Tag: Australia

Categories
Things to do

See the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum

Theban mummy and coffin from the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum. Details of the Egyptian 'mummy' which was exhibited in 'Life Beyond the Tomb' Exhibition, 2005
Theban mummy and coffin from the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum. Details of the Egyptian 'mummy' which was exhibited in 'Life Beyond the Tomb' Exhibition, 2005

I love museums and history.

History was one of my favourite subjects at school. Was it yours as well?

I liked thinking about what it must have been like in ancient Egypt or in the early days of Australia.

Going to a museum allows you to see treasures from explorers like Captain Cook and Sir Douglas Mawson, plus all sorts of other amazing things. It also allows you for a brief moment to experience what it might have been like for the early settlers of Australia, Explorers, allows you to learn more about animals and different cultures.

The Australian Museum has a new permanent exhibition opening tomorrow (14th of October 2017).

Theban mummy and coffin from the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum.
Theban mummy and coffin from the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum.

The exhibition is called: 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum

Not only does the museum have a fantastic new exhibit, they have also restored the oldest part of the museum. Many people worked many hours to preserve the

The Westpac Long Gallery has been restored with a $9 million dollars of funding. This was in equal partnership with Westpac, the NSW Government and the Australian Museum Foundation. Below you can see the drawings and learn how long it has taken to revamp this historical space at the museum. This part of the museum is one of my favourite spaces as it has all the charm of the old original building.

The 100 treasures of history, science, and culture also include:

  • The body of a preserved Thylacine pup, dating back to 1886;
  • The Sydney funnel-web spider responsible for the only recorded human death by this species;
  • A bird-shaped stone pestle made in Papua New Guinea between 3000 and 8000 years ago;
  • A 2800-year-old Egyptian mummy in a wooden coffin painted with mythological scenes;
  • A sledge and ice pick from Sir Douglas Mawson’s expedition to Antarctica, 1911-1914;
  • A prehistoric Irish Elk skeleton with enormous antlers, discovered in peat bog deposits;
  • Australia’s first bank note, issued on April 8, 1817; and
  • A 10-kilogram gold nugget discovered in 1887, the only remaining example of its kind from the early gold-rush years in NSW.

The 100 treasured objects are matched by 100 people who have helped shape the nation through contributions to history, science, nature, sport or culture, such as Cathy Freeman, Sir Donald Bradman, Professor Fred Hollows, Eddie Mabo, Ned Kelly and Kylie Minogue.

 

A great video from The Australian Museum about conserving our treasures

 

DID YOU KNOW?

The Australian Museum marks its 190-year this year.  Happy Birthday Australian Museum, not sure what card or pressie I get you for being 190. Maybe a nice cup of tea and a lunch might do.

The museum is  celebrating by giving free entry to people on their birthday. Spend your birthday at the museum and get in for free. All you need to do is to register for your free voucher (see link above)

 

Eric the opalised pliosaur from the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum.
Eric the opalised pliosaur from the 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum.

The Australian Museum 1 William Street, Sydney 

Free after general admission. Adults $15, kids go free

Exploring a museum with kids is always fun. Everyone learns something, sees something new and it is a great day out.

Another reason to love museums is that they are educational, although the learning is not considered learning when it is a fun family day out. (Just don’t tell the kids this!)

 

I hope this gives you another fun place to take the kids or just for you if you wish to see this wonderful exhibition.

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Categories
Family

How Parents Really Feel

Healthdirect Australia who manages the national Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service conducted a survey to find out the concerns parents have being new parents, about pregnancy and the birth of their child or children.

Did you know that many parents have thoughts that they are unable to share with others. Sad really. Every parent has probably had the same thoughts and sharing will make you not feel so alone.

Pregnant and wondering what it will be like being a mummy.
Pregnant and wondering what it will be like being a mummy.

“The online survey of 1,011 expecting or new parents found that 53 per cent reported experiencing some issues that were so personal they couldn’t tell anyone.”

I do understand not wanting to share very personal information but at times having a person who you trust can help a great deal.

 

What were your biggest fears when you were pregnant?

Mine was just around the health of the baby and that the birth went well. Initially I was thinking that we were having one child, but that thought soon ended and the worry over a multiple pregnancy entered my head. I was fine but my doctor was rather concerned.

From the survey they were:

  • Something being “wrong” with their baby (49%)
  • Miscarriage (42%)
  • Coping financially (34%)

 

Baby crying... please go back to sleep!
Baby crying… please go back to sleep!

Emotional support is a big thing that is needed in the first stages of parenthood.

