Good Morning Bloggites! It has been a while since my teapot and I have made an appearance, and whilst my teapot cannot join us at this time, I only happy to represent us both.
The last few weeks have been a truly marvelous time for me. I have enjoyed another fabulous Christmas with my family, I have got my best friend back from Panama and I had the opportunity to travel throughout Vietnam with my mother. I have done more in the last two months than I have in my whole life and honestly I couldn’t be happier. The traveler’s bible, Lonely Planet, cautioned in jest “Warning: Traveling to Vietnam may change your life”. As clique as it sounds, it has. If I a woman still in the wilderness, I am truly among it rather than gazing upon it. I finally feel at home in my own skin.
Last night was the first time in my life that someone had described me as calm. And at that moment I realized, I was no longer nervous about the world, I was no longer trying to manipulate it or control it. I am finally just enjoying the ride. For that and many lessons, Vietnam I thank you.
In addition to enjoying the ride, I have truly found the meaning of gratitude. Sometimes all it takes it a walk in another man’s shoes to realize how comfortable your shoes are. For all the bitching and moaning I used to do, I give anyone living in a third world country the permission to slap me…gently. I have finally realized the fulfillment of life is to focus on the haves, not the have-nots. If all I had in this world are my family and friends, I am wealthier than most people than most people I meet. Believe it or not, I am truly blessed.
So what I going to do with this “zen” energy? I am going to DO. You hear me, Tahnee, the master procrastinator is actually going to start putting her money were her mouth is. And if I were you, I be edging your bets in my direction, because this year I am on a winner. Just for starters, this is what we can all expect to see me cross of the list in the new year:
I will get an awesome job
I will find an awesome pad in the city that is perfect for the three ferrets in every way
I will dance Salsa, Hip Hop and Contemporary
I will write a song… or two( woo hoo... sorry I have the rhyming fever)
I will give up alcohol and raise money and awareness whilst doing it
I will write, read and continue my research
I will take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself
I will be kind to myself
I will learn French
I will be financially free
And that’s just the beginning people. And Richard, if you are reading this, I haven’t forgotten you- You on the list too buddy so watch out!
Well Goodbye for now as I am off to conquer the world, and rest assured I will keep you posted.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Book List Updates
I have powered through the following books:
Lets not Crew it, Let's Just do it- Richard Branson
Act like a Lady, think like a man- Steve Harvey
The Richest Man in Babylon- Richard Clarson
Lets not Crew it, Let's Just do it- Richard Branson
Act like a Lady, think like a man- Steve Harvey
The Richest Man in Babylon- Richard Clarson
The Ease of Achievement
Well the ceramic teapot has been replaced with vietnamese iced tea, but the vibe is still the same- small steps to achieve a much bigger picture. I have been amazed the little things I have achieved that graduate on to bigger accomplishments and make the final challenges appear so much more attainable.
For example my climbing challenge-
Step One: When I first put this down in writing my friend Steve called me and invited me to go indoor rock climbing at burleigh before I left for Vietnam. I scrambled up those walls with joy and abandon and though little of the physical strain it takes to climb those walls. The hardest thing was letting go
Step Two: I arrived at the majestic temples of Angor Wat and Thom where I climbed my first "mountain"- the locals call Bayon, the temple mountain. It is only about 50m to the summit, but I found that my new found skills came in handy as the steps are shallow and steep. This was also the case at the terrace of the Leper King. I must admit although it might not seem that high I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I reached the top. And Mum did a fantastic job. She has a raging case of vertigo but sucked it up and made it to the top as well.
Step Three: In Battambang, to get to the Killing CAves, you need to climb Boat mountain. Admittantly, there are steps up the mountain but it is much, much higher and again when I reached the top, dripping in sweat from the Cambodian heat, the smile again was broad. I was yet another step closer to achieveing my mountain climbing challenge
Now I await the mountains in Sapa in Northern Vietnam. It will be trekking up the mountains but there are no predetermined steps. Soon, on to the next step where I will be on the side of a mountain, harnessed up and finding my footholds and telling you about the biggest smile ever!
This challenge in itself has shown that I need to be kinder to myself, take joy in the little accomplishments and that joy will propel me further and faster into the future that I create for myself, step by step
For example my climbing challenge-
Step One: When I first put this down in writing my friend Steve called me and invited me to go indoor rock climbing at burleigh before I left for Vietnam. I scrambled up those walls with joy and abandon and though little of the physical strain it takes to climb those walls. The hardest thing was letting go
Step Two: I arrived at the majestic temples of Angor Wat and Thom where I climbed my first "mountain"- the locals call Bayon, the temple mountain. It is only about 50m to the summit, but I found that my new found skills came in handy as the steps are shallow and steep. This was also the case at the terrace of the Leper King. I must admit although it might not seem that high I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I reached the top. And Mum did a fantastic job. She has a raging case of vertigo but sucked it up and made it to the top as well.
