Today I am grateful that I have a group of friends who like to discuss and debate everything from politics to education and the health system, even when playing poker!
I was lucky enough to get to go with K to his regular, bi-weekly poker game at Jim's. Mum volunteered (yes, really! I did not twist her arm or bribe her!) to baby-sit...sorry, child mind...Megan to let K and I both out for the evening.
So, thanks to the fact that I am neither a discusser nor a debater, I have come home with a wad of winnings in my purse! I think I was the only one there who was actually concentrating on the cards!!
I wonder if that's why they prefer when K goes on his own?????
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Delegation
Today I am grateful that I utilised the fine art of delegation to good effect, for a change!
Megan tidied and dusted the lounge (her choice, 'cos she likes dusting the piano - I know....what planet does she come from???).
Thomas hoovered the downstairs - after far too much cajoling on my part and whinging on his! But, he did it, and did it well.
Grandma did the ironing. Again, her choice, because she also comes from a different planet, and on her world ironing shirts is a pleasant and fulfilling pass-time!!!
I drew the short straw and had to clean the bathrooms. But, I guess if I had the choice of my favourite bit of housework to do, none of it would get done!!!
So, jobs done, feet up for the afternoon....who knew that crocheting squares could be such fun....or that delegation could prove so useful???
Must remember how it's done, and do it on a more regular basis!!! Might save the "panic clean" when expecting visitors!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Megan tidied and dusted the lounge (her choice, 'cos she likes dusting the piano - I know....what planet does she come from???).
Thomas hoovered the downstairs - after far too much cajoling on my part and whinging on his! But, he did it, and did it well.
Grandma did the ironing. Again, her choice, because she also comes from a different planet, and on her world ironing shirts is a pleasant and fulfilling pass-time!!!
I drew the short straw and had to clean the bathrooms. But, I guess if I had the choice of my favourite bit of housework to do, none of it would get done!!!
So, jobs done, feet up for the afternoon....who knew that crocheting squares could be such fun....or that delegation could prove so useful???
Must remember how it's done, and do it on a more regular basis!!! Might save the "panic clean" when expecting visitors!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 29 October 2012
Autumn mist
I went out for an early morning walk today and was rewarded with some beautiful photos.
 |
| Mist and reflection |
Not only that, but I really enjoyed walking in daylight again, even though it was early!! Pity that won't last much longer! The hour of morning light we gained at the weekend will be swallowed up pretty quickly!
Today I am grateful for grabbing the opportunity while it was there!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Creamy
Today I am grateful for giant pots of Ambrosia creamed rice!!
Rice pud has always been a favourite comfort food for me, so I was delighted when they brought out the giant pot!! The only problem is that it would be so easy to scoff the lot at one go...and then feel sick!
I've been very good so far and only have a droppy at a time. The pot sits in the fridge and I just have a nibble every now and then when the mood takes me.
Like tonight, when we got home from seeing the new James Bond film!
Not sure if I liked it or not! Not your typical James Bond! A good film, but not really like James Bond.
Anyway...nice to come home to a few spoonfuls of rice pud while I waited for the computer to get going!!
Some folk are easy pleased!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Rice pud has always been a favourite comfort food for me, so I was delighted when they brought out the giant pot!! The only problem is that it would be so easy to scoff the lot at one go...and then feel sick!
I've been very good so far and only have a droppy at a time. The pot sits in the fridge and I just have a nibble every now and then when the mood takes me.
Like tonight, when we got home from seeing the new James Bond film!
Not sure if I liked it or not! Not your typical James Bond! A good film, but not really like James Bond.
Anyway...nice to come home to a few spoonfuls of rice pud while I waited for the computer to get going!!
Some folk are easy pleased!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Boys, boys, boys
We had Thomas's birthday party today....Quasar and bowling.
The invitations said 3.30pm but we had a house full of boys (and Megan) from about 11.30am!
They just kind of came and went as the mood took them all day! Megan was in the midst of it all, delighted with her big brother!
Grandma, Megan and I did manage to get a bit of a girls morning before the boys took over the day. I know....you wouldn't expect anything less!!
The party itself was great fun. They ended up with soccer as well as the bowling and quasar and they all seemed to have a ball. In fact, Megan has decided that she wants her birthday party there as well....and she's inviting all the boys!! Should we start to worry?????
