I can't fit on the couch - 15th May 2012

Comfortable everyone?

It's tough when you can't get a seat on the lounge in your own house! Having dogs is like peering through the window of a couple with kids – insightful, but not as crazy as the real thing. Sometimes I think James is talking sweetly to me, but in fact he is speaking to Cuba, his other favourite girl. Other times a foul smell fills the air, was it the dogs or their owner?  Then, they all spread out on the lounge and make themselves comfortable, throwing my plans for watching TV in the comfy seat into chaos. Thank god we are not having kids. Two dogs are enough. Grateful for smart decisions today!

Washing the day away - 14th May 2012

Not quite the scene in my shower

The brilliance of a long hot shower should never be underestimated. I've always been a fan of standing under pelting hot water for as long as my body can last without fainting. The shower is also where I do my thinking. It’s my equivalent of the 'Man Cave'. Many a masterplan has been created as I star vacantly across the steam filled room for a good half an hour. While not environmentally friendly, the shower is like a therapists couch to me. Tonight I felt like I was literally a washing rubbish day away, ready to start again. I pay homage to the humble hot shower. 

Footnote: obviously wasn’t keen to snap a pic of myself in the shower, so I thought the above would be a nice alternative – see it really is my special place!

Facing fear with courage - 13th May 2012

Today I watched someone that I love stare a frighteningly big obstacle in the face...and begin to charge through it. You always hope the ones you love are built of stern stuff because there will come a time when their inner strength along will determine the future. Nothing you can say or do will help. It is their battle and watching powerlessly from the sidelines is the hardest thing to do. Today, there was no better feeling than watching a fighting spirit rise up. "Courage is looking fear in the eye and saying 'Get the hell out of my way, I've got things to do'." I am now eternally grateful for the power of courage and strength.

Sister slice - 12th May 2012

A divine caramel slice...and sister

I was lucky enough to spend today with my sister. It's a rare occasion for us to get the day together with no kids, dogs, work or husbands that need our attention. We laughed and shopped our way through the day, with a little stop for caramel slice along the way. And yes, it was totally divine. I love days like this! 

The last mile - 11th May 2012

The long and tough home stretch

Why is it that the last mile is often the hardest? You've come so far, endured a lot and can finally see the finish line, but reaching the finish lines takes every ounce of strength you have. Right now I’m nearing the end of a journey. The light is on at the end of the tunnel and I’m almost there. Somehow I just need to find the strength to crawl across the finish line. Today I am grateful for the last mile. While it may be tough, the end will be worth the pain.

Cruising Kitty - 10th May 2012

Cruising Kitty

The iPhone flash didn't really cut it in the dark tonight, but it was the only option before this crazy cat jumped off the scooter. Well worth the grainy pic. I came across this little guy as I walked the dogs tonight. He looked so cool and aloof sitting up there about to ride away into the night. Such a funny sight and the cause of some belly laughs. Thanks Kitty. 

Choices - 9th May 2012

My new mantra

One of the best things about starting this blog has been the kick up the arse it gives me on those days when life is getting on my nerves. It's forced me to stop fuming in a ball of anger or wallowing in self pity. It's often mid sulk that I am now finding inspiration and perspective, which quite frankly, is nice. Today I was on the verge of a verbal explosion when I went in search of some perspective. And I found it in this quote: "You have a choice - you can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face." 

I love it. It reminds me that I am constantly choosing my destiny. I can moan about things or suck them up and get on with life, regardless of how unpleasant the sweat is.

Flying high - 8th May 2012

Thanks Qantas

Qantas, I thank you. Not once but twice you've exceeded my expectations this week. It's so nice when life surprises on the upside. First I got bumped onto an earlier flight on the way to Melbourne yesterday. Then it happened again tonight on the way home. Each flight was only 30 minutes earlier than the original, but 30 minutes is a lot when you are tired, stressed and walking on 'conference feet'. It also means bed is that little bit closer. Today I am grateful for the little presents that sometimes come our way. 

Sugar rush - 7th May 2012

It was totally worth it

I've never been one to do things by half measures - so why should the spectacular failure of my detox program be any different! For the past four days I have been sugar free. In a bid to detox my stressed out and exhausted body I've given up everything I love (food wise) including chocolate, coke, cake, biscuits and all other manner of sweets.

I was doing so well until tonight...when I accidently face-planted into the most divine Baileys cheesecake and glass bottle of coke (the best kind).

I'm still not sure what part of my brain thought it was a good idea. The words, "go on, treat yourself, you've been so good" are still ringing in my ears.

Tonight’s experience delivered two highs in my day, literally. The first was the flavour of the cheesecake. It was worth every amazing mouthful. I'm a big fan of self-indulgence and right now don't care that I lack self-control. The second was my mid sugar rush phone call to James. I called for a chat about 20 minutes after the food crime occurred. His first comment, "What are you on? You are bouncing off the walls." Apparently I was chatting like a three-year-old mainlining red cordial. It seems a sugar rush is all it takes to put some zing in my life these days. Hilarious, and cheap.

A true inspiration - 6th May 2012

Turia Pitt...a true inspiration

Turia Pitt, I bow down before you and offer my complete respect and admiration. In one heart breaking story and a single sentence this incredibly brave woman defines what true character is. She also encapsulates everything I wanted to find in this blog...hope, positivity and inspiration.

Tonight Turia's story was featured on 60 Minutes. The TV was on but I wasn't watching. That is until I walked past and caught a few things she had to stay. After that I couldn’t turn away.  

Turia Pitt was competing in a marathon in the Kimberley region when a bushfire swept across the course, catching her in its path. She sustained burns to 70% of her body and has undergone the fight of her life just to survive. Now she is wearing compression bandages for 23 hours a day for two years. 

