#OpEleanor P2

An update on Op Eleanor. Have I been facing down fears? Hell yes. It leaves such a weird feeling, it's sort of exhausting. This mix of looking forward to something whilst at the same time desperately just wanting it to be over - I feel in a permanent state of that feeling and its high anxiety. Tough.

I worked! I nailed the interview I mentioned last post, and I worked for a few hours on Tuesday. I loved it. The sense of purpose and adult interaction and money... I offered more help in the future and she has my number so I will just hope. They were wonderful people to work for.

You know what else I did that seems completely nothingy but is a huge deal to me? I booked a spray tan. I've never had one before, whilst I am still a big girl, I am 39kg less than I was and confident enough to get one at least. Still nervous as hell, though. It's not a booth one, it's an airbrush vegan one from Lavish Tan. Thankfully, my communications with Alex so far in making the booking have reassured me it will be ok, she is lovely.

I'm also going solo to World Vegan Day on Sunday - nervous but excited. That same mix of feelings for all of these things. I think my adrenalin rush will kill me by the time December rolls around!

Retrospective guest blog!

Nothing like missing ones own guest blogging post. Oops! Back in September would you believe, I guest blogged for the fabulous Veggie Mama! http://www.theveggiemama.com/2012/09/guest-post-veggie-mama-vs-omnivore.html I love Stacey's recipes. They are vego without being tasteless or - god help me - all insanely healthy and raw. Taste, not missing out on yums, that's what I am all about. She has the lot. Love her stuff.

Exciting news!

Have you ever had one of those moments, where something just falls so perfectly into your lap, so perfectly into place at the right time, with the right people, and it just works? I had one such moment this week.

A friend of mine, Viktoriya, was tweeting over the weekend from the Activist Forum in Sydney, and I watched on RTing madly and enjoying what she was reporting back. I sent her a message saying that I wished I could attend and wanted to get more involved. She suggested I contact the people over at World Vegan Day Melbourne. The same people coordinate the Sydney Cruelty Free Festival and this friend had done some writing for them and thought I may be able to do the same.

I was thrilled! Writing and Vegan living! Huzzah!! I made contact and put in a call to talk about what I might like to do to help out, I chose a few sponsors of World Vegan Day to write about and made contact. I really am enjoying learning more about what services and products are out there for vegans. Just really exciting stuff!

I was talking to Vik about the articles and she mentioned in passing, the idea of collaborating on one. I was hit with a clear and bold idea and immediately replied with - what if we collaborated on a blog instead?? She could cover Sydney, I could cover Melbourne, we could talk about our own journey to cruelty free living, our passion, our inspirations... Happily, Vik loved the idea and Two Vegan Girls was born. I hope you will support us as we work out where this wild ride will take us. I have a fantastic vibe about this. Exciting times ahead!

Make your own pledge to Make It Possible by going meat free, reducing meat intake, or eating only ethical meats here.

What are you about?

So, I have no idea what my blog is about. When asked to categorize it, I sort of say 'er.. parenting I guess, although, probably more cooking at the moment. Oh and books, I talk about books a lot...'

In other words, I have NO freaking idea. And just as I start to be concerned about this, and worry that I have no niche and no target, I remember I don't care. I just write about stuff. Stuff I want to talk about. Not many people read it, but that's okay, because it means I can talk about a hodge podge of life in general, and I'm not turning anyone off. Because when I started this blog, blogs were exactly that - a web log. A diary of someones thoughts and experiences. They were not big business, and they were not targeted to specific audiences. That works for me. So, on that note, here is today's hodge podge of everything that smooshes together in my life right now.

Books. I am reading non stop, and was reading a mix of fluff and crime and mystery, but have found myself freaking out too much at the scary books lately, so am on a run of fluffy chick lit at the moment that has escapism firmly planted in its ethos. Bliss. Given I've had this stupid cold/flu thing, it's quite timely.