Step Three: In Battambang, to get to the Killing CAves, you need to climb Boat mountain. Admittantly, there are steps up the mountain but it is much, much higher and again when I reached the top, dripping in sweat from the Cambodian heat, the smile again was broad. I was yet another step closer to achieveing my mountain climbing challenge
Now I await the mountains in Sapa in Northern Vietnam. It will be trekking up the mountains but there are no predetermined steps. Soon, on to the next step where I will be on the side of a mountain, harnessed up and finding my footholds and telling you about the biggest smile ever!
This challenge in itself has shown that I need to be kinder to myself, take joy in the little accomplishments and that joy will propel me further and faster into the future that I create for myself, step by step
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Off with her hair!
Hello and greetings from the busy Ho Chi Ming City! I have a quick report in that I have crossed something off my list:
I CUT OFF MY HAIR!
I figure as it is almost as hot as hades here, that this was the time and the place to take the leap, or should I say cut. Can you believe that I got a cut, colour, shampoo, blowdry and massage and got my mum a pedicure and manicure for just over $40- I LOVE THIS PLACE! Most off all I am finally coming to understand why I came to this place- to understand fully the privledged life we leave in Australia.
Here is a quick comparsion: As a supervisor at BHH I could make up to $800-$1000 for a 38 hour week, depending on loadings and public holidays. Last night we meet Tai, manager of the Go2BBQ here in Saigon. He works everyday but Wednesday, but currently works everyday as his staff are new. He can make a MAXIMUM of 4, 000, 000 VND per month (Which is about $200 AUS). About 1, 500, 000 goes to his Mother in Denang as she has debts and has 8 children in total. His share accomodation is 500, 000 per month (and god knows how many people he shares with). The last 2,000,000 VND (approx 500,000 VND per week) is all he has left. His ambition is to become a tour guide- which you have to UNIVERSITY for! So he works hard for his tips as you can imagine. This is the story of someone that is somewhat well off here in saigon. Imagine what it is like for the street peddlers and other vietnamese people that break their back for a meagre wage. I came to realise, that no matter what you do here at home, whether it is "f***king scraping dishes" as chef so eloquently puts it, we truley have it good in Australia
I CUT OFF MY HAIR!
I figure as it is almost as hot as hades here, that this was the time and the place to take the leap, or should I say cut. Can you believe that I got a cut, colour, shampoo, blowdry and massage and got my mum a pedicure and manicure for just over $40- I LOVE THIS PLACE! Most off all I am finally coming to understand why I came to this place- to understand fully the privledged life we leave in Australia.
Here is a quick comparsion: As a supervisor at BHH I could make up to $800-$1000 for a 38 hour week, depending on loadings and public holidays. Last night we meet Tai, manager of the Go2BBQ here in Saigon. He works everyday but Wednesday, but currently works everyday as his staff are new. He can make a MAXIMUM of 4, 000, 000 VND per month (Which is about $200 AUS). About 1, 500, 000 goes to his Mother in Denang as she has debts and has 8 children in total. His share accomodation is 500, 000 per month (and god knows how many people he shares with). The last 2,000,000 VND (approx 500,000 VND per week) is all he has left. His ambition is to become a tour guide- which you have to UNIVERSITY for! So he works hard for his tips as you can imagine. This is the story of someone that is somewhat well off here in saigon. Imagine what it is like for the street peddlers and other vietnamese people that break their back for a meagre wage. I came to realise, that no matter what you do here at home, whether it is "f***king scraping dishes" as chef so eloquently puts it, we truley have it good in Australia
Monday, November 9, 2009
To Infinity and Beyond
Good Morning space travellers! I grace you this morning with the green tea in hand but with some very exciting news- I am going to Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia... TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does this mean that the List goes on hold? Does it deserve a holiday as well? HARDLY! This holiday is just an example of the gateway of opportunities; the plethora of experiences that stand at my disposal. This trip, and my new life after it, IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!
So imagine, if you can, Stewardess Tahnee, in a beautiful red uniform waving you forward to join me on the first step of my quest. We will see elephants, monkeys, great food and great times! You will be the first to know if any list crossing off opportunities are to be had.
Until then check out http://www.tahneevivianvietnamadventures.blogspot.com/
So imagine, if you can, Stewardess Tahnee, in a beautiful red uniform waving you forward to join me on the first step of my quest. We will see elephants, monkeys, great food and great times! You will be the first to know if any list crossing off opportunities are to be had.
