With coffee .... without coffee. A place for us coffee lovers and coffee!

@BryanaCamp, thanks for your kind words. Public speaking isn't my forte, particularly when I'm talking about myself. It's an exercise in getting to know my new team better. I'll be one of the last to do it and I think most of us are a bit over it. If it was a small team it would have been okay, but, because its so big it feels like its really dragging out.

I'm sorry about the funeral, but, hope it goes ok. Fingers crossed the drive goes well and you can get there on time and be the good niece that you are for your aunty. If your a bit a late I don't thnk anyone will mind to much. Better you arrive there safely.

That's really awesome you are feeling so good getting up at early as you are. I have to get up even earlier than that if I'm going to the city. I only do that once in a blue moon now whch is a relief. Used to wear me down a lot doing it every day. I can understand the hesitation with your friend and hiking, but, at least if you extend the invitation you have done your part and can feel good that you at least offered. If she chooses not co come, its not the end of the world, she might have her reasons for not being able to. Try and stay positive and not let it get you down to much. Maybe in time she will tell you what's going on or things with you both will get back to normal. I think she should be happy for you and be more supportive and encouraging with what you are doing.

It's raiinng so far here today, but, I'm still going to try and get my 2 or 3 walks in like you. I know I'd be struggling to keep up with you. Its a bit funny with the coffee as it doesn't taste as bad as I remember it being. It used to be so yuck. Maybe the decaf I've been on has done something to Me.

Take care of yourself as well.

Hi @Former-Member , @Owlunar , @Former-Member wishing you a great and safe Thursday.

Morning @Gazza75 thanks for your message, it is so nice to read with my morning coffee. Yesterday went all ok, I got to the funeral early. There was a lovely photo of me & my uncle from when I was really young which was really touching and his son had some very sweet words for me which was really special. I did ok as a neice & happy I could give my aunt a hug. I saw a cousin who I hadn't seen for 30 years & he asked where my mother was (she's diabolically abusive to everyone in the family & is banned from family events) and when I told him I wouldn't want my aunt to have to put up with her at this event he kind of argued with me & took my mother's side. It made me angry, my mother still has ways of poisoning so many things. But otherwise everything went ok.

Yeah, public speaking is a nightmare for me, my throat clams up and I can't speak. It's very embarassing & once my voice has cracked I can't recover it. I'm sure you'll do really well, your colleagues are lucky to have you as you have great skills & expereince & such a nice personality. It sounds like your team is coming to the end of talks so there will be a bit less pressure.

Thanks for your understanding about my friend. Sorry to whinge about it. You're right about being generous & extending the invitation. I tend to be stingy with invitations when I'm feeling hurt & think it's too 'expensive' emotionally to offer & risk rejection but you're right, it's always best to be generous. And patient! not my best skill.

I hope work goes well today for you. Keep up the good work at this full-on time of year. I didn't get any walks in yesterday. Got a half day today of work so no excuses for not walking this arvo. Good luck with walking. How often do you go to the gym?

You mentioned you might sell the farm to get something in the city for family. Do you mean get a property your parents can live in? I've never made any financial contribution to my family (it's the other way around, I go to them for help). That sounds like a very responsible & selfless act Gazza. Do you feel your parents are your responsibility, that's a big load for you to carry, you're such a loyal & generous son.

hi @Owlunar @Former-Member @Former-Member have a good Friday.

Morning @BryanaCamp . I'm glad the funeral went as well as could be expected. It's a real shame about the cousin and him siding with your mother, it doesn't seem fair or the right time to get into something like that.

Thanks for your support and encouragement in regard to the public speaking coming up. I'm putting the finishing touches to my presentation. We have to do it in 3 stages, past, present and future. I've got the first 2 sorted, but, not sure about the latter. I kind of get by day to day and not really think about long term so much any more. Not sure I ever have really. I'll just put in the generic stuff like family and travel and get by, but, it would be nice in my miind to have it a bit clearer.

You don't sound like your whinging about your friend. It's understandable you don't want to lose the friendship that you have guilt wth her over time and its a shame she's not sharing your success right now. I think its worth perservering with it and giving her time if she needs it.

