Yes, I have been through this exact thing several times, and after my divorce I sold everything and moved to a small beach community where I have spent the last 8 years. It was the best decision I ever made. My daughter (9 at the time) and I loved every minute of our time here. She did leave home at 16 for a better education back in Auckland and lives with her amazing Dad. So life for me up here now is no longer what it was. Plus I took on an extremely stressful job, which has recently been too much and I walked out last week. So now, Elizabeth, I am doing it all again. Packing up, selling up and moving on. With the money I get for the sale of my property, I am buying a camper van and hitting the road, and hoping my money will last for a very long time as I have no intention of going back into a job I hate. Maybe I might go fruit picking along the way!

Our grandson had ODD, which is Opposition Defiant Disorder. to get around this, we dont ask or tell him to do stuff, but say, if you clean your room, we can do this or that. If he asks when are we going to do it, I will say, when your room is clean. Its his choice, then, and saves a lot of arguing.

Just let them all have one big angry dog at their side. Shoplifters will be more scared of the dog than the security guard.

Loved this read Thomas, thank you. Psychic is diverse in meaning, believer or not everyone has their own definition. For me its Guidance and I believe in Karma, what you put out The Universe gives back to you 10fold be it good or bad.

Depends on the size of your home now to the one you are going into I guess. I go through my home every year and throw out, give away or take things to the charity shop that I think I no longer need or use. So decluttering is something I have always done. Number one - be very sure you want to downsize first. Number two - make sure you are financially better off as even a small move to a new place costs fees, removalist, taxes etc. and this can add up to $1000's Number three - make sure you love the new area you move to, and it has all the amenities, hospitals, etc. you require

I would love the kids to attend more school than they do but I really would love to see them learn more by using their brain not google/computers and such, basic schooling writing/spelling and life skills have fallen by the wayside a touch I feel,

Started work at 16, I remember my first pay packet, 36 dollars. I was rich, I could conquer the world. For 2 years, I paid my mum board, bought what I wanted, and saved. When 18, life discovered me, and I had a lot of fun for a few years. We toured Australia, did a lot of things I shouldn't, got into the credit system, discovered booze/girls, and by 26 i had a baby and a wife, life stopped as i knew it a new life had begun, at 62 i am living week by week i have 3 kids and 3 grandkids i do some volunteer work at the local schools,,,i have never been more happy or successful i have no desire for money i have prepaid my bills out 6 months ahead have a reasonable garden, i want for nothing except smiles on my grankids faces, I've worked hard,played hard ,had lots of coin but i have never felt more successful when i see my grandkids laugh when i see them use manners when i hear what wonderful kids you have there

I'm sorry but I'm a speaker and it takes a village to raise a child. I come from a time when you did something wrong your mom has eyes everywhere!!!!

I agree. Once upon a time cars were pretty simple and even Blind Freddy could take care of most things. Nowadays you need a science degree to figure out anything with them. Perhaps I'm just cynical, but I do wonder whether that was the idea - to make things so difficult and high-tech that people are forced to part with more of their hard-earned dollars just to get the most basic things done.

Yes, but I have a vested interest in them staying. We offer many services at no cost to the public. We also provide workshops that help the community. We encourage life long learning and a love of reading.

\u201cAct your age\u201d is often more about the speaker\u2019s discomfort than your behavior. It\u2019s a phrase rooted in expectation, judgment, and often an outdated sense of decorum. You, being yourself\u2014at any age\u2014is not only valid but important. Life doesn\u2019t come with a personality timeline. Playfulness, curiosity, humor, and even rebellion don\u2019t expire at 40, 60, or 80.

No, As we have seen so often these high profil;e marriages often end in very bitter divirce. Though nowhere near as rich as Bezos check out the English Royal Families record! the late queen had 4 children. of them only one. dspite their enormous wealth, has remained married to their first, Edward has remained with his wife. Anne married, dicorced, married, Andrew Married, Divorced but still allegedly in some sort of relationship with Sarah, Charles forced into an entirley inappropriate marriage with Diana, this despite Charles having been in a relationship for many decades with Camilla, that marriage ended in a very bitter divorce and evantually Charles was allowed to marry the only woman he ever truly Loved, Camilla. You may noy like this but I think the late queen was largely responsible for all this unhappiness within her family. First, she would not allow her own sister, Margaret, to marry the only man she ever really loved. Why? Because the Anglican Church, of which Elizabeth was the head, disapproved of Divorce - strange that because the reason for the creation of it was so that the syphilitic Henry XVIII wanted a divorce. Just look at the disaster Margaret's life became. That ban by Elizabeth was downright cruel because Margaret by that time would never, ever have come to the English Throne. Charles' only True Love was Camilla but Elizabeth would not, as the head of the Anmglican Church, allow Charles to marry a Divorcee and the only rerason this Control Freak of Control Freaks gave in was because she knew that as soon as she died Charles would probably marry Camilla anyway. She, reportedly one of the Richest, if not the Richest Woman in the World, condemned Charles and Diana to a life of misery. Why? Because Diana was a Virgin. Just think of what all those $US70 million Bezos wasted could have done to help so many of those in desperate need of Food, Clean Drinking Water and Medicines.

