No tablets in our house. I don't see a use for them as we have phones and laptops that do everything needed. Our kids get their first laptop when they start High School (about 12yrs of age) and they get their first mobile phone when they turn 16 years old. We have parental controls on their school laptops and monitor their phones until they turn 18. It is far to easy to get addicted to technology and cyberbullying is so very real so limiting social media and some games can keep our kids safe.

Staying at home ... it costs far less, I know where everything is, I can't "forget" anything, there aren't piles of tourists, ....

From what I have heard on several podcasts, nothing is private anymore! It is a scary fact, and what is even more disturbing is the fact that people keep putting themselves in danger. Cell phones are a must when they don't need to be! Why don't people care? We lived without them just fine for centuries!!! Yes, they are convenient, but at what price? We accept any technology that is thrown at us, and we have no idea what the ramifications could be because we have no idea how they work! Those that do are speaking out, but no one is listening. Even when your devices are turned off, you are at threat! Where is this heading? There isn't much that the average person has to hide, so why track us? I think some of it is for merchandising and to monitor where we go and what places we frequent, but what about the government? I seem to have nothing they would be interested in so what do they want from us? That fact is scary! I hate cell phones because they have ruined our society. We can't even visit people without texting others while you are with them. To me, that is rude. If you want to talk and/or text to other people don't do it while you are spending time with me when I don't see you that often! Often times, people don't even hear what I say because they are on social media while they're here! Let's think about how unimportant that makes other people feel! Are those texts that important? I use a cell phone only because I travel alone and no one knows where I am. If I had an emergency, it could save my life. It isn't even turned on unless I need it! With all the crap that's going on, we need to get our heads in the places they need to be. Take care of your community. I love the Amish because they are there for their community and help each other out! They work hard, and we have become too lazy to even get up and turn the TV channel! Pathetic, aren't we? How are we going to handle what might be coming in this country? I wish I could say this on a public forum where it would be heard and make a difference. I know people are going to do what they are doing until they have no other choice and aren't prepared.

Whoever said money can't buy you happiness simply doesn't know 'where' to shop (LMAO)? However, I will admit that 'time' is more valuable than 'money'. You can get more money in life; you cannot get more time in life (a hard/bitter lesson for me to learn)!

There is no time limit on grief. It takes as long as it takes. My mother died in 2014 and, while most of the time I'm fine, there are still moments when I'll just suddenly burst into tears. Mum lost twins seven years before I was born, yet she still got quiet, and a little down, when it would of been their birthday. I still see things when I'm in a store and think "Ooh, mum would love that", and then I remember. Grief is a wound. It may scab over, even scar lightly, but it never fully heals. Sometimes it feels like it's forever since she died, other moments, it's like it was yesterday. I find the run up to Mother's Day to be hard (not the day itself). All the advertising "Remember Mum this Mother's Day", I just want them to shut up. And the run up to Christmas... Both our birthdays are at the beginning of December (3 days apart), so that's hard. My uncle died 2 weeks ago, and his birthday is 2 days after Christmas, so this year is going to be hard. My thoughts go out to all who are grieving.

there are some things you just don't do,, like you wouldn't take a dog called [shark] to the beach, I guess some relationships are like algebra you look at your x and wonder y

Cancel culture doesn't permit an opinion, you must agree with them. I always study and make myself aware of the facts before I make up my mind and form an opinion.

Because of racial segregation (DEEP SOUTH) - I was born in my parents' house - Blacks (AT THAT TIME) could not use the local hospitals (WELCOME TO AMERICA). It was touch-and-go for two weeks (MY MOTHER HAD TO PERFORM A CESAREAN SECTION OPERATION ON HERSELF) - obvious - my mother and me - survive the ordeal!

I would prefer rewardia. com increase the amount of points and/or reward amounts for participating - right now - 2000 points equals $1 and you need 10,000 points to cashout!

After reading some of the comments below, makes me realise How lucky I am. We own our home, I have a Dept of Vet Affairs pension, Hubby is currently on jobseeker kind of payment but is experiencing ill health (nothing major). We don't drink or smoke, we enjoy a few hobbies: I love crafts like knitting (make some presents or sell items) we both like reading (library) He is into golf (Budget allows a regular game) He likes jigsaws... had so many and they didn't sell on marketplace so we have started up a jigsaw exchange at a local hall. I guess that retirement comes down to if you are self funded or if you can manage on pension, have a good budget and stick to it.

