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Saturday, August 24, 2019

August 2019...Part 1


So here we are, Saturday August 24th 2019!  So hard to believe that the eighth month of the year is almost behind us.  I have to say though, as much as I cannot wait till this cold weather is behind us and summer arrives, I am also no where near ready for the Christmas madness to begin.  To be real with you, the thought that it is only a few months away, makes my chest get heavy and my heart start palpitating!  Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas, but our finances at the moment are non-existent and unfortunately over the years I have made a rod for my own back with spoiling the boys so much, and I fear that I won't be able to pull it all together like I have in the past.  I know its not about material possessions and gifts, but *sigh*.  Anyway enough about that for now, let me fill you in on whats been happening in the life and times of moi!

Sunday August 4th, 2019


Yesterday we went out to Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend (seems like so long ago that we used to play (as in sing) there on Friday nights) for an early celebratory birthday lunch with my little sister.  Both our family and Jeremy's family were there, which I think is lovely.  Today however, was a quiet one at home with feet up, so I took the opportunity to complete a project that Mum had been working on for someone special!


 I really dislike working with feather and chenille wool!


Monday 5th August, 2019

Firstly, let me say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my baby sister!  I shouldn't really say 'baby' as she is 38 years young today!  OMGoodness, why did I do that calculation, that just makes me feel ancient!

Anyway my boi put together a little video clip for her...you can view it HERE!  Such a clever kid!


So I posted this in the morning...

Uni break is officially over and the last leg of my first degree begins today.  I am also back at work today, albeit reduced time slots due to working from my red wheels, but at least it means an income (much needed now that I have lost child support due to Glenn no longer having a job) and also doing something I love. Normally, I would have had all our I's dotted and T's crossed before this moment of now BUT they aren't and that is okay...the world keeps on turning, the birds are still chirping merrily, the sun rose and will indeed set, and I will undoubtedly inhale and exhale and keep on going, both wheels at a time hahaha in lieu of one foot in front of the other that is.  In other words I am grateful for this perfectly imperfect day and the beautiful chaos that it is!


This followed in the afternoon...

Okay, so whilst the table was lowered and positioned so that I could get around it, this duffa did a trial massage on her hubby without using oil didn't she! Needless to say that this mornings client got a free laughter therapy session at my expense. Lets just say that attempting to maneuver a wheel chair in a tight space with oily hand is not at all graceful! Can't say I didn't try! Omgoodness gotta laugh or else I'd be a blubbering mess.  All clients cancelled until further notice...I don't even wanna think about how the heck we are going to get by financially right now...back to laughing it all off, much easier not to think about it!

Tuesday 6th August, 2019


There is a Maori proverb that says “Te tiro atu to kanohi ki tairawhiti ana tera whiti te ra kite ataata ka hinga ki muri kia koe.”, which translates as “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you". And so today, I took time out to do just that! To sit, to breathe, to surrender in the glory of the sunlight! 



See that look on my face, yep its the look of someone worrying ALOT about EVERYTHING!  I got a call yesterday afternoon to tell me that my gyno surgery had been swapped to the urgent category, and so it is happening THIS Friday! 

Trying to get our lives in 'perfect' order aka mostly the house and everything within in up to date and sparkling, is not the easiest of tasks to do whilst still in a gosh darn bloody wheel chair.  I feel so bloody useless at the moment!  I know, its only temporary! 

Saturday 10th August, 2019

Op done and dusted! Long story short, the op was to remove and further investigate some abnormal cells found in my cervix, and to address some abnormal bleeding issues I have been having. Unfortunately they were unable to do everything they hoped to do, as apparently my cervix is too narrow! WTF does that even mean? I have pushed out two babies FFS! 


Anyway, I'm a bit stingy, have a sore throat from being intubated, ultra drowsy from anesthesia and pain meds, a little on the emotional side, but all things considered I'm okay, and very happy to be home. I need to go back in to discuss my options in around six weeks time, if not sooner.



Monday 12th August, 2019


Pretty much sums it up!  I have slept 27 of the past 48 hours and still in zombie mode! I know, I know, rest = healing! But, Urgh! Blergh! Blah! LOL - thats my exhausted pigeon impersonation!

Tuesday 13th August 2019

Okay, so yesterday wasn't such a great day, mostly due to frustration!  Today was a new mindset game and so this morning I hobbled around the house and did a general tidy, which really only consisted of making our bed and straightening the boys beds (yes, I'm one of those Mums). Then I spent the rest of the day in bed with feet up resting, watching weird ass movies! I'm okay with that though because at least I was buggered for a reason, albeit not from running a marathon (although I was trying to get it done as quick as possible before Mark got back and busted me).

Also been thinking that maybe not being able to work in the wheel chair was a blessing!  At least it wasn't stop-start!


I received an awesome card today in the mail from Mum today.  It made me cry, happy tears, but tears all the same.  I love getting snail mail, such a touching gesture that truly made me feel special!


Sunday 18th August 2019

I have been busy doing NOTHING!  Okay, so that's not entirely true...I've been doing ALOT of sitting on my arse watching TV!  So, today I forced myself to get up, have a shower and do something...ANYTHING!

