TTT - Leo the Lion

I'm ba-ack! Yes, that's right, having finished all my coursework for uni, I am participating again in Shannon's Table Topics Tuesday. Hooray!



Today's topic:

do you possess any of the qualities of your zodiac sign?

I'm a Leo, born on August 23rd. I've always thought that Leos like luxury, like to be the centre of attention and are generous, but I thought I'd do a bit of research in case I've got it all wrong!

The first hit on Google gave me:

The Lion July 23 to August 22 What?!? This means I'm not even a Leo! Talk about identity crisis!

Traditional Leo Traits
Generous and warmhearted True
Creative and enthusiastic True
Broad-minded and expansive True
Faithful and loving True

On the dark side....
Pompous and patronizing No, I really don't think so.
Bossy and interfering Bossy I'll take but definitely not interfering.
Dogmatic and intolerant Isn't this the opposite to broad-minded and expansive???

Hhmmm...Let's try again...

The second hit on Google:

Leo July 24-August 23 Whew! I'm back to being a Leo again.

You are a ball of dynamic energy. You are warm, bright and self-motivated, and you want to make an impression in everything you do — your work, your love life and your social life. I'm not so sure about the energy but I am warm, self-motivated and I do like to make a good impression.

Because you are extremely generous, you expect others to be just as big-hearted. You want to see everyone giving to the best of their ability. To other people, you can look like a bit of a tyrant. I guess this could be true, I do expect a lot of others.

When you are feeling upbeat, you carry people away with your energy, and they love you for it. You love sharing your joys and successes with the people you love. Some people think you are a show-off, but this is a mistake. Your dramatic flair is part and parcel of your zest for life, your love of people and your optimism. For you, life is a stage on which you can perform and express your talents. A show-off? Me? Well maybe a little...

Your physical appetites and general level of energy are extraordinarily high. You need to be physically mobile and fully engaged in meaningful work and social activities to feel good. Again with the energy! I must be doing something wrong, I don't think I got that part...however it is true that I'm happier busy than not.

Seriously, though, what do I think of astrology?

I'm not a believer. I think that we all could find qualities from each of the zodiac signs that resonate for us. And I think that reading a daily horoscope, rather than being useful for planning your life or making decisions, is more about taking the time to be mindful about the day ahead.

So what about you? Do you think that you possess the qualities ascribed to your zodiac sign? What do you think of astrology in general?

If you'd like to play along, click on the button at the top of this post, it will take you to Shannon's NutHouse so that you can link up.

Sources:
1. http://www.astrology-online.com/leo.htm
2. http://www.astrology.com.au/12signs/leo.asp

TTT - Top Five Hotties

Poor Shannon has been battling Shingles, and needs some cheering up. So she has put the call out to all her blogging sisters, and has designated this week's Table Topics Tuesday to be "top five hotties day". Works for me.

5. Brad Pitt

I know, an oldie but a goodie. He hasn't been named sexiest man alive multiple times for nothing!

4. Alexander Skarsgard

Fans of True Blood need no introduction.

3, 2 and 1. Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley

If you're not watching the Vampire Diaries, then why not???

That's one hot threesome they've got going on ;)

By the way, I think Nina Dobrev is gorgeous, and she reminds me of a young Teri Hatcher. What do you think?

So, my public service is done. I have dutifully delivered five hotties (even if one of them is a girl!) to cheer up Shannon. If you'd like to see more hotties, or participate in Table Topics Tuesdays, then click on the button at the top of this post.

TTT - Have fun like a child

do you think it's more fun to be a parent or a child?

Derrr! (Duh if you're American) Of course it's more fun to be a child! I've never appreciated my childhood as much as since I've been a parent. Oh the marvellousness of not being in charge of the bills or the house or anything else for that matter! Kids hardly even have to be in charge of themselves!

The hardest think for me about being an adult, especially one who is married with a mortgage and kids - the full catastrophe as they say - is the responsibility! Wouldn't it be lovely if someone else had to make the decisions, keep their eye on the time and the budget, and make sure that everyone is healthy and happy for a change?