I try to do a pre check of any place i am going with hubby. He drives a power chair-he only has minimal use of thumb and forefinger in left hand so has a joystick control. But boy does he plough his way through a shop and if something is in the way the chair will get through...he doesn't care if his presence is made known. I hate scenes so run ahead making way. Can be v stressful. Some shops are so cluttered and aisles tiny..it sucks and makes me so mad. Esp shops such as 2$ shops- where we would like to go since we no longer have money- but they are terrible for w/chairs and walkers etc. Have complained to Mall but they said it was the shop owners responsibility. Sigh. We don't have an issue with seats as hubby has his w/chair at least. And if a seat is in the way at a cafe table he will nudge it out of the way with his w/chair. Going out is quite nerve-wracking. We never go into our previously loved 2nd hand shops- too cramped and crowded- and he drove out once with a clothesrack accidentally attached to the back of his headrest..sounds funny now but not at the time. Also he rammed into a giftcard carousel on purpose after the shop owner (another 2$ shop) told him off for accidentally knocking something in the over crowded store. He backed up his chair like a bull and started driving towards it..i knew he couldn't be stopped and i hid around the corner.

I have become more "Aussie" aware when purchasing food etc. I make a point of always buying Australian produce as I really feel that we have to support our local farmers, producers, retailers etc. I appreciate that this comes at a price is regard to cost and if you are a family with kids this might not always be possible. Buying Australian supports Australia and provides jobs, opportunities and wealth to Australians. The changing economic climate is putting strain on the household budget but hopefully early next year things will start to settle down with the economy. My spending habits have only changed in that UI am even more determined to support Australian businesses where I can.

This may be an American problem...I am not sure...should the only reason for your career be that it is "better paying"....I hope that at least some people devote most of their entire lives to a career that involves something they love and care about...or something that is vitally important or makes everyone else's world a better place...we can all make very important contributions and these should never be devalued

Yes it has been another scare campaign with being out in the sun. I have very fair skin and turn into a lobster in half an hour.So I avoid the sun, go out early morning or late afternoon. I won't use sun screen, it's just another chemical. I do take vitamin D supplements on a daily basis. I've stopped listen to the news, it's just a bunch of articles that are geared to make people panic. I'm sick of being told how to live, what to eat, when to fart...to hell with it all.

isn't just corny how people think things are free !!!!! The government pays, which means it's you and I who pay. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. If you think education is expensive, try ignorance... but that's another whole subject

That’s what happens when you let wankers into power.. For God’s sake, We have had Humpty Dumpty Trumpty, a mad Russian Kleptocrat and that fool down in Brazil, not to mention Xi (wants to rule the world) and the recently irrelevant Scomo to keep us safe, now a Marcos is back in power in the Philippines telling everybody the sun shines out of his arse (his father stole USD 13 billion from that country-most of it never recovered)… and I haven’t even mentioned the bankers and various mafia ( and yes I mentioned them in the same sentence deliberately) that are out to steal every penny from the poor that they can get their hands on.. But after a few double strength home brews I conclude that as long as my glass is not empty, the world is a wonderful place…

Returned US soldiers with PTSD use such drugs whilst in session with a psychologist. Results are good. Why would big pharma offer anything better than nature? As for medicinal cannabis who can afford it? To all the judgemental straightjacks out there: The war on drugs started with racism. It was to harass Billie Holiday because she wouldn't stop singing 'Strange Fruit'. It has nothing to do with craziness or addiction. Ancient humans took psychedelics it is in our genes. Do I do psychedelics? No. But if anyone wants to it is not for me to judge.

What ever we do will not stop global warming! The earth is on an orbit in our solar system and has so far done 1% of this orbit which means our lifestyle is going to continue to change or die out as our universe expands and the planets move further away from each other. Governments wont tell their populations this as there would be worldwide panic. Our plants and animal life is dying out and we cannot stop it.Everyone conveniently forgets that we have had previous ice ages and the magnetic poles have also changed places throughout time. So for those who believe they can stop global warming go ahead and do your thing but it wont matter at all in the long term.

If you want your children spoon fed to get good yr 12 results, then watch them fall on their arses at uni send them to a Private School. Also it’s the place to get the A class drugs coz mumsie and daddy are all cashed up and too busy runnning their empires to care. Teachers who really want to make an impact are in the public system. Oh…. And no more government funding. Pay for you elite little club all yourselves.

Physically, things are not wonderful. The immobility and pain of arthritis must be felt to be believed. However, mentally, I feel so wise and grounded: an unerring sense of what matters more, what matters less and what matters not at all. Emotionally, I Iike being free of the stresses of the workplace, the tyranny of the power structure and its expectations. My time is largely my own and I revel in the liberty of it all. I have not been this relaxed and happy in decades!

Yes, a little bit. The pension is enough to survive on but not much else. I think society does not properly respect what a lifetime is, nor does it respect the value of the volunteer work that many of the retirees do.

We need policies that put dollars into the pockets of people who cannot afford to buy their own home, so they have the money to do so. That way there would be little need for rentals, or for social housing either. My suggestion is to pay everyone a basic living wage (not means tested).

personally i think its a waste of time,i read a coulpe of weeks ago our PM said once international borders are down when we are all vaccinated,and all travellers coming are vaccinated to expect 1000 cases per week,we have never had 1000 cases per week before,so does this vaccine work or not? apparantly it only lessons the symptoms if you do get it,allegedly

The law is entirely too lenient these days. For those found guilty of barbaric crimes, there should be zero tolerance. Why should law abiding tax payers have to feed and house them for the rest of their miserable lives. Gaol, gives them shelter, 3 meals a day, TV, computers, tertiary education, free medical, clothing etc. The punishment no longer fits the crime. All because of the political correct rules legalised by those in power. Law and order is to protect society.

