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds , KFC, Subway or Nandos.
Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY ,
no video/dvd films,
no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
Lawsuits from these accidents.
Only girls had pierced ears!
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...
We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!
Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!
RUGBY and CRICKET had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on
MERIT
Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla'
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO
DEAL WITH IT ALL !
And YOU are one of them!
CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.
And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Humiliating Lesson # 3764
I have learnt a very valuable life lesson on the weekend....and as usual it was delivered through the medium of public humiliation, something of a common theme running through my life. The most powerful lessons always seem to come with very intense emotional experience, whether it is humiliation, pain, fear, or deep regret.
It was my sisters birthday on the weekend, and we had tickets to see a very well known comedian who was performing in Brisbane. SO off we trotted all ablaze with anticipation and alchohol (except me as the designated driver). The performance was AWESOME, I laughed so hard I thought I was going to turn inside out. Then after the performance, said comedian was at the bar, and pumped up on laughter, I thought it would be fun to see if he would come over and wish my sister happy birthday. So I sidled on up to him at the bar and tried to act casual, but something about being in the presence of a c-list celebrity made me go a little gaga and I completely forgot what I was going to say, and instead made some bizarre request for him to come and flirt with my sister in front of her new boyfriend!?!??!? To which he replied "I'm kinda tired....so.....no." and turned his back on me, which left me standing at the bar in front of a heap of people looking like I'd hit on him and been rejected, which is what it felt like. God I wished I had turned inside out during the performance!!
So my lesson was, don't approach famous people 'coz they really are better than the rest of us! ;-) Unless ofcourse you are thin, gorgeous and skimpily dressed, then you can talk to whomever you want....apparently!
It was my sisters birthday on the weekend, and we had tickets to see a very well known comedian who was performing in Brisbane. SO off we trotted all ablaze with anticipation and alchohol (except me as the designated driver). The performance was AWESOME, I laughed so hard I thought I was going to turn inside out. Then after the performance, said comedian was at the bar, and pumped up on laughter, I thought it would be fun to see if he would come over and wish my sister happy birthday. So I sidled on up to him at the bar and tried to act casual, but something about being in the presence of a c-list celebrity made me go a little gaga and I completely forgot what I was going to say, and instead made some bizarre request for him to come and flirt with my sister in front of her new boyfriend!?!??!? To which he replied "I'm kinda tired....so.....no." and turned his back on me, which left me standing at the bar in front of a heap of people looking like I'd hit on him and been rejected, which is what it felt like. God I wished I had turned inside out during the performance!!
So my lesson was, don't approach famous people 'coz they really are better than the rest of us! ;-) Unless ofcourse you are thin, gorgeous and skimpily dressed, then you can talk to whomever you want....apparently!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Surprise surprise, women have a different response to stress than men!
Finally science has proven that good quality relationships among women nurture our health, happiness and longevity!
Taylor, S. E., Klein, L.C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A. R., & Updegraff, J. A.
Female Responses to Stress:Tend and Befriend, Not Fight or Flight
Surprise surprise, women have a different response to stress than men!
A UCLA study on the biological responses of humans to stress, have shown that the ‘fight or flight’ response in women is underpinned by the hormone oxytocins, which leads women to ‘tend or befriend’ . Shelley E Taylor, one of the researchers responsible for this ground-breaking study says that;
“...oxytocin prompts affiliative behaviour in response to stress, in conjunction with dopaminergic and opioid systems. This affiliative activity may serve tending needs, including protective responses toward offspring, and/or it may take the form of befriending, namely seeking social contact for one’s own protection and solace.”
A landmark UCLA study suggests that women respond to stress with a cascade of brain chemicals that cause us to make and maintain friendships with other women. It's a stunning find that has turned five decades of stress research---most of it on men---upside down. "Until this study was published, scientists generally believed that when people experience stress, they trigger a hormonal cascade that revs the body to either stand and fight or flee as fast as possible," explains Laura Cousino Klein,Ph.D., now an Assistant Professor of Biobehavioural Health at Penn State University and one of the study's authors. "It's an ancient survival mechanism left over from the time we were chased across the planet by saber-toothed tigers.”
Now the researchers suspect that women have a larger behavioural repertoire than just "fight or flight." "In fact," says Dr. Klein,” it seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress responses in a woman, it buffers the ‘fight or flight’ response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men", says Dr. Klein, "because testosterone---which men produce in high levels when they're under stress---seems to reduce the effects of oxytocin. Estrogen", she adds, "seems to enhance it."
Very quickly, Drs. Klein and Taylor discovered that by not including women in stress research, scientists had made a huge mistake: The fact that women respond to stress differently than men has significant implications for our health, the "tend and befriend" notion developed by Drs. Klein and Taylor may explain why women consistently outlive men. Study after study has found that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. "There's no doubt," says Dr. Klein, "that friends are helping us live."
In one study, for example, researchers found that people who had no friends increased their risk of death over a 6-month period. In another study, those who had the most friends over a 9-year period cut their risk of death by more than 60%.
Friends are also helping us live better... The famed Nurses' Health Study from Harvard Medical School found that the more friends women had, the less likely they were to develop physical impairments as they aged, and the more likely they were to be leading a joyful life. In fact, the results were so significant, the researchers concluded, that not having close friends or confidantes was as detrimental to your health as smoking or carrying extra weight!
And that's not all! When the researchers looked at how well the women functioned after the death of their spouse, they found that even in the face of this biggest stressor of all, those women who had a close friend confidante were more likely to survive the experience without any new physical impairments or permanent loss of vitality. Those without friends were not always so fortunate.
Yet if friends counter the stress that seems to swallow up so much of our life these days, if they keep us healthy and even add years to our life, why is it so hard to find time to be with them?
That's a question that also troubles researcher Ruthellen Josselson, Ph.D., co-author of "Best Friends: The Pleasures and Perils of Girls' and Women's Friendships (Three Rivers Press, 1998)... "Every time we get overly busy with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with other women," explains Dr. Josselson. "We push them right to the back burner. That's really a mistake because women are such a source of strength to each other. We nurture one another. And we need to have unpressured space in which we can do the special kind of talk that women do when they're with other women. It's a very healing experience."
Taylor, S. E., Klein, L.C., Lewis, B. P., Gruenewald, T. L., Gurung, R. A. R., & Updegraff, J. A.
Female Responses to Stress:Tend and Befriend, Not Fight or Flight
Surprise surprise, women have a different response to stress than men!
A UCLA study on the biological responses of humans to stress, have shown that the ‘fight or flight’ response in women is underpinned by the hormone oxytocins, which leads women to ‘tend or befriend’ . Shelley E Taylor, one of the researchers responsible for this ground-breaking study says that;
“...oxytocin prompts affiliative behaviour in response to stress, in conjunction with dopaminergic and opioid systems. This affiliative activity may serve tending needs, including protective responses toward offspring, and/or it may take the form of befriending, namely seeking social contact for one’s own protection and solace.”
A landmark UCLA study suggests that women respond to stress with a cascade of brain chemicals that cause us to make and maintain friendships with other women. It's a stunning find that has turned five decades of stress research---most of it on men---upside down. "Until this study was published, scientists generally believed that when people experience stress, they trigger a hormonal cascade that revs the body to either stand and fight or flee as fast as possible," explains Laura Cousino Klein,Ph.D., now an Assistant Professor of Biobehavioural Health at Penn State University and one of the study's authors. "It's an ancient survival mechanism left over from the time we were chased across the planet by saber-toothed tigers.”
Now the researchers suspect that women have a larger behavioural repertoire than just "fight or flight." "In fact," says Dr. Klein,” it seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress responses in a woman, it buffers the ‘fight or flight’ response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men", says Dr. Klein, "because testosterone---which men produce in high levels when they're under stress---seems to reduce the effects of oxytocin. Estrogen", she adds, "seems to enhance it."