I'm 62 and I'm learning every day from the people around me, I'm learning things AI will never know because they are not human, you cannot teach compassion, you cannot teach respect you cannot teach humility you learn these things by living and experiencing life, not by entering facts and figures into a machine,

HERE IS MY STORY: i had been divorced for several years and I eventually met a man ON LINE (don't laugh) who just lived a few streets from me - AND we were driving IDENTICAL CARS. Same colour everything. I HAD 20 wonderful years with this man - we travelled to quite a few different countries - so many wonderful memories. We each did our own thing with money - paid our half for holidays and both lived in our own houses. Money was never an issue. Unfortunately he ended up dying of cancer - OR I WOULD STILL BE WITH HIM. I will GUARANTEE you this - MONEY would never buy what I had - IT IS CALLED RESPECT.

They sound creepy to me. I always check the box that says I don't have a camera so I get screened out.

I think they should always go on vacation together. That is the whole point of marriage, to be together.

I am in my 70's and I see how the young people. Not only do they not give up there seats but push in a line to get on bus first. I called one girl out and told her to wait her turn. Entitlement is what the kids think.

Hmmm. Houses built and assembled fall over very easily when a hurricane or cyclone visits. I will stick with bricks and mortar. Build your home on a strong foundation. Look at the homes collapsing when hurricanes go through areas like USA and other countries.

I HAVE THIS FEATURE AT HOME, BUT I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER.JUST THIS WEEKEND GONE I LOCKED MY DOOR KEY AND CAR KEYS IN MY HOUSE.MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WE IN MELBOURNE AND HAD NO SPARE KEY TO GET IN.MY NEIGHBOR AND I DECIDED TO REMOVE A SMALL WINDOW PANE NEXT TO WHERE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS SITUATED.WHILST IN THE PROCESS THE POLICE ARRIVED BECAUSE MY WIFE WAS WATCHING WHAT WAS GOING ON ON HER IPHONE AND THOUGHT THE HOUES WAS GETTING BURGALED..HOWEVER WE WERE NOT LOCKED UP.

To be different is as bold and crazy as you can get. Creativity can so easily be controlled or confined it takes great courage to pursue what you love regardless of who cares or not. Some people call this courage crazy and others call it genius. You pick.

I think "sick" may stress out over seeing someone in particular there. This could be an issue, or maybe "sick" can't stand a crowd. "Sick" can cover a whole lot of things. Also, if this person is suffering from stress or anxiety, they may be giving themselves a headache, body aches, throwing up, all kinds of physical ways that mental stress affects us. I suggest you contact "sick" and ask if a crowd is too much or if it's personal with one or two people. If it's personal you can suggest they talk and fix it, and if it's the crowd be understanding and give the space. Maybe people can meet up in small groups of 2 or 3 people just to keep contact without causing anyone grief. Personally, my first family doesn't get together so much anymore. A couple of them are Trump cult members and anything they don't agree with about him is seen as fake news and he's a good Christian man. Blugh. I meet up with the sisters and brothers that I DO want to see and can have conversations with. I just met up with my daughter and one of hers and spent several hours together. The other granddaughter had to work but we'll get together again soon. I really appreciate any time I can get with my kids and grandkids even if it's not on the specific holidays.

Actions. Jesus said you'll know what kind of a tree you're looking at by the fruit it bears. We're seeing a lot of rotten fruit in the world right now of old, white men who say they're Christians and act not at all Christ-like. Always judge by actions. Words are so easy to speak.

Different strokes for different individuals - when it comes to personal relationship etiquette behavior (how much time the two of you spend together)!

All our Leather Goods are Good. APB I have bought leather belts at Aldi a few times, black and brown. Available about twice a year, made in China and they have eyelets so that they don't stretch. I think that they cost about $10.00 each. Leather belts are also available at R M Williams but they are expensive.

