Renate Singer, one of the cofounders of Fitted For Work is dressing up as famous people for the Fashion Challenge. She dressed up as Dame Edna Everage this week and was featured in The Age. She's a brave and passionate woman - I admire her strength and focus to get things done.
On my front, I've worked out that I have not planned my challenge well and with the coming Melbourne winter have left myself short of some clothing essentials. Basically, I may find myself being cold if I don't do something about it. So I made the choice to buy some second hand clothes at the FFW clothing sale on the weekend. With a couple of jackets and a nice new top, I'll be sorted for the coming winter. I did manage to find a fabulous hot pink Anthea Crawford jacket which, with a black top and skirt (already in my wardrobe) looks fabulous and made me feel like a lawyer (think Diane Lockhart from The Good Wife). I wore the ensemble yesterday and feeling fabulous helped me get through a challenging day at work.
Not having enough clothes for work has made me realise that many women face this issue and, unlike my case, don't have the funds or the access to great clothes. My sense of style comes directly from my mother who always looks amazing - even when times are tight or a crisis is happening. Her motto of 'always look your best' doesn't mean you have to wear designer gear, it means being tidy and coordinated and always having a bit of lippy on. I've realised again this week that I am so fortunate and have a definite responsibility to pay it forward.
Off to a business women's lunch - with a lecture on intellectual property law - today. I'm looking into IP issues at the moment at work, so am keen to hear what the lawyer has to say.
Until next time...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
RIP Mohammed Nabbous
Last Friday night, I was driving home from work, listening to my beloved Radio National. A young journalist named Mohammed Nabbous was being interviewed from Benghazi in Libya. He was brave and engaged and passionate about the freedom he and his countrypeople wanted. I was inspired by his strength and admired his belief in freedom and democracy - something which (at times) I take for granted. The interviewer asked him whether he was scared as if was known that Gaddafi's troups were closing in on Benghazi. His answer 'there are 300,000 of us, he can't kill us all'.
As I approached Melbourne, there were three army helicopters circling over the city. They were so low that I could see the men inside the open doors. Instead of being scared, I marvelled at the technology and wondered what they were doing? It occured to me that if I was a woman in Libya, right then, I would be petrified for my life.
Over the weekend, at a beautiful wedding full of love and joy, I thought of Mohammed Nabbous, his family, his wife - who is expecting their first child, their fellow countrypeople and wondered how this would all turn out? I sent them love and peace and prayers - in that mad way that only a confused aethiest can.
This evening, Radio National announced that Mohammed had been shot by a sniper yesterday and was dead. He was 28 years old. His baby is due in a few weeks and his wife is left, in Benghazi - fearing for her life and the future of her child. She is continuing his work - asking for people to keep filming and getting the story of what is happening to the Libyan people out into the world.
I am crying as I write this as I can't get this young family out of my mind. I don't know this woman, Perditta, but I wish I did. I wish I could bring her and her family to our home and make them tea. Give them a safe and warm place to sleep. A hospital she could have her baby in - with dignity and proper medical support. A place to grieve her lost love and then the support to get on her feet and help her broken country up.
I send her love. Peace. And the message that I, too, am grieving for the loss of her husband. Rest In Peace, Mohammed Nabbous.
As I approached Melbourne, there were three army helicopters circling over the city. They were so low that I could see the men inside the open doors. Instead of being scared, I marvelled at the technology and wondered what they were doing? It occured to me that if I was a woman in Libya, right then, I would be petrified for my life.
Over the weekend, at a beautiful wedding full of love and joy, I thought of Mohammed Nabbous, his family, his wife - who is expecting their first child, their fellow countrypeople and wondered how this would all turn out? I sent them love and peace and prayers - in that mad way that only a confused aethiest can.
This evening, Radio National announced that Mohammed had been shot by a sniper yesterday and was dead. He was 28 years old. His baby is due in a few weeks and his wife is left, in Benghazi - fearing for her life and the future of her child. She is continuing his work - asking for people to keep filming and getting the story of what is happening to the Libyan people out into the world.
I am crying as I write this as I can't get this young family out of my mind. I don't know this woman, Perditta, but I wish I did. I wish I could bring her and her family to our home and make them tea. Give them a safe and warm place to sleep. A hospital she could have her baby in - with dignity and proper medical support. A place to grieve her lost love and then the support to get on her feet and help her broken country up.
