Gratitude Project - 10th November

I don't know what's going on. The first few days of doing this project, I was so happy and able to see the joy in everything.

But for the last five or six days I've been moody and grumpy, and really REALLY struggling to find things that I am grateful for.

It's not my hormones, I've a while yet before the PMS hit and I rage for two days!, and I know that I've been blaming it on end of year fatigue, but I'm not convinced of that either.

I've spoken to a number of other people in various aspects of my life who are all feeling the same as me... and I can't help but wonder if it's a general malaise we are all suffering from about the state of the world??

Things I am grateful for today:

1. A lunch away from my office and the gym, with me on my own. Heaven!

2. Sitting in the sun chatting on the phone with a friend who has just come back from an overseas adventure - and arranging lunch next week!

3. Mr M going out to get some cheap bubbly, and coming home with a bottle AND some dinner!

How are you feeling at the moment? Are you able to find gratitude every day, or is it a struggle for you too?

Gratitude Project - 9th November

Wow... what a day!

We all knew that history was going to be made in some way today - but I was gunning for it being because USA had voted in the first female president. I honestly never thought I'd go to bed with Trump as the president-elect....

What did all those people who voted for him see that I didn't?

I saw a man who preaches intolerance and hatred, who is disrespectful of anyone that isn't a white Christian man, and who offered no information on what his actual policies are. Or was this just what the media in Australia portrayed?

What did he do that made all those millions of people see past his odious words and behaviour and think: "yup, this bigoted lying mysogynst is exactly who I want to run my country"?? 

I know that his success is most likely to do with the fact that the American people are rejecting the traditional political "establishment", and that Trump is the perfect figurehead for that movement - there is similar feeling in Australia, and I totally understand it; I am so over wealthy fat old men deciding what is best for me, my family, and my fellow countrymen... oh hang on, that's exactly what Trump is!
(I know, I know. I am happy to complain about the system, but what am I doing to change it. I have no solution, I guess I'm waiting for the Millenials to jump in :) )

What concerns me most is what has been unleashed; the people who now think they can say whatever they want without ramification; the potential for xenophobia, and religious persecution in a country that was built by migrants.

Hopefully he was just being an outrageous showman to get the votes, hopefully he will be a good president... but I have a feeling that what you see is what you get...

Oh well, I guess we just wait until January 2018 and see what happens.

Right, enough of my views on a country and political system that has nothing to do with me, and that I'm only aware of from the media I have access to; I openly admit that I haven't done an ounce of research, all my views are formed on news articles I've read and tv shows I've watched. 

Things I am grateful for today:

1. Living in Australia. I've always known that I am blessed to live in such a gorgeous country, but today I feel it even more. 

2. The internet. I was able to watch the progress of the election and obsess over it all day... hmmmm, I'm not so sure that is a thing to be grateful for?? 

3. Trashy tv. Once the outcome was realised, I needed a distraction and found it in trashy reality tv show - Ramsey's Hotel Hell and Millionaire Matchmaker were my go-to shows last night!

What did you do for distraction after the election results? Do you have any trashy tv recommendations?

Gratitude Project - 8th November

Today was a day for feeling unheard and under appreciated; either that or I have a serious case of the "End of Year Grumps"... it's 50/50.

Things I am grateful for today:

1. The return of my workplace bestie! She's was on holiday last week, and I hadn't realised how much I missed her. Work is far more manageable now she's back - I've got someone to vent to, and to have morning/afternoon tea with!

2. The gym at work. I whinge and moan about going to the gym - but by crikey I'm happy it's only a short walk to get there for a lunchtime class. Occasionally I go out for a run, but I'm not always great about forcing myself to go. Having the gym "just there" and a workout buddy who won't let me get out of it means that I'm more likely to exercise than not - and I can feel less guilty about the afternoon tea snacks!

