De-cluttering, Renovating and Moving

I'd like to say that I don't know where the time has gone since I last posted - but I do know - it's been taken up with looking at homes and going back to homes to measure and see what will fit where and painting (oh the blisters from painting for 3 days) and weeding and more weeding and getting the front garden ready and the front front garden ready and the back garden and the house.

Thank goodness I was able to take 3 days leave last week to get some of the above done but it seems that every time I turn around, there is something else that we 'have' to do before we put our home on the market.

The de-cluttering has been good - and so cathartic.  It is also very stressful because I am married to someone who likes to hold onto things.  I'm not sure if you would call him a true hoarder but he doesn't like to get rid of things - even if there is only a very teeny tiny possibility that we may use it, he likes to keep it - just in case !!!!!!  It does drive me insane but I am sure that there are things that I do that drive him insane - so we sort of cancel each other out like that.

I am enjoying going through our stuff and finding little treasures that I had forgotten about - a letter I wrote to my Upstairs Gran when I was 4 yrs 8 mths old, photos of family members no longer with us, writing paper/notelets I never even knew I had, 50c stamps that I will need to buy 10c stamps to go with on a letter and so it goes on.

The bookshelf, which is floor to ceiling and 1500mm wide - is full to overflowing with books - some of which we will never read again so Lifeline will get those as well.  I know that there is someone out there who will read them.  The ones we don't give to Lifeline, will get packed away so that we only have shelves that have books one row deep instead of two rows deep !!!

Ideally I would love to live in a minimalistic home, but I understand that living with someone who likes 'stuff', it probably isn't going to happen.  All I can do is hope that what we keep is worthy of the space that it takes up.  And really, do we really have to have more than two sets of anything - be it towels, linen, table cloths, place mats, coffee machines etc etc.  I am sure you get the picture.  It seems that Lifeline is going to be getting a lot of 'drop offs' over the next couple of weeks - I know that there are people who will actually make a lot more use of these things than we do, having it sitting in our sideboard, linen cupboard, bedroom cupboard or kitchen.

We have taken a storage shed that we are moving 'stuff' into this weekend which means that this week is the week that I pack up as much as I can and send it off to storage.  I know I can take it into storage at any time but I would rather do it all now and then they will cart it there for me instead of us having to do it later.

I don't know how much I am going to be around over the next couple of weeks - last week we worked pretty much until we collapsed into a bath and then into bed.  There is nothing quite as exciting as weeding by torch light - but it was so much cooler than what we had put up with from 8-11 in the morning !

Joining in with Jess for #IBOT because it's Tuesday and I like to join in with such a fun linky !

Have the best week !!

TFTD : Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart.

What Do I Know ?

It's Friday which means it's time for us all to tell each other what we know - because as MC always says, we all know sh*t.

This week I know that :

- I have been stressed and so eaten more junk food that is good for me and definitely a sh*tload more than I wanted to - it was like I couldn't help myself at times - which is really a sucky excuse because it wasn't as though anyone had a gun to my head forcing me to eat the junk !

- I will be back in the gym next week

- I will plan my weeks better in future so that I can get to the gym as well as go and look at houses

- A may not be going away on Monday because, apparently, now they have realised that sending guys from the Gold Coast up to Mt Isa when they don't have the equipment to actually install is probably not the smartest move they could make

- I think I may have mentioned the words -  A's company, p*ss up and brewery in a previous post

- I am looking forward to catching up with BIL and SIL for dinner tonight.  There is a lovely little place, good food, reasonably priced, just around the corner from us and we all walk there for dinner every couple of weeks - it's great

 

What do you know this week ? 

Have you joined in ? 

Why not share your knowledge for the week ?

 

Have a fantastic Friday and a great weekend !

 

TFTD : Integrity is choosing your actions based on moral values rather than personal gain.

First World Problem

And so it begins.  The constant phone calls and viewings and indecision about what to do.  Weighing up the pros and cons and trying to make the best decision for all concerned when really, all I want to do, is find a little corner to hide in and rock myself to sleep !

I'm talking about house hunting and selling our house - and dealing with the dreaded estate agents (having said that the two we have dealt with so far have been very nice).  I have been involved in buying precisely one house - the one we currently live in.  A had bought his house just when I met him so I wasn't involved in that in any way.  We sold that to move to Australia and after renting for 6 months we bought our current home.  It wasn't an easy process because we didn't know good and bad areas, and, if we had listened to some of the agents, we would have landed up in a house built on marine mud where whole streets are subsiding or in a dust bowl that gets all the afternoon sun and no breezes.  But, it was an easy process from the point of view of being able to buy for cash.

This time around, it's not so easy - we need to sell in order to buy BUT A doesn't want to sell if we can't find somewhere suitable to buy - I feel like I am living the chicken or the egg scenario - which comes first - selling and hope we find somewhere to buy or buying and then hope like hell we can find a buyer so we aren't left with two mortgages and finding a suitable tenant.

Like I said before, first world problem !

Factor in a very fussy child (who will have some say but not a lot of weight given to said opinion) and parents who are going to live on the property with us, menopause cr*p happening and a husband who is now leaving on Monday for a month away - and my stress levels are probably reaching an all time high.

So, today I am thankful that I have a home to live in, that I have the opportunity to buy a property which may, or may not, have something suitable for my parents to live in, and, if there is nothing suitable to live in, we will build something suitable for them.

I am thankful that a typhoon hasn't come through and taken my home away.

I am thankful that my husband has a job.

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to have my folks live close by so we can keep an eye on them as they get older.

I am thankful for Rhianna who hosts Thankful Thursday because it makes me take stock of what is happening in my life and realise that, while there may be a lot of cr*p going on, I certainly have a lot to be thankful for !

What are you thankful for today ?

 

Have the best Thursday !

 

TFTD : People who lack the clarity, courage, or determination to follow their own dreams will often find ways to discourage yours.

One Republic at The Tivoli

Last night saw A and I drive up to The Tivoli to see One Republic.  They are one of my favourite bands.  A few months ago I had a look on their website but didn't see anything about a tour to Australia.  Last week I heard they were in Perth so had a look and found that they were in Brisbane after that.

K didn't want to go with me (although she did say if I couldn't find anyone at all she would go - sweet child that she is) and I don't know that A was too keen but on Friday when I checked to see what tickets were available, it said that there were't many left so I called A and sweet talked him into coming with me so I didn't have to go by myself !!!!!  Once he had said he would come with me, I couldn't get onto the ticket website and I was starting to panic just a tad, obviously someone else was trying to buy tickets and they were held for 10 minutes for them.  To say that I was excited when I finally managed to get them is an understatement - I may have even done a very happy dance around the office seeing as I was in there alone !!!!

The trouble with buying tickets so close to the event is you don't have the anticipation of counting down until the show. But, hey, that's OK.  I can live with that even though it was only 3 sleeps away !!!

We left home earlier than we needed to (well earlier than we thought we needed to) because we were going to look at a house on our way up before heading off.  The house we went to look at wasn't suitable BUT we did see another one that has huge potential and looks like it is the right price as well !!!  Anyway, we called Don Angelo's to pick up dinner only to find that they were closed for a private funcion :(

We got up to The Tivoli at about 7.15 (having never been there before we weren't sure about parking although they did say there was plenty of parking in the surrounding streets) - well apparently not if you get there at that time when the doors opened at 6.30 !!!  We drove around for about 20 mins before eventually parking in a garage (for a cost of $13 which is heaps cheaper than I thought it was going to be - I had figured if we had to pay for parking it would cost us about the same as a ticket given what we paid when we parked to go to the police information evening with K last year !!!) and walked in the rain back to The Tivoli.  The good thing was that by the time we got there, we could walk straight in without having to queue.

