Secrets to Success from Sir Richard Branson

May 15, 2013 in Books, Celebrity, Entertainment, Featured, Lifestyle, Money, Work

He’s one of the richest men in the world, owns a bevy of successful companies, is known for outrageous PR stunts (stiff competition in his undies, apparently) and he’s going to space for God’s sake. So how does Sir Richard Branson manage, in the flesh, to be so completely unimpressive? Some might call it unassuming or down-to-earth, as though he’s just an ordinary guy untouched by fame and wealth (or a man with nothing left to prove). And he is all of those things. But he’s also just plain unimpressive – in the most compelling way possible. I was expecting [...]

What To Say (And Not) To Someone With An Invisible Illness

May 13, 2013 in Health, People, Self, Society, Work

A lot of people suffer from many forms of Invisible Illness, including but not limited to CFS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, TMJ disorder, Cushing’s Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, MS, Anxiety and Depression. Many of these conditions are related to a malfunctioning immune system. Mine is faulty, bordering on being totally incapable of defending itself from illness. I have Fibromyalgia which includes a diagnosis of Chronic Pain. I am a high school teacher and love my job. Unfortunately due to my health and its unpredictability, I work part time. I find it hard to commit to social engagements because [...]

This Week: My Birthday

May 4, 2013 in Lifestyle, Self, Work

We haven’t caught up for two weeks so I’ve got a few photos to share with you today. The last two weeks have been fairly eventful and today is my birthday just in case my constant updates left you in any doubt. So be warned that next week will be all about my birthday, even though it’s actually today. The first big thing in the past two weeks has been JJ stepping back from blogging, which has had a huge impact on the site but as always I’m behind him 100% in what he wants to do and I can’t wait [...]

Where Do You Draw the Line Between Tragedy and Stupidity?

April 29, 2013 in Family, Health, Lifestyle, News, People, Society, Work

Life can throw curve balls. You could be blissfully happy in your relationship, and next thing you know you are breaking up. You may have found the perfect job, only to be made redundant. You could be completely healthy until an accident renders you paraplegic. The above three things are devastating, but completely out of your control. The last one would even be considered a tragedy. But what if the “tragedy” is self inflicted? What if someone becomes brain damaged because of an overdose of drugs or alcohol? What if someone becomes a paraplegic because they were messing around when they knew better? [...]

Ask A Brothel Receptionist: Part 2 (NSFW)

April 19, 2013 in Anecdotes, People, Sex, Sexuality, Society, Work

Cassie worked as a receptionist in a brothel. She’s written a series answering the most common questions. This is Part 2. Go here for Part 1 4. Well, I’ve never seen a sex worker. How pathetic are people who have to pay for sex? Don’t you just hate them? Okay, so this one isn’t so much a question as a statement I heard over and over again. And while, admittedly, the clients could drive me nuts sometimes, they were also paying my wage, so they got at least a little bit of my protectiveness as well. Clients aren’t assholes – assholes are [...]

Politeness Gone Too Far

April 16, 2013 in Health, Lifestyle, Mental Health, People, Self, Society, Travel, Work

Lately I’ve noticed I seem to be suffering from a case of politeness gone too far. I seem to have a fear of inconveniencing other people. This could be considered normal manners, I suppose, but in me it’s accompanied with such a paranoia it’s taken to extreme levels. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve leapt up from a train seat to let someone past so fast I drop my bags in the process and end up taking longer to retrieve them. Or the number of times I’ve had my name called in a waiting room and I’ve [...]

Young, Famous, Rich…and Happy?

April 16, 2013 in Body Image, Celebrity, Entertainment, Film & TV, Gender, Health, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Music, Work

As a little girl I wanted to be famous. I wanted to be a singer, a rock star. I’d have loads of cash, I’d help out those I loved, it would be glamorous and life would be easy. It turns out the path to achieving fame and success at a young age seems to have a nasty aftertaste. The teenage years are awkward for everyone. I’d hate to have mine played out in the public eye, being scrutinized and torn apart by the media and lurking paparazzi. Maybe that’s what has sent so many young ‘starlets’ over the edge. Possibly [...]

This Week: How Animals Eat Their Food

April 13, 2013 in Fashion, Health, Home, Lifestyle, Meta, Style, Work

As you know, last week I was sick. I’m still on a restricted diet but I’m allowed solid food again (yay!) so Monday saw me attending work dizzy and weak, then Monday night I ate the best meal in the world and have felt heaps better since. I’m still not 100% and my stomach is probably only at about 70% alright, but I’m getting there! Here’s my week in pics: First meal after fasting for 3 days. Best meal ever.  My childhood dressing table (pictured in my childhood bedroom). My parents want it out of their house so they can make [...]

Ask A Brothel Receptionist: Part 1 (NSFW)

April 12, 2013 in Entertainment, Film & TV, Gender, Health, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Nutrition, People, Sex, Sexuality, Society, Work

Cassie worked as a receptionist in a brothel. She’s written a series answering the most common questions. This is Part 1 You probably won’t be surprised to hear I’ve gotten into quite a few heated arguments with people over my acceptance of the sex industry and the people who work in it. It’s an issue that can set people off very very quickly, and I’ve seen people go from zero to Hitler with appalling speed as soon as sex work is mentioned. But I’ve learned that head on arguments take more out of me than they chip away at the [...]

My Greatest Fear

April 11, 2013 in Entertainment, Mental Health, Mothers, Music, Parenting, Work

“I have a dream. I will be famous. I will sing or I will die trying.” “You may never be famous. Most people don’t make it.” “You’re not listening to me. I will make it or I will die trying.” The dreams of a 17 year old girl. The determination you can’t argue with, the determination you can’t deny. So what happened? Where did that 17 year old go? This time, this time I’ll tell you the truth. I had a plan. I knew how many people make it in singing so I knew I’d need to find another way. [...]