As it turned out, that anything was to write a song!


It's been a while between songs! But this weekend I have been helping a good friend of mine navigate a storm shes facing and it inspired me to pick up my guitar and notebook. Sometimes holding on can hurt more than letting go, especially when you don't really know whether you are the only one trying to get to the life raft.

Anyway I finished writing it, and decided to get a video of it straight away.  It is raw, it is unscripted, but it is what it is, my new song called Let Me Know!


Monday 19th August 2019

It was back to work for me today (which went great, but admittedly I am pooped and sore), but on my breaks I spent some time with my sweet man working out a piano accompaniment for my new song...so glad I didn't get rid of the kids toy piano LOL. Still a few parts to iron out but I can't wait till my sweet man and I can play it together. Once that's done, I think I might get Ace on his bass, and Jazz on some percussion and see what we can come up with. It feels good to be inspired again!




Saturday 24th August, 2019

And here we are, back in this moment of NOW!

There is a question I've dreaded being asked all week. You know the one...How are you? Like hmmm, do people REALLY want the truth, or do they just want to hear those words "I'm good"? Which are the words I have been saying every time I am asked, although maybe "FINE" would be a more accurate description!

To be honest, I am just feeling so totally overwhelmed by life right now. It feels as though I am floating in a rough sea trying to catch my breath just after being hit by a wave. And I have that feeling of impeding doom lurking because I know that there is another wave on the horizon and I am about to go under again.


Sure, it was awesome to feel inspired enough to write a song, and its great that I am back at work and getting income flowing in again.  Oh man, that reminds me that I need to balance our books and I really don't want to look at the credit card balance  And yet, how blessed we are to have had the credit card to fall back on these past couple of weeks.  Holy shit, do you do that too?  You know have an arguementative debate with yourself?  It's like for every negative I say, there is a part of me that has an instant positive rebutle...it's so freaking exhausting!

I also should be studying right now instead of writing this, but here we are three weeks in and I have pretty much done zip!  I need to get my shit together because I have two huge ass assessments due at the end of week six.  This whole study thing is something I love, something I want to do, but I just can't find the get up and go.

I also need to disinfect, vac and mop the house and just can't be fruited...THAT is NOT like me at all!  WTF is wrong with me?  I am so freaking over myself right now!  

FARK what a sad sack!  Me feeling like THIS makes me feel so ungrateful for everything good that I have in my life.  I mean, there are people out there fighting for theirs and here I am with no spark to truly 'live' mine, other than to exist through it.

I feel lost and lonely, and yet I know exactly where I am, and I know I'm in the place I want to be, with the people I want to be with.  How does that even make sense?  

My ankles are still sore, and by the end of the day are swollen which makes them sorer.  I have put on like 2kgs from sitting on my arse doing nothing, which is making me feel like a huge blimp, and yet I keep shoving 'crap' in my mouth because eating my emotions is just what I have always done.  I am still bleeding from my operation which sucks, and I "miss" my husband...like you know...intimately, and we have 4 more weeks of it to go *sigh*!

Anyway, I'm going to stop writing soon and force myself to get up and do something productive.  That's part of the key I think, diving head first back into the swing of things.  The other is changing things that I don't like at the moment...whilst not a huge list, there are some within my control that I want to change.  The biggest of those is feeling disconnected from my kids at the moment, which is alot of my own doing...time to reign in the boundaries that have blurred edges at the moment - ahhh, just another thing I feel like I'm failing at right now!

Okay, enough shade...even the weather has turned to grey in reflection of my mood!  The worst part is that I've only just touched the surface of everything going around in my head. 


This too shall pass, I just need to get out of my own way first!


July 2019 - Gratitude

And just like that another month is behind us; well, actually two since my last post but here I am again to dazzle you all with my ramblings, aren't you just so lucky!

Since my last post things have been a balance between rough and tumble and smooth sailing, but thats life right? The ups, the downs and everything in between! Essentially though, we all have something to be thankful for every single day, something that fills our cup even just a little.  July for me was about focusing on those things, about cultivating a mindset of gratefulness by having an 'attitude of gratitude'.  New York Times best-selling author Lewis Howes states that "If you concentrate on what you have, you'll always have more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you'll never have enough.".  With that said, despite having days where I could have easily whinged and whined for hours about the things that were getting me down, I chose to focus on three things per day for which I was grateful.  As the saying goes, where focus goes, energy flows!

You can view them all on my instagram account HERE

This is the part where I tell you to go make a nice hot cuppa and get comfy, as this post is going to be yet another epic one!  I also want to let you know that despite all that I have to be grateful for, I am not one to hide my true emotion and so this post will also show you the shadow moments - me keeping it real!  And you know what, that is okay!  Please remember that regardless of having an abundance of things to be grateful for, it is okay to not be okay at times.  Go ahead and lie in that foetal position for as long it takes, but just know that you are never truly alone, all it takes is a little courage to peak out from under the covers and reach out.

