So when Amanda posted her 'what's in a blog name?' I jumped at the chance to copy cat, but of course.
My blog name is a bit of a weird one. Tell me, as Non-Australians, what do you think it means? Maybe you've read my FAQ, maybe you haven't, I'm honestly just curious. To those who don't know what porridge is, or even if you do, what do you think 'See You In A Porridge' means?
Well, I'm going to tell you anyway, but you should tell me if you thought it meant something different, for shits and giggles.
First off, what the heck is porridge? You can see wikipedia for the full definition, if you really want to. Basically, it's hot breakfast, like oatmeal. So to me, it means breakfast.
Super exciting, right?
See these 3 ladies? Well you know one of them, I hope. The other is my mummy, and the really pretty one is my Nana.
What, you don't think she's a knockout? Puh-lease.
Here she is with my Pa, who died before my mum even met my dad. Doesn't he look like John Wayne?
Anyway, back to Nana.
She's a really good egg. My mum had it pretty rough after she left my dad, 3 kids under 4 or so, alone in Sydney with no family. She did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. We would drive down to Melbourne every Christmas, spend it with Nana and then we'd all drive back to Sydney and Nana would stay with us for a couple of weeks because we were on school holidays and mum had to go back to work. She's also the only grandparent I have ever had.
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we look sweet, but I promise, we were devils. |
As we got older and less crazy, we went down to Melbourne more often, and Nana stopped coming up to babysit us. As I got even older, I went down to Melbourne several times on my own, with a boyfriend or friend, to see my cousins, etc. Also, my very first international trip was with my Nana and we went to England.
Whenever I went to Melbourne, I always stayed with my Nana. Doesn't matter that I'm a married woman and we stayed in two small twin beds in June, I'd rather stay there than a hotel.
The pressure in her shower sucks, she makes you eat everything off your plate (everything. every.thing.) and never ever wastes food (and neither shall you, including the 15 year old jar of vegemite in the pantry). She likes to play the pokies, TV watching is tennis or the news, never lets you sit in her chair, likes to walk everywhere, buys the paper and a scratchie almost every day... Well, that's the Nana I grew up with. The Nana now doesn't walk around as much as she can't see very well after something similar to a stroke. She falls down and hurts herself, can't really see the paper anymore without a magnifying glass.. Life happens, I guess.
oh god, look at my hair. |
But the point, ah yes, I am getting to it.
When we would say goodnight every night, my Nana always said 'see you in a porridge' which means see you in the morning at breakfast time. This always delighted me as a child, and my brothers and I would race to see who could say it the fastest. As I got older, I would 'pretend' to let her beat me in saying it, and now it is pretty much a Kristen & Nana thing. Every time we speak on the phone or skype, she says see you in a porridge, it's always the last thing she says to me, she writes it in my birthday and christmas cards... I don't know why it means so much to me but it does.
When I was leaving Melbourne on our trip in June, KC basically had to drag me to the car because I wouldn't stop hugging her, I was sobbing so much at the thought of leaving my Nana. Meanwhile, she's laughing at me and calling me a dill. But will I see her again? It breaks my heart. I love her so much.
When I was thinking of a blog name, I was stuck - aussie in america was taken, I think, and I couldn't really think of anything catchy like other bloggers. Then this just popped into my head, and I knew it was the right one! It makes no sense to anyone but me, it doesn't stick me in any specific blogging box, and reminds me of home.
I adore this SO much! I figured it had something to do with breakfast but I love the sentimental touch. <3
ReplyDeletejust the sweetest dang story. my late great-granny, we called her Sugar, always called us her Angel Pies. loved the behind-the-name. mine, um. isn't that exciting!
ReplyDeleteHaha all your pictures remind me of myself at that age. Even the things your wearing! Its always interesting to hear how blog names come about when I have no idea what they mean. I had read your bio before though so I had an idea ;)
ReplyDeleteOk that is the cutest story ever. You even had me tearing up a bit...
ReplyDeleteNow this is a cute story! I wish I was close to my grandmother but... ah well. But your story is absolutely adorable and I am so glad you shared it! Plus I always wondered what the hell your blog title meant! HAHAHAHAHA!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, beautiful story!!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteAww such a cute story behind your name! Love it! And I love that you are so close to your grandma! She looks so sweet! You will definitely see her again! And your blonde hair... I can't get over it! ;)
ReplyDelete<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
Aww this is such a cute story! Thanks for sharing it :-) I love Grandmas, they're the best!
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm sitting over here at my desk tearing up...
ReplyDeleteI knew this already, but still loved this story. Grandparents are just wonderful and touch our lives and hearts in so many ways. I miss my grandmother so much every single day.