Very quickly, Drs. Klein and Taylor discovered that by not including women in stress research, scientists had made a huge mistake: The fact that women respond to stress differently than men has significant implications for our health, the "tend and befriend" notion developed by Drs. Klein and Taylor may explain why women consistently outlive men. Study after study has found that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. "There's no doubt," says Dr. Klein, "that friends are helping us live."
In one study, for example, researchers found that people who had no friends increased their risk of death over a 6-month period. In another study, those who had the most friends over a 9-year period cut their risk of death by more than 60%.
Friends are also helping us live better... The famed Nurses' Health Study from Harvard Medical School found that the more friends women had, the less likely they were to develop physical impairments as they aged, and the more likely they were to be leading a joyful life. In fact, the results were so significant, the researchers concluded, that not having close friends or confidantes was as detrimental to your health as smoking or carrying extra weight!
And that's not all! When the researchers looked at how well the women functioned after the death of their spouse, they found that even in the face of this biggest stressor of all, those women who had a close friend confidante were more likely to survive the experience without any new physical impairments or permanent loss of vitality. Those without friends were not always so fortunate.
Yet if friends counter the stress that seems to swallow up so much of our life these days, if they keep us healthy and even add years to our life, why is it so hard to find time to be with them?
That's a question that also troubles researcher Ruthellen Josselson, Ph.D., co-author of "Best Friends: The Pleasures and Perils of Girls' and Women's Friendships (Three Rivers Press, 1998)... "Every time we get overly busy with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with other women," explains Dr. Josselson. "We push them right to the back burner. That's really a mistake because women are such a source of strength to each other. We nurture one another. And we need to have unpressured space in which we can do the special kind of talk that women do when they're with other women. It's a very healing experience."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Growing Pains
My 3 year old (nearly 5, he keeps telling me) son has been complaining about sore legs and feet lately, and as a busy Mum I brushed it off as wingeing or laziness (he wants me to carry him everywhere). But it turns out that even at 3 kids can experience growing pains. So after a bit of asking around here is the remedy I've found to be effective;
Age appropriate doses of magnesium - for muscle development
Arnica rubbed into his legs paying particular attention to joints, ie knees and ankles.
A good kids multi-vitamin, there are lots on the market, I just kept trying different ones until my kids found one that they like the taste of - they are called vitamin-lollies in my house!
Hope that helps!
Age appropriate doses of magnesium - for muscle development
Arnica rubbed into his legs paying particular attention to joints, ie knees and ankles.
A good kids multi-vitamin, there are lots on the market, I just kept trying different ones until my kids found one that they like the taste of - they are called vitamin-lollies in my house!
Hope that helps!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Good Time to Grow your Own!
I found this article today while skimming the news headlines;
Australia has fastest-rising food prices of any major developed nation
By John Rolfe
The Daily Telegraph
AUSTRALIANS are paying the fastest-rising food prices of any major developed nation.
The cost of feeding a family has shot up more than 40 per cent this decade, new OECD figures reveal.
That is a quarter quicker than prices have risen in Britain, twice as fast as in France and nearly three times the speed at which German groceries have increased, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Experts say the explanation for our pricey produce and soaring staples is not drought, currency movements or transport costs.
University of NSW associate professor Frank Zumbo said comparing costs over 10 years eliminated such variables and exposed our "cosy" supermarket duopoly as the main reason.
"When you look internationally, it is our market concentration which explains why our grocery prices are rising faster," he said.
Woolies of course defends itself by claiming Australia has a very competitive market. I shop at the local IGA I have to admit, and I've been so happy with the produce and prices that I am loathe to set foot in a Woolies or Coles ever again.
Got me thinking though that now might be a good time to start a vegie patch. I've always had pots of herbs and tomatoes growing and even a little lemon and mandarin tree (unfortunately every year my boys pull the budding fruit off before it gets past marble size), but I noticed at Bunnings the other day that they have some nifty wooden vegie patch wooden box things that are about 1m x 1m. There is something to be said for growing edible plants from seed.
Australia has fastest-rising food prices of any major developed nation
By John Rolfe
The Daily Telegraph
AUSTRALIANS are paying the fastest-rising food prices of any major developed nation.
The cost of feeding a family has shot up more than 40 per cent this decade, new OECD figures reveal.
That is a quarter quicker than prices have risen in Britain, twice as fast as in France and nearly three times the speed at which German groceries have increased, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Experts say the explanation for our pricey produce and soaring staples is not drought, currency movements or transport costs.
University of NSW associate professor Frank Zumbo said comparing costs over 10 years eliminated such variables and exposed our "cosy" supermarket duopoly as the main reason.
"When you look internationally, it is our market concentration which explains why our grocery prices are rising faster," he said.
Woolies of course defends itself by claiming Australia has a very competitive market. I shop at the local IGA I have to admit, and I've been so happy with the produce and prices that I am loathe to set foot in a Woolies or Coles ever again.
Got me thinking though that now might be a good time to start a vegie patch. I've always had pots of herbs and tomatoes growing and even a little lemon and mandarin tree (unfortunately every year my boys pull the budding fruit off before it gets past marble size), but I noticed at Bunnings the other day that they have some nifty wooden vegie patch wooden box things that are about 1m x 1m. There is something to be said for growing edible plants from seed.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Guinea pig or DS….what is the best birthday present for a 7 year old?
Being an old-fashioned-values woman living in a fast paced modern world makes for some interesting choices sometimes. Like recently when my daughter asked me for a DS for her birthday. At first I was all for it, after all she enjoys using the computer and I thought it would give her something to occupy herself with other than tormenting her brothers and pestering me. But when I asked around my female friends who have children with DS’s the general consensus was that they were more of a curse than a blessing. One friend pointed out that every time she asked her daughter to do something she was always met with resistence along the lines of “I’ll do it when I get to the next level/after I beat my high score etc” and when getting jobs done required forcible removal of the DS from said childs pincer grip, it was only through sheer size advantage that my friend was able to stave off full blown mutiny!
Another friend of mine who has twin 9 year olds said that while her son was able to take reasonable care of his and use it fairly frequently her daughters devil-may-care attitude towards material possessions had meant that her pale pink DS was looking like it had taken a ride back up the proverbial sooty chimney to Santas sack from whence it came.
So after giving it some thought I decided to give my daughter a variation on another gift she has been hankering after for ages. She wanted a small fluffy white dog that she could carry around in a handbag a la Paris Hilton style. So I got her a guinea pig....not just any guinea pig mind you, this one is special, it has long luxurious blonde hair that my daughter can brush and style to her little hearts content. The rest of it however looks like an overstuffed sausage! I figured this will play to her strangths - she loves animals and is very nurturing and caring, she is learning all about responsibility and consequences, and her business-savvy is possibly going to get a boost too, as she has already asked me if she can breed babies and sell them!
When I told members of my family about this decision it was met with a collective groan and reminders of the other small animals that didn't make it out alive (several siamese fighting fish, a budgie and 2 finches). But I think that Guinny the guinea pig looks robust enough, and even though a few of them even suggested buying her "robotic pets" I refuse to believe that that is a healthy way for a child to learn how to care for something/one that is dependent on her (ie me in my declining years- I can see it now "I'm going away for a few days Mum, I'll just switch off your life support and pop you in a cupboard till I get back").
Stay tuned for Life Lessons from Guinny the guinea pig!