I don't discuss finances with anyone but my husband. I never talk about anything personal with friends.

I am not expecting any visitors for Christmas. so if anyone shows up, what they see is what they get.

Fish is difficult to assess, some fish get a bad taste after only a month or so and others seem to last for ever. I found a pack of seafood highlighter frozen in its original packaging in the bottom of my old freezer, that was 22 years old. I defrosted it and gave it a go, and it looked and tasted exactly the same as another one I had bought frozen from the supermarket still inside the use by date. You just have to experiment a bit to find what works. For instance bacon rashers get a funny taste after only a few months, but short cut bacon, without the fat lasts much longer before the taste changes.

Half of my son's mates went to Uni and have a lot of debt and no job. He got flack when he started at McDonald's (is now a manager earning good money). He has people with degrees working under him, their course fees would be a deposit on a house. And yes I'm proud of my son, now I just have to work on the other one....

Don't answer unknown numbers. Back during Covid it was rife. I turned the tables on scammers trying to sell a cure, I said I had created a cure with Maori herbs yada yada. I was so convincing they were asking if I could send some and were giving me their details! Kept me entertained.

I have a building background so am the unofficial house inspector for family. A house is a long term investment so you need to check it out from a registered inspector (if they get it wrong, it's on them). It's like buying a car and going "she'll be right" instead of getting a mechanic to take a look.

this saying was introduced to ensure staff were always courteous keeping customers happy ensures future business the saying may be wrong but it does keep things civil

As you reach 50 there are a massive quantity of reasons that are given for not getting a position...I came second in at least 12 positions...to people less qualified...no-one believes that you just want the job...you are after their job...no-one wants to employ someone who might be smarter than them....its tough

Lived common law for 15 years till she passed from a heart attack in front of me. Other than my teens and early 20's, the best 15 years of my life.

Any explanation the difference between on-work and non-work screen time? My previous job was on-work screen time 9.5hrs each shift, 4 days week for over 18 years. Here I am \ud83e\udee3\ud83e\udd79\ud83e\udd23\ud83d\ude1d

The cost of increased shoplifting could easily put a smaller company out of business. Get your bag checked like a good boy or girl

Do couples who sleep apart grow apart? NO! Love 'might be' blind, but it turns out sleep isn't (deaf)! Hence, couples are opening their 'eyes/ears' to the benefits of separate bedrooms! While the idea of sleeping a part may seem counterintuitive to some(couples). Still, couples are finding that sleeping in separate bedrooms can lead to more restful night's sleep and a happier marriage (or relationship).

Absolutely agree with rent being paid when children get a job. No value of money is learnt when parents keep paying expenses for their children. Also chores should be undertaken to help around the house - parents are not slaves.

Everybody is different ... some are early birds, some are night owls, and most a just normal daytime people. That's is simple common knowledge, and doesn't require any pointless, and expensive, studies that continually contradict each other. There are also "studies" that "prove" growing kids' / teenagers' learning ability isn't as good early in the morning, so there is a theory that schools should start and finish later in the day, rather than 9:00am to 3:00pm / 3:30pm. BUT, some of those "studies" are more about trying to improve morning traffic congestion than actually anything to do with kids' learning ability.

I graduated in 1965! In my senior year dad gave me a $5 a week allowance. Lunches were 50 cents, so I spent $2.50 a week on food. My favorite lunches were the roast beef and gravy over mashed potatoes, or the oriental vegetables over rice! The other $2.50 went for shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap (toiletries) because, since I had my own motel room (adjoining the manager's home/office), I had to buy my own things with my allowance. I even saved up and bought 3 paisley sack dresses (blue, green, brown) for $2 each! Did I ever get off the main subject! ;-D

Yes I clearly remember sliding out of my mother's womb and then carefully being wrapped up in a lovely white sheet. Oh nothing like the old times.

I hope it's ending because I'm tired of phoning companies and hanging on and on and when they finally answer the dog is barking in the background or something else is going on and you have the definite idea that you were hanging on while they had a cuppa or took the dog for a walk.

If you had Monday or Friday off, it would be like having a long weekend all the time. In medical professions and teaching professions, that would be hard to implement. I don\u2019t think that a four day working week would work for everyone.

The Banking Scandal of 2008 proved how smart criminals are - especially WHITE-COLLAR-CRIMINALS. WHITE-COLLAR-CRIMINALS 'ripped' the world off for trillions of dollars - and 'none' of the money was recovered. However, every government on this planet had to payout trillions of dollars to stabilize CAPITIALISM - or CAPITIALISM will have collapse. Furthermore, in the late 19th century - ROBBER BARONS' stole and looted a country in broad daylight for decades - it is known as USA these days, and ROBBER BARONS are known as OLD MONEY these days. History has proved on numerous occasions that WHITE-COLLAR-CRIMINALS - always get away with the money and NEVER get CAUGHT! Other words - crime pays very WELL - lol!

