Part of my 101 Things in 1001 Days project.

Yesterday Tim and I jumped in our little car, and went in pursuit of snow. It was the first time that Tim or I had seen snow since he moved here three years ago, so we marked the occasion with a funny looking snowman (and a few costume changes!).

Next year Tim is going to teach me to snowboard, which I am anticipating with equal measures of excitement and dread. I expect to be front-page news the next day so my plan is to ring around the hospitals and make sure I won’t have any trouble securing a bed. I have a year to figure that part out.

So I can tick “see the snow” off my list – and another one too! Yesterday I recorded my day in pictures from beginning to end, and tonight I’ll be putting together an “A Day in My Life” post so that you can laugh at my bedhair. There will be plenty more snow photos to come in my next post!

In the meantime, I can’t help but think of my icy little friend up on Lake Mountain. I hope he doesn’t get too much sun today, and that his nose wasn’t nibbled by creatures overnight!

During our vacation earlier this month I took Tim to Shelly Beach.  It’s a little spot in Caloundra, QLD, where I spent many happy hours as a kid.  My grandparents lived two streets away from this beach for 30 years and our extended family usually congregated there a few times each year, for Christmas and other occasions.

My grandparents sold their beautiful little house 6 or 7 years ago and moved to Brisbane.  The person who bought it rented it out to bogans who pulled out Grandpa’s roses and put a BBQ on the front porch.  Driving past the house 10 days ago was really sad, and I’m not sure I’ll ever do that again.

Today is Boxing Day, and one year since we lost Grandpa to cancer.

I don’t know how to write about my Grandpa without writing you a novel.  In his own quiet way, he taught me so much about the sort of person I want to be, and to be around.  He will forever be the standard by which I compare all other people in my life, and the loss that I feel today doesn’t feel any less than it did one year ago.

You’d have loved my Grandpa.

Ten days ago I took the time to sit on the volcanic rocks at Shelly Beach and remember him.  I looked around and pictured me and my cousins as kids, picking up hermit crabs and building sandcastles together.  I thought about how lucky we were to have such an amazing playground in which to make these memories together.

Music is “Silent Sea” by KT Tunstall. Forgive my shaky iphone video…

It felt good to show this place to Tim.

The world lost one of its treasures 12 months ago, and I miss him more than I can say.

So…

Since you guys were no help at all with my Aussie Thanksgiving table, I was forced to take matters into my own hands!

With the help of some orange napkins, raffia, candles and flowers I have put together a table that uses all the colours of Thanksgiving, all without using actual pumpkins. I added some purple to the mix because, let’s face it… there really is a thing as too much orange.

The turkey is in the oven BBQ, the house is full of amazing smells, and the guests will be here soon. Now might be a good time to stop blogging and get myself pretty!

By Gun Show Comic

My Americano and I are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow night with a bunch of friends. I’ve never done Thanksgiving before (if you can’t figure out why, you might need a history refresher) and I’ve been learning a lot about the traditions of this holiday over the past couple of weeks.

Tim has taken total control of the cooking, which began last night with an incredible batch of peanut butter & chocolate cookies. Tomorrow night we’ll be eating red currant glazed turkey, green bean casserole, honey glazed carrots and garlic mashed potatoes. Our guests are providing pumpkin and apple pies.

So with all of that under control, I guess my job is to make the table look beautiful! I’ve spent some time googling pictures of Thanksgiving tables, but confess that I find most of them sort of ugly. And besides, most of the produce that features in traditional centrepieces is completely out of season in Australia.

Please share your amazing Thanksgiving table with me in the comments, or point me in the direction of your inspiration! I feel like such a rookie.

Last week, for the first time in my life, I was treated for skin cancer.

About three years ago I noticed a strange bump on my forearm. Growing up in Queensland, the skin cancer capital of the world, I knew better than to ignore any changes in my skin. The first GP I saw told me not to worry, telling me that it was most likely a blocked pore.

The general advice that you hear is to visit your doctor if a bump, lump or mark changes – especially if it changes colour. My bump evolved several times during those three years, but it was only two weeks ago that a doctor took it seriously. So seriously, in fact, that I was immediately referred to a specialist for its removal.

Last Thursday I lay on the bed in the doctor’s room and concentrated very hard on the corner of the ceiling above my head. To my left, the doctor administered a local anaesthetic and carved the malignant cells out of my arm. While there wasn’t any real pain during the procedure, I did have to experience all the other sensations that went with it – the tugging of my skin against the stitches, the sensation of blood dripping down my arm. It wasn’t my favourite way to spend an afternoon.

My intention is not to gross you out. I guess I just want to explain how this little “bump” I had lived with for so long was suddenly being described as a “lesion”, and how quickly my doctors acted to cut it out of my body before it could do any further damage. All the what ifs suddenly came to the forefront of my mind.

