Author: wrookieschu

From Belfast to Sydney. Believe in yourself and anything is possible.

Rudeness – the ultimate red flag 🚩

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

If there is one personality trait that instantly raises a red flag for me, it’s rudeness. Not just the occasional off day we all have, but a consistent, dismissive way of treating others.

I have always believed in treating everyone the same, from the doctor to the cleaner, from the CEO to the person serving coffee. Titles and uniforms don’t make anyone more or less worthy of respect. What truly matters is how we carry ourselves, and how we treat the people around us.

This is why I notice when someone shows kindness to me, yet turns around and speaks rudely to someone else. It’s a clear sign of inconsistency. Kindness isn’t real if it’s selective. Personally, it is one of the biggest red flags in character, you have revealed how you really value others when you think no one is paying attention.

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The numbers game #5

Thanks Judy for today’s number of 211.

Welcome to “The Numbers Game”. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number.

This week garnered two photos only taken in 2018. I love these photos of two incredible landmarks in Sydney. When I see these in person, I remember where I live and feel extremely grateful to call this amazing city my home.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge

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Not working!

Describe your ideal week.

My ideal week would be not working, to put it bluntly! Maybe lots of walks, gym sessions and catch ups with loved ones. I say this as I sit on my 6am morning commute to work on a Monday morning *sigh* – however, I am grateful to be able to work and the sun is shining here in Sydney so that’s a plus. It’s going to be a cool 28 degrees Celsius today, that’s 82.4 Fahrenheit apparently so I’m not going to complain.

Enjoy your day everyone.

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Wayne’s Word – giggle

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is GIGGLE.

A giggle is a light, silly, often uncontrollable laugh, and even the word makes me want to giggle. It is usually higher-pitched than a chuckle and tends to bubble out quickly, sometimes when you’re amused, embarrassed, or even nervous.

I wouldn’t say it’s as full or as loud as a laugh, but more playful and spontaneous, the kind of sound that can spread easily to others. It is definitely infectious and if I see someone with uncontrollable giggling, I will normally end up giggling too without being able to stop, almost growing into a complete belly laugh where my sides are splitting.

I have been known to do this at the most inappropriate times and have been in trouble on numerous occasions in my youth, with even being asked to leave the classroom.

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Brand it like Beckham

Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.

David Beckham has always been more than just a footballer to me. Yes, he was an exceptional talent but I was never really one to enjoy watching football. What I truly admire is how he carried himself through the tough times he endured during the nineties and emerged stronger, not just as an athlete, but as a brand.

From the highs of Manchester United and Real Madrid to the scrutiny he faced after the 1998 World Cup red card, dating a Spice Girl and his accusations of cheating, Beckham never let setbacks define him. He kept showing up, kept playing, kept evolving and I admire the man he has become today.

What’s even more impressive is how he transitioned beyond football. He didn’t just retire, he reinvented himself, albeit with the help from his wife. Beckham has become a global style icon, launching his own grooming line, clothing, aftershaves and sunglasses to name a few. Alongside his wife Victoria, he has built “Brand Beckham,” a powerhouse that blends sport and fashion, whilst being a family man and having a close relationship with his kids.

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Cup of tea for me

How do you relax?

Nothing relaxes me more than sitting in a comfortable chair, feet up and a big cup of tea. It has to be a hot cup of tea, not too milky but also not too strong (we can it builder’s tea).

My cup all the way from Northern Ireland. I love this company too, quite famous in Belfast – Born & Bred.
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Wayne’s Word – plethora

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is PLETHORA.

At its simplest, plethora means “an abundance” or “an excess.” If you have a plethora of biscuits in the tin, it’s more than just enough, it’s overflowing. This fantastically regal word came to my mind this morning when I was looking through my flowers collection and realised I had a plethora of flowers to showcase for my future FOTD posts.