3. A cooler night for sleeping. Snuggling down and being cosy is my favourite way to sleep - the warm nights are ramping up and I struggle to get comfy when I'm too hot... the broken sleep is probably a big factor in my recent grumpiness. There's been some rain today and the evening has been cooler, and I am excited about the potential for a great nights sleep :)

How are you today? I hope you've been getting enough sleep and keeping the grumps at bay! How do you keep cool during hot summer nights? I'd love some tips :)

Gratitude Project - 7th November

I've been finding Monday's such a draaaag these last few weeks - probably because of the time of year, and the general exhaustion I think nearly everyone feels around now.

But every three months, I have to attend a two-hour meeting that seems to make the day infinitely longer. And then I have to experience it again when I write up the minutes; like it's not bad enough that I had to live through it the first time....

Today's meeting was in a room over looking a communal area, with a gorgeous jacaranda in the corner. Have I ever told you how much I love jacarandas?

I'm also excited that Mr M is home today. I love the solo time when he goes (trashy tv is my favourite!), but I love snuggling with him more, and I can't sleep without him... oh, that is almost vomit-inducing HAHAHA

Things I am grateful for today:

1. A summer breeze. There's a smell about summer, and an excitement that comes with it. Even though I'm a lifetime out of school, the smell of summer makes me think of looong school holiday and the joy of youth/young adulthood....

2. Chocolate. About an hour before my meeting this afternoon, I realised that I was going to need an energy boost. Now I could have been sensible and had a banana or some other healthy option.... but I ended up with a twix and a cuppa. It was perfect.

3. Leftovers! Even though Mr M was away last night, I (reluctantly!) made dinner as if he were home. And tonight, I reaped the benefits! A delicious dinner with next to no effort - my favoutire kind of meal!

What's your naughty go to snack - please don't let me be the only person who hits the chocolate!

Gratitude Project - 6th November

It's been another glorious day today.

Mr M headed out of town for work that will see him away overnight - there is always an element of excitement when he goes; I get to veg in front of whatever I want on the telly and I don't have to cook if I don't want to! :)

My gratitudes for today:

1. Watching the boys play with their cousins and some new kids today, at a birthday party. Apart from my brother- and sister-in-law, I knew no one else at the party and I decided to enjoy watching the kids. It was wonderful to see them interacting with the other children and to see Mac being an awesome big brother, watching out for Warrie. I don't think the smile left my face the whole time we were there.

2. Hay fever tablets. I don't usually have hay fever, but this year (this weekend in particular!) it has been almost unbearable. I finally admitted defeat and had a tablet... oh my goodness, the relief has been blissful!!

3. An evening on my own. After a pretty busy weekend, I got the boys to bed a bit earlier than usual tonight and made the most of a husband free night - a delicious dinner (which did include some cooking), a glass of wine and some trashy tv!

I hope you all have had a great day - feel free to share a highlight, I'd love to know what makes your weekends special!

Gratitude Project - 5th November

It's been a gloriously sunny (if windy!) day; which meant I powered through three loads of washing - a gratitude in itself!!

We've had a great mix of a lazy and productive day: t-ball with the kids, a delicious hour or so of reading in blissful peace and then an afternoon of playing in the backyard and cleaning the house.

All in all, it's been an awesome Saturday!

Things I'm grateful for today:

1. Having found such a lovely baseball club for my boys to be a part of. Their coach is a young guy with no kids, and he is so awesome with them all! And Mac and Warrie both adore him and talk about Coach Tim all the time. There's no pressure for them to perform, its all about learning the game and having fun - for all us newbie parents as well as the kids!

2. Being able to read my book with a cuppa and some toast in peace. After t-ball, the boys were vegged out in front of the telly with Mr M (who snoozed) and I retired to my bedroom with my book and read and read and read! The tea and toast was a delightful bonus!

3. Unexpected dinner with my in-laws. I have always loved Mr M's family like my own, and I feel very lucky to have a great relationship with his parents. Good company + yummy food + a couple of glasses of wine = a wonderful evening (especially as there was no cleaning up for me to do afterwards!)

I hope you've all had a great start to the weekend! Was there a stand out moment for you today?

Gratitude Project - 4th November

Today has been a super grumpy one for me - a bad night's sleep is to blame. I've tried to keep my temper in check, and would have been super successful... if my computer hadn't decided to be a knob!!

