Hidden treasure - 4th June 2012

What an awesome find.

Don't you just love it when you find something you thought you'd lost, especially when it's cash. It’s like finding hidden treasure. We have a term to describe such events in our house. The item in question has been 'Patriced' not lost. You see, I have a bad habit of putting things down and suddenly forgetting where I left them. Sometimes I just put them in stupid places (bottom of my hand bag or non-related location in the house) and other times the 'Patricing' occurs because I’ve hidden them in a special place. I just can’t remember where that special place is. Today's belly laugh came in the moment I opened my calendar diary. There is was – a hidden treasure of $300. After searching for it over the past six weeks, I finally convinced myself I’d spent it.  I love it when life surprises on the upside. The feeling of excitement upon discovering the money far outweighed the feelings of stupidity I had for 'Patricing" it. Score! Cue shoe shopping.

My Jamie Oliver - 3rd June 2012

James cooking up a storm in Mum's kitchen

Today I am grateful for my wonderful husband with his kind heart and chef-like skills. He spent the day cooking for someone we care deeply about and who is not well enough to cook for themselves at the moment. He stocked up the freezer and warmed everyone's heart in the process. I am so lucky to have such a good soul in my life.

A child's mind works in mysterious ways - 2nd June 2012

Look at me, look at me!

Payten: "Aunty Trice, do you want to swim in the bath?" 

Aunty Trice: "Of cause I do. What else could be more fun on a Saturday night (joking)!" 

God I love a weekend in the country with my family. There is never a dull moment or a shortage of laughs. In the spirit of laughs, this story about my niece gave me a good giggle today. The story goes like this... my niece Payten came running up the hallway and in a very alarmed tone announce to my sister that she had "a big something" stuck up her nose.

Danielle (my sister): "That's ok, it's alright, what is it?"

Payten: "It's a big piece of bread."

Danielle: "How did it get up there?"

Payten: "I shoved it up there. Mum, what are we going to do? How will we get it out?" 

Classic. Why the hell would you think it’s a good idea to shove bread up your nose? Thanks Payten, this story made me laugh so hard. 

Cocktails and massages - 1st June 2012

It's not long now.

There are exactly two months and one day until we leave for Tahiti. Need I say more? For seven days I plan to do nothing more than drink cocktails, read books and treat myself to as many facials and massages as my body can handle. It's so great to have something to look forward to. The thought of Tahiti, and the smile it brings to my face, will get me through the wet and cold days ahead.

Pride - 31st May 2012

My baby...isn't she beautiful

Pride is the overriding emotion defining today. You see, today the box arrived holding the fruits of my labour for the last six months – this beautiful magazine . This is my baby and one of my proudest work achievements. Today I am so grateful for the feeling of pride and satisfaction in my work. It makes the hard work worth it. Big smiles.

How should we treat others? - 30th May 2012

Well said

"Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you." In the chaos of daily life it is easy to get caught up in your own dramas, just holding onto the edge of the cliff trying to make it through the day. Today I read this quote, which shone some perspective on things. And, I believe this rings true – it’s the measure of a good soul. I hope each day I treat those around me well, despite the fact some may never cross my path again.

Am I a bogan trend setter? – 29th May 2012

My almost mistake

Ok, it’s confession time. I am a clean skin. Despite spending many hours weighing up the merits of Chinese characters vs an Ank – the Egyptian symbol of eternal life – I have never found anything I was committed enough to, to get it tattooed on my body. Part of my reluctance also has to do with the fact I spend months mulling over an image or phrase, only to see it start appearing on bodies everywhere just as I’m about the take the plunge. It happened with the Ank. I was studying Ancient Egyptian history and saw tattooing an Ank in the middle of my lower back as the best way to mark the end of the HSC and the beginning of the life I’d send 18 years dreaming about stating.   Thankfully the thought of the pain slowed my decision, saving me from looking like every tragic ‘trendsetter’ who soon jumped on that bandwagon.

Fast forward a few years and my fascination with acupuncture and all things herbal medicine related led to the idea o f getting several Chinese characters on my foot. Again, I spent months trying to convince myself I’d still love the tat at 40, and the pain would be worth it, and it happens again. Chinese characters suddenly become the hottest thing in town.

The final time came recently when popstars and Hollywood hotties stole my idea of tattooing a phase on my rib cage. I say final time, because I am done. After what would have been three disastrous tattoos I’ve decided to stay a clean skin. No chance of humiliation that way.