A lesson I have had to learn is that, believe it or not, I don't make the world turn! (Imagine that!) I can't make everything right all the time, I'm not always in control, and I DON'T HAVE TO BE. As my kids get older, I have to work to make sure that they get a little more responsibility each year with their added priveleges. Alana started high school this year, and I have to make sure that I don't get in her face too much about her homework and assignments. I have to show her the respect of letting her organise herself and take responsibility for her own deadlines. I'm lucky, Alana is naturally a mature and responsible kind of girl. Joshua is more of a challenge, as he's a fun-loving boy who can't see much point in hard work. I'm going to have my work cut out for me letting go of some of the responsibility and turning it over to him.

In order to have fun like a child, I think I need to make time for play. What is play to me? What do I really have fun doing? And how can I fit it into my routine so I don't lose my fun side? Well, guess what? I bought tickets for Alana and I to go and see Eclipse on the day it opens in theatres! Yay! Looking forward to July 1st for some fun :)

If you'd like to participate in this conversation, head over to Shannon's NutHouse by clicking on the button above.

TTT - Healthy Habits

what habit of yours would you

most like to break?

Hmmmm...this is a hard one. I don't smoke, or swear, or bite my fingernails! I think, for me, the issue is really making new healthy new habits, rather than breaking old unhealthy ones.

I've already got two healthy habits that I'm really pleased with. The first is practising Tai Chi.

I began attending classes at the beginning of 2008, and immediately enjoyed it. After a term of introductory Shibashi lessons, I moved on to learning Levels 1-6 of Tai Chi.

Now that I've "graduated" from these classes, I attend Tai Chi Club every Wednesday. I also try to set aside 30 mins each day to practise. I find that when I do, it helps me remember to breathe, and makes me feel connected to the world around me. Tai Chi is good for wellbeing and relaxation and helps with lymphatic circulation, which is great for people like me who suffer from lymphodema.

My second "healthy habit" is journalling. No, I don't mean what I do here on my blog! I keep a notebook beside my bed, and in the morning or the evening I take some time to unload any worries or issues that are troubling me. It's an opportunity to practise positive self-talk and to work out what I really think and feel about things. I swear by it as a way to work through my problems.

So, what healthy habits would I like to add to my life? Well lately I've heard a bit about the idea that it's healthy to take about 10000 steps a day. I recently bought a pedometer, and I'm getting to know how many steps I take in a normal day so I can work out how I can increase them to meet my goal of 10000. Yesterday I hit around 5600 just doing housework at home, but today I'm only up to 2803, so I've got a way to go! I think I'm going to have to introduce going for an actual walk into my daily routine! Wish me luck!

If you'd like to join in the discussion, click on the button above which will take you to Shannon's NutHouse where she hosts Table Topics Tuesdays every week.

TTT Speak the Truth in Love

is it harder for you to speak kindly or honestly?

Welcome to Table Topics Tuesday! It's hosted each week by Shannon at Welcome to the NutHouse! To participate, simply click on the button above.

This week's question is intriguing. I find it hard to write light-heartedly about this one. I've always believed that it's best to speak kindly and honestly, but it is very hard to accomplish.

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Is that always true?

"The truth hurts." Is it sometimes important to speak honestly, even if it doesn't seem kind?

I'll be very interested to read the other posts on this topic linked to Shannon's blog.

For me, it's easier to be kind than truthful. I'm sensitive, and I know how much words can hurt, so I try not to say things that are hurtful. But I don't always succeed. Sometimes I try to be clever and funny and don't think enough about how the other person might feel. I've put my foot in my mouth as much as the next person.

I'm not an argumentative person. I'm not likely to tell you that I think you're wrong, even if I do! I do have passionate opinions about various issues, but in a group situation I'm not going to cut you down and rip your opinion to shreds. I'll just listen quietly if I don't agree, until there is an opportunity for me to say something positive.

