Organising my life

I have decided upon completing my final goal for my working year that I will begin to de-clutter my world.  Mia is an incentive for this, as well as my stressful week. I am looking forward to establishing some rhythm in my habits. It is time to make some clear goals and expectations...

Life is a challenge and the goal is to enjoy as much of it as possible.

I learn from my 5month old daughter every day. She is so happy and warm, the simple things make her smile. That is how I want to live.

Accomplishing things in speedy record.

Yesterday we spent some time out by the pool. You love it there.Those tall palm trees are mesmerising. You love turning to watch Sweep play with her ball. Sadly you screamed for what seemed like ages when we came inside. You are normally so perfect and happy, you must really have wanted to stay by the pool!  You managed one (?!) sleep for 30min (?!) and woke up happy. In that 30min I managed to type 2 documents. Full of errors no doubt! Regardless I am very glad to have completed something. 

A day off for us today, although the work deadlines might mean jumping on that computer in your nap. 

On a positive note you are very bubbly today. 

Weekly lessons:

1. Find small victories
2. Realise that not all failures are as bad as the pressure of 'getting it all done'.

Slowly getting a handle on being a working mum... 

19 Sleeps

19 sleeps
until I can commit to planning an amazing first christmas for you little Mia. Life is so full. Full of intense emotions, expectations, mundane events, fleeting moments. The moments I spend being a mum are wonderful. However I am so busy with my work... this combined with being your mum is intense. Something has to give and that something is cooking! I am terrible at preparing meals for myself and your dad. We can't do it all! If I put as much energy into cooking as I do planning the dance concerts I would be an amazing chef.

We are so blessed. Blessed to be healthy, to be inspired by the people we meet, to be living in a wonderful country, to be a part of a loving family, to have a roof over our head and all our needs met.

Who needs to be like everyone else, lets make up our own rules.

Days off

In an effort to provide my daughter with a memorable christmas (if possible at her age?!) I have spent many hours pouring over pictures of advent garlands for Christmas.

So because I had so much spare time today (?!) I made one. Can't believe I completed something other then an email or set of instructions. Very unexpected.

Preparing for christmas part 1

make an advent garland

Tick.

Quite surprised I have done this, assumed It would be only something I would consider. It is ridiculously heavy ... I hope it does't fall off the wall.

After pushing that pram all through the shops today I was relieved to have a meal delivered this evening! I tried to pass it off as my own... was not very convincing.  Perfect food to end a full on day. Preparing for 7 days of work in a row. Well and truly into peak season! Ahhhhhh!

Keeping Calm

while endeavouring to do it all.


Note to self:

1. Take a deep breath
2. Be more patient
3. Repeat the words  'First World Drama'
4. and if all else fails pour a glass of lovely wine.

I am determined to make 'life' easier. I don't want to race through years forgetting the details. I take my hat off to those who already live with balance. Each day offers a chance to locate the line between productivity and enjoying life. If only there were more hours in the day! 

Several busy people have said the way to start a day feeling focused is to have a list prepared the night before. I keep forgetting to do this??? Note to self: must make list. They have also said to leave a piece of paper by you bed... I stopped this after spilling water at 3am too many times. Number one realisation: best be realistic when writing lists. Might need a notepad that has this printed on the top of each page. I need more tips? Might do some researching!

Work & Play

I have discovered a way to stay motivated to work. This is the combination of online shopping and Pinterest, together with the endless and random tasks of my job. It may take twice as long but at least I stay at the desk. On the occasion that Mia is alongside me in the home office she is fascinated by my computer, those bright lights are thrilling for a 4.5 month old! We may not be doing craft all afternoon (well does anyone with a child this small?) or reading 35 books a day, but at least we are together. Oh, and she will be computer literate before she can talk!

Procrastination: Good or Bad?

It's an art to manage your time well.

Many of us seem to jump from one merry-go-round to another, ending up lost in life. When we finally have time to process we are then procrastinating geniuses. 

Surely we don't have to think of this trap negatively, but rather a way to enjoy life? Procrastination can be responsible for some pretty amazing projects. Why get caught up in meeting every niggling demand of the 'First Word Dramas'? 

Big sigh out and run your own race! 
(or walk!)

Friday Night Feast...

Enjoying some delicious food... 

Marinated semi-dried tomatoes
Vine ripened tomatoes
Leek
Red capsicum 
BBQ Chicken
Salt & Pepper
and a dash of Fish Sauce

Tossed in the frypan with olive oil... yum!

We were especially hungry and added a side of Australian Tiger Prawns.
(Plus a bottle of red!)

If only I could be as relaxed as you!

I have been blessed with one chilled out bubba! Loves to chat, play with her tiny hands, stare out at the garden, watch the world go by in her pram and sometimes on a good day will love to stare at the colourful dancing costume we are so frantically trying to sort out. In no time at all I am sure she will be trying each and everyone on. What a dress up supply we have! 

Continually striving to find the balance. For now we are happy to find the days where we give ourselves permission to stop. 

Love to you miss Mia.

30...

What an amazing way to spend a spring Sunday. Happy (early) 30th birthday Drew... 

Thank you for being there for Mia & I. An entire birthday week awaits you! 

Enjoy x

Mia Alli Shaw

Either you run the day, or the day runs you. –Jim Rohn

Mia,

You are the balancing beam in my world. Give me a sense of reality and clarity. Making sense of the jumble we call life is easier because you are here.

4months & 5days old. 

How I would love to spend all day staring at you, however we are all put here on earth for a reason and that reason involves chaos! Chaos that I hope you will grow to love. 

You and I chicken,
Much love x