I'm still feeling pretty cranky and not really up for any small talk. So if you  don't mind, I think I'll power on through to the things I'm grateful for...

Today's gratitudes:

1. My work wife/gym buddy for making me go to the gym at lunch, and putting up with my grumpiness, especially when I didn't want to put up with me!! Ah, the power of endorphins!

2. Playing in the garden with Mac and Warrie, including some trampoline fun - not 100% sure my pelvic floor would agree with that one though!

3. Cheap bubbles - I love celebrating the end of the working day week with a bottle of sparkling wine, and happily  Jacobs Creek are helping out with $10 bottles of delicious bubbles. Yum!

How are you going? How was your week? Did anything stand out for you today?

Gratitude Project - 3rd November

Around this time of year, I start to flag... it's like I've been happy, cheerful, bubbly and funny (well, I think so at any rate hahaha!) for the last 10 months and I just don't have the energy to maintain the charade any more. It doesn't help that the end of the year is the also one of the busiest times at work.

Anyone else feel this way?

It seems exceptionally unfair that this happens just as I should be full of joy and energy in the lead up to Christmas!

That being said, it's not all doom and gloom! Despite my general world weariness and a desire to be on holiday (only 7 weeks to go!), I'm actually starting to feel a bit excited for the festive season... Mr M is pretty happy, as I am normally a bit "bah, humbug" about the whole Christmas thing. I put it down to the kids - I just want to make the day as magical as I remember it being in my childhood.

Anyhoo - on to my gratitudes for today:

1. A lunchtime run in the glorious sunshine! With summer just around the corner, I'm enjoying the ability to still run in a temperature that won't melt me :)

2. Watching my Boys play t-ball. I'm thrilled to have found a sport that they both enjoy, not to mention are good at! We have training on a Thursday evening, and afterwards Mac and Warrie love to watch the senior team in their training session - they've only been playing for six-weeks, but already they look up to those guys... it's so cute to watch.

3. Etsy; I love the virtual window shopping!! Currently I am indulging myself some cross stitch, and am readying to embark on the thrills of embroidery... that doesn't sound too "old" does it??? hehehe
I can literally spend hours scrolling through kits, patterns and finished products. My favourites are the modern ones - I've finished two Christmas designs, and I am on the search for something new to get my teeth into.
When I think about my lack of interest in anything crafty this time last year and I see how far I've come. Now THAT'S something to be grateful for!

So tell me - what's being going on with you? What has made you grateful today?

xx

Gratitude Project- 1st November

October was Mental Health month in Australia. My workplace offered a number of workshops/events during the month; I signed up for the four-week Mindfullness Meditation.

I got a lot out of it; I love meditating, but just never have the time.... scratch that: I don't make the time for it. Which is pretty silly, given how much I enjoy it!

At the end of the last session, we were taking about gratitude and the documented benefits it has in ones life when practised daily. I should know, it's worked for me too.

So in an effort to reclaim some long term happiness benefits, I've decided to start the Gratitude Project again:

1. I'm grateful for the ability to move my body, and to enjoy a gym class... even (especially??!) if I know I'll be sore tomorrow. 

2. I'm grateful for technology, so I can see pictures of my Mum enjoying her holiday with my brother and his family.

3. I'm grateful for giggling kisses with Mac and Warrie at bedtime - I hope they never grow out of it! (or at least take their time, before deciding that it/I'm uncool!)

I hope you'll join me in my quest for making my own happyness (obvs you'll be making your own, not necessarily adding to mine! Altho' I won't lie: I'd be stoked if you did join in!). Let me know in the comments something that you've been grateful for today

xx

Gratitude Project 18 - 20 April 2015

What a lovely weekend we had!

Mr M was working on Saturday, so I had Mac and Warrie all to myself. After a morning of chores around the house, I took them out for the afternoon.

After running around a playground for nearly two hours, I decided it was type for this mamma to go home and have a cuppa.

As I was strapping Warrie into his seat, Mac piped up with "Mummy, can we go to IKEA and play in the ball pit?". Unable to think of a valid excuse not to go, we headed over to IKEA and proceeded to wait for 45-minutes to get them into the one-hour free child care. Then I headed upstairs for a cup of tea and cake; I fully intended on working on a project I have, but ended up spending the time reading a book! It was such bliss.

