Australia Day thoughts

Happy Australia Day everyone.

I love Australia Day.  A chance to reflect on how very lucky we are to live in this beautiful, peaceful country.

I do not however, conform to the stereotype that pervades the media at this time of year.

I do not 'throw a prawn on the barbie'.
I am a girl.  I do not barbeque.  My domain is the kitchen and I am very happy to stay there.   I love to cook (heck, I love to eat too!!).  LOML is not a huge barbequer either.  He can and does occasionally, but after a day at work, I think the last thing he wants to do is cook dinner as well.  So ... strike one.

I do not wear a hat with corks.
I do not wear hats ... at all, so the possibility of me wearing the Aussie icon is nil.  I do not look good in hats.  In fact, I look like I should be resting in a very special quiet place away from normal people.  
Also I think the corks bobbing in front of my eyes would annoy me far more than the flies they are keeping away.  Let the flies come and I will brush them away with a good old 'Aussie salute'!

I do not wear stubbies/shorts and a singlet.
Most of you know me.  Therefore this really needs no explanations.   It is for the betterment of the visual appeal of our nation that I refrain from this traditional attire.   If you do not know me .... just take my word for it!

I do not drink beer.
I used to drink beer.  I used to drink a lot of beer.  My first job was in the office at a brewery where beer was on tap and unlimited!  I was 19 years old at the time.   This should explain why I no longer imbibe.  I do however, love the taste and smell of LOML when he has had a beer.  Beery kisses .... yum!

I do not own a piece of clothing made from our flag.
The flag is the representation of our nation,  It is not a garment to be worn on the streets.  It is not something we should be sitting on at the beach. 
Respect please.

Yet, I am an Aussie and a damn proud one at that.   It does not take Australia Day for me to be grateful for my homeland.

We live in a scenic and peaceful land and I really hope it always stays that way.

I love the fact that Australia is an amazing blend of people who have come from every other country in the world.  They should be welcomed and learnt from.  Other cultures have so much to share with us.

What they should not share are the problems they have left behind.  Coming from countries that are torn apart with political/religious/ethnic fighting, I believe most people come here for a change.  A chance at a new peaceful life.  I understand that ties to homelands can be strong, but I do not appreciate people protesting on our streets about things that are happening in other countries.
Care and support by all means, but do not disturb the peace that you moved here to claim.

So let's raise a glass, switch on the cricket and/or tennis and enjoy what's left of 'our' day.  Tomorrow, it's back to work and school.  The routine of everyday life in the stunning land down under we call home.