fresh ideas, fruitful results

If you know me, you’ll know I’m all about fresh food and produce. If it were allowed, I’d send my daughters to school with a mini fridge. Since that’s not an option, I’ve turned to clever solutions to keep things crisp and cool, like the omielifeinc ice pack, made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic with non-toxic gel, paired with reusable metal ice cubes. Together, they do an excellent job keeping the girls’ fruit fresh all day.

After what felt like an endless search, I’ve finally found the perfect lunch boxes. The Blue Water Bento Splash range by ecolunchbox ticks every box: leakproof, space-saving, and made from non-toxic stainless steel with secure silicone lids. Stylish, sustainable, and parent-approved. And while we’re on the topic of lunch essentials, I’ve always found those little soy sauce fish bottles a bit suss. No expiry date, just lurking indefinitely. Since I’m all about freshness, I can’t bring myself to trust them. Instead, I fill my own little dispensers as needed. Much better peace of mind.

mastered it

I’ve always admired a particular type of intelligence: one that wears knowledge with grace, challenges ideas respectfully, communicates clearly, and connects with others without ego. To me, it’s one of the most valuable traits. 

The worst remark is one that cuts at my mind. When someone questions my intelligence or dismisses me, it doesn’t just offend; it strikes at the heart of who I am. But today isn’t about that.  

Today is about determination - the relentless drive to show up, stay curious, work hard, and push through self-doubt. But more than that, it’s about the support of family and friends who’ve cheered me on and took time out of their schedules to share this special occasion with me. 

One of my biggest regrets in life is not giving 12th grade a proper go. I was heartbroken, certifiably lovesick, and couldn’t function. I skipped classes, barely scraped through my final year of high school, and the disappointment still lingers. I often have recurring dreams of a do-over, but I always wake up before I even make it to the classroom. It feels like an unfinished chapter - one where I didn’t achieve the HSC mark I was capable of. Maybe that’s why I pursued this master’s degree, not just for the qualification, but to settle a score with the past. And now, with the story rewritten, perhaps those restless dreams can finally sleep.