where have i been?

I've been away from my blog lately. For almost a week actually. I've missed it. It's been calling me, popping into my head frequently. I've been away because I've been feeling average, actually less than average.

It started days ago when my left ear started to feel blocked. Initially I thought blocked with water from my morning shower. Being 'super mum' I thought I could fight the somewhat annoying condition despite it becoming worse as the day and then days went on. I was convinced it would just go away as quickly as it came. Boy was I wrong.

In the middle of suffering from my blocked ear I subjected myself to the swine flu vaccination. I had a pre booked appointment. I had previously reluctantly made the decision to receive the vaccination based on my contact with the public, through my work in retail. People travel extensively these days and often don't share the same level of hygiene care as I personally do. Opinion circulating at the moment is that this winter season could see swine flu more widespread amongst the community. I very bravely dragged myself to the GP. The nurse who administered the injection was lovely, gentle and very aware that I was going to be very sensitive to the jab. It was all over in a matter of seconds, followed by a few jelly beans. I felt well without any side effects for the following days. I wondered whether I'd have a reaction, fortunately not.

But still my left ear remained blocked for days. I continued to think tomorrow it will be ok! After six days with no sign of even a slight improvement I popped into my local health food store and stocked up on some olive leaf extract. Be warned the taste is not pleasant but it is good stuff! I took it regularly last year and I believe consequently enjoyed fine health. Summer rolled around, I didn't top up my supplies and now look at me, unwell, tired and thinking what is wrong with me.

After continuing to suffer a blocked ear for 10 days I finally took myself back to the GP, by this stage my throat was sore, my nose blocked, my voice unrecognisable and my breathing difficult. Following my detailed explanation of how dreadful I'd been feeling the GP simply told me I had a virus!! In other words my body will just have to fight it without the support of antibiotics and plenty of rest.

Only today did I manage to start feeling half normal, slightly decent and inclined to take on the day more enthusiastically.

I'm now on the mend and looking forward to getting back into my routine. Enjoying my days and not struggling so much.

I really did miss time here at my blog. I missed reading your blogs and your comments. It's great to be back! Gee, I have a bit of reading to catch up on.

this week's charity

Some people are just amazing, so thoughtful, so caring, so generous, so highly spirited, their qualities are contagious, totally inspiring beyond words. Thea over at My Year of Giving has selected Karen and Riley as this week's charity.

Karen and her son are shaving their heads for The Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave . Their goal to raise $5,000. I doubt I would have the courage to shave my hair

If you're in a position to support Karen and her son please click on the Karen and Riley link above. Don't you just admire some people and their efforts to support those less fortunate and in need.

free movies

We subscribe to Foxtel in this house, and have done so for about the last 3 years. Our package is restricted, in that we have a package which includes, the sports channels (I'm out numbered on this one), the kids channels (which have been thoroughly enjoyed), the third package of channels I think are lifestyle channels (which I rarely, if ever watch).

Today I was notified of a special deal, available to us for two weeks. That's right, a FREE treat, for two weeks!! You rarely get something for free these days. Hence my excitement. From February 21st to March 8th, courtesy of the Movie Network Channels we are going to be able to enjoy the very best in uninterrupted movie entertainment. We're going to have access to nine channels dedicated to showing everything from family flix, blockbusters and tearjerkers to exclusive new series and live events.

We've managed to survive without the movie channels up until this time, I'm wondering how we are all going to enjoy these free movies!! I do hope there is no fighting, arguing or crying. In preparation, we'll need to scan the Foxtel program guide to identify which movies are on offer.

I bet this free two week treat is offered to customers in the hope that at the conclusion, customers will sign up for the regular movie package. Regardless of what happens, I do hope we can all stick to our 'guns', respecting and accepting that in this house the movie channels are available, only for a short time! We're going to enjoy the next two weeks, free movies!! I'm so excited on the inside.

I haven't seen a movie for literally ages, months possibly years, unfortunately. Any suggestions? Just one would be great. I'll collate and assess which are high on the priority, must see list!!

