#30DaySquatChallenge - Day 1

Possibly not the best before photo
but for now it will have to do

Since completing the City2Surf at the start of the month, my running has really taken a back seat in life. Which is more than sucky. 

Somehow I have managed to find the motivation to get out for the odd run but something just didn't seem right. It felt like hard work. And not the hard work that leaves you feeling awesome at the end of it because you have enjoyed your strenuous activity and comforted by the fact you are looking your body and health in some way. But more like the have you cursing and swearing because your body is literally unable to find the strength to go on any further kind of hard work.

Far from fun times.

Of course there are all the old excuses, it is too hot, I'm too busy, blah, blah, blah, blah. Not to mention Mr Awesome working late  due to stocktake, and the mere thought, let alone action, of pushing the three year old in the pram just too much to bare.

Which is a shame because I have been inundated lately with compliments of how much weight I have lost. Not that my scales attest to such things but what do they know? My clothes all seem to have a little extra room so whatever is going on I am fine with.

As the school holidays kick off on Monday, I was hoping to find it easier to integrate some regular exercise into everyone's day. An old high school buddy's event invite through trusty old Facebook for a #30DaySquatChallenge that started yesterday seemed like the perfect way to kick things off.

For those not familiar with a squat challenge it basically means each day you commit to a certain amount of squats. The amount of squats gradually increases with each day and by the end of the thirty days I should be doing some 300 squats I think it is. Thankfully you are able to break it up into smaller blocks, which I am pretty sure will be my preferred option a lot of the time.

In order to track any changes I asked Mr Awesome to measure me up and will do so regularly through the 30 days of the challenge. Probably weekly, unless I can be super patient and wait till the midway point. Hmmmm.

Now not only am I measured but there is the added accountability of sharing it all with you here.

Today saw me needing to do 60 squats. Which I can proudly say I did. Not all in the one go but you can't win them all. I did 10 first thing this morning while I waited for Mr Awesome to get out the shower. I then spent the whole day thinking about when I would do my next lot and why had I only done 10 so far.

By the time I was getting dinner ready I decided to just drop everything and do another 15 squats. Why 15 I have no idea. But it brought my total up to 25. Which was only five short of the half way mark. I was clearly all over the whole squatting thing.

With the kids all safely tucked up in bed, the dishes patiently waiting to be washed and me snuggled up on the couch with my crochet, I suddenly realised there were 35 squats with my name on them. Jumping up I pumped them out there and then without a further thought. In fact I even did 5 extra just for funsies and suddenly I felt just a teeny tiny bit awesome. And when I say awesome I may possible mean puffed.

Tomorrow sees me needing to do 80 squats. I am thinking that I will aim for two lots of 40 but perhaps a little bit closer together than today's efforts. Hopefully tomorrow may also see me go for a little jog but only time will tell.

Have you done a challenge like this before?

It's 3 am...

Actually it is more like 7.25am but 3am is much catchier. When I thought of the title it was 5.21am and since that was only a little over two hours after 3am I figured my writers license could cover the difference. Since then however I have been prevented from writing as I have been busy mediating two over tired and preventing them from causing harm to one and other. 

Two more days to school holidays.Actually scratch that, this has taken so long to get out there is now only one day left

Maybe that should have been my title?

I can not wait for this much needed break. The monotony of school routine has almost become to much to bare. Though by monotony I think I may actually mean frustration.

Speaking of which it is now well past 3pm. Where did the day go?

Sitting here now at 3.45pm I would like to say the day flew by in a flurry of activity, leaving me feeling productive and accomplished, but that would be kinda like lying. The day slipped away in a slow motion blur of my just going through the phases of trying to get something, anything done.

Would you believe that it is now preciously 24 hours since I first sat down to type?

image source

Time is such a funny thing. I think about time all the time. Always have. It both fascinates and scares the bejeezes out of me at the same time. Especially as a mother. I think that once you become a mother, from that moment that little egg is fertilised and begins to grow into an embryo and beyond, time starts to take on a whole new meaning.

I can remember a time, well it was a particular night actually. Actually it was probably the early hours of the morning by the time this memory took place, but really that is all a bit irrelevant I guess. Anyway, this one time, but not band camp, in my teeny tiny smaller than the shoebox I now live in unit, my love of my life at the time got so frustrated with my obsession with all things time, that he smashed his fist right through our clock.

It was horrific. It snapped me right out of where I was (which by the way was thinking I had the power to alter time, slow seconds and all manner of crazy things)

We were clearly of altered minds during this time. Something that I am not necessarily proud of but it is what it is. Or rather it is what is was. We were young and stupid and thinking we were living life. The upside to all of this is that when it comes to discussing drugs and alcohol with the girls I will have a little more to offer than what some brochure or book has to say.

