The Jeans Test...

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, when fashion was a daily concern and what you wore was paramount to how cool you were at school, tight jeans were all the rage. 

I expect they are today also (judging by what you see in the streets) and have been many times between, with a few seasons of bootleg and stretch thrown in. Comfort now rules for me, and whilst snug is fine, tight without any stretch just isn't even going to make it into the change room.

In any case, back to my teenage years...

What my peers thought was cool and what my mother deemed as acceptable, sensible, reasonable and value for money, was generally poles apart, and so my mother (in the name of peace) came up with a test that I agreed to follow...

Tight jeans could be bought, if, and only if, once they were on with the zip fastened, I was able to sit easily on the floor of the dressing room and get myself back up without assistance. Level of comfort was whatever I could hide from my mother, which meant my face changing to different shades of red was also a likely deal breaker.

In any case, the jeans test worked well and many a denim jeans equivalent of the straight jacket was returned to the racks in the name of healthy blood flow to my legs. And although I was never part of the cool group (truth be told for reasons that stretched well beyond my fashion sense) I had a great group of friends that didn't care too much about what I wore nor me about them and we all survived despite it all... 

And so, with this rule in mind, I am blaming my night of broken sleep on a slip up in the 'test' this morning. After a long weekend away followed by a busy week of nights out after work, I have a pile of waiting washing and an ever decreasing limited stack of options. This morning as I sorted my way down past shorts, 3/4 pants and a denim skirt, I came to a pair of jeans that I had forgotten I even owned! 

Now, THAT should have been warning enough, right?

In any case, after my shower I pulled them on and was delighted to find they fit (rather snugly perhaps but not so tight that I needed a coat hanger to pull up the zip!) So, across the next 15 minutes as the clock ticked and I started running late, I congratulated myself on my find and it was not until I got to my car that I realised my oversight.

In my eagerness to get out the door, I had neglected the jeans test. 

And let me tell you, had I applied the rule, I would not be sitting at my desk right now, with a day of work ahead of me, feeling rather uncomfortable, wondering if anyone will notice if I undo the button, if I do if the zip will stay up!

Oh, if only I had remembered to take the jeans test this morning!

Age doesn't guarantee wisdom...

You must always have a mountain to climb...

For a long time I've been unhappy in my work. Maybe forever. Yes, I know, regular readers will be groaning and sighing that I am back on this subject! It is a recurring theme here at One Little Acorn!

I have always envied those people who have had an unquestionable certainty about their calling from an early age. I wished I had the same drive, the same determined direction. Instead, it seems like I have stumbled from one thing to the next, changing paths in the search for something that feels right but still missing the target. I have shifted a number of times in my work life, jumping in at the deep end, paddling like crazy to get up to speed and learning on the run. I have worked in different roles, from being in charge, to answering orders, liaising with clients and management. Doing the juggling that is required in an attempt to keep everyone happy. Often at my own detriment.

I am not afraid of hard work, and think I would love my job - if only I knew what that job should be!

I met a friend of my parent's the other night and the conversation turned (as it often does in early introductory conversation) to my work life. When I told him I didn't like my job, he seemed disappointed. When I told him I was bored and my job lacked challenge, he was horrified.

And having considered this for some moments, he gave me some sound advice. Advice that an active, intelligent octogenarian is well qualified to give... And I'm going to leave it with you to ponder, as I have done for the last few days. Because, no matter your age, job, lifestyle, your financial status, your weight or your education, no matter where you are in life, his statement is relevant.

You must always have a mountain to climb.

*Image from here

From there to here, and here to there...

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere."

Dr Seuss

Where to begin?

I have an absolute stack of books that I am attempting to read at the moment (this is just the first pile)...
I have so many, I'm not even sure where to begin...
Any recommendations on where to start?

There are days when I really want a drink...

I don't really drink alcohol.
Mostly it's because I don't like the taste.