Until then check out http://www.tahneevivianvietnamadventures.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
An Inconvenient Truth- Lessons Learnt from Al Gore
We, or at least just me, has had their head further up their arse than we would care to admit. I am personally responsible, albeit with other "tourists" to this planet, for the fact that Polar Bears are drowning. Yes my GHD, ipod, my Palmolive body wash, my supermarket bought food imported from god knows where, my mobile phone and all its extras has created a butterfly effect that is causing death. As much as I would love to be ignorant and enjoy the fruit of the labors of the last century, I AM A POLAR BEAR KILLER
You may think that the statement is overkill in an sense it is- its not just me, my best friend, my boss, my mother, my family, my workmates are all killing POLAR BEARS... and many more species than we care to admit.
And as much as Australia's are saying "the Americans are stalling on this- what have they done- Americans are ignorant." But the fact remains, we have not committed as a nation to the Kyoto agreement. We cannot rest on the ignorant assumption that our governments will do the right thing. The will do the right thing for our economies right now and we cannot blame them for that. They need to respond to our needs right now to stay in power. WE need to make them act. The law, the government is a reactive function. They do what they can, but these structures are designed to respond the the opinion of the masses. As a part of the masses, I refuse to believe in the commercial doubt campaigns that champions economic prosperity through "dirty" technology . Take advantage of the way in the system is designed and the historically evidence that there is strength in numbers.
We have the ability, the knowledge and technology to change our world, yet we do nothing. Before we see our children drowning in seas that we never thought would reach the inner sanctums, we need to act. Do I need to have straight hair every day? Does my 60" plasma make me happier as a person? As a community and as a world population at large, we can make a difference in the everyday choices we make. What can I do without today that will provide ten fold for the generations that proceed me. As much as we are indoctrinated to believe differently, we are more than current consumerist ideals. We can change the future, we can change our lives for ourselves, for our communities and for the world at large- NOW
Beyond all of this, we have become so disenchanted from our environment. I admit I spend many morning, walking the idyllic beaches of the gold coat and I think about my finances, my weight, my comforts and pressures- I forget to acknowledge to beauty that confronts me as it slips away. There is really something in the old adage "take the time to smell the flowers". Not only will we commune with nature, experience the bountiful sensory implications of that communication, but you will want nothing more for our children to have the same ability to do indulge those same senses.
So many people resign themselves to their pressures, to what is expected of them right now and do nothing. There is pressure and I feel it like the rest of the world. But if we do nothing the families, the lineage we hope to give to the world will purely cease to exist.
If only for the polar bear left stranded at sea for our ignorance and need for decadent indulgence, do something. Every step, as minor as it seems to you, will make a different. Do not concern yourself with what others are not prepared to do. Just do it. You will make a difference.
You may think that the statement is overkill in an sense it is- its not just me, my best friend, my boss, my mother, my family, my workmates are all killing POLAR BEARS... and many more species than we care to admit.
And as much as Australia's are saying "the Americans are stalling on this- what have they done- Americans are ignorant." But the fact remains, we have not committed as a nation to the Kyoto agreement. We cannot rest on the ignorant assumption that our governments will do the right thing. The will do the right thing for our economies right now and we cannot blame them for that. They need to respond to our needs right now to stay in power. WE need to make them act. The law, the government is a reactive function. They do what they can, but these structures are designed to respond the the opinion of the masses. As a part of the masses, I refuse to believe in the commercial doubt campaigns that champions economic prosperity through "dirty" technology . Take advantage of the way in the system is designed and the historically evidence that there is strength in numbers.
We have the ability, the knowledge and technology to change our world, yet we do nothing. Before we see our children drowning in seas that we never thought would reach the inner sanctums, we need to act. Do I need to have straight hair every day? Does my 60" plasma make me happier as a person? As a community and as a world population at large, we can make a difference in the everyday choices we make. What can I do without today that will provide ten fold for the generations that proceed me. As much as we are indoctrinated to believe differently, we are more than current consumerist ideals. We can change the future, we can change our lives for ourselves, for our communities and for the world at large- NOW
Beyond all of this, we have become so disenchanted from our environment. I admit I spend many morning, walking the idyllic beaches of the gold coat and I think about my finances, my weight, my comforts and pressures- I forget to acknowledge to beauty that confronts me as it slips away. There is really something in the old adage "take the time to smell the flowers". Not only will we commune with nature, experience the bountiful sensory implications of that communication, but you will want nothing more for our children to have the same ability to do indulge those same senses.
So many people resign themselves to their pressures, to what is expected of them right now and do nothing. There is pressure and I feel it like the rest of the world. But if we do nothing the families, the lineage we hope to give to the world will purely cease to exist.