That is a wonderful story. I want to meet Nana now! I love that your blog name has meaning to it. Such a beautiful story. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about your blog name in your FAQ and loving it! This is such a great story and you can tell your nana (and your mom/mum) is an amazing woman! How special to have so many great memories with her.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this story :D Such a sweet relationship with your Nana. My family moved around a lot so I never knew my grandparents all that well. I think it's the perfect blog name.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story! I love it and definitely teared up a little. Cherish your nana while she's still with you! I knew what porridge was, but always wondered what your name meant! PS You look so much like your mom.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwww love this!! I've actually wondered what your blog name ment! I just thought if the 3 little bears every time I read it ha!!! But seriously so cute and I loved learning about your nana! What an amazing lady! :)
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Damn you blogger!!! Quit eating my comments!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the story behind your blog name! Every time I hear porridge, I think of Godlilocks and the Three Bears. Surely you know that story? Either way, I LOVE it! There is no originality behind my blog name. I couldn't think of anything cute or cleaver that wasn't already taken.
i love this so much!! grandmothers have a fantastic way of saying things or putting things in a certain way that sticks in your mind (and heart). :)
ReplyDelete-kathy
Vodka and Soda
awww i love your name, this makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about your name and that's the best explanation ever. How cute! I love grandma's and it's so wonderful you're close to yours.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all those old photos! And your blog name is the cutest!
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest meaning behind a blog ever!! Your nana sounds like a pretty amazing woman - as does your mom!! Which means - you're pretty amazing as well :)
ReplyDeleteI guess its the British colony influence but we say porridge for hot oatmeal/breakfast too! So I knew what it meant I just didnt know why it was your name and let me tell you it is the sweetest meaning ever! So happy you shared this! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the sweetest meaning behind a blog that I have heard! I love it and love your blog that much more (if possible!) for it.
ReplyDeleteI love this explanation of your blog name. It's so sweet & they sound like wonderful ladies :).
ReplyDeleteThat's such a sweet history behind your blog name! I always wondered if it was an Aussie expression about breakfast or something. It's so much better now that I know the story behind it :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post and your story! Every time I read your blog name I think of Goldilocks eating the porridge. Haha. :) But the family history behind your name is so special and meaningful. In fact, I now think it's the best blog name ever because it has so much meaning. It's perfect for your own little corner of the internet!
ReplyDeleteFYI all of you are knockouts! And amazing ladies! :)
Very sweet story. Love knowing the meaning now.
ReplyDeleteI love this post so much! xo
ReplyDeleteUm, okay. Your Nana sounds amazing! I am super obsessed with my grandparents so I can totally relate to this. And I love the porridge story. What a great choice for a blog name.
ReplyDeleteThat gets me all choked up.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of myself because I did think it meant something like that, but didn't know the connection with your grandmother. That's so special ...
I always wondered what it meant. I knew that porridge was like oatmeal but couldn't figure out the name. That's a really cute and meaningful way to name your blog!
ReplyDeleteAwwww girl I knew that from reading your about me.....but hearing this much detail and about your nana.....seriously just welled up. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteAww, I love this story! Seems like your Nana is a hoot ;)
ReplyDeleteI think it is the perfect name. When it means something to you, it becomes more a part of you. Love the story of your Nana, she sounds like a great woman.
ReplyDeleteaww i'm tearing up over here, this is so beautiful .Can you please record your grandma saying "see you in a porridge" and post it please please please!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a sweet and touching story. Your Nana sounds wonderful:)
ReplyDeleteecho whats already been said, but i like your blog name because it is unique to you with such a touching history. i went back and forth about my blog name, but i just kept coming back to oh shells bells. naming a blog is a funny thing, but like when you mean "the one," when you know, you know!
ReplyDeleteAww I've only had one grandmother. I love the story behind your blog name. This makes me teary though thinking about having to say goodbye every time! I honestly thought to myself I wish Kristen would post on this topic because you get the "what the h does it mean?" award for blog titles and now we know :)
ReplyDeleteI love this story so so much.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm crying big fat baby tears. Such a sweet story lovebug! I had a Nana when I was growing up and I loved her so much. I was basically her Mini Me. Sadly, she passed away when I was in high school but I have amazing memories of her. I love that yours means so much to you!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a sweet meaning! I did know what porridge was, but wouldn't have ever guessed the family tie! And yes, your grandma is truly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAwww I absolutely love this! I just assumed it had something to do with breakfast but wasn't sure haha. Your Nana seems like such a special lady!