The countryside stretched endlessly, a plethora of rapeseed.
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FOTD – Rose 🥀

Happy Friday everyone! I was going through all my flower images this morning and thought I would post the last few roses that I have in my collection. After today, I will be roseless but I have so many other flower species to showcase. These roses were spotted in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in Belfast during their rose fair event that they hold annually.


“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
– Abraham Lincoln
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Doors of WordPress V133

Happy Thursday everyone! This week I am showcasing some electrical boxes that I have spotted over the past few years. I have been meaning to show them for some time and was reminded of them by Wandering Teresa who also featured some of her boxes on her blog. These electrical boxes caught my eye because of their decoration and colourfulness. They are really beautiful pieces of art and I’m sure they all have doors too, therefore, I think they are appropriate for Thursday doors. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite one.

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I absolutely cannot pick one! I LOVE the two Aboriginal designed boxes…but also I love the house painted on number five…and number six was so colourful…I loved it that much that I wanted to sit with it 🤣🤣.

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No grudge for me

Are you holding a grudge? About?

The simple answer is no, I am not holding any grudges. I don’t see the point. Holding a grudge usually weighs more on the person carrying it than on the one it is directed at. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing, it just means freeing yourself from the constant drag of resentment.

My mentality normally is that I can forgive but I don’t forget.

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From Belfast to Taveuni

Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.

Taveuni, often called the “Garden Island of Fiji,” is famous not only for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and vibrant coral reefs, but also for being one of the few inhabited places in the world where the International Date Line runs right through the land. The line, which marks the boundary between one calendar day and the next, cuts across the island so neatly that locals like to say you can stand with one foot in “today” and the other in “yesterday.”

I remember sitting on a quiet beach in Taveuni, watching the sun sink into the Pacific, when it suddenly struck me that I was as far from home as I could possibly be. I had crossed oceans and continents to reach this little island, and there was no way to go any further without starting the long journey back. That realisation of being quite literally on the other side of the world, made the moment feel both humbling and magical, as if I had reached the very edge of my own map.

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The Holiday

What does your ideal home look like?

Have you ever seen this 2006 movie, The Holiday? It is one of my absolute favourites, especially at Christmas. Iris’s English cottage (Rosehill Cottage) in the Surrey countryside is exactly what my ideal home would look like, with its stone walls, timber framework, thatched roof, warm fireplaces, and that fairytale snow covered look.

I want a home to be warm and cosy, yet spacious enough that it’s not too cramped. I would love a garden, not necessarily at the front but definitely at the back so I can have some outdoor space and a couple of pooches. Lastly it would need to have a stunning front door or at least a door with a beautiful wreath on it.


“I do not own the rights to this image. All rights belong to the original creator/owner. Image used here for informational/illustrative purposes only”

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Joy to the World

What brings a tear of joy to your eye?

First of all, what is joy? Joy is a deep, uplifting emotion that comes when we experience something profoundly meaningful, beautiful, or fulfilling. Unlike fleeting happiness (which can come from small pleasures like a nice meal or a funny joke), joy tends to run deeper, it is tied to connection, love, gratitude, hope, or even a sense of awe.

As for why it can bring a tear to your eye, emotions aren’t neatly separated in our brains. Joy can overwhelm us in the same way sadness does, flooding the body with physical responses, like a lump in the throat, goosebumps, or tears. Tears of joy often happen when we feel something so intensely positive that it overflows, like seeing someone you love succeed or hearing a piece of music that stirs your soul.

I cried tears of joy at my sisters’ weddings, all three of them. I was caught totally unawares with my first sister to be married and had no idea that it could stir that kind of emotion. It was a real happy and proud moment for them to succeed in life and move onto the next chapter of their lives. A really lovely and emotional time.

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True or False

Why do you blog?

Happy Sunday everyone! Let’s play a game. I have given 10 reasons why I blog but are they all true? From following my blog, would you know which points are true or false?

1 – Self-expression – My blog provides a space to share my thoughts and opinions.

2 – Building a personal brand – It helps me to establish my voice and identity online, whether professional or personal.

