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What is your Purpose?

There is a reason for this image, as it allows you to come to your own decisions and conclusions on “What is Your Purpose?” To not be influenced, to just look at the image before you read on. Are you able to fill in the blanks? Below may resonate, it may not, and that is ok.

After watching one of the episodes of 911 and watching Hen’s story about why she became a Paramedic Fire Fighter it got me thinking. Whilst it is a TV show, to me the story still has to come from somewhere. Life is about the stories to teach others, or at least to give opportunities to think. Whilst Hen’s words rang out at the end, I listened and I wrote down the following using a couple of her words at the start, it got me thinking.

We are born with innocence and as we grow we are questioned or ask the question of ourselves.. why are we here. Is it all just kaos or do we have a purpose.

When we think of purpose, why must it be one? Why do we think we must limit ourselves? What does “my purpose” mean to you?

Something I learned in the past few years is that our purpose can change over the years .. our purpose changes as we grow, as we learn, as we change, as our circumstances change around us.

So why am I here … for many reasons which I attempt to explain below and so much more.

One purpose that has been constant or the underlying pinnacle of all for me that I have done or continue to do, and that is “I serve”.

  • I serve myself, my needs and wants, at the time I believe it is needed or wanted. If I’m happy, I’m healthy, then I’m more likely to be in a position to extend and help others.
  • I serve my family and attempt to be the best help and guide a Mum, a daughter, a sister, an Aunty, a Grandmother, a friend that I can be when required.
  • I serve my clients and colleagues at work, helping their day to be a little better by providing assistance when called upon.
  • I serve by healing others, whether that is myself, a family member or friend, or a complete stranger. I provide a safe space to allow others to express their concerns, by providing the questions so that people can come up with the answers that are deep within that need to pop to the surface.
  • I serve the community, which by the way, can be different at any one time, be anywhere .. whether local, in another town, city, country, it doesn’t matter where.

Your purpose can change, but whatever it is, what is your passion, what is it your heart desires where you put your all into it to make a difference in this world, be true to yourself and to those around you.

Be your purpose, live your purpose, love your purpose and do your purpose from your heart! Be the purpose in the moment!

Live life and see the magic of everything that comes your way, those many opportunities and adversitys no matter how small or big that creates change, that provides a view as to how far you have come, the strength you really have.

So to know why you are here, your sense of purpose, that is a gift. If you are still not sure, then that is a gift to yet unwrap and I bid you the joy of finding out!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all.  Yes I know, we are at Day 25 of 2019, and wow has that time whizzed by.  Has anybody got that sense that life and days are just whizzing by with 11 months to go before next Xmas. I trust that everyone had a magic festive season and that you got some much needed rest and family time, with a little bit of adventure and magic thrown into the mix.

2019 is a brand new exciting year.  Fun fact – did you know that universally we are in a 3 year (2+1+9=12, 1+2=3).  What does that mean you ask? It means that we are in for a deeply creative and transformational year.  It is all about joy, creativity, communication, emotional sensitivity, expression, socialising, a year of potential fun where we should be thinking about putting “fun” into work, relationships, finances and health and wellbeing.  You are only limited by your thinking!

With this in mind, I have taken some time myself over the past couple of weeks as to what that means to me, and whilst I don’t have it all figured out and maybe I won’t ever, I think that is the magic of what’s ahead, the unlimited planning.  

So what have I done so far ..