ReplyDeleteI loved this so much! I think it's so amazing how you came half way across the world to make a new life! I had a hard time leaving my family 8 hours away so I totally understand! I think it's wonderful that you used your nana as inspiration for your blog title . . . and I love knowing the story behind it! So until next time . . . see you in a porridge! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis was such a fun read! I hadn't read your about page (terrible blogger friend that I am) so I didn't know the backstory. I knew what porridge was and I figured it was some sort of Aussie saying like that "Aussie Aussie Aussie ai ai ai" thing or something like that. (Which, BTW, Miranda Kerr did it on the Tonight Show so I know you're serious about that.) But...I was also too lazy to google the origin of the saying so thanks for just posting it right here for me :)
ReplyDeleteI have read your FAQ before, but reading this whole story was so sweet. I love that you have such a bond with your grandmother, and it's making me weepy to read this as this Saturday is the one-year anniversary of losing one of mine. But thanks so much for sharing the whole story here! Those family photos are great too :)
ReplyDeleteI love that your title is such a memory for you. That must be why you're such a badass blogger! You have your Nana to remind you to be awesome! Love it!
ReplyDeletethis is truly so sweet! i'll admit i didn't know what your blog name meant, and now i'm so glad i do! i love it so much! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletexo welltraveledwife.com
What a great story!! It brought tears to my eyes! Loved reading this and that you copied me haha!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so adorable! Sometimes I don't really realize that certain words are Australian, especially ones you don't use in every day life. I didn't realize porridge is Australian.
ReplyDeleteBut I know how you feel, I cried my eyes out when I last said goodbye to my Nana. I can't wait to see her again in a few months.
Awwww, we so loved reading this story. So cute, and we love your blog name that much more now :)
ReplyDeletexx 365hangers
Aww I love that!
ReplyDeleteOh, and hey! I've been exploring netflix and such ever since North & South. I rewatched Pride & Prejudice (amazon prime, the one with Colin Firth - the best one) and then I found some other shows I thought you'd might like. On Netflix have you heard of The Paradise? Tess of the D'Ubervilles... I actually have a list running now. Mr. Selfridge (haven't seen that one yet, similar to Paradise apparently.)
I love this post and enjoy reading why people chose the names they did for their blogs. It's sweet that there is such a nice story behind it involving a childhood memory. :)
ReplyDeleteCue the water works! I loved this. I'm very close to my grandma so this really hit home with me. I love that your blog will always make you smile when you see it. Great story and great pick!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I knew was porridge meant! I love it. And I love your nana and that you are so close to her. I only met one of my grandparents and she lived in a whole different country than me so I didn't get to spend a lot of time with her. Take advantage!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! I love that your blog name has such a personal story behind it :)
ReplyDeleteOh, this is the sweetest thing ever!!! My Mema (grandma) was my favorite person ever!!! I love that you adopted y'all's special saying as your blog title!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute story! I knew what porridge meant, and it always reminds of the Goldilocks and 3 bears story! Glad you have such sweet memories with your Nana.
ReplyDeleteAww I love your blog name so much more now!! So perfect and precious. Nanas/Grandma's are the best!! I sure to do miss mine.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing story. I swear, if I weren't at work right now I would have teared up. Love my gram & granny !!!
ReplyDeleteI think this is my favorite post explaining a blog name. Ever. And it's definitely my favorite one I've read today.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like a grandmother.
I ADORE the lightbulb of OMG this is the name for me!!!!!!!!! I remember when I came up with my blog name, it just felt SO RIGHT!!! :)
ReplyDeleteawww I absolutely love this!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great choice for a blog name =)
ReplyDeleteIt has an adorable story.
This is a fabulous story and I love that you got to spend so much time with your nana!! I may have to copy this idea as well...I like you have a little bit of it in my About Me.
ReplyDeleteThe meaning and story behind your blog name is incredible. I wondered about the meaning behind it, but after reading this, just fell in love with the name! You and your Grandma's relationship is the sweetest! :):):)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute story! I love it.
ReplyDeletesuch a nice story. i love her daily ritual of getting a paper and a scratchie. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest story of a blog name! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is BEST story every!!!! I adore you and your Nana! So so so sweet! :) ♥
ReplyDeleteGirl... this brought tears to my eyes! I love that your blog name has such a special meaning!!!!!!!! :D Your nana sounds like an amazing woman (as does your mom) and I'm sure that's why you turned out to be the amazing woman that YOU are! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story behind the your blog name!! Aww! I'm sure it is hard to be so far away...when are they going to invent teleporting!!
ReplyDeletethat is so sweet! your nana sounds like an absolutely amazing woman. i want to be friends with her. thank you for sharing that personal story.
ReplyDeleteThis is THE BEST blog name story I have ever read and it made me teary eyed! I absolutely love it. How perfect and personal.
ReplyDeleteBest. Blog. Title. Ever.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog yesterday and was curious about the name. After reading this cute story, I'm doing the silent sob while sitting on my sofa. Thank you for sharing with the world.
ReplyDeleteaw shucks thanks Colleen! that is so sweet of you <3
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