1st

I am so grateful that my work space is ultra warm and cosy. Not only because it means I can defrost, but also because I know my clients are comfortable and can fully relax.

Living in an old house means that sometimes the fuses blow randomly, which means needing to do a quick DIY job (not my fav of things). Anyway last night was one of those nights. I am so grateful that, a) Prayers were answered and my hubster did not get shocked, and b) he restored the power.

I finished work, chatted to Mum, crocheted some squares, ate dinner, put on PJs, climbed into bed, got all toasty and then that was it...lights out and fast asleep by 9pm! I am so grateful for the rest...it was well and truly needed.

2nd

I can't say I had the best of sleeps last night, I had a crazy arse dream...well a sequence of them anyway. But, I am so grateful I got to have a sleep in this morning. Oh and it was my day off so it was what could be called a lazy pj day!

Last night Ace stayed at his mates place. The house never feels the same without both my boys home, probably another reason I didn't sleep ultra soundly. I am grateful that he had a great time, but even more grateful that both our boys are home with us tonight.  

As it is school holidays they have set up camp in our lounge room and Netflix sure is getting a good workout!


Does your lounge room look like this on school holidays?

I'm thankful for my husband every single day (yes even on those odd occasions he gives me the shits), but today I am grateful that he did all the jobs that needed doing and allowed me to just sit and watch a movie with Acey. He is a keeper!



But, its not just about the jobs he does around the house to take the pressure off me.  I also want to take the time to acknowledge all that my sweet man does for our boys. For example, today one of the boys mates popped over and he needed something fixed on his bike. Without hesitation my darling hubby took time out to fix it. Later that afternoon he gets a phone call from the boys; they went out riding and got a flat tyre. So, its Mark to the rescue, taking another bike for them to ride and bringing back the other. He is always tinkering on one of the boys bikes with them, or for them and I think its pretty darn special.

3rd

Today I had planned to meet up with a friend for coffee. But, it didn't happen. Anyway without rambling and making excuses for why I cancelled yet again, I am simply going to say that I am grateful for friends that are understanding.

I don't know about you, but somedays it seems like I am constantly picking up this, that, or the same bloody thing I've already picked up twice. Gotta say though, I am grateful to have kids and a hubby to pick up after, and a home to clean too for that matter.

Whilst some weeks finances can be a little tighter than we would like, there is never a day that we go without fresh food. For that I am truly grateful!

4th

Today I was given a huge glass jar to put our shells, rocks, treasures into...not quite sure what will go in it just yet to be honest LOL. But, I am grateful for random gifts from lovely people.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday...it doesn't really matter, I am grateful for Mexican fullstop! The household on the other hand is not so grateful for the lingering effects the next day LOL.

I seriously think I should have been a cat as the thought of laying in front of the window with the sun on my body is totally purr worthy! I am grateful for the warmth of the winter sunlight I felt for a short time today.

5th

Today we went on a family outing to the Melbourne Zoo. I am so ultra grateful for the blessing of being able to spend time together.


Tonight we made impromtu plans to meet up with friends and watch Toy Story 4...so good! I am grateful for super fun movie nights with friends (even if it was kinda sorta - nah not really for chaparone duties ).

I LOVE my dressing gown/s (all 3 of them). Mark likes driving with the AC on, so today on the trip it was with me as blanket to stay warm, again when we went out tonight. The first thing I did as soon as I got home (okay so after running to the loo and taking off the over the shoulder boulder holder) was put my dressing gown on. I am grateful for the warmth, security and snugglyness my dressing gown provides.



I'm going to add in another one, actually, make that two tonight.

I am grateful that Mum didn't literally have a heart attack when I was ON TIME to pick her up this morning.

I am grateful that our home was still standing when we got back and that the world didn't open up and swallow it (or me) because we went out without dishes being done, washing sorted AND beds made...and that my friends is why I was on time .

6th

Today I sat out in the gardening enjoying the beautiful winter sun. As much as it seems like a never ending task to maintain, I am so grateful for our garden.

Its amazing how after spending the day together yesterday there was still something to chat about for so long today...even if it was about the weeds in the garden LOL. I am grateful to be able to "waste a beautiful day" chatting with my Mum on the phone.

I snuggled up on my bed and laid there with the sun streaming through the window, watching a movie today...what I refer to cat mode, and it was awesome. I am grateful for the time out to recharge my batteries!





7th

Today I spent time pottering around my garden. I am so grateful for the crisp fresh air.


Path to the front door is much more inviting!

I noticed so many gifts from God (mother nature, great spirit...whatever name you prefer) around the garden today. I am grateful to be surrounded by so much beauty.


Just one of Gods beautiful creations!

I am not one to stop working just because it starts raining (hot sun is a totally different story hehe), nor am I one to not get my hands dirty...I love digging in the dirt with my bare hands. By the end of the day however, I was filthy and freezing! I am grateful for the long hot shower I took this evening...oh what a blessing!


And completely off topic a moment....

Hahaha I don't really need to wonder as the looks they give me at times is enough! 