3 – Sharing knowledge – I blog to teach others, provide advice, or explain things I have learned.

4 – Documenting life – I use my blog as a digital diary to capture memories, milestones, and reflections.

5 – Community connection – I love how my blog can attract like-minded readers, fostering discussion and friendships.

6 – Improving writing skills – Regular posting helps me to refine my style, clarity, and communication.

7 – Career opportunities – My blog showcases expertise, attracts many job offers, collaborations, and freelance work.

8 – Inspiration and motivation – It gives me a sense of purpose and a creative outlet to explore new ideas.

9 – Earning income – I am fortunate to make a lot money on my blog through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

10 – Leaving a legacy – My blog can become a lasting collection of my thoughts, stories, and contributions for others to discover. It will be read for generations to come.

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Wayne’s Word – Guinness

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is GUINNESS.

This is a word that HAS to be featured.

The word “Guinness” comes directly from the surname of the family behind the famous Irish stout.

The name originates with Arthur Guinness (1725–1803), who founded the Guinness brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, in 1759. The surname Guinness is of Irish origin, an anglicised form of the Gaelic Mag Aonghusa (meaning son of Aonghus or Angus). Aonghus itself is an old Gaelic personal name meaning “one strength” or “unique choice.”

So basically, Guinness the beer is named after Arthur Guinness. Guinness the family name comes from Gaelic roots, connecting back to early Irish clans with the name Magennis/MacGuinness.

I was craving one of these this afternoon after work. We went to our favourite Irish pub in the Shire called The Snug. It does the best pint of Guinness! ☘️

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FOTD – Evergreen azalea

Happy Friday everyone! I survived my stomach churning train journey this morning into the city and then walked to my workplace. It was a lovely morning and I managed to spot these wee beauties close to my work, nestled in the surrounding foliage.

They belong to the genus Rhododendron, and most evergreen types are native to Australia and Asia, especially Japan and China.They supposedly only flower in spring, which can mean only one thing here, spring has indeed sprung!

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Sick to the stomach

How are you feeling right now?

Just on my early morning commute to work, sitting on the train and happy to be warm when I hear a person below shouting. I can’t hear what he says but it sounds loud and with an aggressive tone. Other commuters start to take notice and one man actually leaves our carriage to go downstairs to tell the man to pipe down. To my surprise, it works and the man returns. We see these kind of people a lot in Sydney, you don’t want to presume but normally drugs have a lot to do with it. It sends the people crazy and you’re scared to even look at them in case they snap.

When the man returned to our carriage I thought how brave he was to go and speak to the noisy passenger but at the same time, a lot of people would be scared to intervene. What if the passenger returned with a knife or wanted to fight, you just never know these days.

Anything remotely confrontational makes me feel sick to my stomach so I am very grateful for the man who took a no nonsense approach. The train is now very quiet.

What would you do in that situation?

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Doors of WordPress V132

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. We have turned a corner with Sydney’s weather with blue skies returning and temperatures increasing ever so slightly. This is the last official week of winter here, so roll on spring next week!

This week I am showing some doors from one of my favourite suburbs in Sydney known as Woollahra. I have shown many doors from here in the past but this place has been on the news of late due to a new train station being built here and new homes being created. The train station I think is being welcomed, however, the new housing is quite controversial as there is limited space in Woollahra. It would be a complete shame if they were to demolish some older buildings with abundance of character to make way for new apartment blocks to be erected. I have heard this may be happening but I’m hopeful that it will not go ahead.

As always, please let me know if you have a stand-out door this week.

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For me, it is number 2 this week. I love the colour of the door and it blends perfectly with the home and the greenery. Have a great day everyone and I look forward to seeing many other doors being published today.

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Tasmanian Devil

What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?

This is a funny question that I’m glad was asked. We were watching a documentary last night about the Tasmanian devil, an animal that only lives in Tasmania, Australia. You may know of it from the famous Warner Bros Looney Tunes series.

