Over Cups of Coffee

I want to blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sat, 26 May 2012 06:55:00 +0000

...but due to my health have been a bit disinterested. I've had a bit of a sore throat for over a week and fluey symptoms the past couple of days and I think that's one of the things affecting my interest. My family left earlier this week and it's weird how quiet the house is again. Something I'd been so used to seemed surreal for a day.

The cats seemed to miss them too initially. Buttons especially seemed to miss my sister who was playing with him often. The first night after they'd left, Buttons kept bringing the toy to me. And while I did play with him, feeling a bit sick meant I didn't want to continue. And then he'd go searching for my sis with the toy but of course, not finding her.

I'm back at work. Back having reports to work on. But not in the mood to do it because of my health. Glad to be back at work otherwise.

Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to get back in the groove.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

In this day and age...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:43:00 +0000

I have been running parenting seminars again this month and had a shocking revelation this time around. I am very aware of the gender discrimination between male and female children in the Indian and Middle Eastern cultures through experience and work. But what I didn't realise or ever encounter was the discrimination that exists in some European cultures. I was assured that they are the ultra-conservative (as I do have a couple of friends of Italian background) who are not that way at all! Even so, it still managed to take me aback.

Most of these parenting seminars are attended by mums (though last year we were fortunate to have a few regular dads). Anyway, a couple of mums revealed that their husbands believe girls shouldn't go to school overnight camps but that it's okay for the sons to go. I had to control my tongue to not get on my soapbox about this gender discrimination. The mums talked about it in a very matter-of-fact way and said how they themselves weren't allowed to do so as kids. The other thing that struck me was when we trying to explain to them about shared responsibilities, my colleague suggested asking husbands to help out in the kitchen as an example and they burst out laughing. They stated that there was no way their husbands would assist in the kitchen. I wondered why.

In this day and age, you think most couples would share responsibilities. Even if say the husband can't cook, at least they would help with the cleaning or the dishes! I know my dad would help out with the cleaning. And as for not letting daughters go to overnight camps but saying it's okay for sons...WTF? What century are we living in? And it makes me wonder if the daughters will grow up with the same mentality of not expecting their husbands to assist in the household chores.

I was used to this sort of mentality in India and would voice my opinion strongly against it. And since coming here, I have witnessed it in families I see where the male child is preferred over the female child but mainly in Middle Eastern, Indian, Greek and Asian backgrounds. However, given that it can be in the context of work, unless it is a client of mine that is being impacted, I have to refrain from saying my point of view to the parents who discriminate. Like I said before, in this day and age, I can't believe there are still people with these views in developed nations like ours.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Guest Blogger on Booklover Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Tue, 22 May 2012 23:26:00 +0000

As part of the Aussie Author Challenge this year, Joanne over at Booklover Book Reviews, has been inviting a guest blogger every month. And this month was an opportunity for yours truly.

So head on over there and read it. It has to do with books, of course!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Lemon and Blueberry Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:06:00 +0000

I have made these a couple of times now. I find baking quite soothing and well, what happens afterwards is even better. I bought this wonderful baking book (among others I already have) which has sweet and savoury baking recipes.

Ingredients:

60 g unsalted butter
280 g plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
200 g caster sugar
1 egg
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
250 ml milk
225 g blueberries

Method:

Preheat the oven the 220 degrees Celsius. Melt butter in a pan over a medium-low heat
Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl. Set 2 tbsps of the caster sugar aside and add the rest into the bowl
In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly until mixed well
Add the butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract and milk. Beat the mixture until foamy
Pour the mixture into a well in the flour and sugar mixture. Mix well until smooth
Gently fold in all the blueberries taking care not to bruise the fruit
Spoon the mixture into the muffin moulds in the tray up to three-quarters full
Bake for about 15 to 20 mins
In a small bowl, stir the reserved sugar with the lemon juice until the sugar is completely dissolved
Once the muffins are done, dip the crown of the muffins in the lemon and sugar mixture as a glaze. Brush any remaining glaze on the muffins. Remember to do this when the muffins are warm as they will absorb the glaze

The end result:

And they taste delicious! If I may say so myself.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Travel Tales: Brisbane

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:07:00 +0000

After leaving Cairns on Tuesday the 8th, we headed to Brisbane via Qantas.

Arrived at Brissy at noon and were picked up at the airport by a family friend.

Hello Brisbane

View from the plane

Had lunch at their place and headed to Mount Cootah for a little while to see views of Brisbane.

Brisbane in all its glory

City of Brisbane

Headed back home and then out to the city. Explored the city centre by walking across the bridge towards Southbank over the Brisbane river and taking in the sights. Sis got some good photos as I was too impatient to stand still enough to get non-blurry pictures.

