Month: July 2018

Recently, I’ve learnt a new skill.

You see, I’ve always spoken up for the lost, disillusioned and disenfranchised. But for myself? Hardly.

But something amazing happened a month ago. I finally burst out what had been nagging at my conscience since the beginning of the year.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my work colleagues, my organisation, and adore my boss.

But the work itself?

I was bored, and had skills I wanted to flex, but were not needed in my current position.

So, I took two weeks leave. And I emailed the big guy himself…my CEO.

To cut out lots of irrelevant detail, I’m now an Editor, complete with new software, new microphone, and camera.

I’m now responsible for generating content to be used for promotional purposes.

So, what are you putting off? How are you selling yourself short? Who do you need to speak to in order to change things?

Join me I realising your dream career. Maybe the only barrier is that you need to speak up for yourself.

I’m writing this, on my phone and snuggled under a blanket.

Winter heating doesn’t need to be expensive.

A hint is to invest in a good quality woollen blanket and keep it on your favourite lounge chair.

The other secret is to have a couple of wheat bags. Mine is currently hot from the microwave and sitting on my knees under the woollen blanket.

For the price of some wheat and a piece of old flanelette I have a lovely sausage shaped source of delicious warmth.

Another trick I use is to burn a candle and watch the flame. I was inspired by a friend who has a fireplace. I’m so envious and threaten to not leave when it’s lit on cool Winter evenings.

Anyway, as my house doesn’t lend itself to having a fire, I’ve compromised by lighting candles and keeping them in strategic places in my living room.

How do you keep warm in Winter?

Tea Gardens is a stone’s throw from Port Stephens and the other reaches of Newcastle, NSW. It’s a pleasant little spot, and has a ferry operating across the harbour.

It was this ferry that I caught between the wharf outside the Tea Gardens Hotel and the other side of the harbour.

Sun streamed through the gaps between the clear cafe blinds that served as windows on the small vessel, as the captain navigated his way through a shallow harbour. It’s size is bigger than Sydney Harbour, although being much shallower, it doesn’t draw the bigger cruise liners that frequent the larger city.

Lunch was had at the Hotel. Simple and filling, it was salt and pepper squid served with chips and a beautiful salad.

But what made the trip memorable wasn’t the dolphins, or the sea turtle, neither of which I saw, unfortunately.

It was the lovely couple I met while the vessel chugged its way past the marine wildlife.

All for the price of an honest compliment, we struck up a conversation, easy to become immersed in, and we learnt a little of what we had in common.

So, the next time you’re out in public, say hello to the person next to you in line, and smile. You might just have a chance encounter with a kindred spirit.