  • A gift given to me at end of 2018, a book entitled – 366 days with Wisdom – A Strong Wish to Move Up in Life by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
    It is one of those books, bound by leather, that provides wisdom for every day of the year covering areas such as Encouragement, Wealth, Career, Personality, Family, Society, Emotion, Life, Living, Interpersonal, Introspection and Cultivation.  It is an opportunity to read a page a day, providing thought provoking words and actions that you can choose to take onboard. My commitment is to read every day, and so far 25 days into 2019, I have done just that. And each new day is as thought provoking as the day before!
  • Exercise – ok this one I have been a little slow on the uptake. However, something that I have  been looking forward to is Monday, 28 January. Why? I get to start back up at my beloved yoga sessions. Yoga in 2018 was a God send and helped me so much last year. 2019, Yoga is going to help me to be better and stronger, with these sessions providing ‘me’ time, dedicated meditation time with sound therapy.
  • Adventures – well that is regularly. I remember reading “make sure you go somewhere new at least once a year”. Now in Sharon’s world, doing that once a year just did not sit right with me. I thought maybe once a month .. but as it turns out, it has been at least once a week. Ah huh, and how do you ask .. simply by putting in the destination in my navigation map in the car and going in a different direction to what my car Abby says, as she dutifully recalculates, tries to tell me to do a u- turn or go around a roundabout which I ignore. Eventually she catches on that I’m not listening and gives me a new direction.
  • Learning and Education – so like with my trips, processes at work like Agile allows you to course recorrect often. Over the past couple of weeks I have put time aside to learn .. allowing my mind to wander, doing e-learning on a variety of areas, mainly on Agile, Socialising, Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence, and some IBM product stuff like Cloud and AI. There is a miriad of things to learn. It is just making that commitment to put time aside and understanding that it is ok to take time to learn. I have had it drilled into me recently .. make yourself relevant, take time to learn. Some of you may also feel the same way as me, where it can be so overwhelming, balance between a busy role and job, personal life, and to throw learning in the mix,  how in the heck am I going to remember any of it if I don’t use it, speak it regularly. I guess what I’ve worked out, is learn, read regularly, talk often, know your resources, try and incorporate some of it in something you are doing, take an interest and eventually something sticks. Doesn’t have to be much, but enough to get by until you need to have or know more.
  • Family – I have done plenty of that, spending time with family. I got to reconnect with my siblings, my bonus daughters and grandkids, my nieces and nephew, Aunt and Uncle, Hubby and my 2 boys over an 11 week stint in Queensland. Now back in Sydney, I am back getting into reconnecting with family and friends here and rearing to get back into the swing of life interested to see what’s next!

So with my experience with the Corporate Services Corps behind me, it has opened some doors of opportunity.  Something that I am learning, is to embrace each opportunity as much as I can.  Some will be great, some will be a little less desired, but also great, as everything I say yes to is an opportunity of learning, of growth, of possibilities, of magic! I noticed recently that our experience in San Francisco had been now officially added to the public page for people to read up on which is a little exciting. We are part of history! We are part of helping to inspire others .. hopefully.

So in the words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun

  • Speak kind and gentle words everyday
  • Do beneficial deeds everyday
  • Only when we begin to act today, we find success.

So what do you have planned for 2019? Let the Inner Child out and have some fun. In the words of Spielberg “How do you define a big kid, you have to be responsible, but you don’t have to loose being a big kid .. that’s what keeps you young and keeps a smile on your face! “

This posting are my own opinions and don’t necessarily represent anyone else’s positions, strategies or opinions.

Some pics of my adventures in the past 3 weeks …

Bribie Island, Queensland Port Macquarie .. a beautiful NSW coastal townSpringfield, Brisbane Port Macquarie Bribie Island Temple at Rochester, Brisbane Fort Bribie, Bribie Island Temple at Rochester, Brisbane Bribie Island Fireworks at Port Macquarie Fort Bribie Bribie Island Night Market at Springfield– Australian Singer from Sunshine Coast.. Andrea Kirwin .. fabulous voice and a beautiful soul

What are you doing for Others?

Today’s blog was inspired by an email I read today that came from UWBA over the weekend asking for volunteers for MLK Day of Service.  This blog I speak for myself, and not on behalf of anyone else.   I was interested to learn more, and being inspired by what MLK Day of Service was about, I thought I would share …

Did you know, for those non-US citizens … each year, on the third Monday in January in the United States, there is a MLK Day of Service that is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” MLK is short for Martin Luther King, a man of change.  The MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Philadelphia is the birthplace of this day, which is now far and wide across the US.  January 21st was chosen in honour of Dr King’s birth.  He would strive not just one day, but every day in a year, to make a difference, either his fight for social justice and civil rights, or to serve his communities. 

In my humble opinion, what a great day to celebrate and to get out there and do something to help the community; but why stop at one day?  Should not “serve others” be something that is instilled in each of us no matter what country and where we live, be every day, no matter how big or small? 

Amongst those organisations that was promoting such a significant day, the Organisation I had the priviledge of working with when I was in San Francisco, United Way Bay Area.  I received an email that shared what they were organizing as several volunteer opportunities to get boots on the ground and hands in the field. A quote they published … By the man himself, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?‘”  If you missed the activities, there are plenty of other ways to get involved on another day/s. you can view their activities and calendar.