'a month of me time' update

I'm getting so much out of 'a month of me time' that it got me thinking that you might like to register with The Calm Space directly to take part in 'a month of me time' at a time that suits you personally.

You might decide to sign up now, in a week, in a month or in a couple of months. When the time is right for you to receive simple daily actions to nourish your soul please pop over to 'The Calm Space'. In the mean time you may like to subscribe to the site to receive inspiring emails.

It's important to take the time to take better care of yourself. 'The Calm Space' is a great place to start!

is there room for some soup in your day?

Yesterday while I was scanning my inbox, I'm becoming a speed scanner and speedy at filtering my ever increasing inbox, an email titled 'do you want to try new products before they launch and give your opinion?‏' immediately caught my attention and had me asking what???

Let me fill you in on Soup.

"Soup is for people who love having their say and want to be involved in shaping the future of brands and products. Soup is a place that connects influential and interesting people with forward thinking companies."

That sounds like me I thought to myself. So I had a look around 'Soup', checking out the site and the latest projects. With my interest quickly consumed it wasn't long before I decided to get involved and followed the 3 simple steps to becoming a 'souper'. The steps were quite straightforward, getting to know you, your details, your interests and your world type questions.

It's official, I'm now a fully fledged 'souper', eager and ready to participate, can't wait for details on my first project. As a 'souper' I can now look forward to free access to cool stuff, like products before they launch, samples, and exclusive behind the scene access. I'll get to exchange my opinions and ideas about brands, this is what I am going to enjoy the most!

I didn't mention, it’s completely free with no obligations at all, to join. Are you interested, tempted maybe to give it a go?

Stay tuned for details of my first project.

'a month of me time' update

Day 7 of 'a month of me time'. Today's tip from The Calm Space simply, light a candle.

A flame can help you focus, a flame can help you breathe, a flame can help you relax. It's also a great aid to meditation and quieting down those hundreds of thoughts running through your busy mind.

I love having a scented candle burning in the house. When I remember to light a candle, it is usually in the evening, when I can enjoy the quieter part of the day. I love how a scented candle fills the room with divine fragrance, instantly transforming the environment. Creating peace and tranquillity, an atmosphere I feel so comfortable in that I can't help but to relax in.

I'm going to buy myself a new scented candle tomorrow. Can you offer me suggestions on your favourite fragrances to fill my home?

'a month of me time' update

Today's update, day 6 'a month of me time'.

When Karen's email came through I instantly felt a strong curiosity, what inspiring words of wisdom will Karen direct to me today. As I began reading I began to smile. Day 6 is all about coffee, my indulgence, a true love in my life. There was a time it was almost an addiction which I needed to curb and curb it I have. In the past, I drank it so heavily as a matter of habit, there has been many a day when I have felt so physically exhausted I've turned to my companion to see ME through the day.

The message from Karen at The Calm Space .

Life is too short to drink bad coffee (or instant coffee).
Make your morning cuppa an event.
Brew freshly ground coffee to perfection.
Drink it in a beautiful cup or mug.

'The Calm Space' also encourages you to stop in at your favourite cafe. This is something I do after the morning school drop off. The local cafe sells the best coffee around, in these parts.

If you're a tea drinker, invest in a nice teapot, use loose-leaf tea (apparently, tea drinkers can taste the difference) and drink out of a beautiful china cup.

Remember to simply breathe, be aware of your surroundings. Really taste what you are drinking. Savour and appreciate every sip.

Relishing your morning (or afternoon) cup is taking time for ME.

These days I try very hard to stick to 1 to 2 cups of coffee each day. Tell me, are you an over indulgent coffee drinker? How many cups do you sip on each day? When you order your coffee, what do you order? My order is a skinny weak latte with one sugar please :)

'a month of me time' update

Today is day 5 of 'a month of me time'. For 30 days, I'm concentrating on me, as simple as this may sound and even seem. What a total inspiration Karen Wallace and The Calm Space is.