If only for the polar bear left stranded at sea for our ignorance and need for decadent indulgence, do something. Every step, as minor as it seems to you, will make a different. Do not concern yourself with what others are not prepared to do. Just do it. You will make a difference.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tahnee's Year of Abstinence
Good Morning all! I come to you this morning from the hub of knowledge and tranquility (otherwise know as the library), and I come bearing some exciting news. After talking to Simon from Life Education Australia, we are teaming up to raise awareness about alcohol abuse in Australia. I have committed myself to giving up alcohol for a year to raise funds and awareness about the program. Simon is currently creating a website titled "Tahnee's year of abstinence" and I will let you all know the address when it is up and running. So here is the deal:
As of January 1, I will be alcohol free up until 12pm 31 December 2010. There is the opportunity to buy "pass outs", so that on the rare special occasion I can have a drink if I choose. However, the pass out will cost me $50 and I am not allowed for than 5 for the year. However, being an all or nothing kinda girl, my aim is to be alcohol free for the entire year- no pass outs. But I guess it is nice to know there is a safety net and the challenge remains on track if I want to celebrate a special occasion with my friends and family.
So watch out, over the next few months and into the new year I will be out and about looking for sponsors, individual, small businesses and corporations alike- no one is safe. And hopefully there will even be some people that would like to join me on my quest. And remember it doesn't have to be for a whole year- The Ocsober campaign will be running again next year and you can commit to giving up alcohol for a month. Not only will you be a better example to all the kids out there growing up in Australia's unfortunate drinking culture, but your liver will love you for it!
As of January 1, I will be alcohol free up until 12pm 31 December 2010. There is the opportunity to buy "pass outs", so that on the rare special occasion I can have a drink if I choose. However, the pass out will cost me $50 and I am not allowed for than 5 for the year. However, being an all or nothing kinda girl, my aim is to be alcohol free for the entire year- no pass outs. But I guess it is nice to know there is a safety net and the challenge remains on track if I want to celebrate a special occasion with my friends and family.
So watch out, over the next few months and into the new year I will be out and about looking for sponsors, individual, small businesses and corporations alike- no one is safe. And hopefully there will even be some people that would like to join me on my quest. And remember it doesn't have to be for a whole year- The Ocsober campaign will be running again next year and you can commit to giving up alcohol for a month. Not only will you be a better example to all the kids out there growing up in Australia's unfortunate drinking culture, but your liver will love you for it!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Accidental Achieving
I have just realised that I unknowing achieved one of my goals today and didn't even realise it. I was getting a coffee at the local McCafe this morning, when the collection box for Ronald McDonald's house was starring me in the face. I had to scrouge up enough change to get my coffee and I looked at the last dollar that sat in my hand. My thought was "this was my last dollar, I might need to do some photocoping later or buy myself an apple" but what I felt was "Give the damn money away, if you really need the apple or to photocopy something you will find a way" This mental struggle went on for a few seconds longer than I would care to admit, but then I just felt wrong if I kept it for something, well meaningless. In so into Ronald's head it went
So... I just gave away my last dollar to someone who needed it more. It wasn't the way I had envisioned it happening, but my sense of charity prevailed over self gratification. Together with just banking the money I raised for CanTeen and achieveing the little challenge I set for myself this morning, I must admit I am on a bit of a good feeling vibe right now :)
P.S. I think I will keep that objective on my list though
So... I just gave away my last dollar to someone who needed it more. It wasn't the way I had envisioned it happening, but my sense of charity prevailed over self gratification. Together with just banking the money I raised for CanTeen and achieveing the little challenge I set for myself this morning, I must admit I am on a bit of a good feeling vibe right now :)
P.S. I think I will keep that objective on my list though
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Do some good
I have noticed that many of my ambitions can be cross referenced with a charitable goal:
1. I am currently in communication with Life Education Australia, who recently ran the ocsober campaign, to see how I can create a similar campaign to raise money and awareness about alcohol abuse in Australia. If that doesn't make me give up alcohol for a year, I don't know what will
2. In relation to cutting may hair, there is always shave for a cure, which raises money for cancer research. I must admit that scares me more than an alcohol free year! But then again, it is just hair right?... right?
And for the first Monday in November I have set myself a mini challenge to get beef up my training for triathalons etc.
Here is the course I have set for myself
Leg 1: Ride from Currumbin Waters/Valley to Currumbin Estuary
Leg 2. Run from Currumbin Estuary to Currumbin Surf Club and Back to the Alley
Leg 3. Swim the mouth of Currumbin Creek and Back
Leg 4. Recovery power walk back to Currumbin Estuary
Leg 5. Ride Back to Currumbin
1. I am currently in communication with Life Education Australia, who recently ran the ocsober campaign, to see how I can create a similar campaign to raise money and awareness about alcohol abuse in Australia. If that doesn't make me give up alcohol for a year, I don't know what will
2. In relation to cutting may hair, there is always shave for a cure, which raises money for cancer research. I must admit that scares me more than an alcohol free year! But then again, it is just hair right?... right?
And for the first Monday in November I have set myself a mini challenge to get beef up my training for triathalons etc.