Although I am not in the US, and wasn’t able to partake in the MLK Day of Service, I personally do strive to help others where I possibly can, as regularly as I can.  And serving others, this can mean helping family, this can be helping a complete stranger, or volunteering at a Foundation or Not for Profit organisation.  There are many ways to serve!

One of my recent goodwill for serving others was in fact over the weekend just been, helping a pensioner.  My story … a pensioner had come into the hairdressers where I was getting my hair done, having some me time.  Mary, whom apparently lived close by, walked in asking about public transport.  When questioned if she was alright, she burst into tears.  She was so upset as her husband was in hospital after having a stroke, and she wanted to go and visit him.  With no license, and her son not able to take her at that time, she was desperate to be by his side.  She was trying to find out what time the next bus was.  Being the weekend, and because she was so upset, I did not hesitate to order her an Uber and thought nothing of paying the fare.  So after a teary hug from Mary, asking my name through her tears, I made sure she was safely in the car, and asked the driver to take Mary wherever she needed to go.  My heart melted for her, but being of service can do that for you, open and expand your heart!

So I wonder, how many of my followers in the US got involved in the MLK Day of Service? If not in the US, what recent goodwill story do you have? Why not comment below, and share.  I would really love to hear your personal stories, and what activities you got up to! 

Great movie to watch – click here
MLK Autobiography – click here

 
 

A trinket,an e-book, an Ant and a 7 year old provides grounding!

For those that have been following me, might know that I am a big believer in being aware of my surroundings, my thoughts, and how I approach things.  Even I, yes me, I go through some challenges with my thoughts, my feelings, through the experiences and adventures that I am presented with on a day to day basis.  However, I do a lot of different things to help with working through them to improve “myself” once I have allowed my ego to go through all that it needs to, for me to come out the other side, to have learned.

And all the while, Universe is helping, steps in, and provides little signs for me to think about, to ground me, to pull me up and make me stop in my tracks.  Little signs such as a particular trinket falls off my bracelet, a link that I enjoyed reading as it reminded me to come back to what I practice and live each and every day, an Ant whom casually appears on my arm to attract my attention, a 7 year old in a little video that crosses my path.

A sign does not have to be big, in fact, the smaller, the better, as that helps to teach and improve my awareness skills.  It is like a muscle that needs to build.

When I learn, I like to share some of the resources that help me, passing on the learnings where maybe it might help others to think differently and to lead a great life being grateful for all experiences!

  • An e-book that popped into my world today which provided the opportunity for some thought provoking reminders
    “The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
    How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World” by Haemin Sunim
    “Everyone faces difficult challenges, he says – it’s how you deal with them that determines your happiness. Ultimately, the author asks you to practice mindfulness – to be aware of your thoughts and actions, and how you interact with people and the world. ”  Would be interested in your comments after you have read it, and what you might focus on and just maybe, want to improve about yourself.  For me, “Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Try to understand what they are teaching you, and accept those lessons with gratitude and humility. Find joy in life and look for humor, a fundamental part of living. Laugh at yourself and with others. “
  • The Ant .. which as I was writing this, made its way from my arm along the table, onto my screen of my laptop, just because it is very small, it still is wanting to get my attention.  When I look up the spiritual meaning of an Ant, it is of no surprise “An ant is a symbol of strength, diligence, willpower, honesty, unity, patience, determination, stamina, sacrifice, and loyalty. Despite its minute size, the ant as a spirit animal possesses an immense strength of accomplishment, reminding you that nothing comes easy in life without putting any effort.”  For most, you might discard an Ant, and think a pest and even try to squish it.  For me, I see the Ant has a big message, and will do anything to get your attention to pass it on!
  • The bracelet trinket – the message was personal, and whilst it was going to be a lot of effort to get it fixed, I understood the message.  I acknowledged it, was gracious for the message, and replaced it with “Love Life”.
  • A 7 year old and her thoughts on what it takes to be a Leader provides some thought provoking ideas and reminders.

Spending time in nature, even in Enchanted Gardens, or with family, do something that helps to remind you that you matter, you are loved, and life is full of wonderful experiences and adventures.  Life is to be lived, life is full of magic, and sometimes random moments!  How do you choose to live your life?