But as always I digress a little.

I have had the following floating around for a month or two. It is written on the scrappiest piece of paper you ever did see. Children have doodled on it, the bird has poohed on the corner and my hand writing is so rushed and messy that it is all barely legible anyway.

Mr Awesome has gone to throw it out numerous times. Thankfully I have been able to save it just in time. I don't blame him really it does look like rubbish. On the surface at least. To me it is something else though. What I am not sure, I just know I want to be able to come back and read it whenever I want.

And now I can.

It's funny how moments just slip us by.
Moments that could be savoured forever. 
Moments that should be saved forever, slip by our hands almost like sands through the hourglass.

Seconds that just tick tock past quicker than we know.
Faster than what we can really see.
Taken and enjoyed all within an instant.
A heart beat before it is done.
Life offers so much more than what we think it holds.

Topsy Turvy Cinderella Dolls

Poor Cinderella's want to go to the ball, 

but what are they to wear?

Hold the phone and wave your wands.

Looks like the ball gowns are sorted and dance cards are now filled and ready to go.

These gorgeous tospy turvy dolls were made for Teapot and Zany as birthday presents from my mum. The games they have had together with them have been nothing but heart warming.

Happiness is...

Given the somewhat somber mood around here of late I thought that I would see if I could spark a bit of happiness and brighten things up a bit. Even though I generally like to think of myself as a Little Miss Positive always able to see the silver lining, there are times where the clouds of sadness are so dark that there is not even the slightest inkling of silver to be seen anywhere.

Thankfully though those days quickly pass and before long I can feel my happiness start to replenish. Sometimes rather than wait for my happiness to to refill itself I take steps to make it happen a little quicker.

image source

So in no particular order here is a collection of some of the things that help me create my happiness.

• Listening to my favourite tunes. The tunes vary between a range performers and includes the likes of Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Paul McCartney, and the Bee Gees. I actually have a playlist called Rhianna's soothing soul music with a few others thrown in as well but I wont bore you with all the details.
• Pulling a few Angel or Fairy cards. They always know the right thing to say and help me think my thoughts over.
• Going for a run. Need I say more? Those endorphins are for real and I love 'em!
• Hanging with Mr Awesome
• Sitting by the ocean
• Getting some extra sleep
• Blogging/writing
• Cleaning. Yep I really did just say that. While I may not actually like the process, the end result from cleaning the kitchen or getting on top of all the washing does leave me quite filled with happiness.
• Actively look for rays of hope and sunshine
• Do something I think would make someone else happy. You know like bake them some cupcakes.

Naturally things like getting a massage, going on a shopping spree, having a night out, bubble baths, and all the other cliched happiness creators would also all work but I don't really do any of those. Perhaps if we had a bath I would give that a go, a steaming hot shower has been known to bring a smile on more than one occasion so I am sure a bath would work as well.

So what is it that helps you create happiness 

when you need it most?

Joining Here

Scream and shout and let it all.

That is what I have been doing here in this space for the last few days. Perhaps not so much of the screaming and shouting but most certainly a lot of letting it all out. Or at least letting some of it out. Being the public place that the internet is I can't really let it all out as there are parts I just don't want anyone to know. There are also parts that are not my story to tell. 

The worst of it all is over for now and I am confident that throughout the day I will slowly return to normal programming. In fact I am already well on the way. I have spent the last hour flufffing around on Facebook and replying to all the lovely comments I have received of late. Thank you for that as well. 

It never ceases to amaze me how I can wander around real life and feel so completely alone at times, yet the moment I step online I suddenly feel surrounded with love and support in all manner of ways. 

Mind you I have always found the written word easier to express. 

The moment you vocalise something it is there, it can't be taken back. When you write there is an  opportunity to review what you put out before it is actually put out. To check and make sure what you are saying is what you mean and all the rest of it. Of course the tone can be harder to hear and open to more interpretation but ultimately I feel you have more say in what the message is when you write.

Well, I feel I my message comes across better when written, rather than just spoken off the bat. My mouth has had a way of getting me into all sorts of trouble at times. That whole thinking before you speak thing doesn't always work well for me. There have even been times where I would write down conversations I needed to have with people and practise what I wanted to say before I actually had the conversation.

Anyway, enough of that. 

There are dishes patiently waiting to be seen to and washing in need of doing and folding and all the rest of it. Everywhere I turn there is just another disaster zone waiting to be returned to a more manageable level of disorder. I just wanted to pop in quickly and leave something slightly happier than that of the last few days.

image from here

What could me more happier than playing here?