This animal used to live across mainland Australia thousands of years ago, but disappeared there around 3,000 years ago. Scientists believe this was due to competition with dingoes (which never made it to Tasmania), along with climate changes and human activity.

So now, the Tasmanian devil is endemic to Tasmania, meaning it is native there and nowhere else in the wild.

I was searching online to see what these creatures eat. I was thinking / hoping maybe they lived on berries etc but I know they have sharp teeth and claws. Here is what I discovered –

Tasmanian devils are carnivorous scavengers and hunters.

Their diet mainly consists of:

Carrion (dead animals): They’ll eat roadkill, livestock carcasses, or any remains they come across. Native animals: Wallabies, wombats, possums, birds, reptiles, and insects. Farm animals (if available): Chickens, sheep, or cattle carrion.

They are famous for eating almost the entire animal, i.e. flesh, fur, bones, and organs, thanks to their incredibly strong jaws and teeth. This makes them very efficient at cleaning up the environment. That’s a plus!

They are mostly scavengers, but they can hunt live prey if it’s small or weak. There you go. Have you ever heard of these animals? I have only seen them at the zoo here in Australia and on tv. They may appear cute but they can be aggressive, so beware the mighty Tasmanian Devil!

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The numbers game #4

Thanks Judy for today’s number: Welcome to “The Numbers Game. This week’s number is 209. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day.

This week garnered 19 photos so a lot more than usual. The ones I have chosen to display today were taken again from our trip to Dijon where we had a wonderful mustard tasting and my appreciation for mustard was ignited. The cheese and bread were delicious and it was great to see the grapes used for Chardonnay blanc.

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Bed time

What’s your favorite time of day?

I love en early night, climbing into a cosy bed, especially at the moment as it is still winter here. I put the electric blanket on just to warm the bed up, it’s the best feeling. Even better when you are off work the next day, had a shower and have fresh sheets on ☺️.

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Wayne’s Word – noggin

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is NOGGIN.

I’m not sure about the rest of the world but in Northern Ireland, noggin is a playful way to refer to your head. You’ll hear someone say “Use your noggin!” when they really mean “Think!” or in my case today, “I’ve a sore noggin” after having my third coffee. Nothing a glass of water won’t fix, I always feel dehydrated if I have more than two coffees in the morning, resulting in a sore head.

The sun again was shining today in Sydney so we went for a walk nearby followed by lunch and a couple of glasses of wine. It was just what the doctor ordered after a hectic couple of weeks. I was saying yesterday how I was excited to see the sunshine and I was on a bit of a high going to work in the afternoon, only to be smacked back down to reality when I reversed parked into an overhead drain, ending up with a smashed rear window to my car. Nightmare but no one was hurt so I’m remaining positive. A day off work today was bliss and my noggin is well and truly rested for another busy week at work incoming.

I hope you’re all having a lovely Sunday off and having some rest and relaxation.


“Sometimes the best use of your noggin is giving it a rest.” – Unknown

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SUNSHINE!

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman.

After what seems like an eternity, the downpours have stopped and the blue skies have returned. The morning sunshine got me very excited when I woke up as we can walk again without becoming saturated. I’m just going to pretend for five minutes that I’m not working later 😜

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Wayne’s Word – heartwarming

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is HEARTWARMING.

Some words do exactly what they describe, and heartwarming is one of them. It is the kind of word that makes you feel like you are wrapped up in a cosy blanket with a cup of tea on a cold day. To call something heartwarming is to say that it gives you more than just comfort, it stirs a glow inside of you, reminding you that kindness, joy, and connection still exist in the world.

Today one of my students brought me a token to say thank you. I was extremely touched at their kindness and thoughtfulness, and it’s heartwarming to know that we can make a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small. Never underestimate the power of kindness!

❤️
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FOTD – Belladonna lily

Happy Friday everyone!

Hope

The Belladonna lily spends much of the year looking like not much is happening, with its leaves gone and ground bare but then suddenly out of nowhere, tall stems rise and burst into bloom with vibrant pink flowers.