Here is the course I have set for myself
Leg 1: Ride from Currumbin Waters/Valley to Currumbin Estuary
Leg 2. Run from Currumbin Estuary to Currumbin Surf Club and Back to the Alley
Leg 3. Swim the mouth of Currumbin Creek and Back
Leg 4. Recovery power walk back to Currumbin Estuary
Leg 5. Ride Back to Currumbin
So how do you stalk a celebrity?
So the question that is posed on everyone's lips is- how exactly do you stalk someone but not "really stalk" someone? Wikipedia of course! Like many internet stalkers before me I typed in Richard Bransons name to find more informaiton about the man; What makes him tick? What traits do I possess that can make some sort of tangible connection between the man and myself?
Well tenacity is a strength I believed I could tie between us, but now I see only in a way that you may find betwwen a lioness and her cub. Both have the instincts of the wild- its inbreed. But the poignant difference is that one's skills are honed and seasoned; where the other's is in its infantile stages of development.
What drives both creatures forward, experienced and inexperinced is the same inherent spirit that exists from infancy to adulthood- the sense of advenute. One of may favourite quotes is "I would rather try and fail than fail to try"
Reading more about Richard Branson (being a published author numerous times over has made distance-stalking him much more attaintable) has made me realised the man is living my dream. An Empire that transcends corporate and business ideologies with an investment in the future and a generous hand that rewards the people that have brought it to fruition. Whilst I admit I am somewhat uncomfortable of learning of Virgin's involvement in the collapse of Ansett and the huge repurcussions it had for Australian employment and economy, I know know that broader considerations are to be had.
But what I know realise is this- the dreams I have maybe fancilful right now but that does not dismiss their viability. I am a monkey see monkey do kinda gal and if Richard Branson can start from "Tubular Bells" on Virgin Records to Mobile Phones, Bridla Dresses, Airlines, Tilting Trains... then who is to say that I can't build the my own diverse empire? Sure it takes guts and gumption, but luckily those are traits I possess and life experience is honing every day.
The Lessons I take from Richard so far are these:
1. Just Do it!
2. Have Fun!
3. Be Bold
4. Challenge yourself
5. Stand on your own feet
6. Live in the moment
7. Value Family and Friends
8. Have Respect
9. Environemntal Change starts here and now with every decision
10. Be true to your product/yourself
11. Be innovative
12. Think Young
13. Speed is the utlimate competitive weapon- act now!
14. DO SOME GOOD!
Well tenacity is a strength I believed I could tie between us, but now I see only in a way that you may find betwwen a lioness and her cub. Both have the instincts of the wild- its inbreed. But the poignant difference is that one's skills are honed and seasoned; where the other's is in its infantile stages of development.
What drives both creatures forward, experienced and inexperinced is the same inherent spirit that exists from infancy to adulthood- the sense of advenute. One of may favourite quotes is "I would rather try and fail than fail to try"
Reading more about Richard Branson (being a published author numerous times over has made distance-stalking him much more attaintable) has made me realised the man is living my dream. An Empire that transcends corporate and business ideologies with an investment in the future and a generous hand that rewards the people that have brought it to fruition. Whilst I admit I am somewhat uncomfortable of learning of Virgin's involvement in the collapse of Ansett and the huge repurcussions it had for Australian employment and economy, I know know that broader considerations are to be had.
But what I know realise is this- the dreams I have maybe fancilful right now but that does not dismiss their viability. I am a monkey see monkey do kinda gal and if Richard Branson can start from "Tubular Bells" on Virgin Records to Mobile Phones, Bridla Dresses, Airlines, Tilting Trains... then who is to say that I can't build the my own diverse empire? Sure it takes guts and gumption, but luckily those are traits I possess and life experience is honing every day.
The Lessons I take from Richard so far are these:
1. Just Do it!
2. Have Fun!
3. Be Bold
4. Challenge yourself
5. Stand on your own feet
6. Live in the moment
7. Value Family and Friends
8. Have Respect
9. Environemntal Change starts here and now with every decision
10. Be true to your product/yourself
11. Be innovative
12. Think Young
13. Speed is the utlimate competitive weapon- act now!
14. DO SOME GOOD!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Learning to Surf
The day has dawned on yet another beautiful day here on the sunny Gold Coast. I am here once again, with my tea pot of course, pondering the many ambitious challenges I have set for myself. One I forgot to mention but has been a long time goal for me is to surf. I mean, come on, I am a gold coast local and at 26 years of age I cannot stand up on a surfboard for longer than a couple of seconds
This goal has a long history of attempts with little follow through- but there have been a lot of laughs. I remember the last time I attempted surfing, I went out to a local beach with a few of the "longboarder" girls from work. Of course, I told them that I could surf. The truth is that I had had a few lessons when I was 16 and happened to be in possession of a shortboard, the more difficult style of board to surf with.