I was recounting this story to some friends over dinner tonight. I suggested I may be ahead of my time, because it seems I come up with these ideas, then the world gets on board. “You are a bogan trend setter,” one of my friends hilariously suggested. Cue mortification. OMG, I am, oh the shame. The only thing separating me from the bogan is that I’m too chicken to actually get the ink. Today I am ever so grateful for being a wimp. 

How far is too far?– 28th May 2012

For most of my life it never occurred to me that my opinion was something I shouldn’t always share, or that god forbid, people don’t really want to hear what I have to say, despite asking what I think. Over the past year I like to think I’ve gotten better at holding me tongue. Some call this growing up, some call it self-restraint. I call it a daily struggle. 

In this midst of it all I’ve found myself asking how far is too far to push something? While the new me is taking a less passionate and confrontational route, I fear I may lose the qualities that make me me in the process. Today I read this quote that put it all in perspective. “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” Cheers to a little perspective. It’s ok to conform, but don’t let go of what defines you in the process. I’m grateful for my strength of character, and I’m no longer apologising for it.

Mark Webber you little gem – 27th May 2012

Loving the backflip

Mark Webber…thank you for exceeding my expectations with your start, driving with the heart of a true competitor and delivering the perfect Sunday night of Formula 1 viewing. It’s no secret how much I love the Monaco Grand Prix and to watch an Aussie lead from start to finish and win this prestigious event was brilliant. Congratulations Webber and Monaco, goodbye until next year. Maybe it’s time to start planning a trip…hmm. 

German beer and defining moments – 26 May 2012

I love a German beer hall

Reminiscing about the good old days seems to be a consistent theme in this week’s posts. Tonight we caught up with friends we met in London. They have recently moved back to Australia and it was our first change to touch base in over three years. There is something special about the friendships you make while travelling. Maybe it’s the shared experiences or a similar view of the world that gives those friendships a depth that doesn’t require regular contact. In the spirit of this week’s theme, I give you a picture of one of the best weekends we spent with Brendon and Kirsten Lucas. The pic is from Oktoberfest opening weekend in 2008. I am the one Brendon has in the headlock. Wow…what I would give to go back in time and live that weekend again. All of this week’s reminiscing has made me so grateful for the life changing experiences we have encountered on our travels. I really do believe that people should be required to travel for a minimum of three months before getting married, having kids or settling down. The experiences you gain as a traveller are fundamental to who you become as a person. 

To scoot or not to scoot - 25th May 2012

Too beautifully French for words

I’m toying with the idea of getting a scooter. The freedom of weaving through traffic jams and getting everywhere in 10 minutes is very appealing. But on the flip side, do I really want to be riding in the rain and running the risk of a bike-hating driver knocking me off? In London I loved my scooter above all other forms of transport. Maybe it is a European thing. Scooters just seem to belong on the narrow streets of London, Rome and Paris. The pic above was taken in Monaco when we were there in 2008. I remember thinking how groovy they all looked lined up. In Sydney this would just look ridiculous. 

The jury is still out on scooter vs car, but if nothing else, weighing up the options has led to lengthy periods of reminiscing about my glory days spent scooting around London. Such beautiful memories I am eternally grateful for. 

A boost in a bottle - 24th May 2012

Painted nails ready for jazz hands

In the process of writing this blog, I am constantly surprised by the small and seemingly insignificant things that bring pleasure into my life. Today the simple act of painting my nails did exactly that. Just a few coats of paint peeped up my day and boosted my self esteem. It goes to show that making an effort with your appearance isn’t always about other people. Freshly painted nails make me feel trendier and more stylish, and feeling better about myself can only be a good thing. Plus, it’s much cheaper than buying a new pair of shoes!

Australia's biggest morning tea - 23rd May 2012

Pretty sugary treats

Eating cake and donating money to the worthy cause that is cancer research – what a perfect way to spend the morning. Today our office celebrated ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’. Everyone came with a plate and made a donation. We raised over $700. Cancer research is a cause I am very passionate about and I’m proud we were able to contribute, just a little. While everyone else in our office cooked their treat, I was forced to cheat on the fact I am domestically challenged. Needless to say, my purchased cup cakes were delightfully pretty and nobody was poisoned. Wins all around.

The collar of shame - 22nd May 2012

Imagine this on Roccos head

Hope is what we started the day out with in the Gibbons/Rule household. The hope was that our crazy puppy would go off to the vet and come back tonight not only de-sexed, but no longer suffering from the dog version of ADHD. Is it bad that I hoped he would at least be a bit quite from the anesthetic for a day or two? Actually don’t answer that.

