We live in a suburb of Sydney that is jammed full of successful people; people who have risen to the top of their game, in sporting or professional fields. As a result, it’s a competitive place to live. While no one outwardly says these things, you know people are quietly eyeing each other to work out who drives the most expensive car, who lives in the biggest and best house, who has the most … [Read more...]
Pushing out the boat and holding my breath
It’s true to say that I am probably a bit of a worrier. Ok, a downright panic merchant. So when Busy-And-Important-Husband called me during his lunch break yesterday to announce he had enrolled our nearly seven year old Boy-Who-Asks-Questions into a sailing school on Sydney Harbour, this self-confessed helicopter parent nearly flung a blade. Black Hawk down! Black Hawk down! The idea entered … [Read more...]
Monkeys in the zoo
Next week Little Fairy starts school. My last cab off the rank. I feel like I’ve been too busy to dwell on this milestone. Besides, in the middle of last year we increased her days at preschool to five when I took on a hefty work contract. It was actually her idea to go five days. She’d overheard Busy-And-Important-Husband and I ruminating about how we would cope with the extra workload. She … [Read more...]
A truth revealed…
I softly pad into your dimly lit room and see the outline of your tiny body on your bed. There’s something about the night that intensifies my feelings for you. My awe that you belong to me. My vulnerability that I can’t protect you from the harshness of this world.I softly sit on your bed and feel your body roll towards me. For a minute we say nothing. Rarely do we share such silence. As your … [Read more...]
Do closed doors stop violence?
There’s a piece missing in NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s attempts to mop up the alcohol-fuelled violence from our streets. A vital piece we seem to overlook when it comes to trying to solve this complex problem. Sure tougher sentencing is a step in the right direction, but I’m not convinced violence will be stopped in its tracks when confronted with a closed pub or nightclub door.Yes, booze can … [Read more...]
Sick of the bullying
Credit: Craig Dingle via iStock My friend has a problem. A heart-breaking problem. After rebuilding her life following a tough marriage breakup, her daughter is now being bullied at school. Her beautiful, smart, gentle, wise and talented daughter. Bullied so badly my friend feels she has no choice but to move her to another school. Now this friend of mine is a tough cookie. She has … [Read more...]
Funny that…
With my current work contract about to end, I have my feelers out for my next gig. A short while ago I came across a job that ticked all the boxes. In fact, it was pretty much a carbon copy of my last inhouse position. Feeling confident, I crafted my cover letter, dusted off my CV, and applied. About a week later my phone rang. It was the recruiter. He was ringing to tell me I had an … [Read more...]
I am not supermum
Someone asked me the other day if being a working mum makes me a better mum.“Oh, yes!” I replied. “It’s important for me to work. It’s part of who I am and working makes me happy. So that makes me a better mum.”I was lying. Dishing out the sugar candied response I’m ‘supposed’ to.The truth is being a working mum does not make me a better mum. In fact, I constantly worry if I’m doing the right … [Read more...]
Watching rainbows in the nude
Life has been hectic the past few weeks. Yeah – I know, when is life ever not busy? Like many of us, every morning I frantically poke and prod my kids through our usual manic routine. Go back to bed - you’re up too early.Get up! Get up! We’re going to be late.Put the iPad down.Eat your breakfast. Put the iPad down.Just eat your breakfast. Go downstairs and clean your teeth.Have you cleaned your … [Read more...]
International Women’s Day
Today I will be speaking at a special employee event for International Women's Day at a large corporation in Sydney. This company is very serious about doing all it can to support and foster an inclusive internal culture for those balancing careers and parenthood. And serious they must be. When I sent them my speech in advance to check it wasn't too 'controversial' they simply replied: "we have … [Read more...]