I spoke to my grandad this morning for his birthday.
He said that the last time it rained like this in Queensland was 60 years ago and became what is known as the '74 Floods.
Great.
And as much as we like to whinge and moan about how sunny and gorgeous it will be when we return to work in a week or two and how cruel mother nature is and how mad the baby Jesus is at us to steal our summer away, I like to think it is a fantastic opportunity to 1) Sleep 2) write lists and 3) sleep.
This limbo period between the finish of 2010 and the impending 20-heaven (read: 11) is always a time of reflection and projections for me. I am a BIG list writer. I have lists all over the place, for everything. I like the idea of organisation, that all the things I need to have or do or see are itemised in the one area and I love the satisfaction of crossing items off - 'completion energy' as my dad calls it.
For the most part I've always written goals for the coming year. But this year mum reminded me that we should really write a "Gratitude List" first, giving thanks and acknowledging all the really wonderful things that happened during the year that was.
At the top of my list will be my gratitude for my family and friends for just being there for me and being gorgeous. Sometimes I forget how much I actually need you all and love being around you.
My new apartment purchase most recently, being one of the highlights of the year.
Next will be my travel to London and lovely Mr Frog who made that a reality.
Discovering my spiritual path, spiritual growth and the awe inspiring people I've met through meditation.
I'm thankful for my job this year as I've learnt so much in this capacity, not only about my role but also about handling and interacting with people from all walks of life.
I'm thankful for the jasmine that smells so sweet along my river walk.
There is more but this is a good start and probably enough for this forum. Writing a Gratitude List will also help you identify things that you didn't do which you would like to then do in 2011 - to put on your Goals List.
What are you grateful for? What will you plan for in 2011?
Monday 27 December 2010
Thursday 23 December 2010
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Book Nook
This book is rocking my world.
Psycho-cybernetics 2000 by Maxwell Maltz
If you're all up in your head like I am give it a read you guys. It provides you with the actual tools to achieve your goals in life. It demystifies The Secret and puts the onus back on us, rather than the universe or a mysterious force, so that we are in control of our lives, our achievements and aspirations based on fundamental human nature and psychology.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm bang into all the universe malarkey too. But Maltz's tools are practical, like street lamps on a darkened highway, shedding light and giving guidance to help you get to where you want to go quickly and easily.
The book is premised on the theory that if you can expand your self image, you can expand your talents and capabilities, achieve your aspirations and goals in life. It's a heavy book. There is so much to digest I will need to read it a few times over for the messages to sink in, they are so plentiful.
I'm enjoying working through the exercises and the first one that has truly stumped me is the question "What is it that you most want to do in your life?" written like this:
"The thing I most want to do with my life is _____________________________________________".
I never thought a line could scare me as much as this one has. I challenge you to finish it for yourself.
Psycho-cybernetics 2000 by Maxwell Maltz
If you're all up in your head like I am give it a read you guys. It provides you with the actual tools to achieve your goals in life. It demystifies The Secret and puts the onus back on us, rather than the universe or a mysterious force, so that we are in control of our lives, our achievements and aspirations based on fundamental human nature and psychology.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm bang into all the universe malarkey too. But Maltz's tools are practical, like street lamps on a darkened highway, shedding light and giving guidance to help you get to where you want to go quickly and easily.
The book is premised on the theory that if you can expand your self image, you can expand your talents and capabilities, achieve your aspirations and goals in life. It's a heavy book. There is so much to digest I will need to read it a few times over for the messages to sink in, they are so plentiful.
I'm enjoying working through the exercises and the first one that has truly stumped me is the question "What is it that you most want to do in your life?" written like this:
"The thing I most want to do with my life is _____________________________________________".
I never thought a line could scare me as much as this one has. I challenge you to finish it for yourself.
Monday 13 December 2010
Garage Sales
My mum sells real estate for a living. And apart from the fact that she's damn good at it, she also gets access to 'left over' bits and pieces of furniture that sellers don't want to deal with.
So yesterday was spent with my mum, dad and sister all happily trawling through what was the remains of an elderly couple's life. It was a fascinating journey that obviously began in that house in the 1920's when the house was built.
Old everything. 30's furniture, 60's baking dishes and glasses, retro golf clubs, bags, lawn mowers, tools, sewing books and patterns, music manuscripts so old the paper was almost disintegrating, solid wooden chairs, camping paraphernalia, 70's hair rollers, 50's hair dryer in its own suitcase.
I snapped up a brass table lamp, a solid wooden chair, 6 old school champagne glasses, 6 seafood cocktail glasses, some pirex baking dishes and a hand blown crystal plate for $35. BARGAIN.
And seeing as I am a homeowner now I really must be on the look out for every bargain I can negotiate!
So yesterday was spent with my mum, dad and sister all happily trawling through what was the remains of an elderly couple's life. It was a fascinating journey that obviously began in that house in the 1920's when the house was built.
