A Positive Year - Day 36

Day 36

I can't wait!!  It's only one more hour and my big girl will be home from camp!  I have missed her so much!

I am looking forward to hearing all the stories and excitement about her time away.  I am even looking forward to my two girls fighting again!  I know that won't last but it has been way to quiet in our house the past couple of days (and she's not even the noisy one!) lol.

I think my youngest will miss being the only child and getting a little spoilt but I know she has missed the company of her big sister (even if she won't admit it!!)

As much as I love my girls having the confidence to be independent and that they love going to things like school camps, there is always a part of me (the very selfish part) that would love to wrap them up in cotton wool and never let them go!  But I keep that selfishness locked away deep inside because I would never want to keep them from experiencing anything fun.  I know how much I loved it when I was their age.  I guess it just makes me appreciate my mum more now I know how hard it is letting go!  Gees and they haven't even hit their teenage years yet!!

A Positive Year - Day 35

Day 35

Some days it's hard to find something positive to write about.  But I am determined to find at least one thing every day for a year!  Although it is sometimes hard to see past the negative things that happen to everyone but I determined to see this through!!  How else can you break the negative cycle without finding something positive?

So todays positive is that everyone in my family is healthy and safe.  That is definitely a positive to me!

A Positive Year - Day 34

Day 34

Today my big girl went on a school camp for 3 days.  She was so excited!  Just watching her with her friends this morning while they were waiting for the bus reminded me of when I went to school camp.

I am sure they will not get any sleep and will come home excited and tired and will be in bed very early on Wednesday night!  Especially after quietly giggling in their tents for the next two nights hoping that they won't get sprung by their teacher!!

I already miss her like mad but am so happy that she was excited to go!  Plus it also means I get a little one on one time with my other daughter.  As all parents know, it's not often you get that one on one so I will enjoy every minute!

A Positive Year - Day 33

Day 33

Today I finished my third and final part of my sewing course.  It's not often that I get to finish what I start so it was nice to see this through.

I am not sure when I will actually get some time to sew but I will certainly try and make the effort because I absolutely love it!

Now all I need to do is find a pattern and some material I like and have a go at making some clothes.  You never know, I might even be able to make a career out of it one day!

A Positive Year - Day 32

Day 32

Today both our girls have a friend over.  The house is full of laughs and fun and total chaos, and I love it!

I love the carefree attitude kids have and the crazy things they get up to with their mates.

I also love the fact that when they both have a friend over there is no fighting with each other!!  That is probably my most favourite part of the kids having friends over!

A Positive Year - Day 31

Day 31

It's hard to think of something positive when you have a tummy bug but even when  you're feeling really disgusting there is always something that makes you feel better.

No matter how disgusting I feel, I always feel a bit better after having a shower.  I know it's only a small thing but at least it's something.  Plus anything that makes you feel a little better has to be a positive!!

A Positive Year - Day 30

Day 30

It is a rainy and bleak day today.  One of those days that can make you feel really flat.  To combat that blah feeling I met up with a friend for a cuppa and a spot of shopping.  We didn't buy anything (which is a first for us!) but it was nice just to get out and not settle into that flat feeling.

I love that no matter how dark my mood is or how flat I am feeling, my friends will always tell me if I am being too dramatic and to get over myself.  I love that we are honest enough and respect each other enough to be able to say "suck it up princess" when we know it's needed and to listen when we need to have a vent or a whinge.  I really value the quality of my friends rather than the quanitity of them.

A Positive Year - Day 29

Day 29

They say a picture paints a thousand words.  Words cannot describe my gorgeous and loving but incredibly stupid dog!

She is the topic of today's positive post.  Her name is Swiper Cinderella (named by the kids of course).  She is a samoyd cross golden retriever and she is a nutcase!!

Every day when I walk the kids to school she comes with me and every day something goes wrong.  Whether it is her tripping over her own leash and faceplanting into the concrete or her chasing after concrete donkey statues, she never ceases to amaze or entertain me with her actions.

Although she is the dumbest dog I have ever known, she is also the most lovable.  She is so loyal and loves us unconditionally and we would be lost without her.

A Positive Year - Day 28

Day 28

Today's topic of positivity is an easy one.

This time 11 years ago was one of the most exciting, scary, thrilling, painful and happiest days of my life.  It was the day my first daughter was born. 

I can't believe how fast time and gone and she is now a beautiful, sweet, happy, friendly, gorgeous, bright young lady who makes my day better by just giving me one of her million dollar smiles.

They say your life is never the same once you have kids.  I agree, our life is now complete now that my hubby and I have our two girls.  I can't imagine being without them!