As I sit writing this post late at night, we not longer have hope. Rocco lost his manhood but no spring from his step. That hope however as been replaced with laughter. He is now running around the house with a plastic bucket like contraption on his head to stop him biting the wound. It’s hilarious watching him run, jump and wrestle Cuba with it on. There is also an unexpected upside. Usually you need to watching him like a hawk on walks outside as he eats anything he can get his mouth near (food, wood, plastic, cockroaches and something that looked like a dreadlock). But with the bucket, there is a constant scrapping sound as he walks with his nose to the ground. It’s perfect. The minute the scrapings stops you know he is eating something. This bucket may become a permanent fixture.

Delightful day dreams in the South of France - 21st May 2012

My new Monaco ride

Today I caught my mind wondering off to the South of France. There I was sun baking on a yacht, sipping champagne and driving the streets in my Ferrari. It’s that time of the year again – it’s time for the Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco is my favourite Grand Prix for two reasons. The first is sporting – it’s a drama prone track, which delivers good racing against a stunning backdrop. The second is personal – it is the only track I have visited and I fell in love with the city when we visited in 2008. For all its glitz and glamour Monaco has a special place it my heart. James and I each did a lap of the track (well, the public streets that make up the track) in a Ferrari and gambled away some of our travel money at the Casino. When my fantasy of becoming the first female F1 driver becomes a reality, this is where we will be moving to. Charge your champagne glasses to big dreams!

Our new home...one day

Rocco wins a heart - 20th May 2012

Some Johnny and Rocco love

Tonight I was lucky enough to round out the weekend watching the Moto GP with Dad. When I say watching, I mean me watching and Dad trying hard to watch, but falling sleep. This process is all part of our late night sport viewing ritual together. The other highlight this little motor sport session delivered was Dad finding a soft spot for the crazy but lovable Rocco. You see, Dad is not much of an animal lover. He is from the ‘animals live outside’ camp and finds our pampered city pups a notion he can’t quite get his head around. But somehow, tonight, Rocco won him over! Today I am grateful for unexpected surprises and the smiles they bring. 

Soapy thai massage - 19th May 2012

Not quite what Tom and Jane expected

As any good traveller – or anyone who has seen the Hangover – knows, Bangkok is renowned for its lady boys and special thai massages. Today I found the only two people in the world who were apparently no aware of this fact. A classic comedy moment followed.

Our two dear friends, let’s call them Tom and Jane to protect their identities, were staying in a nice hotel in Bangkok. Out of their window they noticed a car park that was mysteriously empty during the day and VERY full at night. Said car park led into a huge Thai massage business. I’m sure everyone reading knows exactly where this story is going, but Tom and Jane didn’t.

After watching the pumping action (pun intended) for a few nights, Tom and Jane decided it must be a good massage place as it was always so busy. The next day they went in hoping for a relaxing couples massage. What they got was the offer of a whole ‘other’ couples massage.

Imagine their surprise when moments after walking in they were ushered into a stadium like room with hundreds of women seated in different sections ready to perform “anything you want”. The menu included normal massage, soapy massage and about a hundred other things not fit for print. Needless to say Tom and Jane made a hasty exit…and the view from their hotel window just wasn’t the same for their rest of the trip. Thanks for the laugh guys. Your story made my day.

Flower power - 18th May 2012

Beautiful tulips

Why do I so rarely buy flowers for our house? They fill the room with such beautiful aromas and colour. And lets face it, you can always do with a little pick-me-up in a vase. Today these pretty tulips brightened by day and someone elses. I’m vowing to purchase flowers on a more regular basis. 

Pressure makes diamonds - 17th May 2012

Yes please...don't mind if I do

Today I unwrapped a little chocolate and found this gem of a quote inside. “Pressure makes diamonds”. Oh yes it does. I want to try hard to remember this when I feel as though I’m living in a pressure cooker and about to lose my cool. I want to become a diamond. Today I am thankful for a yummy caramel filled chocolate with a positive message.

Taking the first step - 16th May 2012

Today is the day. We have taken a leap of faith and we're crossing our fingers that a bold decision will bring new adventures and happiness. James has taken a new job which will see him traveling a lot and me becoming a work widow quite regularly. How will she survive I hear you say? What will she eat, I bet you wonder? The answers I am sure will provide many hilarious moments to be shared in the coming months on this very blog.

Right now I feel like we are standing on the staircase ready to begin the climb, but not really sure what is ahead. Fingers crossed it is everything we hope for.