Today I am grateful for 9 very red, sweaty and smiling faces. They mean more than all the money in the world!
Which reminds me....I bought lottery tickets today!!! I'm off to check!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
The invitations said 3.30pm but we had a house full of boys (and Megan) from about 11.30am!
They just kind of came and went as the mood took them all day! Megan was in the midst of it all, delighted with her big brother!
Grandma, Megan and I did manage to get a bit of a girls morning before the boys took over the day. I know....you wouldn't expect anything less!!
The party itself was great fun. They ended up with soccer as well as the bowling and quasar and they all seemed to have a ball. In fact, Megan has decided that she wants her birthday party there as well....and she's inviting all the boys!! Should we start to worry?????
Today I am grateful for 9 very red, sweaty and smiling faces. They mean more than all the money in the world!
Which reminds me....I bought lottery tickets today!!! I'm off to check!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 26 October 2012
Time well spent
Today I am just grateful for the time I'm getting to spend with my mam.
When I say "just", I mean that there really is just nothing I'm more grateful for at the moment.
It's great to just "hang out" with her.
Browsing shops, coffeeing, crocheting!!!
The kids are really glad to have Grandma here to cuddle too. I think that recent events have made them realise that just because you love someone, it doesn't mean they will be around forever! So they are certainly not taking Grandma for granted!
It's a shame that we have to lose someone to remember that not so pleasant fact of life. It is, however, a good reminder that life is unpredictable, so we should not take those we love for granted. We should show them how much we love them...every single chance we get!
I am sending love and hugs through cyber-space to each and every one of you!
Gratefully yours.
xx
When I say "just", I mean that there really is just nothing I'm more grateful for at the moment.
It's great to just "hang out" with her.
Browsing shops, coffeeing, crocheting!!!
The kids are really glad to have Grandma here to cuddle too. I think that recent events have made them realise that just because you love someone, it doesn't mean they will be around forever! So they are certainly not taking Grandma for granted!
It's a shame that we have to lose someone to remember that not so pleasant fact of life. It is, however, a good reminder that life is unpredictable, so we should not take those we love for granted. We should show them how much we love them...every single chance we get!
I am sending love and hugs through cyber-space to each and every one of you!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Twelve years and counting
Twelve years ago today, at a few minutes past four in the morning, I gave birth to the light of my life, my wee baby boy, Thomas.
Who would have thought that twelve years would go by so fast or that he would grow into such a cheeky wee monkey!!!
He takes after both his Granddads. You can see the twinkle in his eye before he even opens his mouth! And he has an immediate answer for everything!! I can also see the beginnings of the ability to waffle, with seemingly endless knowledge, on any topic you care to throw at him (whether he actually knows what he's talking about, or not!!)!
He is also a sensitive wee soul, full of compassion and empathy, always supporting the under-dog. He is always the first in the area to welcome a new boy and make sure he doesn't get left out of any games that may be going on. And he is, by his own admission, the coolest boy in school!
Of course, he sings like an angel. He is incredibly able and intelligent....and did I mention how handsome he's getting?? In fact, I could sum him up in a few short words....witty, erudite and boyishly handsome!.....Gosh, now who does that remind me of????
Before I get completely carried away (by the little men in white coats!!!), I should just say that today I am grateful for my darling boy, Thomas George Joyce.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Who would have thought that twelve years would go by so fast or that he would grow into such a cheeky wee monkey!!!
He takes after both his Granddads. You can see the twinkle in his eye before he even opens his mouth! And he has an immediate answer for everything!! I can also see the beginnings of the ability to waffle, with seemingly endless knowledge, on any topic you care to throw at him (whether he actually knows what he's talking about, or not!!)!
He is also a sensitive wee soul, full of compassion and empathy, always supporting the under-dog. He is always the first in the area to welcome a new boy and make sure he doesn't get left out of any games that may be going on. And he is, by his own admission, the coolest boy in school!
Of course, he sings like an angel. He is incredibly able and intelligent....and did I mention how handsome he's getting?? In fact, I could sum him up in a few short words....witty, erudite and boyishly handsome!.....Gosh, now who does that remind me of????
