Receiving this bouquet was the first of many happy surprises on our wedding day.
On 24th October 2014 we entered the British Consulate, Sydney, Australia as bachelors.
We were the twelfth couple to be married.
We left the Consulate as bachelors.
We have been married in our hearts for the last 20 years.
Image of a moment that is no more,
But one more memory shared, of this fair shore.
Blue of the harbour and red of the wine,
Light and shadow playing in the sunshine.
Happy faces at every mention
Of formal notice of our intention.
We will wed at the British Consulate.
Harbour-side mid-week lunch to celebrate.
With family and friends it will be regal,
‘Though same-sex union here’s not yet legal.
Some people, our decision, it astounds;
The dissonance of living still abounds.
(c) Robert Jones 2014, All Rights Reserved
I was supposed to leave 6cm between each one, it’s just as well they didn’t spread out properly.
Changing to Nigella Lawson’s recipe was the right decision as the generous quantity of ingredients of the original was for 100 cookies!
You won’t put a doormat at the front door; in case someone steals it.
After forty years of standing politely in line I will do all in my power to avoid queuing. At first I found the random gathering around bus stops in Australia confronting. Now I welcome the opportunity to move strategically forward, without barging, pushing or treading on someone; I retain my British integrity after all!
My biggest gripe is while waiting to board an aircraft. The ‘premium’ passengers likened to jewels and precious metals are ushered quickly through the gate. The remaining colour labelled passengers shuffle along the slow lane.
On one occasion while rushing to the departure gate I failed to notice the signs. Upon reaching the front of a line I was instructed to join the correct one; a mile long snaking line of non premium passengers. This experience reinforced my dislike of being herded; even if I am flying cattle class.
The solution I have found is to travel light and be the last passenger to board the plane. I sit in relative comfort as I await the end of the meandering line. There is plenty of time for a toilet break before boarding which counteracts the low probability of being able to use the dubious in-flight facilities. Even though the likelihood of space in an overhead locker is slim I stow my carry-on under the seat in front of me.
I am a status junky, sorely tempted to fly Sydney to Melbourne return before end September to earn enough status points to become a silver frequent flyer- I haven’t, yet . . . . . .
I just checked into Sydney International airport. I was cleared through passport control and experienced my first body scan. After a walk that felt like miles I arrived at the lounge.
I don’t know why I looked at my boarding pass after eating a light breakfast. The surname was correct, not the first name though. So much for airport security!
I have a thing about odd numbers (in a good way). I took it as a positive sign that three things were the catalyst for me to write this post:
A conversation with Kate from Powerhouse Coaching about resilience
Reading Don’s post on mindfulness
Reading Your Brain at Work by David Rock
In his post on Candid Impressions, Don points out that passivity isn’t mindfulness. I hadn’t considered this before.
David uses the analogy of the effort required to control actors on a stage so that readers can visualise the limitations of the prefrontal cortex of your brain. There is a limited resource that is quickly used up.
I reflected on how easy I used to find practising mindfulness. In a blink of an eye I could be in the zone no matter where I was. This was at a time when I was trying to prove to myself that I could be all things to all people. I spent every waking moment being someone I thought other people wanted me to be, it was exhausting. In hindsight I realise that I was so tired that the actors had collapsed in a heap on my stage.
Kate perceptively noted that when I thought I was being mindful it was in fact mindlessness because I was so tired.
Related links
http://powerhouse-coaching.com
http://candidpresence.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/mindfulness-and-passivity/
http://www.your-brain-at-work.com
Mind weary
Eyes teary
Vision bleary
Work dreary
Bluesy Tuesday
Can’t see clearly
(c) Robert Jones 2014, All Rights Reserved
Tomorrow morning I join with colleagues, students and the community to raise a flag to mark the beginning of NAIDOC week. We will acknowledge the Bidjigal people, traditional custodians of the land. We will also pay respects to the Elders both past and present of the local Aboriginal Community and extend that respect to Aboriginals attending.
Around 8,000 years ago near to the University where I work, Aboriginal people would gather at a campsite. They would hold meetings, teach and share knowledge. Aboriginal groups emerging in the 1920’s sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians. The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, NAIDOC, is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.
The Indigenous Programs Unit, Nura Gili, provides pathways for prospective Indigenous students to study in all UNSW faculties and programs. They also provide a range of Indigenous student support services, tutorial and study spaces for enrolled students.
The Hub, part of Student Life and Learning and Nura Gili will be providing an opportunity for students, staff, volunteers and community members to engage with each other. To celebrate the achievements, history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond is the theme of NAIDOC this year. It will honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country. From warriors in the Frontier Wars to warriors who have served with honour and pride in Australia’s military conflicts and engagements across the globe. This coming week seeks to highlight and recognise the role they have played in shaping our identity and pause to reflect on their sacrifice. We will celebrate and honour their contribution to our nation.
I am honoured to be part of a tradition that acknowledges and raises awareness of the past and continuing contribution of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Australia. The future of this heritage is in the hands of all that participate in NAIDOC week in 2014 and the years to come.
Lone visitor, a clown,
Left to own devices
On a street of vices.
An unfamiliar town.
Enticed as music woos,
Sway in time with the beat.
Too chilled to go and eat,
Perfect night for the blues.
To leave, it seems too soon.
Cars go by with whishes
To the clink of dishes,
By the light of the moon.
Restless nights; a strange bed,
Dubious caffeine fix
Is no help as time ticks.
Pleased to go home instead.
(c) Robert Jones 2014, All Rights Reserved
theINFP 