For example, the other night on the way to the movies one of my fav songs as young girl came on the radio. Yes, it was Gold 104.3FM!

As one does I started belting it out and ofcourse doing the dance moves....well as best I could sitting in the car!

Ace cowered into the corner hiding under the hoodie of his jacket and shaking his head, with that look of 'I hope no-one I know drives past right now". Jazz just stared at me with 'that look', you know the one, the one where you KNOW that he's thinking "OMG my Mum has lost the plot"!

Such a priceless moment...yes this bitch is crazy and proud of it !

8th

Not that I am happy that my man is struggling, but I am grateful we are in this together...quitting smoking again that is!

Distraction is the key at the moment and so yesterday it was a long slow walk. I am grateful for the ability to walk (and ultra grateful for the company I had)!





Movies are also a great distraction as I don't like pausing them halfway. I am grateful for movies.  Mind you, it doesn't help when people are lighting up in the movie you watch! I hid under the covers until I fell asleep instead! I am grateful for blanket forts!

9th

My heart feels so full tonight. It is so good to see my sister looking so well. I loved the time I got with my nephew reading him a book today. And, my nieces braveness on the climbing wall blew me away. I am so grateful for a wonderful day of family fun!


At supatramp ready to get into some action!

I have felt like a sausage for a couple of weeks (get your mind out of the gutter), so I was ultra excited that my sister made them for lunch. I am grateful for the simple deliciousness of a snag and onions in white bread with tomatoe sauce.

Tonight I had a shocker of a toothache, but with thanks to some homeopathic pillules it has eased off considerably.  I am so grateful for the relief it provided, and for my wonderful friend who sent them to me.

10th 

Today was a rough day...I am so grateful for my hoodie to hide under!

Sums it up really...still found things to be grateful for!


So these oils were the ones said to help with quitting smoking. I do have to admitt that this time around has been a little easier than the last, so I am grateful for the aroma goodness they provide.

I was supposed to catch up with friends for lunch today, but I was in no mood to leave the house. I am grateful for the understanding of my friends.

I am also grateful to have a bestie that pops over to visit and lays in bed with me watching mindless TV instead of going out for our usual cuppa and a smoke. Also grateful that she snapped me out of my 'mood' 

11th

When you go for a walk with your son, who asks where your hoodie is. Then you get home catch yourself in the mirror and the penny drops as to why he asked such a question and why he chose to walk behind you and not beside you. Oh well, gotta give them something for therapy when they are older right eeekkk hahaha! 


It is one thing for me to share a pic and have a giggle at myself after the fact but if I had of ran into someone unaware of the bird nest situation, I think I would have been a tad mortified. I am grateful no one was out walking when I was!

My hair thankfully was not like that all day. It had been tied up for work and I'd just taken it out. Mark had even just finished telling me how beautiful I was. I am grateful for a hubby that must be blind!

Ace posted on insta today asking for song choices. As I'm checking it out I notice there are a heap about 'getting a job'! Turns out it was my sisters not so subtle hint. I am grateful for the giggle she gave me at her self confession of 'cracking herself up'.

12th

I love my job but I am ultra grateful that today was a short work day.

I don't about you, but over the holidays I find it a bit pointless doing a mad clean when there are bodies all over the place 24/7. So, as the boys are at their Dads for the weekend, I spent my afternoon playing Sadie and getting the house back into ship shape order. I am grateful for a lovely clean home.

House is almost 'perfect', except for the washing (which never ends)! Even though we do have a dryer, it is hard to keep up with it all (especially with all my massage linen), so I am ultra grateful for an inside clothes line and long hallways.

Oh, It is also seems that Mum has been on facebook and seen the pic I posted last night.  Today when I visited she threw me a beanie and said "Here...put this on next time' LOL.  I am also grateful for my new beanie AND the soup Mum made us for dinner...not cooking = BONUS!

Love it, I kinda feel like I should be out in the garden.

13th

Last night and into the wee hours of this morning I spent time with a dear friend chatting about 13 years of memories; the ups, the downs and inbetweens. I am grateful that this afforded us the opportunity to clear some past shit, and to move forward into a new chapter with cleansed hearts.  I'm not gonna lie to you though, it was hard reliving some of those moments - even the 'good' ones.  I shut off that memory bank because it all just hurt so damn much, so opening it again also opened old wounds!  In saying that though, it was good to be able to heal them properly, to really get that detol in there and sting the shit out of it, so to speak.  What hit home most for me was that I had never really contemplated the bigger picture...you know, things from the other perspective - and boy did it shed light on things differently!  Anyway, as I said earlier, that time we spent together, to actually heal the wounds is something that I am ultra grateful for, as the saying goes "better late than never". 

We had a lunch date with Mum today. I am grateful not only for the fact that it was her shout, but for the quality time we got to spend together. Oh, and then for the 4 or 5 short phone conversations that followed.

Omgoodness I am sure the brass monkey well and truly lost its balls today...freaking freezing or what! I am grateful to have been able to spend a good part of the day wrapped in the warmth of my sweetmans embrace.