I won\u2019t comment on whether people should or shouldn\u2019t have children. It\u2019s very much a personal choice. I\u2019m a Baby Boomer, now 66. I still clearly remember the day my in-laws visited, and MIL announced in no uncertain terms that couples who decided not to have children were the most selfish people in the world. I was 25 at the time, and had been married 6 years. We went on to have children, but I was disappointed that she had voiced her view in such a way, and created an \u201cexpectation\u201d in our relationship. Children are everywhere (nieces, nephews, children living in care, neighbours, friends\u2019 children \u2026.. ), you can quite easily have children in your life that aren\u2019t your own, and they are just as special.

By keeping the vow they made when they got married, "" I take You,,,,,,for better or worse, for richness and poorness, sickness or in health, till death do us part,,,, it kept me going for 55years 6 months and 6days, until Cancer took him away, we always spoke not yelled about our problems, and never went to bed in a bad mood or anergy at one another., all difficulties can be worked out, if you really believe in each others

Depends on the groups taking them. Our Rescue Group is a NO KILL. Right at the moment we are packed to the rafters. If we have a dog that no one wants we have carers who, because of lack of money, would love a dog, we allow them to have the older dogs & we buy all their food & pay all registrations and Vet care. We fund raise to keep us going, but we never turn a dog away and we never euthanise an animal except under a Vet's instruction. If a dog has a problem we take them to an animal behaviourist to see if they can help them. We have a lovely band of carers, I'm too old now and except for an emergency, will take one. Daughter has taken the reins and for 2 months she has had her own 2 dogs & 9 puppies in her care. Fortunately 7 puppies have now moved on to their forever home. People who buy are signed up legally that if anything happens, or they no longer can care for the dog, it becomes the property of the Rescue Group. That way we can continue their life with new owners. But yes, in our minds there should be stricter laws for owning dogs & cats. But until there is, groups like ours will still exist to love and care for them. So if you want to donate to help out, donate to these private Rescue Groups, not the ones who are Government Funded & do euthanise if they can't move the dog on. We are very strict & check out whoever wants them before we allow them to have a dog of ours. Then they have to sign papers legally drawn up and we do check the dogs to make sure they are being well looked after.We would love to see a law that makes all dog owners de-sex dogs except Breeders. We always have our dogs de-sexed before letting them go.

I don't have children - NOT one of my many issues! However, some 'adults' should never have access to social media - example - Donald John Trump.

An inheritance is a gift, it's not something that is owed to you. To all those people who are waiting for their parents to die so that they can have the money that their parents worked hard for, I say: Work hard and earn your own money! A survey was taken, (not sure which country) and the greater proportion of the people surveyed were; 'waiting for their inheritance'. I wonder if those same greedy people would be happy to scrimp and go without, just to save money to give it to their children? Probably not! If our parents are fortunate enough to be financially secure after they retire they should be allowed to enjoy what is theirs, after all they don't owe us anything, in fact we owe them.

Like the Aretha Franklin dong said RESPECT. I have seen children are severely lacking in that department

What sort of doctor would do that. I was told I had cataracts for years but not bad but eventually he told me it was time to get the eyes operated on. I was informed all the time. I have an eye test every year and am sent a reminder. I am due for one now. I think sometimes one has to change their doctor or medical person just to keep them honest and yourself in the know. My sister was very ill and her doctor for 10 years kept saying it was nothing. She passed due to cancer that has spread through her body and this so called doctors lack of care. I always say get a second or even third opinion and if you still think something is wrong keep going. Many doctors fob women off as being hysterical, menopausal or whatever. Do not just accept their opinion. Investigate, educate yourself as much as possible and do not be afraid to ask the questions and demand answers. Of course, no need to be rude or abusive.

Stay in school would be my first advise. Everything after that flows from that 'simple' decision. As with any decision, the fork you take in the road, follows from that one decision. The people you meet, who you may marry, your decision on having a family, your social interests and more are based on this one decision. Stay away from the alcohol and the drugs of course is always good advice.

Drop the "Step" tag. Treat then as if they are your own biological grandchildren. They may not be of your blood but they are still your grandchildren.

Probably will turn the other cheek and forgive but will always be cautious and things between us will never be the same again!

By 'wanton' killing off of other species on this planet - most famous example is the dodo bird - we/humans have been playing GOD for centuries! If evolution actual works, then humans will permanently disappear from the planet - one day. Which will give other species the opportunity to thrive and the planet time to heal itself!

Everything in moderation is good. Sometimes we crave certain foods because our bodies need some nutrients that they contain .