Being an old-fashioned-values woman living in a fast paced modern world makes for some interesting choices sometimes. Like recently when my daughter asked me for a DS for her birthday. At first I was all for it, after all she enjoys using the computer and I thought it would give her something to occupy herself with other than tormenting her brothers and pestering me. But when I asked around my female friends who have children with DS’s the general consensus was that they were more of a curse than a blessing. One friend pointed out that every time she asked her daughter to do something she was always met with resistence along the lines of “I’ll do it when I get to the next level/after I beat my high score etc” and when getting jobs done required forcible removal of the DS from said childs pincer grip, it was only through sheer size advantage that my friend was able to stave off full blown mutiny!
Another friend of mine who has twin 9 year olds said that while her son was able to take reasonable care of his and use it fairly frequently her daughters devil-may-care attitude towards material possessions had meant that her pale pink DS was looking like it had taken a ride back up the proverbial sooty chimney to Santas sack from whence it came.
So after giving it some thought I decided to give my daughter a variation on another gift she has been hankering after for ages. She wanted a small fluffy white dog that she could carry around in a handbag a la Paris Hilton style. So I got her a guinea pig....not just any guinea pig mind you, this one is special, it has long luxurious blonde hair that my daughter can brush and style to her little hearts content. The rest of it however looks like an overstuffed sausage! I figured this will play to her strangths - she loves animals and is very nurturing and caring, she is learning all about responsibility and consequences, and her business-savvy is possibly going to get a boost too, as she has already asked me if she can breed babies and sell them!
When I told members of my family about this decision it was met with a collective groan and reminders of the other small animals that didn't make it out alive (several siamese fighting fish, a budgie and 2 finches). But I think that Guinny the guinea pig looks robust enough, and even though a few of them even suggested buying her "robotic pets" I refuse to believe that that is a healthy way for a child to learn how to care for something/one that is dependent on her (ie me in my declining years- I can see it now "I'm going away for a few days Mum, I'll just switch off your life support and pop you in a cupboard till I get back").
Stay tuned for Life Lessons from Guinny the guinea pig!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Aaahhh the joys of weightloss!
Well let me just start this blog with a little disclaimer: Not all blog articles are written by the same person on this site. See Bridget comes in many shapes and forms and we currently have several lovely Bridgets contributing to the blog posts. So what you read may not necessarily be about who you think it is!!
Back to the joys of weight loss!I am feeling particularly pleased with myself at the moment because I am finally feeling (and hearing) the results of many many months of trying to lose weight. Now that I have passed the 10 kgs lost mark people are constantly commenting on how good I look and noticing how much weight I've lost, and generally being really supportive. And I have to say it is so affirming, it just spurs me on to try even harder to keep losing weight. Of course the majority of people making these comments are women, because most men would rather bite the head off a live Brown Snake than comment on a womans weight! But I have noticed more men noticing me, which is an extremely pleasurable ego stroke.
And how have I done it I hear you ask? Well let me tell you all the things I tried that didn't work for me first; meal-replacement milkshakes (although a friend of mine has lost over 30kgs this way), weight-watchers (although an Aunt of mine has had long-term success this way), high-protein low-carb (I put this down to being an A blood group - read the book 'Eat Right for Your Type' it's very interesting), visualisation and affirmation CD's (yeah yeah but it was worth a try), using a personal triner (though I do recommend this if you are initially embarrassed about going to the gym) and various other forms of supplementing binge eating/drinking with excessive excercise, skipping meals and attempting to bargain with God ("I promise I will never ask for anything else if you could just magic me into a size 12 body").
So what did work? So predictable as to be almost not worth mentioning! Smaller meals, daily excercise, and persistence. Yep that's it. As simple as that, with some obvious rules, the smaller meals HAVE to be made up of fresh nutritionally dense foods like fruit, veg, some protein etc, not empty processed so-called food or 'alleged food' as a friend of mine calls it. The exercise has to really push you to your limits for at least 45 mins a day and should vary between cardio and strength through out the week (for me this means walking my dog at a fast pace 3-4 times a week and going to the gym to do a strength class like bodypump or core 3 times a week). And you have to keep at it even if it feels like nothing is happening. It took over a year before I actually lost any weight, at first I toned up and my body shape started to change and then my cardio fitness level improved and then I started to feel more energetic and my mood balanced out, and THEN I started to lose weight on the scales, and boy is it dropping off! FINALLY!!!
So keep at it Bridgets, it really is worth it!
Back to the joys of weight loss!I am feeling particularly pleased with myself at the moment because I am finally feeling (and hearing) the results of many many months of trying to lose weight. Now that I have passed the 10 kgs lost mark people are constantly commenting on how good I look and noticing how much weight I've lost, and generally being really supportive. And I have to say it is so affirming, it just spurs me on to try even harder to keep losing weight. Of course the majority of people making these comments are women, because most men would rather bite the head off a live Brown Snake than comment on a womans weight! But I have noticed more men noticing me, which is an extremely pleasurable ego stroke.
And how have I done it I hear you ask? Well let me tell you all the things I tried that didn't work for me first; meal-replacement milkshakes (although a friend of mine has lost over 30kgs this way), weight-watchers (although an Aunt of mine has had long-term success this way), high-protein low-carb (I put this down to being an A blood group - read the book 'Eat Right for Your Type' it's very interesting), visualisation and affirmation CD's (yeah yeah but it was worth a try), using a personal triner (though I do recommend this if you are initially embarrassed about going to the gym) and various other forms of supplementing binge eating/drinking with excessive excercise, skipping meals and attempting to bargain with God ("I promise I will never ask for anything else if you could just magic me into a size 12 body").
So what did work? So predictable as to be almost not worth mentioning! Smaller meals, daily excercise, and persistence. Yep that's it. As simple as that, with some obvious rules, the smaller meals HAVE to be made up of fresh nutritionally dense foods like fruit, veg, some protein etc, not empty processed so-called food or 'alleged food' as a friend of mine calls it. The exercise has to really push you to your limits for at least 45 mins a day and should vary between cardio and strength through out the week (for me this means walking my dog at a fast pace 3-4 times a week and going to the gym to do a strength class like bodypump or core 3 times a week). And you have to keep at it even if it feels like nothing is happening. It took over a year before I actually lost any weight, at first I toned up and my body shape started to change and then my cardio fitness level improved and then I started to feel more energetic and my mood balanced out, and THEN I started to lose weight on the scales, and boy is it dropping off! FINALLY!!!
So keep at it Bridgets, it really is worth it!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Men....and public urination
What is it with men and public urination?? In the last week I have seen 3 separate episodes of it, and I wasn't even at a major sporting event or music festival!
One of the episodes happened moments after I had picked my youngest son up from kindy and so had all 3 kids in the car. Unfortunately my daughter caught sight of it and this opened up a whole hours worth of discussion on why men can pee in public but women can't. Societal norms, gender specific anatomical differences and under-developed sense of impropriety aside, I just couldn't come up with a decent answer that wouldn't be disrespectful to the 2 other males in the car.
I really just don't get how SOME males can be so desperate to relieve themselves as to be willing to just get their gear out in public and shoot a visible stream of pee for all to see?!?!
I have done kidney damage in the past in my quest to find a decent toilet rather than use a gross, smelly (gag) or dirty one that is close at hand. It's just not fair!! To see some guy wizzing all over a beautiful rose bush with a view of gardens and wide blue sky, when I have to hover in the "kangaroo-squat" position over a seatless bowl, clutching my bag with one hand and holding the broken stall door closed with the other in a vain attempt to make the most of a stinky public toilet! AARRGGHHH it's infuriating!
I am off to bleach my own toilet now, at least I can control that!
Bye bye Bridgets!
One of the episodes happened moments after I had picked my youngest son up from kindy and so had all 3 kids in the car. Unfortunately my daughter caught sight of it and this opened up a whole hours worth of discussion on why men can pee in public but women can't. Societal norms, gender specific anatomical differences and under-developed sense of impropriety aside, I just couldn't come up with a decent answer that wouldn't be disrespectful to the 2 other males in the car.