This flower jumped out at me this morning and made me think about hope. Hope that the weather improves and that next week will be less busy than this one has been. Ps. This isn’t an actually lily but rather belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family.

Enjoy your day everyone.

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Doors of WordPress V131

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. As it continues to lash from the heavens with rain, I thought I would brighten the day with three absolute beauties. These doors POP with colour and are sure to bring a smile to your face. They were discovered in Paddington, Sydney that I have showcased on numerous occasions. I swear this suburb in Sydney has thee absolute best doors around and I am pretty sure I am close to having photographed every single door there!!! Let me know if you have a favourite this week and have a great day.

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I love them all but number three is my stand out for this week. I mean, the colour is exquisite and quite unusual I would say for a door. I also love how the window matches the door and the colour of the house blends so well with the colours of the door / window. The little canopy over the door adds to the aesthetic also.

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Live Life!

What motivates you?

Motivation isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it is the quiet rhythm of showing up, the satisfaction of completing a task, or the peace found in structure. I am a creature of habit, I wake up, get dressed and head to work, if I’m lucky I will have time for a coffee. I don’t think about it, I just do it as it’s my routine.

I guess I am also motivated by hope and desire for the future. Having my goals for travelling, buying a house, being healthy, making new memories and thinking of future experiences with loved ones.

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Wayne’s Word – consumption

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is CONSUMPTION.

When we hear the word consumption, we might think of eating or drinking but today, I want to highlight a quieter kind of consumption, the one hidden in Artificial Intelligence. To be honest I have only learned of this today and I was completely mind blown! 🤯

Training and running large AI systems uses VAST amounts of electricity. A single model can consume as much energy as hundreds of homes in a year. There is also the consumption of water whereby MILLIONS of litres are used to keep data centres cool, all so our queries, images, and clever answers arrive to us in seconds.

This is the consumption that we do not taste or see, but it leaves its mark on the grid, on the climate and on the rivers that feed those servers.

So next time we hear the word consumption, maybe we can think not just of food or drink, but of the invisible appetite of our digital world. It begs the question, what will the future hold for Mother Earth with all this energy consumption?

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Ten films you have to watch

What are your top ten favorite movies?

I like this prompt today, it really got me thinking. I’m not a huge movie lover, yes I love going to the cinema but I wouldn’t often watch movies at home. I’m more a tv serial kind of guy. However, I do still have my favourites, granted these could change depending on my mood but the below ten are some of my favourites.

  1. Brief Encounter (1945)
    A chance meeting between two married strangers at a railway station blossoms into a poignant, forbidden romance that challenges their sense of duty and desire. This is my all time favourite! 🍿
  2. Big Fish (2003)
    A son seeks truth in his dying father’s fantastical tales, discovering that myth and memory often intertwine in the most meaningful ways. Things always my number two film. I even seen this in the cinema three times!
  3. Cruel Intentions (1999)
    In a twisted game of seduction and betrayal, two manipulative step-siblings wager on corrupting a virtuous girl—only to find that love complicates even the cruelest intentions. This is a classic and one that really reminds me of growing up in the nineties.
  4. Enchanted (2007)
    Banished from her animated fairy-tale world, Princess Giselle lands in modern-day New York, where she must reconcile storybook romance with real-world love. This is a great feel good movie.
  5. Rent (2005)
    Amid the grit of New York’s East Village, a group of bohemian friends confront love, loss, and the AIDS crisis while striving to live without regret. I love this musical and we’re actually going to see the live show later in the year, cannot wait.
  6. Chicago (2002)
    Two murderesses compete for fame and freedom in 1920s Chicago, using scandal, showbiz, and a slick lawyer to turn crime into celebrity. My all time favourite live musical and I can’t even count how many times I have seen this live.
  7. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
    As the Rebel Alliance suffers devastating losses, Luke Skywalker trains with Yoda and faces Darth Vader in a duel that reveals a shocking truth.
  8. The War of the Roses (1989)
    A bitter divorce spirals into domestic warfare as a once-loving couple turns their dream home into a battleground of spite and sabotage.
  9. Romancing the Stone (1984)
    A timid romance novelist is swept into a jungle adventure, where danger and desire help her rewrite the story of her own courage.
  10. Matilda (1996)
    Brilliant and neglected, a young girl discovers the power of books, kindness, and quiet rebellion in a world that underestimates her.