Fotos:  Enchanted Parklands at Roma St, Brisbane, QLD where Mother Nature is lit up providing a magical experience, where you see sights like this!

 

When people reach out and the outcome of an Atlas Corps Interview

Today is a new day, a day for blogging so it seems! I love it when random things happen:

  • one of my fellow CSC family reach out to check in and say Hi, and says “miss you and your blog” .. so to not disappoint my friend, here I am 🙂 .. since I have been back, and have got stuck into some projects at work, and family stuff, it seems that September / October was so long ago. But each day, I am reminded of my time, whether it is going over my photos, still getting emails on CSC related activities, or just a friendly Hi either through work or WhatsApp, I am still able to keep those memories very much alive.
  • a meeting invite for a virtual morning tea with my colleagues and friends in Sydney which I unfortunately found a little late, being so thrilled to see the invite, I asked to reschedule! So my yoghurt, fruit and granola were waiting for that 10.30 appointment! When was the last time you just reached out to say hi to your colleagues without an agenda. I can think of one person that used to just ping me on an internal chat tool once a month just to say hi, and you know what, I still remember that person, who no longer works at IBM, but I remember him with fond memories as one of the few that would just ping to say hi and check in!
  • I remembered last week that I had been interviewed for a blog in the last week I was on my CSC assignment and followed up as to what the outcome was. I laugh at the memory of the interview as I remembered when Maureen says, “it should only take 20-30 minutes of your busy time”, well just over an hour later we hung up. Maureen was so intrigued at the program, loved hearing all the stories, loved reading the blogs, how everyone had a different perception and experiences, a different journey, but all for the same purposes. Her enthusiasm was lovely to hear in her voice as we talked.
    Check out the Atlas Corps Blog that was published highlighting the stories, a profile of one of the Atlas Corps Fellows, and the journey and partnerships of IBM CSC USA2 and USA3 Teams in the United States with Atlas Corps where myself and others are featured and our blogs shared of our experiences! The IBM CSC program is such an amazing program that helps so many right around the world, literally.
  • IBM Corporate Services Corps is a journey, a gift that keeps on giving to so many and to oneself long after you complete your assignment, if you let it!

Nothing is more beautiful than possibility!

Today I decided to sit down and think about my career, really take the time to think through before I have one of those career conversations with my Manager after the year I have had.

Career conversations in the past I would avoid.  Being a Working Mum, young children, life in general, got in the way to even think too far ahead as to what I might want to do in my future when I am concentrating on my children, on their future, helping them to get through school and day-to-day life as they grow up into young adults themselves. I did not have the inclination to think about myself, that I was happy in what I was doing. However, I do feel that I am one of the lucky ones that my job has been very fulfilling over the years, full of wonderful opportunities that I did not have to go to far to see change, as it happened regularly.

To work for a corporation that is focused on providing opportunities in helping you to make your skills relevant is a blessing in disguise. And when you are ready to progress, to make that leap of faith and focus on yourself, then there are plenty of activities and courses available to do so, but you are expected to make time in accepting these opportunities. Some people embrace, some people (like me) need to stop telling ourselves “I don’t have the time”, and to turn that around and make learning a “priority” to make it happen!

This year, for me, there has been a HUGE growth in all areas of my life, taking me so far out of my comfort zone, that you cannot avoid to change your way of thinking. To be accepted into CSC last year meant a year of huge changes. Making myself a priority to be ready to accept and partake in one of the biggest experiences of my life was bumpy, was frightening, was exhilarating, was enormous. This past year has provided a year of learning, growth, and change. Just when you think you got it, wham, something else comes along which is more thought provoking, provides you the ability to look at things in a different way. How cool is that!

Thought provoking articles, courses, movies, in fact, most things in life, keep you on your toes, as nothing ever stays the same! One little word, phrase, action, feeling, is all that it takes for your world to change! How you embrace and react towards that change makes all the difference, can keep you sane.

But of course, this depends where you are at in your mindset. Are you happy? What are your thoughts on stress? What past experiences are you hanging on to? Does your past hold you back? Do you want your past to remain holding you back? Remember, past means past, it has happened, and there is ALWAYS a reason for things that happen in one’s life. Everyone has a past, every single person has their own personal story, but does that define you? Only if you let it.