Well, this shortboard happened to have a "few soft spots" and was not exactly waterproof as I found out. I was also a good 10-15kg heavier than I am now, so the board had some difficulties keeping me afloat. Add to this a bikini that I was deluding myself was suitable disappeared up my butt crack EVERY time I jumped back on the board. I did manage to get up on one of the other girls' boards, but after flashing the world my butt and slowly sinking, I can't say the attempt was a successful one. Those girls and I still have a laugh at the time the "full moon rose over Currumbin beach"
Recently, I decided to bite the bullet and buy another board. And again, I put myself on a steep learning curve and got a shortboard. My father lovingly restored it, adding fibreglass and resin here and there, sanding, repairing dings and even painted the tail of the board gold. There was no way that this baby was going to sink. I went down to the local surf shop, got myself a rashie and some wax, chucked the board in my little 2 door car (which was an interesting event all in itself) and went down to the beach. As I gazed out at the ocean, fear struck me. Not that I might hurt myself, or a shark may come up from the depths and bite my leg off. I was afraid that I would look like an idiot... So after a leisurely swim at the beach, I ended up merely taking my surfboard for a drive.
Not deterred, I threw the board in the back the next fine day with had we conviction- I WAS GOING TO SURF. No ifs, no butts, no excuses. I arrived at the beach and smiled up at the sky as the warmth on the sun drenched my features. I was ready. Just as I was about to touch my surfboard, the phone rings. My boss was in desperate need of someone to cover a shift. Being in need of money and always a sucker for someone in need, the board again never made it out of the car. My father now asks me when I am going to take my board for a drive again...
And as fate would have it, now I have resolved to be fearless and let no challenge go unturned, an opportunity to learn again has presented itself. I was at work when I was having a friendly banter with some customers, one of which was not at all difficult to look at. He mentioned that it would be great to win the lotto so that he could be a beachbum and surf all day. I said that I was a beachbum in training and would be happy to help him spend his lotto winnings with him, should he win. After discussing my ambition to learn to surf, he gave me a big wink and said that he was a surf instructor. Over the course of the afternoon I chatted with him and his friends and thought nothing of our encounter. Then as they were leaving, he came up to me, gave me his number and said that if I was ever interested in that surf lesson he would love to teach me.
So, I have a free lesson from a tall, dark and handsome surfer dude... which I haven't called. I know, I know I am CRAZY. Whilst he was tall, dark and handsome, there were some boxes that remained unchecked and I am fussy these days. Plus I believe that if a guy really wants you (and not just what is in your pants) he will ask for your number, he will court you and blah blah blah- not give you his number and expect you to do the chasing.
After careful deliberation, I slapped myself up the side of the head and wiped the tickets of my shoulder- it's just a surfing lesson, its not a date or anything romantic. Although he showed definite interest in me, I just want a surfing lesson and that is what he offered. It doesn't get anymore simple than that. And if he is interested, well he will find out very quickly that he is going to have some work to on his hands.
So let let you know how it goes...
This goal has a long history of attempts with little follow through- but there have been a lot of laughs. I remember the last time I attempted surfing, I went out to a local beach with a few of the "longboarder" girls from work. Of course, I told them that I could surf. The truth is that I had had a few lessons when I was 16 and happened to be in possession of a shortboard, the more difficult style of board to surf with.
Well, this shortboard happened to have a "few soft spots" and was not exactly waterproof as I found out. I was also a good 10-15kg heavier than I am now, so the board had some difficulties keeping me afloat. Add to this a bikini that I was deluding myself was suitable disappeared up my butt crack EVERY time I jumped back on the board. I did manage to get up on one of the other girls' boards, but after flashing the world my butt and slowly sinking, I can't say the attempt was a successful one. Those girls and I still have a laugh at the time the "full moon rose over Currumbin beach"
Recently, I decided to bite the bullet and buy another board. And again, I put myself on a steep learning curve and got a shortboard. My father lovingly restored it, adding fibreglass and resin here and there, sanding, repairing dings and even painted the tail of the board gold. There was no way that this baby was going to sink. I went down to the local surf shop, got myself a rashie and some wax, chucked the board in my little 2 door car (which was an interesting event all in itself) and went down to the beach. As I gazed out at the ocean, fear struck me. Not that I might hurt myself, or a shark may come up from the depths and bite my leg off. I was afraid that I would look like an idiot... So after a leisurely swim at the beach, I ended up merely taking my surfboard for a drive.
Not deterred, I threw the board in the back the next fine day with had we conviction- I WAS GOING TO SURF. No ifs, no butts, no excuses. I arrived at the beach and smiled up at the sky as the warmth on the sun drenched my features. I was ready. Just as I was about to touch my surfboard, the phone rings. My boss was in desperate need of someone to cover a shift. Being in need of money and always a sucker for someone in need, the board again never made it out of the car. My father now asks me when I am going to take my board for a drive again...