Walking along the bridge

Photo of a building

Brisbane Eye and river

City views

Got back home at about 8 p.m and stayed up late catching up with them.

Woke up around 5 the next morning. Realised that 3 glasses of wine and 5 hours of sleep do not bode well for a day of sightseeing. Headed to the station to catch a train to the Gold Coast. And slept all the way through.

Checked out the main street at Surfer's Paradise. Enjoyed the sun for a while.

Surfers

Seagulls. Always eager for food

Surf Patrol

Had a good lunch at a cafe.

Headed back for Brisbane by around 2:00 p.m. Slept on the train on the way back too. [How did I ever function through uni on 4 to 5 hours' sleep??]

Reached Brisbane and explored the city in daylight this time. Checked out Queen Street Mall and King George Square. Headed back with the family friend to their house around 6 after they picked us up at the end of their work day. Had a yum dinner and relaxed. Had only one glass of wine this night. [I learn quickly!]

Went to bed early to get ready to catch a 10:00 a.m. plane the next morning.

Yes, it was a short stay in Brisbane. And it didn't excite me as much as Cairns had and Melbourne later did. And a headache while checking out Surfer's probably wasn't very helpful either. As a result, there aren't many pictures of Brisbane or the GC.

Stay tuned for the final chapter of the travel tales: Melbourne.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

It's Buttons' turn...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:31:00 +0000

...to be sick.

He most likely has cat flu. Since I got back on Sunday, I noticed him sneezing. A lot more. And when he would sneeze, there would be about 3 to 4 in a row and sometimes as many as 10. He's done this before but nothing has really been wrong.

Anyway, I let it go for a couple of days but he would sneeze every few hours at night too.

I finally thought I'd get it checked even if it is just an allergy. Turns out, he could most likely have the flu thanks to discharge from his eyes and well, sneezing and what looks like an ulcer/sore throat. The reason I didn't think he had the flu was because he was active and playful as ever and eating a lot.

So now, the vet has given antibiotics to prevent any other bacterial infection as cat flu is viral and the only thing that can be done is supportive care. Just like for us humans. But try telling an active kitten he needs to rest. Hah! He did come for a longer than usual cuddle last evening though so I know he's not feeling a 100 percent. But he's still squirmy at other times and wants to do his own thing.

Oh and do I feel even more like a parent or what?! Every time he sneezes in the middle of the night, I'm wide awake checking on him. As a result, I haven't got much sleep last night. At the same time, I'm keeping an eye on Pebbles and crossing my fingers hoping she doesn't catch the flu from him. I don't think I can manage two kitties with the flu!

Please pray my little Buttons recovers quickly. I can't stand to see him sneezing and wheezing and well, obviously unable to blow his nose or deal with it in any better way.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Travel Tales: Cairns

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:57:00 +0000

Left Sydney on Saturday, the 5th of May at noon. Had a quick self-check in at the domestic airport. Flew Qantas to Cairns.

Reached Cairns at around 1600 hours and were greeted by warm and sunny weather. Some views from the plane:

Stayed at the Koala Court Serviced Apartments. The owners here were extremely nice and friendly. Helped us book a couple of tours for the next two days.

Sign out front

Living area

Went to the Night Markets that evening but didn't find anything that caught our eye. Even for pictures.

Did the Kuranda Scenic Tour on Sunday. Went to Kuranda by train.

Saw some wonderful scenery on the way.

Reached Kuranda around 1130. And were ravenous. Visited the Windmill Cafe for a yummy lunch (with good vegetarian options for the Parents).

Smoked salmon and eggs benedict

Veggie brekky

Walked along the main street and checked out some of the markets. Found some interesting things on sale.

Visited the Koala and wildlife sanctuary with some Aussie favourites.

Cuddled a Koala. And missed Pebbles and Buttons while doing so.

Not the one we cuddled but one that was asleep

Headed back through the main town centre towards the skyrail around 2:30.

On the skyrail by 3 and got some amazing views of the landscape.

Touched down in 15 minutes. Got back to the apartment by bus around 4:30. Exhausted.

Day 2 was a tour to the Great Barrier Reef. More specifically, the outer reef. We went through Reef Magic cruises.

Some of the views on the way to the reef:

At the reef, we connected to Marine World. And got ready for some snorkelling.

Snorkellers

My sis and me

Touched Wally the fish and had my photo taken. Saw beautiful marine life of various colours. Reminded me of the movie Finding Nemo.