Writing. Every time I open my... well, I suppose I can call it a story? A book it is not. My writing, anyway, every time I open the file I look at it, feel stupidly overwhelmed, and so promptly close it again. This is Not. Good. Writing. Practice. It's just that it's such a mash at the moment of research, fiction, time sequences are all over the place, and it's quite simply, a big fat mess. My lovely friend, Jess, tells me that the most difficult part of a story happens from 20-30,000 words and if I can get past this hurdle, things will be better. I can see how that is true, I just have no idea how to push through this portion that is the draft from hell.

Food. I'm all about Mexican this week. Because how good is Mexican food?! And it's so freaking easy to vegetarianise (made that word up). Right now in my fridge I have portobello mushrooms, capsicums, and onions marinating in fresh chillies, garlic, lime and lemon juices and paprika and cumin. Helloooo vegie fajitas! And every week I make refried bean burritos and chilli sans carne. So freaking good. So, I was scoping out more ideas for Mexi-Vegi goodness and I have some awesome recipes up my sleeve to try soon. Mexi pot pies, mexi pasta, vego nacho, and this interesting burrito bake that has me intrigued and uncertain, but curious enough to try.

Gertie the great dane now lives in a run for most of the day, she has her own leather couch and all. Spoiled rotten. And she has free runs 3 times a day for a couple hours. Given she mostly sleeps, this seems to work well, and keeps her safe. No more toxins and emergency vet bills. So far. Knock wood.

Parenting is as amazing as ever. I really am so lucky to have scored two of the coolest kids. Finn is 9 and the smartest kid I've ever known. His NAPLAN results were off the chart. Literally. Super smart, and sweet as hell, he's uber nerd like his parents, totally into Dr Who and Minecraft. Love it. Miss RJ is 3 and hilarious. Such a cheeky little bugger, thinks shes hilarious (and usually is). I currently have the worlds biggest Barbie Dreamhouse in my car for her birthday. I want to keep it.

Life... well, life is pretty awesome right now. I am on track with stuff, I have happy texts pinging my phone most days of recent... ;) And I am looking forward to uni next year (enrolled already!) The only thing that could add a touch of sweetener is some more freelance, paid, writing work. So... Get in touch all you editors. I'm a good work. Guy. (Thanks, Lenny).

Picture Credit: http://weheartit.com/entry/40126860/via/abillest

Sorry

Edenland started a powerful blog link this week. I've found myself really overwhelmed by the emotion in these posts. They're filled with pain and heart, and they are amazing to read. I wanted to join. I've felt overwhelmed by it. I'll try. I expect to need a box of tissues by the time I finish. :/

I'm sorry I was never enough to make you proud. I'm sorry that my best efforts failed. I'm sorry that I have disappointed you and let you down, over and over. I'm sorry that I have not been someone you can love, totally.

I'm sorry I am not social enough. I'm sorry this effects you. I'm sorry you are not confident and that no matter how I try, I can't make you see the awesome you are. I'm sorry you feel things so deeply and experience the same anxiety I always have. I'm sorry I don't hug you more.

I'm sorry I didn't wait longer. Give more. I'm sorry I didn't love less conditionally. I'm sorry I let go. I'm sorry it didn't work out. I'm sorry you can't see what I see when I look at you. I'm sorry I couldn't fix you, or take away your fears. I tried so hard. I wanted to, so much. I'm so sorry we failed. I'm sorry I don't have courage. I'm sorry I am so insecure. I'm sorry I'm not prettier, thinner, smarter. I'm so, so, sorry I hurt you.

Final week - Jan Photo A Day Challenge

Here are the last of my photos from FatMumSlim's January Photo A Day Challenge. Telle has also developed a list for February that I think I will take up, since it's the only source of blog inspiration I have lately. :/ Week 1's photos are here, 2 is here and 3 is here.

Day 22 - Your Shoes

Day 23 - Something Old. This was a ring of Mums, too tiny for my fingers!