Take charge of your present, of your future! Find someone or something to help you process the past, help you to let it go, to forgive and release yourself from the pain of the past, and to teach you to embrace it, learn from it, move on from it.  I have personally done many different types of things to help let go, which has given me a sense of freedom, a weight that has lifted.  A personal spiritual path that has benefited me in so many ways.

So yes, in the corporate world, times are a changing.  To my surprise, as I explore what learning there is, there are some courses in IBM that are very interesting. Although just as important, but it’s not all about Blockchain, Security, Cognitive Computing and AI (Artificial Intelligence), Analytics, etc., there is a shift in additional courses you can do. Mindfulness, Coaching, Mentoring, Communicating more effectively, Stress, Emotional Intelligence, all relevant skills to help you to be more effective as a person, as a leader!

Out of one of my courses, I have decided to take on a challenge.  So whom is up for joining me in what I call the “Happiness and Good Stress in a Changing World” challenge? You are? Then I urge you for the next 21 days, to choose one of the five activities below that connect with positive change in your own personal world.  You can pick the same one and do it for 21 days, or a different one for each day and mix it up:

  • Write down 3 things you were grateful for.
  • Share a positive message to someone in their social support network.
  • Meditate at your desk for two minutes.
  • Do some exercise for 10 minutes – walking, jogging, yoga, pilates, etc.
  • Take 2 minutes to journal and describe the most meaningful experience of the past 24 hours.

I would be interested to see how you go. I will share how I went after the 21 days!

Nothing is more beautiful than the possibilities of change, of acceptance, of stress being a positive in your life, beating all odds. Changing your perception slightly, and its amazing how your outlook on life can change. Do not get me wrong, it takes work, takes dedication, it’s a muscle that needs to be exercised, but if you do take the time, the rewards are limitless!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.

Today Matters!

So it’s been a couple of weeks since I have been back from the US on one extraordinary experience!

So how has life been since the past couple of weeks since I returned you might think. Let me share …

  • No sooner had I landed, I receive a phone call from one of my daughter’s .. “can I now have my surgery now that you are back from your life experience” she asks. So bearing in mind, she is on the public system list awaiting surgery for her back since March. My response .. “sure!” So in her words “I will get my peeps to talk with your peeps” she hung up. Next day she calls “well they must have had a great conversation, as I have just received a call, surgery is scheduled for 1st November”. So for those wondering whom the peeps are .. it is our code for our “guides” or simply put, “Universe” not limiting ourselves! Ask, and you shall receive!
  • So with a week and a bit, I have been getting re-acquaintaned with life back at work and home, catching up with different people. All the while, when asked, I have been sharing the stories of my CSC and Road trip experiences, sharing photos and videos, reliving my experiences every day since I got back. I have realised through the reliving of my experiences that it is going to take some time to get back into the norm day of life, whatever that means. I have honored myself by feeling what I’m feeling, and letting my imagination go where it needs to go.
  • 11 days after getting home, I find myself back on open road, driving to Brisbane, Queensland, a 12 hour journey. I soon feel at home on the road taking in the time-out with my thoughts, my feelings, and the highway in front of me. Oh how I love being on the road, taking in the sights and scenery that Mother Earth has to offer.
  • My daughter’s surgery has happened, all went ok which is a blessing. Since Thursday it has been a blend of working and looking after my daughter in the hospital. So times are a busy!

Sitting in the hospital watching movies in between caring for my daughter, and one favorite that was on was “The Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith. With the movie being in San Francisco, based on a biographical of Chris Gardner’s year of struggle being homeless, this movie brought up memories for me of my time there. With the homelessness that I witnessed, the meals at Glide I served to the people like Chris, all the feelings and memories re-felt. All little signs from Universe that when things settle down and I eventually get home, that I explore what Not for Profit (NFP) and cause I would like to explore, to help with. So many options, but I’m sure I will be guided when the time is right. For now, I’m needed by the family, so that is where the focus is.

Every day matters, it’s just how you approach it, how you start your day thinking and feeling that can make a difference. I was inspired this morning and put the following words with one of my pics taken in Sedona. Honour thyself and be kind. Enjoy!

First Day Back at the Office!