Hope you are having a wonderful day and don't forget I have some awesome AntiOx Snack Bars and Chocolate to give away.

Tears and Vodka

The last few days have seen me be anything but happy. Tears have flowed every day. And generally more than once. Long heavy tear drops constantly streaming for minutes on end. 

image from here                                           

Minutes that actually felt more like hours if I am completely truthful. I can not remember a time when I last cried so constantly. Strangely though it has felt kind of good in some ways. A draining kind of good mind you that has consumed more of me than it possibly should have.

Last night I tried to replenish my tears with vodka. Possible not my most cleverest of ideas, but I wasn't sure of how else to escape from myself. There was somewhere I had to be, people I had to be around and I just didn't know how else I was going to survive it. Terrible I know.

Thankfully Mr Awesome was by my side. He ensured I was safe and unharmed as I quickly threw responsible drinking out the window and began to drown my sorrows in a drunken oblivion. Not a particularly pretty picture I know, but not one I create all that often thank goodness.

There was a time when alcohol was my go to answer for many a question or problem. In fact getting rather drunk was just my go to for anything. Good bad or otherwise. Having a drink was the answer to it all. It took a while but eventually I learnt that this was far from the case. Every now and then though I tend to lose my way. Last night was one of those times.

Super deep sigh.

Needless to say today has been a bit of a nothing day. Mr Awesome escaped to a boys day at the Supercar racing and the girls and I have lazed around and moped for the best part of the day. My brother and his family leave town today. They are moving interstate and the girls are are less than impressed with no longer having any cousins nearby. 

We are pretty much a household of sad sacks at present. In a bid to brighten everyone's mood we hung by the pool for a couple of hours this afternoon. Which was lovely. It is amazing what sunshine and children's laughter can do for the soul.

I couldn't face the cold water so I sat by the edge and crocheted. Which is also amazingly wonderful for the soul. Now it is time for a quite movie while we wait for dinner and bed times to arrive.

Tomorrow is, as always, a brand new day. One that I will let fill me with hope and happiness.

Things I Know

I know I have already posted once today but if the truth be told I actually wrote it yesterday. Only I couldn't post it yesterday because I had already published a post.

Influx I know but emotional filled days will do that to you I guess.

I had planned on writing something later on today because sharing the things I know on a Friday is one of my most favourite things to do. However opportunity presented itself now so now I am writing.

I know that getting up before 5 am is very bloody early. Very bloody early.

As early as it was it did actually seem like a rather good idea. I know done five hours later it is still too early to decide whether or not it was actually a good idea or not.

The upside to being up well before the sparrows fart was I got to read the book I received yesterday.

Which book is that I hear you say?

This one

Complete with a special message inside from the author herself. Having a friend that is a published author is nearly as exciting as being an author. Nearly by not quite though I imagine.

I know that ignoring my children so I could finish reading the book was probably not my finest parenting moment. Neither was the lateness with which they eventually arrived at school with.

I know that two days ago I may have been a worthy recipient of mother of the year with my cupcakes for Zany to take to school for her birthday but that award has since been rescinded after this mornings efforts.

I know that going for a run this morning did seem like a good idea until I was nearly done and realised that Teapot had fallen asleep.

On the upside though sitting here

while I penned this most of this masterpiece did make everything seem ok for a little while.

I know that I actually wanted to call this post Things I Know About Being Sad, because honestly the last two days I have managed to take sad to a whole new level. I didn't because as sad as I might have been the last two days I know there is also a whole heap about sadness that I don't know and quite frankly I am happy with that.

I know that tomorrow is a brand new day and while I would like to say I know I won't be as sad I know that is also just not the case.

I know that my reasons for being sad tomorrow and the next day are vastly different from my current reason for being sad. Sadly though now is not the right time to be sharing much about that as it involves a person who is rather against the whole sharing on the internet concept.

I know that come Monday or Tuesday I may not be feeling as sad and I can't wait to get there.

I know that means I pretty much want to fast forward through to the weekend and that is really just crazy talk. Who in their right mind wants to fast forward through the weekend?

I know if you know stuff you should totally come and join in the coolest linky ever over at TheMissCinders.com

The day my Dad died

Despite me thinking I had covered every possible way it could have happened, when it actually did happen, it was nothing like I had ever thought it would be. Nothing. But then I doubt death or anything to do with it is ever really like anyone thinks it will be.

There were hardly any machines or cords. It wasn't in some special care ward or anything like that. It was just an ordinary day in an ordinary ward. In fact out of all of the times I had ever been through it all, this was one of the times when I was least expecting it to happen.