Happy Birthday to our gorgeous 11 year old!!

A Positive Year - Day 27

Day 27

Last night I had the most peaceful, heavy sleep. 

I love the feeling of waking up refreshed and awake and ready to start the day.  As a parent, it can be a rare thing to get a restful night's sleep.  It is so hard to turn the brain off sometimes!!  I know I will make the most of every awesome night's sleep I get.

What a great way to start the day on a positive note!

A Positive Year - Day 26

Day 26

I have been wanting to learn to sew for as long as I can remember.  I even went as far as buying a sewing machine a couple of years ago but that was as far as I went, life just kept getting in the way.

Well today I finally had my first 2 sewing lessons!!  Who says they can't teach an old dog new tricks!!  I can now thread my machine (which is a huge start), I can also do normal stitching, blind hemming, sewing in elastic, scalloped edging, sewing on a ribbed neckband and making a button hole!  Not bad for a first day!

I can't wait to see what I will learn next week.  Then I can start on my first project.

I don't have any desires to change the world but I wouldn't mind decorating it a bit!!

A Positive Year - Day 25

Day 25

I love acting like a kid!  You don't appreciate how carefree and easy life is when you're that age!

Today I started my day by painting another section of our fence (I swear this fence is neverending!!).  While I was painting I had my ipod blaring with my fave tunes so I could dance, sing and paint at the same time.  This then put my in an awesomely good mood.  Not only did I finish what I wanted to get done but music always makes me happy!

So to celebrate my youngest daughter and I had a bit of a dance while standing on the bed.  She always loves to jump on the bed and I usually don't let her. Her reaction when I started jumping was priceless and she certainly didn't need to be asked twice to join me.

I remember when I was a kid and my mum did something random like that, and how much fun it was.  I hope my kids remember it too.

Although I will say I wasn't as carefree in my jumping as I was as a kid since I have more chance to break it!!  lol

A Positive Year - Day 24

Day 24

One of my favourite homewares store was having a closing down sale.  Everything up to 75% off!!!

Everyone who knows me knows I loooooooove a bargain!  So today my friend and I went over there and checked it out.  Although I was quite restrained, I still bought some things that I have been wanting for a while but had put off because I was saving money.

Luckily I've got another couple of weeks before it finally closes so I think I may have to make an extra trip back just to make sure I didn't miss anything!

A Positive Year - Day 23

Day 23

Today has been a good day for many reasons.  One thing I love to do when I am in a good mood is to blast cheesy tunes on the car stereo as I am driving along (I also love to do it in a bad mood too so I can snap myself out of it).

Today I was in a bit of an 80s mood.  You've gotta love the 80s lyrics and cheesy synthesisers and electronics!! I know it's not everyone's idea of good music but it makes me laugh and I know all the words so it's guaranteed to be a good song to sing.

I love the reaction of the people sitting next to me at the lights when they look over me singing and dancing to my favourite tunes.  At least I have made someone smile for the day - even if they are laughing at me!!

So next time you see someone rocking out in the car, think of me and have a laugh!!

A Positive Year - Day 22

Day 22

I love nice people.  I am lucky to know a lot of nice people.  It brightens my day to be able to see them.  I always find it hard when meeting new people.  Once I get to know them I am a total chatterbox but at first I get all tongue tied and nervous and am not sure what to talk about. 

This morning I had a new parent morning tea at school.  I was very nervous about going because I didn't know anyone, but I am glad I did.  Everyone was so friendly and helpful and I feel so much better for making the effort to go.  Sometimes it is good to step out of my comfort zone to prove to myself that it's all okay

A Positive Year - Day 21

Day 21

Today I am so excited!!  I love the feeling of anticipation!  I also love tickets.  It's funny how a piece of paper can make you feel so excited but every time I look at it I can't wait until that date arrives!!

My first exciting tickets are plane tickets.  I have booked a weekend to Sydney for my gorgeous friend's wedding.  I just wish the time would go faster so I can get there!!  I love weddings!  Especially when it's the wedding of people you love. 

The other exciting ticket I have are a surprise for my girls.  We are taking them to the stage production of Annie.  They have never gone to anything like this before and since Annie is one of our favourite movies it is certainly a good way introduce them to the theatre.  I can't wait to see their faces when they find out!!

I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas or their birthday - and it is such a wonderful feeling!!

A Positive Year - Day 20

Day 20

Today my friend and I went to Ikea.  I love that place!!  Even when the kids weren't at school we could take them there and put them in the free playground for an hour while we strolled the shops and had the $2.95 brekky in peace!  Any mother would know that a meal in peace is a very rare thing!!