Or then again is it because the new generation of workers is so obsessed with facebook they need to be monitored at work, to make sure they are working.

if you cannot afford it don't buy it is our mantra, too easy to over commit yourself and go into debt. have to remember Wants not Needs.

I hate being told what my password should include. It's MY password and if I'm stupid enough to want it to be 12345 then that's my business. Not that I would but I just hate being told what to do. \ud83d\ude21

I am sure the money spent on space trips etc could be better spent on things here on Earth ! What a blatant waste of tax payers money, The only inhabited planet is the one we are on. They have trashed the Heavens with tons of space junk. Sorry, but its what we humans do here on Earth.

Maybe the hospital has a Social Worker that will assist. Make the Hospital and your doctor aware of your situation.\ud83d\ude0a

I think NPD is in the DNA. My previous partner is NPD. He knows how to manipulate and abuse me, both emotionally and financially. He shows the inflated public image as a generous and kind person to the others. Therefore nobody knows what he did to me behind the closed door. I tried to help him out but ended up being put in a vulnerable position myself. Ironically, he now is single, poor, does not have any friends, does not have a job, does not have his own place to live when he is almost 50 years old. He appeared to have trouble securing the next supply (new victim) except his own mother after we broke up almost 20 years ago. He is a lot worse now especially the monetary exploitation aspect. Set the healthy boundaries with the others. Look after yourself and stay safe.

1. Technology is contributing to less socialisation. Kids are put in front of screens before, during and after school. Self checkouts - no need to talk to anyone. Landlines - becoming obsolete. Shopping - online no interaction. 2. Political correctness. You are what now? My joke offended you? What does that term even mean? We don't want to speak up in case we offend someone or something. Yes we are less polite, we're creating it.

Life in general keeps coming up with problems that have to be solved. The day I stop learning is the day I die.

Definitely the age. When I was working I didnt get interest until I left out my birthdate, dropped off the date of early jobs and covered the grey.

Speeding is very common in my area of Oz. They tailgate you if you\u2019re sitting on the speed limit, overtake when they can, and I catch up to them at traffic lights. So they have achieved nothing. That can only be called stupidity!

I have owned my house for 30 years now. Before that we rented and the rent didnt go up even though we lived there 6 years They were a nice older couple and if something needed fixing they got on it right away. . These days everything is different and rent prices are ridiculous.

I should add I have reached 87yrs & my husband 90yrs .We eat well, sleep well, & respect & love each other & all our differences

Oh, it\u2019s simple\u2014women have learned the hard way that complimenting a man is basically signing an unspoken contract that he now thinks he\u2019s irresistible. You tell a guy, "Hey, nice shirt!" and suddenly he\u2019s convinced he\u2019s the best-dressed man in the tri-state area. He\u2019s standing in front of the mirror, flexing, and considering starting a fashion blog. You say, "Wow, your cologne smells great!" and now he thinks you\u2019re secretly in love with him and starts making up your wedding hashtag. Meanwhile, women get compliments all the time and just say, "Thanks!" and move on with their lives. A girl could hear "Your eyeliner is flawless!" and just be like, "Yeah, I spent 45 minutes on it, I know." But if a guy hears "Nice haircut!" he's suddenly pricing out motorcycles and sunglasses. So, ladies have just learned to keep it to themselves. It\u2019s a survival tactic. Compliment at your own risk\u2014because next thing you know, Chad from accounting is naming your future children.

In Australia I hate the meat packaging that goes on in Woolworths and Coles whereby you need a pair of scissors or a very sharp knife to open the hard plastic covering. Why they introduced this is beyond me.

I have a birthday tomorrow, I will turn 86.\ud83d\ude01\ud83d\ude01 I refuse to feel old and tired. I take no medication, I do 50 pushups, 30 situps and ride a stationary bike every morning when I wake-up and just before going to bed. Here's to old age.

I paid for daily items by cash (if a business entity doesn't accept cash - the business entity will lose a customer - me). I pay for MAJOR items (maintenance fees, telephone, electricity, internet, etc.) by USPS.money orders. Slightly more expensive but I am trying to leave a small digital trail as possible to AVOID DIGITAL SCAMMERS.