Day 24 - Guilty Pleasure. My favorite soap drama, Neighbours. Love it. The only TV I watch, really!

Day 25 - Something You Made. I was creative here, since I don't really make stuff...

Day 26 - Colour. OPI Purple With A Purpose.

Day 27 - Lunch.

Day 28 - Light.

Day 29 - Inside Your Fridge. Note the controversial vegemite.

Day 30 - Nature. My strawberry plant in the rain.

Day 31 - You... Again.

Week 3 - January Photo A Day Challenge

This weeks pictures from this weeks Photo A Day Challenge from Telle at Fat Mum Slim. Having a lot of fun with it, week ones are here and week twos are here. 


Day 15 - Happiness. This would make anyone happy!

Day 16 - Morning. My alarm clock... ;)

Day 17 - Water. The car wash!

Day 18 - Something You Bought. Check the size! :D 

Day 19 - Sweet. Mmm Max Brenners.

Day 20 - Someone You Love. My BFF, Megan.

Day 21 - Reflection.

Week 2 - January Photo A Day Challenge

This weeks pictures from this weeks Photo A Day Challenge from Telle at Fat Mum Slim. Having a lot of fun with it, week ones are here.

Day 8 - Your Sky. I love how hazy and pretty it looks.

Day 9 - Daily Routine. My favorite part of the day. Kids in bed, and I am in bed reading with a drink and some music, maybe candles... Bliss. Relax time! The most important part of my daily routine.

Day 10 - Childhood. I loved this books as a kid, its an original version - before they went PC and changed Dick and Fanny's names. Gah!!! My kids love it too!

Day 11 - Where You Sleep. I love my room. It's my haven.

Day 12 - Close-Up. My loveable ratbag.

Day 13 - In Your Bag. My new Mimco button love bag! Wallet, notebook, pens, wipes for dirty faces, and cards.

Day 14 - Something You're Reading. The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz by Denis Avey.

Week 1 - January Photo A Day Challenge

Here are my pictures from this weeks Photo A Day Challenge from Telle at Fat Mum Slim. I love her creative prompts, it's so much fun each day thinking about the prompt and what I might do with it. Love! Enjoy week 1!

Day 1 - You. My favorite feature.

Day 2 - Breakfast. I love that the coffee is bigger than the porridge!

Day 3 - Something You Adore. The relationship between my children. Beautiful.

Day 4 - Letterbox.

Day 5 - Something You Wore. I got this bracelet from Tiffany & Co when I was in New York last May. It is full of memories and makes me feel wistfully happy.

Day 6 - Makes You Smile. This makes me giggle, I'm not sure whether it's all the exciting parcels he brings me or the cute guy himself, but parcel man makes me smile!!!

Day 7 - Favourite. I love hotels. I love getting away. I love travel. This was a mini break we took to Melbourne for the weekend. Going places is my favourite way to spend money!!

Photo A Day Challenge

I may have mentioned the gorgeous Telle at Fat Mum Slim once or a billion times on this blog. She's a brilliant and well respected blogger for a reason, you know! Plus she's a great friend. Anyway, Chantelle has thrown down a challenge I love. It's January's photo a day.

I think it will be a lot of fun, and I'll post them here a weeks worth at a time. Stay tuned!! 4 days to go!

Secret Santa Happiness!

So my adorable friend, Chantelle, over at Fat Mum Slim, organised a huge secret santa for bloggers, mostly here in Australia. It was a mammoth undertaking and one she pulled off with her usual style and flair. I was assigned the delightful Peggy from Cake, Crumbs and Beach Sand. We hit it off instantly over twitter, and I admired her blog and tuned in regularly. In a stroke of funny fate, we were assigned one another as Secret Santa partners. It was a lot of fun, I loved reading Peggy's blog and finding a gift that would mean something to her personally. I won't say here what that gift was, because whilst she has received my package, she's saving it up for Christmas Day to open.

I have no such willpower. My package from Peggy was barely in the door before I was ripping into it. Look how beautifully she wrapped it! A gift in itself, the wrapping!