  • 71% needed significant emotional support in the first six months of parenthood
  • Men and women looked to their partner, friends and family as well for their support network.
  • GP’s was next on the list
  • Online forums was noted to be a good source of support as well.

I for one was super tired and a zombie like person after the birth of the twins. Constantly getting up every three or so hours to feed babies, change them and to make sure all is well with little people made me very, very, very tired!

It is no surprise that one of the biggest challenge once you have a new baby is the lack of sleep that parents face, especially the primary care giver. The next major issue was if your little bundle does not sleep at all. I was very lucky my kids slept well, I don’t know how I would have managed with babies up non-stop and I with no sleep either.

Factor in recovering from birth and if you have other children to care for as well. This would push your limits.

 

Sleepy baby
Sleepy baby

One third of respondents reported experiencing miscarriage. 32% sought counseling. It is difficult to talk about loss, feelings and pain.

“Pregnancy, Birth and Baby was set up specifically to help people struggling with issues around pregnancy and birth, and that includes pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal and infant loss. We’d encourage anyone dealing with a tough time to call us on our 24 hour help line on 1800 882 436, or visit our website at www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au.

I have my down times when everything feels horrible and like I am a complete failure. Yes I suppose everyone goes through this. Terrible mother moments, and self-doubt creep in.

I then look at all the good things that I have done.

My kids are:

  • Happy
  • Healthy
  • Smart
  • Love hubby and me
  • Giggly
  • Funny
  • Active
  • Considerate
  • Helpful
  • Caring
  • They are also sometimes naughty, silly and don’t listen but that is kids for you.

On the whole. I am doing a good job. I think you are too. Don’t beat yourself up over some little things. So what if the house is a mess. So what if you did not have a shower to drop kids at school. If you brushed your teeth and hair and managed to get kids dressed and sorted for school that is an accomplishment in itself. You can always have a nice relaxing shower or bath while kids are at school or care. This way you can relax!

Focus on the positives. Take small wins and if someone offers to help you accept it. When the kids were babies I had family come over all the time to help me out. It was a nice time and much needed.

A father with his new little baby. Finally sleeping. Now not to move!
A father with his new little baby. Finally sleeping. Now not to move!

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Helpful Tip

Oh and one other thing. If you are pregnant and about to give birth. Freeze about three months of meals in a freezer. If you have to add rice or salad that is easy, but having all the hard cooking done makes things ten times easier, especially when you are tired and don’t have the time or energy to cook.

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Don’t worry about reaching out for support or help. This is what these organisations and groups are there for.

Anything that helps and makes you feel better is a positive and is good for the family.

See below for all the info about HealthDirect Australia and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.

 

ABOUT HEALTHDIRECT AUSTRALIA: Healthdirect Australia is a publicly funded company, established to provide all Australians with access to trusted health information and advice, when and where they need it. We deliver a number of health services, including Pregnancy, Birth and Baby- free 24hr advice and through pregnancy, childbirth and the first year of parenthood. For more information visit: www.healthdirect.gov.au.

 

ABOUT PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BABY: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is an initiative of the Federal Government and offers free, confidential information and support to women and their partners through pregnancy, childbirth and the first year of parenthood. The service is also available to friends and relatives.

Becoming a parent can sometimes be challenging or overwhelming, and it’s reassuring to know there is expert help and support available whenever you need it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

By phone: call 1800 882 436 at any time of the day or night. Our staff can answer any questions you may have, give you advice on what to do next, and redirect you to other useful services.

Video call: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is one of the world’s first health services to offer a secure, high quality video call option, 7am – midnight, 7 days: http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/video-call

Online: The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website provides information for expecting and new parents on a range of topics. The information is easy to understand, up to date and has been subject to Healthdirect Australia’s strict quality assurance processes: www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au

Let us know your thoughts. Why not continue the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

Categories
6 years and beyond

Australia Day 2015

Happy Australia Day! Have a wonderful Day.
Happy Australia Day! Have a wonderful Day.

Happy Australia Day everyone! What are you up to today? We are going to a BBQ with mates later, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone.

I woke to a rainy day but it is more like sprinkles so crossing fingers and toes it stays that way or stops all together for our day out. Another blogger said that it is raining quite heavy in Melbourne so maybe it is working its way across the county? Not sure how we would all be with heavy torrential rain, but you cannot control this so lets just hope it does not happen.

If it rains we will all still have a great time and if it does not the same so it will not impact our BBQ and catch up with friends.

How do you celebrate Australia Day? Stay at home with the family? Visit relatives? Have mates over to yours for a BBQ or a fancy lunch? Let me know.