Me with Wally

Fish that reminded me of Dory

Mum and dad didn't snorkel. Instead, they had a tour on the glass bottom boat and the semi-submersible to see the marine life.

Had hours of fun. Returned back to shore around 5 p.m. Tired. But happy.

Walked along the Esplanade. Back to Koala Court Apartments.

The esplanade

Left next morning at 8:30 to catch the plane to Brisbane. Wishing that I had booked more days at Cairns as we didn't explore most of it. At the same time knowing I can go back some day.

So yes, Cairns was a delight. The natural beauty is breath-taking. Apart from this, tourists can also visit Port Douglas and the Daintree rainforest. Just so you know, the underwater photos were taken by the people running the cruise and we purchased our photos and some of the marine life.

Stay tuned for the Brisbane and Melbourne tales.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:11:00 +0000

Yes...back to Sydney and blogging!

The week away was filled with mixed emotions. While I enjoyed the places, I missed my babies so it's great to be back home. I will have posts up soon on my travel tales. And I will also attempt to reply to all the comments on scheduled posts here as well as catch up with all the blogs I follow.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Book Review: Murder in Devon

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:00:00 +0000

...by Maggi Andersen.

Casey Rowan is an expat American and a magazine reporter living in England. She wakes up one morning to find one of her best friends, Don Broughton murdered and her other best friend, Tessa Broughton severely injured. And Casey didn't hear a thing despite being in the same house that night. While Casey is determined to bring justice to Don, she is still considered a suspect. Not only does she have to deal with the lead detective on the case, Rod Carlisle, she may also be developing feelings for him. At the same time, the closer she gets to the truth, the more in danger she is. Set in the English backdrop, with connections to art and history, this mystery takes you on a ride.

Who killed Don Broughton?

Was he going to incriminate someone in his autobiography --- the manuscript of which has gone missing on his death?

Is Casey going to get hurt in her quest for the truth?

And what else is she going to learn about herself?

To know all this and more, you have to read the book.

This is my first book by the author and while a mystery-romance genre is not one I usually read, the mystery was good enough to keep me interested. It kept me guessing and while I had suspects, the motives were next to nothing. Personally, I could do without the romance aspect of things. I liked Casey's character but wasn't too fond of Rod's character. Plus there was something about the romance that seemed a bit unbelieveable. The one other small thing I had a gripe with was possibly the location of the book. Given that the author is Australian, I expected the setting to be Australia but instead had to deal with an English setting. Again, it's probably just a personal thing and not one that spoilt the story in any way. I thought the mystery was well thought of and quite intricate with historical aspects in it.

All in all, it's a decent read if you like the romantic-mystery with a bit of history genre.

My rating:

***This has been reviewed as part of a virtual author book tour based on a copy of the book provided by the author. Click on the link to read other reviews and giveaways by other bloggers. It has also been reviewed as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2012***

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Gratitude Photo Challenge - Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Once again, no I hadn't forgotten about this challenge. I took a break from it since I was doing the March Photo-A-Day Challenge but now that that's done, I am going back to this one.

Anyway, the topic for Day 11 of the photo challenge is 'something old'. And I know just the thing. It's something I have had with me since I was in Year 10 and held a lot of memories at the time.

It's a 'slam book'. To the uninitiated, this was something we did back then in the last year of high school. You had people fill in details like 'my hobby', 'my favourite teacher', 'what I think about you' etc. It's one way of keeping memories of your high school friends. And sometimes when I look back at it, I smile. Especially at responses to dream jobs and what they think they will be doing in the future or even their crushes. Of course, not everyone is truly honest but some are. It's a pleasure to sift through even now, almost 15 years later. How time flies!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Book Review: Kind of Cruel

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

...by Sophie Hannah.

Amber Hewerdine presents to a hypnotherapist Ginny Saxon. Much against her beliefs. However, it's the last resort to help with her insomnia. Amber hasn't had a good night's sleep since the murder of her best friend Sharon two years ago. Despite her cynical view of her therapist, Amber finds herself drifting and then saying the words "Kind, Cruel, Kind of Cruel". But what do those words mean? Amber has no idea. A few hours after saying this, Amber is arrested for a murder that occurred a couple of months ago. The murder of Katherine Allen. Amber has no idea who this person is and why those words were found at the crime scene. Nor does she know where she has seen the words before. As Amber sifts through her memories, her life is in danger the closer she gets to uncovering those. It also puts her husband Luke and Sharon's children Dinah and Nonie who are now in her care in danger.

Could it also put the rest of the family in danger? Including Luke's brother Neil, his wife Jo and their children?

Is there a connection between the murders of Sharon and Katherine despite the gap of time in between?