I had been up the night before and driving to the hospital I saw one of the most amazing moons I have ever seen. I remember thinking that it was a beautiful moon to die under and that perhaps this wasn't going to be the quick visit I thought it was going to be.

I then told myself off for thinking such ridiculous thoughts. As if it were that time this time?

I had always assured myself that I would just know when it was going to happen. Because you know, we were all close and stuff and I secretly fancied myself as a psychic some days.

From there I started to wonder if really the moon was that impressive? Perhaps I had over estimated her beauty that night? And in fact it was just an ordinary moon and I just happened to catch it in the right light giving a false impression of what I was seeing.

Maybe I had in fact seen many more a spectacular moon and dad had been just fine? Tonight would be no different. Everything would we A OK.

Of course it was already different though.

This time I wasn't racing up in the middle of the night after being woken up from one of those dreaded calls. This time I was just casually driving up after he had been taken up earlier in the day. 

It was of a time when flu of the bird or swine, I can't really remember which, were prominent. I was in the early stages of pregnancy with Teapot and wasn't taking the risks associated with hanging in hospitals if I didn't need to.

Dad had been up and down for quite a few days before Mum insisted he go to the hospital. When Dad didn't object we knew we had to get him there quick, but still didn't think it was anything to be overly concerned about. Hence why all agreed it was best if I spent as little time in the hospital as possible.

When I got to the hospital the nurse offered me a face mask though assured me that they were currently clear of any real risks. I declined and she ushered me to Dad. 

He had an oxygen mask, a heart monitor and a drip attached. All the usual gaff really. His eyes lit up the moment I was in sight. He knew that it was a tough time of night what with dinners and bed time and you could see he truly appreciated me popping in.

As much as I didn't like being there it was hard to stay away when you knew your presence made such a difference. 

I sat and chatted for a while. Repeating the mundaneness of my day and whatever may have happened with the girls. Idle chit chat really. Just our general daily download. Which is one of the things I miss most about Dad not being here anymore. He was such a great listener. Even if he never gave much advice one way or another I always felt better just for having told him stuff. Any old stuff as well.

It was starting to get late and I decided to go home. Everything seemed to so fine. Well not fine because he was in hospital but yet I don't recall feeling much worry either.

As I left I promised to bring the paper and his glasses up first thing in the morning. It all seemed so ordinary.

Sometime after I left and before I returned Dad was transferred to an ordinary room in an ordinary ward because that is just how ordinary it all was. This also meant that first thing in the morning became more like 10am because that was the start of visiting hours on the ordinary ward.

When I got there at a little after 11. Dad was in a terrible mood. Grumpy at me because I had taken so long. I offered my feeble excuse and shrugged my shoulders. What was done was done and I thought no more of it.

Dad's mood got worse and I suddenly realised it wasn't because I was late. His pain had gone to whole new levels. Once that drugs couldn't take the edge off. Somewhere someone said to me that I should start gathering any family that was nearby.

I wasn't really sure what that meant but went and called my mother and suggested she call my brother. My sister now lived interstate so we decided it wasn't time to call her yet. I can't remember why but for some reason, even though it was only a little of three years ago, I didn't have my phone with me.

I distinctly remember scraping around the bottom of my bag looking for coins and hoping that the pay phone on that level worked. Which it did.

It felt like forever till Mum and Brother arrived. The joys of being gainfully employed I guess.

Before long we were moved to a private room. By this stage all the staff were kinder than kind. Soft voices, gentle smiles and light touches whenever they walked past us. A little rub on the arm or a pat on the back. Just anything to say there there it will be alright.

One nurse came in to say she was going on her tea break, would she like me to take my little one to the staff room so she could watch some TV and give us some space. She had been so perfect all day. Almost as if she knew.

Doctors and nurses would quietly walk in and out of the room. Not wanting to intrude on our final moments but also wanting to know when the last breath was taken.

By now Mr Awesome had also been called and Brother's wife-to-be was also there. We tried to make light hearted conversation but it didn't happen. Dad was drifting in and out of consciousness and there were no words that seemed right. We wanted him to know we were there but we didn't want to disturb him in any way.

Even though it felt like the whole day, it was actually all crammed into a few short hours. In fact it was all over by school pick up time. I am amazed at my ability to have just walked out of the hospital the same way I did any other visit and go pick up Lovely from school.

For now though this is one epic post and if by chance you have made it to the end thank you for sticking around.

32304 Hours

Today should have been my dad's 84th birthday. Instead it is 1346th day since he passed away. Which is 3 years 8 months and 7 days or 32304 hours. 

image from here

Yesterday I read this post.