Yesterday, we had a film crew at our house for a short film that Mr M is working on. I took the boys to a playcentre to meet with a girlfriend and her boys. Five hours of non-stop running around later, I headed home to find the crew still there. With two more scenes to film, I was delighted to be able to watch Mr M in cameraman mode for the first time ever.

{Mr M, doing his thang!}

It was utterly fascinating to be behind the scenes and see how the magic of the silver screen is made.

Today was a wet and miserable day, which of course meant that all the crazy people were out on the road to work.
After a shocking commute, I got out of the car only to realise that the umbrella was not in the car as I had assumed... and to top it all off, I discovered that my shoes have a hole in them, so I ended up with wet feet!
Oh well, if that is the worst thing I have to endure today, then I am a very lucky girl!

So the things I have been grateful for this weekend:

1. Spending some awesome time with my baby boys at the playground. They must have gone down that slide 50 time each - easily! Warrie crashed in the car before we made it home, so I put him straight to bed and then had a wonderful one-on-one cuddle with Mac. Which we both enjoyed. Those boys are the light of my heart.

2. My physio. I have some weird nerve/muscle/skeletal pain going on in my shoulder and neck. Whilst it hurts being manipulated, the kazillion cracks she got out of my back at the end of the session made it all worth it!

3. Mr M. I don't tell him often enough how grateful I am for him. I just always assume that he knows, but I want him to know know. Ya know? So not only will I put it out here, so the whole world can see how thankful I am for my amazeballs husband, I'm going to tell him to his face. And then I am going to give him the biggest cuddle ever!!

How was your weekend? Do you have a hole in your shoes? What was one of the biggest highlights of your weekend?

Gratitude Project 3 - 16 April 2015

It starts off with a long weekend away without writing.

Then it becomes a bit longer and hella embarrassing - I've put it out there that is want to start something to connect with people and yet I'm not taking part??

Finally it is 14 days later and has become something that I avoid, and the feeling of shame and embarrassment has grown to such huge proportions that I can't even face thinking about where to start....

But of course, the best thing to do is to just DO it, write something, ANYTHING.

So here are some of the things I have been grateful for during the last two weeks:

Having an abridged conversation about mental health with Mac; he heard me talking to my counsellor to cancel my appointment (I was home sick) and asked me who "Emily" was. I told him that she is someone that I talk to when all the thoughts in my head become too much for me, that talking to her helps me sort out my thoughts and feelings so I can be a happier mummy to him and Warrie. Not sure if he fully comprehended it all, but I've opened the door to him understand in that sometimes might need to talk to someone to help clear your head - and that it is ok if you do need help.

Whilst I was home sick Mr M and I were hanging out a load of washing when we heard a splash in the next door neighbours pool and their dogs barking like crazy. Thinking that one of the dogs had fallen in and couldn't get out, Mr M vaulted over the fence and ran to the pool. There was a dog in there, but it was trying to get hold of the rabbit, that belongs to our neighbours on the other side, who had made his way into their garden and fell in the pool trying to get away from the dogs. My heroic hubby saved the rabbit and introduced himself to the Pool Neighbour, who was understandably horrified to find a 6'3" man wandering in his garden! But once explanations were made they were soon chatting like old friends.

My Family. I spent two weekends with my folks in the Southern Highlands, the second weekend was for my stepdad's birthday and all the family came too. Spending time with my family really fills my heart with happiness and joy, and it was an absolute delight to share a mild sunny autumn day celebrating the birthday of the family patriarch.

My darling boys, Mac and Warrie. They are such snuggly and cuddly boys, and as the nights are becoming cooler the cuddles are becoming longer... I try to make the most of these cuddles as they are both growing up waaaay too fast, and I want to hold on to these precious moments for as long as I can.

Mr M. He's such an inspiration! About a month ago, Mr M took the bold and brave step of quitting his job to become a freelance photographer. As I watch him pouring in time and thought and effort into his new adventure I see his passion grow, and the joy he gets from being creative is delightful. He is even encouraging my budding photography interest and allows me to actually *gasp* use his amazeballs camera! One of the biggest compliments he has paid me was when he recently told his Dad that he thought I had a great eye for composition and what makes a good photo, needless to say I was thrilled.