As I was saying, I wasn’t really planning to blog about it because nobody likes pictures of medical procedures. But one day after my little operation, I received this email:

Dear Elizabeth,

Hope you’re well

I’m writing to see whether you would be interested in supporting the latest summer campaign from Cancer Council Australia, which this year is all about helping teens to understand the dangers of excessive sunbaking.

The message is simple: there’s no healthy way to tan.

But before you say ‘not another anti-tanning campaign’, you need to check out our snazzy new web application… It’s called ‘Sunsation’ and it works like this: teens upload a photo of themselves to the application, then sit back and watch as a ‘healthy glow’ develops. But at the same time as they are admiring the bronze glow, they start to notice a spot developing on their face. Within seconds it has turned into a large and nasty looking melanoma. Attached is a teaser to show you how it might work.

Suddenly a tan doesn’t seem so hot!

Sunsation is part of this year’s National Skin Cancer Action Week campaign (November 15-22), and I’m hoping that you might be able to help us by giving us a shout-out on your website, or by running the Sunsation banner (which we can have re-sized to suit your specs if need be).

Attached is a media release which will give you a bit more information about National Skin Cancer Week and what else we’ll be doing (including a large installation at Bondi)

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think you might be able to help!

Cheers,
Emma

I decided that serendipity was at play when I received this email, and that it was important to write about my experience. I am a person who has never actively sunbaked, but growing up in Cairns and Brisbane made sun exposure unavoidable. It is quite off-putting to think about how many times I went snorkelling out on the reef without reapplying sunscreen as often as I should, wearing nothing more than a bikini.

This is a picture of my dressed arm. If you don’t mind a bit of blood and guts, you can click here to see the wound in all its glory (WARNING: it’s not very beautiful).

National Skin Cancer Action Week raises awareness of skin cancer and sun protection issues at the start of the summer season. Hosted by the Cancer Council in conjunction with the Australasian College of Dermatologists, it runs from November 15-21 and involves a number of educational and promotional initiatives.

‘Don’t be a victim’ campaign

Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach became a massive ‘crime scene’ on Sunday, 15 November (start of National Skin Cancer Action Week) in a new Cancer Council campaign that graphically depicts the dangers of tanning.

Startled beachgoers were greeted by the sight of 1700 towels stretched across the sand, each emblazoned with a ‘crime scene’ chalk outline of a ‘victim’. The towels are a graphic representation of the 1700 Australians who die each year from skin cancer.

These aerial shots of the “crime scene” were especially effective (click to fullview):

Sunsation – Sun Tan Simulator

Are you curious to see how you would look with a tan?

Click the image below to open the Sunsation Sun Tan Simulator in a new window. This clever little web app allows you to upload a photo of yourself and see your tan develop. At the same time, you’ll see a spot form and gradually become a melanoma.

The message is clear – skin cancer is real, and it can kill. Treatment isn’t always as simple as cutting out the affected area – it can often spread throughout the body and do irreversible damage.

In recognition of National Skin Cancer Action Week, now is as good a time as any to be reminded of the “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign that we Aussie kids all grew up with!

And most of all? If you’re worried about any sort of change in your skin, get it checked out. Persevere if you’re unhappy with your doctor’s response. Get familiar with your skin’s condition, so that you will notice any developments.

It’s too important to put off.

Heather Champ has been a staple of my RSS reader for a long time, probably thanks to mentions from Dooce and Maggie Mason over the years. She takes beautiful photographs, and these days helps others to do the same in her role as Community Manager at Flickr.

It came as a complete surprise to see this video in her latest blog post, given that I had no idea she was on holiday in Australia! This bridge is a Brisbane landmark, and has been special to me throughout my entire life. I think it’s really cool that somebody took the time to film it over the course of a day.

This video has reminded me that I need to take Tim on a CityCat ride along the river next month, when we’re back in town. I’m starting to get really excited about our little holiday!

StreetSmart Australia has been a hot topic in the Melbourne blogging scene this week. My RSS reader has been flooded with that distinctive shade of green, and so I couldn’t help but want to learn more!

Here’s what they say about their initiative:

About StreetSmart

StreetSmart is a unique bridge between the community and small, grassroots agencies that assist people experiencing homelessness. We support critical services and emergency aid as well as projects that promote social inclusion, empowerment and sustainable change for people who are homeless. When money is raised from the public through our fundraising events, 100 per cent of donations are distributed in the form of grants. To date we have raised and distributed over $830,000 to 188 grassroots projects.

All Australians can contribute to the cause by visiting the Restaurant Locator and dining out at a partipating eatery. When the bill arrives you are given the opportunity to add $2 to your bill. StreetSmart is not a big charity, but supports many frugal, hyperlocal programs that really only need a few thousand dollars to operate.

Click on the image below to select your region, and see a list of restaurants who are participating in this great initiative:

Claire of Melbourne Gastronome has written a list of the participating Melbourne restaurants that she has previously reviewed, if you’re in the area and looking for some guidance. There are some truly great restaurants who are involved in this!

