Kristy Berridge's Blog, page 7

Who Asks Who?Talk of marriage has sprung up more than onc...

Who Asks Who?
Talk of marriage has sprung up more than once in my household this week and to say that I'm both pleased and petrified by the thought would only be an admission of truth.
I suspect it might be the dream of many women globally to have the love of their life proclaim their undying devotion and desires for a future unending and filled with marital bliss. I'm not all that different, I even wonder occasionally how he will do it; billboard proposal, one knee, ring in a wine glass?The truth is, the thought of our beloved lavishing us with hefty bouts of attention and adorning us with jewellery is a major drawcard to the sacred union, but what if your partner insists the shoe be on the other foot? What if he refuses to propose in the hopes that you do all the hard work for him?
Enter the modern man; expectations of equality have been raised by the modern woman, so why wouldn't he expect the idea of marriage proposals to be a two-way street?I can't say I disagree, but even the modern woman wishes that romance was a candle not so quickly extinguished by the ideas of the 21st century. We want our cake and to eat it too and perhaps this is grossly unfair in this day and age, but when my boyfriend wishes I'd propose the idea of a life together, pick my own ring and organise everything before, during and after; I almost want to slap modern day feminists for inciting this role reversal!
When did this happen? When did my partner suddenly decide that he too deserved to be lavished with the attention and surprise of pending nuptials?
I have no answer and flatly refuse to give into this bid for equal rights. Perhaps I am selfish and old fashioned, but I'm also more than aware that on the relationship see-saw I don't ask for more than a partner can give and in this instance, I can keep teetering, bouncing up and down with the currents of our relationship until bended knee and extravagant rings appear.

Kristy :)

A List ...I recently went out with a long-time friend tha...

A List ...

I recently went out with a long-time friend that I had not seen in quite some time. As life usually goes, time gets away from us all and before you know it, eons have passed and everything you once knew about your friendship has changed.
This isn't always a bad thing. Change is about growth and more often than not it can strengthen the ties that originally bound you as friends or even help you to better understand the differences.
We've known each other since we were knee high to a grasshopper and back then we had grandiose ideas of saving the world, living together in a cubby house and never to be shackled to the ideas of the seemingly expected and ordinary.
Both now fully inducted into the world of adulthood, I took the route of random travel and creative solutions to my career which have never been particularly successful. I have bounced from job to job and ideas of my ultimate form of bliss. I may have seen the world, but I'm perpetually restless and without family. She on the other hand, studied hard in the science and mathematics field, earned herself multiple degrees and met the love of her life and started a beautiful family.
Never have two people been poles apart yet so closely linked by the ideals of our past. This of course was uncovered during our recent discussion about our successes and failures ... the things we still expect and want from a life only part way through.
She spoke to me about a list, nothing unheard of and most commonly known as a bucket list, I was curious. What was the point of writing random lists of the seemingly unachievable during our declining age?
Her answer was poetic; to write it down is to hold oneself accountable for your desires unfulfilled and yet it's completely achievable should you actually believe that your ambitions are worth pursuing.
I was floored and have thus considered that the list was not a flight of fancy anymore, but perhaps a true challenge to be pursued with vigor to not only enrich my life, but to remind me that regret would be ultimately more unfathomable than attempting to continue to invest in dreams unfulfilled.

Kristy :)

Monogamy becomes Monotonous?When you become a couple; erg...

Monogamy becomes Monotonous?
When you become a couple; ergo, your single status is annihilated and you’re suddenly inhaling each other’s poo particles in the bathroom each morning, it’s amazing how quickly the mystery you’d worked so hard at maintaining is tossed aside in lieu of comfortability.
It begins with gas emissions. First these were simply a strange concept neither of you discussed nor indulged, but once in the comfort zone, many partners feel this is the green light to explore warming the bed sheets or easing the burden of a rather large meal by ‘tooting’ their appreciation.
Suddenly everyone’s burping, farting and regularly leaving the toilet bowl desecrated. There’s no more mid-week bonks on the kitchen bench and clipping fingernails becomes an afterthought. Do I even mention the weight gain and decidedly lacklustre attempt to brush one’s hair on the weekend?
I personally HATE this trend towards laziness, because that’s exactly what it is … laziness. When did it become okay not to respect your partner’s vested interest in you? When is it okay for a woman to stop dressing to impress or a man to release all bodily functions? I for one vote to always keep the mystery, attempt to re-claim romance regularly and to maintain a high standard of hygiene, otherwise what’s the point of monogamy if suddenly it becomes monotonous?
Just my view …

Kristy J

SO MANY OPTIONS!I was talking to a friend today about the...

