What gave it away?

So - it might be apparent, but it might not, I no longer post here.

Here is where you can find my new rants - and work - and photos - and just generally, stuff I think about.

If you're interested.

That is all.

Gab x

Get inspired!

You know how some people are just happy? They go around smiling, and saying "hi!" and "have a nice day" and meaning it and all?  Positive people.  UGH.  Well I used to be one of those people who's first response to that was "hrumpf!" I was such a cynic with a capital C.  I thought, what are they so happy about?  They must be dillusional.  Do they not live in the same noisy, gritty, busy, busy, BUSY world as me? 

It turns out - they don't.  But the funny thing is, it wasn't that they didn't live in my busy world - I was just walking through their world, THIS world, with my head up my bum and grimace on my face - understandable now in hindsight.  I've decided this year is going to be different.  This year, no more cynicism - no more "meh." 

The lady in the picture above is case in point.  Meet Megan.  She is one of my inspirations this year and the epitome of positivity.  Megan says what she means, and means what she says.  She is a massive Oprah fan and even features on the upcoming Aussie shows where she had the Big O over for dinner.  She's taken the famous Oprah credo of "live your best life" and put it into action.  And you know what the universe has done in return to her doing that? It has made her an inspiration to others, including me, in return.  The best payback anyone could get - being an inspiration to do better, be better, and achieve.

So while Muhammad Ali, Oprah herself and Tara Whitney (LOVE Tara) amongst others close to home (heart) bring out the best in me, Megan has let me see what can be achieved when you start listening to that teeny, tiny little voice inside that whispers "do it" and turns it into a loud, booming "DO IT!"

So thanks Megan - and watch out world - I'm coming at ya with a great big smile on my face!

be inspired by Megan here: http://www.facebook.com/JewelchicPage?v=wall

xxx
Gab

the space inbetween..

I've got post Christmas/ pre New Year's blues.  Well, not quite blues, more like "bah?".  I love Christmas, especially with the kids.  They make it so worthwhile and exciting.  I get to see it through the eyes of a four year old and he lets me fall in love with the whole believing in Santa thing again.  But after the presents have been opened, the first toy has been broken, the leftovers have been eaten (again!) and the pants been loosened another notch - we wait.  We wait for a new year to begin, lazing about in a limbo of eating, lying in the sun, playing in the park and it feels like time in standing still.  Love it.

A few years ago, okay, MANY years ago, the days after Christmas were completely different.  To me then, these days were the best part of the holidays.  You know New Year's is coming and that means WOO HOO - parties!  Where to go, who with, what to do and most importantly....what to wear - EEK!  So much preparation, primping, preening and tanning to do.  It filled each and every day and this was of course, pre-mobile phones   This meant lots and lots of long phone calls with the girls in between shopping trips. The endless details were reported on what was bought, for how much and where.  It was the 80s for me, so none of this less is more rubbish.  More like the more the merrier and keep it coming.  Heaps of bangles, headbands, and layers, lots of layers.  Did we not realise it was summer? DUH!  Add to that the elaborate hairstyles with heaps of hairspray and we were a walking fire hazard. 

These days things are much more sedate and I kinda like it that way.  Family is what it's all about and as my son says, it's "celebrate" today so that's what we intend to do just minus the hairspray and tequila shots.

Happy New Year to all and may the new year bring you all happiness and health!

cheers,
Gab
x

How's it go again?

Excuse me while I crack the knuckles, fiddle my fingers and wave them over the keyboard as I prepare to dive in the blogosphere once more.....

After wandering away from my keyboard and the hard slog of life as a SAHM, I stepped into the shoes of a working woman once more.  It lasted almost 16 months and but soon, I will be back at the coalface that is my kitchen sink once more.

You may be wondering, dear reader, if I am pleased about this turn of events and the answer is an unequivocal and resounding YES!

Being a working woman once more was a challenge after just 5 years out of the trenches.  If my wardrobe wasn't ready for it, how the hell was I suppose to figure it out?  I felt like the new kid at school, where everyone else had the cliques sorted (cool kids, tech heads, fashionistas) and I was the slightly older, substitute teacher.  The work itself was great, so I settled in to it and quickly learnt to juggle husband, kids, childcare, lunch preparations, interstate travel, early morning meetings and new co-workers.  

Life was just peachy, till it wasn't and the wheels fell off my fun bus.  I had been so busy with the business of being in business, that I didn't have as much time to spend baking with the kids, planning fabulous family feasts instead of boring dinners, cleaning the house within an inch of it's life, or my next big creative "thing".  I had been so sure that my little sojourn back in the working masses would not cramp my family style - but it did and I didn't like it.  Don't get me wrong, I liked earning my own way and being able to contribute financially to our household was great - but being a mum and all that that entails - for me - is so much more satisfying to me.

So whilst I will miss the money, the analytical thinking, the budgets and forecasts, the co-workers and in my business, the perks - the flip side of taking my kids to the museum, the freedom of spending a day baking, the smiles across the table as we feast on Indian night (complete with dress ups - a new addition), the pure enjoyment of being with my family will more than make up for it all.

Oh, and as for my bra burning sisters who wil tsk tsk this blatant plug for the non working mothers who LOVE what they do and don't feel the need to compete on that playing field, the stage is yours.  I'll be at the park with my kids on the swings......

WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!