Well here’s a proactive solution to my story; Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?  More info here.
But unfortunately I don’t have $10,000 to pay someone who introduces the perfect partner!

Here is Chas’s interesting &  ingenious proposal…..

He states, “It’s simple. Introduce me to the girl I end up marrying, and I’ll give you ten grand.” He intelligently figured, “Why not create a site where I am the only guy! ….. If this helps me find a soulmate, it’ll be worth bazillions.  ….. I’m serious but I’m not insane.”

I like his website HOOK CHAS UP; the design is classy, simple and sophisticated making it visually pleasing and easy to navigate for his potential suitors and referrers.

I think one must be creative in all aspects of their life!

Nice work Chas and all the best for your journey, please get that blog going and keep us all updated!

Yesterday an online article from the Fraser Coast Chronicle Newspaper was brought to my attention about a website that has been launched for local bands … full story here.

Upon viewing the website I nearly burnt a hole in my retina with the red and blue colours that clashed and made my eyes vibrate!

“AN EXCITING new website ….. Maryborough’s David Parker is a web designer who wants to “sell the Wide Bay to the world”…. In my professional opinion Mr Parker, sadly I can’t see this website selling anything, to anyone!

I see so many people getting ripped off because they may not have an eye for professional design for their business brand. Honestly, businesses send themselves broke or into bankruptcy by using amateurs with no design skills, qualifications, or industry experience!
You really must make sure you are dealing with an honest professional when it comes to your business brand!
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!!!

The idea has potential; unfortunately the presentation may kill this before it gets off the ground.

El a very close graphic & interactive designer friend / ex local who has numerous years industry experience within the website design field also just had to express her opinion to me and I whole heartedly agree!
The below feedback was submitted to the Fraser Coast Chronicle in relation to the story….

“Exciting new website?? You have got to be kidding.

The idea might have some merit (and there’s definitely some great talent in the area who deserve to be heard), however the website is a horrible, amateur mess.

This site looks and functions like a clumsy personal website from 10 years ago and is far from the professional face our local bands deserve. In fact, having such an unprofessional look can do more damage to a band’s reputation than good.

An alternative idea would be to set up band pages and jamming communities on Facebook or similar. This is a medium that is familiar, easy to use and already has a large, established community.

It’s also FREE – no signing up for ‘value added services’ which would be a complete waste of money judging by the quality of the site that has already been designed.

Just like when you get up on the stage for a gig – first impressions count for a lot! This site certainly does not leave a good first impression.

I’m sorry Mr Parker, but to be called a web designer or developer you have to understand the very basic principles of design, web trends and usability – of which your site displays none. To call yourself a web designer is to embarrass and devalue the professional design community.”

Elisha – Interactive & Graphic Designer

I was recently reading an article online from the Fraser Coast Chronicle titled ‘Where are all the Single Men?’ … view here.

It states;

FOR all the 30-something women out there who have been unlucky in love it will come as no surprise that the older one gets, the harder it is to find Mr Right.
A report based on a recent Census shows that in Hervey Bay in particular, there are 682 single women for every 523 single men in the 30-39 bracket.

‘Where are all the Single Men?’
I’ve never come across these 523 single men in the 30 – 39 bracket (that are gorgeous, intelligent, respectful, well mannered and have pride in their appearance)?
Or could past experiences at local restaurants, bars and online have tainted my opinion of our apparent local talent…?

• Perhaps they are the ones I’ve met that can’t hold a conversation by 10pm due to alcohol consumption?
(Beware of the LOCAL DRUNK!)

• or the one that came over drunk and directly asked me for F#*K? What not even bought a drink first nowadays, I queried, before I replied using F#*K OFF myself, the only language that would be understood in this situation.
(Beware of the IDIOT WITH NO MANNERS!)

• Or how about as you are leaving to go home after a night out and a bloke comes over and says, “my friend wants to talk to you” … I query, I have been here all night did the cat have his tongue, besides we are not in grade eight anymore and proceeded to go home immediately when the man in question came over, stood in front of me and said nothing as he was too drunk or perhaps he was just blinded by my beauty!
(Beware of the I’D LIKE TO TAKE YOU HOME BUT I’LL SEND MY BUDDY OVER BECAUSE I HAVE NO BALLS AND AM TOO DRUNK TO TALK!)

• Or perhaps the man that came over to me at a bar and asked if he could take me to dinner. Then drank excessively and wedged his own underpants and shorts up his bottom in front of me (and everyone) at the bar till they became a g-banger and his testicles hung out either side? I took a photo, printed it and gave it to his friend the next day who took it to his work place displaying it to all. Needless to say he was mortified, couldn’t remember a thing, swore he would never drink again and still blushes whenever he sees me.
(Beware of the I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING!)

• Or maybe one of the numerous drunk men that have grabbed my breast or butt in full view of all, then become aggressive when given a very loud verbal dress down that this is sexual assault an act that is punishable by law, that will not be tolerated and clearly demonstrates their pathetic and disrespectful character. In most cases security has removed the offenders from the venues.
(Beware of the SEXUAL PREDATOR!)

• Or the local health professional who took me on several dates paying for everything and when I queried whether we were friends or dating …. Thought for awhile then said friends and never spoke to me again? I was confused at first, I felt I had lost a friend but thought there has to be a lesson to be learnt here! Then I realised, I was never a friend, I was being finetuned to be a ‘Friend with Benefits’ (Thank god I was never a nook in that bedpost!!!). So why be disappointed about something that never was (the friendship), or why waste time on someone that can’t handle a straight forward honest simple question? How funny!
(Beware of the PLAYER / TIMEWASTER!)