You can see a common theme here. I love musicals and anything a little science fiction or adventure. I’m sure there are many more movies to mention but that’s my top 10 that I can think of at 06.56 on my way to work. Have a great day everyone!!

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The numbers game #3

Thanks Judy for today’s number: Welcome to “The Numbers Game. Today’s number is 208. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day.

My photos on display are from a trip to Dijon, France two years ago. I was obsessed with the architecture here and really enjoyed doing the walking tour around the historic streets of this fantastic town.
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Wayne’s Word – threshold

What do you enjoy most about writing?

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is THRESHOLD – because writing is like stepping across a threshold into your own space.

What do I enjoy most about writing? It gives me a safe space to talk, even about things that most people would find utterly uninteresting. Words, doors, flowers, my travels, my thoughts, writing lets me share it all without anyone politely backing away. It is a way to express my opinions, however small or peculiar, and know they’ve at least made it out into the world.

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Wayne’s Word – Pernickety

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is PERNICKETY.

If you are from Northern Ireland, you will have probably heard this word plenty of times.

It’s the word we reach for when someone is being a bit too fussy or particular about something. Maybe you have to use a certain spatula when making fried eggs, or your mom insists the biscuits go in that tin and no other. That’s pernickety.

We don’t ‘usually’ mean it in a cruel way, in fact, it can be affectionate. “Oh she’s pernickity about her tea,” someone might say with a grin, knowing it has to be strong enough to look like tar.

Americans might call it persnickety, but in the UK and Ireland, it is simply pernickety. It is one of those words that just sounds like what it means, neat, picky, and a wee bit finicky.

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Jump for Joy

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

I would say I feel many positive emotions such as contentment, love, gratitude, compassion etc on a daily basis but today I will go with JOY.

Joy is a burst of happiness, often spontaneous, like laughing with a friend.

Today we had a bbq after work, just the boys. We like to get together once a month or so to catch up but it has been nearly 6 weeks since our last gathering. Today was lovely to enjoy each other’s company with some good food, lovely winter sun, the sound of birds in the garden and lots of laughter over many cups of herbal tea. Pure joy!

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FOTD – Japanese camellia

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the Japanese camellia, which surprised me as I thought it was a rose. However, it is also known as Rose of Winter. Very fitting considering it is indeed still winter here in Sydney.

As you can see from the droplets of rain on the flower, our weather hasn’t improved much. They’re even saying now we could have a wet spring. Fingers crossed the bureau of meteorology are wrong. Anyway, I hope you all have a lovely weekend, whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home.

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Smashing goals

How do you plan your goals?

Sticky Notes & Mental Milestones

When it comes to goal-setting, I keep things minimal but intentional. I have short term and long term goals and each are treated differently.

Short Term Goals


Each day I jot down my daily goals on a post-it note or in my work diary. It’s nothing fancy, just a few tasks I want to knock out before the day is done. Seeing them in plain sight keeps me focused, and there’s something satisfying about crossing them off one by one. It’s like giving my day a little structure without overcomplicating it.

Long Term Goals


I usually have one big goal in mind, just one. It lives in my head, not on paper. I don’t map it out in detail or obsess over timelines. Instead, I chip away at it steadily, day by day. It’s a quiet kind of progress but it works for me. That single goal acts like a compass, subtly guiding my choices and keeping me aligned. For example, becoming an Australian citizen was a long term goal for me. It took me many years but I reached the end line and boy was it satisfying. I love smashing big goals out of the park and I just take one at a time.