Sometimes our life seems so hectic with work and general day to day tasks, that despite being home together 24/7, I miss my sweet man. Taking time out at the end of each day to sit and snuggle is one of my favourite parts of each day!

14th

I personally am not a big fan of doing grocery shopping. Firstly, you need to leave the house which means getting out of my PJs, then theres people who also wish they were still in their PJs LOL. Plus lots of other blergh things unrelated to PJs. Anyway bottom line, I am so grateful for online shopping.

I sorted out our menu for the next two weeks today...lots of healthy goodness! I am grateful for the money that affords us the luxury of buying good nutritious food.

If you haven't already figured it out I am a big fan of insta and facey, yup true story! I am grateful for the interaction that social media offers, such as being able to keep intouch with my NZ whanau, daily messaging with my sanity yayas, quick check ins with those I haven't been able to catch up with for a while...to name a few! So funny to think that when it was first suggested that I join the social media world back in the MySpace days, I was ultra reluctant! 



I was sitting at my desk earlier this evening and thought I'm gonna pick a card to reflect the week ahead! THIS is what I choose at random! Whilst I verbalise my love for my family everyday, for me, love is a doing word! It is reflected in things like my domestic goddessness (aka clean home, good food, continuing to try and get the washing done), in taking time out to watch youtube clips that make me cringe but have them in fits of laughter, in setting boundaries and enforcing disciplinary action on the rare occassions it is needed and most importantly ensuring that I fill my own cup with love too!

15th

I struggled to get to sleep last night, having Mr. 14 in the bed with us may have had something to do with it. I have to add here, that I LOVE that my teenage boy still wants to snuggle with him Mumma!  As I couldn't sleep I decided to listen to an audiobook and just simply relax instead. The book was wonderful. Tonight I downloaded the movie version...which wasn't quite so wonderful. Mindyou, I am grateful for both forms of art.  Oh it was called A Walk To Remember!

Whilst we are sad the holidays have come to an end, I am grateful that the boys had a good first day back.

It was a full day of work for me today. Considering the very little sleep last night, by the time I finished at 7.30pm, I was well and truly exhausted.  I am grateful for an early night.

16th

Today I had a lovely relaxation massage followed by time wrapped up in an infrared heatpad...oh the warmth was awesome! I am so grateful for the me time today, it made me feel a little spesh indeed!  I am also hoping that it has helped detox some of the nicotine from my system!

During my lovely pamper session I was woken a couple of times by my own snoring. Then I popped in to visit Mum and almost fell asleep on the couch. When I got home I had all intentions of meal prepping, but instead...I am grateful for Nana naps!

I am so grateful for good food in the fridge/pantry, I have been soooo hungry lately (or maybe its a substitution for ciggies) so good healthy options make me feel a little less like a piggy!

17th


This morning we were on the road bright and early to be in the city for my 8.30am appointment. To say my anxiety was playing havoc is an understatement! 

A) I don't like traffic!



B) It was the first time ever we had left the boys to get themselves to school!

C) Even though I've done well with the whole quitting smoking cold turkey thing (hence the hibernation due to shitty mood swings and the extra weight because I can't stop shoving food in my mouth...admittedly its not a shit tonne and a good poop would probably help heaps...sorry TMI, but you'll get over it), there has been moments of weakness and so I wasn't sure he would put me on the list (good thing I'm ultra honest and have kept records of every failure, so he could see that I was trying - after all it seems ridiculous to be inhaling cancer causing chemicals and yet going through a massive surgery to reduce my risk of getting cancer). 

Where was I? Oh yeah...anxiety off the charts. So, we arrived on time and waited for AN HOUR because the silly self check in didn't give me a ticket! 


The late ticket!

I was thinking, OMG I could have been there to see the boys off, I could have gotten an extra 15 minutes sleep, AND if I had of known that later I would be having close up photos taken of my flabby thighs and groin region, I could have done some personal grooming! 

Appointment done and I am now officially on the waiting list (between 6 to 12 month wait with possibility of earlier if spot opens sooner) for a bilateral non nipple sparing mastectomy with TUG flap reconstruction (aka both boobs and nipples off with new ones made by my inner thigh fat). I am confident in the decision I have made, but now I just need to get my shit together and get myself op ready! 

I personally like things to be set in stone and have actual dates so that I can have all i's dotted and t's crossed; in other words despite my hippy nature in some ways, I am not a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal in others...BUT I've, weve got this! 

Anyway, just when the anxiety levels came down, we got stuck in the car park WTF! Needless to say that yes I again lit up today BUT in order not to light up again I have since been keeping busy...a walk in the rain, some tinkering on the piano AND I've started putting the squares together in a rug (admittedly it will be a small one for a little lap haha)! 




I have a feeling it will be an early night...tomorrow is a new day!

I am grateful that the process has officially begun.

I am grateful for awesome friends that understand the reasons I cancel time and time again, then when we catch up it is like no time has passed.

I am definitely not a city girl and am so grateful for the fresh air and slower pace living in the country provides.

