News from the Room
“You can’t change the weather, but you can adjust your sails.”
Life rarely unfolds the way we imagine it will. Storms roll in unexpectedly, the wind shifts, and we’re forced to make choices about how we navigate forward. This week, I’ve been reflecting on how important it is to adapt when faced with these changes—how crucial it is to adjust your sails.
For half this week I had to fly to Brisbane for work, and so I found myself balancing responsibilities. On one hand, my role igniting and inspiring young minds into digital technology is a huge priority as it keeps the lights on and food in the mouths of my children. On the other, Room Eleven remains my passion and purpose. As much as I’d love to devote all my energy to Room Eleven, the reality is that my full-time job is the anchor that supports everything else.
This is where “adjusting your sails” comes in. It’s about accepting that while we can’t control every circumstance, we can adapt. For me this week, it means embracing my responsibilities at work, knowing they enable me to provide for my family and fuel Room Eleven’s growth.
Adjusting doesn’t mean giving up on where you want to go—it means recognising that the path may not always be direct, but with consistency and focus, you can still reach your destination. It’s a reminder that progress often comes from working with what we have, not against it.
The 411
This Week at Room Eleven
The Final Run for Stillbirth
This week, with my full-time job keeping me busy, there hasn’t been much progress on Room Eleven. But one thing I’ve kept up with is my commitment to running 6 km every single day, honouring the six babies stillborn every day in Australia.
I’ve also set up an event for my final run on 31st December at 11am. This will be the last of 366 runs this year, and I’m inviting everyone to join me, either in person or wherever you are, to mark the moment. It’s a chance to end the year in honour of the over 2,000 babies lost this year in Australia and reflect on how we can move into the next year with purpose.
Hope to see some of you there!
Quote I’m Pondering
"“There is no happiness without meeting your responsibilities."
This quote has been sitting with me this week, reminding me of the importance of showing up for what truly matters.
As much as I’d love to pour all my energy into Room Eleven, I know that meeting my other responsibilities is what gives me the foundation to keep it going. Whether it’s supporting my family or staying committed to my full-time job—where I get to ignite, excite, and inspire young minds—these priorities are what sustain me and make pursuing my purpose possible.
It’s not always easy to juggle everything, but happiness doesn’t come from avoiding responsibilities. It comes from embracing them and recognising how they enable us to do what we love.
Weekly Musings
What I’m Watching: Skeleton Crew
New Episodes every Wednesday on Disney+
I started watching the new Star Wars show as a way to pass the time on the plane. Honestly, I’ve kind of given up on getting excited about the franchise. As a kid, Star Wars was everything, for context, I still have my Star Wars fact files in storage and a full Darth Vader suit made from the same moulds used to create Hayden Christensen’s costume in Revenge of the Sith. But since Disney took over, the magic has been fading for me. The quality of the shows has dropped, and I stopped keeping up with most of them.
My geek self inside my Darth Vader Suit
That said, while traveling to Brisbane, I decided to give Skeleton Crew a shot—and wow. It’s clear this show was made by people who grew up in the ‘80s watching The Goonies and other classic kids’ adventure movies. The characters fit the archetypes you’d expect, but they do it well, making the story engaging and fun to watch.
What I liked the most is that Skeleton Crew doesn’t seem to rely on a massive, overarching narrative tied to the wider Star Wars universe (something that often dilutes and minimises the main story). Instead, it feels like a standalone adventure that expands the Star Wars world respectfully while exploring new territory.
It’s been a pleasant surprise, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds.
Christmas Movie Season: Die Hard
Available on Disney+
The debate has raged for years—is Die Hard a Christmas movie? For me, the answer is a resounding yes. Not only is it set during Christmas, with plenty of festive music and decorations, but the themes of family and redemption are woven throughout.
Of course, Die Hard isn’t just a Christmas movie—it’s a genre-defining action film that propelled Bruce Willis into the stratosphere. At a time when action heroes were hulking muscle men like Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Willis brought us John McClane: the reluctant, everyman hero who relied more on wit and grit than sheer strength. This shift redefined the action genre, spawning countless imitators and homages (and, some might argue, even the later Die Hard sequels themselves).
For those unfamiliar, Die Hard follows NYPD officer John McClane, who’s visiting his estranged wife in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. When terrorists led by the suave Hans Gruber (played masterfully by Alan Rickman) take over the now famous Nakatomi Plaza building during their office holiday party, McClane finds himself as the lone, barefoot hero for everyone inside. Cue the chaos, the iconic one-liners, and some of the most memorable action sequences ever put on film.
Whether you consider it a Christmas movie or not, Die Hard remains a must-watch. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy this classic. Yippee-ki-yay…
Product Recommendation: Bose NC 700 Headphones
I’ve had these beauties for nearly two years now, and they’re easily one of my favourite gadgets. The Bose NC 700 headphones aren’t just about amazing sound quality, light and comfortable—they’re also incredibly durable and versatile.
Durability: They’ve survived many runs and travel adventures without skipping a beat.
Noise Cancellation: The adjustable noise cancellation is a game-changer. Need to stay aware of your surroundings while exercising in the street or listen for a baby waking up? No problem—you can dial it down to suit the situation.
Multi-Device Connectivity: This feature is super handy. I can have them connected to both my TV and phone at the same time. So I can enjoy a movie but quickly switch to watching a video on my phone without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting.
Whether you’re travelling, working, exercising, or just relaxing, these headphones do it all. Highly recommend them for anyone looking to upgrade their audio game.
Travel Tip: Always Pack an HDMI Cable
For as long as I can remember, a HDMI cable has been a staple in my travel kit. You never really know what kind of entertainment system your hotel will have—and relying on free-to-air programs isn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing evening.
By packing an HDMI cable, I can hook my laptop up to the hotel TV and keep watching my favourite shows, movies, or even help with presentations I’m prepping. It’s a simple addition that can make a huge difference, especially on longer trips where you want a bit of home comfort.
Trust me, once you start packing an HDMI cable, you’ll never travel without one again.
To Sum Up
Life is a lot like the sea—unpredictable, full of storms and shifting winds. Smooth sailing isn’t guaranteed, but what matters is how we choose to respond. At Room Eleven, it’s all about resilience—adjusting the sails when the weather turns against us and finding a way to keep moving forward.
This week has been a reminder that the path to purpose isn’t always straight. Balancing responsibilities, staying committed, and showing up every day—even when it’s hard—are what make the difference. These small, steady actions create resilience, build gratitude, and help us find meaning in what we do.
As you head into the new week ahead, remember: you can’t control the weather, but you can always adjust your sails. Whatever challenges come your way, stay focused on what matters most and keep moving towards your purpose.
Giving Back
With Christmas around the corner, let’s spread some kindness
Donate a Still Billie Box
Our care packages for families who’ve lost their baby, named after our baby daughter Billie. Offering comfort during what should be a joyful season. Your donation can make a real difference in allowing us to provide free Still Billie Boxes to hospitals across Australia.
Room Eleven is a social enterprise business and does not qualify for DGR status.