Why does Amber continue to be friends with Jo despite not liking her subtle criticisms of Amber?

Why did Jo disappear with her family on Christmas day in 2003? And why does she refuse to talk about it?

So many mysteries, so much to know. All you can do is read the book.

As always, Sophie Hannah keeps you guessing throughout the book. The chapters alternate between third person narratives for the detectives of Spilling, to first person narratives by Amber and the therapist, Ginny. There is a bit of psychobabble which I didn't enjoy because it's about hypnotherapy and the importance of feelings over thoughts which personally to me as a psychologist are not very evidence-based. However, she still keeps you intrigued as to whodunit. While you may have suspicions about whodunit, the motives behind them are completely unknown. And yes, while it may sound far-fetched in the end, Sophie Hannah has done her research into some psychological aspects to explain the same. I admire once again how she gets into the heads and psyche of her characters. This is possibly what makes her mysteries even more exciting.

Once again, like her other books, I'd recommend reading this one for a good psychological thriller.

My rating:

***This book was originally reviewed over at Bond with Books***

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Oh the guilt

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:06:00 +0000

I am feeling very guilty about having to leave Pebbles and Buttons for 8 days starting tomorrow. Especially Pebbles because she's the sensitive one and she's the one that sleeps ~~with~~ on me. Buttons sleeps with me too but he seems more resilient and I think he'll cope all right as long as he has his food. Pebbles loves her cuddles and smooches and head rubs.

My friend N is going to have to deal with a number of text messages from me requesting updates.

Even though a part of me is excited at seeing parts of Australia I haven't ever seen, another part is counting down to next Sunday when I'll be back home to my little darlings.

P.S. I am trying to reply to comments to previous posts...sorry it's taking a while!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Age of criminal culpability

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:23:00 +0000

At what age should a person be considered responsible for criminal behaviour?

Legally as it stands, in Australia a child under 10 cannot be charged for a crime as they are considered to not have the moral development to be held responsible. And now, there is an advocate for young people who thinks that the age should be increased to 16. I found myself completely and utterly shocked when I read that.

Currently, Australia apparently has one of the lowest ages for criminal responsibility and is therefore drawing flak from the UN. As someone who works with children, I think 10 can be considered high. Especially in this day and age. And if they are seriously considering of not charging individuals with crimes till they are 12 or 14 or 16, they are kidding themselves and living in a fantasy world.

The whole reason for not holding someone responsible under the age of 10 is that they do not understand the difference between right and wrong. Kids aged between 10 and 13 can be charged but there needs to be evidence that they knew they were doing the wrong thing. The law assumes that by 14, an individual understands right from wrong and can be tried in juvenile court. [Source]

However, if you think about the research into moral and pro-social development, between the ages of 2 and 3, some children are able to show guilt for inappropriate behaviour. More importantly, by the age of 6 or 7, they understand how to behave appropriately to gain rewards and avoid punishments. In other words, they know right behaviour from wrong behaviour. [Source] Also, one of the first stages of moral development as researched by Lawrence Kohlberg is the Preconventional Stage where children learn deference to authority and in order to avoid punishment, learn right from wrong. This can be observed in children upto the age of 9. [Source]

So how does the law even begin to make sense when you consider most normally developing kids can tell right from wrong by the age of 9 at the most?? And even more bizarre is the call to increase the age of criminal responsibility.

The second stage of moral development is the Conventional reasoning stage which is seen in adolescents and adults and this involves understanding conformity to rules and how approval or disapproval from others can influence perceptions of right and wrong. In other words, it's not about lack of understanding of right or wrong but rather how others would view us. Therefore, if you are a 12 year old who thinks you will get approval from your peers for stealing, you are more likely to do it. Even though you know the rules say stealing is a crime. But why shouldn't a young person be charged for this? They know the rules. They know right from wrong. Yet, they succumb to approval from peers. I'm not saying someone should be gaoled for this but there is no reason for them to not be tried or charged.

Crimes by teenagers are on the rise. Teens across Australia as young as 12 and 13 are being charged for mugging, car-jackings, stabbings, driving away from police in a stolen vehicle and running into people among others. Crimes by juveniles is on the increase. And yet, not much can be done about it. And how can we forget the James Bulger case? Where the toddler was murdered by two 10 year old boys in 1993. Or the 11 year old boy who shot his pregnant stepmother in the US in 2009?

Don't tell me these kids don't know right from wrong. Because they do. And these are just some of the examples. There are so many more we read about every day.