• Or perhaps the local man that was dating someone I knew, hitting me on RSVP whilst being in what she thought was a secure relationship?
I had to take my profile down due to hundreds of men hitting me daily that just couldn’t seem to read my preferences. Must have no children, must be a non smoker, must have a certain level of education, must be fit, NO I don’t want to date someone with a mullet wearing thongs aged in their sixties!!!
When I changed the first sentence in my profile to ‘NOT INTERESTED IN A ONE NIGHT STAND’ there was a remarkable drop in my profile interest! LOL Go Figure!
(Beware of the ONLINE FAKE ILITERATE STALKERS!)

And who says there is anything wrong with be unlucky in love, could it just be an intelligent professional personal choice nowadays? …. Let’s see;

1. Ask for permission to leave the house? Or jump on the Harley whenever you like!
2. Clean up after someone? Or have a tidy home where everything is where you left it!
3. Slave over a hot stove in the kitchen for others? Or grab a delicious Thai takeaway.
4. Stay at home with the children? Or do whatever you like when you like?
5. Live day to day to meet the bills? Or Travel, save, buy property, have adventure, new experiences?
6. Constant noise, chatter and winging? Or a serene, peaceful, relaxing existence.
7. Sit on the couch and watch the footy? Or get outdoors and go climb a mountain!

This list could go on forever … It’s not just men wanting to protect the life and wealth they’ve created in their 20s / 30s, women do too. Why should you date someone who hasn’t worked as hard; whether family, financial, intellectual, spiritual or physical health?

I personally believe a lot of men and women especially in the age bracket mentioned above lack manners and self respect nowadays, they carry baggage, and chose not to engage their intelligence which then has a ripple effect that can be seen in all aspects of their character, life and repeat failed relationships.

I think it is the same for men and women when looking for relationship qualities;
Do you love and respect yourself?
Do you respect others?
Are you willing to give what you are expecting to receive?
Are you willing to complement and enhance someone’s life?

Why would you chose to be with someone that can’t have open, honest and clear communication with?
Who wants a player, life is too short for games?
Why would you want to be with someone that disrespects you?
Why would you want to be with someone that abuses alcohol?
If education is important to you why would you settle with someone that is not?
Would you want to be with someone that is not comfortable within themselves?

The article goes on to read….

In the 20-29 age bracket, there are 926 single males (the majority of whom are tradies) for every 891 single females.
This could be bad news for the eligible bachelors who have to work a little harder in a tougher market but it could also be a sign for 30s gals who might be prepared to set their sights on someone a little younger.

So perhaps being single, living the dream and enjoying the Cougar life could be on the rise in the Fraser Coast!
Has ‘Sex in the City’ finally caught on in Hervey Bay!!!

Happily single, with an open heart, till a strong kind man values my positive, humorous and professional qualities!!!
I’m not going to change my life for second best!

PS. Always remember you’re unique, just like everyone else!

(Honestly where do the ideal men hide out in Hervey Bay and where do you meet them if not at a bar, or without moving a far, hhmmmmmm something may need to be done about this?)

Ok, I’ve registered for another little challenge with my adventurous friends Scott and Tania. We will be taking part in a 30km trail run in D’Aguilar State Forest at Brisbane on the 29^th of May.

We will be participating in the INAUGURAL KOKODA CHALLENGE BRISBANE and raising money for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program.  Our contribution is helping young people to gain confidence, direction, life skills, new friends and the knowledge that anything is possible!!!
Helping Aussie teenagers to reach their full potential – Our efforts are having a direct impact on a young person’s life!

If you would like to make a donation to support us and this Awesome cause (like the fabulous Toni & Rosie have!) please click HERE!

Our team name: ‘Smells Like Team Spirit’ is based on the famous song by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ which was very cool when I was a teenager.
On April 8, 1994, at age 27, Cobain was found dead at his home in Seattle, the victim of what was officially ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth aged from 15  to 24 years especially with bullying on the rise whether from peers or social media or just life’s pressures; affecting their self confidence, self worth and provoking feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, depression and loss of direction in life.
The word teen was substituted with team, cause that’s what we are and the funds raised are going to support teens and their self esteem, it’s all really very universal and interconnected!!

…. Bring it on, I / we can’t wait!

MAY 29, 2011 MARKS THE INAUGURAL KOKODA CHALLENGE BRISBANE.

In honour of the Kokoda Spirit, this new 30km event winds through some of Brisbane’s toughest terrain.

The track undulates through the green scenery in the west of Brisbane Forest Park.  Starting at Brookfield showgrounds you and your team will make your way up to the half way checkpoint at McAfee’s Lookout before returning to showgrounds via the tropical terrain of D’Aguilar National Park that is reminiscent of the Owen Stanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea.

The 30k distance coupled with wide open fire trails makes this the perfect event for beginners or runners having a hit out. Teams of two, three and four will find the course is not without toils, as you descend down to a creek bed you encounter a sharp turn onto a narrow trail aptly named ‘hell hole’ – ensuring that you don’t forget the meaning of endurance before arriving at the finish line. Click here to find out more.

A friend of mine posted this picture on facebook last week taken at Woolworth’s Mitcham in Springfield SA.

Does one look at it with a hint of warped Aussie humor or does it take the piss out of the poor North QLD banana farmers who have lost everything?!

In my opinion I’ll have to say it is poor form …

I feel sorry for our farmers up North with their whole year’s crop (estimated losses of more than $800 million) & income destroyed by the floods & cyclone Yasi + their homes and insurance companies not paying.
SHAME South Australia and Woolworths!!!!!!!!

SHOPPERS can expect soaring fruit and vegetable prices for the next six months as farmers estimate losses of more than $800 million following Queensland’s wild weather. …. With 80 per cent of crops wiped out in Cyclone Yasi, bananas are already at $6 a kilo and wholesalers predict prices will rise to at least $12 a kilo over the next fortnight. … more info here [via The Courier Mail]