She’s So Inspiring – Mrs Woog

My life has been touched by some uber amazing women whose passion for life and the way they choose to live it have really inspired me. A few years ago, I started the She’s So Inspiring series to showcase these amazing stories because I knew that they would inspire others. Some of these inspiring women are bloggers, some are not, their lives are all different and they are all incredibly special. I am so honoured that they are sharing their stories and sprinkling a little bit of their awesome right here. May you be wom-inspired!

Meet Mrs Woog.

I’ve been fan girling over Mrs Woog, blogger, author, columnist and writer of awesome for years and I am beyond thrilled that she’s part of this series. Clearly the genes of awesome run strong in her family – remember her Auntie Pat? What a legend!

Me and Mrs Woog have a few things in common. We both have July birthdays, we both have a penchant for dumplings, we both love dogs and once upon a time, we were both primary school teachers. Talking of careers in education, Mrs Woog wrote a book about hers and it’s totally hilarious!

I still remember the first blog post of Mrs Woog’s that I ever read. It was about wet wipes and it had me laughing out loud. She’s had me laughing out loud, well informed on current affairs and following along (but not in a stalkery way) ever since. Not only does Mrs Woog have the most wonderful way with words – she also has the most wonderful way with people and in a world where so often, women bring each other down, Mrs Woog brings them together. It’s pretty special.

Let me introduce you to Mrs Woog, she’s so inspiring!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an average 44 year old mother of two. When my youngest was born he was diagnosed with a moderate to severe hearing loss, so I quit my job because I really wanted to put 100% of my time into his therapy. During this time I went a little loco because of loneliness, so started writing a blog. And here we are!

Tell us 3 things you are and 3 things you’re not.

I am disorganised but I am trying to get better.
I am a reluctant cook but an enthusiastic eater.
I am a work in progress.

I am not interested in drama or confrontations.
I am not, nor will never be, a size ten and I am ok with that.
I am not able to pass a dog in the street without patting it and asking the owner all about it.

What has been life’s greatest lesson?

It is what it is. Do not try and control the uncontrollable.

What is your biggest achievement?

Marriage. It is the single most hardest and glorious thing that I have done. We have grown together, with the odd hurdle thrown at us, but we have managed to come through some very tough times. We make each other laugh most days. I make him a cup of tea in the afternoon and he brings me my weekend coffee in bed every weekend. It is the little things that connect us, as well as the big ones. He is the best bloke on the planet, for me anyway! Marriage is bloody hard work and I admire those who have long ones.

What has been your toughest obstacle and how have you overcome it?

As I have previously said, I am a work in progress. Life is tough, and with all the natural changes that occur, it can be difficult some days to get out of bed when you just want to wish the day away under the doona. When you lose a close member of your family, that is also a tough one. But slowly, with time, the sadness is replaced with the gladness that that person was in your life.

Viktor Frankl says “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.” Everyone needs a purpose, what’s yours?

Most of the time I think my purpose is to clean piss up from the floor next to the dunny, and change the toilet roll. But if you require a more sensible answer, well that is a tough one. Having thought long and hard about it, I think my purpose is to make people feel less alone by providing a platform of shared ideas and empathy. In a world where we are so connected in a technological sense, I get an underlying feeling that a lot of people are extremely lonely. I like to think that I have a little community of supportive women who lift each other up when required.

What are your words to live by?

Learn by doing.

If you could have any mentor, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

I have a mentor, the amazing Wendy Harmer. I met her years and years ago and I asked if I could send her something to read. She gave me my first paid job as a columnist and over the years has always been there to gove me advice, a kick up the ass, a shoulder to cry on and a good giggle with a glass of wine. She is undeniably hilarious and so f**king wise, she always has good advice. I love her to bits.

If you could play hookie for a day what would be on your list to do?

OK. I take these type of questions very seriously. I would wake up of my own fruition in a huge bed with Bradley Cooper. I would then head to the beach for the morning with a little picnic featuring pastries and excellent coffee. There would also be champagne and orange juice. Lunch would be fresh prawns then a massage. I would then have a little nap. I would then go with my girlfriends to Cinema under the Stars to watch Steel Magnolias. I would then head back to my hotel via the house to tuck the kids in and give Mr. Woog a hug before confessing to him about my dalliance with Mr Cooper, which, of course, he totally understands.