SO MANY OPTIONS!
I was talking to a friend today about the plethora of opportunities available in regards to career. She’s at the tender age of twenty-one and has the world at her feet. As far as I’m concerned, she’s sitting on the precipice of a multitude of exciting and varied paths that many people take for granted … she’s doing that now.
Take me; I’m an interior designer, practice manager, receptionist and writer. I mean, good God! Clearly I have trouble making decisions and thus I have many regrets about my scattered choices—namely not choosing a career that can make me squillions of dollars.
While my dear friend is unfortunately caught in that same rut of indecision, I could do no more than encourage her to take a step back and consider something grander than our monotonous nine-to-five job. While she shrugged her shoulders and lingered no longer than ten seconds on my advice, I started plotting my life as a travel writer. I figured I could fly to exotic destinations and swing from the trees like a monkey and ride African wildebeest like a jockey. Or can I?
Surely quitting my feasible existence and taking up the whimsy of ‘what if?’ would be preferable to wasting my life on data entry?
It’s a mixed bag, isn’t it? While some were smart in their choice to pursue higher education or due diligence in lucrative careers and apprenticeships, my friend and I—despite our massive age difference—are very much tied to a menial existence based on poor choices, indecision or fear.It’s so interesting that with so many opportunities out there, we often baulk at a chance to change our life because it either takes us from our comfort zone or we feel inadequate. And so, we tend to complain about our current set of circumstances, knowing that we are the only ones with the power to change our existence, but remain unwilling to be culpable.
Perhaps it’s time to stop make excuses and start moving forward with a solution. I’ll keep you posted.

Kristy J

The Doctor!Do you ever head to the doctors and exit your ...

The Doctor!Do you ever head to the doctors and exit your appointment even more confused than when you entered?
Well, take The Cockney; he’s middle-aged, in good general health, but like many of us, concerned about our aging issues and how best to maintain a good standard of healthy living. Gone are the days where there’s nothing we can do about our high blood pressure or rising cholesterol; there’s a medicinal or natural solution to most situations and given The Cockney’s obsession with staying fit, active and healthy, he goes regularly to the doctor in search of it.
Last night we were seated at dinner (our weekly romantic date) and discussing his latest visit with his general practitioner. I know, not exactly scintillating stuff, but I have to tell you he made me laugh so hard I almost spat my drink clear across the room.
Picture this; I sat sipping on my lemon, lime and bitters, pretending to be interested in his latest results for his cholesterol and dietary requirements when he tells me the doctor sent him for blood test and sample collection. Naturally I started to listen, as taking blood sounds semi-serious to those of us that generally run right past those clinics in a bid to ignore whatever health concerns can’t be diagnosed without peeing in a cup.
Anyway, next thing I know he explains that the doctor hands him a cup and says, ‘I need a sample’.My dear, sweet Cockney glanced at the little plastic cup and yellow lid and failed to ask the most paramount question of all: ‘What sort of sample?’ And thus, he headed off to the bathroom, clueless, but determined not to fail in this medical mission.
With baited breath I sat waiting for the punchline. When I asked him exactly what he’d filled the cup with, his response had been, ‘Well, I went with what I needed to do most, so went with that.’Drink now expelled from my lips and my laughter shaking the very foundations of the restaurant we sat in, I explained that he probably just wanted a urine sample.

‘Oh,’ The Cockney answered. ‘Well I guess that explains the look on his face when I handed back a full jar of my poo.’
Kristy :) 

T&C OR C&TWell as you know Hillary Clinton and Do...