The support act was playing and we managed to find standing space near the back - luckily near the door so we did get the occasional cool breeze coming through.  They had said that OR would start at approx 8.30 - I think it was closer to 8.50 by the time they started but I didn't mind the wait. 

Once they started the time just flew by.  They sung a mix of old and new songs although mainly songs off their new album, Native.  And they were fantastic.  I don't do standing very well and had said to A at the beginning of the evening that I would have seriously have not even considered going had I known that it was standing only, but I am so glad that we went - it was worth every cent of the ticket.  He then pointed out that it said Standing on the ticket which I would have seen had I bothered to actually read the ticket instead of getting so excited and doing a dance because I got the tickets in the first place !!!!!

There was a really wide range of ages in the audience with some of the blue rinse brigade in attendance as well as kids who looked like they weren't even 18 although you had to be 18 to go to the show.

Anyway, even with my dodgy back and dodgy knees, I thoroughly enjoyed the show (and A did as well just in case you were wondering)  - so much so he asked me to put their new CD on when we were driving home !!!!

If you are One Republic fans, I would definitely recommend seeing them if they are at a venue near you.

Joining in with Jess from Essentially Jess because #IBOT.

Have you been to any concerts lately ?

Are there any bands you would

recommend seeing on stage ?

 

Have the best day !

 

TFTD : Don't just look, observe. Don't just breathe, smell. Don't just sleep, dream. Don't just think, feel. Don't just exist, live.

Things I Know

Today the Things I Know linky is back with Miss Cinders at The Miss Cinders - thank you to Rhianna from A Parenting Life who has been hosting this while MC had a break.

This week I know :

- that I have still been wishing my days away so that the weekend can be here

- that I shouldn't wish my life away

- that I am happy that today is Friday

- that One Republic are playing in Brisbane at The Tivoli on Monday night and I REALLY REALLY want to go (Finally managed to get through and got two tickets - YAY !!!!)

- that I got a gold star from the dentist yesterday

- that I managed to get home after the dentist in time to make it to my fourth gym class this week

- that I liked this lady more than I like the lady who does spin class on a Thursday so I may change and add another pump class to my schedule and pick up a spin class on a Wednesday

- that I plan on being kind to myself this weekend

- that I am loving having a Blackberry phone again even if I can't load photos into Instagram (yet)

- that I am loving having the features back that made me fall in love with Blackberry in the first place

We all know sh*t so

why not join in with

the easier linky of the week ?

 

Have the best weekend e.v.e.r. !!!

 

TFTD : It is more important to know where you are going, than to get there quickly. Don’t not mistake activity for achievement.

Thankful Thursday

It's time for Thankful Thursday again and this week I truly am very thankful for A who puts up with me so patiently.  Honestly, I am sure that if I was him I would have given me my walking papers by now !!  In fact, I have suggested I leave but he keeps telling me to stay !!!

I don't know what I want. I know I am tired. I can't be a*sed to plan or cook meals.  It's all I can do to stay on top of our laundry although last night he got home from work and put a load of washing on and then took it out and hung it up so clearly I missed the boat on that one.

I am feeling very 'blah' at the moment and don't really know why.  Life is good - in fact life is bloody fantastic and yet everything seems such an effort to me.

Last Sunday I think he was up at about 6.30 - I think I woke up at about 8.00 - wandered through to the lounge and he was watching something on National Geographic - so I lay on the couch with my head on his lap.  At about 9.00 he got up to go to the loo - came back and I was sprawled across the couch so he went to potter around outside.  I walked outside at about 10.30 and said "I think I am awake now."  He just laughed at me and said "It doesn't really look like you are."

I know my sleeping patterns aren't the best - OK, who am I trying to kid, they are cr*p. But I don't really know what else to do.  People have said - exercise, you'll sleep better (In fact, I was one of them because that is what happened to me years and years and years ago, before K was born) - not so much now - even on the nights I go to gym - my sleeping is still not that flash.

I know I am going through menopause, but honestly, I thought it was all under conttrol.  Clearly some of it is because I don't have the depression or anxiety attacks that I was suffering from but I certainly don't feel like I am entering the best years of my life or anything like that.  In fact I feel like I am slowly just breaking down into a feeling of 'blahness' !

Is it just a mind set that I have to change ?  I have been checked out medically and there is nothing wrong with me from that point of view.  Is it just near the end of the year and everyone feels like it's all just a little bit too much ?  I don't know.  But, what I do know is that nearly 26yrs ago, I married a man who has stood by me through thick and thin (literally), who is as patient as the day is long and who gets that right now I just need to be, and not do (which can be frustrating, I know, when we have so much we want to do to the house before we put it on the market - I get that totally). 

I just wish I knew the right way to tackle this - do I throw myself into busyness over the weekend and then start off next week even more tired than I am now or do I just say, you know what, maybe the house has to wait.  Except then I feel selfish because it isn't only us wanting to sell our house and find another house to move into, it's my folks waiting to sort out their future.  I know that it isn't a big thing for them but, my Mom being my Mom, this appears to be stressful for her too - waiting to see where they are going to live.

I think that this weekend may be the weekend we decide what to do and take it from there.  I do know that with all the painting that needs to be done, I am going to have to take some time off work because painting only on the weekend or trying to paint at night in the dark, is not the best way to get the job done.  Maybe I need to get a quote to get the two loungerooms, diningroom and kitchen painted - that would help but, of course, it depends on the cost.

What I do know is that nearly 26yrs ago, I married a man who has stood by me through thick and thin (literally), who is as patient as the day is long and who gets that right now I just need to be, and not do (which can be frustrating, I know, when we have so much we want to do to the house before we put it on the market - I get that totally). For this man, I am totally thankful !

Linking in with Rhianna from

A Parenting Life

for Thankful Thursday.

Have you linked in yet ?

Have the best day that you can !

TFTD : Love yourself for what you are, instead of hating yourself for what you are not.

I Must Confess : I Am Fussy

Today I am linking in with Jess from Essentially Jess for #IBOT and Kirsty from My Home Truths for I Must Confess because, when you have a bit of writers block - it helps that I can use one posts for two linkies !!!

As you may, or may not know, I am a remedial massage therapist in my spare time.  And I have a standard that I have set for my clients in terms of the treatments that I give.  I have to assume that I do a good job otherwise I wouldn't have the repeat appointments that I do have.  My aim for a client when they leave my therapy room is that they have had a great experience and would like to repeat said experience when they can get back to me.

The problem comes when I am getting a massage - I have high standards for the therapist that is giving me a massage.  And, sadly, I haven't been able to find someone who is able to meet those standards.

For me, these are HUGE no-nos :

- having a fan blow directly onto a client (and having two fans blowing onto me is likely to make me twice as cranky

- taking your hands off me once you have started the treatment - unless it is to hold the towel up so that I can turn over, is a big no-no

- I know that I am not small by any stretch of the imagination, but giving me a towel that is only slightly bigger than a hand towel is not going to do it for me.  Lying on my back and having it barely cover my 'bits', never mind about keeping the areas you have just massaged warm is not going to let me enjoy the experience

 - having loud 'doof doof' music is not going to see me coming back to your practice

- rubbing my skin is not going to see me coming back to your practice

- rubbing my skin so vigorously that my teeth chatter is just plain annoying

- if I ask for you not to do tapotement on me, I mean for you not to do tapotement on me

Do you have anything you could add to the list ?

Do you live on the Gold Coast ?

Can you recomment a good massage therapist ?



Have the best Tuesday and take care !

TFTD : You can have all the knowledge in the world, but it means nothing without building up the confidence to do something with it.

What Do I Know ?

What do I know today ?  Sometimes I think I know nothing - other times I realise I do know nothing and then, on very rare occasions, I realise that actually, I do know a lot of stuff - it's just stuff that is not worth blogging about !!!!