She has every reason to feel angry, depressed and down right ripped off, but Turia is the exact opposite. When questioned about the challenges ahead, and her goal to run again she said, "It’s difficult, but it’s not going to be forever". I couldn't believe my ears. There in those nine little words is true perspective. This woman is facing unimaginable obstacles each day and yet she is focused on the future. Overcoming her challenges is a given. "It’s difficult, but it’s not going to be forever". This is my new mantra.

An autumn clean - 5th May 2012

Look at my clean wardrobe

There is nothing like a good spring (or in this case autumn) clean to brush out the cobwebs and swap that feeling of chaos in my life with a sense of order and organisation. Today it was as simple as cleaning out my wardrobe. It sounds like an easy task, but I should mention that I normally shove or throw my clothes in any space available, before quickly shutting the door. Clothes often jump out onto the floor upon opening the cupboard.
Several hours, two garbage bags and lots of folding later...order has been restored. I'm loving the feeling!

Solving a family mystery - 4th May 2012

The Homeland?

I think I've solved the mystery of the Gibbons family's secret heritage. On paper our family is of English and Irish descent. However one look at a few of us (unfortunately not me) and this is called into question. It appears there has been a secret donor in our gene pool on my grand father's side. About a third of his grandchildren and great-grand children have beautiful dark skin and big brown eyes. In fact, a few of my cousins would not look out of place in a cricket team fielded from the subcontinent. It was this realisation that led us to wonder if part of our ancestry lies in India or Pakistan. 

Close, but no cigar. I think I've worked it out. We are from Kashmir! 

My hypothesis is based on some sketchy anecdotal evidence, but I’m going with it. 

In the UK I saw a guy who looked exactly like one of my cousins. He said he was from Kashmir, the disputed territory bordering India and Pakistan. This stuck in my head. Then, tonight, I jumped in a cab and the lovely taxi driver looked exactly like pictures I’d seen of my grandfather. So I asked where he was from, "Pakistan he said. “From a little town in the Himalayas.” That’s right near Kashmir. I have solved the mystery!

Today I am grateful for the potential of a slightly exotic history. This is way more exciting than convicts and potato famines.

Wishes do come true - 3rd May 2012

The genie is out of the bottle

'Be careful what you wish for'. It's an old saying and one that carries a lot of truth. I've spent the past few months whishing very hard for something I believe will benefit our future. I've wished with all my heart. Last night, I decided it was probably not going to happen. I also decided I was ok with that and it was probably for the best. Then BAMM, just like that, today my wish came true!

I am so grateful for the genie coming out of the bottle. All that rubbing paid off. I have to admit thought, I am a little thrown. Have I cursed the wish by deciding I didn’t want it anymore? And, does that mean I really don’t want it deep down or I actually still do? I think I do but am I tricking myself? Oh the mind f##k. I think I will just go back to being grateful.

The new Brothers and Sisters - 2nd May 2012

Billie Proudman I salute you

I have made secret of my love affair with Nina and Billie Proudman, and Offspring in general. Tonight's episode was another gem that delivered an hour of pleasure into my life. In the first ad break, while laughing hysterically, I picked up the phone and called Mum. “OMG how funny was that scene with Billie and the potential dad!” 

There in that moment I realised an additional reason behind my love for Offspring. It's the show my Mum and I share. It use to be Brothers and Sisters. We’d both watch it and end up calling or texting each other in the ads if something particularly funny happened or if Rob Lowe was looking fine that night. We missed Brothers and Sisters desperately when it finished - both for the show and the chats. Now we are doing it all over again with Offspring. And I love it! Today I am grateful for shared giggles with my brilliant Mum.

Great company, good food and true perspective - 1st May 2012

Ms G's unbeatable mini burgers

You know you've met a good soul when you can catch up with someone and chat for hours, despite not having seen them for over four years. Tonight I had the pleasure of spending the evening with the lovely Amy Craddock, and friend and colleague from my London glory days. It was great to catch up on the news, hear how everyone is going and share some good laughs. We also had the pleasure of eating Ms G's mini burgers. They really are quite special.

Despite the great company and good food, the most inspiring part of the evening was hearing the stories of two women Amy knows of though friends. Both are under 30 and both battling cancer. They are fighting a tough battle with courage and wit. Both have started blogs, which share their experiences, thoughts and insights. Hearing their stories made my heart skip a beat. There in that moment my life fell sharply into perspective. All those things I’d spent my day thinking about and worrying about don’t matter. Life and good health should be appreciated and treasured everyday. I need to constantly remind myself to do this, not just when something jolts me to do so. 

Here is a link to one of the blogs for anyone who is interested. It is truly inspiring! http://writtenoff.net/about/

I will find the address for the second blog and post it here in the coming days.

The joy of anticipation - 30th April 2012

Such a powerful voice!

Today I was reminded about the positive power of anticipation. It's exciting to have something to look forward to each day, even if it is trivial and a tad pathetic. I spent much of today waiting for 7pm - for tonight's episode of The Voice. This cracking little reality TV show has got me hooked.

My anticipation centered on watching Joel Madden in all his hilarious glory and Mahalia Barnes in all of her powerful brilliance. I find this women's voice truly incredible! The excitement and anticipation of tonight's episode made the day fly by.

A second lesson also hit home tonight - fantasy is often better than reality. In contrast to every scene that I had imagined throughout the day, Joel made the typical male error of thinking with his pants and not his head when he picked the skinny and hot, but less talented, chick over the awesome Mahalia. Oh well, at least I enjoyed the anticipation. I have also now officially moved to Team Keith.