Before I get completely carried away (by the little men in white coats!!!), I should just say that today I am grateful for my darling boy, Thomas George Joyce.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
I'm alright Jack
When I went to pick Megan up from Brownies tonight, there was a bit of a traffic jam.
People coming up the hill into the small car park to collect girls, and others, those who had arrived early, trying to get back out of the car park and down the hill.
Now, there is a second area, a bit out of the way, that could have accommodated a couple of cars and eased the congestion, but instead I witnessed the most ridiculous to-ing and fro-ing, 8 or 9 point turns and near collisions as people were determined that they were not going to give way to anyone else.
The true meaning of selfishness...putting the self first, irregardless of how it affects other people.
What a different world we would be living in if a few more people would stop to think about what action might be best for everyone, including themselves. I'm not suggesting that everyone should put others ahead of themselves, but seeing other people as just as important as themselves, with reasons that are just as valid as theirs, might just ease the traffic problems of the world!!!
Today I am grateful for those people who do stop and think before they rush into the breach.
Gratefully yours.
xx
People coming up the hill into the small car park to collect girls, and others, those who had arrived early, trying to get back out of the car park and down the hill.
Now, there is a second area, a bit out of the way, that could have accommodated a couple of cars and eased the congestion, but instead I witnessed the most ridiculous to-ing and fro-ing, 8 or 9 point turns and near collisions as people were determined that they were not going to give way to anyone else.
The true meaning of selfishness...putting the self first, irregardless of how it affects other people.
What a different world we would be living in if a few more people would stop to think about what action might be best for everyone, including themselves. I'm not suggesting that everyone should put others ahead of themselves, but seeing other people as just as important as themselves, with reasons that are just as valid as theirs, might just ease the traffic problems of the world!!!
Today I am grateful for those people who do stop and think before they rush into the breach.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Moments of clarity
There are moments when you just realise that some things are more important than others in the larger scheme of things.
Megan is the Queen of making mountains out of molehills, and I get very frustrated with her sometimes for over-reacting to the most insignificant things.
But then I remember (well, when I say "then", I really mean a good while later when we've both had time to calm down and mull things over a bit!), I remember two things.
Firstly I remember that in the larger scheme of things, Megan is what's important to me!
And secondly, I remember that what seems small and insignificant to me may be quite large and overwhelming to her!!
Today I am grateful for remembering what is really important in my life - the people in it!
The rest is just stuff that we can work around!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Megan is the Queen of making mountains out of molehills, and I get very frustrated with her sometimes for over-reacting to the most insignificant things.
But then I remember (well, when I say "then", I really mean a good while later when we've both had time to calm down and mull things over a bit!), I remember two things.
Firstly I remember that in the larger scheme of things, Megan is what's important to me!
And secondly, I remember that what seems small and insignificant to me may be quite large and overwhelming to her!!
Today I am grateful for remembering what is really important in my life - the people in it!
The rest is just stuff that we can work around!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 22 October 2012
Ironing buddies
I have come to the firm belief that everyone should have an ironing buddy. Someone to step in and iron a shirt or two when you just can't face another one, and then let you step back in again, so that you can truthfully say that you emptied the ironing basket!
I actually found trousers at the bottom of the basket that I had forgotten I had, they've been in there so long!!!
I tend, normally, to get the necessities done, and then the will fizzles out before the basket is finished.
Step in the ironing buddy!!!
So, today I am grateful for my ironing buddy.
And, come to think of it, she's a pretty good shopping buddy too!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I actually found trousers at the bottom of the basket that I had forgotten I had, they've been in there so long!!!
I tend, normally, to get the necessities done, and then the will fizzles out before the basket is finished.
Step in the ironing buddy!!!
So, today I am grateful for my ironing buddy.
And, come to think of it, she's a pretty good shopping buddy too!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Lost without you
Today was going to be an easy blog....I am grateful that I have my mammy here for three whole weeks!!
Then I sat down to write the blog, and, as usual, it took me nearly 20 minutes to get the computer on-line and ready to go!!!
