Saturday, November 19, 2011

Eating Echos

Last night I celebrated the end of my old job and the beginning of lots of wonderful new things at one of my favourite Brisbane restaurants - E'cco Bistro. With longstanding famed chef Phillip Johnson at the helm this place is consistently incredible.


While every dish I ordered gave my tastebuds the delights I expected (bloody mary sorbet an absolute star performer), I must admit I had serious food envy at the boy's dessert - while my apricot and coconut gateau was lovely, his chocolate tart was out of this world. But I always feel like I can't order the same as someone else at the table... Does anyone else have this irrational thought process when it comes to ordering? Sharing is part of the fun, after all!


I would also like to recommend Scott wines. We had the Fiano and it was amazeballs. And quite well-priced on the website if you are so inclined.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

And On That Note


From the late, great Steve Jobs.

Also. Did you read his sister's eulogy for him? You should. Read it here.

Shoesday: Movin' On Up

This week, I reignite my ambition and relocate my ego...


I have quit my job. A job that left me dissatisfied, and was starting to make unwelcome inroads into my self-esteem and understanding of my own abilities. So I snuck out of my workplace a week and a half ago and have been non-stop since. Job hunting (I can't handle the thought of not working! What is that? I thought I'd enjoy being a lady of leisure!), looking at short courses to become a freelance writer (not likely to pay the bills for quite some time), meeting writers who are freelancers and feeling completely inspired, meeting women with their own businesses who again inspired me - and offered me jobs!

Frankly, at all these meetings I had, I was amazed at every step. I think when your self-esteem takes continual batterings (2 cheating boyfriends and a less than fantastic job can do that for you!) you do start to doubt many things... And I'm a doubter of my own abilities already! So it was with huge, happy surprise that at these meetings I realised I can do stuff!

Yeah. Silly, huh?

I have suddenly realised that my half-heartedness in certain endeavours was fear of failure. Which sets you up for failure anyway.

While certain projects are now simmering away with far more enthusiasm and effort vowed to be made than ever before, I will be taking up a new job on a 6 month contract which I am really excited about. I was shocked to be told by my future employer that I was undervaluing myself, and would I like to suggest another - higher - figure for my salary. Does that happen?? I guess it does now!


Ok... There aren't many shoes in this post. But it's all about climbing the ladder - barefoot or in heels, I don't care how you do it. :o)

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Share Your Secret



You are probably well aware of my Victoria's Secret fascination. It is honestly one of my ambitions in life to go to a show in New York City. I am well aware that there is a 99% chance this will never happen, but you gotta dream of something right? ;o)

Note: The music is a little all over the shop here, but it's so much FUN! And how cute is Orlando Bloom and his standing ovations for stunning wife, Miranda Kerr? Adorabubble!

Role Models

I thought you might enjoy this little snippet from TV program MamaMia which airs on Sky TV here in Oz - it's a Gen Y guy discussing what it is he likes about Sam de Brito.



He writes an article about it here also. I read Sam's blog ritualistically. It has become a habit so deeply a part of my life that it's almost as habitual as brushing my teeth before bed (drunk, sober, sick whatever - those teethy pegs get cleaned). I really enjoy his male perspective on things, and his endeavours at honesty (even when it's been painful for him - and my heart broke a little for him when his relationship broke down around this time last year) and bringing male issues into the world of public discussion. Having known far too many men and boys who have suffered depression and, with some of these lives ended too soon, I really believe Sam's voice is one that we should take heed of. And yes, I do believe he should be teaching sex ed/life skills at school - including to the girls!

The thing I really liked about the 2 minute snippet I've linked to above though, is the acknowledgment that in a sea of voices - bloggers, tweeters, writers, Facebook gurus etc - we can still find a voice that cuts through the din. We really do listen to the relevant bits, and I suppose that gives a bit of heart to that tribal issue, and the growing homogeneity of information I discussed earlier this year. I must admit, while I love the pretty pictures on blogs scattered widely across the blogosphere, my favourite blogs are the ones that tell a story of discovery and growth in an honest way.

What are you favourite kinds of blogs and why?