StreetSmart begins on November 9, and runs right up until the start of their Christmas campaign. So for the next 6 weeks you can eat out as often as you like, knowing that your contributions are changing lives!

And if you think that $2 can’t make a difference, watch this video to see how it can all add up. I was especially impressed to learn that they were instrumental in the success of the Choir of Hard Knocks, which Aussies may remember from a couple of years ago.

Directed by Michelle Lehman, last year’s Tropfest Australia winning film, Marry Me, tells a little love story about “a little girl who likes a little boy and a little boy who likes his BMX bike”. The film was inspired by a true story when director, Michelle, at 5 years of age, would chase Jason Mahooney around the school in a pretend wedding dress (her mother’s nightie).

Enjoy this beautiful little film, especially if it’s still Valentines Day where you are! You can watch it in higher resolution by going to its YouTube page and clicking “watch in high quality”.

Here are some of the ways that we can all assist the survivors of the bushfires, which have claimed at least 173 lives.

Donate to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, providers of on-the-ground support to victims of the bushfires. They are not currently accepting donations of goods, preferring instead to support local businesses and to cut down on transport costs.

St Vincent de Paul is taking donations of material goods throughout Australia at Vinnies Centres. Phone 1800 621 349 or visit http://www.vinnies.org.au/

Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria is coordinating offers of support for bushfire victims and their horses.

The RSPCA has an online form for those who can offer assistance to animals stranded by the disaster. If you can provide a temporary home to displaced pets or offer your veterinary experience, register your interest. If you would prefer to donate money to those who are working with animals on the ground, you can do so here.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service has been overwhelmed by donors, and does not currently require further supplies. However, due to the limited shelf life of blood they will need further donations in a couple of weeks time. Register your interest to donate blood using this form, and the Red Cross will contact you when they need your help. Please encourage others to do the same – not only for victims of the bushfires, but for all patients who will need blood in the coming months.

Something all Australians can do: Coles is asking customers to plan their supermarket shop for this Friday (13 Feb), to help raise badly needed funds for the victims of the Victorian bushfires. Coles, BiLo, Pick N’Pay and Coles Online are donating this Friday’s profits from all stores nationally to the Bushfire Appeal Fund, and hope to raise between two and four million dollars.

Errol Shearsby and his wife Beverley stand stunned among the ruins of their home in Skyline Road. Photo: John Woudstra

I have been glued to the news over the past few days following this weekend’s tragic bushfires. While we were hanging out in our airconditioned living room on Saturday, passing the time with crosswords and Guitar Hero, thousands of people were losing their homes and their lives. Some of the bushfires were just half an hour from where I live.

The last time I had this much trouble unplugging from the news was when 9/11 happened. Already it is being described as Australia’s biggest natural disaster, and four days on the threat isn’t over. With strong winds forecast for later this afternoon, and fires still raging, there is potential for lots more damage.

I work in a school, and given the size of our community I expected to hear that at least a few of our staff and students would be directly affected by the fires. What I didn’t expect was that at least one student and her family are feared missing. Several staff passed through my office yesterday in various states of distress – some because they didn’t know the fate of their friends and family, some because they did. The two people that I work most closely with were both touched personally by the event.

Jayne Amatnieks returns to her property at Kinglake to find that her bike survived but her house and car were destroyed after a bushfire decimated the area. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

The car accident on the Kinglake-Whittlesea Road where it is estimated that 4 and possibly more people died. Picture: Jon Hargest

A man is comforted as he waits to hear news of his wife and children. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

Fire crews prepare themselves in Stanley before heading into bushland to fight fires near Beechworth. Picture: Ben Swinnerton

The intense heat of the fire literally melted the car rims. Picture: Stephen Harman

Trees, looking like burnt matches, show the fury of the fire. Picture: Mark Smith

My “tram buddy” helped his friend at Broadford defend his home against the fires on Saturday. When he was refused entry at a police roadblock, he and his wife found a way in through a golf course. They abandoned their car halfway in and walked the remainder of the way. His friend survived, but on the drive home they saw hundreds of kangaroos sprawled over the road – burned alive, or hit by cars as they tried to escape on the road.

There are stories of sheep set alight by the fires, running for their lives. A fireman who stood and watched his house burn down – pets and all – while he defended a neighbour’s home. People burned alive in their cars as they tried to escape fireballs that travelled 60km/hr. Reports that suggest 10,000 native animals lost their lives this weekend, and that most of the survivors would likely starve due to lack of food.

CFA volunteer David Tree helps a distressed koala in burnt-out forest at Mirboo North. Pic: Russell Vickery

A bushfire burns in the Bunyip State Forest near the township of Tonimbuk. Picture: AAP/Andrew Brownbill

The loss of human life currently stands at 173, with this number expected to grow to 300 as bodies are recovered from ruined buildings. It has been hard to stomach the news that so many of these fires were deliberately lit – and even re-lit.

I’ve been hugging all my people extra tight over the past few days.