Old everything. 30's furniture, 60's baking dishes and glasses, retro golf clubs, bags, lawn mowers, tools, sewing books and patterns, music manuscripts so old the paper was almost disintegrating, solid wooden chairs, camping paraphernalia, 70's hair rollers, 50's hair dryer in its own suitcase.
I snapped up a brass table lamp, a solid wooden chair, 6 old school champagne glasses, 6 seafood cocktail glasses, some pirex baking dishes and a hand blown crystal plate for $35. BARGAIN.
And seeing as I am a homeowner now I really must be on the look out for every bargain I can negotiate!
Sunday 12 December 2010
8:59am EST
Last night I had three of my closest girlfriends around for a "Chrissie Cook-Off" and I must say it was the most pleasant evening I've had in a while.
We cooked and chatted and ate for about five hours - the most wonderful way to spend a Saturday night - no hangovers this morning, only more love for the ladies who have stood by me for over 7 years, or longer.
Then I got to thinking about the little story I posted a few days ago about how women just need women in their lives. And it's so true. When I think of the few times I've been thrown a few hefty curve balls in life, my girls were there for me. Listening to me, handing me Kleenex, sending messages, hosting coffees, workshopping, or just being there with me.
And they've been with me through all the amazing times too - I have so many wonderful memories of roll-on-the-floor-almost-peeing your-pants laughter, parties, weddings, celebrations.
I feel quite blessed to have these women in my life. They are an amazing, caring group and I love and appreciate them so much.
We cooked and chatted and ate for about five hours - the most wonderful way to spend a Saturday night - no hangovers this morning, only more love for the ladies who have stood by me for over 7 years, or longer.
Then I got to thinking about the little story I posted a few days ago about how women just need women in their lives. And it's so true. When I think of the few times I've been thrown a few hefty curve balls in life, my girls were there for me. Listening to me, handing me Kleenex, sending messages, hosting coffees, workshopping, or just being there with me.
And they've been with me through all the amazing times too - I have so many wonderful memories of roll-on-the-floor-almost-peeing your-pants laughter, parties, weddings, celebrations.
I feel quite blessed to have these women in my life. They are an amazing, caring group and I love and appreciate them so much.
Friday 10 December 2010
Thursday 9 December 2010
Yo! Sisters!
A gorgeous girlfriend of mine sent this to me yesterday and I loved it so much. Thank you to the anonymous author who penned it. This is for all my sisters out there, word.
"A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day,
drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. And
they talked about life, about marriage, about the
responsibilities of life and the obligations of
adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her
glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance
upon her daughter.
'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling
the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll
be more important as you get older. No matter how
much you love your husband, no matter how much you
love the children you may have, you are still going
to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now
and then; do things with them.'
'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women...
your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other
women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women
always do.'
What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman
thought. Haven't I just gotten married?
Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a
married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely
my husband and the family we may start will be all I
need to make my life worthwhile!'
But she listened to her mother. She kept contact
with her sisters and made more women friends each
year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,
she gradually came to understand that her mother really
knew what she was talking about. As time and nature
work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,
sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 50 years of living in this world,
here is what I've learned:
THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are
between you. A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you....Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family: all bless our life!"
"A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day,
drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. And
they talked about life, about marriage, about the
responsibilities of life and the obligations of
adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her
glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance
upon her daughter.
'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling
the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll
be more important as you get older. No matter how
much you love your husband, no matter how much you
love the children you may have, you are still going
to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now
and then; do things with them.'
'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women...
your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other
women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women
always do.'
What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman
thought. Haven't I just gotten married?
Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a
married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely
my husband and the family we may start will be all I
need to make my life worthwhile!'
But she listened to her mother. She kept contact
with her sisters and made more women friends each
year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,
she gradually came to understand that her mother really
knew what she was talking about. As time and nature
work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,
sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 50 years of living in this world,
here is what I've learned:
THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how
many miles are
between you. A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you....Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family: all bless our life!"
Sunday 5 December 2010
6:54am
This is a rainy cosy Sunday.
Now is probably the time to begin the first of a long trail of posts relating to my latest and greatest purchase - my lovely art deco apartment.
Can I first start by saying that notwithstanding I studied Real Estate Transactions as an elective (I know, was completely out of my mind) at Law School, the entire process, in practice, was hectic! I thought I knew all there was to know about purchasing property! Turns out, when you've got 30 years of mortgage repayments and the fact that you've found 'the one' riding on it the whole thing can be incredibly stressful and nerve wracking!
Time is of the essence in these contracts so almost everyday there will be a document due or a meeting staged.
On any one day I would call:
1. Mum/Dad
2. Real estate agent
3. Finance Broker
4. Solicitor
5. Builder
6. Pest inspector
7. Insurance brokers
Multiple times.
Granted, I put undue influence on the deal by insisting the sale was subject to a 7 day building and pest AND 7 days finance, sending my posse into a tailspin to complete everything before Christmas.