Howdy followers. So I am back in Sydney, and as promised, I would continue blogging. I do promise that it will not be every day, but certainly will try to help you get a glimpse into life in Sydney in my world on a frequent basis. Topics could be random, thoughts definitely my own, but hopefully entertaining. I’m open to questions, thoughts, suggestions!

First day back in the Office today. The funny thing was, walking along with my bag it was noisy, and my imagination goes to the cable car that I took each day to the office in San Francisco. I allowed my imagination to free flow as I smiled walking down the office corridor towards my floor and desk.

It was great to see my Manager, friends and colleagues as I walked in the door. Everybody was very welcoming and asking how it was, interested in understanding the whole CSC experience in San Francisco. I happily talked about it, giving me an opportunity to relive it several times over through my stories.

I was pleased to see that on my first day back in the office, that they had organised a multicultural lunch with an aim to also raise funds and awareness for farmers out near Dubbo whom are struggling with the drought. It was heart warming to see everyone getting involved. It was an opportunity to also gather essential non perishable foods and other items to deliver over the weekend. There are many areas like Dubbo where farmers are struggling. Even though some much needed rain has fallen in limited areas over the past couple of weeks, it will still take up to 2 years for farmers to recover, if not longer. So Australia, our farmers will need our support for a while. I see that the magic of Harry and Meghan visiting Dubbo brought some much needed rain in that region.

Leaving the Office tonight, and when a Centipede crosses my path, nothing is ever just that random! In my world, I see the most random of things and it gets me curious. The world is full of little messages if you are open to it! I research it, and take what resonates, which in this case I could take the message of the centipede!

With the storms happening all around Sydney as I drive home, with everything greener with the last few weeks of rain, amazing sunset by the storm clouds, I’m grateful for the nature wash that my car was receiving. The first day back almost over, I realise that it will take me a few days to get back into the swing of things. But that is ok! Here you see an Australian Cockatoo out and about in my neighborhood as the clouds put on a display.

Pumpkins and the Final Hours before Heading Home

What a magic way to finish off an incredible experience, but to have another Californian culture day.

Up early, I ventured out to meet Meaghan, yesterday morning. After swapping out cars, we set off for Half Moon Bay and the Californian coast for the day.

California certainly put on a magic day, weather stunning, the ocean sparking, company fantastic.

We reached the Half Moon Bay Festival and WOW were we in for a treat. So many stalls of amazing talented people, so many interesting ideas in art and products to tantalize the people, great musicians and bands, and pumpkins! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin beer, pumpkin pumpkin pumpkin. The joy on people’s faces was beautiful as they celebrated this time of the year.

Leather Art, Metal Art, amazing jewellery, quirky kit ideas.

And this wasn’t the biggest pumpkin on display.

I didn’t really have anything to compare it to so I believed them, tasted good!

An appropriate sign for our selfie … “The Sun shines not on us, but in us.”

Ohhh and I have a new special something coming home … this was the 2nd stall I wandered into. I knew as soon as I stepped in I was not leaving empty handed. I fell in love with a Maya Native American Flute, BlackWalnut, Purple Heart with Citrine and Agate. Personally handcrafted by Guillermo Martinez (Link). It was a special moment when he played in front of me and encouraged me to play with him. So we played 3 different flutes together, which drew a crowd of people as they paused to listen. I was in this moment that was just magical. And to top that all off, he asked how long I had been playing, that my sound was good, so was a big compliment considering I am still learning. Guillermo has taught many students around the world so it was truly an honour to play with him, he was very patient!

Meaghan and I were not quite done. Driving south down the coast she suddenly drives off the road and there we were greeted with one of the few we had already passed, a pumpkin farm. These Americans do really take their pumpkins seriously. We were to find the ‘perfect’ pumpkin, not just one for carving, but one also to put on the desk at work. Everywhere you looked, pumpkins were placed at front doors, in fancy pumpkin displays, when on desks so it seems. The big pumpkin even got to sit with pride in the back seat and enjoy the rest of our Roadtrip.

Driving further south, we were treated to watching a couple of whales in the distance of the ocean, watch sea lions frollicking amongst the waves and rocks, and sea birds of all description diving in the waters as they hunted their dinner as we watched the Sun set over the Pacific Ocean at Pidgeon Point Lighthouse.