After I stopped swearing at it, it dawned on me that I would be totally lost without it!!! As far as communicating with my family and friends in Scotland is concerned, it would have to be the phone or nothing. And after being able to use Skype, and see all their lovely faces, or Facebook for daily (or, if you are of the younger generation, hourly) updates, including photos and videos, the phone just doesn't cut it!!
So, today I am actually very grateful for my slow, annoying, frustrating, and indispensable computer.
I shall try to use the time it takes to get itself going to slow down, breath and be grateful from now on!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Then I sat down to write the blog, and, as usual, it took me nearly 20 minutes to get the computer on-line and ready to go!!!
After I stopped swearing at it, it dawned on me that I would be totally lost without it!!! As far as communicating with my family and friends in Scotland is concerned, it would have to be the phone or nothing. And after being able to use Skype, and see all their lovely faces, or Facebook for daily (or, if you are of the younger generation, hourly) updates, including photos and videos, the phone just doesn't cut it!!
So, today I am actually very grateful for my slow, annoying, frustrating, and indispensable computer.
I shall try to use the time it takes to get itself going to slow down, breath and be grateful from now on!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Boogie-oogie-woogie
Today I am grateful to have had a great auld boogie!!
I went on straight from work today to a friend's wedding. Arrived just in time for a lovely meal and then a night of dancing!
Great fun!
Feet may not think so in the morning, but I really enjoyed myself.
Almost, but not quite, as much fun as singing in the choir!
Off to bed now....must creep because the whole house, including the cat, is fast asleep!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I went on straight from work today to a friend's wedding. Arrived just in time for a lovely meal and then a night of dancing!
Great fun!
Feet may not think so in the morning, but I really enjoyed myself.
Almost, but not quite, as much fun as singing in the choir!
Off to bed now....must creep because the whole house, including the cat, is fast asleep!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 19 October 2012
Double-oh heaven
Today I am grateful to Sky for airing all the Bond movies on a special 007 channel for the month of October.
I must admit that when I heard about it, I thought what a waste of time! All the James Bond films on one channel!!! Who'd be interested in that?
But there are some bloomin' good films!! I'm afraid I've become slightly addicted to them over the last week or so!!
There is something decedent about sitting with your feet up, brandy in hand, all evening watching Bond on telly!!!
I do hope it's just for one month though!!!
And then, of course, there's the new on, "Skyfall", out next week in the cinema....and we'll have a chance of a baby-sitter!!!! If I'm very good to my mammy, that is!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Stress-less
You know...it really isn't worth getting all stressed about something you can do nothing about!!!
That is my gem for today!
Where do I come up with such pearls of wisdom, I hear you ask!
Just years of being wise, I guess! .........NOT!
Why, oh why, do we still stress about stuff when we know it is not only a complete waste of time, but bad for our health too???
At least being aware that I am stressing in time to stop it in it's tracks, or at least de-rail it slightly, is a step in the right direction! And you know what they say.....every journey begins with a single step, preferably in the right direction!!!
Today I am grateful for baby steps! Each one in the right direction!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
That is my gem for today!
Where do I come up with such pearls of wisdom, I hear you ask!
Just years of being wise, I guess! .........NOT!
Why, oh why, do we still stress about stuff when we know it is not only a complete waste of time, but bad for our health too???
At least being aware that I am stressing in time to stop it in it's tracks, or at least de-rail it slightly, is a step in the right direction! And you know what they say.....every journey begins with a single step, preferably in the right direction!!!
Today I am grateful for baby steps! Each one in the right direction!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Productivity
There really is nothing better than getting stuff done!
And I find that, really, it's a case of "the more the merrier".
When I have lots to do, I tend to get lots done....if you know what I mean.
Let me explain.....If I have a couple of things to do in a morning, I tend to pfaff about and not get much of anything done. However, when I have a pile of things I need to do of a morning, I tend to get most (not all....I'm only human after all!!) of it done.
I seem to dot back and fore....maybe that's it!
It's just dawned on me that maybe I'm just not good at starting a job and finishing it before I move on to the next one. I find it more stimulating to be juggling three or four things at a time!
Gosh, maybe I am Super-woman after all!!!
Today I am grateful for these wonderful insights into my life, that are coming to the fore thanks to my blog!!!
And on that note....Meggie's looking for a "Good night" hug....must fly!!!!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
And I find that, really, it's a case of "the more the merrier".