And boy did she stalk me well. She read of my knee high sock fetish, and she gave me a gorgeous pair, she also read how I adore elephants, and I love love love the statue she put in for me - trunks up! And look at the gorgeous cylinder of pencils! I can't wait to create something lovely with them, I'm going to use them for my gratitude journal. She also sent me a copy of her eBook which is a brilliant self love guide for working mums - go grab yourself a copy, you won't regret it AND until Friday, 50% of all her sales are going to The Smith Family Christmas Appeal. So worthy and you get a brill read at the same time. Win Win!

Thank you Telle and Peggy for making my Christmas so much more joyful. I feel really lucky to have made a new friend in the process, the best gift of all!

Onward!

Operation complete. Well settled in recovery phase.

Just wanted to give a shout to the lovely Kate Says Stuff for her awesome idea to showcase some blogs (mine included!) Its given me some fantastic reading for this stuck in rest mode stage. Such a brilliant idea, love!!!

Naww just found this!


It'd be nice to get a vote, but there are so many great blogs on this list, it's nice just to be on the same page!

Bloggy reading

Have you checked out my blog roll? There are some pretty awesome blogs in there. Some amazing people with great stories to tell. From each, you find yourself drawn in by their recommendations too, and into a world of bloggy goodness. Check em out!

Blogging in the AUS

"Use your blog to connect. Use it as you. Don't “network” or “promote.” Just talk. NEIL GAIMAN."









So, a few times I have made some half hearted ramble about how I blog for me, and I don't think I could do the "pro blogger" thing, but I've never really articulated what I was finding 'off' about the pro blogging world. Then I read this blog entry by one of my fave bloggers, Little Miss Moi. She nailed it. It's BORING!!! I don't want to read multiple product plugs. I don't want to read about competitions, networking and blogging conferences! I want to read about LIVES. I want to read about thoughts, ponderings, events in your real world!!!

I was so glad to read that it wasn't just me. I also think it's kinda boring to read solely about parenting (I know, GASP OF HORROR, I can't believe I said it 'out loud' either!) I mean, I adore being a Mum, I often blog about my kids or parenting. But there is more to Kelly than MAAAMAAA. I want to know all the facets that make you, you. What are your hopes, your dreams, your passions? Write about that, not the latest product you're peddling. PLEASE!!!!

Fave Flicks Friday

I have watched zero movies this week. Unless you count endless Wiggles & Pixar DVD's. Which I don't. Ohhh school holidays. The last DVD I watched, was The Social Network.



And I loved it, Zuckerberg is an ass you can't help but admire. Quite a conundrum. And Reznor's score was absolutely deserving of it's Oscar win. Loved it. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Another film from my "All Time Favourites" list this week, and it goes to good Will Hunting.



Can you believe this movie is now 14 years old!? Wow I feel old now. I love Matt Damon, I love that he and Affleck wrote this themselves, I love the psychology in it, and love the storyline. "I gotta see about a girl..." <3

Fave Flicks Friday comes to you from Mez's blog over at Days Like These, go read and join in!

Fave Flicks Friday

I'm such a movie buff, so I love Mez'x idea of a Fave Flicks Friday. Check it out over at her blog Days Like These... and join in the fun!

My all time favorite movie in the history of ever, is Stardust.



It's based on a novel by Neil Gaiman, and is a beautiful love story. I'm not normally a fantasy realm kinda gal, but the storyline of this had me captured, the descriptions of love and what it feels like to finally find the real deal had me goosebumpy. I just love it. Tristan is a dream, and Yvaine is a feisty, passionate star. Perfection!


My other rec for this week, is Black Swan.



I know it's relatively new, and probably not on DVD yet, but when you can watch it, do so. It seems to me, people came out of this movie either loving it or scratching their heads and saying WTF? I loved it. I love the imagery, I love the psychology, and the questions, and I love that some of Nina's psychotic visions are things that could easily have come straight from my nightmares and my brain. It was really cool to see what could be done with the stuff in my head. Beautifully artistic, this movie is definitely joining my top movies list.