And as fate would have it, now I have resolved to be fearless and let no challenge go unturned, an opportunity to learn again has presented itself. I was at work when I was having a friendly banter with some customers, one of which was not at all difficult to look at. He mentioned that it would be great to win the lotto so that he could be a beachbum and surf all day. I said that I was a beachbum in training and would be happy to help him spend his lotto winnings with him, should he win. After discussing my ambition to learn to surf, he gave me a big wink and said that he was a surf instructor. Over the course of the afternoon I chatted with him and his friends and thought nothing of our encounter. Then as they were leaving, he came up to me, gave me his number and said that if I was ever interested in that surf lesson he would love to teach me.
So, I have a free lesson from a tall, dark and handsome surfer dude... which I haven't called. I know, I know I am CRAZY. Whilst he was tall, dark and handsome, there were some boxes that remained unchecked and I am fussy these days. Plus I believe that if a guy really wants you (and not just what is in your pants) he will ask for your number, he will court you and blah blah blah- not give you his number and expect you to do the chasing.
After careful deliberation, I slapped myself up the side of the head and wiped the tickets of my shoulder- it's just a surfing lesson, its not a date or anything romantic. Although he showed definite interest in me, I just want a surfing lesson and that is what he offered. It doesn't get anymore simple than that. And if he is interested, well he will find out very quickly that he is going to have some work to on his hands.
So let let you know how it goes...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
So... what are we going to achieve?
To be perfectly honest, I am not sure exactly what I want to set out to achieve over the year, but there is a massive to do list that I have put on the back burner and always poundered "I'd love to that- I just don't have the time". Well now that I am a woman of action, it is time that list saw the light of day. Whilst this list will grow as the days roll on there are a few things that spring to mind instantly
1. Climb a Mountain
2. Be published as a poet
3. Meet Richard Branson (of Course)
4. Have a passionate kiss under the Effiel Tower with that someone special
5. Read all the books on my growing book list
6. Be Sober for a year (again)
7. Do a 10km run for charity
8. Do a triathalon for charity
9. Introduce my best friend Max to Daniel Craig
10. Buy my mum a dishwasher
11. Cut off my hair
12. Find the one, at the right time
13. Go skydiving
14. Give my last dollar to someone who needs it more
These are the ones that came to my mind with little effort, I am sure that there will be more as I have a chance to ponder on the topic. Generallly, there are ambitions that I would like to achieve on an on going basis for the rest of my life:
1. Be more environmentally conscience- I want every choice I make to be one that supports the environment and reduces my carbon footprint
2. Be more charitable- I live a privileged life and would like to give back to the world, and its people, that sustain me
3. Give love like I don't expect it back- there is so little love in the world that is given freely, without seeking the fruit of ones' labours- I'd like to change that, one smile at a time
1. Climb a Mountain
2. Be published as a poet
3. Meet Richard Branson (of Course)
4. Have a passionate kiss under the Effiel Tower with that someone special
5. Read all the books on my growing book list
6. Be Sober for a year (again)
7. Do a 10km run for charity
8. Do a triathalon for charity
9. Introduce my best friend Max to Daniel Craig
10. Buy my mum a dishwasher
11. Cut off my hair
12. Find the one, at the right time
13. Go skydiving
14. Give my last dollar to someone who needs it more
These are the ones that came to my mind with little effort, I am sure that there will be more as I have a chance to ponder on the topic. Generallly, there are ambitions that I would like to achieve on an on going basis for the rest of my life:
1. Be more environmentally conscience- I want every choice I make to be one that supports the environment and reduces my carbon footprint
2. Be more charitable- I live a privileged life and would like to give back to the world, and its people, that sustain me
3. Give love like I don't expect it back- there is so little love in the world that is given freely, without seeking the fruit of ones' labours- I'd like to change that, one smile at a time
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
1 year and a massive to do list...
I am a 26 year old woman starring out into the wildness, both literary and figuratively. Sipping my green tea from a hand painted ceramic teapot, I am sure it is obvious to more than myself that life is taking a different direction. No more wake n baking, hair of the dog chasing, orgasm faking or emotional masturbating. Like the change in morning rituals over the years to now, there is a massive change moving in. Patiently it had waited on the horizon, but now it knows no patience- my world is going to change.
It is time to make things happen. I have enjoyed pearls of good fortune that have fallen into my lap, but I have never had long to enjoy them because just as I did nothing for them to come into my life, I did nothing to prevent it from leaving. A number of forced changes of late have made me realise that as lucky as I am, I can be luckier, life can be more vibrant and I will finally be the person I have always known I could be, but never had the courage to find.