It touches close to my heart in many ways. Especially on days like today.

Before dad died he had been sick for a while. Years in fact. Thinking back now I can't even remember when he wasn't sick. But then perhaps that is really just the joys of old age?

All things considered equally though dad had a great life. As much as the last ten years saw far too many rushed trips to hospital, emergency room visits and ambulance rides for all our liking, it also reminded us just how precious life is and what a gift it was to have dad around for as long as what we did.

Sitting in Intensive Care (ICU) next to someone you love dearly laying there with all manner of machines and plugs attached to them has a funny way of changing your perspective.

I lost count of how many times I made that trip to the hospital wondering, if this time were the last time?

How many times I stood there next to that bed.
My mother sitting alongside the bed.
My brother and sister awkwardly loitering on the other side of the bed.

And Dad on the bed.

Surrounded by those that loved him most and beeping machines, cords, drips who knows what else.

Each of us not wanting to be there, yet there being no where else we could be.

Dad had always made it quite clear that he would rather we put him out of his misery rather than prolong life artificially. Thankfully it never actually came down to that though we were asked on more than one occasion if we wanted medical staff to begin CPR if it were ever needed.

It is an awful conversation to have.

One that needs to be had though and not just with your dying father.

It goes hand in hand with organ donation. Your family and those that love you need to know your wishes should you ever be in a position that renders you unable to express them.

For a brief moment, I lived in place that legalised euthanasia. I was so proud of the bravery of the politicians and the voters for supporting such an important movement. Everyone has the right to die with dignity.

Sadly though I also live in a place that can have their laws overturned and the powers that be did so with the euthanasia bill. It broke my heart and I hung my head in shame. This post was supposed to talk more about that than my dad. Can't win them all though can you?

Do you support euthanasia?

AntiOx Fruit Bars and Chocolate. {Giveaway}

Product Talk by Nuffnang

There is no denying that I am a chocolate fan. In fact I can't understand why anyone wouldn't love chocolate. So you can imagine my excitement when a little box AntiOx chocolates and snack bars arrived on my doorstep. Not only was I receiving some free stuff but the free stuff just happened to be chocolate and to top it of chocolate that was deemed good for me.

Total win win situation in my book.

AntiOx snack bars and chocolate are high in antioxidants which makes them the perfect boost to your immunity levels as winter coughs and colds try to take hold.

Oh and did I mention that on top of that they are actually quite yummy?

The snack bars are chock full of wholegrains and come in three delicious flavours, Acai, Goji berry and Chia & Quinoa. All are coated with dark chocolate which, by the way just happens to be sugar free and 70% cocoa.

Yep that's right sugar free.

The chocolate is sweetened with Stevia which is a natural plant based sweetener. This part made me pretty excited because the whole I Quit Sugar thing is pretty popular at the moment so I thought it awesome that the AntiOx snack bars and chocolate were free from sugar as well as artificial colours and flavours.

For those interested all the nutritional information about AntiOx snack bars and chocolates can be found here

Perhaps proof that food photography is not exactly my calling?
The idea was to show you all the goji and forest berries that are packed into these bars of goodness

The AntiOx snack bars were a massive winner here. Especially the goji berry and acai ones. The amount of berries packed into each bar is super generous and made for gooey mouthful goodness with every bite. I found the chia & quinoa a little drier and not as yummy to my taste buds but certainly still edible and worth trying if you are a chia or quinoa fan.

For me the chocolate block was not quite sweet enough and tasted more like dark chocolate than acai or goji berries. As much as I love chocolate I generally have that milky sweet stuff that is anything but good for you. Dark chocolate like this is a bit of an acquired taste I think, one that I am still in the process of acquiring. The upside to this of course meant that I could only have two or three squares at a time making the bar last longer and me not so much of a piggy eating it all in one sitting as I would with an ordinary chocolate block.

But wait, the best bit is still to come.

I have not one, but two prize packs to giveaway. 

Each pack (valued at over $30) contains

6 x AntiOx Snack Bars
4 x AntiOx Chocolates

All you need to do is leave a comment telling me

Why do you want to try the new AntiOx snack bars and chocolate?

The winners will be chosen based on creativity and chance plays no part in the judges decision. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Entries open till Friday 28 June 5.00pm AEST

AntixOx Snack Bars (RRP $2.49 for 40 gram bar) and AntiOx Chocolates (RRP $4.65 for 80 gram) are available in the health section of Woolworths, health food stores, pharmacies and convenience stores. You can also by online via the Vitality website.