So, here goes for what I do know this week that I can blog about :

- I know that last week while looking for a 21st birthday present, I found that Pandora make a unicorn charm - so now I have to buy another bracelet because how can I not have the unicorn charm ?

- I know that I found the BEST (well I hope it is !!!) Christmas present for K (but I can't mention it on here just in case she reads this !!!)

- I know that my foot is heaps better and I will be back exercising next week

- I know that I feel bad about wishing my weeks away so that the weekend will get here

- I know that even though I had a day off this week, it seems to have been the l-o-n-g-e-s-t week ever

- I know that I don't like not having my posts scheduled

- I know that I haven't been commenting as much as I would like

- I know that I am waiting to hear from Optus today as to whether my new phone has arrived

- I know that I am grateful to K for letting me get a new phone on her contract because she is happy with her phone and doesn't mind waiting another three months until my contract expires

- I know that Christmas is just around the corner and I don't give a rats butt for it

- I know that I feel like the Grinch of Christmas - and honestly, I would be more than happy to spend money on presents if someone would just tell me what to buy - I HATE having to think of what to buy - I am no good at present shopping - unless it/s for me, in which case I am absolutely fantastic at present shopping !

What do you know today ?
Have you linked in with Rhianna

at A Parenting Life ?

If not, why not ?



Have the best weekend and take care - the silly season is nearly upon us and I want you all to be here, safe, sound and healthy next year !

TFTD : You are far from what you once were, but not yet what you are going to be.

Thankful Thursday

So, Thursday has come around again, funny how that happens once a week, and I am totally unprepared for Thankful Thursday !  Last week I didn't even get to  post other than my #IBOT post which I didn't even get to post this week !  Basically - I've been a bit slack, and, unless my writers block disappears, this is how it's going to stay !!!

TT has moved ! 

Thank you to Francesca for the wonderful job that she did of hosting TT while it was hers.  It now resides with the lovely Rhianna over at A Parenting Life.

So, without further waffle, this week (in no particular order) I am thankful for :

- the rain that came (although it wasn't nearly enough) - it was certainly better than nothing

- clients who come back for massages because they were happy with the treatment they received

- a sore foot which appears to not be as serious as we first thought

- sharing birthday's with my folks 'cos I know that they won't be here forever

- it being Thursday which means the weekend is just around the corner

Have the best Thursday that you can.

What are you thankful for ?

Have you linked in with Rhianna ?

What are you waiting for ?

 

TFTD : Life is not fair; but it is still wonderful.

I Must Confess : I Was Worried

We have photos around our home.  In fact, as you turn from the diningroom into the passage to go to the family bathroom, there is a family portrait of us.  I love family portraits.  The problem with our family portrait is that it is over 20 years old !!!  Yes, that is the last time we had any sort of professional take some photos of the three of us together.  We do have quite a few 'happy snaps' from when we have been on holiday but, other than those, we have nothing *hangs head in shame*

But, that all changed a few weeks ago when I read of a special that Aroha from Photography by Aroha was offering - 30 minute slots on Saturday 26th October. I knew it was meant to be because it was a weekend when A was due to be home AND K, who normally babysits every Saturday, wasn't going to be baby sitting as her family were going away on a cruise.  I got in touch and booked our spot - and then promptly forgot about it - until I got the reminder last week from Aroha about it.  Then I told A - who was OK with it - not over the moon, but OK.  Then I told K about it and she was against it - said she wasn't interested until she had lost some weight.  I explained that we would have them done again when we had both lost some weight but I wanted something in the mean time - I wanted some record of us, together, done in a lovely setting by someone who knew what they were doing !!!

And then, when K finally agreed to join us, she reminded me that GC600 was on and Surfers was going to be a mad house.  Luckily we managed to change it to the Botanic Gardens outside of Surfers so all was well with the world (yes, first world problems, I know !!!). 

The next decision to make was what to wear.  Neither of them were fussed but I didn't want us looking like a ragtag bunch of bogans who couldn't even co-ordinate three outfits.  K had made up her mind and wasn't changing for anyone.  A had chosen a check shirt so I didn't want to wear a patterned top - eventually I landed up buying a plain white top which I figured would go with anything. 

We got there and met Aroha and she showed us a couple of places she had chosen for the photos.  She was just lovely - really helping us to relax.  She did battle at times to get K to smile - but I told her not to take it personally - sometimes we all battle to get her to smile !!!!!

On Saturday night we were all at a 21st in Fortitude Valley and I received three photos from the afternoon - A and I thought they were great.  On Sunday morning we received a few more - and we are very happy with them.

I have to confess that I was worried about having my photo taken.  I don't believe that I am very photogenic and being 25kgs over weight certainly doesn't help but there really was nothing to worry about. 

This is one of A and I.  I won't be posting any that have K in them but, they are really lovely as well !!!

Linking in with Kirsty over at My Home Truths for I Must Confess today - why not join in and get anything you need to confess off your chest !

Have the best day !

TFTD : As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes walking away is a step forward.




Disclaimer : This is not a sponsored post.  We paid for our session with Aroha and my opinions regarding the photos are just that, my opinion.

Thought For The Day

If you have read my blog before you will know that I generally end it with a Thought For The Day (TFTD).  What you may not know is that I also send out a daily TFTD (sometimes if I can't make up my mind which one is more applicable I may even send out two - daring like that, I know, I can hardly contain myself !!!! LOL).  All you need to do is send me your e-mail address and I will include you in the mail that goes out - mostly Monday - Friday but sometimes I do skip a day depending on how busy I am at work.  I send it as a BCC so nobody else will see your e-mail address.

It's been amazing how many times I have picked a TFTD, sent it out and then had someone come back to me saying "That is just what I needed to hear today."  I can't make up my mind if I pick such generic thoughts that they are applicable to just about anyone who reads them or if some of us are more in tune with each other and so what is applicable to me is applicable to them ?  I think I am going to go with the fact that the thoughts I choose are ones that talk to me and I hope they will talk to everyone who reads them.

In case you were wondering, #IBOT so why not join in with Jess at Essentially Jess if #YBOT !

Have the best day !

TFTD : Be weird. Be Random. Be Yourself. There are people you don’t even know who will love the person you’re trying to hide.

What Do You Know ?

And it's Friday again - for which I am most grateful although I do feel bad (very occasionally) for seeming to wish my life away waiting for Friday to come around !!!!

Linking in with Rhianna from A Parenting Life for one of the easiest linkies for the week - Things I Know.

- I know that going to gym 4 times in the week is fantastic

- I know that I am getting stronger every time I go

- I know that I am still the newbie in the classes but I don't care - I give it my best shot and that is all that I can ask from myself

- I know that paying (what works out to be) $4.53 per class in order for me to get fit and healthy is a small price to pay

- I know that I need to book in for my assessment and program so that I can mix up my exercise so my body is kept guessing about what I am doing (I will do this the week after next as A is due home today and so will be here next week and I would rather spend the time with him instead of spending more time at the gym)

- I know that I like that I can change the program whenever I want and they will work with me on a new program

- I know that this health kick can be rather addictive and I like that I am getting to the point where if I don't exercise I feel like cr*p - this means that I am more likely to keep on going because I love how I feel when I am finished a session

What do you know today ?

Have you blogged about it ?

Have you shared it with other

bloggers at A Parenting Life ?

 

Have the best weekend and take care !

 

TFTD : It’s not what you have been through that defines who you are; it’s how you got through it that has made you the person you are today.

Australia - A Great Country

About 20 years ago, A mentions that he wants to leave South Africa - I say no.  There is no way I am going to leave my folks.  End of story - if you want to leave, that's fine, go, but without me, are the words I say to him. (Or at least words to that effect !)

