This image shows the Bob (aka dING) campsite where his motorbike with sidecar and tent is how he  spends his time away from home as a “grey nomad” which is what we call people at the age of 72 who love to travel or live permanently in campsite communities. His partner is no longer able to accompany him for health reasons but that has not stopped him. All their lives they travelled often sometimes in different ways. In Australia there are swish caravans, some restored old ones some not! Also campervans and today I saw a program on TV44 where someone converted a stationwagon into a motel bedroom in the back (or so it was called) with a colourful huge quilt. The thought occurred to me, as I was born in Romania, how different is the permanent campsite life to that of the Romanian Gypsy? One program shows a well known country singer/TV sports announcer (whose name sadly escapes me now) where there is a whole community of happy campers who top it off with rock and rolling – how great! the gypsy in me is tempted at times especially that I love rock and roll but I’m a city girl so unless I get involved with a guy who likes rock and roll then I’m not likely to be ‘going bush’! Nevertheless have we got Australian Gypsies that we call more socially acceptable names like grey nomads, or happy campers, or caravan communities?!
Mortgages high levels low interest beware
Before you jump into the deep end “I’ve been there, done that!” so watch out because the banks and lending bodies appear as benefactors offering huge mortgages and low interests and unless you can get FIXED RATES you will suffer their SIEGE MENTALITIES as many of us did with some facing great losses and bankruptcy. I was interviewed on the current affairs program of the day telling our stories where one minute we were given huge mortgages for 6% interest and one blink of the eye and they were up to 23% with the banks not even returning our calls! We ordinary people were not the only ones, even the millionaires went broke too! So when I see those advertisements enticing you to get the huge mortgage at low interests I think “come in suckers!” and “BE CAREFUL!” they’ve done it twice in my lifetime already and this will be the third I’m sure!
The image is my Tabby cat Mae who’s got the perfect look “watch out!”
More on Dignity or Pride
I’ve been encouraged to write more on this topic after my previous post Dignity or pride in 2013. Here I show an image of celebrities Jane Caro being awarded the AHOY 2013 (Australian Humanist of the Year) by Robyn Williams (AHOY 1993) with me as the Convenor/MC of the CAHS (Council of Humanist Societies) Convention Dinner Sydney at which my son Paul Zagoridis was elected President of CAHS. Hence I’m using this example as a positive definition of pride considering that these images are mementos depicting how proud I was of the occasion and the people connected with it. So pride can be both positive and negative. Negative in the sense that it blinds us to the damage of ego. As in the case of not wanting to see the obvious such as when someone we love does not return that love. We only see that person as either popular, wealthy, good looking who will boost our status if seen to be partnered with us no matter what or we don’t want to believe someone we love does not love us as much as we wish – that is an example of negative pride. Or expecting our children to succeed in education, sport or career when it is causing them pain just so that we shine is a negative pride. However, if it is a pride as a result of supporting their dreams and achievements for their happiness then it is a justified pride.
Dignity:Â I don’t believe there is a negative dignity. The word itself implies a positivity. It comes with maturity, both age and emotional, even though it is encouraged that the ‘child within’ needs to be given the freedom to enjoy certain joys in life, being able to discern when, where, how and at what level shows a person’s self awareness and maturity.
Perhaps better than Dignity or Pride should be written Dignity and Pride for both may be needed at times.
Diabetes Recovery is possible
Until
November 2013 I was a diabetic on tablets and insulin and I met Ted Kawamura of Japanese heritage who has a natuopathic supplement formula that he reassured me would free me from insulin within 3 months providing I keep to it strictly. My miniature Chihuahua Pepi appearing on this page, kept vigil and if a hypo threatened he would warn me excitedly. I eagerly agreed to follow Ted’s formula – what did I have to lose – nothing with everything to gain. I advised my medicos and promised they would be the ones to let me know when I should stop taking any of my meds. May in this year my health was so improved that Prof Lesley Campbell my Diabetes specialist advised I would need to stop my insulin shots! Then my GP Dr Misaki Ikegame advised I should stop my hypertension meds as my blood pressure was once more low. What a thrill! Next my Neurologist Dr Stephen Tisch announced I was his successful patient as my Essential Tremors were now greatly improved (actually they’ve stopped and I’m off the meds for that too).
Fear, Anxiety and the Need for Control
A rose by any other name is still the same – TERROR, TRAUMA then WAR which brings on feelings of retribution, action and production of WAR PARAPHERNALIA which in turn swells the financial coffers of the nation (what a relief in time of woe). It’s like a pressure cooker effect at some point the steam is released and all is well the food is superb. Until that point however the global population is on tenterhooks and fearful like our household pets on fireworks night: planes go missing, get blown up, innocent people are beheaded or killed or intimidated, and the hands of powerful authorities seem tied!
THEN out of the blue a few of the powerful countries band together and shout “ENOUGH’ and “NO MORE”
Some sigh a sigh of relief and shout that a band of barbarian terrorists cannot control the powers of the world.