Oh and just so we are clear, this post is part of a Nuffnang Product Talk promotion, I received 3 x AntiOx Snack bars and 2 x AntiOx Chocolate blocks. I received no cash and all thoughts and opinions are my own as per my disclosure page

Oh and if you are super keen to try the AntiOx Snack bars there is another giveaway over at the

AntiOx Facebook page

Joining in all the fun that is IBOT

Why washing dishes in the rain is not always the best idea.

Normally this time on a Monday afternoon, the last place I would be allowed to be is here at the computer. Since this Monday afternoon happens to be a public holiday rules are allowed to be ben a little. Or a lot if the following day happens to be your second child's seventh birthday. As is the case in our happy little home.

Yes, that's right, tomorrow sees my Little Miss Six become Little Miss Seven. She's is beyond excited about the prospect as well. Apparently she is the last of the year two students to turn seven. In fact some have been seven for so long they are soon to be turning eight, with some students already having done so.

But I digress, the whole age of entry to schooling is a whole other post for another day. My thoughts are wide and varying on that. I can see why so many claim it's advantages but I am not necessarily sold it is what you should have to do if you'd rather not. And nor should you be made to feel like your decision is less valid than that of the norm. 

Again though, posts that are not really meant to be written today on account of there being something else I wanted to say. Which if I don't hurry up and get to will somehow slip out of my mind and be forgotten until who knows when. It appears as if my lack of concentration is on track to make new record highs.

I was again reminded today of just how absent minded I can be at times. 

How did that happen I hear you ask?

Well I finally brought in some dishes from the garden. They had been put there to be washed by the rain. Oh wait, most people probably don't do that. 

Doing the dishes in the bath!
I couldn't find any photos of dishes in the rain at my favourite photo site,
I did however come across this little beauty.
image from here

Let me explain a little more.

After being left in the fridge for far too long a rather funky fungi had taken hold. Said incredibly funky fungi had in fact taken such a great hold it was impossible to identify the origins of the food that the dishes once held. Rather than try and stomach cleaning this delightfully rank mess I opted for leaving it in the pouring rain.

Seemed like a rather eco friendly option to tell you the truth. The funky fungi was pretty manky and would have needed quite a lot of water to ever have any hope of ever coming clean. By placing them in the rain rather than attempting to face the fungi in my sink I was sure I was saving gallons of water.

Now it doesn't really matter when that, or even the last rains stopped by, let's just say it wasn't yesterday. What does matter is that today was the day that I finally had nothing else to do but get the dishes in from the garden that had been left there to be washed by the rain and think about whether they may or may not be fit for use again.

Actually I did have plenty of others things I could have been doing, which was probably why this suddenly became appealing as the most important thing to get off the normally ever expanding to-do list. Again though I start to digress...

Thankfully we have a dishwasher so I was still able to hold onto the hope that the dishes may actually live to see what it is like to hold more food rather than just funky fungi and rain water. Though really I wasn't holding onto much hope.

Before placing them in the dishwasher I thought perhaps that rinsing off some of the leaf matter that had replaced the funky fungi from the fridge. Placing my once favourite dishes (while wondering how they had been left to such a fate) in the laundry sink I turned the tap on and was instantly distracted by the cries of children.

After tending to the ills and assuring the wronged that all would be right, I then noticed my half finished attempt to clean my desk. Diligently I moved pile A to pile B and then halved it and created pile C. You know what it's like right?

From there I did a bit of this and did a bit of that. My main goal of the day was not to be drawn into the vortex of Candy Crush and instead remain as productive as possible. I felt that I was slowly steaming ahead, though in the back of my mind there was a niggling that there was something else I just needed to tend to.

Pausing from my paper reshuffling I scratched my head and pondered on the all the possible things I should possibly be doing. Drawing a blank I knew I needed to investigate further.

Heading to the laundry I decided that the washing was the best place to start. The washing/folding/putting away of clothes was such a constant that I was certain that had to be what was playing on my mind waiting to be done. 

Much to my delight the washing machine was gently whirring away doing it's thing. Which meant I was saved from the need to hang it out (just yet). What did not bring me joy though was the tapping running in the laundry sink rinsing of the funky fungi and grass residue. 

Go me right?

The irony of all the water wasted from something that originally stemmed from a stupid idea that hoped to actually save water is not lost on me. In many ways it just feels like the story of my life.

Have you had any bright ideas go terribly wrong lately?

Becoming A Runner

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Running has always been something I liked the idea of but never thought it was something I could really do. Which is a bit crazy really because all you do is get out there and, well, run. Which really is just an extension of walking just a bit faster.

Turns out though, I wasn't alone in my doubting my ability to run.