Fast forward 3 years, and the National Party pull out of the coalition government and I realise that there really is no future for our then 4yo daughter (or for us for that matter) and I turn to A that Sunday night and say "Right - I'm ready to leave." which he finds rather strange as it's 8pm on a Sunday night and we weren't planning on going anywhere.

Then, I patiently explain that I am ready to look at moving countries and he does a happy dance - because he has been waiting 3 years for me to change my mind !!!  So we look in the paper, find an immigration agent who just happens to be advertising a seminar the next night.  So I phone the next morning and book us in.  We drop K with my in-laws and off we go.

Because A has a trade and is under 35, we qualify on points - it's just whether or not Australia actually want us.  And so the long, drawn out process begins.  We put in our application in May 1996 and we find out we had been accepted in March 1998.  We come out here on an LSD (look, see and decide) trip in October 1998, go back to South Africa, put our house on the market, tidy up our affairs (well as much as we could) and land here on 29 January 2000.

I cannot begin to express how thankful I am to have the opportunity to live in this wonderful country.  To be able to call this country home.  To raise our daughter in a country that has far less violence than we are used to.  To be able to let her ride her bike in the street and play outside without fear of what may happen to her.

Yes, I know that bad things happen in this country.  But they are far less frequent than what happens in SA.  The fact that I can go for a run at 8pm at night is something I am so thankful for.  The fact that I can drive around with my doors unlocked and my windows down are things I am thankful for.  The fact that I can wear my jewellery without fear of being strangled as someone tries to yank my necklace, or actually chop my hands off to get my rings and bracelets - these are things that I am thankful for.

Do I miss South Africa ?  Absolutely - it is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever travelled through.

Do I miss the violence and blood shed ?  Not a bit.

Would I ever go back ?  Highly unlikely because I am too scared I won't make it home.

Am I worried about the increasing violence in Australia ?  Absolutely - where would we move to from here to get away from it ? 

What are you thankful for today ? 

Why not join in with Francesca at Francesca Writes Here ?

 

Have the BEST day !

 

TFTD : You are a human who is not perfect. You will make mistakes. But life is not about the mistakes you make, it’s about what you learn from them, and the unique steps you take to rectify them.

My Weekend That Was

I know that technically the weekend doesn't start on Thursday night but my time of pleasantness (yes, that is a word !!!) started then so that is when I decided my weekend would start.

A phone call from K saying she wanted to go to the movies ended up with us seeing 2 Guns (which I would recommend to anyone wanting to see some action plus have a few laughs !)

Friday night after work / TAFE, saw us popping in to my folks for my Dad to see K and then a stop at the local DVD store to get some DVDs and the local Indian restaurant to get some curry for dinner.  We got The Great Gatsby, Snitch and Jack Reacher.  We watched Snitch (which I had mostly seen before) and then half of TGG - I loved the party scenes which were so typical of a Baz Luhrmann movie but (given I haven't read the book - don't judge me, I didn't have to read it at school and I really don't like period type stories, except the Barbara Taylor-Bradford - The Harte Family saga) but it wasn't enough to keep us awake on Friday night so we had to watch it when K got home from storm training on Saturday afternoon.

I went to yoga in the morning.  My BIL says it should be called the comedic yoga class and he and I are both so inflexible - it really is quite funny to watch us.  I guess the good thing is that, if we keep it up, maybe we will see some differences in a few months time !!! (Although I'm thinking that quite possibly one class a week will make absolutely no difference - all it does is make me sweat and get thirsty and have another set of exercise clothes to wash for the week !!!!)  But, she did move through the moves quite quickly so maybe when I have just a little bit of a clue as to what I am doing, I'll be a bit better at what I am trying to do.

As K and I were going to the 7's rugby on Sunday and I knew I would be wearing my knee length jeans, I thought I had better go and get my legs and under-arms waxed, which I did before looking for more yarn to crochet up.  I could only find yarn at $8/ball which is just ridonkulous because I got it at $2/ball the last time I bought. I have asked my folks to keep their eyes open on their travels looking for fabric so hopefully they will find me some.  Mind you, with this hot weather, I don't know how much crocheting I will be doing !!!!

After we finished watching TGG and had returned it, we watche Pitch Perfect again.  To me, that movie is like Burlesque, I could watch it again and again and again and never get tired of it !!!

Sunday morning we had a bit of a lazy start before deciding to have cheese muffins for breakfast so quickly made a batch before getting to the station to catch the train down to Robina for the 7s rugby.  The train down was a bit full but at least it wasn't a long ride.  We got there just after 10am and walked to the stadium.  Using the train to get there is such a great way to travel - plenty of parking at the station and no trouble at the other side - across the walkway, down the stairs and along the road and you are at Skilled Park. 

What can I say about the day ?  Apart from the fact that the cold drinks were a rip off at $5 for a 600ml Coke Zero.  K also bought a box of chips which we shared.  We took water with us but that got warm before we knew it so landed up having to buy a few cold drinks while we were there.  The games were good - some were annihalations and some were really close.  Australia played South Africa and went into two lots of extra time (5 mins each time) before finally scoring a try to go through to the finals against NZ where they got well and truly beaten 40-19.  I think that the extra time against SA really took it out of them, having said that in the three games we watched them play, they went out really hard for the first 4-5 minutes and then seemed to lose their legs after that.

The crowd was entertaining.  The costumes were hilarious (most of them).  The screaming got a bit much at times.  The two worst were one lady shouting for "Souf Africa" and another lady who shouted for USA, Canada and England.  Her and her partner were English and then they bagged us out for supporting the French (when in reality, the only reason we were supporting the French was because they were supporting Cananda and driving K and I nuts !!!)

I had thought that K may not want to stay until the last game but, as the sun went down behind the stadium, she wasn't going anywhere until the last whistle had gone.  We changed seats a few times, chasing the shade, and getting away from ear piercing screamers and when we left and were walking to the station, she turned to me and gave me a big hug and said "Thanks for an awesome day Mom, I really enjoyed it."

Baskin & Robbins featured for dinner and, given we had only had a cheese muffin for breakfast and shared a small packet of hot chips during the day, I figured I had calories to spare even if I didn't eat 'good' calories !!!!

We got home at about 8.45 and watched Jack Reacher - Tom Cruise is so not Jack Reacher - and never will be !!!!!!  I wish they had cast someone else as Jack - someone like Jason Statham - someone with character !!

This week I plan on going back to the gym.  There is a body conditioning class on Monday at 5.30 and then a body pump class at 6.30 and then a couple of spin classes.  My weight is continuing to drop although I think it is probably  more as a result of cutting down on what I eat rather than my choice of foods which hasn't been that great of late.

Thankfully my moods have been a lot more stable and I truly believe that I have finally found the right concoction of medication (prescribed and natural) to keep me on an even keel.  I suppose the real test will come when A gets back from Rocky/Townsville on Friday and I have the two of them at home again !!!

Have the best day and, because it is Tuesday, it's time to join in with Jess at Essentially Jess for #IBOT.  Why not pop over and share some blog love around ?

TFTD : Sometimes the reason it’s so hard for us to be happy is simply because we refuse to let go of the things that make us sad.

Things I Know

Friday is here - do I hear a huge YAY from everyone reading this ? 

Even though this was a short week having had a long weekend last weekend, this week seems to have dragged but, finally, the weekend is within spitting distance (not that I am going to try to spit on it - I would never diss the weekend like that !!!!) but at least it is closer than it was on Tuesday or Wednesday or even yesterday, or even 5 minutes ago - OK , am sure you get my point !!!!

Anyway, linking in with Rhianna at A Parenting Life for Things I Know, this is what I know this week.

