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
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