Tasmiya

When I was young the weather used to fascinate me – isobars, hectopascals, tropical cyclones, rain, snow, drought and the changing seasons. As I grew older “ozone” became the buzzword. My peers and I worried about the diminishing ozone layer, greenhouse effect and the effects of our role as fossil-fuel burning overconsumers. We urged our parents not to buy the CFC aerosols, to use more public transport and to recycle.

While I still hold firm to these beliefs and my love for all aspects relating to climate and the weather not diminishing, I find since becoming a mother my priorities have changed. I have two beautiful boys – My youngest a prolific refluxer from 3 weeks to about 6 months of age who now though doesn’t regurgitate quite so much, is currently teething so dribbles profusely, regularly soaking through his bibs all the way to his singlet. My eldest a very active nearly 4 year old who has still yet to master the basics of hygiene and as a result will need to change his clothing at least twice during the course of the day. Needless to say, the majority of my time is spent doing laundry.

Now, when I wake up in the morning I look outside but not to see the beautiful sunrise or to marvel at the cumulonimbus clouds. My sole purpose for peeking to the outside world is to check if today will be a good laundry day. I regularly check your site for the Brisbane weather forecast and while I appreciate the regular updates (50% of the time, you guys do get it right) all I really want to see is “Yes, it’s a good laundry day” or “Hang the clothes out NOW, but remember to bring them inside before 4 pm” or “Better use the dryer today, love.”

I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time and hope you do not mind me making a suggestion for some amendments to your (already wonderful) service. Along with your UV rating, how about an L(aundry) rating :

greater than 10 – hang the clothes out all day
8-10 – hang the clothes out in the morning, take them down before 4 pm
6-7 – hang the clothes out after 12 pm
3-5 – use the dryer

I hope you will take my suggestions under consideration. While I have your attention, my nearly 4 year old wishes to have some snow tomorrow. If you can kindly arrange this, we would be most grateful.

Thank you.

-Tasmiya (in case it needs to be said, tongue planted firmly in cheek).

I’m sure we all know of the new epidemic in the Western world – obesity. Way back, if you wanted food you’d have to look for it yourself, catch it yourself or grow it yourself. Now, we live in a world of luxurious excess, processed & fast food, computerised entertainment and touch-of-the-button practically everything. If you want food you just have to walk 10 metres to the kitchen (if that). If there is no food in your kitchen then hop in the car and drive to the nearest grocery store. Not to mention the kinds of foods we end up consuming. It’s no wonder we’re becoming overweight.

Schools have changed the rules for outdoor play due to an increase (or fear of an increase) in litigious claims – no chasing games and in some instances, no contact games at all. The school tuckshop/canteen rivals the supermarkets in their selection of cream doughnuts, meat pies and ice creams. Parents worried (rightly so) about the increase in kidnapping of little children, forbid their children from bikeriding, walking or playing without adult supervision. Supervision that the parents just don’t have the time to do. Television commercials between 3pm and 6pm are specifically targeting these sedentary children. The advertisments set the scene on “what’s in” foodwise – and it’s usually something sweet, fatty and processed. MMMMMMM…processed. It’s no wonder we’re becoming overweight.

People are forced to live stressful lives – they are working longer hours, sacrificing family time in their pursuit of “making ends meet”. Inflation, enterprise bargaining, keeping up with the Jones’ – it’s getting more and more difficult to make and save money. Mothers are working too, dropping the children off at school or daycare on their way to work. Mothers at home are busy too taking care of the children, housework, Oprah .There is no time to do anything these days. When is there time to do any exercise? When is the time to prepare a healthy, homecooked meal? It’s easier, quicker and less washing up if we regularly ordered takeaway,then collapse into bed from exhaustion & heartburn. It’s no wonder we’re becoming overweight.

Stop.

Isn’t it time we stopped playing this blaming game? This is the era of INFORMATION. We know all there is to know about good eating habits, healthy lifestyles, drug and alcohol abuse. We know what we need to do to stay healthy – eat well and excercise, right? No time, processed food and takeaway are convenient, the kids don’t want to go outside to play. Excuses, excuses, excuses.

We need to slow down and change our priorities. Children learn by example and if we don’t change things NOW, the next generation is doomed to repeat our mistakes. Think before you add that chip packet in your child’s lunch box – throw in an apple instead – it’s cheaper and just as quick. Take time to go for a walk with the family. It doesn’t have to be a long one – half an hour is ample. Do you really really *have* to stay and work overtime?

I’m not trying to lecture here – I’m just as guilty of making excuses not to exercise and not to eat well and I’m not a health nut by any means – the main reason we don’t stock much junk food in our house is because it’s so expensive!

For the record, as I am typing this – I am busy scoffing the packet of M&M’s I repeatedly told nearly 4-year-old was specifically “FOR BAKING ONLY!” This entry is more for me than it is for anyone else.