We all have individual lessons to learn in our life journey and sometimes it just isn\u2019t the right time for a relationship, and as noted by several of you, love can be rekindled. My circumstances were different, I found my life time partner in my early 50\u2019s, after several learning lesson experiences and two children, once those relationships ended, there was no going back!

House prices rise, but so do wages (and everything else). Many of the people who complain they can't afford a house are wasting piles of money on restaurant dining, overseas holidays, continually updating their tech gadgets and cars, TV subscriptions, etc. In ye olde days people actually saved money for a deposit and they made sacrifices to pay off the mortgage (and the mortgage was often for a lot longer than the 30 years people expect to pay it off now). Nothing has really changed, other than the attitude of people. Having said that, prices are also artificially raised due to the greedy "investors" (local and non-resident) who buy multiple houses to rent out and/or do up and "flip" at a profit. If it had been illegal to own more than the one house you actually live in, house prices would be a lot lower.

Scammers are white-collar-criminals. White-collar-criminals ARE NOT severely punished as blue-collar-criminals in the USA (where I reside)! Are scammers going to be a regular problem going forward - YES (there are numerous ways to get anyone personal data)! The only person who can make it more difficult - for scammers to steal your money - is you. I do not use credit cards or my bank's debit card to pay bills online or offline. I do not use my bank's checks (since your account number and routing number is at the bottom of the checks - which is all the info a scammer needs to hack your bank account). I pay all my bills by USPS's money orders which are expensive - but they come with two receipts. I use cash for daily purchases. My credit score sucks - because I don't have any debt - but I have never been scammed/hacked (it is a constant juggling act to keep your monetary info security). Furthermore, I have a landline phone with twenty-first century technology but does not have an internet connection - my landline phone cannot be hacked! Other words, you have to make your digital footprints as small as possible - so a scammer will not (hopeful) notice your digital footprints online or offline.

Sorry this has nothing to do with power bills but I am so livid right now. I honest hope the bleeding hearts are happy with them selves. I hardly watch the news because it's all doom and gloom. Last nights head line was 70 y/o woman was stabbed in front of her 6 y/o granddaughter in Northern Brisbane shopping centre. The thugs wanted and stole her car, she obviously put up a little bit of a fight so they stabbed her to death. I honestly hope the family sues the government and the immigration department for allowing these criminals into Australia. Do you feel safe here any more? I certainly don't and why because it keeps happening time and time again. Wake up and stop allowing people like that here. It's not fair on the good people of this country to be put through this kind of hell the authorities have stowed upon us.For goodness sake just wake up.

I went to the doctor and told him I had a weak back. He asked me when I first got it. I answered: \u201cabout a week back\u201d!

I also like a bit of both. Trouble is Councils are approving these cement properties because they make a lot of money in revenue. One house, one block, front and back garden with garage turns into 3-4 properties with just a garage and not enough room to "swing a cat" so to speak. I feel claustrophobic just thinking about it. No trees, no garden, no bees, no fauna or flora. We are destroying our planet and environment. So sad.

I would say to them go for it I am always with you as your friend have a good time and enjoy your new life I will always be your friend no matter what you do

As a severely beaten and abused child I call BS on this. I didn't rebel I chose not to be like my parents and to this day i choose to help people when and if i can. Childhoods only influence the weak willed. Life is a choice every step of the way.

It seems the tradie merely quoted and had not been given the go ahead. If there was no agreed price, I certainly wouldn't pay. from the facts you've given there was never a contract, verbal or otherwise.

Yes, I still write in cursive & lots of people have told me they love it. I know a lot of kids don't learn it nowadays, but my grandchildren go to Christian school & they were taught.

What about the dunny man, before the days of sewerage. Yes, I am that old. I have a faint memory only of those days. The man who used to bring ice for ice chests in the days before refrigerators.

No voting should not be made compulsory. People should be allowed to chose.Wether to vote or not. If they don't vote they shouldn't complain

We go hiking and often see parents take the children of all ages hiking. It is a great family time and extra curricular activities for them

Fertility in both males and females is dropping at a quite surprising rate...it might even be as high 5% or more per generation...I suspect the planet has had enough of us....

Going through this currently after 40 years of friendship. I'm heart broken. A "best" friend of mine brought another into our argument and now both are pissed at me. Unreal

We need to go back to basics and take technology out of our lives. Only use when we have to. So much to enjoy in the outdoors. Well done Kat, I hope a lot more people heed your comments.

