This 'One Ronnie' skit on BlackBerrys is hysterical! Well worth the time to watch... and share!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Clinging onto the side of the wagon...
After 20-something years, a very close friend from high school got in touch and tonight we had dinner. What a delight it was to spend time with her and her mother and hear all about their lives, successes, family... and to giggle and share memories from our crazy teenage years. She is now an importer of lovely goods from Peru - lots of beautiful alpaca knitwear.
We met at a trade fair being held in Melbourne. We went for a walk around the fair - past beautiful handbags, elegant jewellry, leather goods. I have to say, it was so hard to stay 'on the wagon' and resist the lure of a gorgeous patent leather handbag that would be perfect for my law books this semester. I found myself trying to reason as to why I needed it & that it wouldn't really be shopping.
Clearly, I'm addicted to 'stuff'. I don't need a new handbag - there are a number of lovely ones in my wardrobe. I don't need something for my books as I have a wheelie bag + a car that lugs me to and from work. I don't need more stuff... this was just a reaction to the fact that I'm struggling with PMS and I'm detoxing after 4 weeks of no shopping. It was hard - particularly as I didn't tell my friend about my commitment for this year.
I've been listening to the audiobook The Power by Rhonda Byrne (which I purchased from the iTunes store ages ago). It is an interesting book. While it doesn't say anything I haven't heard before, the focus on the idea of 'love' fits with my thinking about love and what I need. Byrne talks about finding passion and thinking about what you'd like to achieve. Talking to my friend tonight over a great Indian dinner, I realised that I had lost all the passion of my youth and was struggling to come up with the big ideas and dreams that used to come naturally to me.
That, I feel, is the next step in my path. February will be devoted to rediscovering my passion and dreams.
On the news front, I am very pleased to report that both Pan and Chai are home and are doing well. After a few days in hospital, they are both home and, although a little balder and battle scared, seem to have recovered from their ordeal. They are cranky that they are no longer allowed outside, but they are recovering and it is a delight to have them back in our lives. Thank you for all your good thoughts & wishes -they are very much appreciated!
We met at a trade fair being held in Melbourne. We went for a walk around the fair - past beautiful handbags, elegant jewellry, leather goods. I have to say, it was so hard to stay 'on the wagon' and resist the lure of a gorgeous patent leather handbag that would be perfect for my law books this semester. I found myself trying to reason as to why I needed it & that it wouldn't really be shopping.
Clearly, I'm addicted to 'stuff'. I don't need a new handbag - there are a number of lovely ones in my wardrobe. I don't need something for my books as I have a wheelie bag + a car that lugs me to and from work. I don't need more stuff... this was just a reaction to the fact that I'm struggling with PMS and I'm detoxing after 4 weeks of no shopping. It was hard - particularly as I didn't tell my friend about my commitment for this year.
I've been listening to the audiobook The Power by Rhonda Byrne (which I purchased from the iTunes store ages ago). It is an interesting book. While it doesn't say anything I haven't heard before, the focus on the idea of 'love' fits with my thinking about love and what I need. Byrne talks about finding passion and thinking about what you'd like to achieve. Talking to my friend tonight over a great Indian dinner, I realised that I had lost all the passion of my youth and was struggling to come up with the big ideas and dreams that used to come naturally to me.
That, I feel, is the next step in my path. February will be devoted to rediscovering my passion and dreams.
On the news front, I am very pleased to report that both Pan and Chai are home and are doing well. After a few days in hospital, they are both home and, although a little balder and battle scared, seem to have recovered from their ordeal. They are cranky that they are no longer allowed outside, but they are recovering and it is a delight to have them back in our lives. Thank you for all your good thoughts & wishes -they are very much appreciated!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much to the people who have already donated to my No Shopping For a Year / Fitted for Work campaign. In less than 3 days, we have $150!! I'm so grateful & know that this money will go towards working with women and changing lives.
Also, you'll be pleased to know that our babies are on the mend. Still in the emergency hospital ward, they are both on drips but are doing well. We spent time with them tonight. Pan is irritated at the drip and bandage (which is a lovely feminist purple), but happy for a long rub and scratch. Chai has a towel over the cage as he likes to hide - but he's ok. With a blue bandage, he's a bit confused about the drip but was very happy to lay down for a long tummy rub. The house is very empty without them but they are in wonderful care & we will have them home soon. I am so grateful to the hospital staff - their love and care of the animals is so special. They are inspiring!