There will be people who will talk about the difficult circumstances in which these kids are living in which is fair enough. But it still does not mean they need to be let go. They still need a consequence. If not juvenile detention, something. If we increase the age of criminal responsibility to 16, we are in for a whole lot of trouble. As it is, parents and teachers don't have many rights over children. If we take away the rights of the police, what else is left? I am all for positive parenting and using rewards to improve acceptable behaviours. But they need to be balanced with consequences. Consequences that fit the action.

If that means detention for some or gaol for others, so be it.

Let's not take away the rights of the legal system for the rights of a child.

Things have gone too far already.

What do you think my readers? Do you think the age of responsibility should be increased? Or should it be decreased?

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Lord of the Flies at the New Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:45:00 +0000

I went to watch Lord of the Flies at the New Theatre yesterday with the Sister and my friend C. Having read the book last year and then watching the movie, I jumped at the chance of watching the play. And I wasn't disappointed. It was brilliant to see just how the story was enacted. For those not in the know, the gist is that a group of boys are stranded on an island following a plane crash. There are no adults around and they have to fend for themselves. While things start off well, it soon becomes obvious that without rules and consequences, a society can disintegrate to the point of murder.

The actors playing the parts were amazing. I thought the actor playing Jack was especially brilliant as you do dislike him just like in the book. My favourite character in the book was Simon and the actor didn't disappoint either. There were moments when I had tears in my eyes...a thing that didn't occur when I watched the movie. That to me, shows that the actors got the essence of their characters and brought it across to the audience really well. I highly recommend going and watching it if you are in Sydney. It's on till the 12th of May.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Book Review: Lasting Damage

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:34:00 +0000

...by Sophie Hannah.

I am going to be killed because of a family called the Gilpatricks.

That's how the book starts on the 24th of July 2010. We are then taken back to a week earlier with Connie Bowskill the narrator. She lies in bed waiting for her husband Kit Bowskill to fall asleep and then sneaks out to check out a property listing online. While watching the virtual tour of 11 Bentley Grove, Cambridge, Connie sees something. In the living room, in the middle of the carpet is a woman lying face-down in a pool of blood. She rushes to get Kit to view it. But when he does, he sees no dead body. Nothing. Just an ordinary house for sale. Thus begins a nightmare for Connie. She attempts to get Simon Waterhouse but is dismayed to find that he is away on his honeymoon. She has to make do with Sam Kombothekra. Who listens to her story although he is a bit sceptical. Kit does not believe Connie and thinks she is losing her mind. Until another woman comes forward with the same story. A real estate agent Jackie Napier. But with no dead body, what is it they saw?

Is it someone playing a cruel prank?

Who are the Gilpatricks?

Is Kit having an affair with the woman at 11 Bentley Grove as Connie suspects?

Or is Connie making up the entire thing herself?

To know all these answers, well, you have to read the book. Once again, Sophie Hannah manages to weave a wonderful psychological thriller. She really manages to get into the heads of all her characters and gives them intricate and unique personalities. As for the dysfunction, she's a master at chalking them out. It was hard for me to have to put down the book while at work in the last day because I was so eager to know what happened next. And Sophie Hannah manages to do that...keep you hooked so much so you don't want to put it down until you know the answers. I am still constantly stumped by her mysteries and mind you, I can solve most mysteries pretty quickly. If you are looking for an interesting psychological thriller, this is the way to go.

My rating:

***This was originally posted on Bond with Books***

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Airport Arrivals...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:55:00 +0000

...the man with a bunch of flowers. Quite obviously waiting for a loved one to arrive.

...the parents with balloons of 'Welcome Home'. Waiting for their child. And when she does arrive, the hugs and tears show the joy.

...the two little boys screaming "Daddy, Daddy". Welcoming their dad even before he crosses the threshold.

...the man waiting with a list and a sign. Welcoming what seem to be a group of people from America, UK and other parts of the world. Students, perhaps.

...the woman waiting anxiously. Her face lights up as her partner arrives.

...the pilots and the hostesses. So confident. Yet, the pleasure of being home is not unnoticeable.

...the young girl seemingly in her early twenties. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. With her bags. Until eventually, her arrives to pick her up and there are squeals. All is forgiven and it's good to be together again.

...the family waiting. For their son and daughter-in-law and son-in-law and daughter and grandchild to arrive. It's the same family. But it looks like both sets of parents were present. Hugs and kisses all around.

...another family waiting. To greet their elderly parents and grandparents.

...the sister arrives. Her first steps in Australia. To be greeted by her older sister.

Welcome to Australia...

Yes, my sister landed this morning. And those were just some of the scenes I observed while waiting for her to arrive at the airport.