I'm sorry for having been so slack the last couple of weeks, I promise to be better about keeping up with this project.

What's been happening with you? What has made you feel grateful these last two weeks?

A return to gratitude

{image credit}

Being back in the real world after my ah-MAZE-ing trip to see my menfolk has been a little difficult to re-adjust to, and I have once again found myself treading down that well-worn path to "The Blues"...

I had a counselling session today, and at the end my counsellor set me homework: to spend 10-minutes EVERYDAY for the next week doing something to look after myself. It could be a walk, a meditation, sitting in silence, anything. I just have to do whatever I need for ME in that 10-minutes.

She has no idea how much I need to do just that.... Well, she probably does, seeing as she's my counsellor, but you know what I mean :)

But it made me realise that self-care has been so low on my list of priorities; like most mothers, my days seem to revolve around making sure that the kids (and husband!) are dressed/fed/bathed/happy/entertained/etc... I have almost no regard (or time!) for my own needs.

But she has given me permission to look after myself, and to be ok with it.

One of the things I have let slide of the last few months has been my gratitude journal - I've not written in it since the beginning of the year, which is pretty sucky when I know that I have so much that I am grateful for, and the fact that counting my gratitudes at the end of the day is a major tool in my arsenal against depression.

As I refuse to continue down the path of bleakness, I need to restock my well of happy-ness and remind myself of all the wonderful things I have in my everyday life.

So tomorrow I am going to restart my Gratitude Project for the month of April. At the end of the day I will post a snapshot of my day, my thoughts and feelings, and the three things I am grateful for.

I will also post a visulal of some of the things that I am grateful for to my Instagram too.

Feel free to join in my Gratitude Project here, or on FB or Instagram, and use #MTWGratitudeProject so I can see what things or moments brighten your day!

Gratitude Project - 30th April - 2nd May

I've known for a while, but I am finally admitting it to the world.... Along with being a procrastinator, I am not a finisher.

For example, in January I embarked on a 30-day squat challenge; the end goal was to complete 175 squats in one go. Not particularly hard, I do squats almost every day in my fitness classes, and I had 30-days to build up to it.

But here we are at the beginning of May and I STILL have four days left to do.

{image credit}

Mr M calls me "Half-a-job-Harry":
Housework? Yeah, it'll get done, but the vacuum will probably sit in the bedroom for another two days...
Laundry? I'll wash and dry the clothes, but the folding? It's has been known for the clean laundry to sit on the sofa unfolded for two weeks...
Washing up? Well we have a dishwasher, and I am actually pretty good about loading and emptying it...

This rather major flaw stretches right back to primary school. We used to have project books with six or seven double page spreads that we would complete each term. At the start of every term, I would enthusiastically throw myself into the work and then by the time half-term came around, it was like pulling teeth to get me to do the work. My poor Mum!

I cannot recall ever finishing one of those books.

In fact, I can think of only three things I've finished; gestating my two children (does that even count!?), and the teeniest, tiniest cross-stitch piece for my Mum.

But that is hopefully all about to change - I have signed up to Mum's Juggling School in a bid to learn some new skills that will help me take control of my procrastination, which in turn will hopefully give me the impetus to see a job through to the end.

So I guess watch this space to see the journey! :)

Things I have been grateful for the last few days:

1. Signing up to the Mum's Juggling School, I have a good feeling about this

2. Mr M has been working away from home for a couple of nights. It's been hard to do all the parenting on my own (props to all single parents out there, you guys are freaking amazeballs!), but I've enjoyed the challenge, and the space. And I can't wait to see him tomorrow!

3. Having my exercise buddy back in the office - it's great to have someone help motivate me to actually get to the gym at lunch time!