Some eighteen months or so ago now, a few of my most favourite bloggers at the time began to learn how to run if you will. They uploaded some fang dangled app onto their iPhones and away they went. 

Before long my Twitter feed seemed filled with excited newbie runners sharing how far they had run and at what pace. They went on about endorphins and feeling fabulous and all kinds of wonderful things. The buzz they created was electrifying and inspiring.

I would read each tweet with envy, wishing that I too could find it in me to become a runner. I wanted to feel the awesome these ladies were speaking (tweeting) of.

Then it dawned on me the only thing stopping me from being a runner, or anything else my heart desired for that matter, was me. Without a second more I downloaded an app called Ease into 5km, and before I knew it I was out the door huffing and puffing my way to become a runner.

The app was an interval training program. One that I could not recommend highly enough. Over the course of six short weeks I went from barely being able to keep going for more than a minute to lasting thirty whole minutes and travelling nearly 5kms. 

I felt beyond awesome. The tweets had did not even begin to explain just how amazing getting out there and being active could make you feel.

From there I got the next app, Bridge to 10km. I wasn't satisfied at stopping at 5km, I wanted to see just how far I could push my body. The running bug had bitten me and I didn't want to let it go. 

Sadly though life got in the way and I never quite got around to completing the 10km program. All was not lost though. Running had changed my life in ways that I could not even imagine and I didn't ever want to go back to my pre running self.

While I may not have been running every other day, like I was when I first started I still made an effort to get out at least once a week as much as possible. Running regularly had somehow made me feel like a better person. Somehow when I would regularly run I noticed that life would feel better, problems smaller and patience much greater. 

I also felt a surge in my confidence. 

It began to feel like there wasn't anything I couldn't do. If I could get out there and run for longer than I ever expected possible, then perhaps there was a whole new world of possibilities opening up for me?

On Sunday our local City to Surf Fun Run was held. 

It is with more than great pride I share with you this photo

Yep, that is me crossing the finish line after running some 12.2km

Given that it was only a little over two short weeks since I decided to enter I am absolutely over the moon with the fact that I did this. Only not only did I do this, but it turns out I ran a lot faster than I have ever run before.

I am still waiting to see my official race time but according to my app I didn't do too badly. In fact apparently my first three kilometres were all well under 6 min/km. One was even closer to 5 min/km than what it was 6 minutes. 

To give you some perspective I generally average at least 7 min/km. A pace I didn't reach on Sunday till about the 8km mark. Have I mentioned how pleased with myself I am?

Mind you my app also tells me that I ran slightly longer than what the course stated it was. And when I say slightly longer I mean about 2km so I am taking it all with a grain of salt. Kinda. 

I still think I am pretty darn awesome.

A medal, hat and bib to prove just how awesome I am

Speaking of awesome, it is Tuesday and I have blogged and joined in all the fun that is IBOT

Romantic places to visit in Perth

Today's post is proudly brought to you by http://www.eharmony.com.au

When it comes to dating Perth has its fair share of fantastic spots for a romantic meet-up. Have a read of the following info to help make your dates great.

The importance of a good date

Having something fun and interesting to do is essential for a good date as it will instantly create a closer connection between you. Picking something that you will both enjoy makes for an all-round good time, whether you’re going for a meal, a bike ride or just a romantic walk on the beach.

Making an effort to plan the perfect date will also show your partner that you care about them and want to spend quality time with them.

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Great places for dating in Perth

Perth is full of brilliant places for dating, whether you’re looking for a casual meet-up or a romantic rendezvous. The George bar-restaurant is a favourite for first dates as it’s relaxed enough not to make you nervous but special enough to impress your date.

The restaurant is at the back of the venue, away from the noisy bar crowd, and serves a variety of delicious dishes.

If you’re looking for an ocean view, Salton the Beach offers good food with the glittering sea just outside your window as you eat. Not only lovely to look at it, it’s a great conversation starter too.

Alternatively, if dinner seems a tad too tame, why not take the ferry across to Rottnest Island for a romantic day trip? Enjoy the beautiful beaches and bays in a relaxed atmosphere as you get to know your date. No cars are allowed on the island so you can walk or cycle around together without any noise or interruptions.

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How to meet people

The biggest challenge for single parents is how to fit a love life into an already busy schedule. On top of the actual dates, how on earth are you supposed to find time to meet, greet and get to know potential partners in the first place?

Luckily, onlinedating can provide the chance to meet like-minded people with only a few clicks of a mouse. People who are looking for love can sign up, create a personalised profile and start meeting people right away.