Don't forget to add your linky to Mez's post when you're done!

Travel Snap Tuesday

I saw this idea at Miss Posy's It's all Greek To Me blog, the idea is Little Miss Moi's and I love love love it!!!

I am a day late, but hey, call me a rebel. Travel is going to be my future. you know when you can just feel something is true? I can feel that I am going to see a lot of the world. Since I was a child, I wanted to see the world. I remember thinking, wow, this is just one tiny corner of the world here, I want to see it all!!!

I'm a novice, though. I've only travelled overseas once last year, to the USA. I saw San Francisco, a bit of Seattle, and Portland Oregon. In 6 weeks (SQUEE!) I am headed back there to see LA and New York. I am also desperate to see Italy, and most of the rest of Europe. When I am a more confident traveller, I'd also like to see some of the more remote, slightly more risky places. I just feel like I can't see enough. The perspective it brings! The world is a pretty cool place!

Anyway, my point is, this is an awesome idea, thank you Little Miss Moi!

It was hard to choose just one photo for this week, but I decided since I intend to do this weekly, I best not use them all up too fast anyway. This photo is of the San Francisco city hall. I took it right after the worlds longest parade for St. Patricks Day in 2010. There were celebrations going on all over the place, it was a great vibe. I love this building. You can read all the architectural details here. It looks just as grand inside as it does outside.

Blogging for the love of it

I realised I'll never be a 'successful' blogger. I admire those who are, but in looking at the content of those blogs, I couldn't do it. I don't want to do it. I want to write about the boring (yet fascinating to me!) shit that goes on in my life. I want to swear when I am passionate. i want to tell stories of life and the funny, strange rambling that goes on in my head. I don't want to plug products all the time, I don't want to run giveaways. I don't want to be a virtual magazine.

This is a good thing, I can stop worrying about readership and stats and popularity and public eyes. I can just write my crap and amuse myself. Writing for the love of writing. Blogging because I want to, and it's fun. It makes me happy! Why do you blog? Blogging is a big business in some countries (helloooo America!) - especially the whole 'Mommy blogger' thing. It's likely to take off more and more in Australia. Do you want in? What are your reasons for blogging, I'd love to know!

Stylish Blogger Award

The ever so lovely, Cat from Life in Cat's Pyjamas, has awarded me a Stylish Blogger. So sweet! Thank you, Cat xx

My requested tasks to receive this award are:

* Thank and link back to the person who gave me this award.
* Share 7 things about myself.
* Pay it forward to 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
* Contact those bloggers and tell them about the award.

7 Things About Me:

1. I cannot bite icypoles. Ever. Maketh my teeth hurt and I get goothebumpth.

2. Half deflated helium balloons and whales freak me out. (Not together, that would give me a total meltdown).

3. I have an enormous scar across my neck. I tell people I tried to slice my head off. It's fun to freak them out.

4. I collect Harry Potter lego, and when the Pirates of the Caribbean lego is released, I'll be collecting it too.

5. I once climbed the Fletcher Jones Watertower in Warrnambool. It is large, and offers zero protection to 'illegal' climbers...

6. I have 3.5 degrees, and just applied to do another. #nerd

7. I have horrifically graphically violent nightmares. Almost every night. No idea why.


15 Blogs I Think Are Great, in no particular order:

1. Rezanow
2. Childsplay x2
3. Emma At Play
4. Truly Blessed Life
5. March of The Gray Haired Army
6. Vegan Chickie
7. A Study in Contradictions
8. Birds Eye View
9. Adventures of a Nanny
10. Babbling Dad
11. One Ping Only
12. The Haphazard Blogger
13. Fat Mum Slim
14. Pink Patent Mary Janes
15. Writing Out Loud

I'm sure you will love them all as much as I do, be sure to have a read :)