Enjoy and stay safe everyone!

 

Categories
5 years and beyond

Happy Australia Day for 2014

Hi all, today was Australia Day and of course we had a BBQ with mates. I think I will just leave you with some pictures of today.

Australia Day BBQ at the Katoomba Airfield
Australia Day BBQ at the Katoomba Airfield
Hubby and Me
Hubby and Me
Lillian
Lillian
Julia
Julia
Yummy lamingtons
Yummy lamingtons

I hope you had a great Australia Day and holiday today. Did you spend it with family and friends? I am pleased that the girls are feeling a bit better from their operation and are eating a little bit more, although not a lot. Thanks everyone who has sent their kind wishes regarding the twins and them getting their tonsils out. Much appreciated.

Categories
5 years and beyond

National Holiday for Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup is tomorrow, and it is the race that stops a nation. So as the term “Stops” indicates nothing much happens on cup day. When I was in the corporate world it was an excuse to go for a long lunch, and that really meant, we had lunch and never made it back to the office.

Not the actual horses racing in the cup, but they look like they might. Image courtesy of Tina Phillips at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Not the actual horses racing in the cup, but they look like they might. Image courtesy of Tina Phillips at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Melbourne is the only state in Australia that has a public holiday for tomorrow, the rest of the country has to turn up for work. That said, no work really happens tomorrow as there is a lunch at the office and everyone is busy with the office sweep, catching up on gossip and yelling at the TV.

I for one have never understood why the country does not embrace the holiday that only Melbournians get? Why don’t we just create the holiday and make it official. Most people throw a sickie that day, or don’t really work so why not have the day off for all? It would make it easier all round. I would love to not race to pick kids up from school to then come home in record time to manage to catch the race on TV.

Mothers would love to participate in the race as well and not have to miss out due to the school run! I don’t want to live through the radio and would love to see the colours of the jockey’s silks and see if the horse managed to beat the other by a nose.

I love the lead up to cup day, the fashion, the stakes and the idea that I might win big. It could happen, and maybe 2013 is my year.

Do you think the day should be a national holiday? Why should only people in Melbourne get the luxury of the day off from work to party on for the race. Unfair I say.

According to Wikipedia,”Melbourne Cup day is a public holiday for all working within metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria, but not for some country Victorian cities and towns which hold their own spring carnivals. For Federal Public Servants it is also observed as a holiday in the entire state of Victoria, and from 2007 to 2009 also in the Australian Capital Territory known as Family and Community Day replacing Picnic Day”

Maybe I should start a petition on change.org to make it so? Would you sign it if I did it?  I have created one to see what would happen. Do you think nothing much happens on the day other than the race! It does stop the nation and why not have a holiday for all, not just in Melbourne.

Send in your comments.

Categories
5 years and beyond

If the Average Person Could Raise their Debt Ceiling

The US has had to raise the debt ceiling and only recently we have done the same in Australia.  See below a quote from the Sydney Morning Herald’s article:

“Mr Hockey has announced the current debt ceiling of $300 billion will be increased in a single leap, to $500 billion. Cabinet signed off on the new limit on Tuesday which will be legislated when Parliament returns in November.”

While in the car, ABC Radio were discussing the need for the US to vote again to increase the debt ceiling as it was getting to the limit, and they were worried again. It got me wondering, why can’t I just have a quick vote around and increase my personal debt ceiling? Make the same payments and get more cash to do things like build our new house? Get a much needed new car? Maybe some house renovations that have been put off? I think being able to do more with more credit would be great. However would never be able to pay it all back and of course I am not the government and don’t have access to more funds.

More money needed! Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
More money needed! Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
According to Wikipedia:“Under the No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013, both houses of Congress voted to suspend the debt ceiling from February 4, 2013 until May 19, 2013. On May 19, the debt ceiling was raised to approximately $16.699 trillion to accommodate the borrowing done during the suspension period. The Treasury is now using extraordinary measures to avoid a default. Due to the impacts of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the Sequester, and a $60 billion payment from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that will reach the Treasury on June 28, 2013, extraordinary measures are currently predicted to last until October 17 by the Treasury,[3] but financial firms suggest funds may last a little longer. Jefferies Group says extraordinary measures may last until the end of October while Credit Suisse estimates mid-November.[19]”

I know I am not understanding it all and of course the government in America used funds to bail out companies during the GFC (Global Financial Crises), but who bails us out when we need more cash? Not sure if we would have the same option given to us? Wouldn’t it be nice if it was okay to do this, don’t you think? So I thought after hearing about this on the radio was why can’t I can ring the bank and tell them I want to raise my debt ceiling? They will then ask,”By how much? “How about 5 million dollars”, I say. Why not right? Everyone else is aiming high.Then the vote is passed and we have our money.