When I have lots to do, I tend to get lots done....if you know what I mean.
Let me explain.....If I have a couple of things to do in a morning, I tend to pfaff about and not get much of anything done. However, when I have a pile of things I need to do of a morning, I tend to get most (not all....I'm only human after all!!) of it done.
I seem to dot back and fore....maybe that's it!
It's just dawned on me that maybe I'm just not good at starting a job and finishing it before I move on to the next one. I find it more stimulating to be juggling three or four things at a time!
Gosh, maybe I am Super-woman after all!!!
Today I am grateful for these wonderful insights into my life, that are coming to the fore thanks to my blog!!!
And on that note....Meggie's looking for a "Good night" hug....must fly!!!!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Perfect peace
It lovely to come home after an evening out to a quiet, peaceful house.
Kids in bed asleep, K in the living room...nearly asleep!
I would like to think that it had been a nice peaceful house when I was out too....but I know better!
I think K's quiet comment when I went up to kiss my sleeping darlings goodnight, says it all..."Knock their heads together while you're up there!!"
Well, all I can say is, today I am grateful that I had to go out to a CPD course tonight and have come home to a lovely, peaceful house!!!
You see...there is even a silver lining to the cloud that is Continuing Professional Development!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Kids in bed asleep, K in the living room...nearly asleep!
I would like to think that it had been a nice peaceful house when I was out too....but I know better!
I think K's quiet comment when I went up to kiss my sleeping darlings goodnight, says it all..."Knock their heads together while you're up there!!"
Well, all I can say is, today I am grateful that I had to go out to a CPD course tonight and have come home to a lovely, peaceful house!!!
You see...there is even a silver lining to the cloud that is Continuing Professional Development!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 15 October 2012
Cheese please Louise
There comes a time when really the only thing that will do it is cheese!!!
That time is now!
I was working today, and then straight out to choir....literally straight out! I only came home to get my music and put on a pair of socks and my boots so my feet didn't freeze!! (Yes, winter has arrived! Whatever happened to Autumn!!!)
Anyway, I am now home, and like I say, only cheese on toast will do it!!!
So, today I am grateful to the humble cows who give us the milk to make the cheese.
Without their help, my life would be a much sadder place.
Gratefully moo-rs.
xx
That time is now!
I was working today, and then straight out to choir....literally straight out! I only came home to get my music and put on a pair of socks and my boots so my feet didn't freeze!! (Yes, winter has arrived! Whatever happened to Autumn!!!)
Anyway, I am now home, and like I say, only cheese on toast will do it!!!
So, today I am grateful to the humble cows who give us the milk to make the cheese.
Without their help, my life would be a much sadder place.
Gratefully moo-rs.
xx
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Smart energ
Today I am grateful to Airtricity for the gift of a free Energy Monitor, that I got on Friday when the man came to service my boiler.
It's a great wee device that tells you exactly how much energy you are using at any time, and how much it is costing you!!
We have already discovered that if K spends less time lounging about in the shower every morning we can save about €175 a year!!! Mam, please note that your 3 minute showers are what we are aspiring to!!!
We are, of course, at risk of becoming obsessive about it! But I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon enough!
Still, it is good to be able to see what's what and encourage the children, with something tangible, to switch of lights, tv's etc!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
It's a great wee device that tells you exactly how much energy you are using at any time, and how much it is costing you!!
We have already discovered that if K spends less time lounging about in the shower every morning we can save about €175 a year!!! Mam, please note that your 3 minute showers are what we are aspiring to!!!
We are, of course, at risk of becoming obsessive about it! But I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon enough!
Still, it is good to be able to see what's what and encourage the children, with something tangible, to switch of lights, tv's etc!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Turn that frown...
...upside down!
Today I am grateful for the reminder that things are never as bad as they seem.
I truly believe that whatever the situation, you can re-think it, look at it from a different perspective, a different point of view, and find something positive in it.
I guess the difficulty is being able to step out of the situation to do that.
But, in a year of positivity, it is something that I am trying to do more often.
I think, with some practice, it may become easier.....but even if it doesn't, it is well worth trying to do it anyway!
So, smiley faces all round please!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Today I am grateful for the reminder that things are never as bad as they seem.