So why Richard Branson? Well a number of things happen in life which push us to action, and many which we neglect because of fear or disillusionment. Out of the many trials and tribulations that I have had over this year of transition, one fateful email from Virgin Blue Recruitment Services put a fire under my butt and pushed fear out of the window
Like many law graduates, I have entered into the "real world" at a time of economic uncertainty. When I entered my degree, the workplace was littered with positions and getting a job was as easy as bending down to pick up a piece of paper from the street. After 4 years and "personal growth" time in between, the job market is drier than the Sahara. I was not deterred. I dismissed the growing fear that surronded fellow graduates- "I'm not worried, I know that I will get a job".
Numerous "thank you but your application has been unsuccessful" letters later and I began to realise that this time the job might not just fall into my lap. So I started building up my networking circles. I had always been great with people and had an ability to form relationships easily. Whilst I enjoy these relationships, they are yet to bear fruit.
Then came Richard Branson...
Virgin Blue had an innovative legal graduate program that was better than any position that I could imagine- and they were interested in me! After pyschological, analytical and mathematical reasoning tests, I was through to the second round of the recruitment process. I told friends, family, collegues, acquaintances and even customers at my "transition" hospitality job about my enthuasism for the program. "You'll get it for sure" they all said with genuine smiles. I had worked hard, gone through the darkness and I was sure this was the light at the end of the tunnel. I was sure this was my time to shine
My eager anticipation disipated into despair as once again I opened an email "Whilst we have carefully examined your application, we will not be offering you a position in the graduate program." At first, I was ashamed to tell anyone that I had not been successful. I had told so many people that I felt like an idiot. That's when the email started a fire inside me. "You know what, the reason that I didn't get the job it that they didn't meet me. I am going to meet Richard Branson and he is going to give me a job"
And so begins the challenge
Whether I meet Richard Branson and whether he gives me a job is uncertain, but what I am certain of now is that only you can make your dreams come true- And I have been dreaming big for a long time so its time to act. I have made it my challenge to complete my current list of personal goals by the end of 2010, including meeting Richard Branson
And Richard, if you are out there- don't worry I am not sitting outside your bedroom window writing this blog as you sleep. I am stalking life and the ambition that you have unwittingly reinvigorated in me.
It is time to make things happen. I have enjoyed pearls of good fortune that have fallen into my lap, but I have never had long to enjoy them because just as I did nothing for them to come into my life, I did nothing to prevent it from leaving. A number of forced changes of late have made me realise that as lucky as I am, I can be luckier, life can be more vibrant and I will finally be the person I have always known I could be, but never had the courage to find.
So why Richard Branson? Well a number of things happen in life which push us to action, and many which we neglect because of fear or disillusionment. Out of the many trials and tribulations that I have had over this year of transition, one fateful email from Virgin Blue Recruitment Services put a fire under my butt and pushed fear out of the window
Like many law graduates, I have entered into the "real world" at a time of economic uncertainty. When I entered my degree, the workplace was littered with positions and getting a job was as easy as bending down to pick up a piece of paper from the street. After 4 years and "personal growth" time in between, the job market is drier than the Sahara. I was not deterred. I dismissed the growing fear that surronded fellow graduates- "I'm not worried, I know that I will get a job".
Numerous "thank you but your application has been unsuccessful" letters later and I began to realise that this time the job might not just fall into my lap. So I started building up my networking circles. I had always been great with people and had an ability to form relationships easily. Whilst I enjoy these relationships, they are yet to bear fruit.
Then came Richard Branson...
Virgin Blue had an innovative legal graduate program that was better than any position that I could imagine- and they were interested in me! After pyschological, analytical and mathematical reasoning tests, I was through to the second round of the recruitment process. I told friends, family, collegues, acquaintances and even customers at my "transition" hospitality job about my enthuasism for the program. "You'll get it for sure" they all said with genuine smiles. I had worked hard, gone through the darkness and I was sure this was the light at the end of the tunnel. I was sure this was my time to shine
My eager anticipation disipated into despair as once again I opened an email "Whilst we have carefully examined your application, we will not be offering you a position in the graduate program." At first, I was ashamed to tell anyone that I had not been successful. I had told so many people that I felt like an idiot. That's when the email started a fire inside me. "You know what, the reason that I didn't get the job it that they didn't meet me. I am going to meet Richard Branson and he is going to give me a job"
And so begins the challenge
Whether I meet Richard Branson and whether he gives me a job is uncertain, but what I am certain of now is that only you can make your dreams come true- And I have been dreaming big for a long time so its time to act. I have made it my challenge to complete my current list of personal goals by the end of 2010, including meeting Richard Branson
And Richard, if you are out there- don't worry I am not sitting outside your bedroom window writing this blog as you sleep. I am stalking life and the ambition that you have unwittingly reinvigorated in me.
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