it was a john lennon, kind of night..

My thursday night started at the gun shop cafe, in west end. Twas my first ever staff christmas party. http://thegunshopcafe.com/ The whole night had a john lennon feel to it. We talked politics and feminism, peace and love.

THE SCENE: Imagine a deceiving little cafe shop front. With a hidden away outside area out the back. We were seated on an elevated long table and it had a homey atmosphere. The table was thick wood, dishes were all served on mismatching coloured plates.

THE FOOD: Oysters, bread soaked in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Scallops and creamy, sticky risotto with gingerbread ice cream to finish it off.

I had smart women, quick wits and delicious food all around me...

I had a quiet moment of reflection after a bumble bee haphazardly landed on an abandoned and forgotten entree plate.. The bumble bee lazily wandered around and I adored him. Once noticed by everyone else. The topic of conversation went to bees and interesting facts, about bees were swapped..

"When a queen bee has lived her odd 6 years of life little larvae are given extra nutrition and care producing 10 or so contenders for the revered position.. The strongest "princess" bee instinctually murders her competition to arise the victor and future sovereign.."

Many apple ciders in jam jars later. Weary cheeks from smiling and laughing.. We travelled home.. The taxi home had us singing the chorus to war is over "AAAANNND  soOOOO this is Xmas.... What have YOUUUUU done...? " 

We flew amongst the many lights reflected up at us as we drove alongside the Brisbane river through kangaroo point and then magically across the Story Bridge.. Life is grand, dear readers.

Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon

And so this is christmas.. What have you done?
Another year over 

And a new one just begun 

And so this is Christmas 

I hope you have fun 

The near and the dear one 

The old and the young 

A very merry Christmas 

And a happy New Year 

Let's hope it's a good one 

Without any fear 

And so this is Christmas 

For weak and for strong 

For rich and the poor ones 

The road is so long. 

And so happy Christmas 

For black and for white 

For yellow and red ones 

Let's stop all the fight 

A very merry Christmas 

And a happy New Year 

Let's hope it's a good one 

Without any fear 

And so this is Christmas 

And what have we done 

Another year over 

And a new one just begun 

And so this is Christmas 

I hope you have fun 

The near and the dear one 

The old and the young 

A very merry Christmas 

And a happy New Year 

Let's hope it's a good one 

Without any fear 

War is over over 

If you want it 

War is over 

Now... 

Kisses for now, dear readers xxx

my dream job.. and the "H" word...

Ok, here is a snapshot into how my life has changed since getting my dream job and using the H word. The "H" word or happy, is a scary word for me, dear readers. I am such a cynic (because of bad breakups, bad luck and bad jobs) and using the H word for me is rare.. When people ask about my life, I tend to stick with "ok" and "everything's good" or I emit lame non-committal sounds .  

I steer clear of saying the jinxed word "happy". 

I dare to say, that the universe has renewed my faith in it, and in myself. I feel as though I can tentatively say.. I am happy. Ok now for some of some snapshots over the last couple days.. 

 I get off the train at Central Station in the middle of Brisbane. Walk past Soupa, where the girls are super sweet. I get a Vanilla Marshmallow Cappuccino and always a little surprise to start my day off :) 

Part of our organisation giving accurate industrial advice, involves training. I have been involved in some amazing training. Such as being down at the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland for a course on the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. 

Me at work, at my desk. 

This was my table setting for attending the annual Industrial Relations Society of Queensland's high tea put on by  IRIQ - Industrial Relations Consulting Firm.

Amongst the leading industrial relations elite was Deputy President Ingrid Asbury of the Fair Work Commission. Beautifully spoken woman, all class and inspirational. Advice that Commissioner Asbury gave young women starting out in industrial relations that resonated with me.. "Don't be afraid to make mistakes, I have made many in my career, and I have learnt from them. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and ask questions. Let whatever direction your career pushes you in, let the direction take you". 

Chambord lime and Soda after work with colleagues at the Fox Hotel in South Brisbane. 

I live in the beautiful beachy Gold Coast and work in the trendy centre of Brisbane City. I have my dream job and I feel as though life is only getting better.. I will never again deviate from what I want in life, do not stick with a mediocre job, readers! I have stayed true to what I want and that has been rewarded. 

I know my dream job would be some kind of cowgirl driving the Kharma bus but this job is as close as I am going to get. 

Kisses for now, dear readers...