Oh wow, I've finished my month of Gratitude... so I guess that's something else to add to my short list of completed things :)

Do you have a flaw that you're willing to share with the world? You're amongst friends here :)

Gratitude Project - 24th - 29th April

Long weekends - nothing can beat one. Except two long weekends in a row!
With the Easter weekend and then ANZAC Day following close behind, I have had a fab couple of short working weeks. And returning to work for a full five days is going to be a challenge.

Oh how quickly I adapt to being away from the office....

The best part about the double whammy long weekend, is that Mr M has been off work. It's been such a help having him at home; mornings have been easier, as have the evenings!, and we created a new bedtime routine - me reading two books to the boys, with Warrie snuggling on my lap whilst Mr M cuddles up to Mac in his bed.

The one thing that really stuck out for me this second long weekend, is how much the ANZAC day has come to mean something to me. Maybe its because I have two boys, and I can identify with the mothers that lost their sons in Gallipoli? Whatever the reason, I spent much of the Friday morning explaining (or trying to!) the importance of ANZAC day to Mac... without using the words "died" or "war", which I thought might be a little confronting for a 4.5 year old! I'm not sure how much he understood, or indeed if he was even listening to me!, but I felt like I solidified a little more in my own heart and mind as to why it is an important day for me.

When I first moved back to Australia, nearly 13 years ago, I had no real concept of ANZAC Day. I knew what it represented, and I understood the gravitas that surrounded it. But I just thought of it as a day off work and that whatever I got up to, I would be "doing it for the Diggers" - usually with a drink in my hand.

But as the years went by, and especially once I had Mac and Warrie, the value of the day shifted for me. All those men who perished in the Great War, in order that the world would be a better place, that we would have our freedom. The selflessness of those who were (are!) willing to go to war, those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, just blows my mind.

But I think the importance of the day really became apparent to me three years ago, when we were in Canberra kick-starting our honeymoon. We dragged Mac around the Australian War Memorial, (not sure what we were thinking, he was 18-months old!) and stayed for the Last Post ceremony. We had been reading the Roll of Honour, and I had just found my maiden name and was wondering if the names listed had been distant relatives of mine. Then the bugle started.

{image credit}

I am not ashamed to admit that I sobbed.

Standing next to the names of possible relatives, my first born son in my arms, my new husband standing protectively behind us, on a cold, crisp and beautiful Canberra afternoon. The sun was setting, the crowd of visitors in the Memorial was silent, and the haunting sound of the bugle was echoing through the air... How can you not be touched by that?

I cried for the men whose names were on the Roll of Honour.
I cried for the men and women currently serving.
I cried with thanks that I live in such an amazing country, where everyday I take for granted my freedom to live my life the way I see fit.
I cried with fear for the world that my child would inherit, and hoped that the horrors of war will never be something that he has to experience - a hope that I am sure every single parent in the world shares for their children.

Things I have been grateful for this long weekend:

1. I think it's pretty obvious that I'm forever grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line for their country.

2. Bedtime snuggles with my boys

3. Family time - we had a lot of it, and we all thrived!


This wasn't what I thought this post was going to be about, my intent had been "light and breezy". But I guess it was something that my soul felt needed to be told.

Do you have a particular public holiday that holds importance or special meaning for you? I'd love to hear about it!

Gratitude Project - 18th-23rd April

Well, first things first - happy belated Easter!
We don't celebrate Easter in my house, but my boys are biiiig fans of the chocolate side of things!  :)

Secondly, I had an ah-MAZE-ing night out! Here's me in the top I got from The Iconic:

It was so nice to put a face to all the names that Mr M mentions everyday... the fact that he introduced me all night as his "beautiful wife" didn't hurt either :)
But the loveliest thing I heard was, after being introduced, all his colleagues said the same thing: "whenever I ask Mr M about your kids, his face just lights up"  All together now, AWWWW!

We chatted with everyone in the pub for hours, and were then ushered onto a bus and into a nightclub - the first time I have been in a nightclub in five years! I danced and danced and danced, and was horrified when all the kids were excited to hear songs that I was dancing to when they were first released 20 years ago!
It was awesome.

Mr M and I were home at a very respectable 12.50am, not in too bad a shape. And most glorious of all was the sleep-in the next day! Once again, a big YAY for grandparents!!