Karen, I'm finding your 'simple daily actions to nourish my soul' truly amazing. Each action does seem quite simple on the surface, it seems easy enough to achieve. This is definitely not the case for me. I'm finding myself making a concentrated effort to sustain these actions as part of my 'new' daily routine, where I actually take time for me. I love how 'a month of me time' is forcing me to focus my attention on me and how I carry about my daily business and actions.

I'm ever so slowly accepting the fact that taking time to stop, means I am taking time for me.

The focus for day 4, take time to just sit, to just sit and simply be.

Forget about that never ending to do list. Forget about anything else you think you 'should' be doing.

A simple message, a simple action, take 5 minutes for you each day.

Sit. Breathe. Relax.



The focus for day 5, fill your home with fresh flowers, there is nothing nicer.

Don't wait for a special occasion or for someone to buy you flowers. Go out and treat yourself to a small bunch or a single bloom. I love having a vase of fresh flowers in the house. They change the room completely with their delightful appearance and scent.



Ladies, Karen's message is very clear, simply take time for you each day! You owe it to yourself and those around you, to find pockets of tranquility in your busy world.

Ladies a very big thank you for leaving such encouraging and motivating comments against my 'a month of me time' posts :)

cherish you! challenge

I have to share this with you, quickly tonight before the clock strikes midnight! Before time runs out. I'm sorry about the short notice.

Karen Wallace over at The Calm Space is running for the first time, the FREE, 5 day, 'Cherish You! Challenge'. It starts tomorrow, Tuesday 16th February. You'll need to register before Tuesday in your time zone to be in!

If you're feeling a little unloved, unappreciated or under cherished why don't you take part in the 'Cherish You! Challenge'. The challenge is all about learning to love yourself one step at a time. Over 5 days the 'Cherish You! Challenge' will challenge you with 5 small, simple steps towards a life where your cup is overflowing with love, appreciation and caring.

Please click here for full details.

It's FREE. It's only 5 days. You could learn something, you could learn alot. Your life could improve a little, your life could improve alot. What have you got to lose?

I'd love to hear if you decide to take the Cherish You! Challenge .

this week's charity

It's Monday again! I really like Monday. I feel so good when I wake on Monday morning.

Why? I hear my lovely new 'followers' question. Firstly, a very warm welcome and thank you for taking the time to read 'life and the memoirs'. I hope you enjoy your time here.

Now back to why each Monday in the year 2010 is shaping up to be such a fabulous start to my week. 7 weeks ago I stumbled across Thea and her brilliant idea and blog My Year of Giving. Thea has committed to donating $5 to a worthy cause or charity every week for this whole year. Each Monday Thea posts her cause or charity choice for the week. I simply follow her lead and match her $5 donation. So simple and so easy!

$5 may not seem much, but it definitely goes along way in helping to make a difference to someone's life, someone who is in desperate need of help or support.

This week a friend of Thea's on Twitter suggested Hug For Hearts™ which coincides with Valentine's Day. Hug For Hearts™ is supporting the Heart Foundation, Australia's leading heart health Charity.

If you're in a position to support this week's charity please click here .

You can expect me to post 'this week's charity' details each and every Monday! Stay tuned :)

'a month of me time' update

Today is day 3 of a 'month of me time'. For the next 30 days, I'm concentrating on me, as simple as this may sound and even seem.

Each evening Karen Wallace, Founder and Editor of The Calm Space, forwards me an email, detailing a tip to nourish my soul. This is so inspiring. A gentle reminder to guide me ever so slowly. To support and help me refocus on me!

The focus for day 1, taking time to drink water! Drinking water is vital to our health and vitality, getting through a busy day requires plenty of both.

Friday night I was feeling so inspired, I drank a litre of water. I need to consistently remind myself to drink water, and lots of it! Naturally I don't crave water nor do I often suffer extreme thirst.



The focus for day 2, listen to good music!