I really just don't get how SOME males can be so desperate to relieve themselves as to be willing to just get their gear out in public and shoot a visible stream of pee for all to see?!?!
I have done kidney damage in the past in my quest to find a decent toilet rather than use a gross, smelly (gag) or dirty one that is close at hand. It's just not fair!! To see some guy wizzing all over a beautiful rose bush with a view of gardens and wide blue sky, when I have to hover in the "kangaroo-squat" position over a seatless bowl, clutching my bag with one hand and holding the broken stall door closed with the other in a vain attempt to make the most of a stinky public toilet! AARRGGHHH it's infuriating!
I am off to bleach my own toilet now, at least I can control that!
Bye bye Bridgets!
Monday, October 12, 2009
IQ Tests - can they be trusted?
Hi Bridgets,
I have to admit to a dirty little secret...I am a woman obsessed with IQ tests! It mostly seems to happen when I am feeling a bit down or bored that I turn to these judgemental little quizzes, and at last count I had completed at least 12 different tests, none of which have come back with the same answer! (although all within the same range). And although I have yet to crack the 'genius' range I am pretty happy with the overall results. That is until it occurred to me that it has become my vainglorious little ego booster, like an intellectual version of sexy red stilettos. Whenever I need to feel good about myself or my life, I jump on line and google IQ test, just so I can reassure myself, "well I might be over-weight/single/bored/in a career rut/whatever but at least I'm smart".
I'd like to say that I am going to replace this habit with something a bit more altruistic (yes I did score highly on the language section) but I think more likely it will be varied with some numerology/horoscope readings or maybe the occasional EQ or Myers Briggs test. Not sure where I rate on the narcissism scale?
For anyone interested www.intelligencetest.com is a pretty good test in comparison with the others. It's free and breaks down your intelligence into different areas ie I scored highly on spatial but very low on numeracy.
Have fun Bridgets and good luck!
I have to admit to a dirty little secret...I am a woman obsessed with IQ tests! It mostly seems to happen when I am feeling a bit down or bored that I turn to these judgemental little quizzes, and at last count I had completed at least 12 different tests, none of which have come back with the same answer! (although all within the same range). And although I have yet to crack the 'genius' range I am pretty happy with the overall results. That is until it occurred to me that it has become my vainglorious little ego booster, like an intellectual version of sexy red stilettos. Whenever I need to feel good about myself or my life, I jump on line and google IQ test, just so I can reassure myself, "well I might be over-weight/single/bored/in a career rut/whatever but at least I'm smart".
I'd like to say that I am going to replace this habit with something a bit more altruistic (yes I did score highly on the language section) but I think more likely it will be varied with some numerology/horoscope readings or maybe the occasional EQ or Myers Briggs test. Not sure where I rate on the narcissism scale?
For anyone interested www.intelligencetest.com is a pretty good test in comparison with the others. It's free and breaks down your intelligence into different areas ie I scored highly on spatial but very low on numeracy.
Have fun Bridgets and good luck!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A Common Thread
After catching up with various Bridget friends this last week I have noticed a common theme running through our lives at the moment. It seems that we are all learning/re-learning the lesson of personal responsibility in relation to our own happiness and experiences. These lessons are also being delivered by similar "teachers" ie parteners past and present!
When it comes to men and relationships my Bridget friends and I have all gotten to the point of feeling almost powerless, and extremely resentful because of it. But on closer inspection it is not actually the man (husband, ex or otherwise) in each of our lives, that can be wholly and soley blamed for this. It has been an unconscious giving away of our power to him, that is to blame...in otherwords it is "nobodies fault but mine".
One of the D&M's I had with a longterm friend of mine went something like this;
her - "I love my husband, but GOD he shits me! I have been waiting 7 months for him to do this job for me, and it makes me sooo angry when he doesn't even try to do it!"
me - "why don't you stop waiting for him to do it and just do it yourself, get someone in and just get it done. If you were single you would have had it done 7 months ago." (this is my favourite piece of advice at the moment because I am single and my soapbox has a pretty good view!)
Another conversation with a different friend was more like this;
her - "My ex is being such an abusive prick at the moment, he's constantly making my life hell. And now my new boyfriend is whingeing because he says there is so much drama in my life and he's sick of it.....do you think I'm melodramatic?"
me - "no, but I think your ex creates a ridiculous amount of stress in your life so that you are always on edge and tend to over-react to things that you wouldn't normally. Why are you in contact with him so much, why do you give him permission to treat you like shit? They call them 'exes' for a reason you know. The two of you are like a miserable married couple that live in seperate houses." (don't worry she got her own back a few days later with some pearls of truth for me and my particular brand of ex-drama.)
So the key lesson of taking responsibility for my/our own happiness, and all the sub-lessons of setting boundaries, taking action, self-awareness, and standing up for ones-self are playing out in wonderful synchronicity, if not a slightly infuriating repetitive manner.
In case you're wondering my lesson is coming in the form of recognition (finally) of the passive-aggressive way in which I have been dealing with my very controlling ex/father of my children, and the ensuing battles, wiping of said exes feet on my doormat back, and eventual explosion of my inner-bubbling-cauldron of rage. The eventual realisation being that in order to be a happy person I need to take responsibilty for the way I allow him to treat me and for the way I treat him.
So dear Bridget, what are some of the lessons that you are learning at the moment?
When it comes to men and relationships my Bridget friends and I have all gotten to the point of feeling almost powerless, and extremely resentful because of it. But on closer inspection it is not actually the man (husband, ex or otherwise) in each of our lives, that can be wholly and soley blamed for this. It has been an unconscious giving away of our power to him, that is to blame...in otherwords it is "nobodies fault but mine".
One of the D&M's I had with a longterm friend of mine went something like this;
her - "I love my husband, but GOD he shits me! I have been waiting 7 months for him to do this job for me, and it makes me sooo angry when he doesn't even try to do it!"
me - "why don't you stop waiting for him to do it and just do it yourself, get someone in and just get it done. If you were single you would have had it done 7 months ago." (this is my favourite piece of advice at the moment because I am single and my soapbox has a pretty good view!)
Another conversation with a different friend was more like this;
her - "My ex is being such an abusive prick at the moment, he's constantly making my life hell. And now my new boyfriend is whingeing because he says there is so much drama in my life and he's sick of it.....do you think I'm melodramatic?"
me - "no, but I think your ex creates a ridiculous amount of stress in your life so that you are always on edge and tend to over-react to things that you wouldn't normally. Why are you in contact with him so much, why do you give him permission to treat you like shit? They call them 'exes' for a reason you know. The two of you are like a miserable married couple that live in seperate houses." (don't worry she got her own back a few days later with some pearls of truth for me and my particular brand of ex-drama.)
So the key lesson of taking responsibility for my/our own happiness, and all the sub-lessons of setting boundaries, taking action, self-awareness, and standing up for ones-self are playing out in wonderful synchronicity, if not a slightly infuriating repetitive manner.
In case you're wondering my lesson is coming in the form of recognition (finally) of the passive-aggressive way in which I have been dealing with my very controlling ex/father of my children, and the ensuing battles, wiping of said exes feet on my doormat back, and eventual explosion of my inner-bubbling-cauldron of rage. The eventual realisation being that in order to be a happy person I need to take responsibilty for the way I allow him to treat me and for the way I treat him.
So dear Bridget, what are some of the lessons that you are learning at the moment?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Gold Coast Hormone Expert confirms that females are becoming men! Testosterone levels in females is on the rise.