Also, you'll be pleased to know that our babies are on the mend. Still in the emergency hospital ward, they are both on drips but are doing well. We spent time with them tonight. Pan is irritated at the drip and bandage (which is a lovely feminist purple), but happy for a long rub and scratch. Chai has a towel over the cage as he likes to hide - but he's ok. With a blue bandage, he's a bit confused about the drip but was very happy to lay down for a long tummy rub. The house is very empty without them but they are in wonderful care & we will have them home soon. I am so grateful to the hospital staff - their love and care of the animals is so special. They are inspiring!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Crazy cat house!
Chai and Pan are the loves of our lives! They are our two 'sons' - two rescue kittens who came into our lives just over two years ago. They constantly make us laugh, give us unconditional love and melt our hearts with their purring and fascination for dried fish.
In November 2010, we almost lost Pan to a snake bite. The Bear found him as he was undergoing paralysis and we rushed him to the Animal Accident and Emergency Hospital who were amazing and had him back on four legs in no time. Since then, we've kept them inside during the day, only letting them out in the evenings for a few hours. This is a shot taken from the bathroom - they love sitting in this window as they have a view of the field next door and the street - they can see (and hear) when 'Daddy' is coming on his motorbike.
Today, we let them out around 7:30pm. It had been a cool day in Melbourne and we thought they would be safe. Around an hour later, The Bear looked over the balcony (he has an uncanny knack of knowing when to look) only to find them sitting with a brown snake! The Bear held the snake down with a broom and I grabbed both cats - who were most put out about having their play thing taken from them!
Although they both seemed 'ok', they are now at the vet hospital - in their capable care. We are a little stressed as it was frightening, plus the financial cost is very high (no Medicare for pets, it seems). In saying that though, the Universe also has an uncanny way of working things out & I know that it will all work out. I have faith (although I admit that I'm scared) that things will work out & we (all four of us) will be ok. It really is a case of getting through with 'love' and letting the rest work itself out.
In November 2010, we almost lost Pan to a snake bite. The Bear found him as he was undergoing paralysis and we rushed him to the Animal Accident and Emergency Hospital who were amazing and had him back on four legs in no time. Since then, we've kept them inside during the day, only letting them out in the evenings for a few hours. This is a shot taken from the bathroom - they love sitting in this window as they have a view of the field next door and the street - they can see (and hear) when 'Daddy' is coming on his motorbike.
Today, we let them out around 7:30pm. It had been a cool day in Melbourne and we thought they would be safe. Around an hour later, The Bear looked over the balcony (he has an uncanny knack of knowing when to look) only to find them sitting with a brown snake! The Bear held the snake down with a broom and I grabbed both cats - who were most put out about having their play thing taken from them!
Although they both seemed 'ok', they are now at the vet hospital - in their capable care. We are a little stressed as it was frightening, plus the financial cost is very high (no Medicare for pets, it seems). In saying that though, the Universe also has an uncanny way of working things out & I know that it will all work out. I have faith (although I admit that I'm scared) that things will work out & we (all four of us) will be ok. It really is a case of getting through with 'love' and letting the rest work itself out.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Fashion Challenge
As you may know, I've recently accepted the role of Chair for the Melbourne Advisory Committee of Fitted For Work. Fitted For Work is a marvelous social enterprise that works with women to get them ready to return, or enter, the workplace. Working with refugees, women who have experienced homelessness, women coming out of jail, women escaping domestic violence... Fitted For Work works to fit them with a suitable outfit for an interview and, when they are successful, provides them with a few outfits that they can wear to work.
While a suit and cute handbag will definitely make you feel more capable and chic, Fitted For Work also helps by working with individual women to practice interview skills and develop their own style. As you can imagine, this is definitely my sort of enterprise!
In March, Fitted For Work are launching their Fashion Challenge. The idea is that people sign up to a 'fashion challenge' such as wearing the same Little Black Dress for 2 weeks and raise money for the organisation. I encourage you to think about whether this is something you're interested in and sign up to raise money.
Alternatively, you can donate to my Fashion Challenge - A Year Without Shopping. By clicking on the link and then the big green 'Donate Now' button you can help me raise $5,000 in the next 12 months... or more if we get really excited! That amount will do wonders for Fitted For Work and the women we help. I (and the organisation) will be very grateful for the donations and you will know that you're assisting women make choices for themselves - choices that only come when they're earning money and participating in the world.
I will be hosting lunches, dinners, cocktail parties and other events where I will be happy to relieve you of your hard-earned cash during 2011. Emails will follow and I encourage you to pass them onto friends, lovers, family, colleagues... complete strangers. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification!
