Reasons 2 Breathe

Oboes, Tuesdays and Autumn...

2009-03-10T23:36:00.003+11:00

The pride I feel for my daughter. Miss M has tried out for the year 5 band at school and was given the Oboe. Only 1 student a year is choosen to play the oboe and she got it!!! Very happy indeed.
The end of yet another Tuesday - it is always nice when they come to an end these days.
Autumn weather - the end to hot nights.

It's the smallest things...

2009-03-09T22:39:00.003+11:00

Today I am blissfully happy to find that all the horror and pain can be for something!!

Today I am...

2009-02-11T12:05:00.001+11:00

Blissfully, blissfully happy to have my computer back in fantastic working order!!!

Pride, Weekends and Swimming Pools...

2009-02-07T19:28:00.005+11:00

Seeing Miss M take the initiative during her first basketball game of the year. I am so very proud of her.
Weekends - after the first week back at school the weekend is a blessing.
Swimming Pools - even I know they are a godsend when the temperature reaches almost 40.

Coffee, Laughs and Silence...

2009-02-05T19:54:00.004+11:00

What more is there!!

Appreciating the silence (hence the absence for the last few days).
A few drinks with friends and many more laughs.
Coffee - alone or with company, there is no greater pleasure.

First Days, Freedom and Rain...

2009-02-02T22:59:00.003+11:00

Surviving my son's first day of Kindergarten - without tears!!
The smell of rain.
The impending freedom that only comes when all three children start "big school".

Rest, Relaxation and Returns...

2009-02-01T20:46:00.003+11:00

A sleep in.
Spending the day doing nothing and achieving everything.
A "Glad to be home' hug that is almost worth the absence.

Movies, Sun and Romance...

2009-01-31T22:47:00.005+11:00

The drop in the temperature as the sun goes down.
Taking my daughter, Miss M, to the movies - a feat not often achieved.
The simplicity of romance for 10 year olds - if only all our expectations could be that simple and innocent.

A Return To Old Ways...

2009-01-30T19:55:00.007+11:00

It seems to me that after several months of ups and down (also known as Christmas and birthdays in our house) that the necessity of focusing on the good times and things to be grateful for does actually help. Originally I began this blog as part of a uni experiment, for those who missed it, to ascertain the power of positive thinking and gratitude, or that's the short version at least. To be honest, I was a little sceptical at first but my lecturer assured me that the experiment was a huge success. Those of us who undertook the task, keeping to a fairly regular basis, found themselves feeling more content with their lot. I'm not necessarily converted but I figure - what the hey, it can't hurt right.

As I mentioned at the beginning, it has not been an easy time of year for me - it gets rather hectic and stressful to say the least, and I have been struggling with the whole concept of positivity. I guess what I am trying to say is it is about time I stop wallowing in self-pity and started doing something about it. So, we return to finding 3 things each day to be grateful for. However small and insignificant or standout the event may be, there is something about it that makes it worthwhile and therefore I am grateful I was there to witness it.

This is what I am grateful for today...

A day spent with family and friends relaxing by the side of the pool.
The prospect of spending the weekend with my girl, Miss M, and all the girly things we can do.
Finally getting the washing finished from the trip to the coast.

Spring has sprung...

2008-09-02T20:13:00.002+10:00

For having completed another assessment piece - not only having done it but having stood up and presented to my tute group. I am absolutely scared stiff of public speaking at the best of times and to have successfully given my presentation without running screaming from the building is always an achievement for me.
Spring - I love spring, I love the smell of spring, I love the look of spring, I love the feel of spring.
The buzzing in my head over all the wonderful things I can do for my Art Catalogue - my mind is full of wondrous ideas, now all I have to do is figure out how to do them all!!!

Art, Mondays and Mothers...

2008-09-01T23:30:00.003+10:00

Getting back my clay votive from Art today - I am really pleased with how it turned out and to make it even better my art teacher told me how much she liked it. I couldn't have asked for a better critique. I will post a picture when I figure out how!
Realising I only have one late Monday night left this year (and my mum is probably overjoyed with that fact too!!!) - thank god for that, these late finishes are killing me and I really can't get used to not eating dinner with my kids.
Having dinner ready and waiting for me when I get home from the late lecture and my kids fed and ready to bathe and bed - I tell you Mothers should be sainted as soon as they have given birth.

Weekends and the weather...

2008-08-31T15:04:00.003+10:00

Getting to sleep in BOTH mornings this weekend - a big thank you to my kids who have let me sleep in not one but both mornings this weekend, I never believe in miracles but apparently they can happen.
Some peace and quiet for BOTH afternoons - the kids have been absent for both afternoons this weekend which has been a godsend. I have actually accomplished some headway on my uni assignments - if I keep this up I will be able to go to bed at a reasonable hour this week.
Having wet and miserable weekend weather - at least I know I am not missing anything being chained to my computer with weather like this!!

Grateful for Growth...