“..One in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS… PCOS leads to high levels of androgens.. ”
http://www.womanshealth.gov.au
Since the 1970s ladies have been entering the work force in large numbers and over time have managed to scale the same corporate ladders as their male counterparts. During the same time period, women are engaging in more physical, and previously male dominated sports, such as cricket, soccer and rugby!
But were woman biologically designed to climb ladders or mug each other on a footy field?
Sam Beau Patrick, The Health Queen, suspects not. What Sam is finding in her clinics (in ladies aged 20-50) is a phenomena that would medically be termed PCOS (High testosterone) is on the rise. Not in a little way, but at an alarming rate.
“..up to one in three ladies in my clinic have elevated testosterone levels..” and “they are having feelings associated with this – anger, rage, acne, excessive facial hair and are finding it very hard to relax and be happy..” said Sam from her Health Queen clinic.
The other physical changes these ladies are experiencing are insulin problems (so weight control is difficult), changes to cortisol levels (stress hormone) so that they always feel tired, and anxious.
Sam would like to see a move to change the current term and diagnosis of poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as it is misleading. Sam prefers to refer to the condition as Female Hormone Disorder (FHD) as not all ladies experience ovarian cysts (as the title PCOS implies). Many doctors not trained in this area often only look for the ovarian cysts and miss the diagnosis and tell ladies there is “nothing wrong” which makes them feel even more frustrated.
The medical hormone tests she runs, supports the finding that females are becoming men. Testosterone levels are higher than they have been in previous decades.
The hormone testing is a simple test able to be done at home from saliva. Results take up to 2 weeks and can be ordered on http://www.byebyebridget.com/ecommerce.php?action=search&stk_group=Self%20Test%20Kits&stk_category=Hormones and costs from $95.
Contact Information:
Sam Beau Patrick, nurse, naturopath and author practices from her home clinic 314 Rio Vista Blvde, Mermaid Waters. Ph 0405 669 135.
Websites: www.healthqueen.com.au and www.byebyebridget.com
Saliva hormones cost from $95 and test estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and others can be tested on request.
“..One in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS… PCOS leads to high levels of androgens.. ”
http://www.womanshealth.gov.au
Since the 1970s ladies have been entering the work force in large numbers and over time have managed to scale the same corporate ladders as their male counterparts. During the same time period, women are engaging in more physical, and previously male dominated sports, such as cricket, soccer and rugby!
But were woman biologically designed to climb ladders or mug each other on a footy field?
Sam Beau Patrick, The Health Queen, suspects not. What Sam is finding in her clinics (in ladies aged 20-50) is a phenomena that would medically be termed PCOS (High testosterone) is on the rise. Not in a little way, but at an alarming rate.
“..up to one in three ladies in my clinic have elevated testosterone levels..” and “they are having feelings associated with this – anger, rage, acne, excessive facial hair and are finding it very hard to relax and be happy..” said Sam from her Health Queen clinic.
The other physical changes these ladies are experiencing are insulin problems (so weight control is difficult), changes to cortisol levels (stress hormone) so that they always feel tired, and anxious.
Sam would like to see a move to change the current term and diagnosis of poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as it is misleading. Sam prefers to refer to the condition as Female Hormone Disorder (FHD) as not all ladies experience ovarian cysts (as the title PCOS implies). Many doctors not trained in this area often only look for the ovarian cysts and miss the diagnosis and tell ladies there is “nothing wrong” which makes them feel even more frustrated.
The medical hormone tests she runs, supports the finding that females are becoming men. Testosterone levels are higher than they have been in previous decades.
The hormone testing is a simple test able to be done at home from saliva. Results take up to 2 weeks and can be ordered on http://www.byebyebridget.com/ecommerce.php?action=search&stk_group=Self%20Test%20Kits&stk_category=Hormones and costs from $95.
Contact Information:
Sam Beau Patrick, nurse, naturopath and author practices from her home clinic 314 Rio Vista Blvde, Mermaid Waters. Ph 0405 669 135.
Websites: www.healthqueen.com.au and www.byebyebridget.com
Saliva hormones cost from $95 and test estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and others can be tested on request.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Transformation - how do you know when it's time to let go?
Hey Bridgets,
I am wondering if it might be time to let go of the old and embrace the new (me that is)?? Having been through a lot of upheaval in the last year, marrital breakdown, singleparentdom, returning to work, surgery, new friends, new home, weight loss....my god it just never stops. But it has recently occured to me that my self-image seems to be lagging somewhat in comparison to the rapid fire changes that have been occuring in my life, and that it might be time to perform some "mental/emotional/spiritual alchemy" in order to keep up.
So I am coming up with some of the things I would like to let go of;
>a feeling of prudish embarrassment about being naked in front of people (this can be particularly awkward during sex!!)
>an overwhelming need to please people (everyone but myself)
>an image of myself as socially-awkward (this has been disproven already)
>the idea that my body is my arch-nemesis out to destroy me unless I destroy it first
Actually now that I've typed them up I think that it's just those last few threads tying me to all the uncertainty of teens and twenties that I am ready to let go of. Really 30's and 40's are a much kinder age!
I am wondering if it might be time to let go of the old and embrace the new (me that is)?? Having been through a lot of upheaval in the last year, marrital breakdown, singleparentdom, returning to work, surgery, new friends, new home, weight loss....my god it just never stops. But it has recently occured to me that my self-image seems to be lagging somewhat in comparison to the rapid fire changes that have been occuring in my life, and that it might be time to perform some "mental/emotional/spiritual alchemy" in order to keep up.
So I am coming up with some of the things I would like to let go of;
>a feeling of prudish embarrassment about being naked in front of people (this can be particularly awkward during sex!!)
>an overwhelming need to please people (everyone but myself)
>an image of myself as socially-awkward (this has been disproven already)
>the idea that my body is my arch-nemesis out to destroy me unless I destroy it first
Actually now that I've typed them up I think that it's just those last few threads tying me to all the uncertainty of teens and twenties that I am ready to let go of. Really 30's and 40's are a much kinder age!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Female Hormone Disorder – The 21st Century Endemic
Bridgets
Female hormone disorder (FHD) is the new, and aptly named by the Health Queen,Sam Beau Patrick, hormone phenomena that is seizing modern day woman.
The modern day lady is typically smart, educated, goal driven, committed in whole to their partner; their kids; their netball team and girlfriends. They are usually working 30 hours per week, exercising to some degree, drinking wine, consuming lots of love-giving-serotonin-promoting chocolate, and managing the household budget.
What a bucket load of stress!
What is changing….
Ladies with FHD typically have the following measurable changes in their blood tests or saliva tests:
1. Elevated estrogen
2. Elevated testosterone
3. Insulin and glucose intolerance (which is the crux of the whole FHD). Or impaired glucose intolerance (which currently affects 1 in 4 Australian adults)!
Ladies experience:
1. Excess abdominal fat
2. A hairy chin or excess facial hair
3. Stressed facial expressions
4. A short shallow breathing pattern (look at the lady side-on to see her chest rise, or watch the way they talk – garbled, frantic words, suppressed giggles because it takes up too much oxygen).
5. Uncontrollable binging (usually sugary foods - chocolate, lollies and alcohol being favorites)
6. An inability to shift excess weight.
What the ladies are feeling:
1. Angry, irritable, revengeful, anxious and stressed
2. Embarrassment about their physical appearance
3. Annoyance and frustration about not being able to rationally control their binges, their decisions in general and their paralysis at taking pro-active control
4. Isolated
The simple 5 point answer
(Which is a very simplified , and basic way to address the very complex, evolving beings that I refer to as “Bridget”)
1. Relax, breathe and then breathe deeply into your stomach. And then tell yourself “ in the big picture, it doesn’t matter.”