Following in my father's footsteps, I love a variety of music. Great music can inspire, uplift, motivate and even calm.

When I'm home I often have music playing in the background. Before going to sleep I enjoy a relaxing CD which does a great job in assisting me to unwind and switch off from my day and my thoughts.



The focus for day 3, book a check-up with the Doctor! What a great reminder. Taking care of our health and physical well being is taking time of ME.



These tips are a fabulous reminder on how I can take time out for me. How I can start to look after me!

Are these 3 tips part of your day already? Do they come naturally or like me do you need to refocus your attention and actions, to shift your focus more towards yourself?

life is busy

A very short post from me today. I'm still here, I'm not going anywhere. This end of the week is always 'busy' over at our place, particularly with me working a couple of late nights along with a few hours spread across the weekend. Once we factor in precious family time, it's Sunday night before we know it and we're planning for another week! In Victoria, term one will finish in just six weeks, holidays are around the corner yet again! Short term this one, eights weeks.

What's on the agenda this weekend? For me, I simply can't wait to enjoy some much longed for cooler weather. It's going to be bliss. Oh and a mini sleep in, just what I need and I'll be reading the weekend newspapers over a coffee or two and working.

I'll be posting over the weekend, at some stage. You know how much I'm loving this blogging thing. I'll be sure to fill you in on the beginning of 'a month of me time!'

Until then, enjoy your days :)

tomorrow, day 1, a month of me time!

We are well and truly into the swing of 2010. Christmas and the extended summer holidays seem such along time ago now. School has started, I'm mum to primary school aged children, for goodness sake! It's now time to invest time into ME! For the past 7 years the majority of my life has focused on my adorable family, I now have approximately 30 hours a week for ME! Some of the time I'll use domestically, some of the time I'll work, some of the time I'll study, some of the time I'll socialise and some of the time I'll use simply for myself, writing, reading, relaxing, simply enjoying time out and my own company.

Now, I tend to get a little carried away at times surfing the net, losing myself in endless snippets of information, news, blogs, the list goes on and on. Today I found a site at the most perfect time and stage of my life. The timing couldn't have been more spot on! I found "The Calm Space".

"The Calm Space is an online magazine that is like a virtual day-spa for your senses… decadent, informative, relaxing. A real no-mobile-phones-allowed kind of escape where you can chill for a minute or an hour and emerge refreshed and ready to face anything your day throws at you!

It’s a rare woman who doesn’t succumb to chaos and madness at some stage during her busy week. Whatever your particular life situation, and no matter how your day is going, you will find respite within "the calm space".

"The Calm Space" is not just about chilling out! It also focuses on taking action, moving out of stress and chaos, and moving towards a happier, calmer life."

The blurb above instantly captured my attention, I was hooked immediately! Wanting to read more and more.

How divine that I should find "the calm space", talk about excellent timing! Now is the time for ME, time to indulge myself!

I'm excitedly anticipating "A Month of Me Time", a free e-course which is aimed at inspiring ME to take better care of MYSELF! Each day for the next 30 days I shall receive an email on the importance of taking a little time for MYSELF! I'll receive simple daily actions to nourish MY soul.

I can't wait to be inspired to take better care of MYSELF! If I'm honest with myself, myself has been slightly neglected, this is not good for any member of our family, least of all myself.

Little steps commence tomorrow. No more running on empty! Now is the time for ME! Tomorrow is day 1, the beginning. I'm certain I was meant to find the calm space today.

I'll share my simple daily actions with you. You may even feel inspired to join yourself!

writer's block

With my thinking cap stuck firmly on my head tonight, I have struggled to blog. I've struggled to write. I've struggled to get the words out. That's ok, it's just a small case of writer's block.

I'm so easily distracted by reading many inspiring blogs, I have a hundred thoughts racing around my head, please slow down in there so I can catch my breath. My head is feeling full, a good full but still full, full of ideas, creativity and a strong desire to achieve, something great.