2008-08-28T19:53:00.004+10:00

Finishing an assessment task - the first for the semester - I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I finally hand in an assignment.
Being able to put what I have learnt into practice - teaching Miss M a new method for multiplication and have her understand what it is I was trying to teach. There is hope for me yet.
Helping Mr E pick out a playlist from my itunes library - apparetly I have got some cool stuff for a mum. Then again, as long as it has a great beat, a guitar riff and is sung by a boy he is happy - oh if only everything was as easy as it is when you are 6!!
Looking forward to an early night - after the late one I had the last couple of nights thanks to grateful number 1
My growth over the last few years - for 2 reasons. Firstly, I was able to undertake a task in my counselling unit I would have never been able to do before the uni adventure began and secondly, an assessment I am doing in one of my units is taking me completely outside of not only my comfort zone but I am going it alone - more or less - as my trusty "you can do it or I will kick you in the butt for being an idiot/security blanket' partner is in another tute and this is forcing me to work with other people - a scary, scary event in my world but much more enjoyable than I expected. How's that for growth!!!

Art, Kangaroos and Olympics...

2008-08-25T22:51:00.003+10:00

Finishing my art project - well almost finishing would be more accurate, it's all planned, I just need to find a couple of things to finish it off. I'm pleased with what I have done.
The reminder I recieve as 2 kangaroos bounce their way through Uni today - it is easy to forget how close to nature we are here and how trusting nature can be.
The Olympics have finally finished and I can start to resume a normal sport free life again - no more sitting up watching the wonder that is the olympics - I feel all deflated.

Sunday 24 August...

2008-08-25T11:34:00.003+10:00

Today I am grateful for...

Actually managing to get some work done - it is scary how quickly the weeks go by and the due date looms.
My kids playing nicely all day - honestly I don't think there was an argument at all today, it has to be a record!!
Having a cup of tea with my daughter - it is hard to believe how grown up she is at times, I need to be reminder alot according to her.

A day late again but at least I got there :-)

Lazy weekends with the kids is what it's all about...

2008-08-23T20:00:00.004+10:00

Spending the day doing nothing with my kids - it doesn't happen as often as it should.
Seeing the sun shining - it feels as though Spring is not that far away on days like today.
Getting to the last chapter in my book - I may even manage to finish this one.

Weekend, Olympics and Picnics

2008-08-22T19:51:00.004+10:00

The Weekend!!!
The Preschool Olympics - watching 4 and 5 year olds represent their country (they even had a flag bearer) in their very own olympics is a sight to behold!! The determination on their faces as they break the ribbon at the finish line and the excitement at recieving their gold medals (although I think that was because they were made of chocolate!!). My kids have been blessed with some amazing teachers through out their schooling so far and I hope they continue to be.
Finding a picnic spot close to home - now if only the weather would get warmer we could try it out.

Catching up...

2008-08-21T20:02:00.007+10:00

A day behind again - this is becoming a bit of a habit. I do always think of my gratefuls, it is just sometimes hard to get here to write them down.

Thurs 21 August 2008

Getting out of my tutorial earlier than expected. It was dragging and incredibly hard to stay awake today so an early mark was perfectly timed!
Not needing to sign my kids in at school (we have been running late) for the first time this week - what can I say, some weeks are just like that.
Friends that know and understand me and feel obliged to kick me in the bum when I do something stupid - honestly Cheryl, some habits are just hard to break!

Wed 20 August 2008

Spending a wednesday night at home for the first time in I don't remember how long.
Getting my readings done before the lecture and tutorial - is this an impressive week or what??? That's twice now I have been organised - a record!!
Finding an outlet to channel my creative energy - a new challenge has been set to create a book of important events of my life using collage. I'm excited about it, it is taking some planning and experimenting as it is not something I have done before but it should be fun.

Pride, Tea and SMSs

2008-08-19T21:16:00.003+10:00

The pride I feel being able to successfully manage to install new internet access on not one but two computers - this IT stuff is easy
A cup of tea after the kids have gone to bed - it's a rare occurance at this stage so when I actually manage to have one it is always more enjoyable.
SMS reminders from my mobile company asking me if I forgot to pay my bill - thank God for them I would never survive if they took my mobile away!!

A long list of grateful!!

2008-08-18T20:18:00.006+10:00

Ok...so it appears I am a few days behind. I assure you I have valid reasons for not checking in sooner so read on...

Today I am grateful for...

Having actually completed last week's response, part of my assessment task for Arts Ed, which meant I could actually enjoy my break between tutes and lectures today instead of hurriedly writing my response - Is this what it feels like to not write something under the gun???
The Snooze Button on my alarm clock when it is -4 degrees outside
Quiet Time - Monday is a very long day at the present so when the kids have finally gone to bed and the house is quiet, I can start to relax.

Yesterday I was grateful for...

Waking up at 8.30am and not feeling guilty. It is not often I am able to sleep in but it is always nicer to be able to do so when you don't feel as though you have missed anything or done something you shouldn't have.
Being able to share with my Mum taking my daughter to the Sydney Aquarium and her excitement of being there. Watching her run down the ramps and gaze in awe at the animals that live there. Especially the seals (her favourite).
Sydney weather - after the freezing temperatures of Canberra, it was lovely to wander around Darling Harbour without a jacket (lucky too seeing as I left my jacket in Canberra).