It’s easy enough that it can fit into the busiest of schedules and you can have access to an unlimited number of potential matches. Click here to find out more

Words, writing, and what not

It is around six years since I first started to seriously consider the possibility of actually being a writer. With great conviction I convinced Mr Awesome that if we purchased a computer I would be able to somehow generate an income through writing on the world wide web. Surely there wasn't that much too it was there?

Ah yeah. About that. Little did I know. 

Apparently every man, woman and their respective dog was also under the same misguided notion. 

While I did actually manage to make some money over at Helium it wasn't enough to even come close to living on or even making much of a difference to our weekly budgeting. In fact all it really did was easily justify some eBay shopping. Which is not exactly a bad thing I know, but was still not paying the bills.

The good thing about Helium, at least back then, was that I didn't have to think about what to write. They provided the topic headings to choose from and away I went. There was also the thrill of competitions and the instancy of self publication. There is of course all of that still but the set up for topic selection has changed and I struggle a little to find something that takes my fancy. Well that and about a thousand other excuses that I make for most things I never end up doing.

I have held onto the notion of being a writer for as long as I can remember, though really probably only since my early teenage years. 

Back when anything seemed possible. 

Back when I was certain I was destined to go onto a life the wielded great power and responsibility. Back when all manner of things were going to take place.

Back when life was simple and I had little idea about most things.

Sigh. 

Deep, deep, let it all out sigh.

While I do still hold onto hope that one day I will see my name in real print, as opposed to my blog or some other internet based thing that will essentially take anyone, I am not exactly holding my breath. I also take comfort in the fact that in some ways I can already consider myself to be a writer. 

Given I try to write something at least nearly every day surely I have something in common with being a writer?

The lovely Alison over at Life In A Pink Fibro (who by the way is a real writer) has brought back the Weekend Rewind linky, where bloggers are able to link in a post from the past. This week the theme is writing. Right up my alley really.

While I was certain I had a post to share I wasn't sure which post would be the winner winner chicken dinner. A quick search of the blog brought up some 25 posts that had the word writing in them. 

Selecting the best one was no easy feat. Which is why I am here writing now as opposed to doing the housework. Much to Mr A's disappointment I can tell you. I did however manage to narrow it down to a few and eventually just the one. However it seemed a travesty for those other gems not to get a chance at seeing the light of day again so without further adieu here are a few for you to read through.

From An insight into why I write (October 31 2012)

Writing it all out was supposed to make me feel better. So far it hasn't.

Writing is like my best friend. It listens quietly and patiently to whatever drama my head is trying to comes to terms with. It lets me say things I wouldn't ordinarily say in person. Words that if I said out loud I fear I may choke on so I don't even try to say them, instead bottling it all up waiting to explode under the pressure of it all.

Writing lets it all out. It stops me from exploding and keeps me together. Read more

From The Blank Screen (July 10 2012)

Staring into the screen she didn't know where to begin.  Her fingers hovering over the keys, trying to decipher which ones should be pressed in which order.  Pen and paper was so passe these days. 

Any real writing that had to be done was always typed.  Mind you she had little choice.  Handwriting had always been too slow when it came to getting the words processed at the high speed that her brain would send words gushing out at.  She just couldn't write fast enough and it would turn out to be one big jumbled mess of nonsense. Read more

From On being a writer

One of the toughest things about trying to be a writer is getting started.  The coming up with ideas not a problem.  I have more ideas floating around my pretty little head than I know what to do with.  Actually getting those ideas out of said pretty little head and transferred through my fingertips to the keyboard and appear on the screen is another things altogether.

Writing is a process there is no doubt about that.  A process that is both different and alike for writers the world over.  Or at least I imagine it to be like that.  Having never really conversed much with writers the world over I am actually only guessing, but I am pretty sure I am on the money (or at least close to it). Read more

From Writing dreams with coffee (Feb 1, 2013)

Sitting there in front of the computer screen, her mind was blank.

Totally void of any and all thoughts or ideas. 

But then that was nothing new. It was like the screen, or the keyboard or maybe even the chair, something anyway, seemed to suck every sensible consciousness out of her being when she sat to write.

Letting out a deep sigh she got up and walked away. Maybe a coffee would help.

Maybe letting go of that crazy notion that there was indeed a writer within her just waiting to be unleashed would help. Though she had held onto that crazy notion for so long now that she doubted whether letting go of it was really possible. It felt like it was ingrained upon her soul. Her destiny if you will. Read more

Ok well that is probably enough for now. If you really want to read more of my thoughts involving the word writing, feel free to use the search bar to the right. If you are after reading some more of what other people think about writing then head here

Which post do you think I should include?