: About Me

Hello, my name is Melanie and I am from NSW, Australia.

I was brought up around horses and especially Thoroughbreds. My father was a Jockey, then Stable Foreman and more recently a Trainer. For 6 years from the age of eight I lived on a Thoroughbred horse stud. These were the days before OH&S where I could handle race horses from that young age.

I am usually the person who can catch the scared and frightened horse that others can't catch. This was one great trait that was passed on to me from my Dad. Both my Dad and I taught NSW TAFE students how to handle and look after race horses. Two of three students went on to win awards and topped their course! Subsequently Dad was offered a teaching position at the TAFE.

I went on to do a Degree in Agriculture, and enjoyed subjects such as Animal and Plant Breeding Genetics, Weed Science, Agronomy, Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry and Animal Health and Welfare.

Half way through my degree I had an accident that left me with a painful neurological condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Subsequently I have learned a lot about my condition and also about Pain Management and Medicines.

During my degree I worked in a Timber and Hardware Store as a retail assistant. This is where I learned a lot about customer service and business structure.

I am also interested in writing, making fashion jewelry, watching Rugby League and other exciting competition sports. I also love listening to music and dig the 80's and watching documentaries on Nat Geo or the Discovery Channels.

So through education and life experiences I am very resourceful in many different areas.

My passion is ...

To enjoy the more "Simple and Important Things in Life".

I know too much about ...

Lots of stuff, but really about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

My parents always told me ...

I can achieve anything I work hard for!

My childhood ambition ...

I was an Academic and Fitness Freak in High School.

My favorite memory ...

My Dad training the winner of one of the feature races on Cup day in our home town.

Why I write ...

Love to express myself through writing. I find it comes easier and more structured then speech.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Reading - Medical Terminolgy Texts and Dictionary for a Course I have started in Medical Admin. Watching - Neighbours. Listening to Delta Goodrem's 3rd Album.

My first job ...

Working for my Dad - That was tough, I was responsible for the other workers stuff ups at the age of 17!

My best moment ...

Meeting Delta Goodrem and sharing a special moment with her!

My inspiration ...

Delta Goodrem - Such beautiful meaningful Metaphors in her lyrics

Home & Garden > Cleaning Products Understanding toxicity and exposure to cleaning products

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If you are like me, you would also assume that if a product was on the market, it must be safe. The terms "household toxins" and "indoor air pollution" have came to light over the past decade as the medical and scientific communities have begun recognizing that common household chemicals can have an adverse effect on our health. Actually there are common consumer products that we use every day that are filled with toxic chemicals. Many of these products require special handling if they are used in a chemical laboratory or in the workplace. Yet we still use these same chemicals at home with...

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