This system isn’t perfect, but it’s mine. It keeps me moving forward without feeling overwhelmed, and sometimes, that is all you need. I like to enjoy life as much as I can without compromising my goals too much.

14

Doors of WordPress V130

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome back to Thursday Doors! Today the weather is abysmal in Sydney, very cold, wet and gloomy. Therefore I thought I would show a few brightly coloured yellow doors that I was delighted to find a couple of weeks ago in Paddington. I love how you meander around different streets here and colourful doors appear to JUMP out at you. I was even more pleased that my yellow jumper matched the doors, as sad as that sounds but as you all know, I am easily pleased. As always, do you have a favourite this week?

1

2

3

I actually cannot decide this week as I love them all equally but for different reasons. They are all extremely quaint and I cant help but smile when I see a yellow door. Ok actually, number two does stand out for me as the outer security door is also yellow which is pretty cool and I love the yellow shutters on the window of the house. Additionally, the sunflowers are very cheery! (I know they have nothing to do with the door 😜).

18

A wee word

What is a word you feel that too many people use?

I have covered this word before on my Wayne’s Word series but it is an ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE in Northern Ireland and one that is extremely overused. Have you heard people using this word?

Wayne’s Word – wee
12

Silence

What brings you peace?

There’s something deeply restorative about silence, especially in a world that is constantly buzzing and demanding attention. Turning off the background noise feels like giving my mind permission to breathe and helps me to focus and reset. It could be as simple as turning off the radio or closing a door to block out unwanted noise. Quiet spaces, sunsets, sunrises, ocean walks, immersing in nature all bring me peace also.

Silence is golden.

11

The numbers game #2

Thanks for today’s number Judy! I had 4 photos to show case this week. Always nice to look back on some older images.

Welcome to “The Numbers Game #85”.Today’s number is 207. To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day.

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Profession or work?

What profession do you admire most and why?

A profession is a type of job or career that usually requires special training, education, or skills, and is often recognized by “society” as important or specialized.

For example:

Teaching is a profession because it requires qualifications and expertise. Medicine, law, engineering, and accounting are all considered professions.

It can also simply mean the kind of work someone does, for example, “His profession is retail”.

I admire any profession that helps others and that isn’t the most glamorous, for example, doctors, nurses, teachers, physiotherapists. However, I admire most jobs out there, especially the people who carry out certain jobs. I admire their passion for their job, their character and making the consumer feel positive.

I admire anyone who is working hard, granted you need to have the ability to work. I will treat a doctor or lawyer the same way I would treat a cleaner or a taxi driver, a shop assistant or a dentist. I admire those who want to work, who try their hardest to find employment and want to make a difference. Those who have to overcome illness or live with a chronic condition, where it takes all their might to work even a few hours a week.

I also believe a person’s character can be revealed by the way they treat people in jobs that are often undervalued or considered “less prestigious”. If you are rude to the waiter, we’re going to have issues!

8

Wayne’s Word – waft

If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is WAFT.

Waft (verb/noun) – to drift gently through the air, often carrying a scent, a sound, or even a mood.

If I ever opened a shop, it would be a men’s fragrance boutique called “The Gentlemen’s Waft”. The kind of place where each cologne tells a story, think sleek shelves, warm lighting, and just enough mystery that customers feel like they’ve stepped into an old-world apothecary. Customers would not simply spray a fragrance, they would step into a cloud of carefully crafted aroma, letting it waft over them like an invisible handshake…and I would always smell good after my shift, win win 😉.

17

Wayne’s Word – foghorn

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is FOGHORN.

A foghorn is a gigantic loud horn used by ships or lighthouses to warn other vessels when the fog rolls in so thick you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. The blast would fairly make you jump out of your skin!

In Northern Irish lingo –

Aside from a real foghorn, we will call someone a foghorn if they have a voice that could waken the dead.

“Oh here she comes, the human foghorn, you could hear her before you see her.”