While a suit and cute handbag will definitely make you feel more capable and chic, Fitted For Work also helps by working with individual women to practice interview skills and develop their own style. As you can imagine, this is definitely my sort of enterprise!
In March, Fitted For Work are launching their Fashion Challenge. The idea is that people sign up to a 'fashion challenge' such as wearing the same Little Black Dress for 2 weeks and raise money for the organisation. I encourage you to think about whether this is something you're interested in and sign up to raise money.
Alternatively, you can donate to my Fashion Challenge - A Year Without Shopping. By clicking on the link and then the big green 'Donate Now' button you can help me raise $5,000 in the next 12 months... or more if we get really excited! That amount will do wonders for Fitted For Work and the women we help. I (and the organisation) will be very grateful for the donations and you will know that you're assisting women make choices for themselves - choices that only come when they're earning money and participating in the world.
I will be hosting lunches, dinners, cocktail parties and other events where I will be happy to relieve you of your hard-earned cash during 2011. Emails will follow and I encourage you to pass them onto friends, lovers, family, colleagues... complete strangers. Please let me know if you need any further information or clarification!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
'Enlightenment'... it means 'lightening up'
This was the view from our verandah on Saturday. The water you can see is the flooded river that was around four times its usual width. It has gone down now but the river bank has been stripped away. I am wondering how the wild animals are doing? There are a lot of birds around - so maybe the water has flushed the river?
I caught the end of a program with Deepak Chopra and Mike Myers discussing laugher and enlightenment. Interestingly, they said that 'enlightenment' was just that.... 'getting lighter'. Funny how something so simple can completely evade people! I had never considered the idea of 'getting lighter' being linked to spiritual learning and the process of development. I guess years of being Catholic and then years of being guilty about not being Catholic anymore have meant that I built up a whole lot of 'heaviness'... and struggled to find enlightenment.
Hmmm... working on that one!
In 2010, I stumbled upon The Divine Sisterhood and its divine creator, Ricci-Jane. Ricci-Jane is one of those people who's light is so bright and spirit so honest that she challenges my fear - just by being in the same room. I have to admit that I struggled to stay present because I found myself trying to hold onto all the 'stuff' (aka fear and loathing) that I've been building for so long. She's such a delight... and I wanted to share her blog.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Day 16... all you need is love.
Women's magazines, movies, TV shows all tell 'us' that what we really need is the new 'It Bag', the LBD, the perfect shoe (why are shoes always described in the singular?), thin thighs, expensive wrinkle cream and the newest colour lippie. So the question is... do we really?
I've been thinking a lot about resilience lately. As we watch large swathes of our beautiful country be swallowed by flood waters - destroying all in 'its' path - I've been thinking about what builds spirit, what 'love' actually means and how people pick themselves up and just keep on keeping on?
The river at the bottom of our 'garden' was flooded yesterday. At around four times its usual width, the water rushed past, taking trees and soil and, no doubt, native animals with it. While we were in no danger, it was frightening at times and I was relieved to see it back to normal this morning. Watching the water yesterday, however, I thought about what it must have been like for the mother who's baby was ripped from her arms? Even typing this, I am teary and can't get that family out of my mind. I know what it is like to lose a baby - my heart is re-breaking for that woman and her family. How do you pick yourself up after that?
While I type this, I'm listening to The Beatles 'All You Need Is Love'. I'm not a Beatles fan (in the mainstream sense) but really like this song - made popular again by the movie 'Love Actually' (one of my favourite films). If you listen to the words (and I thoroughly recommend that you do), it is clear that John Lennon et al were onto something here. 'Love' is really all you need. Whether love is found in the arms of a desired one, or complete strangers arriving with buckets to clean out your flooded house? Or whether it is found when an inspirational female Premier cracks during a press briefing and shows her vulnerability in an overwhelming situation? Or whether love is found weeding the garden with your children and hosing each other down afterward?. Or, in fact, a wonderful friend promising to keep you stocked with essential make-up items during a year of 'no shopping'. It really is... all you need! Well, its all I need... or so I am working out.
I am so unbelievably lucky. In this lifetime (and yes, I do believe in reincarnation, of sorts), I have such amazing love around me. An amazing, unbelieveable, loving husband, a family who are just 'there' even though we are so different, friends who are so solid I sometimes wonder what they are made from. Is this what makes me resilient to hurt and pain and crisis? I think it might be?