On the Easter Sunday, Mr M decided that he wanted to "do something" that day, so we took a road trip up through the Northern Beaches and ended up in Palm Beach. The sun was shining and the ocean sparkling, it was stunning!

{Who doesn't love the panoramic mode on the iPhone camera!}

{Personally, I think this is one of the best photos I've ever taken!}

{The last dip in the ocean for this season}

On the Monday, Mr M and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. But given that we'd had such a epic (for us) night out, we were in no hurry to have a special "date night" for the occasion; there'll be plenty more to come, I'm sure :)

Then it was back to reality and work. Mr M is currently on a production break at the moment, which is actually fab for me; an extra pair of hands to help with the morning rush, means I get an extra 30-minutes in bed in the morning! Woo hoo!

Things I have been grateful for this long weekend:

1. The fact that it was a long weekend - four days off; one awesome night out, and hanging with my boys. Heaven!

2. The weather. I hope you had as glorious a weekend as we did!

3. Fresh flannel sheets on the bed - so comfy, so dangerous; it's a real struggle to get out of bed!

4. Family. We got to see both sides of our family over the long weekend, which meant much laughter all round. I am so SO thankful for the family I have!

What did you get up to over the long weekend?

Gratitude Project - 17th April

I'm posting this early, because Mr M and I are having a night on the town tonight and I cannot be held responsible for the state that I will come home in (nor the nonsense I would write if I was to allow myself access to my blog!)  :)

A night out! On the long weekend, with the kids having a sleepover at the grandparents! I am so excited... in fact, this is how I am feeling right now - I'm gonna have me some fun!

{Image credit}

I've even bought a new top for the occasion! My first non-work item of clothing purchased in.... well, a long time!

I got it from The Iconic and had it delivered within 3 hours. It was dangerously easy, and fun.

And just to cap it all off, Mr M thinks I look good in it  ;)




So although I haven't had a full day in which to find things to be grateful for, these are the things I am grateful for today:

1. Running with my bestie - this is probably one of the best changes I have made this year. Combining exercise and seeing my bestie for a chat.

2. Spotify on my office PC. I love having access to all sorts of music to suit my mood. At the moment, if I have a lot of work to do, I've started listening to "old skool house" music really loud and just powering through my work. It's awesome

3. My Mum. For having my boys tonight and for making it work, no matter what. She's amazeballs :)

What are your plans for the Easter long weekend? 

Gratitude Project - 16th April

Today is my half brother's birthday, he's turned 14. It has made me feel wistful.

I've been doing a lot of remembering/thinking recently about my teenage years. Mostly the range and depth of emotions that were in constant turmoil.

I'm excited for my brother to be going through this stage of life (though he is a much more level headed kid than I ever was!).

First crushes, first heartbreaks. The devastation of a broken friendship and the joy of mending it.

The desire to fit in, the desperation to be unique.

The sheer delight in being alive. 

He is finding his way through teenage-dom and coming out the other side, as a young man ready to make his mark on the world.

As a young girl, I never felt like I was the right age; I had always felt 16, even when I was 11 or 12.

Then when I turned 16, I finally felt like I was where I was supposed to be (age wise!). I sometimes think I've never really moved on from that age - I can stray into immature and puerile humour at any time! Which is not really helped by my paternal side of the family having a penchant for toilet humour!

I miss the newness of life as a teenager. Experiencing so many firsts. Learning how to be grown up, but knowing that I didn't have to be just yet; that's what parents are for!

And now I have two children. Crazy!!

I my mind I still feel 16. Mr M can still evoke in me similar feelings of being a teenager in love... 

These days I tell people that yes I am an adult, but I have no intention of being a proper grown up! :)

Things I am grateful for today:

1. Sunshine! I was starting to get bored of the rainy days. 

2. Bedtime snuggles as I read bedtime stories - my babies won't be small forever, I'm trying to make the most of it!

3. Exercise. I didn't want to go today (my workout buddy has been out of the office all week). But I made myself go, and did a 30-minute weights session. I love the feeling afterwards, that good sore pain that proves to me that I've worked hard.

Did you enjoy being a teenager? What's your favourite joke?