Never too much for me\u2026 I\u2019ll put my daughter\u2019s needs before my own till the day I die. Isn\u2019t that what being a parent is\u2026? If you can\u2019t make sacrifices, then don\u2019t breed

Is he going through a midlife crises perhaps? Dealing with grief etc? It's not normal for people to just want to sit on a couch and do nothing all of a sudden, unless he's just started retirement and wants a break for a little while. Otherwise there may be depression or some underlying problem. If you want to help him then do things to help him boost his confidence and challenge himself. Perhaps further study or reassessing what career he's passionate about. Even something as simple as learning another language is good as it's useful in everyday life as well as job prospects. Remind him that he needs to maintain skills to keep them - if you don't use it you lose it as the saying goes and same goes with our physical health like muscle tone - we've all seen images of the stereotypical couch potato. Remind him he needs to look after himself enough so he doesn't slacken. It sounds like something may have happened in his job maybe. That maybe a good start to getting to the bottom of what's going on in his life. Perhaps he was fired and didn't tell you? Maybe he had a toxic boss or co worker that forced him out of the job. People don't just quit their job for no reason if it's a good job. Maybe ge needs to do some soul searching and is tired of that career path. You're gonna have to figure it out with him.

These silly, highly flawed studies, are ridiculous. There's a new one every other week that contradicts the previous one. One week a silly study "proves" something is good for you, the next week another silly study "proves" it is bad for you. The idiotic way the media reports these silly studies simply adds to the confusion and potential health dangers. The reality is that for most food and drink, consuming them *sensibly* is fine, but having excessive amounts of anything is dangerous (including plain water). Just eat and drink whatever you want sensibly, and do what your doctor tells you to.

What a stupid assumption. I have been both and both have its ups and downs --- to each his own and neither is better than the other. Did you get programmed at UNI????

It is what the new world order wants but they are unrealistic in that many people are on low incomes and are not going to be able to afford their fees. There will be push back and there will be refusal and making do and doing without. Some of us lived without cellphones, and computers for several decades and we can do it again. We have skills and knowledge that will help us get by. People in the city and burbs will be more controlled but a lot of rural areas are left and people are not going to move willing into the city or suburbs. We will survive There has actually been resistance in some regions and areas around the globe. People can live without a lot of things they think they need but they are just wants not needs however if they don't have the skills, knowledge and wisdom they will not do so well. We will have a cashless society soon and the NWO will implement compliance or we cannot buy or sell. But there is barter and trade. Many people will not survive and die. Some from famine /starvation, some from diseases and sickness, some will be enslaved, some murdered. Some from floods, and hurricanes and bad weather or fires. NWO wants 15-30 minute cities as well. We might not have electricity to play movies or music. Better buy books, games, cards, and musical instrumants that can be utilized for entertainment. Learn to can, dry and preserve what food you can and to gather food as well. I know and have those skills and knowledge as do my adult children and some of my grandchildren as well. Do you know edible wild food and what is poison or not. Yes mushrooms, berries, catkins, and how to fix them. Wild game as well is another thing to trap or use other means for food, having a water source that is year around is also imperative. Do you know how to make food from scratch? Beans and Legumes and Rice and Oatmeal and Cornmeal or something you will need and flour, honey, sugar, salt, spices, Canned foods of various type and dried goods. Peanut butter and canned milk, powdered milk. Pastas are all important. The only perfection is for the elite wealthy everyone else will be their servants this has been desired for a couple centuries to get back to Lords, Ladies, Kings, Queens, Royalty and serfs and peon's. If you refuse they will consider you a criminal and you better know how to survive. They will leave some alone to the elements thinking they will die but not everyone will there will be survivors. The so called future the powers that be desire will not last they have never lasted. They will be overthrown an conquered as well. If you have no faith or belief you will comply if you have a faith you will survive and will not comply. It is not paranoia it is being prepared and ready for anything.

People cross our paths for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When we recognize which it is, it's easier to understand why some relationships/friendships do not last

Always fresh air as don\u2019t have dryer. Sheets feel so good & fresh! Australia has the best fresh air.

there is the story about the stewardess at gate 19 in the airport (I was told she worked for Virgin)...who was having an argument with a customer over his ticket...he said "Do you know who I am??...she lent forward turned on her microphone and "we have a passenger at gate 19 who doesn't know who he is"...she brought the house down!

Of course it does! Hasn't anyone ever heard of SADS disorder? It is a well known recognised disorder that some people suffer from.

I had heard it for years but had no idea how to do it. My advice was to love myself. Finally, I realized that I was no worse than anyone else. We all have skeletons in our closets, but my depression would not allow me to forgive myself even though I knew I was a good person with a heart full of love for everyone. Finally, I figured out why I had done the things I was not proud of, and I realized anyone would have done the same in the same circumstances. Now I love myself, and it has changed my life completely!