Others shout that it’s vilification and discrimination!
And some wonder is this WAR going to resolve this madness short and sweet or…
is it going to go on for YEARS and YEARS??????
Photos: My cats Mae (5) Tabby and Midnight Bombay (14)
See for more writing on…
Â
Fear of Rejection see https://affie.com.au/item/fear-of-rejection/
 ÂMalaysian Flight 370 spin still not true
I still don’t believe them – look at the body language it’s “this is what I’m supposed to say”. They say they have heard a ping and it’s past the deadline of expiry but if when they first heard the ping don’t you think they would have immediately dropped a mini sub down with a plane to get there on time and fish for it. What is taking them so long to get there and once they got there immediately they should have sent a mini sub down! come on! Their behaviour sings out stall! stall! bringing it back to my theory that the major powers are in ’round table talks on how to get the plane back from who they know have it without losing the passengers and without giving into what they want” see Malaysian Airplane 370 missing plane not in sea
UN International Women’s Day 10/3 a Success
UN International Women’s Day (8/3) Seminar was held on Monday 10th March at State Parliament House Theatrette with Australia’s theme Ending Poverty for Women and Girls which was the topic chosen by Sue Conde past president of UNWA.
Aunty Joan Tranter, Aboriginal Elder, Jambunna House of Learning at UTS carried out the Welcome to Country which was so touching.
Pamela Lemoine read out the lovely UN IWD message from Ban Ki-moon.
The Hon Marie Ficarra MLC Parliamentary/Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of NSW representing the Premier for Opening Ceremony in which she addressed female violence as still a pressing matter.
Introduction: Valerie Weekes past president of kept us mesmerised with her story of how 
difficult achieving university qualifications in all male family
GRAMEEN FOUNDATION: Duncan Power fascinated us with slides giving an update about the wonderful work done with loans to women from underdeveloped countries, so they may establish their small businesses.
RESETTLEMENT OF IMMIGRANTS IN AUSTRALIA FROM GREAT LAKES OF AFRICA: Dr Nadine Shema spoke about the difficulties experienced by her people as they adjust to their new country.
INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN AUSTRALIA: Aunty Joan Tranter spoke about her struggle in life to become an educated Aboriginal family woman when it was expected of her to become domestic help. Sadly we were reminded of the indigenous woman’s plight once again.
PALESTINE & ISRAEL – A WOMEN’S VIEW: Vivienne Prozsolt (Straight from the Airport to IWD Seminar) Vivienne showed slides of some of the atrocities that have taken place and as she is Jewish it was a sensitive situation to witness. However when my Jewish friends were offended Valerie reminded me that the UN have investigated the allegations and found them to be true ttherefore they have a peacekeeping effort campaign there at the moment. As this was an UN event at the time I thought it had been a relevant presentation. However at some time I will invite representatives of both sides to discuss the issue at a Humanist Afternoon Talk (HuVAT).
AFTERNOON TEA:Â We enjoyed a get together and delicious afternoon tea
FLORAL GIFT & RIBBONS
Valerie Weekes prepared beautiful floral arrangements of white roses with a small green hydranger
which she gave to the speakers and purple delicate ribbons for all particpicants to the UN IWD. In this picture is also a beautiful vase of red roses for my 70th from my cousin Harry Polymeris, the President of the Hellenic Cultural Association “Akropolis” (Greeks from Romania): the committee of which I am a member due to the fact that my family and I were in the 300 families who came out on the same ship the General Ballou to Australia in 1950.
Missing Malaysian flight 370 Spin Dialectic
An excited and humorous dialogue ensued once I published my post
Malaysian Airplane 370 missing plane not in sea
[it should have read aeroplane or flight, before some pedantic takes this post off on a different tangent]
This I hope will lead to a viral dialectic, who knows, it’s a laugh I promise? Here is the beginning sent by me in sms to family and friends:
Me: Check my latest post on “Malaysian Airplaine 370Â not in sea” in case they take me away so you know where I’ve gone www.affie.com.au
Tina (daughter): Hahaha
Me: Did you read it Tina?
Gaby (granddaughter): I did, I don’t think you’ll get taken for it
Me: What a relief emoji happy face with sunglasses (cool)
Tina: Imagine my surprise to see your sms without having read your post. Now I have read it and feel relieved there was a logical explanation to your fears. I wouldn’t worry cause they would have to find you first which clearly they don’t have the skills to do seeing as the plane is still lost . (my daughter has a good sense of humour when it comes to fear and anxiety – has definitely taken after me)
Paul: Prank call Prank call Prank call Prank call (my son’s response to fearful situations)
Me: Hahahahaha emoji big red kiss (motherly)
Tina: How do I add Nella to this conversation she is missing the crazy
Gaby: (Nella’s daughter) I don’t think you can
Tina: Ok I will have to end this conversation and establish a new one
Me: I’m glad you two speak that language cause I didnt get it
Lz: Like where will you have gone?