Gratitude Project - 11th - 15th April

Woah! Got a bit of catching up to do!

On Saturday, we moved the boys into Mac's old bedroom and chucked out a pile of crappy plastic broken toys, which for some unknown reason I had been holding on to. Oh man that felt good! There's still more to get rid of (to donate), but that's a job best done without children around!

On Sunday we went to my beautiful best friends housewarming party. She is amazing; not only are they in the process of renovating, but she managed to cook snacks and make delicious finger foods for 50 odd people!! I wish I had taken photos, but I was too busy stuffing my face :)

That afternoon, I went to my step-sister's place to celebrate my step-dad's birthday. She had made a Donna Hay banana cake with caramel sauce. OMFG.  I don't think I can ever exercise that cake off, but it was so SO totally worth it!

Yesterday I had to have the day off work, waiting for a tradie to come around. As he was due in the afternoon ("Sometime between 1 and 5pm"), I decided to spoil myself in the morning. I got my nails done, my eyebrows threaded and tinted and I had a hair cut! I left the shopping mall feeling like a million bucks :)

And after the tradie had been and gone, I had the ultimate experience: food shopping. With. NO. Children!! Only a parent can understand the way that feels :)

Today was back to normal, but it was all good - it's only a three day week, and same next week too!! Yay for public holidays!

There have been so many things to be grateful for over the last few days. But I'll share just this one:

There was a moment on Saturday, whilst Mr M and I were moving the cot (Warrie was trying to help, and was wedged between the wall and the side if the cot - it was freaking hilarious!), and I suddenly realised that I was happy.

Deeply DEEPLY happy.

The kind of happy that moves you to tears.

I stopped what I was doing (watching Mr M extracate Warrie from his predicament), and just immersed myself in the moment.

I let all that happiness wash over me, I let the tears prick my eyes, I let my heart be flooded with joy. And I relished in it.

So, I am grateful for that moment of happiness.

And I am grateful that I was aware of what was happening, and was able to grasp that moment with both hands and to really truly experience being happy. 

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Gratitude Project - 10th April

Yesterday, when I started the car, the radio turned on blaring out "Footloose". It was at the very beginning of the song "Been working so hard, I'm punching my card"

What a fitting way to leave the office :)

And I'm sure it makes people stare as I drive past bopping around and singing my lungs out. Hey, if my car can't be my personal pretend recording studio what's the point in having a car!

Things I am grateful for today

1. Watching Mac swim. I love watching him interact with the teacher and the other kids. And seeing him big smile every time he does a lap. Heart melting. Today he started a new class time with a new teacher, and he handled the changes brilliantly!

2. Running in the rain with my bestie - now THAT'S love! but more importantly we got some awesome laughter in for 30 minutes.

3. Tonight I put both the boys into Mac's bed whilst I read their bedtime books (Warrie is in a cot). To see the two of them snuggling together just made my heart do a flip flop.

It lasted all of two minutes... But was a beautiful moment for that whole two minutes.

Where do you like to sing a tune? What's been your "leaving the office" anthem this week?

Gratitude Project - 9th April

Not much to say about today. It was a Wednesday, much like every other. 

Although now we are officially on the descent into the weekend. So yay for that! 

I was checking in with myself today, just to see how I think I'm doing... I'm finding more brightness to my days, so I think I'm improving. But I feel like there's a sense of anxiety behind everything I do at the moment. I'm not sure what that's about, but I glad I'm aware if it - something to keep an eye on.

But mostly I'm feeling better about things, and working in feeling better about myself. For now though, I'm just faking it until I start making it :)

Things I am grateful for today:

1. My work bestie - after doing the reforecasting for a week, I've found myself a bit behind with my normal workload. She has been so awesome in taking a chunk of work off my desk. I love her!

2. My workplace exercise bestie - she keeps me motivated to actually hit the gym, rather than sitting at my desk stuffing my face with food. Which would totally be my preference. Oh, and she's an absolute crack up :)

3. Mr M was home 10 minutes earlier than expected. It made such a difference to the evening; less stress for me!

Have you checked in with yourself recently? How are things going?