With the Sun disappearing we soon realised we were quite hungry, so it was off to have dinner at Sam’s Chowder House, known for their chowder which I thought I should try as being my last dinner out. Who needs entertainment when you can watch Meaghan have a Seafood Stew. The funniest thing ever, lucky she had the bib is all I can say!

Getting late, we headed north towards home with one quick stop to Target to buy a suitcase … 2 floors, and you can also buy groceries and alcohol. I was intrigued at the trolley escalator, very nifty, and the Halloween costumes, you could even dress as a pineapple or an avocado, who knew.

So 14 hours roughly later, and we walk in the door totally exhausted but so happy with the day that we just had. Donovan there to greet us with a smile, with patience of a saint as he listened to the highlights of our day.

Thank you so much Meaghan, for the perfect last full day in California. I had a wonderful magical day. Thank you to both you and Donovan for hosting me, and of course, Libby whom kept me company on the bed. Treasured memories! See you when you come to Aussie!

Libby sharing my bed

After cooking an Aussie Shaz lunch of poached eggs for one last final goodbye to Meaghan and Libby …

It is with mixed feelings that it is my last day, I am packed, albeit with a little more than I came with. I bid a ‘see you California and Nevada, to each and every soul that I crossed paths with’. You ALL made this whole experience just amazing and memorable.

To my CSC Family #CSCUSA2, miss you guys. Thank goodness for technology to keep in touch, even you Benedicte, a converted WhatsApp user. 😀

I know there are a number of you that have been following my blog, have been giving me great feedback which has been encouraging, and there has been requests that I keep going. I have had so much fun sharing this journey that I will keep going. I will share with you stories, experiences, thoughts, sights of Australia. It will not be every day, but certainly on a regular basis.

Thank you to IBM for an amazing opportunity, to have faith in me, to have been selected for such a wonderful program, and to be supported by my Manager and team to go. It changes lives, and I’m forever grateful to have been part of it all.

And to UWBA, continue to be awesome and amazing. It was truly an honour to be part of your world for the month, and to be able to support you in some way that helps to make a difference as you continue to grow and help the communities, families and youth of the Bay Area. I promise to reach out to the United Way Australia National Office in Sydney. I am interested to understand their work in Australia, and whether I can help in some way volunteering here. You never know, they could end up in one of my future blogs.

Chow for now … cheers

The song when I turned on the car .. wait for me to come home

Yosemite at it’s finest

Well it’s official, when I thought things could not possibly get better, Universe surprises me. When you trust, you end up in the most amazing of places, meeting the most amazing gorgeous souls. If you ever get an opportunity, highly recommend a visit to Mammoth Lakes.

From the wonderful newly renovated accommodation with everything that turns on such as the disco toilet, turning all colors of the rainbow, to the heater on the wall glowing like a lit fire making you feel cosy without having the heat, to “Alexa” playing whatever I wanted so some lovely meditation music as I had the best ever shower, yep I sooo wanted to stay another night.

To start the day, a hearty breakfast which was thanks to another recommendation by my Airbnb Hosts, Kristen and Cliff, I visited The Warming Hut. The staff super friendly, the vibe great and the food … wow!

So ready for my next adventure, Yosemite National Park. The first 11 miles up to the gate in … serene and beautiful. Who knew that 11 miles would take me an hour, maybe longer!

At this stop I was amazed at how the trees were growing through the rocks. Survivors that’s for sure.

This stop, a magical place full of butterflies and Ladybugs. I have never seen so many. They were absolutely everywhere in this one spot! It was like fairy land. I was so captivated by the beauty of Mother Nature.

The Autumn colors sparkling in the Sun!

Whilst the scenery was breathtaking, I was also wary how vulnerable the area was to rock slides. Seeing so much evidence of it by the road, all the warnings. I was astonished at how some trees or rocks were even up or where they were sitting, just in limbo. And the height of being up 10,000 feet above sea level … exhilarating to say the least.

I was trying to imagine the area all in snow in a few short weeks, how the area will once again, be transformed in to a beauty of white.

Although plenty of signs to watch out for bears, no such luck in seeing one in the wild. I guess that is a good thing!

So I’m back in the San Fran Bay Area at Oakland for the night. Two more days/nights before I begin the journey back to Sydney.