I truly believe that whatever the situation, you can re-think it, look at it from a different perspective, a different point of view, and find something positive in it.
I guess the difficulty is being able to step out of the situation to do that.
But, in a year of positivity, it is something that I am trying to do more often.
I think, with some practice, it may become easier.....but even if it doesn't, it is well worth trying to do it anyway!
So, smiley faces all round please!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 12 October 2012
The concert
Well...tonight was my first performance in the choir. We rocked it!!!!!
There were six choirs in total. Two choral types, one gospel, one almost tribal music, one small but mainly churchy...and us.
We sang a mixture of songs, from The Songbird, by Fleetwood Mac, to Danny Boy.
At choir practice I sit in the back, out of the way. So where did I end up tonight??? You guessed it...right at the front! Thank goodness I can learn song words quickly!!
I was shaking like a leaf at the beginning, but watching our conductor having kittens, trying to slow the tempo of one song, and trying to get us all to smile had me more relaxed as we went on. By the last song I was well in my stride and belting it out with the rest....reaching notes I don't normally reach!!!
On the whole I think it's safe to say I enjoyed it!!!!!
Today I am grateful that I joined the choir!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
There were six choirs in total. Two choral types, one gospel, one almost tribal music, one small but mainly churchy...and us.
We sang a mixture of songs, from The Songbird, by Fleetwood Mac, to Danny Boy.
At choir practice I sit in the back, out of the way. So where did I end up tonight??? You guessed it...right at the front! Thank goodness I can learn song words quickly!!
I was shaking like a leaf at the beginning, but watching our conductor having kittens, trying to slow the tempo of one song, and trying to get us all to smile had me more relaxed as we went on. By the last song I was well in my stride and belting it out with the rest....reaching notes I don't normally reach!!!
On the whole I think it's safe to say I enjoyed it!!!!!
Today I am grateful that I joined the choir!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 11 October 2012
The cheek of him
Today I am grateful that my son is not quite as cheeky as his dad....yet!!!
One is bad enough! Two will be hell and all to live with!
It's no wonder really that Meggie just loses the rag and shouts....it's the only way she can cope with the cheekiness!!!
Maybe I should try it!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
One is bad enough! Two will be hell and all to live with!
It's no wonder really that Meggie just loses the rag and shouts....it's the only way she can cope with the cheekiness!!!
Maybe I should try it!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Mobile magic
Today I am grateful for my mobile phone!!
Well, to be more precise, I am grateful for my smart phone, which has a super voice recorder app on it.
It has enabled me to learn the mezzo-soprano parts for five different songs in the space of as many weeks, which means that I can sing in the concert on Friday night, knowing all the songs with confidence!
We had an extra rehearsal this evening, and boy! do we sound good!!! (Though I say so myself!!!)
So, a couple more days, singing along with my phone, and I'm set!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Well, to be more precise, I am grateful for my smart phone, which has a super voice recorder app on it.
It has enabled me to learn the mezzo-soprano parts for five different songs in the space of as many weeks, which means that I can sing in the concert on Friday night, knowing all the songs with confidence!
We had an extra rehearsal this evening, and boy! do we sound good!!! (Though I say so myself!!!)
So, a couple more days, singing along with my phone, and I'm set!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Autumn colour
Don't you just love the Autumn?
It was a lovely day today. Dry and bright enough, with not much wind and lots of chill factor! Just a perfect Autumn day.
The colours on the trees on my walk to work along the river are just stunning. It lifts the spirits.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all just tap into the inner, primal aspects of our being and really go with the flow of the seasons?
I think there is a lot to be grateful for at this time of year. It is a time to slow down and take stock. To slow down and take notice, of where we are now and where we are going. A time to start planning and dreaming - the plans and dreams that will keep us warm through the long, cosy winter months!
Today I am grateful for the opportunity to slow down and take a good look at myself and my life.
Gratefully yours.
xx
It was a lovely day today. Dry and bright enough, with not much wind and lots of chill factor! Just a perfect Autumn day.
The colours on the trees on my walk to work along the river are just stunning. It lifts the spirits.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all just tap into the inner, primal aspects of our being and really go with the flow of the seasons?
