Ten things I must do

Since I started blogging, about 2 months ago, I have been a little concerned that my Chronicles are random and niche-less.

Concerned only because I have ambition for my blog to reach an audience that is interested in what I have to say and not just stumble upon my blog and feel like they have walked in on someone else's conversation and not stay and listen... if you know what I mean?

According to an article I read to have a popular blog it is very advisable you become an 'expert' in something, have a niche.

- Give the readers something to think about.

Now, though others have done it beautifully honing in on a niche, like Down to Earth has with her gardening and Sassy Bella has with her fashion - I have been really racking my brain to find an area where I just know my stuff ........ hmmmmm

Due to the fact I can teach readers bugger all about scrap booking, tapestry, organic gardening, sequins, needlework or home science, let alone anything to do with Mothering I have come up with the idea of inviting you on a journey as I tackle some goals. and join me as I try to become an expert in ...... ten things.

My vision is to swap information with people who have similar goals, laugh about potholes we hit along the way, lessons learnt, achievements ... but ultimately to conquer this list and then make some more.

So without further ado. I am happy to introduce you to...........

The Ten Things I must Do (really soon)

Drum roll......................... ( I reserve the right to amend these over the next week as I gather my thoughts on this concept)

1) Become famous blogger / columnist and author

So to do this, I will be searching for those who have become what I wish to become, I will interview them, study them and feature them in my journey. Have you cracked it here? If so please email me as I would love to talk to you and feature you on my blog.

I am interested in people like Ms Freedman and Ms Woolf and the rest of you who have gone from blog to book with columns thrown in here and there. I need your wisdom so I can replicate it :-)

2) Have a STYLISH wardrobe with clothes that perfectly flatter my age and stage

Since becoming a Mama, the fashionista that was once me, seems to have left the building. Join me as I try to find her before it is too late. My goal here is to save money to go on the ultimate shopping spree.

This, will take time. So while the money slowly accumulates I am going to study FASHION. Colours, styles, cuts - I will research the fashion industry no end so by the time my pennies have have reached my target shop assistants will be put out jobs because when they say "Can I help you?" my reply will be "No. I know EXACTLY what I want"

I will find out everything from what colours suit, what cuts - investment pieces the works. I will learn from the experts. Sassy Bella???

Maybe I'll see what Trin & Suz have to say...

We can swap tips, photos, inspirations on all things for a fashionista in hibernation.

3) Have a smokin' hot and energised bod!

( - to date my insatiable relationship with sugar has sabotaged my attempts to reach my goal weight and to be a healthy eating role model for my boy.

I recently stopped my exercise classes due to feeling exhausted all the time, but as a result of stopping them .... feel ... exhausted.

SO Join me on this journey of beating the battle with sugary evils , developing healthy eating and exercise habits and having the bod to prove it.

OK granted, once upon a time this goal would be purely in the name of vanity. But, seriously, I want to ingrain these habits in myself in order to set a good example to my son. That is the primary reason. If I look smokin' hot in my new clobber (see number 2. well that would just be an excellent plus)

hello! I am starting personal training alongside my Cowboy on Tuesday. We have hired a trainer and all!!!!!!!! Promise to include pics... SCARED

4) Attend a night at the opera

What the?

Before Baby you'd be likely to catch me chasing Evan Dando around Sydney or attending rockin' musical festivals with a ciggie in one hand and a ciggie in the other....

But since having baby and trying to play him classical music and opera (hey it's meant to stimulate their brains) I have got right into it... bagged the fags and replaced it with listening to Old Hags...

Now I would LOVE to take my Cowboy to a fancy night at the Opera , all dressed up, booked into a swanky hotel and having those little binocular thingies too...

This is a must on my to-do list and help me find the perfect Opera to attend and let me tell you about it when we do....

5) Go to New York

Call me sad, but those Sex and the City gals did glamorise it for me. (Sad, that is as pathetic as the Brits coming to Australia because of Neighbours or Home and Away I know) Sure 9/11 did the opposite - but still am intrigued to visit the city so good they named it twice - and for once that won't be Wagga Wagga.

I am very interested in attending the Blogher conference next year in August - a pipe dream? or a possible reality?

Well its listed here, so it HAS To happen now!! Cyberspace will hold me accountable!

Cowboy can take the Prince for a tour downtown while I have a cosmopolitan with my blogging counterparts from around the world......

6) Live in an inspiring town/city- need to find where this is

At the moment I live in a lovely town, albeit the damn one I grew up in and spent most of my adult life escaping!!! It is nice because I have family here - it is nice and safe to raise the boy in- but for me??? Not inspiring enough. I don't mean to sound like I think I'm above it -I'm not, it is just I'm not a sporty person and well, its pretty much a good town to live in if you are...

So here I am going to research the best damn place for me and my fam to live. It must be - near a big centre not necessarily in one (compromise because Cowboy won't do big city) , it has to be close to Ocean, it has to have lovely cafes, restaurants, culture - it has to be child friendly, community minded - have cool people in it??! And I also need to check what Cowboy wants to, which would probably be - football team :-)

7) Get in touch with spiritual side

I have an inner voice, that when I make the effort to listen to (a rarity) knows its stuff. So here I am making it a goal to find my spiritual side and have a regular practice. I will try all sorts of methods to get in touch with it and see what works. I am very inspired by a Katherine Jenkins - her blog about the lessons she has learnt from the Monk she married. Here I will learn my own lessons - and draw inspiration from people like her. I would like to get into meditation in a big way, but ......... must learn more....

8) Renovate our house and make it into dream home

Inspiration needed here, we have the $ to do it (got a small loan) so watch this space for updates!

9) Become a conscious Parent

Although I have come into the world of being a Mama quite naively (doesn't everyone?) - I want to learn as much as I can about children - their needs etc.. in order to consciously raise my boy. Not to accidentally traumatise him through setting bad examples etc... but to be aware of how I am parenting and aware of what I want to teach him. I can never learn enough about this. I really want to be the best example I can be for my boy. That is the greatest motivation I have in for the first time in my life dedicating myself to these goals. I want him to be able to set goals and achieve them too.

10) To nurture my relationship with the Cowboy

A fine Aunt once gave me advice "The grass is greener where you water it" I will always cherish this - and here - I will journal ways in which I water the grass - and I hope you will also share...

So how am I going to do this ????
Well first things first...

I am on the hunt for people who have achieved what I seek to.... when I find them I hope to bring what i learn to my post and then set myself tasks on my way to achieving the TEN THINGS I MUST DO -

What do you think?

How can I make myself accountable for achieving these things?

Any suggestions welcome

Are you on a similar journey - care to join me ?