My husband and I manage a small op shop run by our church. We are all volunteers and with money raised (once overheads are paid) we donate a large portion to local groups and 2 international projects started by ladies living in our local area. Some of the major charity groups now employ coordinators, and pay some staff members and this is reflected in the pricing. We regularly have sales specials and reward our loyal local shoppers with a loyalty card giving a discount on their 8th visit. We have standardised pricing most clothing items are $4 each, childrens clothing 00000 - 14 are 5 items for $1; new items with tags and better quality items are priced accordingly and are on separate racks. We also have an understanding with local employment agencies whereby their clients going to a job interview can access clothing for the interview free of charge. Try to look for one of the independent op shops in your area because I am sure you will find that the prices are more reasonable and support your local area to a greater extent.

If everyone on this earth lived by the guidelines written for our benefit in God's inspired word, the Bible, there would be no wars, no poverty, no abuse, no loneliness, none of the things we see in the world today. Please search for answers in the Bible to whatever problems you are having because the answer is there. You just have to search for it! Please read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. ;-D

I thought disciplining children was the JOB of the parent and educating children was the JOB of the teacher. Maybe parents should start doing their JOB! Furthermore, donald john trump is from the spanking children school generation. Would spanking trump when he was in school - would spanking do him any good...hm...

When I visit the shops (KMart or Coles) I always go the counter where a Team Member can serve me...just trying to keep someone's job!!

Everything in moderation. Too much Salt (NaCL) = Hardened Arteries & heart problems. Too much Fat = Heart problems, obesity. Too much Sugar = Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes. Read the Labels if you value your health. Watch out for all those Chemicals with weird names you can't pronounce or just Numbers both of which are meaningless. Want to cut down on the Sugar.Fructose intake? Then make sure there are NO Artificial Sweeteners such as Aspartame etc., some of which are highly Carcinogenic. Stay away from those so-called Natural Sweeteners with No Calories such as Stevia. they may not make you Fat, Ugly and Obese BUT they do nothing to reduce your Addiction to Sweet things, they just keep the Addiction going. Apply this to those Soft Drinks too. The makers proudly claim "NO Sugar", "ZERO Sugar" but they don't want you to stop drinking them so they sweeten them artificially to maintain Your Addiction to Sweet things.

Racism, sexism, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, mental health issues since birth, and abusive parents - just to name a few things that happen every day in the 'real world' - which makes LIFE harder for some people on an everyday basis!

i love rewardia, i do the surveys and the games, but i get a little upset because they send surveys to me in nz, at 2am when i am in bed, so when i go on to do it, i have been screened out or it has been filled. i do the sudoka,patience and scramble, though i am getting a little pissed off with that lately.can anyone tell me how you pronounce psi as a word,yet a word like reap is unknown. but i still enjoy doing everything as it keeps the old brain in use, and as i live alone it stops me from being lonely.

I don't think the loss of your friend should be any different than losing a family member. My daughter died in the hospital while going through a routine operation. I too felt empty, couldn't eat, found no pleasure in any activity and I miss her tremendously. From what I understand suicide comes when the person has lost all hope.People who do it don't try. They just decide when and then do it. It may sound cruel, but deep down I don't feel that you were serious when you "tried." It seems that you were just looking to confirm that somebody loved you. I came close to doing it once. I had lost all hope about everything. I got professional help, and some pretty good medications from a liscensed physician and I hardly ever go there again. Yes, occasionally I get feeling very low, but that's pretty much because I suffer from profound depression, PTSD, and I'm Bi-polar. Nothing is perfect and I'm not sure if I can ever be 'cured' but I just keep on carrying on and greet each day as an opportunity in stead of a challenge. Good Luck!

Former POTUS Donald JOHN TRUMP is a convicted felon - Do you believe he is capable of learning from his MISTAKES or can any unknown 'convicted felon' learn from her/his mistake. ... hm....

I like doing surveys, but hate being screened out part the way through or comes up with blank page and miss out on points even when I’ve worked on survey for at least 10 mins, complete waste of my time and effort

I do surveys to receive ecertificates which I use to supplement my grocery purchases because without them I would not eat much. I thank them very much. I also have flybuys and Woolworths cards which I scan every time I shop and these too add up but not as quickly as they used to. I am surprised many people do not use them as the cost is built in and they would probably save much more than I do.