Me: (after much serious sincere thought) Wherever they took the plane to or wherever Govts take troublemakers to until its over (I hope) [meaning they will release me in one piece then!]
Pip: I just read it. So you think it is a conspiracy then. I am hoping they find the black box but it’s a needle in a haystack.
Me: with all their technology including satellites don’t you think they would have found something by now, so many countries so many resources what’s your gut feeling about it?
Pip: Nah it’s in the ocean. it just goes to show humans and technology a bit infallible. Good night xox!
So if you have something to add go ahead
Malaysian Airplaine 370 missing plane not in sea
[it should have read aeroplane or flight, before some pedantic takes this post off on a different tangent]
I cannot believe that one of the best airlines in the world with well qualified pilots can have a plane 370 disappear and crash into the Indian Ocean disappearing to the extent that so many powerful countries with advanced technologies are unable to find any trace of it. And yet they persist in spinning the story that they firmly believe that is where the rescue teams will find what they are looking for after all this time! This is a united front to just either keep grieving people satisfied that something is being done while they work out how to disclose to the world what has really happened or to cover up a plan of attack on the offending nation that has been responsible for this terrorist action. I believe the people on board are still alive and will be used as hostages or something extremely weird such as that.
People don’t disappear off the face of this earth without us finding out what happened to them when we have full co-operation from the major powers to find them unless those major powers are involved in secret negotiations and this is all to keep the “natives” quiet. How foolish I’ll be if I am wrong but it just does not make sense with the magnitude of the search coming to no positive result. How useless are we as human beings with all our power and technology and unity if we are unable to find one plane which has crashed?! Come on!! Something else is going on and we are being hoodwinked in the worst possible way! Then again what terrorist group would benefit from one plane full of tourists! Does it languish in conceit that it has managed to mobilise the major powers and some others to spend their resources and time uselessly and focus the world’s eye on such a tragedy with no possible resolution achieved and creating the greatest mystery mankind has had? Terrorists playing GOD? As long as the passengers survive it will truly be a lesson to the world. My Sympathy to their relatives and friends. Let’s Wake Up Australia and see the big picture – isn’t it all a bit strange?! Have you got a knot in your stomach that isn’t grief?!
Affie’s 70’s Birthday/IWD Fundraiser the Party
I twisted like never before and so went my 70th which was the best I ever had. My granddaughter Talia Nicolitsis who had turned 11 two days earlier is so talented and has taken after my late mother who used to sing love songs. Tina my daughter is her mother, and we sat hugging each other like to chooks watching Talia. Sam Pelegrino had us dancing rock n roll where Diane and Patricia were kicking up their heels, samba for Silvana and Victor. The Hellenic Cultural Association Akropolis (Greeks from Romania- we came out 64 years ago and I’m on the committee) were here with President my cousin Harry Polymeris, Michael Contos, Panagaki Dimitriadis.  Then there’s a great photo of The UNAA(NSW) Committee Lindsay Mell (past President), Diane Sackellariou (whose late husband was Greek 
Romanian, Peter Airey (past President) and Patricia Jenkins. Also a photo with the other sponsoring committee of HumSocNSW Sturt Duncan, John Levack (ex committee), Silvana (Victor’s wife), Victor Bien, Brian Edwards, Fred Flatow and dog Coach, Angela Drury and dog Panda, me and dog Pepi. We are short of $1,000 for each sponsor UNAA(NSW) and HumSocNSW so please keep the donations coming into whichever organisation you support no matter how small an amount and I will keep you posted through the Newsletters as to our progress.
  
    
   
The lovely Maori Hut in my lovely garden with my my daughter-in-law Nella Zagoridis and close friend Pip chatting away. Nella and her eldest daughter Gaby (a member of HumSocNSW) Nick my daughter’s 16 yrs old son. Angela is involved in a tet a tet with another friend and new member Vivienne Weidler. Also hard workers together Fred Flatow Vice President of HumSocNSW Nella Zagoridis wife of CAHS President Paul.
                          
The dancing goes on and everyone is in a good mood – good KEFI as the Greeks call it or good MOJO as the Americans call it. It was sunny even though the weather forecast was going to be showers so I hired a tarpaulin which we didn’t even open up. We had 10 bbq chickens in pieces ($100 donated by Fred Flatow), a huge potato salad (Tina donated) huge rice salad (Angela donated) huge pasta Bolognaise (Nella donated), a huge cabbage salad and cutlery, plates, drinks, venue etc (Affie donated), Birthday cake ($130 donated by UNAA(NSW), Entertainer and tarpaulin($350 donated by Molly Campbell HumSocNSW member). Avo and his fiancee Lee straight from Bangkok enjoyed themselves in the Maori Hut and he saved us $50 by delivering the tarpaulin back to Meadowbank on Monday morning for me. Thanks Avo.
          