In 1989 when I became unable to work due to a nervous breakdown, my husband kept telling me I couldn't quit my job because we would lose our house. I realized that, and I worked and worked until one day, I was on my way to work, and I just knew I couldn't go to the office one more time. Therefore, I had a complete breakdown, and I haven't been able to work since because of anxiety and depression. These are very difficult disabilities to prove. However, with a lot of determination, I did manage to get retirement Social Security disability. It took several months, but I had enough vacation and sick days saved to keep my paycheck coming until the disability kicked in. It was so difficult, and I have not recovered from it. I had a wonderful government job that I loved, but my boss pushed and pushed until my brain completely shut down. I could not even comprehend anything my husband was telling me, and I cried constantly! I spent 3 months in the Psych Center! Finally, they let me go because I was better, but nothing more could be done for me at that time. I tried to sue the government for causing this, but I lost my case. They blamed it on the fact that my father had died during that same time period. I was not permitted to take time off to even visit Dad in the hospital where he was dying a painful death from bone cancer! I regret that to this day! We were in the process of building a new office building and no leave was allowed. I wish I had stood up to my boss, but I just couldn't! I still have not come to terms with how he treated me. He even made negative remarks about women, and he made no effort to hide that the men had more respect that the two secretaries! I wish that had been brought up at the hearing, but my attorney prohibited me from mentioning certain things. You can't beat a government attorney. They play so dirty. They even said that I married my husband, who was older than me, as a father figure. That was so not true! I knew this man for 15 years before we got married, and I never believed Dad was going to die. I could NOT accept that! Thanks for letting me vent. I hope it helps. I still want to talk to my boss and tell him how he ruined my life. My job was my pride. After that, I lost my self-esteem. I realize now that who I was shouldn't depend on the job I have. It is defined by the person I am, and I'm proud of who I am now! I hope this helps someone. Don't let people define who you are. They don't know you!!! God Bless you all!

You have no-one to blame but yourselves. You vote with your feet and if you don't like what you are offered then take your business elsewhere. The banks introduced ATMs' and you queued to use them not giving a wit about the teller whose job it replaced. You were offered internet banking and you were in a hurry to sign up for it, once again replacing people. Then it was the banking app and use your mobile all the while doing people out of a job. Branches closed and ATM's were removed, do you now why? Most ATM's are owned by people who buy them as an investment, they cost money to own because the Reserve Bank charges people for the money they put into ATM's so when you paid at Woollies or Coles with your phone and took out cash the costs of keeping ATM's was more than the earnings so they were removed. Don't complain, don't whinge because you brought this upon yourself. I don't have a smartphone, I don't trust them, especially with my personal banking. Apps aren't as secure as websites, not your side but the other end and people you interact with. I still use the website but my bank is trying to close it and push me off onto an app of course because it's cheaper, but I'm not going without a loud noise. Not everyone wants to bank online, some people forget how to do things online as they age, some people aren't as capable as others to go online or on an app so Banks should be somewhat responsible for pushing everyone online where they get ripped off or scammed. It's too late now the horse has bolted, you chose a machine and technology over a person. I'll use technology when it's a benefit but I MUCH prefer to deal with a real live person, I queue at the checkout to keep the checkout person employed and I like to shop in stores to keep the sales people employed. Any business that tries to push me into having a smartphone I ditch because I don't want one or the apps they insist I need. Every action has consequences and not using people results in no people being required. Think about that the next time you use serf service.

Most people who cheat are narcissists that think they will never be caught. When found out they first go on the offensive and say it's all in your mind, then when given incontrovertible proof they blame you for your inadequacies or say it was a mistake and they'll never do it again, which is a lie. They just think next time they'll be more careful. I was married for 50 years and he cheated for most of that time. I never told anyone and had no support, until my daughter picked up the other line at home and caught him talking to his bit on the side. She supported me and gave me the strength to dump his a$$. He was a bully and treated me like his maid not an equal. I should have told someone sooner.

When a woman changes to being a man and partners with a man who has become a woman, and the woman who changed to male, but only had top surgery, has their baby. Visually that disturbs me.

Call it envy if you feel better, but these people are not your friends. You may hang out with them regularly, but that's not the definition of friendship. Your true friends are those around you who build you up, care about your well-being, want you to succeed in life, like to be around you and be affectionate with hugs and laughter - and you're a friend if you do these things for them. You want to share good times but you're there for each other in the bad. It's a form of love that you have for your friends and envy has NO PLACE in friendship. Breezy123, I think you're likely still quite young and you will learn with age and experience what I'm talking about. You can't possibly feel good about yourself or confident when these 'friends' are criticizing you. Please, for your sanity and self-esteem, find new people to hang out with.

The more channels you have, the more you watch. The more you watch, the less time you have for exercise. The less you exercise, the less fit you become (and possibly fatter.) And more unhealthy.

How about we don\u2019t look for reasons to judge other mothers. It\u2019s a bloody hard job. When children are little you are doing the best that you can, while the world looks upon in judgement, and people feel they have the right to approach you and tell you what to do. WRONG!!! We need to support mothers and the choices that they make. Different families, different children, different values, different circumstances, different cultures will all lead to different choices.

The benefits of eating at a buffet are outweighed by the downside. The most important one is your health. Most of the people using those common utensils may, and only may, be clean but it doesn't take many unsanitary people to make all of the common utensils dirty eventually likely getting into your mouth and body.