Anyway off we went today while the kids were at school.  It was fun to watch the parents lining up at the playground looking desperate and hoping that their kids will get in (been there done that) and not have to rush over so we didn't miss out on a spot for our kiddies (gotta love school!!)

We always start our Ikea journey with our $2.95 hot breakfast - because you can't shop on an empty stomach, especially at that price!!  Then it was off on the nice stroll to look at all the awesome stuff that we wanted but couldn't afford (or carry).  There is always at least 20 things I want to buy while I am there.

Then it's off to the Ikea grocery to stock up on Daim Bars (because they are the most awesome chocolate in the world!!) but unfortunately they were out of stock today, but I am sure my hips will thank me for it!

To top off a trip to Ikea the other positive thing about a trip to Ikea is that the big home centre is next door with an awesome Spotlight.  I know this isn't everyone's cuppa tea but to me it is a day of bliss! 

A Positive Year - Day 19

Day 19

This positive post may sound a tad random but since I was just drinking it, it made me think of how much I love it - and that is a definite positive.

I love green cordial.  On a hot day, or with a hangover (not that there are many hangovers in this household anymore!!) nothing is better to quench the thirst than a big cold glass of green cordial over ice!!  Especially if it's in a slushie!

I know it's not the healthiest option and that water is better and all the other things some people are thinking.  But this is one thing that I remember from my childhood and it has always been the same.  There's not much in life that stays the same and is still as good as when you were a kid!   So if you have never tasted it - go and try it today!

On my quest to have a positive year I must remember the little things every now and then because it's the little things that sometimes make a big difference!

A Positive Year - Day 18

Day 18

Anyone who has kids will agree with me.  Sleeping in is just a distant memory which is locked away with your younger self who has a life (and money!!)

The last time I remember sleeping in until 10am was when I was in my 20s and it was after a big night out clubbing and then it was followed up with the post hangover maccas run!

This morning I slept in until 10am and I had even been out last night!!  Admittedly I do have a cold so I am guessing that is why I slept so long.  But even when I usually have a cold I don't get to sleep in this late!!  So I am going to enjoy the fact that I got to sleep in until 10am (am still just a little bit excited about it!) and am going to have a nice rest of the day hanging out with my lovely family who let me sleep :-)

A Positive Year - Day 17

Day 17

Okay, I admit it!!  I am one of those pathetic people who can't go past a pet store without gushing over all the adorable puppies in the window!!
I am worse than the kids!  Everytime we go to a shopping centre with a pet store I will walk the long way just so I can have a look!  They are just so fluffy and little and squeaky and I want to hug them all!!

Seeing them gives me a big warm fuzzy feeling and brings a smile to my face so I believe that anything that makes you feel that way has to be a positive!

A Positive Year - Day 16

Day 16

This morning I woke up and was in a really flat mood.  My youngest daughter didn't have a very good day yesterday and was a bit upset (I think a mixture of heat and tiredness finally caught up with her).  Anyway that meant I had one of those nights where I couldn't sleep because I worried about her.  Of course she woke up and was feeling bright a bubbly without a care in the world and excited about going to school!  I love the way children can do that!!  I wish I knew how!!

Anyway, this is meant to be a positive blog.  I just wanted to explain what made me choose todays positive.

This morning was zumba morning at my gym.  Due to my flat mood I wasn't going to go.  But instead of wallowing in my flatness I decided that I wasn't going to let it get to me and I would go to the gym and sweat it out to take my mind off things.  I will admit I really fought with the thought of letting myself get lost in the music but luckily for me the music and dancing got the better of me!!

I love to dance!!  I don't care if I look ridiculous or don't know the steps.  I love getting lost in the music.  I feel a sense of freedom when it comes to dancing and music.  It is a perfect way to leave the world behind for a minute and when it is finished I feel refreshed and full of vitality and am ready to take on the world again.  Also switching off like that helps me put things into perspective and realise that most of the things that I'm stressing about have been built up in my head and aren't as bad as I have made them.

I now feel fantastic and what can be more positive than that!!  I can recommend some zumba therapy to anyone!!  It's hard not to smile when you're shaking your booty!!

A Positive Year - Day 15

Day 15

After a huge return the to gym, there is nothing like a nice swim to soothe the aching muscles.  Especially on a hot day like today!

It's not often that I get to have a swim without the kids trying to sink me with their cannonballs.  After a few laps I love to just float on the top of the water.  The water muffles out all sounds and I get to just relax in my own quiet blissful space.  I also love that feeling of weightlessness while floating about.  I have one of those brains that never seems to shut up, but while I am floating there in peace and quiet I seem to be able to stop my brain for a few minutes and just enjoy the moment.