Yet I always ask who will be servicing the bot especially if it breaks down. Humans can never be replaced.

Laugh at them because, no matter how fast they go, they usually end up at a red light! I just pull up next to them and smile, thinking about how much emotion and gasoline they wasted to get nowhere faster! LOL! ;-D

I can't think of anything worse. A baby is a gift from god, not something made to order. This is almost as bad as the people who have an abortion when they find out the baby's sex isn't what they want. I can understand a parents hesitation if they have an inherited disease which they don't want to pass on, but designing hair and eye colour, pretty disgusting. Perhaps people who care more about what the baby looks like instead of being grateful for one in good health don't deserve a baby.

Have I got a story for you! Forced to retire at 62 because my "husband" took my car, I started drawing Social Security, until he demanded it too. Left without my car and my money, I spent 3 1/2 years "imprisoned" by him, unable to even buy groceries. He took me out once a day to a Mexican restaurant where I ate everything I could and I went up to 208 pounds on my 5'4" body. In 2013 he moved me to WA state where we were to retire together, but he left me at the Navy Lodge on base like a bag of garbage and he returned to Texas. They let me stay from May 21 to July 3 when I was evicted owing over $3000! Well, I went back to work at age 66 and retired, again, at age 72, when COVID-19 hit. I saved up over $10,000 in those 6 years, now living on Social Security, Section 8 housing, food stamps (EBT card), grants for electricity and a $30 discount for the internet! I now weigh 135 pounds, am 5'2" (yes, we do shrink!), and am healthier and happier than I've been in my life! Yes, I still have my savings and am allowed to have it! AND, I went to the government and got my permanent military ID card WITHOUT my "husband"! God is Great! God is Good! ;-D

I am struggling with the cost of living, hence do as many Rewardia surveys as possible which I cash in for Woolworths vouchers

I live in New Zealand. We have nice fresh food, clean restaurants and good customer service in McDonald's here. I only go to McDonald's occasionally but I appreciate the good experience there.

A friend sent me a video about the wolves in Yellowstone National Park, Brilliant and as they replaced the wolves and kept the deer down, the plants started to come back. It's amazing and I wish I could share it with you. Look it up it is worth while watching. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and it really is an eye opener that yes we can do things to get plants and animals back. Fracking has a lot to answer for and it is some thing that really should be banned. As well as all the others mentioned above and we really need to make sure all companies put the land back to the way it was. We live on a hill and we have the only trees around as it is all grazing and farming crops around us. We are proud of our trees and have added a few more with hopefully others to come in the not too distant future. Plus we would like to grow some food trees but not having much luck in that department, not a very good gardener but learning a lot which is really essential when wanting to grow things.

Tipping is not done here in New Zealand, some overseas visitors do, but it is up to those diners, not expected by wait staff etc.

it is not okay to have secrets in a relationship, it's all about being honest and upfront because without trust there is no relationship, and having secrets in a relationship can cause troubles down the track.

Don't trap stray cats. Kill them if anything. I know this sounds harsh. but they are a pest to native birds etc in our country. trap and kill. do not trap and feed!!!! I'm horrified by your logic. We have now got open days here to kill all stray feral cats humanely.

I love Christmas and miss when I was young and would get together with most of my aunt and uncles. We would all get together at grandmas home. I miss those days,

I think it's important to reflect on what measurements were used to come to this determination. I'm old enough to remember Bob Hawk's promise that 'by the year 2000 no child would live in poverty in Australia " whereas the truth is that was NEVER going to happen! Today more children are living in poverty than EVER before and the rate will continue to rise. When you have families paying more than 20% of their total net income on housing, whether rented or mortaged, one of 2 things will occur. Either the family will reign in spending on non essential items or they will use credit to continue the standard of living without really being able to afford it. Many people, especially those with families, will often just use more credit because they don't want their children to miss out on things. Unfortunately, when interest rates go up, which is inevitable, people will NOT be able to continue gaining MORE credit to continue the cycle and either refinance their existing mortgage to gain equity in their home and have available funds for take out meals, holidays and education amongst other things or, if their home is foreclosed on they'll lose everything! Some will reign in spending but I know from personal experience that I'll say to myself "You'll have enough for that" only to discover something else comes along and I can't pay for this thing. I remember hearing at one time a butcher telling someone that in his expensive zip code there were FAR more people buying sausages than steak. But kids in family units where the annual income is only 20K are going to suffer WAY more. I have worked with people in poverty and although there are functional family units that put the children's needs above their own there are too many families where kids get the "scraps' quite literally. I FEEL for these disadvantaged children who often have poor educational and job prospects and a diet lean on nutrition and high on fast food or a diet of frozen fish fingers, which I enjoyed as a child, pies and chips. I once knew a family and those kids came into my home to stay for a while and when I served up fresh beans and other "exotic" vegetables these children didn't recognise them! Because a standard of living, to MY understanding, includes the total sum being measured which is then added together, divided and a mean average taken, there is going to be those living the life of Riley and others struggling to survive! I will ABSOLUTELY concede that measured against Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Madagascar we in Australia, even those of us on pensions, live like kings. Finally, I do not own a home anymore but rent. Women in my age group, the later 50's, are the fastest growing group to end up homeless. It makes me grateful that I have a place to live in instead of my car or even the street. I'm going to take care that I live within my means! Thanks for reading this.