2. Positively recall everything that works in your day – you wake up with your partner/husband/a clear head – you have someone somewhere that thinks of you last before you go to bed and that you have ample opportunities every day to improve your life.
3. That life should be easier
4. That your life choices are 100% in your hands. You are the only person responsible and able to bring health and happiness into your life. It's Ok and things can be fun, easy and appear to you in abundance ALL the TIME!
5. Nutrition and feeding yourself healthy choices is empowering.
Byebyebridget.com is dedicated to helping ladies around the world understand what is making them tick and think and ultimately helping us “Redress Stress” and find true happiness and contentness again.
Hang in there Bridgets - we will get there!
Bridget x
Female hormone disorder (FHD) is the new, and aptly named by the Health Queen,Sam Beau Patrick, hormone phenomena that is seizing modern day woman.
The modern day lady is typically smart, educated, goal driven, committed in whole to their partner; their kids; their netball team and girlfriends. They are usually working 30 hours per week, exercising to some degree, drinking wine, consuming lots of love-giving-serotonin-promoting chocolate, and managing the household budget.
What a bucket load of stress!
What is changing….
Ladies with FHD typically have the following measurable changes in their blood tests or saliva tests:
1. Elevated estrogen
2. Elevated testosterone
3. Insulin and glucose intolerance (which is the crux of the whole FHD). Or impaired glucose intolerance (which currently affects 1 in 4 Australian adults)!
Ladies experience:
1. Excess abdominal fat
2. A hairy chin or excess facial hair
3. Stressed facial expressions
4. A short shallow breathing pattern (look at the lady side-on to see her chest rise, or watch the way they talk – garbled, frantic words, suppressed giggles because it takes up too much oxygen).
5. Uncontrollable binging (usually sugary foods - chocolate, lollies and alcohol being favorites)
6. An inability to shift excess weight.
What the ladies are feeling:
1. Angry, irritable, revengeful, anxious and stressed
2. Embarrassment about their physical appearance
3. Annoyance and frustration about not being able to rationally control their binges, their decisions in general and their paralysis at taking pro-active control
4. Isolated
The simple 5 point answer
(Which is a very simplified , and basic way to address the very complex, evolving beings that I refer to as “Bridget”)
1. Relax, breathe and then breathe deeply into your stomach. And then tell yourself “ in the big picture, it doesn’t matter.”
2. Positively recall everything that works in your day – you wake up with your partner/husband/a clear head – you have someone somewhere that thinks of you last before you go to bed and that you have ample opportunities every day to improve your life.
3. That life should be easier
4. That your life choices are 100% in your hands. You are the only person responsible and able to bring health and happiness into your life. It's Ok and things can be fun, easy and appear to you in abundance ALL the TIME!
5. Nutrition and feeding yourself healthy choices is empowering.
Byebyebridget.com is dedicated to helping ladies around the world understand what is making them tick and think and ultimately helping us “Redress Stress” and find true happiness and contentness again.
Hang in there Bridgets - we will get there!
Bridget x
No lattes WHOAH
Bridgets
giddy up. No coffee for 7 days. well 1/2 a cup on night duty the other night - but it tasted like coffee used to taste - like a butted out cigarette with milk and hot water.
That little habit has taken me 1 year to kick. I am so happy and feel so much better that I have.
My tummy is no longer bloated and I am going to the loo less often (classic symptoms of lactose intolerance).
Yeah. Give it a crack. I love this - I just need get my head and heart behind things and they are manageable. Conceive, believe, something else.... oops. think I need some choccie.
Love Bridge
giddy up. No coffee for 7 days. well 1/2 a cup on night duty the other night - but it tasted like coffee used to taste - like a butted out cigarette with milk and hot water.
That little habit has taken me 1 year to kick. I am so happy and feel so much better that I have.
My tummy is no longer bloated and I am going to the loo less often (classic symptoms of lactose intolerance).
Yeah. Give it a crack. I love this - I just need get my head and heart behind things and they are manageable. Conceive, believe, something else.... oops. think I need some choccie.
Love Bridge
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
My Sept Oathe - to give up lattes
Bridgets
that's it - it's in writing now. I am going to wean myself off (one of) my daily latte. I don't really like the taste of coffee anyway!
The other reasons are:
1. I think it's been making my teeth go yellow
2. It costs $4 per day x 7 = $30 (effectively a $2000 per year pay rise)
3. It's the one thing that I started that and then my fat went up. 300 cals per day will now be saved!
I'm excited Bridgets....
Bridget
that's it - it's in writing now. I am going to wean myself off (one of) my daily latte. I don't really like the taste of coffee anyway!
The other reasons are:
1. I think it's been making my teeth go yellow
2. It costs $4 per day x 7 = $30 (effectively a $2000 per year pay rise)
3. It's the one thing that I started that and then my fat went up. 300 cals per day will now be saved!
I'm excited Bridgets....
Bridget
Saturday, August 29, 2009
How to Avoid JUNK food
Bridgets
2 simple rules:
1. You won't eat junk if you don't have it in the house - so don't buy it in the first place!
2. Don't ever shop when you are hungry
Good luck out there,
Bridget
2 simple rules:
1. You won't eat junk if you don't have it in the house - so don't buy it in the first place!
2. Don't ever shop when you are hungry
Good luck out there,
Bridget
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Average Boob sizes have jumped
Bridgets,
according to the same UK show on Boobs the other night (channel 9 I think), it mentioned that the average boob size 10 years ago was 34 c, now it is 36D!
So either we are getting bigger ALL over on average (a distinct possibility), more people are getting enlargements, or more ladies are developing PCOS - Bridget Hormone Disorder (BHD)(high testosterone, insulin problems, high oestrogen and adrenal fatigue. Some have a touch of hypothyroidism as well).
Food for thought,
Bridget
according to the same UK show on Boobs the other night (channel 9 I think), it mentioned that the average boob size 10 years ago was 34 c, now it is 36D!
So either we are getting bigger ALL over on average (a distinct possibility), more people are getting enlargements, or more ladies are developing PCOS - Bridget Hormone Disorder (BHD)(high testosterone, insulin problems, high oestrogen and adrenal fatigue. Some have a touch of hypothyroidism as well).
Food for thought,
Bridget
Monday, August 24, 2009
Boobs
Bridgets
i have just watched a great show on Boobs -i shall reveal the details in subsequent weeks.
Boobs are not just visual shapes lingering on our ribs for other people's titilation! NO!- they are actually a key to us feeling good.
Do you know what - no matter what we say about our boobs - they (hey - if you still have a set. Many Bridgets only have one - we love you sisters...):
1. somewhat define whom we are (by our own volition)
and
2. dictate how good we feel about ourselves based on our "boob appeal."
I'm off to do reconnaissances....
love small chested Bridget
i have just watched a great show on Boobs -i shall reveal the details in subsequent weeks.
Boobs are not just visual shapes lingering on our ribs for other people's titilation! NO!- they are actually a key to us feeling good.
Do you know what - no matter what we say about our boobs - they (hey - if you still have a set. Many Bridgets only have one - we love you sisters...):
1. somewhat define whom we are (by our own volition)
and
2. dictate how good we feel about ourselves based on our "boob appeal."
I'm off to do reconnaissances....
love small chested Bridget
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Next I will need a PIN for a latte!!!
Bridgets
do you know i now have a print out of all my PINS (shoot - no i don't), my usernames, my passwords, so much security, so many things to remember. WHo am I anyway?
I remember watching an article in grade 7, reporting that we wouldn't need cash one day - that we could use a card at a service station or retail outlet, that would automatically take money out of our bank accounts for us and transfer into the retailer's bank (now referred to as a merchant).
MY GOD - the debit card is a living essential in 2009.
