An Aussie Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas; there wasn't a sound. 
Not a possum was stirring; no-one was around. 
We'd left on the table some tucker and beer, 
Hoping that Santa soon would be here; 

We children were snuggled up safe in our beds, 
While dreams of pavlova danced 'round in our heads; 
And Mum in her nightie, and Dad in his shorts, 
Had just settled down to watch TV sports. 

When outside the house a mad ruckus arose; 
Loud squeaking and banging woke us from our doze. 
We ran to the screen door, peeked cautiously out, 
Snuck onto the deck, then let out a shout. 

Guess what had woken us up from our snooze, 
But a rusty old Ute pulled by eight mighty roos. 
The cheerful man driving was giggling with glee, 
And we both knew at once who this plump bloke must be. 

Now, I'm telling the truth it's all dinki-di, 
Those eight kangaroos fairly soared through the sky. 
Santa leaned out the window to pull at the reins,  And encouraged the 'roos, by calling their names. 

'Now, Kylie! Now, Kirsty! Now, Shazza and Shane! 
On Kipper! On, Skipper! On, Bazza and Wayne! 
Park up on that water tank. Grab a quick drink, 
I'll scoot down the gum tree. Be back in a wink!' 

So up to the tank those eight kangaroos flew, 
With the Ute full of toys, and Santa Claus too. 
He slid down the gum tree and jumped to the ground, 
Then in through the window he sprang with a bound. 

He had bright sunburned cheeks and a milky white beard. 
A jolly old joker was how he appeared. 
He wore red stubby shorts and old thongs on his feet, 
And a hat of deep crimson as shade from the heat. 

His eyes - bright as opals - Oh! How they twinkled! 
And, like a goanna, his skin was quite wrinkled! 
His shirt was stretched over a round bulging belly 
Which shook when he moved, like a plate full of jelly. 

A fat stack of prezzies he flung from his back, 
And he looked like a swaggie unfastening his pack. 
He spoke not a word, but bent down on one knee, 
To position our goodies beneath the yule tree. 

Surfboard and footballs he left for us two. 
And for Dad, tongs to use on the new barbecue. 
A mysterious package he left for our Mum, 
Then he turned and he winked and he held up his thumb; 

He strolled out on deck and his 'roos came on cue; 
Flung his sack in the back and prepared to shoot through. 
He bellowed out loud as they swooped past the gates
  

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and good onya, MATES!'

 

 

To really know another....

As human beings we want people to really know us, and like what they see.  We were made to be in relationship with others, not to be hermits hiding away from contact with others. 

I believe this fiercely, though through the years I have been challenged on this view. 

First and foremost, that men and women cannot just be friends. That there always has to have a sexual side to the relationship.  Let me say from the outset that I have many friends that are platonic friends, there is nothing more and we have shared many joys and tears with each other through the years. 

How often do we panic about others getting to know us?  I have described it like peeling an onion, one layer at a time.  Our fear is that a layer of ourselves will be exposed that is too much, that we will be rejected, laughed at and hurt.  So instead we fiercly protect our layers and let very few into who we really are.

We have all had that experience, or at least I have.  You meet a new person and you start learning about other, you feel that uncomfortable opening up a little more than you are really happy to do, and suddenly the other person is talking to someone else, the next ‘bright shiny’ and you are left feeling exposed, naked and unsure of what just happened.

None of us are perfect; some are just very good at hiding the bumps, warts and scarred bits. Sometimes with bravado sometimes with humour but always hiding parts we are sure will never be accepted.  I have yet to meet a person that hasn’t been hurt, damaged or worse, by life.  What we really want is to show those parts of ourselves, we find embarrassing and ugly and find acceptance, true acceptance that says “I can see you and its OK, I will not turn away.”

I read something today as I pondered this post today about someone receiving a rejection email that has inspired me today:

Out of this disheartening situation, here's what I did: I chose to bless the decision-makers of the organization with positive words, and I wished all those other speakers who they had selected a brilliant future. And I encourage you to do the same: Whoever has rejected you this year or in times past, bless them and wish them the best. Send positive vibes their way. You don't need the negative energy you'd otherwise incur, and there is simply too much work to do now.

So now, to those that have not liked what they have seen in me or found me wanting, I smile and wish them well and move on.  It is true; there is too much fun and enjoyment to be found in life to be caught up with negative thoughts. They will zap me of my emotional strength and cause me to doubt myself instead of embracing who I am and what I can become.

Thank you.....