It can also mean someone who blurts things out without thinking, especially when they’re supposed to keep it quiet!

“He’s such a foghorn!”

You may even have heard of Foghorn Leghorn – he is that big, loudmouthed rooster from the Looney Tunes cartoons, with white feathers, red comb, deep Southern drawl, and a voice that sounds like he’s been raised on cornbread and megaphones. 

Do you happen to know any foghorns?
17

Smile Time

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

If I’m thinking about physical possessions, I could say my phone. However, if I think a little deeper, I would say the most important thing would be my smile. I don’t have the biggest smile in the world, i.e. with showing my teeth but I would say mine is a subtle and gentle smile, not so in your face.

It costs nothing, weighs nothing, and yet it has the power to change everything. A smile opens doors, softens hearts, and reminds others (and myself) that kindness still exists.

So no matter where I go, I carry it with me. Not just on my face, but in my attitude, my words, and my actions 🙂

29

Lifting the Mood 💭

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

The world is heavy enough. If my blog can lift someone’s mood, make them smile, or just feel seen for a moment, then I have done my job.

Wayne

23

FOTD – Aloe Vera

Happy Friday everyone! Today I am showing the Aloe Vera flower, spotted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney. This flower is pretty special as it only appears once a year, in late winter to early spring, right about now in the southern hemisphere.

Aloe Vera –
Flowering is a sign your aloe is happy and well cared for 🙂
8

Peaceful equality (wishful thinking)

Describe your life in an alternate universe.

In this world, suffering is a forgotten concept. Every being is valued, every voice heard, and every day is a celebration of existence. It reminds me of the John Lennon song “Imagine”.

“Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky

Imagine all the people
Livin’ for today

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one”.

13

Wayne’s Word – guzzle

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is GUZZLE.

To guzzle is to drink greedily, no sips, no savouring, just straight-up drinking like you’ve been lost in the desert. The word has a wonderfully untidy sound to it, and that is very fitting as guzzling is not a refined act.

Originating from 16th-century English, guzzle was once used to describe excessive drinking, especially alcohol. I love this word and in Northern Ireland we use it a lot, more so in an over exaggerated way to make fun of loved ones in a friendly manner.

12

The Numbers Game #1

Thank you Judy for this prompt! I love the idea of retrieving old photos, you never know what you might find and the memories they can evoke.

“To play along, go to your photos file folder and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find that include that number and post a link to your blog in my Numbers Game blog of the day”.

Not surprising that this week’s number 206 has given me a couple of DOORS from my collection. This could be a common theme but I remember how much I loved the houses shown below.

19

Happiness is…

List 30 things that make you happy.

1 – Fresh air

2 – Hugs

3 – Being cosy

4 – Hot cup of tea

5 – Freshly cut grass

6 – Food

7 – Good craic

8 – Meaningful conversations

9 – Time with family

10 – Coffee

11 – The evening before a day off work

12 – The day off work

13 – Sunshine

14 – Blue skies

15 – Photographs

16 – A good shift at work

17 – A scruffy dog

18 – Puppies

19 – Trees

20 – Outdoor swimming pool

21 – Smell of the ocean

22 – Exercise

23 – A roaring fire

24 – A cosy Irish pub

25 – Travelling

26 – Meeting new people

27 – Kindness

28 – My partner being happy

29 – Spending time with friends

30 – Walking

I feel like this list could go on and on and on 🤣 ps. these are in no particular order!

19

Exercise!

Describe one habit that brings you joy.

It is 0628 here on A Sunday morning, I am having a coffee and about to go to the gym for a workout with some gym friends. Sometimes I think, “am I mad?” But I really love it and if I can’t do my exercise, I feel like something is missing and I feel sad about it (as strange as that sounds). I know I will feel good for the rest of the day!!!

I wish he was my spotter
15

Uninterested

What are you curious about?

Absolutely nothing! Have you not heard…being curious is dangerous, it killed the cat!

6

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