In the last couple of months, I've been faced with an interesting quandary. I've got work coming out my ears. I've got life stuff needing my attention. I've got that "Phew, it's been a busy year" feeling hitting me every second day. We're all good at some things, less good at others. Left unchecked, I'm good at working too much. (Which is to … [Read more...]
Like to help asylum seekers?
Could you do me a favour? I'm doing some volunteering at the Asylum Seekers Centre in NSW, and am putting together a workshop for Asylum Seekers with work rights about what it's like working in Australia. If this issue grabs you, and you are based in Australia (whether you are an employer or employee), I'd love you to take a few minutes to fill … [Read more...]
The secrets behind having a ‘dream job’
While I’m not sure if all writers have itchy feet, I know I do. (Clarification: I mean in the travelling sense, not the ‘too many scungy gym shower floors’ sense, naturally.) It’s one reason I started writing in the first place – and particularly travel writing. What better excuse to keep exploring the globe than ‘It’s for work’? Travel writing is … [Read more...]
The art of giving away your expertise (or not).
This last fortnight has been hugely busy. In a good way. Stories commissions rolling in, including for my Queensland trip, which starts today. Pitching more than normal. Enjoying the positive feedback on the blog (thanks guys, always appreciated!). Mentoring sessions apparently hitting the mark, which feels very satisfying. Wrapping a couple of … [Read more...]
What slow yoga taught me about fast thinking
I'm big into yoga. "Big" in that I like it a lot, it's helped me through various difficult points in my life, and in a former career, I used to teach it. Now I just write about yoga, and go to classes. My life has definitely sped up since my days of yoga teaching. Journalism, public speaking, teaching; these are 'busy person' tasks. And … [Read more...]
How to give your job the flick (and come out on top)
I've had a lot of jobs. In fact, my career path looks something like this. Paper delivery girl. Babysitter. Ice cream server. Office dogsbody. Researcher. Freelance journo. Admin assistant. Lemonade stand employee. Communications specialist. Volunteer teacher. Freelance journalist. Yoga teacher and trainer. Freelance journalist. Presenter. … [Read more...]
An easy way to do good and win
There are lots of people doing brilliant things throughout Sydney, yet we rarely celebrate these small victories. The Good Hood, brought to you by The City of Sydney, invites you to share your latest good, green deed by uploading an image and short description into one of the following categories: reuse & recycle, made & grown, or green … [Read more...]
Foodie alert: Crave Sydney is coming
If you live in Sydney and love food (who doesn't really?) then head along to Crave Sydney Food Festival. This month long shindig offers dozens of events, but here are my top pics for this year: 1. Ride on lunch from the Youth Food Movement. These guys are great! Cycle between five secret spots throughout Sydney, meeting food lovers and … [Read more...]
This writers’ festival looks good…
Sydney folks interested in words and nature will love the inaugural Heaven and Earth Writers' Festival (October 13). Organisers say the aim of the festival is "to create a new and hopeful space for writers and readers preoccupied with ecological matters and solutions – physical, social and spiritual – to come together" so the day should provide … [Read more...]
Want to press play on your social life?
Spring is in the air! With the help of some of Sydney's coolest greenies, I'm hosting Green Up @ Play on Monday 17th September, at Surry Hills library. Learn how, by adding a green twist, your leisure time can become even more lush. Are you dreaming of a deeper shade of green in a partner? Want to know how to choose wisely when eating out? … [Read more...]
Here’s how to have a greener office
If you wish your workplace was a wee tad greener, maybe I can help. Well, not me exactly (although I do count both my reusable water bottle and my Keep Cup as essential work tools). Instead, hear from the experts on the panel I'm hosting as part of City of Sydney's Green Up Your Life series. On August 20, I'll be at Surry Hills library … [Read more...]
Here’s why I write about green stuff
Contrary to what Kermit the frog believes, it IS easy being green. I believe choosing to live sustainably benefits your health, happiness, and the environment. I've been writing on green issues for years - if you've wondered why, check out this piece on my work from the City of Sydney. … [Read more...]