18th



Oh gosh I am hearing this today! Mind you, the massage room being toasty warm, the aroma of relaxing essential oils filling the air, the music softly soothing the soul, and the sunshine streaming through the window is not helping...but oh gosh it sure is lovely...such a terrible work environment NOT! 


I had 4 really good laughs today! 1, was my husbands response to an eye roll he saw me give, aimed at him *oops*. 2. Was with one of my massage clients, about the funny things our kids come out with. 3. Was in regard to a friends reply to a comment I posted, obviously without truly thinking it through. And 4. Was during a phone conversation tonight in relation to gratitude number 2.

We had the honour of being interviewed for an article about the positives of being a blended family today, well more about how awesome Step Dads are.  I am grateful that the realness of our 'blended' family dynamics shines through. Whilst not always sunshine and butterflies, the love we share cannot be denied.  The funniest part of the interview was Aces reply to something he would change about Mark.  "He plays is music really loud, like you know, his heavy metal stuff'".  LOL, and this from the teenager who has his doof doof music blarring constantly.


As much as I could of easily just thrown on my Pjs and gone to bed straight after workPic (who are we kidding, I was ready for bed the minute I got up this morning), I really enjoyed listening to my music on my walk today. I hope the rest of the neighbourhood enjoyed my howling too LOL! I am grateful for the 'me time'!



One foot in front of the other is all it takes!



How ultra beautiful is this succulent. I walked past it initally and had to back track to capture it.



I am so proud of me...tonight I finished making my very first granny square rug (well, lap blanket as its not huge BUT its ultra warm). It is not perfect by any means but I love it! And what's even more spesh, is that the boys love it, which is a bonus as it is for 'one' of them...yes, that means I am going to be doing number 2 very soon!



So, I have often wondered what my Dad would look like now. Anyway, I downloaded the silly faceapp and uploaded this pic BUT it wouldn't do it...error reading! Now it could technically simply be because the resolution is too low, but I like to believe that it was the universes way of letting me know that he will eternally be the way I remember him... tall, dark, handsome and 36 years young! 

19th



When I went to head out on my walk this afternoon, I was looking forward to the me time (aka peace and quiet). When Jazzy asked to come, I had initially said no. But, when he asked again, I was like absolutely! I am so glad he came with me, and even though for the most part we didn't talk and he was off doing his tricks on the scooter, it was really nice spending the time together. I am grateful to have kids that want to spend time with me, and even more grateful that I am selfless enough to say yes!

It has taken me a little while to get used to having a son old enough to be on social media, but I am grateful for his knowledge of how it works so he can show this old fart how to use it properly.

One of my clients came in with a significant amount of pain today, but by the half way mark it was gone! I feel so much gratitude in having the know-how to be able to help others. I love what I do, it is such a blessing to be able to work doing something I am deeply passionate about.

I also have another one today...subject results are in for semester one *drum roll please* HD's on both subjects...f&#9 YEAH!


Mind you, that kinda puts on the pressure for the next two subjects!  OMG NATASHA, STOP IT!!!  Just enjoy the freaking moment!  Okay, Okay...(haha, am I the only one who talks to themselves like constantly?).

20th

I am grateful that Mum popped in for a visit today. Whilst a flying visit, as most of her visits are, it is always lovely getting to spend that time with her. Not to say that she doesn't at times give me the 'Jimmy Brits', as I know is the case in reverse also...but, having her here is a true blessing.

Even though I have heap of things on my to-do-list which need my attention (don't we all), today I sat in the sunshine and started crocheting my second rug. I am grateful for the time I got to sit and create today.



Whilst these gratitude posts are a therapeutic tool, a diary entry that I could just write in my journal left unshared...I actually like the interaction with you all. Lets face it, everyone who posts something on social media does so for a connection with others, of some kind or another. And so, I am grateful for each of you who take time out to read my posts.

21st

The boys had their mates sleep over last night and this arvo when I went in to let the boys them know it was almost time to pack up so we could get the other two home, they had already done it...without being told! Then after drop off, they came home and did all their jobs, again without being told! I am grateful for great kids!



In two weeks time, I will be back to hitting the books, but for now...I am grateful for the study break. 

Oh how wonderful it is to just heat and serve! And, given it was slow cooked beef stew it was even yummier the second day.



These are the squares I have for my big project (which is Aces favourite...ofcourse). Yesterday he helped me sort them out and I was trying to come up with a solution for storage. My clever boy suggested using my scrap wool to wrap them up like a present...you know, considering it could be HIS present! Cheeky bugger, this one was/is MINE!
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22nd



I always feel so much better when I start my day with a green smoothie!

During my last massage of the day our power went out as some bright spark (that would be me) forgot that if you use a certain point in the kitchen (where I set up the slow cooker), when the lamp, heater, music and blanket is on in the massage room...it trips the switch! So, I quickly run out and ask Mark to fix it. Start the massage again, and wouldn't ya know it, I need to pee! Needless to say, I am grateful for understanding clients who actually find it quite funny and leave making fun of my OPB (old persons bladder)!

I actually set the goal to have my rug completed 'this week' but, alas my sweet man took care of all my nightly duties and so rug no.2 is complete. For this, I am ultra grateful.