But I truly believe (mum as a real estate guru backing me up) that we needed to act swiftly and forcefully to secure this little slice of New Farm. At the price it was being advertised and with our knowledge of all the other 'shoe boxes' on the market we knew we had to snap it up.
The sale went unconditional on Tuesday and that's when I finally started to breathe again. And to really settle into the fact that I am now a proud homeowner, a landlord (almost) and a TRUE adult.
The beauty about Adelea (yes its art deco charm extends to its name as well) is that for the most part it is in original condition (Lead light windows and door features, a cloak closet in the entry way, a brass door knocker, ceiling cornice features) but it needs work.
The kitchen and bathrooms are old and in desperate need of a make-over and the mint green walls throughout really don't do much for it, or me for that matter.
This is my new project. I take possession on 31 January 2011 and until then I need to procure furniture, interior design ideas, paint colours, and all sorts of Bunnings related paraphernalia so when my friends and family come over for the 'working bee' I'm hosting we can hit the ground running. We'll be a make-over machine!
Look out The Block, Look out The Renovators....
Now is probably the time to begin the first of a long trail of posts relating to my latest and greatest purchase - my lovely art deco apartment.
Can I first start by saying that notwithstanding I studied Real Estate Transactions as an elective (I know, was completely out of my mind) at Law School, the entire process, in practice, was hectic! I thought I knew all there was to know about purchasing property! Turns out, when you've got 30 years of mortgage repayments and the fact that you've found 'the one' riding on it the whole thing can be incredibly stressful and nerve wracking!
Time is of the essence in these contracts so almost everyday there will be a document due or a meeting staged.
On any one day I would call:
1. Mum/Dad
2. Real estate agent
3. Finance Broker
4. Solicitor
5. Builder
6. Pest inspector
7. Insurance brokers
Multiple times.
Granted, I put undue influence on the deal by insisting the sale was subject to a 7 day building and pest AND 7 days finance, sending my posse into a tailspin to complete everything before Christmas.
But I truly believe (mum as a real estate guru backing me up) that we needed to act swiftly and forcefully to secure this little slice of New Farm. At the price it was being advertised and with our knowledge of all the other 'shoe boxes' on the market we knew we had to snap it up.
The sale went unconditional on Tuesday and that's when I finally started to breathe again. And to really settle into the fact that I am now a proud homeowner, a landlord (almost) and a TRUE adult.
The beauty about Adelea (yes its art deco charm extends to its name as well) is that for the most part it is in original condition (Lead light windows and door features, a cloak closet in the entry way, a brass door knocker, ceiling cornice features) but it needs work.
The kitchen and bathrooms are old and in desperate need of a make-over and the mint green walls throughout really don't do much for it, or me for that matter.
This is my new project. I take possession on 31 January 2011 and until then I need to procure furniture, interior design ideas, paint colours, and all sorts of Bunnings related paraphernalia so when my friends and family come over for the 'working bee' I'm hosting we can hit the ground running. We'll be a make-over machine!
Look out The Block, Look out The Renovators....
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Hairy Situation
It's hair cut time again tomorrow. Having just scraped through the 7 week mark my locks are in desperate need of some attention.
That being said, I am always tempted to go something completely wild and out of the ordinary. It's almost become a ritual that I scan through the latest hair styles from the pages of vogue and celeb mags to pick out the complete opposite of my current 'look', ask 5000 people their opinion and then back out at the last minute opting for the usual "root and trim" like a coward.
So rather than drop a hair crisis bomb on myself just prior to party season I'm doing changes a little bit at a time which is of course less dramatic but far less impacting on my soul (a bad hair cut goes to the heart and soul of me; many a time I've been caught out and forced to wear a pony tail for two weeks - horrors).
My hair is currently blonde with verrry dark roots (hence always thethreats consideration of going darker) and quite long. It's dragging and lanky in this Brisbane humidity. I'm opting for more volume and bounce, less weight and length and maybe a more honey blonde....a la the latest Chloe ads featuring Raquel Zimmerman....
Also loved this one of Kate's LOB: chic and sophisticated and as I'm trying to grow my fringe out is probably a good starting point.
That being said, I am always tempted to go something completely wild and out of the ordinary. It's almost become a ritual that I scan through the latest hair styles from the pages of vogue and celeb mags to pick out the complete opposite of my current 'look', ask 5000 people their opinion and then back out at the last minute opting for the usual "root and trim" like a coward.
So rather than drop a hair crisis bomb on myself just prior to party season I'm doing changes a little bit at a time which is of course less dramatic but far less impacting on my soul (a bad hair cut goes to the heart and soul of me; many a time I've been caught out and forced to wear a pony tail for two weeks - horrors).
My hair is currently blonde with verrry dark roots (hence always the
Also loved this one of Kate's LOB: chic and sophisticated and as I'm trying to grow my fringe out is probably a good starting point.
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