Clearly I'm just working out some of this 'stuff' and I don't have the answers. I do have an understanding, though, that its about the process... not the answer or outcome. It is the thinking, the philosophising, the musing that makes it understandable... and then, in a flash, it morphs into something else, something deeper and my understanding is brought to another level.
I've been thinking a lot about resilience lately. As we watch large swathes of our beautiful country be swallowed by flood waters - destroying all in 'its' path - I've been thinking about what builds spirit, what 'love' actually means and how people pick themselves up and just keep on keeping on?
The river at the bottom of our 'garden' was flooded yesterday. At around four times its usual width, the water rushed past, taking trees and soil and, no doubt, native animals with it. While we were in no danger, it was frightening at times and I was relieved to see it back to normal this morning. Watching the water yesterday, however, I thought about what it must have been like for the mother who's baby was ripped from her arms? Even typing this, I am teary and can't get that family out of my mind. I know what it is like to lose a baby - my heart is re-breaking for that woman and her family. How do you pick yourself up after that?
While I type this, I'm listening to The Beatles 'All You Need Is Love'. I'm not a Beatles fan (in the mainstream sense) but really like this song - made popular again by the movie 'Love Actually' (one of my favourite films). If you listen to the words (and I thoroughly recommend that you do), it is clear that John Lennon et al were onto something here. 'Love' is really all you need. Whether love is found in the arms of a desired one, or complete strangers arriving with buckets to clean out your flooded house? Or whether it is found when an inspirational female Premier cracks during a press briefing and shows her vulnerability in an overwhelming situation? Or whether love is found weeding the garden with your children and hosing each other down afterward?. Or, in fact, a wonderful friend promising to keep you stocked with essential make-up items during a year of 'no shopping'. It really is... all you need! Well, its all I need... or so I am working out.
I am so unbelievably lucky. In this lifetime (and yes, I do believe in reincarnation, of sorts), I have such amazing love around me. An amazing, unbelieveable, loving husband, a family who are just 'there' even though we are so different, friends who are so solid I sometimes wonder what they are made from. Is this what makes me resilient to hurt and pain and crisis? I think it might be?
Clearly I'm just working out some of this 'stuff' and I don't have the answers. I do have an understanding, though, that its about the process... not the answer or outcome. It is the thinking, the philosophising, the musing that makes it understandable... and then, in a flash, it morphs into something else, something deeper and my understanding is brought to another level.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day 12
It is unusually hot and steamy here tonight. The television is full of images of the Queensland floods and the devastation that is being encountered by the people in the North. Poor Premier Anna Bligh looks exhausted - but resolvant. She is an amazing woman - I really admire her intelligence and elegant leadership style.
On Monday I was feeling flat. There are some crazy things happening in our families, work was hot as the airconditioner was broken and I was facing the policy-wonk's biggest fear: a report that is starting from a blank piece of paper. I just couldn't get myself motivated! It is interesting how quickly I slipped into thinking thoughts like... 'its ok, I'll just pop into David Jones at lunchtime'. The thoughts were quickly pushed aside due to my no-shopping commitment which forced me to really think about what shopping actually means for me.
A few years ago I had a friend who was a recovering alcoholic. We talked about it once as I had only known her while she was sober. She told me of the way she used alcohol to dull the pain and make herself feel better when she was having a hard time. I realised on Monday that 'shopping' has been like that for me. While I am able to say 'no' and not shop myself into a penniless stupor, it has been a way of dulling pain, boredom and frustration.
So... now when I'm having an awful day, am angry or bored, I am forcing myself to look at what that actually means for me - and deal with it! Seriously, I think I'm going to be a radically changed woman at the end of 2011.
Meanwhile, the GF diet is going well. I'm steadily regaining the energy I used to have. Unfortunately though, my skin has broken out and I look like a spotty teenager. It is probably just de-toxing but I do feel 16 again, with all the commensurate angst. I've found a recipe for breakfast bars at a great site called Gluten Free Goddess (definitely my sort of place) so will make some over the weekend to have in my bag at work - for when I get the munchies and can't find anything suitably GF. I'm travelling next week so will need something for between meetings etc.
So, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Queensland. I'm not much for prayer in the traditional sense, but I'm sending good thoughts and vibes ... and, frankly, some cash to the Salvos! I think we should all do the same.
Till next time...