This inflationary rise is by design in order to crash the economies of the world and destroy the fiat money system so that the WEF can bring in their Fourth Industrial Revolution and confirm their "Great Reset" which will cause a completely digital economy to replace the present democratic countries and bring in the NWO. Anyone who hasn't been paying attention to these psychopaths ought to because the end game is to cause a global famine that would lead to their being able to reduce global populations by more than 2/3rds and get rid of us "useless eaters"! The time is rapidly approaching when families will have to make a choice between paying the mortgage or rent or eating. It is THAT serious. But TPTB don't want riots on their hands so they have already destroyed the health of billions around the globe with their deadly shots, falsely labelled "vaccines" and in a 12 month period from, I believe, February 2021 to February 2022 the US suffered as many deaths in the working age population than died in the entire Vietnam war. The millenials are dropping like flies especially from cardiac issues. This is an absolute fact but you won't hear it on MSM. The hyperinflation will render the currency of virtually every country useless just like In Venezuela and Zimbabwe and Yugoslavia in the 1990's. The war in Russia and Ukraine is merely a distraction and someone to blame for this manufactured shortage and supply chain issues, but they have existed for far longer than just a few months. If you can afford to stock up on foods like beans, grains, pasta's and tinned foods do it IMMEDIATELY. Same applies if you have the capacity to pay extra on your mortgage or rent. A global crisis far worse than the Great Depression is coming and by later this year even MSM won't be able to hide it. Mock if you like but I have plenty of other things to do rather than spread lies on a survey platform. It's going to be HORRIFIC!

I have learnt many of life’s lessons with guidance from those close to me but also through stepping out on my own to learn the hard way

The 'Butterfly Effect' is real, and going back would be extremely dangerous. Change one thing and you will mess up many more. I wouldn't if I were you.

When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost. Everything in moderation, and there's a perfect balance in this life if we can find it.

I have worked from home for over 5 years, At the beginning it was hard but once I got into a routine I found that from a productivity perspective I was much more productive. I was able to manage my increasing workloads and I have had no mental health issues as I still get to interact with colleagues via TEAMS and ZOOM. I appreciate that working from home is not for everyone but I think that COVID has brought home the possibility for employers and employees to work together to make sure that both benefit from the arrangements.

Our bodies change a lot over the years so no doubt we will feel a lot different at varying ages. Our ability to repair, hormone differences, body composition and even the weather contributes to how we feel. So there's a lot of factors. As for arthritis it is an 'inflammation' disease and we know that there are a lot of lifestyle changes we can make to improve and sometimes eliminate the issue. Firstly changing diet can have a dramatic effect for some people. Did you know that turmeric has such powerful antiinflammatory chemicals in it that it matches nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs? There are a number of other foods that reduce inflammation as well like foods rich in carotenoids/beta carotene or vitamin A - a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E is also good not only for it's antiinflammatory properties but also due to its role in collagen production which we all know is important for joints. Good sources of vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens - basically all the bright, vibrant fruit and veggies. For vitamin E there nuts like almond but also cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is one of the best sources of vitamin E you can get. Also vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and also crucial for collagen production. Another good food for joints is gelatin which is basically denatured collagen - have about 20 grams of gelatin powder (the regular/plain/unflavoured gelatine powder that you use to make cheesecake/jello etc that you find in the baking section at the supermarket) a day which should give adequate levels of glycine for good levels of collagen production. I prefer food source of gelatin over supplements industry products as the food industry has much more stricter quality control than the supplements industry which is not as heavily scrutinised, which is one reason why most registered dietitians recommend getting your vitamins/minerals from your diet over supplements. Another important factor is body composition, particularly the type of fat that is in your body - white fat (stored fat) is highly inflammatory while brown fat (fuel) is antiinflammatory. So losing excess fat should be top priority for joint pain management. We can either exercise, diet or get cold/start shivering more (up to 13°C seems to be the magic number where your body starts using white fat as fuel to try and keep warm) to convert white fat to brown/metabolically active fat. So the cold is actually good for you in this case! Another method to manage inflammation is intermittent fasting as fully fasting (zero calories) contributes to repair and antiinflammatory processes within the body. Finally moving more/cardio and building muscle helps to support your joints by strengthening muscles and bones so that they can handle some of the load. Hope this helps :)

In an ideal world Kindness would always be followed by Gratitude. In today's "ME First. Last and Always" world, Kindness is not always followed by even an acknowledgement - a simple "Thank You" is enough. If you are a Male, try opening a door, or standing aside to let heavily laden woman in/out and the best you might get is a snarl or verbally abused for being condescending!

few points here: where do the batteries get their power from - you need a lot of electricity to power these batteries that are supposed to save the planet from using too much coal. and what do you do with used up batteries? a mess is brewing with just these: they are really quite toxic