It's been another hot day in Melbourne, my energy is zapped, the heat and I don't always have a happy and comfortable relationship. I think it's a sign that I call it a night, it's time for me to enjoy a good night's sleep. I'll wake feeling refreshed and energised.

Do you ever suffer writer's block? How do you manage the moments of what am I going to write about today? How do you manage the moments of trying to find the right words to tell your story, to share your thoughts? I love writing, but occasionally a block forms and I simply can't get the words out.

pandora

I've recently become aware of Pandora, Pandora Jewellery. I've discovered and learnt of the latest craze, the making and wearing of Pandora charm bracelets! Pandora is fast becoming an amazing fashion statement. Pandora design and sell gorgeous charms, bracelets, necklaces, ear rings and rings, the difficulty is in selecting which design to purchase.

It's so easy to get started on designing your own unique Pandora charm bracelet! Just pick a bracelet and then choose from a wide array of beads, charms. With a simple twisting motion, you can "string" beads, charms on your bracelet! A Pandora bracelet will be unique to you depending on the beads, charms you select.

I'm contemplating the purchase of a Pandora charm bracelet but I can't decide on a leather or silver bracelet. Any suggestions?

For more information and inspiration on the Pandora range click here . Truly beautiful.

this week's charity

Monday again! Monday has taken on a new meaning for me this year, Monday is the day I check in on Thea's My Year of Giving blog to learn which charity we are donating to for the week.

Week 6 already and this week's charity is "Cate's Cause" An Appeal Against Homelessness .

"Cate's Cause" an Appeal against Homelessness is a management account of Community Enterprise Foundation™ (Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's philanthropic arm. The Community Enterprise Foundation™ has launched “Cate’s Cause” an Appeal against Homelessness in partnership with 4 Walls Ltd. 4 Walls Ltd is a Not For Profit community housing organisation that delivers a diverse range of social, community, resettlement, affordable housing and housing related services to individuals and families in Queensland.

This Appeal is inspired by a Queensland family, Cate and Rick Bolt and their nine children who encountered severe financial difficulty which resulted in them losing their home. They fell into arrears in their rent payments and were hit with large unexpected medical bills.

The Bolt family have now received assistance. Cate is now dedicated to addressing the issue of homelessness in Australia. Every night more than 100,000 Australians sleep in sheds, tents, parks, garages, caravans, shelters and on the street. Funds from this Appeal will support programs that will help individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with housing & housing related assistance.

Here's to helping make a difference.

tooth fairy

While preparing dinner this evening, my big boy (7 years old) casually states "another tooth has fallen out Mum!" I immediately think blood. Fortunately there isn't any insight. He brings his tiny baby tooth over to show me, so small, almost grain like, how did he eat so well with teeth so small, I ponder. He collects the 'tooth fairy' container from the kitchen and hurry's it to his room for the tooth fairy to collect after dark. He contemplates how much the tooth fairy will leave him in exchange for his precious tooth. I suggest possibly a gold coin - $1 or maybe even $2. She might even leave some silver coins tonight, it all depends on what she has in her wallet.

How much does the tooth fairy leave at your house in exchange for a tiny, precious baby tooth?

my favourite time of the day

Not sure how or why this thought popped into my head tonight, I started thinking about my favourite time of the day.

What spurred this on? The reality of being back at school for only two days! It's the marathon race which starts at 3.30pm sharp each weekday, often a fast, hurried, exhausting event that makes me think the evenings, at around 8pm top the list for my favourite time of the day.

The after school crazies, tiredness, munchies, homework, dinner preparation, shower, reader, lights out, culminate to the relieve which is felt when I close the bedroom doors on two little boys and walk down the hall to put the kettle on.

The house is now quite, only faint snores can be heard behind closed doors, oh it's time for me to relax and enjoy a quite evening. Reflecting, we did it again, we will do it again tomorrow night and the next night and the next night, but for now I'll enjoy this time, my favourite time of the day, is this time of night.