I know :

- that maintaining my weight is not what I want to do but it's better than putting on weight

- that eating in this heat is just too hard

- that having K home is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C

- that going to the movies with my 21yo daughter brought me heaps of pleasure

- that 2 Guns is actually quite a funny movie

- that planning to go to the 7's rugby on Sunday with same daughter is something I am looking forward to

- that there is no way I would have gone to the movies or 7's rugby with my Mom when I was 21

- that I am so grateful for the great (most of the time) relationship that K and I have

- that I am looking forward to a movie night at home tonight

What do you know this week ? 

Have you linked in with Rhianna yet ? 

Why not ?

 

Have the best weekend !

 

TFTD : Sometimes you have to step outside of the person you've been, and remember the person you were meant to be, the person you wanted to be, the person you are.

Thankful Thursday

I know I sound like every other blogger / person on the planet, but where is the time going to ?  How can it be 9 days since I last posted ?  How has that much time passed without me having anything to say ?  Gee, I never realised I could be so quiet for so long !!!!

And, because it is Thursday, it's the day I link in with Francesca from Francesca Writes Here for Thankful Thursday.

This week I am thankful for :

- an unexpected trip to Rockhampton to see A (although it did mean that, while I was coping really well before I left, I found it a little more difficult when I got home.)

- the safe arrival of K home from her holiday in NZ

- and even better than her safe arrival home was hearing her say that she missed me !!!!!

- and then reading it on FB !!!!

Have you joined in with Thankful Thursday ?  I'm sure that we all have something to be thankful for - sometimes we just need to take a minute to think about what it is that we are thankful for.

Have the best day !

TFTD : Make the world a better place one person at a time. And start with yourself.

Alone But Not Lonely

Thursday saw A leave for Townsville.

Friday saw K leave for NZ.

So, Friday night I was well and truly alone.

And it was good !  I stopped at the DVD shop and got two DVD's - Identity Thief and GI Joe Retaliation.  I love Melissa McCarthy because she is so funny - I wouldn't say to anyone that they have to see it but it was good for a few laughs.  GI Joe had Channing Tatum (who died relatively early in the movie so that was no fun at all), Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson - all in all, nothing spectacular but a good way to waste some time.  I also caught up on some shows I had recorded so there is now enough space to record programs again without having to delete any shows we want to keep.

I am also reading a book by Terry Francona (the last manager of the Red Sox baseball side) - man what an interesting book it is.  It's a 2am interesting book - I am battling to put it down.

My SIL and BIL gave me a candle for my birthday that I haven't burned until Thursday night - wow, what a beautiful candle it is.  So on Sunday I went and bought two more - Cinnamon Twist (which I will have to get again closer to Christmas as I'm sure this one won't last that long !!!) and Vanilla.  They have the most amazing perfume and I am loving burning candles without anyone saying "Yuck - I don't like that." or "Why are you burning candles if you haven't got any clients coming over tonight." !!!!

I also bought a new pair of togs.  The ones that I have are just a tad too small and, given my eating over the weekend, will continue to be a tad too small for longer than I would like.  I started the weekend off really well with my breakfast and lunch on Saturday but after that it kind of all went downhill which was a little sad given I have tried so hard with my food.  But, the weekend is gone and today is nearly gone (it wasn't a great food day either) and tomorrow is a new day.

On Saturday I left the house at about 9.15 and didn't get home until close to 5pm so Sunday was a (mostly) stay at home day.  Apart from a quick trip to get the candles and the togs.  On Saturday night I got another 3 DVD's (the blanket I am making is growing at a rate of knots because of all the TV I have been watching which is fantastic !!!!) - one was Parker (Jason Statham), another was Broken City (Mark Whahlberg) and for the life of me I cannot remember what the third one was - clearly it didn't make that much of an impression on me !!!!

The weather was gorgeous on Sunday and so I did spend some time outside reading my book - it was just lovely not having to be anywhere at a particular time and really just enjoy the time to myself.  I do miss both A & K, but am enjoying it.  The past weekend I have spent time with friends and I have spent alone and it's been just the right mix of both.

Yesterday I had to go up to Inala for work - and have to go up again today and tomorrow.  I also have two clients this week - one tonight and one tomorrow night so I am hoping that I can be organised enough to get to gym as well.  Last night I did a pump class - and I really enjoyed it.  I certainly felt like I got a good workout which is great because it is doing what I need in terms of increasing my metabolism which hopefully will help to counter-act some of the cr*p that I have eaten this weekend.

I know that some of you have had a hectic weekend and I hope that you are able to find some time this week to gather your thoughts and slow down just a little !!!  You can always hope can't you ?

Seeing as it's Tuesday today and #IBOT, it's time to join in with Jess from Essentially Jess.

If you haven't joined in, why not pop over and add your link and then share some blog loving with others who have linked in.

Have the best day  !

TFTD : No matter how much it hurts now, someday you will look back and realise your struggles changed your life for the better.

Things I Know

What do I know today ???

It's time to join in with Rhianna from A Parenting Life for Things I Know.

I know :

- that being alone doesn't mean I am lonely and that being in a crowd doesn't mean I'm not

- that joining a gym is a step in the right direction for my health and fitness

- that I am going to miss A & K while they are away

- that I am going to enjoy having some times to myself

- that I am going to enjoy being in sole charge of the remote and what DVD's I hire

- that I was tickled pink to receive an invitation to K's best friends 21st

- that I am looking forward to catching up with my friend who makes my stomach hurt because I laugh so much when we are together

- that I am prepared to watch a recording of the Grand Final in order to be able to spend the time with her

- that mailing my dietician and making a plan about how I am going to deal with food while I am living by myself was a great thing to do - planning, as always, is everything !

What do you know today ?

Have you linked in the easiest

linky over at Rhianna's ?

 

Have a great weekend and take care !

 

TFTD : Anyone who is indifferent to the wellbeing of other people and the causes of their future happiness, can only be laying the ground for their own misfortune - Dalai Lama

Thankful Thursday

Today A left for Townsville ........ again.  I had got very used to having him around the house.  I am going to miss him heaps while he is gone.

Tomorrow K leaves for NZ.  I am going to miss her when she is gone.

Today I am thankful for :

- A's safe descent into Townsville - he said at one point he didn't think they were going to make it down it was so very bumpy.

- another night with K before she leaves

- some quiet time to myself while they are both gone even though I know I will miss them both

- my friends in my computer and phone who are always around if I need to 'talk' to someone.

As Francesca is on holiday, there is no Thankful Thursday link up but that doesn't stop me from posting my own TT post anyway !!!

Have the best day - only one sleep until Friday !

TFTD : If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan.  And guess what they have planned for you ?  Not much - Jim Rohn

Gym 1 - Couch 0

Another day another class but man, can I feel it today.  Even turning over in bed last night caused some pain !!!  But it's that good DOMS ache so I am not complaining.  The stairs at work are a killer though !

The class last night was a tad more aerobic than what I was expecting but I managed to keep up - sort of.  Clearly I wasn't the most un-co there as there was a guy in front of me who looked even more un-co than I did !

But, it was good and I was completely buggered after I had finished.  Plus I forgot to take my water so that didn't help :(

What I am finding is that when I get home I am not hungry and don't want to eat anything - have got in touch with the dietician to see what she recommends.

Tonight A and I are going to for a walk with the dogs - I want to try to spend the last two evenings with him before he goes.  Yesterday he thought he may have to leave on Thursday but by last night it had reverted to leaving on Friday.

K and I will go and sign up with the gym tomorrow and then it will be me and the gym - my new bestie !!!

Have the best day and take care !

TFTD : Each moment is a place you've never been - Mark Strand

Gym 2 - Couch 0

Up until a few months ago, K and I were going to PT sessions twice a week.  Then something happened (I can't remember what) and we stopped.  And I noticed it but then the PT guy went and got a job working at the mines somewhere and so is only home one week every three weeks.  So that effectively put an end to our training, mainly because I wasn't up to trying to find someone else to train us.