It would be nice to sit with friends and share a bottle of wine, to enjoy a social gathering over a few drinks at the end of the week or a hot summer's day. But to this day I have never managed to find a wine or beer that I especially like. So I figure, why bother?


But there are days...
when I am over the slog
when my patience is wearing thin
when all I want to do is scream bloody murder...
when I think that having a few bevies to calm the turmoil inside my head, might come in handy.
That drinking myself into oblivion might soak away the voices and frustrations. Where my sorrows will be drowned and silenced.

Somedays I believe that waking up with a hangover, might just be preferable to waking up with the head-hurting knowledge that groundhog day is waiting for me to get out of bed to start all over again.

Don't be afraid...

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated.

You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.

DAVID LLOYD GEORGE

Bookcase Tour Tuesday - WISDOM

I bought this book for my Dad last year and I love it (he does too). It's a coffee table style book with images and words from a wide range of well known people from Billy Connolly, Judi Dench, Chinua Achebe, Ravi Shankkar, Clint Eastwood, Bryce Courtenay, Desmond Tutu and Jane Goodall, all with their reflections on wisdom and what it means to them. There are over 70 interviews. The photography is stunning and the words fascinating and thought provoking.

It's the kind of book that can be browsed briefly, opened at random, or where an afternoon can be lost with each turn of the page.

It also comes with a 60 minute DVD - a compilation of all the interviews. Seriously a great read and great viewing. Go take a look at the website here.

Now, whilst it isn't my book, I do feel I have some 'claim' to it and it is worth sharing, and so I have included it today for the meme that Melanie is running over at her blog at Kimono Reincarnate. Bookcase Tour Tuesday. Go on over and say hi, and join in too!
Thanks Melanie.

*Oops - it's already Wednesday! Oh well!

A $15 bottle of hair colour does amazing things for a girl’s confidence...

I've been pretty cranky this week.
Mostly about work, but not that excited about much else either. September is often like this for me as I drag myself out of my winter slump. But work is especially getting me down. Whenever new work drops into my intray, I sigh with resignation that it's groundhog day again. Same thing, day in, day out.

Most days I just get on with it, but some days it gets me down. Yesterday was one such day. And it showed.

I was less than receptive when Amy (client and also good friend) dropped a job to me and I showed her little enthusiasm. I only managed a weak smile and I later emailed her to apologise. She has known for a long time that I am not happy at my work, and her response was a big cyber hug into my email inbox.

You haven’t been happy here for a long time. That’s before the job crapiness, and before your brother died and everything. I think it’s time we let the butterfly out of the cage... Where would you like to spread your wings Miss?

And herein lies my biggest problem. I really don't know. I have absolutely NO eFn IDEA where to spread my wings.

Her reply to me:
Ok, tell me when in the last 5 – 10 years you have felt happiness. When have you been complete and most at peace. Give me a place, or an event, or a set of circumstances. Just think about it and then type without judgement...

And so she reminded me once again to look for my happiness where I have found it in the past...

Learning new stuff.
Especially creative things.
Spending time creating and being with people who are positive and enthusiastic about doing the same.
And writing.
And hanging out with friends.
And family at the right times.
And when I am challenging myself.
And feeling good about myself.
These things make me happy.
But right now... I feel like a troll.
An angry shitty, disagreeable TROLL.
With bad hair.
send.

And the wise (and loving) reply...

Well, so far I haven’t seen anything that can’t be fixed. You may have momentarily forgotten this, so I’ll happily remind you...

Ah hem. You are a wonderful, kind, creative, talented, inspiring, motivated, funny, gorgeous, warm, caring, articulate, sensitive, original and incredibly strong woman. You WILL find a way to get back to your whole self, it’s coming, promise. You continue to grow your repertoire of talents, whether that’s in the creative area, or just dealing with different sorts of people, all of these are the skills that will get you to where you want to go. Go home tonight and do something that makes you feel more like you. And a $15 bottle of hair colour does amazing things for a girl’s confidence, trust me! ;)

Awww Ames... what can I say, but thanks. Your reminders and support have got me through to the end of the week. How awesome, that whilst working in a job that I don't much like, I have found such a great friend. That alone makes coming in every day that much easier. Thanks.