The rich get richer the poor get the picture... homelessness is the responsibility of all not just governments. You see many people on the streets yes but have you ever spoken to one? Battered bruised abused mental health issues untrusting all the results of what these people have been put through. It is hard for them to come back from the wilderness without proper care attention and medication. Yes governments could do more but we as a society must do our bit as well. By that I mean working the soup kitchens providing essentials clothing food etc. Sparing a little fir thise in need does a lot

I've got a hybrid dog...half sheepdog and half poodle...but I've had my renault locked up in the garage with a porche for months and still no result...maybe they just don't like each other......

the only debt we have is a mortgage which is literally a debt till death. Pay your credit card in full every time as debts like this grow exponentially. If necessary go hungry or this debt will eat you!

I just truly over them already. You phone a company and you get one of these voice activated robots that goes on and on and then they disconnect you. So much for customer service. Why do we have to prove we are not robots for heavens sakes.

I have no desire to give my DNA to ANYONE for ANYTHING! I don't believe that many people are aware that DNA is the new information source of the 21st century and that companies get paid big money for DNA samples from people who donate their genetic samples, thinking that their privacy will be maintained and that they still have a say in what their DNA is used for, but the industry is far more nefarious than that. I certainly have no intention of having MY DNA sitting in a database in China but China DOES have millions upon millions of genetic sequences from people around the 1st world who wouldn't themselves have consented to such violations of their genetic property.. The future is targeted vaccines and biological warfare,and bioengineering and DNA can tell a Scientist SO much!. Whether it's determining how to use racially diverse or gender specific targeting for "health care", the creation of organs through the creation of stem cells from the DNA and creating a '"cloned" organ, which IS possible within a laboratory setting, the use of DNA in Science would simply blow many people's minds. Whether it's buccal cells from the cheecks, mucosal samples from the nose, sperm, ova or blood, genetics can be manipulated in labs in Communist nations without moral or ethical safeguards we here in the West would anticipate and expect. I UNDERSTAND that people have a curiosity about their ancestral linage and good for them, but for me there are 2 reasons why I won't do a DNA test through 23 and Me, Ancestry. com or the other companies out there. The first is that I have ZERO interest in opening up a can of worms, which I believe would be the situation in my case and secondly my distrust in exactly where my DNA would end up! Science has given us many, many benefits over the years but we've gone too far with our curiosity and that can be a very bad thing! Thanks for reading.

That would be crazy to ban Air travel you know how many people who be out of jobs. And Cities & Countries would lose Tourism.

I intend to give one gold star each time my relatives visit, each star will be worth $100, so they can please themselves. Don't come don't get

All these viruses seem to appear suddenly. The pharmaceutical companies must be making a lot of money. It would help if GPs want to see you, because people end up in the ER of a hospital and have to wait for hours. That's really bad especially when you are in a lot of pain.

I don't have any ailments but have always been a 'walker', miles and miles. Tried the gym but much prefer the open air.

It is actually better for the woman and not the man. Married men who live with their wives live longer whereas it is the opposite for women. But whatever floats your boat, is okay I reckon.

Question(s): Where you in danger of permanently losing use of your foot (trained medical staff at that rural emergency room came to the conclusion you were not)? Are you in danger of losing use of your foot - NOW? You were using a rural emergency room for a non-emergency issue. Rural emergency room are understaffed, and you should have set an appointment with a MD in your community/neighborhood for an initial diagnosis of the severity of your foot problem - which you did not do. I don't see a basis for a complaint - based on the information your provided in your post! Furthermore, I never understood why people use 'emergency rooms' for 'non-emergency ' medical issues which lead to horrendous 'wait" time.