I send her love. Peace. And the message that I, too, am grieving for the loss of her husband. Rest In Peace, Mohammed Nabbous.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
More about the Fashion Challenge
Thank you to everyone who came to the Fashion Challenge Launch in Melbourne on 7 March. It was a wonderful event - although I am sorry I didn't get to chat to anyone.
FFW continues to work towards raising funds during March through the Fashion Challenge. This is a big event for us so I have committed to spreading the word.
Should you wish to hold a Fashion Challenge event in your workplace, home ... park... whatever, FFW have supplied the following 'helpful hints' to get you started:
FFW continues to work towards raising funds during March through the Fashion Challenge. This is a big event for us so I have committed to spreading the word.
Should you wish to hold a Fashion Challenge event in your workplace, home ... park... whatever, FFW have supplied the following 'helpful hints' to get you started:
- Decide on your team Fashion Challenge with your co-workers, family and friends... wear stripes with spots, wear an outrageous hat or stockings (or crazy ties or socks for men), wear orange, red or black from head to toe for a day - whatever it takes to have FUN and get people asking what you're up to!
- Register your team at www.fashionchallenge.org (click on Start Fundraising to go to the Gofundraise website and click on 'sign up now' next to the green 'login' button)
- Once you've registered your team, send the link to your Team Fashion Challenge page to the team so they can spread the word...
If they don't know about Fitted for Work and how we make a difference to disadvantaged women, send them Angela's story http://www.evotest.net/sales/SecondLives_FFWMaster.html - Read the Top Ten Tips for fundraising attached for more ideas and send it on to your team challengers...ask the boss to match what your team raises, post it on your facebook page, twitter it...
- Host a morning tea, lunch or after work drinks on 1 April and have a fashion parade. Give prizes for the most funds raised by a team member and the best dressed! Whatever you do, make it FUN....
The team at Fitted for Work are here to help! As am I... as always. I have a couple of fabulous invitations and posters for FFW, so if you would like them, please just let me know & I'll email.
It is 11:22pm as I write this ... and I'm so tired, I can't even motivate myself to walk into the bedroom to go to bed. I am beyond exhausted just at the moment. I have so much I would like to blog about... but we're all going to have to wait until tomorrow.
In the meantime, stay well & keep the people of Japan in your thoughts, prayers, musings and meditations.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Flexibility
I spoke at a conference today on behalf of Fitted For Work. It went well & I got lots of interest - which is always fabulous for FFW.
The conference was on 'family friendly workplaces' and when I arrived the 200+ participants were listening to a panel discuss flexible work arrangments. It seemed to focus on women who had children, which is interesting in itself, but then a participant said that with small children she had a 'right' to flexibility and she was offended by people who didn't have family responsibilities having a flexible arrangement at work.
I must admit, this statement made me MAD!! I've previously been in a workplace where I was told that only women with families got to have flexible days and that their holiday requests would always be approved before the rest of us. Regardless of the fact that this leaves out men, people with older family members who they care for and gay couples with kids, I would argue that it flies in the face (and the spirit) of anti-discrimination law.
So... I've been thinking about flexibility and work and what it means for me. Due to the fact that the drive to work is over 75 minutes (one day) for me, my boss allows me to work at home 2 days a week - usually Wednesdays and Thursdays. Clearly this arrangement is based on trust and a knowledge that I will do what I say I will do. It is also possible due to having a computer and internet accessibility at home + my trusty BlackBerry.
I struggled with the isolation at first but now I love it! I am preparing a major submission at the moment so having quiet time to research and write means I get heaps more done than I would if I was in a noisy office. It also means I work different hours - working into the night regularly so that I can do other things in the morning (such as appear at conferences).
I think that having flexibility in the workforce is essential - regardless of whether someone has children, or not. Although I've chosen not to have children, I do a great deal of community/volunteer work which I would not be able to do if I didn't have some flexibility at work. This allows me to actively participate in the community, bring a set of skills to organisations that they may not otherwise be able to afford plus build my own skills and networks. I wonder whether the whingy woman - who clearly was the first woman in the world to work and have babies - has ever done any community work?
In other news, the Fitted For Work Fashion Challenge launch was fabulous last night! Over 100 women (and 1 man) attended and it was a great success. Although I am not shopping for the entirity of 2011, if you would like to donate to the Fashion Challenge, please do so before the end of March as I understand the website will go away. We are doing well with the challenge, although my contribution is ... well, not great. I'm working on it!