My back was feeling a little stiff after work tonight and so I made sure to give it some TLC...oh how much the foam roller hurts but feels so good at the same time. I am grateful for the relief it provided tonight.



Dinner was sooo delicious that I devoured it before taking a pic to show you...it was Mince/Lentil Bolognaise stuffed capsicum *yum yum*

23rd

None of us could really be bothered heading out into the cold wet dreariness tonight to go to a school meeting...but, it was actually pretty informative so thats a plus. And, the thing that always makes attending school things a little more enjoyable, is catching up and chatting with lovely people who were no doubt also wishing they were at home in their jammies toasty and warm. I am grateful to not be alone in this parenting teenagers thing, and to catch up with people I haven't seen for a while!

Oh and just on that topic OMGoodness, where the heck does time go! So here I was, sitting there at the school I too attended (although WOW majorly different) feeling like it wasn't really 'that' long ago that I was in Year 10...then I did the calculation! Umm hello reality check - next year, it will be 30 years since I was in year 10!

So when we got home we were all soaked through, so all ran to our rooms to change...yes ofcourse into our PJs (my fav outfit if you haven't already guessed). Anyway, I was first one out into the hallway and next thing I know a pair of socks are being flung at me (apparently, I find out later that I just so happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time hhhmmm). So, I pick up said socks and hurl them back...and that was that...the war was on! Socks were being flung back and forth all the while with me laughing so much that I got a stitch. The funniest moment of all was that Ace had thrown a pair at me and so I turned around to pick them up; bum in the air, Jazz aimed at me and missed...hahaha like seriously how can you miss my butt as a target . I am grateful for playtime with my kids tonight.

How good is hot chocolate on nights like tonight...oh my, I am grateful for the chocolatey creamy goodness.



What the heck is with the weather at the moment?  This was only yesterday!  Sun shining, massage linen hanging out in the sunshine and then today its pouring!  

24th

It feels so good to know that I have prepped a few meals ahead of time...it just makes life that little easier! I am grateful that at this specific moment in time, we are ahead of the 8 ball!  Hidden Vegie Bolognaise (no mince only bacon), Curried Snags and Beef Strog! The house smelt so delicious!



I crocheted some mittens with the help of a YouTube tutorial today (mind you, I also followed one for the slippers I made yesterday that were a flop LOL)...


Haha, its NOT a Beret!  It's a slipper gone wrong!


I have also taught myself 2 (Fur Elise & Amazing Grace) and a bit (Intro to Wind Beneath My Wings) songs on the piano. I am grateful for good easy to follow, perfect for beginners with two left 'fat' thumbs at times YouTube tutorials.

Sometimes a girl just needs Tim Tams, white chocolate ones to be specific, and not for any reason, but just because! I am grateful for the deliciousness of Tim Tams...especially when you bite the ends off and then use it as a straw to drink your hot chocolate...OH MY!!!



LOVE seeing my boys all rugged up with their handmade rugs. Lots of this Mummas love went into every stitch.  So I went a little stir crazy getting these done really quickly, BUT knowing that I could go into hospital for a major op at any given time, I wanted to know they were done.  You know, so they would always have something I made them.  A bit morbid I know, but it is what it is!


I was trying to be sneaky and catch a rare pic of my hubby without his cap, BUT he caught me in the act hahaha!

25th

Short and sweet as I am fooboocachooed, but you get that.  I sure am grateful to have been given this day though...I call it a turtle day 'slow and steady, slowly but surely'! 




26th

I get so much joy from knowing that I have made a postive impact in someones life somehow, nomatter how small that may be. I am grateful to know that me taking time out to share my gratitudes, allows others to also reflect upon theirs.

So this arvo the boys got home, we greeted them, snuggled up on the bed to watch some BBT and the next thing we know its 5.30pm and Ace is asking whats for dinner! I am grateful for the much needed nana nap.



Good thing I threw some Rainbow Chow Mien in the slow cooker yesterday and have left overs today!

I am grateful for a fresh new hair colour, even if it is from a packet!




So my hubby and I were just having a conversation about feeling a little 'in limbo' with not have a proper date set for the op. I say, "perhaps we need to start manifesting, sending out a prayer of when would be the 'better' time for it to happen". You know, not until I've done the Christmas shopping, celebrated Aces birthday, graduated, celebrated Jazzs birthday, gotten 6 weeks worth of meals in the freezer, am up to date on EVERYTHING!!! **Nek Minnet** THIS pops up! Message received loud and clear!



27th

Visits with Mum are not an odd occurance, but todays visit was a really good one; as in it felt more like sitting and chatting with a mate. I have been thinking lately how blessed I truly am to have my Mum to talk to, for that I am ultra grateful.

Glenn was off to a party this weekend so the boys stayed with us. Even though they were each doing their own things, it was nice having them at home....and I loved their reactions to me getting ready for my night out...typical boys!

