This is my husband, Brian. He is a plumber.
Last week in a cafe, I evesdropped overheard a woman despairing as to what her 18-year-old son was going to do with his life,
“He’s just wasting his entire life. I mean my God. At this rate, he’s going to end up being a plumber”.
This statement was accompanied by a look that one might have were they to walk in and find (more…)
Yesterday, whilst groaning, (it’s obligatory) my teenage son accused me of “Never saying what you really mean..”
Ohhhh, my boy. Don’t go there. Not today. Not when my meditation app has just told me to smile. From my eyes and my heart. Don’t give me conflict today. Pllleeaasse.
But, as usual, we continue. Along our jolly little ‘nearly 16-year-old’ way. Me, the shouldn’t get drawn in Mother, and him, the Son. The lovely young, but also you understand, sagacious, (16 in June) Son. And so, I attempt to answer. To justify this outrageous accusation. But before I do, I explain that I have to get a splinter out of my finger and rush to the sanctuary of the bathroom, at which point I sit on the bath and have a good long think.
Can you imagine It? If we Mothers, wives, daughters, friends, spent our whole lives saying exactly what we wanted to say. It would either be complete bliss or; we would find ourselves rocking in the corner. No friends, greasy hair, muttering the words over again, “I only told the truth. I just told the truth…”
You see, it’s not that we lie to our children per se, is it? No, we just …a little bit don’t tell the truth to them. Say words. Those words that don’t really count as lies. Those untruths. There. Untruths. That sounds more literate and therefore far more intelligent and kinder than lies, much more justifiable. Little Untruths.
What I really wanted to say when ‘Mr. Clever Clogs I’m nearly 16 and so know-e-v-e-r-y-thing-there-is-to-know-about-e-v-e-r-y-thing ‘ was,
“Ahh, Shaddap”.
No… grow up, Liz. Your 46, not 9. I wanted to say
Actually…, NO.
Shaddap was what I really wanted to say, but…I didn’t. I couldn’t.
“You never say what you really mean.”
My God. He’s right. I’m a compulsive chronic liar. I’m one of those who doesn’t even know that they’re doing it.
Tell me. Enlighten me. Is it just me because I’m a homeschool mum with far too much teenage company on my hands, and therefore feel an obligation to spice things up a little in the trust department? Or do we all tell our children these glorious little-coded untruths?
What we really mean when we say to our kids…
Our little world of cryptographic language.
Maybe we do hide behind our words. Never saying what we really mean. Making life more complicated than it needs to be with all our untruths.
Right then. Time for a change. I’m turning over a new leaf. As from now, I’m telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. No more underlying – excuse the pun – interpretations. No more, ‘guess what I mean what I really really mean .’
No.
The truth.
But maybe I’ll just leave out the bit about the spots.
And the smell.
And the fact that I broke his laser pen.
Just tell him I love him.
And stroke his hair.
And tell him I love him.
Some more.
If you’re hungry to begin your next adventure, and the sandy beach suburbs of Perth in Australia have aroused your interest, you’ve picked the right spot to take part in some incredible sightseeing activities to see and do around the Capital. Amongst deciding your spending money, whether to hire a luxurious rental car or opt for local public transport, your accommodation and so forth, you are of course also wondering what there is to do.
To take care of the last point for you, here are 4 impressive places steeped in history, culture and adventure to feed your appetite for seeing the world.
The Swan River is nestled between the Guildford and Bells Rapids. With an abundance of activities to take part in, you shall be thoroughly entertained for a day or even two with your family or friends. In the valley, you are spoilt for choice, whether wine sparks your interest or food, or why not indulge in both at the wineries and food region tasting rooms. And the fun doesn’t stop there, perhaps a cruise across the river, or purchasing an edible souvenir from the gourmet food shop will add the cherry on top of a beautiful day as you head back to your accommodation to feast on fine food.
This former world heritage site accepts curious minds to take a wander around the prison grounds which was built by convicts in the 1850s. Renowned as one of Australia’s premier tourist spots, the Fremantle Prison was used to incarcerate and at times punish prisoners for 140 years. Open to visitors, you may wish to embark on the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the prison, or for the fearless among you, take one of the torchlight walks. So if mystery and history spark yours and your co-travellers interests, this is a sightseeing day you can’t afford to miss out on.
For those who enjoy exciting architecture take a trip to awe at one of Perth’s most unique landmarks in the world, The Bell Tower. Where 18 bells hang in an 82.5-metre tall building curated from copper and glass, step into the history behind this facility and perhaps even get the opportunity to ring a bell within the tower. The Bell Tower also referred to as the Swan Bell Tower is a monument to suit all interests and ages, whether delving into the ancient practices of bell ringing or soaking up it’s rich history.
If being outdoors is where your interests lie, the Kings Park, situated next to the business district in Perth will not disappoint. Pack a picnic and enjoy soaking up Perth’s skyline, or alternatively check their official website to view a list of trails you can take to venture around the park. For instance, you may wish to head to the Saw Avenue picnic area, as you and your family discover the insect world, or take a walk to the Synergy Parkland playground to see statues of now extinct animals.
Whether spending a beautiful day at Swan Valley riddled with fine wine, and picturesque views, or a daring visit to the Fremantle prison, there are various family budget-friendly activities for you to take part in.
This is a collaboration post.
Eavesdropping on conversations is the best.
Someone, whom I won’t name, said to me this week
“You’re so lucky… You just seem to have it all together…”
I won’t tell you how I replied, but, it got me thinking.
As a result, I’d thought I’d share with you all my life of which some may see (through those pink specs) and the actual reality of it most days.
Here’s how this week went. (more…)
I’m Liz, and this is my family.
I do Travel. I do Wine. I do being a mum to big kids. Sometimes I do all three at the same time.
I don’t do hormones. Or looking perfect for Instagram. Or dieting.
Read more about who I am and why we should be friends on our about us page.