A smile costs nothing so why not use them? What I find Most Annoying are those customers who pay no attention whatsoever to the person serving them - particularly in Supermarkets. These Female & Male louts spend the entire time on their damned mobile phones - discussing, Sandra C, Their Private Lives, they make no attempt to respond to the Check-out operator, when the goods are put through they wave their phones over the eftpos terminal, wait long enough to see if their payment has been accepted (when not they blame the store staff & seem to think they are responsible for their credit/debit card being maxed out) then they simply walk away. No Smile. Most certainly NO "Thank You". It is the Customers who are so often extremely rude and if the indifference we sometime experience (it disappears when we speak with then thank & smile) irks then maybe we should remember those Serving us are Real People and it is as a direct result of OUR Indifference to them which makes them indifferent to us! One of the Most soul-destroying jobs and one of the lowest paid ones, are those unfortunate Women and Men who spend their day swiping goods past a scanner in our Supermarkets. Give them a Smile, Say "Hullo", "Good Morning/Afternoon" and Thank them for their Service - they do appreciate it and will respond in a Friendly way.

I’ve never had a day off in my life when I had a cold. Now I’m retired a cold never stops me doing what I want to do

Yes it is tough out there .We are a couple of aged pensioners & I can get 4 meals from a medium chicken ,Pot of chook stock(I boil the chook using onions ,carrots & celery(don't over cook keep the stock & veg)use the 2 legs(not thighs) & wings.I brown them & with roast potatoes & veg, I use a little amount of stock to make gravy.Meal 1.The thighs we have cold with Salad,Meal 2. 1/2 the stock I put diced pumpkin & diced potato in cook gently in the stock when cooked I mash vegies well for wholesome pumpkin soup & serve with crusty bread meal 3. ,The breast I break in pieces I drain a tin of asparagus pieces add to chicken,I make a white sauce using stock(not milk)Add a handful frozen peas meal 4. (All dishes seasoned to your taste) we freeze some if portions too large. also eat other meats . I shared these recipes for others on a budget .

We have a lot less murders per population than the US here in OZ with the strict gun laws, doesn't that tell you something.

Sometimes I pay full price when I need something specific urgently otherwise I wait for sales especially online there is always a sale to be found.

Confiscate the dang thing, I've noticed kids destroy each other while the bloody zombie parents are staring at the phone without even flinching.

Our family have a particular stance about funerals. Funerals are for the living, not the dead. People attend funerals because they see it as "the thing to do". We come into the world and just about no one knows, so why not leave the same way? Who benefits from funerals? Many people who attend funerals are hearse chasers after a free lunch. I know of a funeral director whose wife runs a flower shop and they have a daughter who is a caterer. Talk about tie up the whole swindle. If you prepay, the money just sits there, earning nothing. If the funeral director decides to sell the business, often you'll find the new operator pays you back your money because it has moved away from being enough to cover the cost. Or worse, they say nothing and send your family an additional bill.

I've tried the alternative treatments for my issues but they just don't work. I have used alternative medications in the past but sometimes you need the pharmaceuticals

After I lost my Daughter she kept coming to me wanting me to join her...it nearly killed me but in the end I was advised to firmly advise her I was not ready yet and I never saw her again (although I sort of wish I did!)

It's the people around kids that influence kids the most. Not necessarily technology. Their friends, siblings, parents, school, community and online community which they have exposure to, influencing their thoughts. We're social creatures after all. It's up to parents to teach their children right from wrong or what is disrespectful and steer them in the right direction. Taking the time to educate your children will help them to make informed decisions so they can decipher what is rubbish and what is meaningful/important/useful information. Investing more time in children pays dividends which is probably why 'back in the old days' kids had a more respectful culture - there were more stay at home mums. Distant parents = distant kids. If you're worried about screen time, find out what they're passionate about and find a corresponding hobby so they can develop useful skills in the process (if they like gaming teach them about game development/3D modelling or if they like fashion teach them about marketing/sales, design school or architecture or chemistry in beauty products or how to make beauty products etc), or get some exercise (if it's martial arts, dancing or skateboarding etc). Take the time and find a useful way in which they can occupy their thoughts, challenge themselves and develop some useful life skills in the process.

I try to take as little medication as I can., but I do think Drs are too quick to push medication on you. Although I do believe that some people demand to be given antibiotics. We are fast becoming resistant to antibiotics because of overuse and eventually they will be of no use.

Total joke. Ever seen The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Who wants to marry a Millionaire, etc? EVERYONE is good looking. It's not based on love or the possibility of love. At least show some diversity, a big person, a blind person, a paraplegic, real people would be good. Good looks fade eventually so you shouldn't be thinking so shallow and be with that person for who they are.

I wasn't ready for retirement. I was forced into it by the female director of the Government agency I had been working for, she decided she did not want any males in the agency she was in charge of. She replaced me with THREE women - of course given the absurd structure of the Public Service it meant her Salary increased by a very substantial amount - the more staff she had under her control the bigger the salary. But I made the most of it, had a few part-time jobs until I moved into caring for an older family member. As Joe B says, I don't seem to have any spare time at all now - mind you being part of Rewardia takes up any spare time I have!