T&C OR C&TWell as you know Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are one of the hot topics of the NOW for American politics:
The American charge to elect a new president is really heating up and is probably the most talked about election of the century. Never have two candidates been more polarised, globally discussed or in a position to either instigate crucial change or bring the world’s most powerful nation to its knees. America has the unenviable task of deciding the suitability of two essentially inexperienced individuals to run a country with the highest mainstream influence in the areas of: business and finance, international political relations as well as entertainment and media persuasion.
It’s no wonder Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are turning up the volume on their policies and obvious dislike for one another. With so much at stake, it makes sense to drag your opponent through the verbal mud in the hopes of sullying their good name and disguising any viable policies with a media frenzy. Or does it?Do voters really want to waste time listening to the theatrics of the ego-driven antics of politicians determined to have their point heard even to the detriment of their political image?I say no.Politicians are under the impression that voters are incapable of making decisions without influence and thus spend half of their campaign—as these two have done—slagging each other off in an attempt to vilify their opponent and destroy their credibility. Ironically, if the same amount of time used to insult and insinuate lack of suitability for the slot of president were devoted to genuinely forging stronger policies, I expect the American people would be happier.And, if you take the time to read the policies that Hilary and Donald stand for, it becomes clear that these two incredibly driven and passionate individuals are fighting for exactly the same cause; a stronger, more well-rounded American economy with better infrastructure, new immigration reforms, education and health care systems. Does it not scream ludicrous to continue to hold these popularity contests when both campaigners appear to be largely in sync?
It’s only now as we globally view this election and the sensationalised candidates do we take a step back and consider the possibility of unity. Yes, it is essential that one person occupies the seat of national leader and yes, of course there is opposing opinions and different goals for each party, but surely more can be accomplished on a global scale if the parties work together for the greater good of the country, not just the betterment of themselves?

Kristy J

100 Days of HappinessThe good, the bad and the ugly--phra...

100 Days of Happiness The good, the bad and the ugly--phrasing used many times by a variety of people to describe personality, food, travel and situations of happenstance.

100 Days of Happiness encompasses this paraphrasing and although the title suggests 'happiness', what does happiness really mean? Is it a session embodied with hysteria or is it the physical act or smiling?

Happiness--to me--is a multi-faceted act of being, that can include even the darkest of emotions. It's rather simple to find happiness in celebrated moments or circumstances bearing positive results, but what would it mean to find happiness while discovering oneself after family tragedy? What if happiness was unearthed because one overcame the spiralling torment of depression without drugs or the help of bystanders?

Surely happiness can take the form of a lesson learned or an unexpected twist in fate that may lead to a life saved despite the loss of another?

The question of happiness is of course subjective and addressed via many facets within the novel. Sadness does not always equate to misery, but in fact an opportunity to change your circumstances. The truth of anyone's happiness stems from the personal experience and the choice of interpretation.

Where would 100 Days of 'Happiness' take you if you allowed the idea of multiple emotions to collaborate?



Kristy J

The good, the bad and the ugly--phrasing used many times ...

The good, the bad and the ugly--phrasing used many times by a variety of people to describe personality, food, travel and situations of happenstance.

100 Days of Happiness encompasses this paraphrasing and although the title suggests 'happiness', what does happiness really mean? Is it a session embodied with hysteria or is it the physical act or smiling?

Happiness--to me--is a multi-faceted act of being, that can include even the darkest of emotions. It's rather simple to find happiness in celebrated moments or circumstances bearing positive results, but what would it mean to find happiness while discovering oneself after family tragedy? What if happiness was unearthed because one overcame the spiralling torment of depression without drugs or the help of bystanders?

Surely happiness can take the form of a lesson learned or an unexpected twist in fate that may lead to a life saved despite the loss of another?

The question of happiness is of course subjective and addressed via many facets within the novel. Sadness does not always equate to misery, but in fact an opportunity to change your circumstances. The truth of anyone's happiness stems from the personal experience and the choice of interpretation.

Where would 100 Days of 'Happiness' take you if you allowed the idea of multiple emotions to collaborate?


Kristy J

ExpectationsWe all have certain expectations when it come...