Now it's time to go back to reality and start the ironing -  even that doesn't seem to bad now that I'm relaxed and have cooled down after my swim. 

A Positive Year - Day 14

Day 14

I am surprised that I have not written about this positive thing before but because it is something that happens so often that I just think of it as a normal everyday thing.

I abosutely love to laugh!!  Especially the big belly laugh that ends with tears running down your face, a sore tummy and the need to pee really badly!

No matter how bad I am feeling, I am lucky enough to have friends and family who will always try (and most of the time succeed) to pull me out of the slump.  I think that a good laugh always lightens the load, even if it is only for a little while, it gives me the strength to move on.

So when you're having one of the those days - just laugh, it's free and it feels good (and it has no calories)!!

A Positive Year - Day 13

Day 13

Today at the gym I did a pump class.  It was the first pump class I have done in a long long while and I had forgotten how much I loved it!

I really pushed myself and used weights that I knew would challenge me.  By the end of the class all my muscles were shaking and worn out so I am sure it will have to have some impact on toning up my wobbly bits!

I now have the post workout buzz.  You know that awesome feeling you get after you've really pushed yourself.  I love the post workout endorphins - it definitely makes the extra effort worthwhile!  It also helps look at the rest of the day in a positive way since you're already on top of the world!

A Positive Year - Day 12

Day 12

As I have mentioned before I love summer sunny days.  I especially love Sundays like today.  The morning was spent doing the outside chores that had been put off due to all the rain we had.  Then topped off by a nice leisurely swim with the kids.  It is the best feeling jumping into the cool water after you've been sweating and your muscles are tired from working!!

To top off this special day, we finally finished our outdoor area so we can relax in peace with a nice cold glass of bubbles!

This is where hubby I will be spending the arvo while the kids go crazy in the pool and I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday arvo!!

A Positive Year - Day 11

Day 11

I love my happy family.  How can you focus on any negativity when everyone around you is in such a good mood!

I am a very lucky person whose family is almost always happy so it certainly makes life shine a lot brighter. 

There is nothing better than waking up to a smile and going to bed with a smile on your face :-)

I hope you all find this love and happiness for yourself - everyone deserves to smile more often.

A Positive Year - Day 10

Day 10

It's very easy to come up with a positive post today! As my Facebook friends already know, today is my birthday.  I am not one to make a big deal about my birthday but thanks to having such a great family and awesome friends I always end up having a great day and feeling very special.

I was woken this morning to brekky in bed and some pretty awesome cards from my girls!  Their personality always shines through in their artwork!  My eldest daughter always draws me something sweet and special and my youngest always makes me laugh!!

I have included todays drawings so you can see why I love them so much!! I bet you can guess who did each one!!

If you are wondering what the second picture is - it's of me in a wine shop!  I especially love all my handbags too!! 

After a lovely start to the morning, it was topped off with some beautiful Facebook messages, phone calls from friends and a nice leisurely lunch!

I feel very spoilt at the moment and am grateful to know some pretty wonderful people!  Thank you to everyone for such a great day xx

A Positive Year - Day 9

Day 9

This may sound boring for some but to me I always love it when my house is clean.  Don't get me wrong, I am not anal about it, and I can be a bit messy, but I can handle the mess as long as the kitchen and bathrooms are clean.  That's the joy of having kids home on holidays.

I love it when the kids have gone back to school and you can clean the house and it stays clean for longer than 5 minutes!  Then to top if off, there are fresh sheets on the beds, which is another awesome feeling!!  There's nothing better than hopping into a bed with nice clean sheets after a day of cleaning!!

Now it's time to put my feet up and enjoy the quiet cleanliness!!   It's nice to sit down with a cuppa tea and a good book and have everything smelling fresh and knowing you have earned the break.  Another positive thing about today!

A Positive Year - Day 8

Day 8

I love it when you can catch up with friends that you haven't spoken to in ages and it's like you saw each other yesterday.

We all lead busy lifestyles, between work and family, and sometimes you don't have enough time to think let alone talk to anyone.  This doesn't mean that you have forgotten your friends or anything but it's just life sometimes gets in the way.

I really appreciate every time I get to speak to my friends, even if it's just a quick 5 minute call, and even though we don't talk every day (or sometimes for weeks) I always know they are there if I need them and I am here if they me.  What more could you want!!

So to my dear friends out there, if you're reading this thank you and you're awesome!!