On Monday I was feeling flat. There are some crazy things happening in our families, work was hot as the airconditioner was broken and I was facing the policy-wonk's biggest fear: a report that is starting from a blank piece of paper. I just couldn't get myself motivated! It is interesting how quickly I slipped into thinking thoughts like... 'its ok, I'll just pop into David Jones at lunchtime'. The thoughts were quickly pushed aside due to my no-shopping commitment which forced me to really think about what shopping actually means for me.
A few years ago I had a friend who was a recovering alcoholic. We talked about it once as I had only known her while she was sober. She told me of the way she used alcohol to dull the pain and make herself feel better when she was having a hard time. I realised on Monday that 'shopping' has been like that for me. While I am able to say 'no' and not shop myself into a penniless stupor, it has been a way of dulling pain, boredom and frustration.
So... now when I'm having an awful day, am angry or bored, I am forcing myself to look at what that actually means for me - and deal with it! Seriously, I think I'm going to be a radically changed woman at the end of 2011.
Meanwhile, the GF diet is going well. I'm steadily regaining the energy I used to have. Unfortunately though, my skin has broken out and I look like a spotty teenager. It is probably just de-toxing but I do feel 16 again, with all the commensurate angst. I've found a recipe for breakfast bars at a great site called Gluten Free Goddess (definitely my sort of place) so will make some over the weekend to have in my bag at work - for when I get the munchies and can't find anything suitably GF. I'm travelling next week so will need something for between meetings etc.
So, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Queensland. I'm not much for prayer in the traditional sense, but I'm sending good thoughts and vibes ... and, frankly, some cash to the Salvos! I think we should all do the same.
Till next time...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Day 8
For years and years... as long as I can remember really, if I was having an awful day, I would simply 'go shopping'. Even if I had little (or no) money, I would find solace in the making of a purchase. Inevitably, I would regret the purchase, feel guilty because I didn't need it or find that I already had something like it. Little by little my 'stuff' added up - interestingly at a similar pace to the kilos.
On a parallel front, I have taken no care or interest in the food I eat. I have always claimed not to like cooking or be interested in the food I eat. I suppose the fact that I 'eat' is clear - at over 40kgs overweight, I am clearly 'eating'. I am just not enjoying or being interested in food.
It seems to me that I have shopped and eaten to cover up / hide from / avoid great pain. By dulling the pain, I've managed to avoid grief and fear. So, now that I am (a) watching what I am eating (and cooking, strangely enough) and (b) not shopping, I have nothing to dull the pain with. I found myself in tears, this afternoon, reading a book by Malcolm Turnbull about the Spycatcher Case. Needless to say, the books is fascinating and well written, but nothing that would bring someone to tears. I think that things are finding their way to the surface...
Meanwhile, tonight I cooked a curry chicken soup. Not being a talented cook, I asked The Bear if I should repeat that recipe as I wasn't sure whether he liked it. His answer - 'hell, yes' - allayed my concerns. Tomorrow I'm off to the Farmer's Markets - to connect further with the idea of healing my (our) bodies and avoiding supermarkets.
On a parallel front, I have taken no care or interest in the food I eat. I have always claimed not to like cooking or be interested in the food I eat. I suppose the fact that I 'eat' is clear - at over 40kgs overweight, I am clearly 'eating'. I am just not enjoying or being interested in food.
It seems to me that I have shopped and eaten to cover up / hide from / avoid great pain. By dulling the pain, I've managed to avoid grief and fear. So, now that I am (a) watching what I am eating (and cooking, strangely enough) and (b) not shopping, I have nothing to dull the pain with. I found myself in tears, this afternoon, reading a book by Malcolm Turnbull about the Spycatcher Case. Needless to say, the books is fascinating and well written, but nothing that would bring someone to tears. I think that things are finding their way to the surface...
Meanwhile, tonight I cooked a curry chicken soup. Not being a talented cook, I asked The Bear if I should repeat that recipe as I wasn't sure whether he liked it. His answer - 'hell, yes' - allayed my concerns. Tomorrow I'm off to the Farmer's Markets - to connect further with the idea of healing my (our) bodies and avoiding supermarkets.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Dear Gladys
I have recently become involved with a marvelous social enterprise called Fitted For Work. Through providing suitable business clothes, styling sessions and interview coaching, Fitted For Work helps women get into (or back into) the workplace. I am a BIG fan and will be advertising them shamelessly on this blog.
However, today - as I am short of time - I am letting you know that FFW's boutique, Dear Gladys, is having a January Sale.
In addition to finding some marvelous vintage deals, you will be directly assisting the work of Fitted For Work and positively helping women. What else could you ask for?