The conference was on 'family friendly workplaces' and when I arrived the 200+ participants were listening to a panel discuss flexible work arrangments. It seemed to focus on women who had children, which is interesting in itself, but then a participant said that with small children she had a 'right' to flexibility and she was offended by people who didn't have family responsibilities having a flexible arrangement at work.
I must admit, this statement made me MAD!! I've previously been in a workplace where I was told that only women with families got to have flexible days and that their holiday requests would always be approved before the rest of us. Regardless of the fact that this leaves out men, people with older family members who they care for and gay couples with kids, I would argue that it flies in the face (and the spirit) of anti-discrimination law.
So... I've been thinking about flexibility and work and what it means for me. Due to the fact that the drive to work is over 75 minutes (one day) for me, my boss allows me to work at home 2 days a week - usually Wednesdays and Thursdays. Clearly this arrangement is based on trust and a knowledge that I will do what I say I will do. It is also possible due to having a computer and internet accessibility at home + my trusty BlackBerry.
I struggled with the isolation at first but now I love it! I am preparing a major submission at the moment so having quiet time to research and write means I get heaps more done than I would if I was in a noisy office. It also means I work different hours - working into the night regularly so that I can do other things in the morning (such as appear at conferences).
I think that having flexibility in the workforce is essential - regardless of whether someone has children, or not. Although I've chosen not to have children, I do a great deal of community/volunteer work which I would not be able to do if I didn't have some flexibility at work. This allows me to actively participate in the community, bring a set of skills to organisations that they may not otherwise be able to afford plus build my own skills and networks. I wonder whether the whingy woman - who clearly was the first woman in the world to work and have babies - has ever done any community work?
In other news, the Fitted For Work Fashion Challenge launch was fabulous last night! Over 100 women (and 1 man) attended and it was a great success. Although I am not shopping for the entirity of 2011, if you would like to donate to the Fashion Challenge, please do so before the end of March as I understand the website will go away. We are doing well with the challenge, although my contribution is ... well, not great. I'm working on it!
Interesting article
Her Excellency, Quentin Bryce has called for quotas for women on boards. As you know, I am heavily influenced by Ms Bryce and am a HUGE fan! Just wanted to share. x
Complexities
Last night, our friend came to stay. She introduced The Bear and I and has a special place in our family. She is brave and smart and adventurous and inspirational.
Talking over a chilli and mint lamb (yes, I'm cooking now!!), the three of us explored issues of career, working, boards etc and both Our Friend and The Bear said that they didn't like having a lot of complexity in their lives. I do.
I've been thinking about it today. Our conversation got me thinking about 'busy-ness' and filling up time with 'stuff'. This Restorative Year is supposed to be about cleaning out - physically, spiritually, karmically... and yet I'm busier than I've ever been... who would have thought that possible? Between full-time work, a double masters, sitting on four committees and the occassional piece of freelance work, this has all become a bit mad.
What I've realised today is that there are a number of 'gaps' in my life. Usually I fill them with an endless search for the perfect handbag or lipstick that stays on. However, in the Year of No Shopping, I'm left with the gaps. I've realised that I've been filling them with being busy.
IT'S NOT WORKING!!! I'm so tired I can't think straight. I'm not doing anything well and am certainly not enjoying anything. There must be a better way to do this? I do like being busy, I love having lots of things happening... but what I am doing is silly because I don't have any time to stop and smell the organic, fair-trade coffee. I don't do anything for 'me'. Why not?
Talking over a chilli and mint lamb (yes, I'm cooking now!!), the three of us explored issues of career, working, boards etc and both Our Friend and The Bear said that they didn't like having a lot of complexity in their lives. I do.
I've been thinking about it today. Our conversation got me thinking about 'busy-ness' and filling up time with 'stuff'. This Restorative Year is supposed to be about cleaning out - physically, spiritually, karmically... and yet I'm busier than I've ever been... who would have thought that possible? Between full-time work, a double masters, sitting on four committees and the occassional piece of freelance work, this has all become a bit mad.
What I've realised today is that there are a number of 'gaps' in my life. Usually I fill them with an endless search for the perfect handbag or lipstick that stays on. However, in the Year of No Shopping, I'm left with the gaps. I've realised that I've been filling them with being busy.
IT'S NOT WORKING!!! I'm so tired I can't think straight. I'm not doing anything well and am certainly not enjoying anything. There must be a better way to do this? I do like being busy, I love having lots of things happening... but what I am doing is silly because I don't have any time to stop and smell the organic, fair-trade coffee. I don't do anything for 'me'. Why not?
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