Who would have thought that all the IT advances, that seemingly make life so much easier, have in a paradoxical way, lead to confusion, exploitation and hacking (which used to mean a bad cough when i was a kid) and me being ripped off by some UNI student in Russia from my home-based computer. Good grief....
In fact, anyone with IT nouce, a poor moral ethic and an aptitude to rob and steal, can drive past my little house and tap into my band width and steal my life from underneath my nose.
Why all the security details then. Who are we kidding!
I will tell you Bridgets.... I am stress by all the security measures to protect my money (albeit a small pile - well bump), i get miffed when i call to access and change accounts and tell them all my details proficiently then some smarty pantz says "what is your postcode?" Seriously!!! and then tells me that to change any thing, the request has to be in writing, authorized and witnessed by a JP and sent on original paper - fax won't do!
BUT if i were a smart crim - i can just hack on any - grab and dump money - or use a "mule" and live a happy stressfree and TAX free life and change my address accordingly.
I know who is the stupid one here!
Good night, sleep tight and don't let the hackers bite! Bridget
do you know i now have a print out of all my PINS (shoot - no i don't), my usernames, my passwords, so much security, so many things to remember. WHo am I anyway?
I remember watching an article in grade 7, reporting that we wouldn't need cash one day - that we could use a card at a service station or retail outlet, that would automatically take money out of our bank accounts for us and transfer into the retailer's bank (now referred to as a merchant).
MY GOD - the debit card is a living essential in 2009.
Who would have thought that all the IT advances, that seemingly make life so much easier, have in a paradoxical way, lead to confusion, exploitation and hacking (which used to mean a bad cough when i was a kid) and me being ripped off by some UNI student in Russia from my home-based computer. Good grief....
In fact, anyone with IT nouce, a poor moral ethic and an aptitude to rob and steal, can drive past my little house and tap into my band width and steal my life from underneath my nose.
Why all the security details then. Who are we kidding!
I will tell you Bridgets.... I am stress by all the security measures to protect my money (albeit a small pile - well bump), i get miffed when i call to access and change accounts and tell them all my details proficiently then some smarty pantz says "what is your postcode?" Seriously!!! and then tells me that to change any thing, the request has to be in writing, authorized and witnessed by a JP and sent on original paper - fax won't do!
BUT if i were a smart crim - i can just hack on any - grab and dump money - or use a "mule" and live a happy stressfree and TAX free life and change my address accordingly.
I know who is the stupid one here!
Good night, sleep tight and don't let the hackers bite! Bridget
Friday, August 14, 2009
My favorite FEEL GOOD passage
Bridgets - i love this...
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirro, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today i'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YAY!" she exclaimed.
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live Simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
speak kindly,
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirro, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today i'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YAY!" she exclaimed.
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live Simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
speak kindly,
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
High protein wine
Bridgets
if any of you are scientists - can you please look into producing a wine that strips fat (needs L-carnitine) and is high in protein and low in carbs. Hell, throw in some omega 3s for my skin and maybe some progesterone for my libido.
Sigh, Bridget
if any of you are scientists - can you please look into producing a wine that strips fat (needs L-carnitine) and is high in protein and low in carbs. Hell, throw in some omega 3s for my skin and maybe some progesterone for my libido.
Sigh, Bridget
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
6 Steps to Being a Better Manager - lesson 6
Bridgets
Your last lesson in becoming a better manager
Lesson 6 A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story: (1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy. (2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend. (3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
Go get 'em Bridget
Your last lesson in becoming a better manager
Lesson 6 A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story: (1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy. (2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend. (3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
Go get 'em Bridget
Monday, August 10, 2009
6 Steps to Being a Better Manager - lesson 5
Bridgets
Your Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.' 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story: Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..
Go Bridgets
Your Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.' 'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story: Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there..
Go Bridgets
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
6 Steps to Being a Better Manager - lesson 4
Bridget
your 4th lesson
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Cioa Bridget
your 4th lesson
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Cioa Bridget
Monday, August 3, 2009
6 Steps to Being a Better Manager - lesson 3
Lesson 3: A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.' 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.' Puff! She's gone. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.' Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
6 Steps to Being a Better Manager - lesson 2
Bridgets
Lesson 2: A priest offered a Nun a lift... She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.' Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
By the way, I didn't write these - someone else did
x Bridget
Lesson 2: A priest offered a Nun a lift... She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.' Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
By the way, I didn't write these - someone else did
x Bridget
Friday, July 31, 2009
6 Steps to Being a Better Manager Lesson 1
Bridgets:
lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.
The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbour,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Bridget
lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.
The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbour,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Bridget
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bridgets don't share lippy
And we all know who gave it to him...
Bridgets, don't share your lippy during the current pandemic of swine flu.
Nor your hats, undies and boyfriends!
Love Bridget
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Playhouse Disney and The Sunday Telegraph
Bridget-mums,
wow, we received a Playhouse Disney DVD promo sampler in the Sunday Telegraph. IT has captivated the kids like a live clown - that teaches them all about health and good nutrition (and fractions)! , teaches them musicians such as Dovrak, crescendos well... you get the idea. IT's excellent. Good old fashion common sense things and the kids love it.
Thanks guys,
Sam - mummy Bridget
wow, we received a Playhouse Disney DVD promo sampler in the Sunday Telegraph. IT has captivated the kids like a live clown - that teaches them all about health and good nutrition (and fractions)! , teaches them musicians such as Dovrak, crescendos well... you get the idea. IT's excellent. Good old fashion common sense things and the kids love it.
Thanks guys,
Sam - mummy Bridget
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Lotto madness - the numbers are...
Bridgets et al,
I am sure i have the winning combo - but do you think i can find the numbers. 90 Million AUD has been won by 2 people. Me and someone else.
I know i wont be able to sleep until i see the complete set of numbers!
Apparently the lotto result website has crashed! Good grief. There are only 20 million Australians, what is going on. I am sure many of them are under-aged and won't have tickets.... half will still be watching the Michael Jackson thing unfold... and the other desperados are probably like me....waiting to see our wishes confirmed in writing....common!
Anxiously awaiting, Bridget
I am sure i have the winning combo - but do you think i can find the numbers. 90 Million AUD has been won by 2 people. Me and someone else.
I know i wont be able to sleep until i see the complete set of numbers!
Apparently the lotto result website has crashed! Good grief. There are only 20 million Australians, what is going on. I am sure many of them are under-aged and won't have tickets.... half will still be watching the Michael Jackson thing unfold... and the other desperados are probably like me....waiting to see our wishes confirmed in writing....common!
Anxiously awaiting, Bridget
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Bridget's Cooking classes
Lazagna
1kg of hormone free mince
500 g of ricotta
1 packet of pre-cooked lazagna pasta sheets
1 packet of frozen spinach
500g of tomato pasta sauce (try different varieties for different tastes)
roast capsicum (optional)
250 g mozarella cheese (shredded)
100 grams of parmesan cheese (grated)
Method:
to make the mince - put the whole lot into a large saucepan and cover the mince with water. Bring to the boil, breaking the mince up so it all gets to cook. Cook for 20 minutes. Drain the fatty deposits on the water into the bin. Add the entire tomato sauce into teh mince and stir well. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
To assemble lazagna, simply arrange alternating layers of mince, ricotta (crumble into smaller pieces in your hands), pasta, then mince, defrosted spinach, capsicum, pasta, then repeat this 2 more times.
Cover the top with the 2 cheeses. The parmesan makes the cheese layer nice and crunchy. Yum!
Cook for 30 miuntes on 180 degrees and allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Eat with a salad.
Unless you have a very large baking dish, you will need 2 baking dishes for this recipe.