There was a time when I was early to bed, I'm slowly becoming a night owl of sorts. Simply spending time doing the things I enjoy, while two little boys dream. I accomplish alot this time of night. I love my days but the evenings are so peaceful, the stillness of the night I can feel from inside.

If you're a mum with children at school, you may relate to how I am feeling. What is your favourite time of the day?

off to school we go, everyday!

Today was the day I have at times longed for, thought would never come, the day on the calendar I thought in 2010 that seemed liked years away! 2010!

Today was the day the youngest member of the family left the nest to start his school journey. He was excited, without a tear in his eye. I was left feeling slightly overwhelmed at the realisation that this is it!! Off to school we go, everyday! No more occasional care, no more kindergarten, no more child care. No more one on one time or being by my side.

I'm no longer a Mum with a child at school and a pre schooler. He is definitely ready for this new and exciting adventure, as for me, give me a week or so, possibly a little longer to become accustomed to this new phrase of life. Fortunately I have a few distractions while they are off enjoying their school day.

I look back now on the first 5 years, realising just how far this little being has come. From baby, to toddler to pre school to school. Each age and stage of development has been different, a learning experience for us all. No manual to refer to. Wow! we have come along way, in only 5 years. What lies ahead we don't know, but we're always going to be here guiding, supporting, caring and loving unconditionally.

this week's charity

For those of you who are new to my blog welcome!

I joined the incredibly inspirational Thea at My Year of Giving earlier this year in supporting her brilliant idea to donate $5 each week, for this entire year, to a different charity.

All I do, you are more than welcome to do the same, is visit My Year of Giving on a Monday for details of Thea's charity of the week. Yes it is that easy! $5 may not seem like much but I am certain that it helps to make a difference to someone in need.

We are now into Week 5 of 'My Year of Giving' with Thea selecting Beyond Blue as this week's charity. Many of us have known a family member or someone very close to us to be affected by depression.

We usually make a $5 donation but the Beyond Blue website
only accepts minimum donations of $10, so $10 it is this week. All for a very good cause!

'My Year of Giving' is a great start to my week, knowing I have helped someone or a community in a small way, makes me feel wonderful!

beautiful blogger award

How shocked was I to receive the 'Beautiful Blogger Award' from Kelly over at Kellansapansa thanks Kelly! Wow this blogging thing is getting serious now!!

The challenge, a tough one at that, to list 7 INTERESTING things about moi. Definition of 'interesting' - 'to excite the attention of'!! Righto then, here I go at giving this list my best!

1. As a Year 12 Media Studies student (in 1989) I interviewed Bert Newton over the telephone for an assignment on the history of radio. Recorded onto a cassette tape! Do you remember those?? Don't own a cassette player these days, so can't replay the interview!

2. My teeth required orthodontic treatment for 6 years! I loved the bus trip into Collins Street and lunch with my Mum following the appointment. I can still remember the agony of having my braces tighten. The end result after all the pain, pretty good looking teeth!

3. I was a flower girl in a family friends wedding when I was close to 5 years old.

4. My parents always took the family on a driving holiday during the May school holidays. Back in my day, the school year was divided into 3 terms. My parents loved driving 3 kids around country Victoria and New South Wales in the Autumn...??

5. 'Aussie Farmers Direct' deliver milk, bread, cheese, fruit and veg to our front door a number of times a week. So glad the milkman is back!!

FYI "AUSSIE FARMERS DIRECT IS A FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE PROVIDING 100% AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED FRESH PRODUCTS"

6. I've been working part time in retail for 4 years, administration role. It's been a great outlet for me while my boys were of pre school age, but now they are both at school the focus is moving onto ME!

7. I learnt French at school for years and would not be able to speak a sentence if my life depended on it! Sad :(

My job is done! I shall now pass the 'Beautiful Blogger Award' to these 2 very INTERESTING bloggers.

Sarah Elizabeth at Sarah Elizabth
Victoria at 13mimosa

Have fun and I look forward to reading your lists :)