Perplexity

Off track

Words that aren't

Do you ever have that feeling that the advertising / spin world has really developed a new language. Not just buzz words but a whole new language. In the last few days I have come across quite a few examples.



Help: When you travel overseas with your Telstra mobile you will receive a text message advising you that technical issues can be reported to Telstra’s 24x7 helpdesk … and provide the number. A couple of years ago, that meant if you had a problem with any part of the Telstra system they could help you ie finding an Australian phone number and you didn’t have immediate computer access, they could connect you to the Australian directory services (for a fee, but they could connect you). Recently I needed to find a phone number for Medibank Private and after running the gauntlet of recorded messages, finally got an operator in the Philippines, who tried gallantly, but then advised me that she was sorry but she couldn’t find me the number for that bank! At that stage I said thank you and hung up because I was almost choking myself stopping laughing.



Solutions: When you are staying in a hotel and the airconditioner is not working properly or there are no towels in the bathroom; one used to call housekeeping or reception or an operator. The phone was answered by a real person and you were connected to the person who could help you. Not now – you press the Solutions button on your phone and hope for the best. After pressing several more numbers you may finally get connected to someone who will neither, have a solution, turn up to fix the airconditioner or supply the towels. Best idea, wander the halls and find a housekeeping trolley and get your own towels (and pick up a couple of extra coffee and sugar sachets while you are there as they never leave enough of those!); the airconditioning, forget that until the next day…

Flexibility

Another day, another milestone in the hip hop journey.

I have been away on a small trip. It was a good opportunity to see how the hip performed. I am pleased to advise that it behaved admirably. A reasonable number of situations were presented and it performed very well. Travelling on many different types of “vehicles” can really put some stresses on a learner hip, but it did well.

First there was a four hour trip with Jetstar, sitting in their almost unmovable seats (they recline about 5cm), and that was OK. Then there was a variety of transport services – more planes, mini busses, trains, monorails, city busses and more.

But it was at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sabah that I realized that I still have a way to go.























When I can do this, I will KNOW that the hip is really working well!

Oh yes, and if you want to know more about the place, click below.
http://www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk/sepilok-rehabilitation-centre

It's not just the Christmas Beetle ... now it's Cricket

I thought I was the only one who had trouble with the tiny wildlife; but it would appear that, in the tropics, those little blighters can cause others trouble too.

While reading the local newspaper I came across the following article ...

Cricket

A slight distraction - a workplace restructure

It is a while now since the restructure was announced.

We waited with bated breath.

Then we waited some more.

We were positive, we were brave and we were patient.

Then came some announcements ...

We are still waiting. But we feel loved.

Now we need humour.

I can fly! Truly, I can!

I really don’t want to fly, but over the last (almost) three months I have found humour and even encouragement in the cute little Aussie cartoon which hits my inbox every day.

Sometimes, and I have said this in my blog, I have even felt that the cartoonist has been looking over my shoulder.

A few weeks ago there appeared the following group of cartoons in a mini series. The lead was played by Ding Duck “the world’s worst flying student. After or in spite of 5397 flying lessons at last count, he still can’t fly”.

One would think that people would read, laugh and then move on. But no ... some Swamp watchers decided to offer suggestions to the poor little duck.

Even Ding has encouragers.

Click and read.

http://www.swamp.com.au/dingducksanysuggestionspage.html


I am not running a marathon yet; and there have been times when I have sat in the corner and sucked my thumb, but it seems that, at those times there has been a pick me up from someone. No names as you know who you are. Well maybe you don’t realize the support you have provided. Just as I haven’t always realized the progress I have made and have had to do a few checks and balances to realize.

When you live in the body you are sometimes just too close to notice and it takes those checks and balances or someone to remind you.

As I almost reach the three month mark after a major operation that has become a turning (walking?) point in my life I would like to thank my supporters from all around the world. Who would have thought even a few years ago that you would receive encouragement, get well cards and you can do it cards from places as diverse as my comments and emails have come from.

THANK YOU! And really, it is a small world after all.

Oh, and yes thank you http://www.swamp.com.au/