1kg of hormone free mince
500 g of ricotta
1 packet of pre-cooked lazagna pasta sheets
1 packet of frozen spinach
500g of tomato pasta sauce (try different varieties for different tastes)
roast capsicum (optional)
250 g mozarella cheese (shredded)
100 grams of parmesan cheese (grated)
Method:
to make the mince - put the whole lot into a large saucepan and cover the mince with water. Bring to the boil, breaking the mince up so it all gets to cook. Cook for 20 minutes. Drain the fatty deposits on the water into the bin. Add the entire tomato sauce into teh mince and stir well. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
To assemble lazagna, simply arrange alternating layers of mince, ricotta (crumble into smaller pieces in your hands), pasta, then mince, defrosted spinach, capsicum, pasta, then repeat this 2 more times.
Cover the top with the 2 cheeses. The parmesan makes the cheese layer nice and crunchy. Yum!
Cook for 30 miuntes on 180 degrees and allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Eat with a salad.
Unless you have a very large baking dish, you will need 2 baking dishes for this recipe.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
State of Origin Bridget style
Bridgets around the world,
tonight on the East Coast of Australia a few gladiators are going to battle on the rugby field in Sydney. IT is called our State of Origin Footy - and involves NRL players representing the states (or A grade clubs) where they originally started playing NRL. Thus there is only 2 teams , QLD and NSW. It is the best of 3 games.
The hype is worth watching, the pre-game entertainment, the radio and tv reports - It's War - they keep reminding us.
While i am glued to the action on the telly, I hope to do my nails, drink some wine and sms a few people.
GO Queenslanders GO!
Bridget
tonight on the East Coast of Australia a few gladiators are going to battle on the rugby field in Sydney. IT is called our State of Origin Footy - and involves NRL players representing the states (or A grade clubs) where they originally started playing NRL. Thus there is only 2 teams , QLD and NSW. It is the best of 3 games.
The hype is worth watching, the pre-game entertainment, the radio and tv reports - It's War - they keep reminding us.
While i am glued to the action on the telly, I hope to do my nails, drink some wine and sms a few people.
GO Queenslanders GO!
Bridget
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Bridget cooking classes
Bridgets,
this is the easiest, low maintenance, yummiest soup.
Ingredients:
1 kg of bacon bones
4 cups of vegetables chopped (include what is on sale at the grocer - these will normally "be in season " vegetables.
water to cover the bones
herbs such as parsley, oregano, sage, garlic
Following the short - very amateur - clip:
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=KKJxiOu5W1k&next=%2Fmy_videos%3Fpi%3D0%26ps%3D20%26sf%3Dadded%26sa%3D0%26sq%3D%26dm%3D2
Enjoy,
Bridget
this is the easiest, low maintenance, yummiest soup.
Ingredients:
1 kg of bacon bones
4 cups of vegetables chopped (include what is on sale at the grocer - these will normally "be in season " vegetables.
water to cover the bones
herbs such as parsley, oregano, sage, garlic
Following the short - very amateur - clip:
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=KKJxiOu5W1k&next=%2Fmy_videos%3Fpi%3D0%26ps%3D20%26sf%3Dadded%26sa%3D0%26sq%3D%26dm%3D2
Enjoy,
Bridget
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Energy Drinks banned in Schools - protect older Bridgets too
Bridgets
So it is..another thing that isn't good for us... Energy Drinks. So why are they so easily bought? They are trying to ban these drinks from Schools and help protect our junior Bridgets (great idea), but what about us older Bridgets?
Just because we drive cars, have bank accounts, use Facebook instead of My Space (good grief some of us still use the good ol' phone to communicate) doesn't mean that we have the will power to NOT purchase energy drinks.
I reckon your energy levels get used up quicker than when you are a junior Bridget...
Please protect our energy vulnerabilities too. If the drinks are dangerous - take them off the shelf.
I think i need a nap or coffee now, i'm tired after concentrating for so long,
Adios Bridget
So it is..another thing that isn't good for us... Energy Drinks. So why are they so easily bought? They are trying to ban these drinks from Schools and help protect our junior Bridgets (great idea), but what about us older Bridgets?
Just because we drive cars, have bank accounts, use Facebook instead of My Space (good grief some of us still use the good ol' phone to communicate) doesn't mean that we have the will power to NOT purchase energy drinks.
I reckon your energy levels get used up quicker than when you are a junior Bridget...
Please protect our energy vulnerabilities too. If the drinks are dangerous - take them off the shelf.
I think i need a nap or coffee now, i'm tired after concentrating for so long,
Adios Bridget
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Swine Flu
Bridgets
Has anyone noticed that Swine Flu is really the German pronounciation for Wine Vuu - which is really a new perfume released by an innovative Bavarian. This big beat up about it being a flu has been a co-incidence - hasn't it....?
Confused Bridget
Has anyone noticed that Swine Flu is really the German pronounciation for Wine Vuu - which is really a new perfume released by an innovative Bavarian. This big beat up about it being a flu has been a co-incidence - hasn't it....?
Confused Bridget
Saturday, June 6, 2009
who is the perfect Bridget
Bridgets
today i am trying to define via one single image all that depites a "modern day bridget". It's actually easier to talk about it than to narrow it down with a photo.
We are white, black, skinny, normal and cuddly, we are us!
We are normal, every day chicks trying to be the best we can!
It's actually really hard to depict that in a photo - we all are gorgeous - we are woman (hear us roar!)! we are simply trying our best. Don't get on our backs - just jump on our band wagons - all of us go much better with encourgaement - contrite or otherwise- we don't care - just encourage us!
have a great Sunday Bridgets
today i am trying to define via one single image all that depites a "modern day bridget". It's actually easier to talk about it than to narrow it down with a photo.
We are white, black, skinny, normal and cuddly, we are us!
We are normal, every day chicks trying to be the best we can!
It's actually really hard to depict that in a photo - we all are gorgeous - we are woman (hear us roar!)! we are simply trying our best. Don't get on our backs - just jump on our band wagons - all of us go much better with encourgaement - contrite or otherwise- we don't care - just encourage us!
have a great Sunday Bridgets
Friday, June 5, 2009
Bridget re-invented
Bridgets
I love the fact that in our current world you can re-invent yourself.
I am smart - just like you, but at times we chose a particular path that has all the bells and whistles of appeal, the new us, but transpires to be "not the best choice" for us in the long run.
You know what i mean - a decision to date a particlar guy - a gamble.... a decision to sms someone - a gamble..... a decision to try something new on the menu - a gamble....
Don't persecute yourself - we all do it.
The decision you make is the best one, at that point in time. If it is a dud- go back to the drawing board. If it is a pattern of repeat duds and "my GOD!, I;ve done it again 1@#@!# Why didn't I see that coming"!? Then we need to do some serious self reflection - well you do anyway.
So everyone has the opportunity to re-invent themselves. That is not in question. What is in question is: Do you know what you want to re-invent to and how what decisions do you need to make at critical times in your life for you to achieve this?
Bye for now, Bridgets
I love the fact that in our current world you can re-invent yourself.
I am smart - just like you, but at times we chose a particular path that has all the bells and whistles of appeal, the new us, but transpires to be "not the best choice" for us in the long run.
You know what i mean - a decision to date a particlar guy - a gamble.... a decision to sms someone - a gamble..... a decision to try something new on the menu - a gamble....
Don't persecute yourself - we all do it.
The decision you make is the best one, at that point in time. If it is a dud- go back to the drawing board. If it is a pattern of repeat duds and "my GOD!, I;ve done it again 1@#@!# Why didn't I see that coming"!? Then we need to do some serious self reflection - well you do anyway.
So everyone has the opportunity to re-invent themselves. That is not in question. What is in question is: Do you know what you want to re-invent to and how what decisions do you need to make at critical times in your life for you to achieve this?
Bye for now, Bridgets
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