***This is also my 701st post as a result of importing my posts from the other book blog***

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Mental Health Excuse

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:40:00 +0000

Has anyone else here in Australia had enough of Matthew Newton? I am not here to glorify his stupid behaviour but I do want to make a point.

Let's remember, this is a man who has had one charge of assaulting his former girlfriend squashed by the judge who thought he'd never do it again. Yeah, right! She was smart enough to leave him. His next girlfriend had an AVO (apprehended violence order) against him after he assaulted her and she feared for her life. Following this came the claims by his lawyer and all the other publicists that he had mental health problems. He has also been charged for allegedly assaulting a taxi driver here in Sydney, resisting arrest in Miami and lately, assaulting a hotel receptionist in Miami. But apparently, because he has mental health problems, he is excused. You have got to think that because it comes up in every story about him. Every time he messes up, we are reminded how he has had problems with his mental health.

And this is where I have an issue.

Where people blame mental health for their behaviour. Unless you have a psychotic mental health problem like schizphrenia you cannot use mental health as an excuse for your behaviour. The reason is that with psychosis, you are not always in control of your faculties and you are capable of believing the voices and the delusions. However, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even addiction are NOT an excuse for bad behaviour. You don't see every depressed individual out there punching people. You don't see every anxious person getting into fights. And in the same way, not all people who assault their partners have a mental health problem. A personality problem, maybe. But not an excusable mental health problem.

Sadly, people like Matthew Newton give a bad name to those suffering from depression, anxiety and the like. Let's face it...the general public's knowledge about mental health is pretty basic. When they see someone in the limelight behaving in this manner and claiming mental health as their saviour, they are likely to assume that others with mental health problems are going to behave in this way too. Which is not fair to most people with genuine problems.

It's about time the media stop writing about Matthew Newton's mental health problems. And if he is found guilty of his latest assault, maybe he should be gaoled. That's the only way he is eventually going to learn to take responsibility for his actions. Then again, he might not. But at least we won't hear about him!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Phone-y issues

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:51:00 +0000

I have a Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini X10. I bought it last year during my trip to India and it was pretty all right. For a while. It's my very first smartphone and my first phone that's not a Nokia.

Anyway, barely a few months after getting it, I was disillusioned by it. And even more now. Why? Well, for one thing, the battery! I cannot believe how quickly it runs out of battery. It needs to be charged every single day even if it hasn't been used at all. It dies every night. And lately, I found out that somehow it's been downloading from the internet resulting in my credit expiring quickly despite me hardly using the phone!

When my credit expired way before I expected last month, I got a bit suspicious so I looked up my Vodafone prepaid records online. And guess what? I found that data is being downloaded at 2 or 3 in the morning. Times when I am fast asleep! And I'm pretty sure the kitties aren't using it either.

While I know smartphones lose battery quickly, friends with Samsung Galaxy S II and the like say it lasts at least a couple of days if not used. Definitely longer than mine. I'm really getting sick of it. If I'm at work, it's fine as I can charge it at work. However, there are days when I have to go for training or straight to meetings and stuff and it's a pain having a phone that's dead! There isn't enough time to recharge it completely before I get to work or the meeting or whatever else it is. So yeah...not happy!

A month or so ago I wanted to get back to my old Nokia...no internet. Nothing. But apparently I had put one of my other Sim cards in it and was unable to remove it. Sigh. I'd really like to get a Samsung Galaxy Nexus or an S II but can't afford to at the moment. I'm not one to go on post-paid plans. Prepaid is the way for me. And I'd prefer to not have a locked phone. Which basically means that the phone gets a bit more expensive then. So in other words, I might have to wait another 6 months or so before getting a phone. In the mean time, I'm going to see if someone else can remove the Sim card from my old Nokia!

Anyone else with the same phone? And similar issues? What do you do about it?

Do share.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

The Plan with the family

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:22:00 +0000

Next week, this time, my sister will be here with me. She arrives a few days before my parents due to some visa stuff that complicated things for her. She arrives on Saturday and my parents land on the Thursday after that.

Basically, we have planned to have a full week of travelling outside of Sydney and then doing all the Sydney stuff. In one week, we will be visiting Cairns, Brisbane and Melbourne. Cairns includes a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, Brissy includes a day at the Gold Coast and Melbourne I'm hoping includes a drive down the Great Ocean Road. Apart from booking the accommodation and the flights, I haven't done much else. So it'll probably be after my sis arrives and once I'm on leave from work when I will look into details about what to do and what's going to be feasible.

I'm still feeling guilty about leaving the kitties behind. I just hope they won't be too stressed not having me around. Particularly Pebbles who has been through enough the past couple of months.