I think there is a lot to be grateful for at this time of year. It is a time to slow down and take stock. To slow down and take notice, of where we are now and where we are going. A time to start planning and dreaming - the plans and dreams that will keep us warm through the long, cosy winter months!
Today I am grateful for the opportunity to slow down and take a good look at myself and my life.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 8 October 2012
A good day
What a good day I've had!!
The clouds of the last few weeks are dissipating, and the general mood is brighter and calmer! Thanks be to the wee man upstairs!!! (No, I don't mean Thomas!!)
I got lots of bedroom tidying done today. Just took my time and mixed in plenty of wee breaks and a trip out to do a few bits. No biggy!
Nice, quiet afternoon. Meggie had piano, but that's only 3 doors up, and Thomas had choir at the school, which just needs a slightly later pick-up. Homework went well, dinner was tasty, dishwasher was emptied earlier so kitchen was tidied very quickly after dinner!! Result!
And then....choir!!
We are performing in the biggest, oldest cathedral in the city on Friday!!!!! I know I've only been going a few weeks, but we are all encouraged to go...so I'm going!! Can't wait!
We are singing 5 songs and they are all gorgeous. I have them all taped on my phone, so will be singing all week!!
So, today I am grateful for the good day. I enjoyed every minute.
Gratefully yours.
xx
The clouds of the last few weeks are dissipating, and the general mood is brighter and calmer! Thanks be to the wee man upstairs!!! (No, I don't mean Thomas!!)
I got lots of bedroom tidying done today. Just took my time and mixed in plenty of wee breaks and a trip out to do a few bits. No biggy!
Nice, quiet afternoon. Meggie had piano, but that's only 3 doors up, and Thomas had choir at the school, which just needs a slightly later pick-up. Homework went well, dinner was tasty, dishwasher was emptied earlier so kitchen was tidied very quickly after dinner!! Result!
And then....choir!!
We are performing in the biggest, oldest cathedral in the city on Friday!!!!! I know I've only been going a few weeks, but we are all encouraged to go...so I'm going!! Can't wait!
We are singing 5 songs and they are all gorgeous. I have them all taped on my phone, so will be singing all week!!
So, today I am grateful for the good day. I enjoyed every minute.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Mrs Motivator
Why, oh why is motivation such a hard thing to come by???
Today I am grateful for visitors....without them my house would be a constant tip!!
K's mam was invited for Sunday lunch, so I spent the morning tidying and dusting (yes, I actually dusted!!!).
Now, it wasn't a hard slog, and I wasn't rushing around getting in a lather. It was just a nice calm go around, picking things up and putting them away, then giving a wee squirt and rub with a duster. It doesn't take long and it doesn't kill me, but the end result is lovely!!
This is what is so annoying, and so hard to fathom! I really do love a clean and tidy house, but trying to get motivated on any sort of regular basis is just impossible.
So, I say again, thank goodness for visitors!!
And, I mean, Mam is coming over in two weeks....what more motivation does a body need!!! My house won't know what's happening over the next two weeks!!!! (Nor will the kids!! Their rooms are only half done, so the whip will be coming out!!!)
All I can say is, thank goodness I know when to expect Mam...the day she starts surprise visits I'll be in trouble!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Today I am grateful for visitors....without them my house would be a constant tip!!
K's mam was invited for Sunday lunch, so I spent the morning tidying and dusting (yes, I actually dusted!!!).
Now, it wasn't a hard slog, and I wasn't rushing around getting in a lather. It was just a nice calm go around, picking things up and putting them away, then giving a wee squirt and rub with a duster. It doesn't take long and it doesn't kill me, but the end result is lovely!!
This is what is so annoying, and so hard to fathom! I really do love a clean and tidy house, but trying to get motivated on any sort of regular basis is just impossible.
So, I say again, thank goodness for visitors!!
And, I mean, Mam is coming over in two weeks....what more motivation does a body need!!! My house won't know what's happening over the next two weeks!!!! (Nor will the kids!! Their rooms are only half done, so the whip will be coming out!!!)
All I can say is, thank goodness I know when to expect Mam...the day she starts surprise visits I'll be in trouble!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Satunday
Today I am grateful that it is only Saturday!!