Saturday 16 August I was grateful for...

Taking my daughter to her first professional theatre production - The Phantom of the Opera. It was sensational, she and I were amazed by it. The atmosphere was incredible, the performance thrilling and Anthony Warlow is un - freaking - believable!!!!
Bus trips - how else can you catch up on your reading???
My Mum's brilliant idea to have a girlie weekend in Sydney - going to the theatre, spending the night in a hotel and making the most of it!

Friday 15 August I was grateful for...

Some time away - I love my kids, I love being with them and doing things with them. But I have to admit a small amount of time away from them reminds me how much I love being with them!
Nanna naps - Post lunch, Olympic watching, Nanna naps - it doesn't get better than this. A little tip for you - Always set the alarm so you are not late picking up the kids from school!!
The countdown - it always makes something more exciting if you countdown, especially when you get to "one more sleep" - at least thats what my kids tell me!

That must be it - All caught up!!

Preschool Art Exhibitions ...

2008-08-14T20:35:00.004+10:00

A couple of hours off - being able to sneak home after Uni and before school pick up for a couple of hours of quiet at home.
Mr A's Preschool Art Exhibition - Browsing through the artworks of 5 year olds can never be boring. Mr A's painting cost me $50 (don't panic Mum - the money was fake) but it was worth it. My first autographed original!!
A family dinner - after a week of having at least one of the kids sick it was lovely to all sit down to a proper meal.

Dan, Dan. He's our man!!

2008-08-13T23:09:00.004+10:00

The sun after almost a week of dreary, cold, windy, winter weather. It is soooo nice to see the sunshine in the morning and to know the washing may well dry in one day.
Dan from the phone company who diligently spent 1 hour on the phone with me trying to sort out the saga that has become my phone and internet swap - THANK YOU DAN
The prospect of climbing (and I do mean climbing - anyone got a step ladder?) into my bed after a very long day.

Yeaterday I was grateful for ...

2008-08-13T11:20:00.002+10:00

Amazing Uni lecturers and tutors who inspire me to continue learning and progressing down the long long road that is my education degree
Outspoken Education Theorist who are able to put into words things that we all think but are never game enough to admit.
Mr E - for being the last of the 3 to get sick (surely that means it is almost the end), and needing me to lie down with him which meant I went to bed at a decent hour for once.

Coffee Shops and Chit Chat...

2008-08-11T22:05:00.002+10:00

Some days I find there are so many things I could be grateful for but to name a few ...

On-Line Seminars - any reason to not attend lectures can only be a good thing!!
The Olympics - yet another reason for me to avoid all the things I should be doing.
Coffee shops and chit chat - so much more can be done when there is coffee involved.

And now to get back to it...

"Go Aussie Go"

Only joking, I really am studying!! ; )

Cold Winter Sundays

2008-08-10T20:14:00.003+10:00

Sundays - our one day off where staying in your pjs all day is the best way to spend it.
Cold winter days - perfect for snuggling under a rug with my family.
The excitement in my boys' eyes as they realise they have saved enough money to by the toy they want - now if only someone would take them shopping.

Yesterday, I was grateful for going the whole day without turning on my computer.

Tummy Bugs, Fridays and Bedtime

2008-08-08T13:59:00.005+10:00

Tummy Bugs - any excuse to spend the day on the couch with my daughter can't be all that bad, can it??
Friday nights - the relaxing at the start of another weekend.
Bedtime - the quite that can only mean they are all asleep.

Day 3...

2008-08-07T22:33:00.005+10:00

Friends - the reasons are endless
The Library Research Assistants
The smell of the air just before it rains

Short and sweet tonight - but some days are like that.

Enjoy life!

Day 2...

2008-08-06T11:10:00.014+10:00

Resturants - for letting me feel like a grown up even for a short time.
Laughter - this simple act or even it's sound, is enough to keep us all going until the end of time
My Mum's constant understanding, no matter what gets thrown at her.

3 reasons....

2008-08-05T20:59:00.006+10:00

I attended my Promoting Positive Learning Environments lecture today where we were looking at Positive Pyscology (all essential learning for my Education Degree). The lecturer informed us that there were higher health benefits associated with celebrations and gratitude than there were with moderate exercising 4 days per week. An interesting concept to say the least - it turns out if we openly celebrate people's successes and show gratitude to those around us, we can ensure a happier healither life by up to 40%.

Too good to be true, I hear you say. As an experiment, my lecturer has asked us to keep a diary of at least 3 things we are grateful for each and every day for at least the next 10 weeks. We are then to take a survey to see how we have changed our wellbeing over the time. (I have already undertaken the survey to see where I stand presently) So, that's were this blog comes into it, each day I will write 3 things that I am grateful for. I take this oppurtuntiy to welcome you and hope you too can find 3 things that made your day worthwhile.

Today I am grateful for:

My kids, Miss M, Mr E and Mr A - for making all I do worthwhile and constantly inspiring me to go the extra mile.
My parents - for making it all possible, without their help none of this would ever be.
Uni - for always pushing me to try new things and come out of my shell. I truly believe it is a ride worth taking!!

So thats it for today.

Cheers Fee