Travelling around Sydney should be easier. Day trips to the city for the usual Harbour Bridge and Opera House and Darling Harbour. Maybe another day trip to the Blue Mountains. A visit to the beaches --- Bondi, Manly and of course, my local and favourite beach, Cronulla [Now you know which part of Sydney I live in!] Apart from these, I'm going to have to google what other touristy stuff can be done here.

Before all that though, I have the coming week to deal with. Have a stressful day tomorrow. Then three client days to wrap things up with a day off in between due to Anzac Day.

So how has your weekend been? And what's your week looking like?

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Cruelty to pets...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:06:00 +0000

...is something I just don't get.

Similar to child abuse and neglect, I cannot fathom how some human beings can be cruel or neglect their pets. What prompted this post was seeing ads like this on a Pet Rescue website.

Mind you, it's not the first ad I've seen where owners have been cruel or neglected their pets. When you look at the animal's face, can you imagine even neglecting it or abusing it? Animals are so trusting and so very dependent on you. Probably more so than kids. People make a choice to get pets. So why then, do they not commit to looking after it?

Pets are not an accessory! They live long lives. I think people fall for a kitten or a puppy and forget that they have another 15 years or so more to go. Having said that, there are people who obviously abuse even the kittens or pups. Sheldon above is only 5 months. How cruel and mean-spirited does one have to be to abuse an animal? Someone so helpless. What perverted pleasure do they get by doing that? Animals have feelings too. The love and affection they give you back is priceless. And you will never hear the dreaded words "I hate you" as you would from a child/adolescent.

I remember having that fear when I thought I might have to re-home Buttons. The fear that he might land in a house that won't treat him right. After all, people present one way when they see you but what goes on behind closed doors could be a completely different story. Child abuse has shown us that. My heart goes out to all the animals out there waiting to be rescued. I am seriously contemplating being a rescue person myself in the future. Maybe when I'm a bit more financially stable.

On a different note, if you live in Australia and can give a cat or a dog a good home, please get one from a shelter/rescue place. There are so many of them in need of a good home. Petrescue is a brilliant website for that. Do remember though that animals need food, medical check ups and love for at least 15 to 20 years. It is a commitment. Not a phase.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Online Dating

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:07:00 +0000

When you work in a female-dominated industry like I do, meeting a potential partner at work can be hard. So I'm thinking of trying my hand at online dating on two of the most popular sites in a few months. Let's face it...there's no other way for me to meet men!

I don't do nightclubs.

I don't go to many parties.

My friends with partners could perhaps set me up but it will be a small sample.

Even when I do change my gym from the women's only to the normal one, the chances are next to nothing. Because when I work out, I look like a hag.

A place I frequent is the library or the beach or the shopping centre. Not great pick-up places. [Even though I have been picked up at the library years ago!]

So for a person who spends a lot of time with her cats or her friends or at work and especially in front of the computer, what better way to try and meet someone?

Online dating it's going to be.

Have you got any stories to share about online dating? Good or bad?

Do tell!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Never-ending

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:43:00 +0000

Remember all the stress I was talking about? Well, it just increased two-fold. One of the things I can't talk about on the blog currently but maybe in a week or two I'll be able to mention it. The other has to do with Pebbles.

I woke up this morning to find her with a red ear. It looked a bit like dried blood or at the very least, bruised to me. My assumption was that Buttons might have bitten her while they were wrestling and play-fighting around yesterday. But I couldn't remember any yelps or anything from Pebbles. Anyway, 7 am I call the vet and manage to get an appointment for 8. I call in work to say I'm running late. Go to the vet with Pebbles complaining all the way through. Which by the way, always breaks my heart! The vet took a look and then said that it could be a bite but he also wanted to check for a possible fungal infection using this ultra-violet rays device. And guess what? After using it, we found that in fact, it was a fungal infection! Ringworm. So now Pebbles has to be on medication twice a day for the next 3-4 weeks. And what sucks is that in that time, there is a week when I won't be around as I'm travelling with the family. So my friend N who has kindly agreed to pet-sit will have to do this instead. Pebbles has undergone a lot of stress in the past couple of months so I'm not surprised she caught the infection.

And now I have to also watch Buttons as ringworm is contagious. And myself. Because apparently, this is one infection that can pass on from animals to humans. The joys! I looked it up on the university of google upon getting to work and turns out even if I do catch it, it's just tinia. On the other hand, if Buttons catches it, it's another $100! Yes, vet bills are bloody expensive. Maybe I should consider hooking up with a vet. Would save a lot of money! ;)

So how has your Monday morning been?

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Being a parent...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:14:00 +0000

Sleepless nights...

Hurt when they are hurt...