I'm so used, these days, to working on a Saturday, that it's felt like Sunday all day today......so I get to do it all again tomorrow!!!
Only problem is, there will be no Strictly tomorrow! :( - that's a sad face!!
Ah well, I'll get over it!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I'm so used, these days, to working on a Saturday, that it's felt like Sunday all day today......so I get to do it all again tomorrow!!!
Only problem is, there will be no Strictly tomorrow! :( - that's a sad face!!
Ah well, I'll get over it!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 5 October 2012
That time of year.
There really is only one thing to be grateful for today...
...sequins and dresses and music and fake tan and Craig and Len and the whole kit and caboodle!!
Yes, today I am grateful for the return of Strictly.
I think, apart from all of the above, I love Strictly because it's one of the few things on the telly these days (hark at Old Mother Hubbard here!!) that we can sit and enjoy as a family! Usually with the telly it's them or us, so it's nice to be able to enjoy it together.
So, let the competition begin!!
Bring it on!!!
Gratefully yours.
x x
...sequins and dresses and music and fake tan and Craig and Len and the whole kit and caboodle!!
Yes, today I am grateful for the return of Strictly.
I think, apart from all of the above, I love Strictly because it's one of the few things on the telly these days (hark at Old Mother Hubbard here!!) that we can sit and enjoy as a family! Usually with the telly it's them or us, so it's nice to be able to enjoy it together.
So, let the competition begin!!
Bring it on!!!
Gratefully yours.
x x
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Autumn mist
Mist rising up from the river
Leaves change to orange and red
Sun shining low in the misty glow
And summer flowers all but dead
The key now is guessing just what to wear
when weather can change just like that
It's handy to know that wherever you go
you need brolly, sunglasses and hat
Autumn is slow but not sleepy
It's taking the time to take stock
It's gathering nuts, not stuck on our butts
So that winter is not such a shock
So with mist rising up from the river
and the trees showing off their best side
I am ready to face the next stage of the race
and am taking the change in my stride.
 |
| Autumn - by Megan Joyce |
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Getting it done
Don't get me wrong now...I didn't do a whole heck of a lot today, but I did get some stuff done!!
It's great to be feeling better and have some energy to do anything!
Today I am grateful for the health that I really do take for granted!
When you have your health, anything is possible. The sky's the limit and you can go just as far as your energy will take you...which in my case was into town for a bit of shopping!!!
Now, however, it's time for bed! Thank goodness!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
It's great to be feeling better and have some energy to do anything!
Today I am grateful for the health that I really do take for granted!
When you have your health, anything is possible. The sky's the limit and you can go just as far as your energy will take you...which in my case was into town for a bit of shopping!!!
Now, however, it's time for bed! Thank goodness!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
That loving feeling
Firstly, let me assure you all that I am still alive and kicking!
Thankfully my bug was a 24hour one, and I am feeling much more like myself today.
Today I am grateful that 20 years ago today I met the love of my life, and managed, somehow, to convince him that I was the love of his life too!!!
20 years!!! That's a long time!
And he still surprises me all the time! I came home to a lovely bouquet of flowers and a card today to mark the occasion! And I was too busy feeling sorry for myself to even remember what day it was!!!
I really am one lucky lady, and I have someone amazing to be grateful for every single day.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thankfully my bug was a 24hour one, and I am feeling much more like myself today.
Today I am grateful that 20 years ago today I met the love of my life, and managed, somehow, to convince him that I was the love of his life too!!!
20 years!!! That's a long time!
And he still surprises me all the time! I came home to a lovely bouquet of flowers and a card today to mark the occasion! And I was too busy feeling sorry for myself to even remember what day it was!!!
I really am one lucky lady, and I have someone amazing to be grateful for every single day.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 1 October 2012
sick as a dog
Sorry, this is a quicky!
Today I am grateful to have got through the day.
I have a tummy bug which just totally wiped me out. Been asleep almost all day.
Couldn't miss another blog though!! Thank goodness for smart phones!!!
Gratefully yours.
XX
Today I am grateful to have got through the day.
I have a tummy bug which just totally wiped me out. Been asleep almost all day.
Couldn't miss another blog though!! Thank goodness for smart phones!!!
Gratefully yours.
XX
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