In close relationships, it's important to be honest. For me, I need to feel very safe with someone in order to open up and speak honestly. I can talk to my husband Chris about anything. I have a few other friends that I also share very honestly with. For other people that I don't feel as safe with, I tend to hold back.

Thanks Shannon, for the chance to psychoanalyse myself!

What about you? Is it easier for you to speak kindly or honestly?

TTT - Getting Inked.

if you were to get a tattoo right now, what would it be?

Oooooh, I wonder if this topic will stir up a bit of controversy? Some people have very strong opinions about tatts, so it will be interesting to see what sort of conversations this question provokes.

I don't have any tattoos, but I'm not against them. It's just that because a tattoo is permanent (barring expensive laser removal), I'd want to make sure that I was really, really happy with what I chose, and I've never felt strongly enough and sure enough to go ahead with any ink.

Tattoos can look really cool, but they can also look pretty trashy. So I think you have to do a bit of research to find out which designs, colours and skin areas stand the test of time. I'd hate to end up with something that had drooped or gone blurry and made me look old and tired and past my prime! I think that I'd like to look at some tatts that were 5, 10 or 20 years old to see what the effect was.

Having said all this really sensible stuff, the thought of just heading straight to the tattoo parlour and getting one done does get the heart racing a bit! It seems a little bit edgy and exciting, but is pretty socially acceptable these days so doesn't seem too baaaaad!

So, enough waffling, if I was to bite the bullet and get one today, what would I get?

Definitely something feminine and pretty.

This heart-and flowers design has a banner on which the names of my husband and kids could be written.

After all, I know that I'll love them forever, so even if I regret the tattoo, I'll never regret them.

Another possibility would be getting an inspirational quote tattooed; something that is meaningful to me. Tattoos that are just a line of words done in script usually look pretty classy. 

This wouldn't be my particular choice, but it looks pretty cool to me.

And where on my body would I get the tattoo done? I think the back, as in the photo above, is pretty nice. It can be hidden or shown off as desired. Other possibilities for me would be:

the nape of the neck

(I think it's sexy, and it can be hidden by hair.)

the foot or ankle

 or, the wrist.

So, what about you? Do you have any tattoos? Would you get one? And if you were to get one right now, what would it be?

To join in the discussion, click the button above which will take you to Welcome To The NutHouse, where Shannon hosts this meme every Tuesday.

TTT - Shop Till You Drop

if you could win unlimited shopping from one store, which one would it be?

What a good question Shannon! Can you please let me know how I can win this prize?

I had a bit of a think about this one. Hmmm...what store would I never get sick of visiting? What store would I never exhaust the possibilities of? What store could I shop in for myself, and for presents, and keep shopping in for ever and ever until I'm 101? And the answer was clear...

Borders

What's not to love? Books, books and more books, plus DVDs and the cutest stationery!

Here are some examples of what I could buy with my unlimited Borders gift voucher:

House Rules by Jodi Piccoult.

New Moon on DVD.

Gratitude: A Journal by Katherine Price.

The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind by Strauch and Prisant.

Also, most Borders stores have an in-store Gloria Jeans. I love to relax with my Caramelatte and browse through the magazines or books at my leisure. Best of all, my kids love it too! They settle in with a nice Caramel Slice or Hot Chocolate or Banana Bread and read a book right off the shelf. I don't hear a peep out of them!

So what about you? What store would you like an unlimited gift voucher to? To play along, click on the button above and link up with Shannon at Welcome to the NutHouse.

TTT - Food, Glorious, Food!

if you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Oooh, this is a good one! I love to eat, and the thought of eating the same meal over and over each day leads me to one important conclusion - I'm going to need three courses!

For my American readers: In Australia, we refer to the first course of our meal as the Entree, the second course as the Main Meal or Main Course, and the third course as Dessert. Just so you don't get confused!

For my Entree, I'm thinking seafood. It's such a hard decision! I love smoked salmon, so maybe a Smoked Salmon Terrine? I also love Salt and Pepper Squid. Or maybe a pasta dish, like Linguine with a Cream and Smoked Salmon Sauce...