Worry about the cough they have...

Worry when they sneeze continuously...

Worry when they play-fight because one might get hurt...

If they eat too little, they're probably sick...

If they eat too much, they might get sick...

Heart breaks when they are suffering (either emotionally or physically)...

Wonder whether their doctor will think you're nuts if you call every time you fear something is wrong...

Worry when they throw up...

Able to clean their poop and pee and puke...

Hand feed them food to make sure they are getting enough...

Check on them if they are too quiet...

Wish they could tell you exactly what is wrong...

...Is this what being a parent is like?

Because I reckon I'm there!

A parent to two kitties.

Laugh if you must. But I mean it. I've gone through all of the above. And today I was quite worried about Pebbles. One of them threw up this morning [I suspect Pebbles] when I was in the bathroom. And then Pebbles had this weird cough. And her meow was different in the morning too...sort of raspy and low. But she was eating and wanted to eat. So I thought calling the vet might not be needed...I'd just see how she was going when I got home. But all day at work, I couldn't concentrate. Kept wondering whether she was okay or not. And then tonight, I get home and her meow is still a bit different but she's been eating well and occasionally playing around. So I decided to just keep an eye on her and if she coughs or sneezes again, might visit the vet. Apparently there's a bout of cat flu going around. Hoping it's nothing and that she'll be fine. But the stress. Gawd!

I wish we got to take Family and Carer's Leave for pets. It's discriminatory to not allow that! They are my family too!!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Book Review: Theodore Boone

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:58:00 +0000

...by John Grisham.

Theo Boone is a 13 year old 8th grader living in the small city of Strattenburg with his parents Marcella Boone and Woods Boone, and his dog Judge. Both his parents are lawyers. But not the exciting kind. His father is a real estate lawyer while his mother is a divorce attorney. Theo thinks he's a lawyer too. And some day, want to be a criminal lawyer in exciting trials. As the city of Strattenburg gears up for one of the biggest murder trials, Theo is excited and a bit of an expert. The prosecution doesn't seem to have much of a case. And then, Theo is dragged into the middle of the case. Soon, he is the only one who knows the truth and needs to decide what to do before a murderer could walk free. And Theo wants to see justice served.

What does Theo know?

What will he do with the information especially if lives are at stake?

Will the murderer walk free?

To know all this, well, you have to read the book!

It's a book for light reading and is one you can probably finish quite quickly. It keeps you hooked for most part and the characters are quite nice. Theo seems like a nice kid and you kind of want him to break through the barriers and see that justice is served. That being said, it's nowhere near Grisham's brilliant books like The Partner, A Time to Kill or The Client. But then again, I think this is a book for young adults and teens. It's a nice little mystery with courtroom drama. Read it for an enjoyable read.

My rating:

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

***This has been cross-posted at Bond with Books***

The voice of change...

noreply@blogger.com (Psych Babbler™) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:40:00 +0000

...says NO to inequality.

I am a big believer in equality. I hate any form of discrimination based on class, caste, race, gender, looks...you name it and I have a problem with it. As they say in Australia, everyone deserves a "fair go". Sadly, even here, not everyone gets a fair go!

If I could be influential enough to make a change, I'd definitely try to change all the inequality that exists in this world...

...by legalising same-sex marriage here in Australia. After all, why shouldn't same-sex couples be given a choice of whether or not to get married?

...by de-criminalising homosexuality in countries where it is still considered illegal and carries a penalty. Why should something biological be punished?

...by imprisoning people who perform female foeticide. Why should a female child be considered any less precious than a male child?

...by de-stimgatising the mentally ill. After all, mental illness does not discriminate who it affects. Why then, should human beings treat the mentally ill any differently?

...by providing enough opportunities for the disabled. Why should someone with a disability not be given equal opportunities especially if they are just differently able?

...by providing women with education in order for them to achieve freedom. Why should women be treated as the 'weaker' sex or as secondary citizens just because of their gender?

...by ridding the world of any form of organised religion. After all, religious discrimination is the cause of so many riots and wars. What's the point of it?

If I could, I would try and achieve a change for all of the above. I am but one person. And this blog is the only way I manage to voice my opinions and hope that people will listen. Maybe some day, in this lifetime, I will see more examples of equality or equal opportunity. Hopefully people will reduce discriminating on these grounds.

After all, we are all human beings to begin with.

In the mean time, I will continue to advocate for equality.

And behave in a way consistent with my beliefs.

This has been written and submitted as part of IndiBlogger's Time to Change contest. Be the voice of change and tell us what you would want to change around you. You can read other posts here. Thanks to Stayfree for the opportunity to voice my opinions.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!