Oh, and that hair dye is top of my shopping list for the weekend.
It's a good place to start. And a bit of a lazy start on Saturday.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Driving is driving me crazy...

Seriously, what is it with taxi's? I understand they don't WANT to get to their destinations too quickly. I understand that they are probably quite happy to catch all the red lights. I expect they might even be pleased when the traffic is congested and it starts to rain...

And me? I just want to get where I am going safely and as stress free, and as promptly, as possible. I do NOT want to sit in the right lane doing 10km's under the speed limit. I am pleased when the traffic light God looks favourably upon me and blesses me with a string of green lights. And when it's a quiet day on the road and I don't take longer than public transport to get home after work (yes, you guessed it) I am grateful for the lucky break.

But for whatever reason, I keep getting stuck (you guessed - right again) behind every 'go slow' taxi in Melbourne. And I'm over it. Go slow by all means. Catch all the red lights (someone has to). But please please PERLEASE, get out of the right lane and let us non fare collecting drivers past.

Gheesh.

Oh and another thing... to the moron who was shaving whilst driving at 100kms an hour on the Tulla this morning, have a shave BEFORE you leave home! I could hardly believe it. FINALLY there is a driver on the road doing the speed limit and he decides it's the time to take a shave. Oh good grief.

And finally... cos I know I meant to post about this when it happened in summer last year and it's just now as I am on my little rant that it comes to mind...

I drive out of work, and sit at the lights waiting to head onto the freeway, and the guy in the car in front of me is smoking, arm hanging out the window, cigarette in hand and flicking his ash on a total fire ban day, and with the OTHER hand he is pressing his mobile to his ear. Hmmm... It did make me wonder how exactly he was planning to steer.

I mean seriously. These things drive me crazy.

the getting of wisdom...

If I was wise, I would...

smile often
exercise daily
grow an edible garden
sleep well
say 'I love you' more often to those I love
be awake to the world around me
ignore negativity
embrace
slow down
remember to say thank you and you're welcome
defend what is right
eat good fresh food
smile often

Wisdom Works...

Take a minute to pause and reflect. It's worth it.

Quote of the day...

Kind words can be short and easy to speak
but their echoes are truly endless.

Mother Theresa

You've got to uphold the dream...

So, I'm back at work this morning - my arts course finished last week (sob sob). It feels like a bit of a daze really. A few nights out... the exhibition... lots of talking... out and about...

Now, here I am, where I was just 5 days ago and the seat feels unfamilliar. As if I shouldn't be here! Maybe I am imagining it.

Then, I go to flip my desk calendar to today and Friday's quote catches my eye. Funny (and oh so true) given last Friday was the last day.

"You've got to create a dream.
You've got to uphold the dream.
If you can't, then bugger it. Go back
to the factory, or go back to the desk."
ERIC BURDON*

I kid you not. I have no idea who this Eric Burdon is, but I like him. He is a wise man. And the timing of the quote could not have been more perfect.

We spent much of the week-end discussing how to avoid a return to the full time 'office job'. How to live the dream and afford to live at the same time. I'm working on it people, cos, as my buddy Mr.Burdon says... "you've got to uphold the dream".

Happy Monday everyone.

*Turns out Eric Burdon is singer in The Animals. Thanks Sherrin!
This weeks "This is..." and Exhibition update to come in the next few days. Stay tuned!

All I Really Need To Know...

All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten
By Robert Fulghum

All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not
at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody
really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.
Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or your government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm.
Think what a better world it would be if all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had a basic policy to always put thing back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are - when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

© Robert Fulghum, 1990.