Definitely a mixed bag this week, but found plenty of FIGs (Finding Joy in Gratitude) along the way. Thank you to Elisabeth for initiating this month long opportunity to create joy through gratitude - its been nice sharing mine and reading others too!
Saturday 22nd - plenty of FIGs today:
E, O and I went to E's friend's birthday party at a new to us playground. These friends (both the kids and the parents) are just lovely, and we all had a great morning.
O came with me when I snuck off to buy a takeaway coffee during the party, and he is such a joy to bring on errands these days. He stays by my side, chats away, waits patiently with me. E was adorable at 4, BUT she loved to chat to strangers, run around, etc, which wasn't super relaxing. O is just so easy!
Saturday night we had dinner at our neighbours house, and everything about this made me grateful. Grateful to have lovely neighbours, who have boys similar ages to our kids. They made us all nachos, had a fab selection of drinks and snacks, made a fire to sit around outside. The whole evening was perfect.
Sunday - 23rd
I was tired from the night before, and Al headed to work, and we had no plans (except a long list of chores I needed to do). So it COULD have been a challenging morning. Except the kids played contentedly, independently ALL morning. They played in the backyard, in the front yard, in the garage (we have toys set up in part of our large, external garage), in the play room. O did some playdough, I read them some books, but otherwise they did their own thing while I tidied and cleaned the house. Hooray!
Monday - 24th
Despite feeling overwhelmed, stopped in at a cafe for a coffee and a planning session first thing after dropping E at school, to plan the priorities of my week. Grateful to start my working week off on a nice note like this.
Went to a doctor appointment for a referral to a dermatologist, and my GP was her warm, helpful, validating self. Grateful to have a great local doctor I can get in easily to whenever I need.
I made homemade chicken nuggets for dinner, and everyone loved them! Grateful for this, as its rare with our somewhat picky eaters (you'd think no one could ever complain about chicken nuggets, but you'd be wrong!).
Tuesday - 25th
Was up early before the kids (always grateful for this) AND did some fiction writing. Enjoying dipping my toe back into writing again after a long break.
Saw kangaroos at work (including a joey growing up super close)- grateful for the beautiful wildlife so close by
Al made delicious fish tacos for dinner - only thing better than a delicious dinner I've made is one made by someone else!
Wednesday - 26th
After a busy (exhausting!) day of meetings, we had a celebratory work drink after work for a colleague, and it was fun! Grateful to have colleagues that make me laugh.
Thursday - 27th
After seeing me working on writing a story, E is starting her own story (in my Google drive). Even O wanted to join in and have his own document. It was very cute, and now E is enjoying adding to her story each day.
Grateful for E's chats with me every time I pick her up from school (currently 3 days a week). She holds my hand as we walk to the car, and fills me in on everything on her mind. I know this will not be forever and don't take it for granted.
Friday - 28th
For the first day in a couple of weeks, I worked from home with NO meetings all day. What a luxury. It was a real catch up day. I went to a cafe to do some work, I did a short walk before I picked up E from school, I picked up a package from the local Post Office and I did a whole lot of planning for next week. Grateful to end the week like that.
I joined the gym! It's a lovely, community style gym, with classes as well. Looking forward to getting started there next week! Grateful have have this affordable option close by, with friendly staff.
Happy Saturday everyone! Any things you’ve been especially grateful for this week?