Ok, I'm having some trouble deciding here! Let's just say I've chosen a delightful seafood dish and matched it with a Semillon/Sauvingnon Blanc. We are having wine with our meal - yes?

For my Main, I'm thinking a nice casserole. Maybe Moroccan Lamb Shanks with Cous Cous? And I'll pair it with a glass of Shiraz.

For dessert, I must have chocolate, and I must have fresh berries! I'm thinking a Dark Chocolate Basket filled with Fresh Berries, topped with Double Cream. Of course I'd need a nice glass of "sticky" to go with it. Or maybe the sweet shiraz that I had at my sister's place!

"Thousand Layers" smoked wild salmon terrine. The salmon is layered with zucchini and piquillo peppers, and drizzled with a savory oyster vinaigrette. The dish is light but redolent of fall flavors, thanks to the smokiness of the salmon and the bite of the peppers.

From The Hall at Palihouse menu.

Lamb Shanks with Chickpeas and Morrocan Spices.

From http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/

From http://www.taste.com.au/how+to/articles/

I've had so much fun choosing this menu! Thanks Shannon :)

If you'd like to play along, click on the button above.

TTT- it's hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man!

what's the dumbest argument you've ever had?

Sometimes my husband refuses to admit that I'm right, and it is sooooo annoying! I will set a well-reasoned argument before him, but it doesn't move him. He simply doesn't agree with me. What a pain!

For instance, I am absolutely convinced that my husband uses the word "later" incorrectly. When he says, "I'll do such-and-such later", I stupidly assume he means either in a few minutes, or later in the day, or possibly even later in the week. But I assume that he has a definite plan to go ahead with the action, and that it will occur soon.

Noooooo, I am so wrong! Apparently, "later" simply means at some unspecified time in the future, which may be days, weeks, months or even years away. And even though I know this about my husband, I always get sucked in. When he says "later", I always think "Oh, great, he's going to get to that soon!", when I should be asking "WHEN EXACTLY???"

And no matter how many times I tell hubby that his use of the word "later" is not the usual interpretation, he argues with me!

Pretty dumb huh?!?

So what about you? Play along with Shannon at the NutHouse - link your post via the button. What's the dumbest argument you ever had?

TTT - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner!

what three celebrities would you invite to dinner?

I am hopeless at these sort of questions! I always second guess myself, and wonder what on earth my choices say about me, and what others will think. I'm hopeless!

Well, here goes...

1. Ellen Degeneres

Why? I feel like I know her already from watching her on TV. She just seems so nice. Funny, honest, kind, intelligent. I think she'd be a fun dinner party guest, and someone that you could get into a great conversation with.

2. Sting

Why? I used to have a crush on Sting, way back in The Police days. The first concert I ever went to was 1986 The Dream of the Blue Turtles tour. Love his music - maybe I would get him to sing for his supper! Plus I'd love to hear about tantric sex in more detail...

3. Julia Gillard

This one may be a who? rather than a why? for my non-Aussie readers.

Julia Gillard, deputy PM, seems a down-to-earth kinda gal. I think she'd be great company over a few drinks and a good meal, and I reckon she'd have plenty to add to the conversation.

So that's my three, a mixed bag if ever I saw one!

If you'd like to play along, click on the button, which will take you to Shannon's blog Welcome to the NutHouse! Table Topics Tuesdays is on every week.

I

TTT - A Blast from the Past

would you rather live for a week in the past or in the future?

Here's my take on it: Drop me into an American High School in the 1950's.

When I was growing up, there was a slew of 1950's themed movies that I absolutely loved. A major favourite was Grease.

Loved the music, loved the outfits, loved the teen culture.

Then along came a movie that combined 1950's teens with time travel. You guessed it - Back to the Future.

Gotta love the Enchantment Under the Sea dance!

Does anyone else remember Peggy Sue Got Married?

Check out the cars! Awesome!