  • The house that were are so desperate to build is getting built. Thanks to the increased debt ceiling
  • The car that we need to get is purchased! Well why not get 2 now that we are flush with cash. Thanks to the increase from my friendly bank manager
  • And finally we are able to do all needed repairs and renovations to our existing house. Thanks for voting for our increase everyone!
The bank has approved our increase to our debt ceiling. Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The bank has approved our increase to our debt ceiling. Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I do understand that the government and countries need to have cash flow to help jobs, people, infrastructure and the like. It helps run things and keep things going, so that is fine that they need more money. Money helps countries grow so making sure there is adequate resources is essential.

I am not an expert in economics or understand it very well at all. I just thought it would be interesting if it worked for the average person. If this was the case, the banks and financial institutions would run out of money very quickly.

Nice thought though? Don’t you think? How much would you ask for if you could increase your debt ceiling? Also this is making sure your payments are kept the same just allowing you to get more money. I am sure that the payments would increase but lovely idea, right?

 

Categories
5 years and beyond

Family Fun at Dreamworld

Thanks to Queensland Tourism the family and I were lucky enough to get tickets to Dreamworld. It was so nice that they extended their hospitality to the bloggers who came to Problogger and the Gold Coast this year.

The girls and I at Dreamworld
The girls and I at Dreamworld

We arrived a couple of days early for the problogger conference, I wanted to spend time with the hubby and kids before I was surrounded by presentations, talks and just wonderful information to absorb.

So what would we do the day before the conference? A day exploring Dreamworld was perfect. The twins were super excited and had no idea what the surprise was. Once we arrived at the park they were very happy and looking forward to the surprises that awaited behind the gates.

MAD Jungle Jam
MAD Jungle Jam

It was a nice hot, sunny and great day for being out and about. We were very lucky that the weather was good and behaved for us.

So what did we get up to at Dreamworld? At first we did the normal things, got a map, looked at what shows that might appeal to the twins.

We started at Dreamworks experience and went to all other areas that are appropriate for kids. The girls played in the water garden in front of the Kung Fu Panda’s statue.  The girls loved MAD Jungle Jam they had a fun time trying to hit mummy and daddy with the balls in the machines.

 

Hubby went on Tower of Terror II, and he loved it! I don’t like such scary rides, and was grateful that I had to mind the twins while he went on the ride. If you like the big thrill rides, there are plenty to go on.

We did go on a couple of family rides with the kids and everyone enjoyed them and wanted to go on it again. So that is a good sign! The issue we had was that the girls are not yet 110cm and most kid rides you have to be this height.

The two rides that we did as a family were, the Thunder River Rapids Ride and Rocky Hollow Log Ride. While on the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, we saw a triceratops growling. The girls were a bit worried about it. I did explain that we are far away from the dinosaur so all good. We were safe.

However seeing a dinosaur reminded me of an episode of Peppa Pig. The episode was the one where the family visit the theme park called, “Potato City”, Edmond Elephant pointed out that there should not be dinosaurs living in the same period as they did not exist when the other creatures were living. He then trumpets and announces he is a clever clogs.

Just a warning, be careful of dinosaurs and their bones. It gave the kids a fun thing to look out for and both were on the look out for dinosaurs and their bones.

We had an excellent day out and the twins were so tired after a long fun filled day. Thanks so much to Queensland Tourism for allowing us to visit the park while we were on the Gold Coast.

If you are visiting the Gold Coast, why not visit Dreamworld, it is a good family day out.

Have you had a blast at Dreamworld or at the Gold Coast? What did you get up to? Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Do Babies Cost That Much?

Can you afford to have a baby?
Can you afford to have a baby? Image courtesy of anekoho at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Having a baby in America is meant to be the costliest in the world, and after reading an article from the New York Times I am in agreement. I am not sure how any person can be financially okay after they have kids, the costs would cripple me and our family here not to mention many others.

Why is it so expensive and why is it that America does not have a system like Medicare in Australia?

One woman in the article was told that she would pay in the range of, $4,000 – $45,000 to have her baby. Why such a big range? Why does it cost so much?

In the article it also states that:

“The average total price charged for pregnancy and newborn care was about $30,000 for a vaginal delivery and $50,000 for a C-section, with commercial insurers paying out an average of $18,329 and $27,866, the report found.”

And another big questions is why is it that “Two decades ago, women typically paid nothing other than a small fee if they opted for a private hospital room or television.”