Stop anyone that is not an Australian Citizen from buying property in our country. The cost of property has sky rocketed over the last few years making it hard for people to buy their own home. Lots of other countries won't let non citizens purchase homes and it is about time the Government stepped in.

All my children went to public schools, and both have good careers, PRIVATE schools are way way over priced and I believe the education isn't really focused on the real issues of today like (1) trade subjects, (2) Business Management and more, private schools are more into religion and that's not important in getting a real career, teachers are more dedicated to helping the kids in the public school system too. PUBLIC schooling gets my vote.

AS A YOUNG ADULT I HEARD ABOUT POLICE TAKING BENEFITS FROM SMALL BUSINESS, things like lollies, cigarettes all to be handed over for free to police, also the overwhelming corruption in the treatment of prostitutes by the police, I thought this had been corrected as I grew up but the last few years seem to show that such is not the case, some people cannot be trusted even with small powers because it leads to belief they can do whatever they want just by the power of wearing the uniform.

this is bullshit we are citizens to the country we are born in we pay taxes from birth in doctors fees food we eat even breast milk from our mum in the food she eat to produce the milk you get tax from birth to death and your relatives after by mattaining where you are buried if they want to be sovereign citizens take away everything they got from birth give them a bill for everything that been done for them and put them on a island with nothing no clothes let see how many change their mind

I have had severe physiological reaction to extreme stress - but I grow up - in 'rough neighborhoods' in the USA. I was able to identify the 'stimulus' - as I got older - (alcohol abuse, criminal justice, systemic racism, street drugs, police, etc.). It is everyday life for a minority in the USA (coping with racial discrimination) - 'dealing' with severe anxiety - Blacks have the second lowest life expectancy in the USA! I (personally) never let it 'get' to the point (panic attack) - were I thought it was a heart attack or I would already be DOA at a hospital!

I thank God, that we were born before USA gave Australia a regime change in 1973-6 when doctors were doctors and they knew that there are lots of natural items to keep you heathy, These things are still available but doctors cannot tell you, High blood pressure can be prevented and managed by natural means just like flu [2020-rename-ccv] etc etc. Amazing how natural things like Garlic, lemons, grapefruit, ginger, tumeric etc can keep you healthy. BUT I am thankful for the Australian medicare system, where we still pay 2.5% of our salary for the privilege. and I am not in USA where they murder people by over medication.... Love of Money is root of all evil.

romac i agree with everything you said. i live in nz and i find that today every body expects the govt to pay for every thing, i think children have all the sporting they want at school and if parents want more for them let them pay for it themselves

i think we are already under attack,just look at how politicians and big business are decimating our planet and lives,lololol

Unless you are disciplined when it comes to money, stay away from these kinds of things. Do it like it we did in the old days; save up for it! No credit cards in those days!

There is nothing wrong with capitalism. It is dishonest and greedy people who are the problem. Thing is, dishonest and greedy people are an even bigger problem in a socialist society. Socialism will only lead to poverty for many more people is a socialist society than in a capitalist society.

The reality is that the so called minimum wage has become an artificial construct. Very few people are on it. And with the increasing casualisation of the work force we need new measures to ensure workers are protected.

Spend the card on things that you can resell or give as gifts. Don\u2019t let the store get the money for nothing.

we eat all our leftovers now. anything left in the pot like a few spoons of uneaten carrots goes in a tupperware container in the freezer, just on top of the other stuff that has already been layered in over the weeks. then when full we make a soup stock and dump the container of veggies, pasta bits etc. that we have saved up. that gives us 2 days of soup lunches, just add bread. feels like a free meal or two, stuff that in previous years I didnt pay much attention to those little bits of veggies or 20 pasta noodles left in the cooking pot, they just went in the garbage.

I love and agree wholeheartedly with Zena\u2019s comment! Have you thought about having CBT or talking with a councillor? I feel sad that your thinking is pessimistic and you\u2019re putting your negativity out into the universe. Negativity attracts negativity. If you change your mindset and try to be optimistic and positive and believe that good things will happen then you will absolutely attract good things into your life. Be grateful everyday. Do volunteer work and you will receive the rewards of a happy content life. Good luck and remember happy thoughts, positive vibes and speak only with optimism and good intentions \ud83c\udf3b

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though they know you are slightly cracked ....\ud83d\ude35\u200d\ud83d\udcab

Drink more beer, wine. eat extra chocolate, more ice cream. At least you might have some idea what is killing you.