The last time I was at the dietician, she mentioned that while my weight loss is going well for the moment, there is going to come a point when I plateau (as we all know) and that will be when I need to change my exercise routine around.  Now, while I am happy to go for a walk or get on my bike by myself, I'm not very good at doing circuits or anything like that.

K's friend won a package with a gym in Southport and they have a $55 3 week special which we were going to join - well K did join but it was the two weeks before A's birthday and I really didn't have the time to be fluffing around with PT sessions and going to a gym that is effectively 20min drive from home.

Then a few weeks ago, my SIL told me about a special at the gym which is only one road away from me - sign up during September, and they wave the $130 joining fee.  And, if two of you join up, the second person gets it at a reduced rate - bonus !!!!  You also get 7 days free trial.

Well last night I started my 7 day free trial.  This morning I know that I have done something different to just going for a walk.  But it's a good different.  It's that ache in my muscles that tells me I have worked them in ways they haven't been worked for a while.  It's a great feeling.

Last night I did a Body Conditioning class which was pretty much core work (although my feet and legs were a tad wobbly by the time I was finished that !).  As K couldn't get there for that class (started 5.30) and only the 6.30 class, I stayed and did the Body Pump class with her.  Well I definitely had a case of Elvis legs by the time I finished that.  I don't know if I could say I actually enjoyed either of the classes but that may just be because they are both done to music, I didn't know what I was doing, I couldn't hear what the instructor was saying and my head was turned a lot of the time while I tried to watch what they were doing and copy them !!!  Having said that, it did feel good.

Tonight I am off to the Body Tone class which I figure can't be too hard and then tomorrow I will tackle the spin class.  There is a spin class tonight after the BT class but I don't think I will be able to handle a spin class tonight and tomorrow night so I will just leave it until tomorrow.  K and I are going to sign up before she leaves for NZ so that we can get the special plus it will give me something to do in the evenings while I am on my own because they are both leaving me on Friday :(

Because it's Tuesday, it's time to join in with Jess from Essentially Jess for #IBOT.

Have the best day !

 

Are you exercising as much as you could ?

Have you got a plan in place

in order to fit into your

togs when summer gets here ?

Do you need to start now ?

 





TFTD : You can’t keep running away from your fears. At some point in life you will have to build up the courage to face and overcome them.

Things I Know

Today is Friday which means it's time to link in with Things I Know over at A Parenting Life with Rhianna (even though the linky is open on Thursday - I link in with Thankful Thursday and like having this prompt for Friday !!!)

Photo by Trey Ratcliff

 

So, what do I know today :

- I know that menopause sucks

- I know that I am sorry that I never found Maura sooner

- I know that if I had've found her sooner, I would have saved myself months of heartache

- I know that if I had've found her sooner, I would have saved my family months of having to deal with a woman who felt like she was losing her mind

- I know that finding the right medical help makes the world of difference

- I know that finding someone who understands exactly what you are going through makes you realise that it isn't all in your head and it is totally real and all totally treatable

- I know that getting help for all the symptoms that menopause throws at you is the answer

- I know that working on these symptoms one at a time feels like a never ending battle, but hang in there, eventually you will feel better

- I know that it has taken me nearly 14 months to feel 'normal' again

- I know that we have spent a sh*tload of money to get me to this point but that every single $ was worth it

- I know that now that I am starting to sleep through most of the night I feel like a completely different person

- I know that having a supportive husband is, literally, a life saver

- I know that communication makes all the difference - while he has absolutely no freakin' idea of what you are going through, talking about it makes it a little easier for him to support you

- I know that I wish that I had someone who had been through menopause to talk to while it was happening to me, and then I found Maura and it made all the difference

Wishing you the best weeekend ever !!!

What do you know today ?

Have you linked in with Rhianna ?

Why not join in, because we all know

something ?

 

TFTD : The judgement of others does not change who I am.  Quite the opposite is true.  It reveals who they are. - Terry McPhearson

Thankful Thursday

It's time for Thankful Thursday with Francesca from Francesca Writes Here and, although I am a little late in linking up, I still have so much to be thankful for.

This week I am thankful for :

- being able to take a day off yesterday to spend with A to celebrate him turning 50 !

- being married to someone who qualifies for a Seniors Card and any discounts that entitles us to !

- being able to have a party to celebrate his 50 years with family and friends on Saturday night.

- being able to buy in dinner for Saturday so that I don't have to stress at making dinner for 20 odd people.

I hope that you can find something to be thankful for today and if you can that you have linked in with the rest of us for Thankful Thursday !!!

Have the best week !

TFTD : Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it - George Halas

Confusion Reigns

This weekend was a weekend full of learning and loud, over whelming experiences - but, I survived, not because of anything I did but in spite of all that I did !!!!!

ProBlogger was an amazing event where I learned lots.  And probably could have learned lots more had I not been quite so over whelmed by the amount of information that was pumped out in two days.

There were times I just went and hid in a corner because the noise was deafening and the feeling of not knowing many people was just too over whelming for me.  I knew that I didn't do social situations very well (and have since realised that this is something that has slowly deteriorated over time because I never used to be this bad) but I never realised just exactly how inept I was at dealing with meeting new people - or even talking to people that I have met once or twice !  I felt more comfortable sitting, playing on my phone in the corner charging my iPad that I never used !!

The speakers were amazing.  They had so much information and they were all happy to answer any questions that were thrown at them.  A wide range of topics were covered and sometimes it was really difficult to know which of the three streams to pick because I always felt like I was missing out on something by not going to others !!! Thankfully the virtual ticket allows me to watch the sessions I couldn't get to although (a) I still have to find out exactly how to watch them and (b) find the time to watch them.

The other information I received was from JF Gibson who is offering a Social Media Audit Spring Special for $49.95.  I received 3.5 pages of informative feedback on my blog and the social media platforms that I am using.  I have these printed out and will work my way through her suggestions as I can.  They all make total sense and she has given me some direction which I was badly in need of.  If you are wanting more information on this, I really recommend getting in touch with Jodi and taking her up on the spring special.  (Please note - this is not sponsored.  I didn't receive a discount for posting this. I wanted to share it because it is really informative and I can see the benefit to me of following her suggestions.)

So, with this information overload, I'm guessing it will be a while between posts as I try to digest it all and get my blog going in the right direction for both myself and my readers.

It's Tuesday which means it's time to join in with Jess from Essentially Jess for #IBOT.  Why not join in if you haven't joined already ?

Have a fantastic week !

TFTD : I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past - Patrick Henry

I Must Confess

It's Monday, the day that most of us don't really like (and, if you ask me, a rather cr*ppy way to spend 1/7th of your life !!) and the day that Kirsty hosts I Must Confess over at My Home Truths.  This week the prompt is My Most Controversial Post but, as I am the most 'uncontroversial' person I know, I have decided that I would confess to the fact that :

I LOVE MY WEEKENDS !

I know that we shouldn't wish our lives away, and, on the whole I don't, but when I am at work, I absolutely hang out for the weekend. 

The two days of the week where, if I am able, I get to sleep in. 

The two days of the week where I get to exercise at times other than after work.

The two days of the week where I can plan on doing what I want (most of the time) when I want.

The two days of the week where I don't have to sit and wonder what my boss is going to ask me to do next.

The two nights of the week where I can go to sleep as late as I like (sort of) because I can sleep in.

I love my weekends and if I can score a long weekend occasionally, that is even better !!!!

 

What can you confess to this week ? 

Have you joined in with Kirsty ?

 

Have a great week !