What has changed?

I don’t know…… What are your thoughts? I for one would like to understand the reason for making things so expensive!

For me living in Australia we are lucky to have a great medical system. I know some and most whinge about it but we are very privileged to have mostly free medical care. If you are in trouble or sick, the hospital will help you no matter if you have private health care or not. The doctors will treat you no matter what, it is health care for all.

If you are not a person that wants to go through the public health care system and I can understand as you might have a preferred doctor that only operates at private hospitals and you will need to pay for private treatment if that is your choice. If you are also in a predicament that you need to access the care now and not wait for elective surgery then that is a different matter and you might be in a tricky situation, and I can understand that private might be the only way to go rather than waiting for the public system.

All this aside, we are fortunate to be able to not have to pay a small fortune in case of emergency or sickness falls on us or our family. From my understanding, correct me if I am wrong, that if you are ill or something bad happens that means you need hospital care in the USA you end up paying a fortune. This can mean people might lose their houses, and savings.

I for one like the idea of my country caring for all no matter how rich or poor we are. It is a duty of care that I think we all need. We all pay taxes and contribute so we all deserve great healthcare no matter who we are. It is a right not a privilege.

When I had the twins I was booked into a private hospital as the other ones where we were staying in the city did not make me feel at ease. The private one seemed nice, had what we were after and offered the care that I would need and also to the babies.

To access private care here, you can get some money off if you have been with a private health care insurer for over 12 months and have opted for package that will give you maternity and hospital care for pregnancy.

Cute little foot of new born baby
Cute little foot of new born baby

If I was in the USA when I had the twins I dare say we would have lost our house due to the hospital bills. The twins and I were monitored each fortnight until 28 weeks we had to have scans to make sure they were not suffering from twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Not sure how much that would have cost us, and glad we did not have to know.

In the article from the New Yorker it mentions that doctors are charging inflated charges for everything, from medicines, antiseptics, tests, and so on.

One lady that was interviewed in the article, Dr. Marguerite Duane said that she  “was flabbergasted by the line items on the bills, many for blood tests she said were unnecessary and medicines she never received.”

How is giving a couple bill shock helping them with their pregnancy and soon to be child? It is just going to stress them out no end, send them broke and cause more problems.

I don’t live in America and I don’t know what it is really like. I can only go off media and articles that I read from real people. So if you have a story about what happened to you please let me know. If I have got it completely wrong let me know as well.

I think if I was going to move overseas I would go to France, Denmark or Canada.

Let us know your thoughts. Why is it that having a baby is that expensive? Don’t they want the population to expand, if they make it so hard people will not have kids.

Why not continue the discussion on our Twitter , Google + or Facebook pages.

Categories
News

Dear Julia

Australian Parliament, Image from: http://www.spiritland.net/aust_parliament.htm
Australian Parliament, Image from: http://www.spiritland.net/aust_parliament.htm

I would like to say thank you for being such a strong woman and for all your achievements as our Prime Minister. I applaud your decision to have the vote yesterday and let the party finally decide what leader they want. Just a pity on the outcome, well from our perspective and also yours.

My girls who are four sat up and watched the news last night, it was late and one of my girls in particular was very upset at the outcome as I.   The girl that was most upset (there were tears and crying) her name is also Julia and she wanted to tell you that she is “Sorry that you lost your job” She wanted you to continue your term and go to the next election.  My Julia is working on some drawings to send to you, and as she said, “It will cheer Julia Gillard up” and I hope so. Now to figure out where to send them to?

It is a pity that your term has been shadowed with the leadership debate constantly. I think you are a great role model for women and girls, you have shown them that you can be prime minister if you wish, be brave, be strong, and achieve your dreams.

I’m not sure if Mr Rudd will be able the second time round to give it a good go, maybe this is just me but I feel that the way he sat in the background and undermined his own party was not good and shows his character. Again maybe it is just me. I think that the way you have handled yourself now and three years ago has been when you challenged Rudd while still prime minister it was open and honest and the party voted for you. He should have walked away from politics then and allowed you to run the country without the question of him taking the leadership back. Well that is the way I think it should have gone, sad it did not happen.

Every time a girl baby was born in our family my nana, the girls GG (yes we have a GG but it is not the Governor General, it is short for Great Grandmother), she joked that they would be the first female prime minster of Australia. I am pleased that a woman was PM but sad that my family cannot be the first now, also not sure if my kids would ever want to be a politician. As they are only four you never know it is still early days.

Thanks for all your hard work and I respect the job and way you went about it. Well done from myself and my girls.

Suzanne, Julia and Lillian.