A half day Friday sounds wonderful. Hope you get a nice long walk in or even a hike if you can. The weather is on and off again here today, but, I'll get out for at least a stroll or two. I'm pretty determined to do that from now on. I get to the gym pretty much every day I'm on the coast, if I'm home over the weekends then I usually go twice a day. Occasionally, if the blue moon is out I'll get in for an early workout through the week.

With the property and house I meant something closer to where my parents live. My farm is about 3 hours away. They have there own place, though it might proove a bit big for them as they age. I've not made much of a financial contribution to them as yet, but, I really ought to start. They have helped me out a lot on occasion. I feel my parents are my responsibility now, yes. They have no one else to support them. No family, few friends. My brother might be able to contribute financially, but, phsyically he can't do anything now. It doesn't feel like a big load right now, but, that might change over time. Your very kind and such a good friend @BryanaCamp .

Have a great Friday and weekend@Owlunar , @Former-Member , @Former-Member , @Shaz51

lots of hugs @Gazza75

Hello and hugs @LadyleahRDBloom , @BryanaCamp , @Owlunar , @Former-Member

@LadyleahRDBloom how are you today my friend , sending you hugs xxx

@Shaz51 , @Gazza75 , @BryanaCamp , @Owlunar , @Former-Member ,

Greetings to all of you. On my 2nd almond milk coffee today and having a three day break from studying and job searching.

I haven't been ignoring anyone. Just really, really busy so I'm hoping to get on top of things.

what have you being studing @LadyleahRDBloom ??

Hi @LadyleahRDBloom good to see you! A 3 day break sounds like an awesome idea, good on you for looking after yourself, it can be hard to take a break sometimes when you're snowed under, takes discipline.

Hope you get on top of things & get some rest. I'm sure you'll find a job that you like soon, try not to be too stressed about it (I know that's easier said than done). I know it's painful, it took me 5 solid months of job searching to get a job. Enjoy your coffee - almond milk sounds yummy & very healthy

hi @Gazza75 thanks for your understanding about the funeral & for your wise words about my friendship. When I'm hurt I'm very impulsive and burn bridges that can't be mended so your advice is really helpful to me. You sound like you're good with people & relationships. I invited her on the hike as you suggested & to my surprise she responded - she's considering it so still not sure yet. Maybe, probably not, we'll see. I'm off to a meetup this arvo to meet new people so that will take my mind of it anyways.

That's amazing you go to the gym so regularly. You must be building strong muscles, I've heard that's the best path to fitness, health & burning food up so good on you..I'll just admire from a distance! That's fantastic that you've commited to walking during your working days. I don't know how you find the time & discipline, I really struggled to get any working in this week with working. Go you!

Talking about your future sounds hard, I never think about the future, it freaks me out. On the other hand it could be a nice thing, you're in such a positive place by the sounds of it with the best ahead of you, could be nice to dream about your goals. Not sure I'd feel comfy sharing that with colleagues as it would be a private thing for me. I think you're very sensible to go with the generic things.

You're a wonderful son to look after your parents, they are lucky to have you & I'm sure appreciate your care. I read on the other thread you're seeing your brother. I hope that goes well, I'm guessing it could be nice or tense. I hope you get to see your nephew, he sounds like a sweety.

Your childhood memories of libraries are cute! Things have changed a lot now, my new work is very vibrant & buzzing, the library branches have cafes, art galleries, legal service & recording studio (for the youth to record their rap music) in them. There's loads of pc's & kids running around & playing playstation on massive screens. I felt something on my ankle, I looked down and it was a toddler! I like that, it's good. The staff are all really positive & dynamic about increasing library usage & supportive colleagues. It's going well & my medicaiton is working better for me getting up at 6am, who knew?

I hope you will have some relaxation time today after working hard all week. Thanks for your message, I always like reading your messages they make me feel strong & supported. Happy Saturday

@BryanaCamp thanks so much. Just make sure you don't take the ankle attachment home. Your library sounds amazing. The one's here aren't quite that fancy or advanced.

Saw one of the nephews briefly this morning at gym. Think he has soccer on today. The gym used to really help me, but, now with meds feels frustrating and I may stop for a while. Can't win with my weight battle, have to try and stay patient, but, not my best with this issue.

More from me later. Maybe , can't type on phone. Great to hear from you. Hugs