My movie experiences at an impressionable age have rendered me impossibly romantic about life as a teen in America in the '50's. So that's where I'd like to live for a week.

What about you? Play along with Shannon at Welcome to the NutHouse!

TTT- Healthy Eating or Exercise?

It's that time of the week again - time for Table Topics Tuesday.

Head to Shannon's NutHouse to play along.

is it harder for you to eat healthy or get exercise?

For me, it's harder to fit exercise into my day than to choose healthy foods. It's not that I don't have time to exercise, my issue is the sweat! Stay with me here...

If you're going to exercise and work up a sweat, then you have to shower, change, and do your hair and makeup afterwards - it's all that I have a hard time fitting in. Please don't tell me that you can exercise in your lunch hour - I don't want to hear it! I'm the type that goes extremely red in the face and sweats a lot, especially my head. I'm not fit for human consumption until after a shower, and if I'm going to look at least somewhat well-groomed, I need to do my hair and face. That's just me. I'm not 20, I'm not thin, and I have to try a little to look good! More power to you if you're ready for anything unmade-up with your hair in a ponytail, but I'm not!

On Fridays, I go swimming with a friend of mine for exercise. We meet at the pool first thing after the kids go off to school, and do half an hour of laps (that's 1km for me). Then we shower and change at the pool, slap on some moisturiser and run a comb through our hair. Next we head to the closest shopping centre where we enjoy a coffee together at Gloria Jeans. Sometimes we run into someone we know, even with the red marks from our swimming goggles still on our unmade-up faces. Oh well. After our coffee, I head into the supermarket and do my weekly grocery shopping, then head home to unpack it all (a workout in itself). Then I fix up my hair and face before picking up Josh from school and doing all my usual Friday afternoon taxi-ing (gymnastics, ballet, youth group).

What about you? Is it exercise or food that's your downfall on the quest for health and beauty?

What to do on a Rainy Day.

what is the best way to spend a rainy day?

Table topics Tuesdays is thanks to Shannon at Welcome to the NutHouse.

To play along, click here.

OK folks, this one's easy!

A rainy day is best spent tucked up inside, preferably in bed, reading! And I don't mean reading school text books, or something serious for the Social Justice Challenge. (Not that there's anything wrong with either of these...) I mean reading fabulously trashy quick-read fiction; or re-reading a much loved "comfort book".

My favourites?

I can't go past Charlaine Harris for fabulously trashy fiction. I mean that in the nicest possible way! Nothing like some hot sex and vampires on a rainy day.

Or, if I'm feeling a bit fragile, or in need of TLC, my go-to re-read is Harry Potter. I just find it somehow comforting to re-visit the world of Hogwarts.

To re-visit my adolescence and get some vampires into the bargain, then the Twilight saga is good value.

Of course, I can just read whatever's on my bedside table (at the moment The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas).

I love a rainy day...as long as I don't have to go out in it!

Keeping up in the Blogosphere

One thing that I love about blogging is the wonderful community of bloggers that support one another, exchange ideas, and have a laugh with one another. I try to keep up with my blogging buddies by visiting their blogs, leaving comments, linking to blogs when I want to highlight a particular post, and participating in challenges and memes.

On Tuesdays, I've begun to participate in Shannon's Table Topics Tuesdays. Shannon has three (!) blogs, Welcome to the NutHouse, worth a thousand words and Reviews from the NutHouse. (Actually, while finding the url's for these blogs, I've discovered that she also writes at SUSSING OUT LOST.)

Today's topic:

what is the last thing that you cried about?

Sorry Shannon (and everyone), I'm not participating in this one. I just don't feel like talking about it.

This year, I'm doing DelGal's Buck-a-Book Challenge. It's easy! All you do is set aside a dollar for every book that you read this year. At the end of the year, go and buy yourself something nice! See, I told you it was easy!

To join in, head to DelGal's Book Reviews. If you check out my sidebar, you'll see that I'm keeping a list of all the books that I read this year, and I'm already up to $14. Yay!