Expectations
We all have certain expectations when it comes to our friends, family and of course, our significant other. My expectations may differ from others as I never expect anything from anyone that I wouldn’t otherwise do myself.
For example: I hate to call anyone. This may mean that I am incredibly lazy, but I do honestly find it tedious to talk to a faceless person about menial topics. Thus, I never expect someone keep in touch via phone when I’m not willing to do so myself.
When it comes to family, my only expectation is to always be there for each other when needed; whether that’s advice, cuddles, a well-timed lecture or to re-stock the refrigerator.
Significant others … hmm.
This is tricky as we tend to place multiple expectations on these poor, helpless creatures without knowledge on how to find the grocery store, where the washer and dryer is located or even when the best time to load and unload the dishwasher may be. And eating? The poor buggers would starve to death if dinner wasn’t in regular, constant supply. I also suspect they have no idea what a hospital corner is because they have never made the bed.
But these are the small things, aren’t they? It’s not the end of the world if your partner isn’t domestically trained or a Michelin star chef. What does tend to make the blood boil is the lack of listening skills. Like the action of high-fiving, I absolutely hate to repeat myself. I figure if I’ve said my peace once, repeating it is simply a good waste of a busy woman’s time.
Enter my significant other … The Cockney. I’m fairly certain he spends his days plotting to drive me wild with his incessant habit of ignoring every word that ever leaves my mouth. My phone is constantly lighting up with missed calls because he’s forgotten I was going out with a friend or that I wouldn’t be home for dinner. Weekends can be filled with dour moods because I’m on a flight across country, he didn’t mark it in his calendar and woken up to an empty house—breakfast now in jeopardy.
I’ve now reached a point in my life where I accept two week old clothes still hanging over the bedroom chair yet to be put away, but absolutely fly off the handle if I’m asked how I have my coffee …. again.
I’m sure the lesson in this is not to ever have expectations of another human being. It would reduce the amount of teeth-clenching adopted and dramatically lower my blood pressure. I guess the real question is: when did we start placing roles and expectations on one another? When did life become divided by gender roles and how can we sit back and relax our ideals a bit more?
I don’t know the answer, but I’ll figure it out … right after I cook dinner, do the washing, vacuum the floors … etc, etc, etc.
Kristy :) 

We all have certain expectations when it comes to our fri...

We all have certain expectations when it comes to our friends, family and of course, our significant other. My expectations may differ from others as I never expect anything from anyone that I wouldn’t otherwise do myself.
For example: I hate to call anyone. This may mean that I am incredibly lazy, but I do honestly find it tedious to talk to a faceless person about menial topics. Thus, I never expect someone keep in touch via phone when I’m not willing to do so myself.
When it comes to family, my only expectation is to always be there for each other when needed; whether that’s advice, cuddles, a well-timed lecture or to re-stock the refrigerator.
Significant others … hmm.
This is tricky as we tend to place multiple expectations on these poor, helpless creatures without knowledge on how to find the grocery store, where the washer and dryer is located or even when the best time to load and unload the dishwasher may be. And eating? The poor buggers would starve to death if dinner wasn’t in regular, constant supply. I also suspect they have no idea what a hospital corner is because they have never made the bed.
But these are the small things, aren’t they? It’s not the end of the world if your partner isn’t domestically trained or a Michelin star chef. What does tend to make the blood boil is the lack of listening skills. Like the action of high-fiving, I absolutely hate to repeat myself. I figure if I’ve said my peace once, repeating it is simply a good waste of a busy woman’s time.
Enter my significant other … The Cockney. I’m fairly certain he spends his days plotting to drive me wild with his incessant habit of ignoring every word that ever leaves my mouth. My phone is constantly lighting up with missed calls because he’s forgotten I was going out with a friend or that I wouldn’t be home for dinner. Weekends can be filled with dour moods because I’m on a flight across country, he didn’t mark it in his calendar and woken up to an empty house—breakfast now in jeopardy.
I’ve now reached a point in my life where I accept two week old clothes still hanging over the bedroom chair yet to be put away, but absolutely fly off the handle if I’m asked how I have my coffee …. again.
I’m sure the lesson in this is not to ever have expectations of another human being. It would reduce the amount of teeth-clenching adopted and dramatically lower my blood pressure. I guess the real question is: when did we start placing roles and expectations on one another? When did life become divided by gender roles and how can we sit back and relax our ideals a bit more?
I don’t know the answer, but I’ll figure it out … right after I cook dinner, do the washing, vacuum the floors … etc, etc, etc.
Kristy :)