I hardly ever get all dolled up these days so heading out to celebrate Mels Royal 31st was the perfect excuse to glam it up a little. I am so grateful for an amazing night with a lovely bunch of woman. (I am also grateful for spak filler, my arse fitting into my pants and going to a party where people actually eat - and there in lies the reason I was afraid my pants wouldn't fit hahaha)!


Selfie with the beautiful birthday girl!

Lick, Sip, Suck! Tequila Time!

28th

It was so odd going out last night with the boys home and without my hubster. I love that they were ultra supportive of me going out and letting my hair down. 



I am also ultra grateful that my hubster came out at 2am to pick me up, and listened to me rave on about the girly shenanigans...and yes even that the boys waited up to laugh at me!



Here I was (as was everyone else too) at last drinks ready to keep partying not really wanting to call it a night...until I got home and my man got me in my jammies and tucked me in with my wheat bag, then it was lights out haha! I am so grateful that he and the boys let me sleep it off this morning/afternoon!



I don't drink or go out very often but when I do tequila is always the drink of choice...I am so grateful for not hitting the floor and not having a sore head today!


Gotta add that all the lovely comments I got on my pics sure made me feel spesh. I am grateful for the lovely compliments, thank you!

29th

I had another hospital appointment today with the Gyno (I am having an op in 90 days), so although it wasn't the most romantic of things to do together, I am grateful that I got to spend it with my man by my side.



I love that even though its been years between actual chats, when my friend needed me today she knew I was just a phone call away. I will add here that I'm not a huge fan of talking on the phone and messages are usually my preferred, BUT I will talk if you let me know you NEED to talk!  Also, I will often get the shits texting so will pick up the phone LOL.  Okay, don't even try to figure out how my mind works, its insane enough for me!  Anyway, I am grateful for long lasting friendships, and that my friends know I am always here for them, no matter how long its been between catch ups.



Tonight I had a not so little anxiety attack and the tears just wouldn't stop. I am grateful for tissues (...and thankful that my man held me and provided comfort until the weight of the world eased).  

Why the anxiety attack?  Partly over finances - or lack thereof, partly over trying to fill in forms, and partly just due to life feeling a little overwhelming right at that moment!

30th

So as I mentioned above, a small part of last nights melt down moment was trying to map out my sons future. I mean, in all seriousness how many of us are actually living the life we forecast at 15 years old...I know I'm certainly not! Shit, I'm not even living the life I thought I would be only 5 years ago. That being said, I am grateful that Acey has somewhat of a plan, a goal, a dream, and chose his electives accordingly...even if those goal posts may change, its the journey that matters most in the end!



This morning I woke to a beautiful scripture verse from my Sis (inlaw) and this arvo my little Sis sent me a text, checking in on me. I am grateful for the sisterly love which made me feel very special today.

This arvo not only did I get to have a quick cuppa and chat with a special friend, she also gifted us with cake...I am grateful for both her time and talent.



So I went to stand up tonight and unbeknownst to me my foot had gone to sleep. Long story short, I hit the deck hard! I am grateful that my man and my boys have been taking amazing care of me, ensuring that both (yes, both) ankles and my knee are R.I.C.E'd. Oh boy don't I feel like a right royal dill (Aunty Dill strikes again). I am also grateful to have had crutches on hand.

After being RICE'd...OUCH!

31st

Soooo I went to the docs and had xrays etc done today and the good news is that I didn't break anything last night *phew* BUT both ankles are severely sprained and so I need to be off my feet for at least the next week! Oh well, **it happens....I'm getting some cool wheels to cruise around on for the week, so I will just need to think outside the square a bit.  Having two sprained ankles is not exactly ideal, but it sure beats two broken ones...I am so grateful I didn't break anything...nope, not even my fighting spirit!

When I went A over T, I ended up popping a pain killer. Most people would be out like a light, but not me....they keep me awake for hours, painfree but awake! I am grateful for netflix, even if it does have some wierd ass movies that leave me going WTF!

I managed to get around on my crutches but as I've done both ankles, it was a bit painful to say the least. There was no way, I was going to be cooped up inside 'resting' OR rely on my man to do everything for me...so new wheels for at least the next week it is! If I'm honest the pain is up there...mind you not the worst I've ever experienced. 

I just spent some time out in the massage room seeing if working could be a possiblity...anything is possible - its just a matter of weighing things up! Hmmm...., in the meantime I do have paperwork half finished that needs my attention (aka the silver lining...getting to focus on the least exciting stuff for a little while)! I could have at least had a crazy drunken funny story to go along with this, but alas t'was not so...just me and the flat ground.  Anyway having wheels that I can get to the loo quickly in, is awesome. I am grateful for the independence these wheels provide. And, not having the weight on my ankles means quicker healing!


I am also grateful that this time around...,yes I have done this before - I fell over a forklift...yes, one of those big arse things you can't miss...anyway, I am grateful that this time around I am 40kgs lighter!

And thats my last post for July 2019!

Remember, no matter the situation you find yourself in, focus on the good things and the light will shine there too!  BUT if you need to sit in the dark for a little while first, that is okay too, just know that even though you can't see anyone in the darkness, you are not alone!