However, today - as I am short of time - I am letting you know that FFW's boutique, Dear Gladys, is having a January Sale.
In addition to finding some marvelous vintage deals, you will be directly assisting the work of Fitted For Work and positively helping women. What else could you ask for?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
1000 Awesome Things
Listening to ABC Radio National, I heard about 1,000 Awesome Things. Basically, Neil Pasricha (another lovely Canadian) blogs about awesome things that happen in his daily life. Check it out... it really is awesome!
Today's awesome thing ... is waking up with Chai (above) curled up with me - purring in his sleep. Awesome!
Generation Y!
Although I have some gorgeous friends who are members of Generation Y (you know who you are), I am constantly confused and frustrated by the images young women (in particular) seem to be comfortable with (if you're not sure what I mean, watch 'Video Hits' next Saturday morning). I will admit, at 20, I was an angry, young feminist - complete with hairy legs and Doc Marten (plus a massive crush on Billy Bragg) so it is not be appropriate to myself to the current 'young things' - I was never one of the fashionable crowd.
I do struggle, however, with the seeming lack of political awareness, understanding of power and control in relationships, images of sexuality etc. It seems, at times, that the struggles we had for equal pay and against sexual harassment and domestive violence in the 80s and 90s - plus the lessons we learned from those awful stilletos - have not been heard. Worse still, we may be going backwards!
This evening, having been sent on a pilgrimage to Coles to buy organic carrots for the spagetti Himself is making, I decided to buy some gluten-free crackers so we could enjoy cheese and dip. I couldn't make up my mind and was soon helped by two delightful young women - who were also shopping in the 'health section' (what does that say about the rest of the supermarket?). They were both in their late teens - early 20s and soon we were discussing animal rights, vegetarianism and political activism. They were clearly enlightened because they knew about The Cure...
What a delight these lovely young women are! I am feeling so much more comfortable now... and inspired by those amongst us who still have the passion and fire to be political and personal. We will be attending an art exhibition they are having in March - so more about that in due course.
So, Day 2 of the Restorative Year and I have struggled a little. Crazy-lady hormones have kicked in so I'm craving sweet things, chilli and salt - preferably together. I've eaten some passionfruit and yoghurt plus The Bear is making his famous 'spag bol' (with organic pasta). After dinner, we're off for a walk and tomorrow we'll work in the garden... so we're getting in some exercise.
While I have attempted to relax, I've worked out that I'm really bad at it. The Bear finds my boredom amusing ... as I struggle to 'do nothing'. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and (soon) back to university as I miss the challenges afforded by my career. Meanwhile, I took out my 'skinny clothes' and hung them in the wardrobe - a constant reminder of the lovely things I have waiting for me... in 10kgs or so.
I hope the early stages of your 2011 are fabulous!
I do struggle, however, with the seeming lack of political awareness, understanding of power and control in relationships, images of sexuality etc. It seems, at times, that the struggles we had for equal pay and against sexual harassment and domestive violence in the 80s and 90s - plus the lessons we learned from those awful stilletos - have not been heard. Worse still, we may be going backwards!
This evening, having been sent on a pilgrimage to Coles to buy organic carrots for the spagetti Himself is making, I decided to buy some gluten-free crackers so we could enjoy cheese and dip. I couldn't make up my mind and was soon helped by two delightful young women - who were also shopping in the 'health section' (what does that say about the rest of the supermarket?). They were both in their late teens - early 20s and soon we were discussing animal rights, vegetarianism and political activism. They were clearly enlightened because they knew about The Cure...
What a delight these lovely young women are! I am feeling so much more comfortable now... and inspired by those amongst us who still have the passion and fire to be political and personal. We will be attending an art exhibition they are having in March - so more about that in due course.
So, Day 2 of the Restorative Year and I have struggled a little. Crazy-lady hormones have kicked in so I'm craving sweet things, chilli and salt - preferably together. I've eaten some passionfruit and yoghurt plus The Bear is making his famous 'spag bol' (with organic pasta). After dinner, we're off for a walk and tomorrow we'll work in the garden... so we're getting in some exercise.
While I have attempted to relax, I've worked out that I'm really bad at it. The Bear finds my boredom amusing ... as I struggle to 'do nothing'. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and (soon) back to university as I miss the challenges afforded by my career. Meanwhile, I took out my 'skinny clothes' and hung them in the wardrobe - a constant reminder of the lovely things I have waiting for me... in 10kgs or so.
I hope the early stages of your 2011 are fabulous!
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