 

TFTD : People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel - Maya Angelou

What I Am Up To

As it's Thursday and time to link in with Francesca from Francesca Writes Here for Thankful Thursday, I thought I would play along with this post that I saw at The Muddle-Headed Mamma.  I am thankful that I get to express how each of these relate to me. I really enjoyed reading hers so I decided to copy it.  Please feel free to copy it if you want to play along :

Making : Baby blankets for unknown babies

Cooking : Chicken casserole for dinner

Drinking : Water

Reading : Why Men Are From Wagga And Women Wish They Weren't

Wanting : Sleep

Looking : A bit daggy in my jeans and thongs (on my feet thank you !!!) at work but I just had my hair done and that looks fantastic !!

Playing : A word game

Wasting : Time at work

Sewing : Nothing - it's been too many years since I used my sewing machine

Wishing : I was retired

Enjoying : The beautiful weather

Waiting : For ProBlogger to start

Liking : Native CD by One Republic

Wondering : When my phone contract is up so I can get rid of this phone and go back to a Blackberry

Loving : Being so motivated to exercise

Hoping : That the weight loss I have achieved will continue until I am at goal weight

Marvelling : At the wonder of new born babies (cliched I know but oh so true - especially if they aren't mine !!!!)

Needing : A can of ice cold Coke (but I won't because I know it won't help me achieve my goal)

Smelling : Youth Dew

Wearing : Jewellery

Following : AFL Finals Weeks

Noticing : How the clouds are floating across the sky

Knowing : I am good at the work that I do

Thinking : I wonder if I will find new frames this afternoon after work

Feeling : Happy that my life is on track

Bookmarking : Some great blogs

Opening : My handbag to put my diary and phone away

Giggling : At Gerard Whately and Mark Robinson on AFL 360 and the tweet about the kid whose father wouldn't let him go to see the stripper after the 2002 grand final

I had heaps of fun doing this - if you decide to play along, please leave me a comment so I can come and check out your answers !!!

This afternoon I am off to pick up Eleise from A Very Blended Family the airport and then we are off to have a look around the Coast before heading out to dinner.  Of course tomorrow ProBlogger starts and, while I am nervous, I am starting to get a little bit excited.  I just know that it will be great and if the worst comes to the worst, I can hide in a corner and regroup !!!

Have a fantastic day and weekend !

Have you joined in for Thankful Thursday ?

If not, why not pop across and see

what others are thankful for

and then join in yourself ?

TFTD : The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best - Epictetus
(I think a very apt TFTD given I am off to ProBlogger !!!!)

A Long Overdue Post

It's been a while since I have posted about my health / weight issues - mainly because I have been tracking along quite well although not at any great rate of knots.

Yesterday afternoon I had appointments with my dietician and my hormone doctor.  I drove away from there feeling so happy - it was such a good feeling.  To finally feel like everything is falling into place and settling down into some sort of normalcy (well as normal as anyone's body can be !!)

Firstly, my visit to the dietician - total loss to date 7.6kgs (loss over holiday 0.2kg).  My body fat % has reduced by 7.8% (I have another 7% body fat to lose to get into a healthy range.)  My body fat has reduced by 8.3kg.  My lean body mass has increased by 5.3kg.  And my hydration levels have improved.  She is very happy with my fat loss and lean body mass increase - so if she is happy, I'm happy !

Then I went to my Maxine (real name Maura) and she looked at my blood results and, apart from my Vitamin D levels which have dropped despite taking my daily Vitamin D drops, there are no issues.  I can continue with what I am doing and only have to go back to see her in December.  So, she is happy with where I am, which means I am happy too !

My exercise is coming along nicely (except for yesterday because I had both these appointments after work and by the time I got home and had done dinner, I wasn't up to doing much at all !).  I have been walking just about every day.  I have been on the stationary bike as well as doing the crunches, reverse crunches and daily planks.  On the weekend, we took our road bikes out on Saturday and Sunday morning - it was so good to get out on the road.  The weather was just beautiful - and the time we spent on the bike was a great way to spend some of our weekend !!!!

So, for those who have been following my tumultuous journey through menopause / weight gain / drop off in exercise - I am hoping that this is the turning point.  I am feeling so positive and upbeat about where I am right here - right now - it's a great feeling and I just wish I could bottle it up so I could have a sip of it when I am feeling cr*p and things aren't so positive !!!

Because it is Tuesday, and #IBOT, it's time to link up with Jess from Essentially Jess.

 

Have you linked in today ?

 

Have the best day !

TFTD : Never forget where you've been. Never lose sight of where you're going. And never take for granted the people who travel the journey with you.

I Must Confess

It's time for me to link in with Kirsty from My Home Truths for I Must Confess - it's not a linky that I often link up with because I generally don't post on the weekend and Monday just seems to be too full, on most weeks for me to get around to posting.

This week I must confess just exactly how nervous I am feeling about going to ProBlogger on Friday this week.  Pee my pants nervous doesn't even begin to cover it !  Sleepless nights nervous may be a little closer to how I am feeling.  I can go for hours not thinking about it but then the thought of it creeps into my head and I start to panic - and I realise that it's silly - pretty much like the blogger's dinner I went to last Tuesday - it was lovely and I had the best time - but that didn't actually help my nerves before I got there !!!  But no matter how silly it is - it's still there and I am doing my best to quash it, but sometimes it's a battle that I don't win.

Those who have been reading my blog for a while will know that I am not a fan of social situations - I would rather stay at home and read my book than go out and meet new people (or even go out at all !!) - even though I may 'know' them online - I don't know them IRL.  But, as I continue to push myself outside my comfort zones, when the tickets for PB went on sale, I decided to buy a ticket and share it with Colours of Sunset as she couldn't go on Friday and I couldn't go on Saturday.  It turns out that apparently, we can't share tickets so I will be going on Friday and to the function on Friday night and, if I get a chance, watching the virtual recordings of Saturday (not sure if you can watch a virtual recording after the event, if not, I won't be seeing any of it I don't think - but that's OK - sometimes these things happen.)

I am very happy to be meeting up with Eleise on Thursday afternoon and then we are going out to dinner in the evening - so at least we can meet up on Friday morning before going in and don't have to go in like Nelly No Friends !!  I have to still make a list of the bloggers I would like to meet although I am not sure that I will be able to just go up to anyone and introduce myself to them.  I think part of me is scared they are going to look at me and say "Who exactly are you ?  Sorry, never heard of your blog."  I would rather not talk to anyone than have that happen to me !!!!

I have mostly picked the sessions I want to go to but I am sure that on Friday morning if I hear others saying "I think I'll go to this one" I may be changing my mind !!!  I need to sit down and write down exactly what it is that I want to get out of PB so that I can make sure I attend the right sessions and, if possible, ask the right questions (although I have a sneaky suspicion that I won't be asking any questions - maybe they will allow us to send up written questions ???)

Having 'spoken' to other bloggers I know that I am not the only blogger who is nervous about PB (which is good to know but doesn't really help me) - and, if I am to believe K, I need to 'just put my big girl knickers on and go there, hold my head high and enjoy myself' !!!  (Sometimes that girl is just to smart for her own good !!!)

Thanks to Kirsty for hosting IMC again - it's always a great linky even if I don't always link it - there are always great posts to read.

Have you got a confession to make ?

Why not join in with Kirsty and

the rest of us ?

 



Have the best week !

TFTD : If you make friends with yourself you will never be alone.
(I wonder if this is why I would rather stay at home than go out ?) 

Things I Know

I know that it is Friday and MC has changed TIK to Thursday but given it is open all week I figure I can still post on a Friday and link up then (which suits me better as I link up with Thankful Thursday and they don't necessarily relate although obviously I do know what I am thankful for - it sort of misses the point of the TIK link up !)

(OK - I'm not linking up with Miss Cinders for TIK because she is having a bloggy break - does this show that I haven't been around reading blogs for a little while ???  But, for your reading pleasure, I will leave this post up as something that I do know !)

I have realised that my child has learned habits / traits / characteristics / call them what you want from me that I never wanted to teach her.  In fact, if I had my way, I would do anything to take back the things that she has picked up because of my behaviour rather than my teachings.

When I was younger - and probably up until about 7-8 years ago, I was very critical and judgemental - of everything - what I did, what I wore, what other people did, what they wore, how they parented their children, how they dealt with problems.  I made other people's problems my issues - and they weren't mind to make.  They weren't mine to take on.  It took me many years to learn that, so long as I worry about my own issues / problems, that is all I have control over - and those are the only ones I have any business worrying about.

People do things according to the timeline that they are on.  They work according to the guidelines that they have set for themselves. And those timelines and guidelines may not fit in with what I think are the right things to do - and that is OK.

K is exactly like I used to be in some aspects - while she is much more confident and out-going than I think I ever was, and she certainly has more self confidence in her 21yo body than I have in my 48yo body.  But sadly, she has learned to be critical and judgemental of others.  Whenever I hear her I try to explain about how, when something has no impact on her, she should just accept that other people do things differently but I feel like I am talking to a brick wall.

This morning she went to TAFE and they had an assignment (speech) that was due today.  In fact they have 4 assignments that are due over the course of today and tomorrow.  16 of the 20 people in the class said they thought the assignment was due next Thursday.  So, the 4 who were ready got to do theirs, the others got 30 mins to do / finish theirs and then they had to present them.  She called me and was absolutely furious that they had been given another 30 minutes.  I asked her why it annoyed her so much because it meant that (a) she had half an hour extra free time at lunch and (b) it showed the 4 who had done the assignment on time in a much better light (probably not the best example but work with me here !!).  She humphmed her reply and said she supposed so.

Why oh why did I spend so much of my life worrying about what other people were doing (or not doing, whichever the case may be) ? Why did I feel that it had anything to do with me ?  And why has K picked up this trait ?  Of all the things she could have learned from me, she picked this one.  And maybe the lesson for me is that, maybe she too will realise that it is so draining taking on the issues of other people and stop doing it - I just hope that she doesn't take as long as I did !

Have your children picked up traits

that you didn't actually teach them ?

Have you joined in with Things I Know ?

If not, are you going to ?

 

Have a great weekend and take care !

 

TFTD : Keep on going and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it.  I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down - Charles F Kettering

 

Thankful Thursday

It's been a few weeks since I have joined in with Thankful Thursday and that is because I have been on holiday - so, while I was thankful to be on holiday, I can't say that I am all that thankful to be back at work.  Having said that, working means we will be able to plan another holiday, so I guess at the end of it all, I am thankful to be working again !

I am thankful for the absolutely beautiful weather we are having - it's been hard to believe that winter has come and gone already given that we have been walking around in shorts and T-shirts in August.  The one worrying thing is that if it is this warm in August / September, what is it going to be like in January / February ?

I am thankful for the hard work that I have put in with my eating and exercise as I am starting to see these kilos move.  A doesn't say much about my weight, but the other night when I was getting ready to go to a bloggers dinner, he looked at me and said "How much weight have you actually lost ?" and when I asked him why he was asking, he said "Because I can see a difference in how you look."  Well that definitely put a spring in my step and helped me walk with my head just a little bit higher instead of trying to shrink into myself and make myself as small as possible.

I am thankful for the lovely evening that I had with Josefa, Aroha, Emily, Kathy and Renee on Tuesday night.  There was lots of laughing and lots of talking and I had a really good evening.  I was very nervous about going, but once we were chatting away, I wondered why I had been so nervous.  Everyone was so friendly and it was lovely to get to meet the faces behind some of the blogs I read.

I am thankful that it is Thursday which means that the weekend is just around the corner.  I don't want to wish my life away, but I am hanging out for the weekend !!!

Linking in with Francesca for Thankful Thursday because we always have things to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for today ?

Why not join in ?

 

Have a terrific Thursday !

TFTD : Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant - Robert Louis Stevenson

Tasmania In Short

Well, we are home and unpacked and back at work and Tasmania seems like a far away memory !  OK that may be a little melodramatic and the memory of Tasmania is not that far away but going back to work yesterday, sure made the end of our holiday more of a reality !!!!!

We had a great time in Tasmania.  After staying the night in Launceston and driving through town and some of the suburbs, I said to A that it reminded me of the poor cousin of Australia.  It looked quite run down, the lovely old buildings looked like they could do with lots of maintenance on them.  We could not believe the number of homes for sale - through out the whole of Tasmania - lots and lots and lots.  The only place we saw some really nice looking houses was in Hobart.

We drove a total of 3,525kms in 16 days.  Our itinerary turned out to be this :
Day 1 - Gold Coast - Melbourne - Launceston
Day 2 - Launceston - Cradle Mountain
Day 3 - Cradle Mountain - Strahan
Day 4 - Strahan (cruise on the Gordon River with a stop off at Sarah Island)
Day 5 - Strahan - Hobart
Day 6 - Hobart (Salamanca Markets)
Day 7 - Hobart (MONA and all the way through the Huon Trail to most southerly road in Australia)
Day 8 - Hobart (town and Cascade Brewery)
Day 9 - Hobart - Port Arthur
Day 10 - Port Arthur - Swansea
Day 11 - Swansea - Freycinet
Day 12 - Freycinet - Deloraine (via St Helens)
Day 13 - Deloraine - Port Sorell (via Great Lake and Bothwell)
Day 14 - Port Sorell - Cradle Mountain (via the north west coast as far as Stanley and The Nut)
Day 15 - Cradle Mountain
Day 16 - Cradle Mountain - Launceston (via Great Lake - again !)
Day 17 - Launceston
Day 18 - Launceston - Melbourne - Gold Coast

We had booked accommodation as far as Hobart and then just looked each day at how far we would get to see where we should look for accommodation.  Unfortunately, A cannot relax and do nothing so if we got as far as we planned by early afternoon, he would 'suggest' we go further !!!  We would generally find somewhere to sleep about 5-6pm, and then we would be off to see whatever we could see before we lost all light for the day !  While I loved every minute (OK - maybe not actually every single minute - but certainly most of the minutes we were away), it was very tiring to be living in and out of suitcases / hotels / driving and in and out the car going to see the sights and try not to miss out on anything that we came across.

Some of the high-lights of our time there :

Seeing the snow on Cradle Mountain (just a pity it rained, washing it all away !!)

The scenery - some of the most amazing scenery I have seen in our country and very similar to NZ (there were daffodils and crocuses all over the place)

Driving in the snow on the way from Cradle Mountain to Strahan

Standing in the snow on Mt Wellington (sadly it melted before it hit the ground)

 

The climb up to be able to look down on Wineglass Bay

Seeing the tiny little lambs frolicking in the paddocks
 

 

Seeing wombats IRL

 

 

Cataract Gorge was in full flow and looked amazing

 

 

Lunch at The Hungry Wombat - the best burger I have ever tasted (and not because I was hungry !!)
 

Salamanca Place (where they hold the markets every Saturday)

The beautiful sandstone buildings - especially in Hobart

 

Staying at Blake's Manor - so quaint

Seeing the Great Lake

 

We were absolutely amazed at how many places we went to where we had to pay for parking - I began to feel like it was a real money making racket !!!  In Campbell Town - a little town on the east coast - there were 2P parking restrictions - I bet there aren't that many people wanting to park there so why restrict the time that they can park there ?  I just didn't get it.

I will be posting a more detailed blog of our time in Tasmania and will let you know once that has been done.  In the meantime I am joining in with Jess from Essentially Jess for #IBOT.

Have the best week and take care !

TFTD : Be miserable.  Or motivate yourself.  Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice - Wayne Dyer