Gale force

We've had a couple of days of really high winds and sudden downpours, and last night I really thought the end had come.

I had gone to bed and was reading my book. The kids were asleep, just, and K was out...yes, again! He really is a bit of a dirty stop out these days!!!

Anyway, the wind suddenly got up (it had seemed to settle down earlier in the evening) and was rattling the windows. Then the heavens opened. It sounded like it must have been hailstones, and they were being thrown at the windows and roof with such force that I was actually quite scared. I checked that the kids were okay...both fast asleep! How they slept through the racket I'll never know! I thought the skylight in the bathroom was going to be smashed!

I had to stay awake till K got home, just to make sure he was alright! I think he was quite pleased that I had been worrying about him!

Anyway, this morning I was very grateful to see that the sitootrie was still standing and the trees out the front were not all broken and uprooted!!

Who says I'm a drama queen?????

Gratefully yours.
xx

Inventive genius

We're getting down to the real nitty gritty now....things that we really should be grateful for.

Today I am grateful for the wonderful invention that is the nail file.

My nails have been great for ages, but all of a sudden they are brittle and breaking left right and centre. After my many years of nail biting, I find that when they get to this stage I find it very hard not to bite them....a bit like an ex-smoker who gets stuck in a lift with twenty chain smokers!!!

So, bring on my trusty nail file. It's the only answer. Just file them all down nice and short.

It's amazing, when you stop to think of all the little, silly things that you just wouldn't want to be without. Who comes up with all these crazy ideas?? Just think about it, and say a great big "thank you" the next time you pick up your potato peeler or go to fasten the clasp on your necklace!!!!

And don't get me started on things like smart phones!!!!!!!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

PS...I also have to be grateful to Thomas for reading over my shoulder and correcting my spelling!!!!!

Thank heavens

It's been a real miserable day.

Weather is atrocious, and the news, both in our small circle and beyond has been bleak.

But, my kitchen is clean and tidy, my husband and puss cat are cuddled up in the living room and my small people are up in my bed, waiting for me to come up and read with them.

For all of that, I am grateful.

It's a nice feeling, to be wanted and needed. It is also a nice feeling to know that there is someone to whom you can turn when you want or need them, for a hug or cookery advice, or just a chat on skype. So I am also grateful for my Mam. Too far away for hugs most of the time, but we make up for it!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Pumping iron

Today I got round to emptying my ironing basket!

Been far too busy with work and parties of late to get near it. But today I finally had both the time and the inclination! And that doesn't happen often, I can tell you!

It would have been an altogether more pleasant experience if I had my ironing buddy here, but, alas, it was only little old me so it took me nearly two hours! (Yes, I know...it's my own fault for leaving it too long, but honestly, I've not had the time!!)

Anyway, today I am grateful for the (now) empty ironing basket.

If only I could count on it remaining that way for longer than five minutes!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

I see the light

I didn't have to go very far into the day today to find something for which I was grateful!

After our late night last night, and my subsequent heart-burn, I found it hard to sleep because it was a very stormy night...heavy, driving rain and strong, gusty wind (and I don't mean from K!!). I'm a light enough sleeper as it is, and while the rest of the household slumbers on, I hear every drop of rain that hits the sitootrie roof!!

Anyway, needless to say, I had a headache when I got up this morning, disproportionate to the amount of alcohol I drank (I knew the heart-burn was coming so I only managed one mouthful of Drambuie and then gave it up for water!!! Where were you Sus???).

But, as I came downstairs, the sun was streaming in the front door and the hall table, complete with vase of beautiful two-tone tulips, was shining brightly and looking gorgeous.

What a lovely, energising start to the day! Thank you.

Gratefully yours.
xx

All's well

That's my Burns Supper over and done with for another year!

Once again we had a great night of poetry and song...and the food was pretty darned good too!!

I love cooking for a big group like that. You wouldn't think so during the day when I'm panicking about it...but once it goes on the table it's just great. I can sit back and say "I did that!"

As has become customary, Megan and Thomas stayed up all night too. And they both acquitted themselves brilliantly. Thomas sang a few songs, and Meggie played the piano. I was a very proud mammy. They were both just great. And, lest we forget him, K sang his party piece beautifully too!

All in all, today I am grateful for having had a successful night of good fun with good friends.

Gratefully yours.
xx

Looking back

I'm having one of those days.

Nothing specific, but just not feeling in the best of moods tonight.

By rights, I should be in great form! I had a great day of cooking and cleaning in preparation for the Burns Supper, tomorrow. I even squeezed in a blether with the Terrible Twosome - Mam and Judy. They should have their own TV show, like French and Saunders, or the Two Ronnies!!! I always, always come off skype with a big grin on my face after the two of them!

Anyway, I sat down here feeling a bit down and sorry for myself, so decided to have a wee look at what I'd been up to this time last year. Similar themes, clearing out, tidying, walking in the rain! But all positive!

That's the whole point, I hear you cry! And you'd be right! And I am now feeling a bit better than I was!

So, today I'm grateful to Grateful Gretta! She really does seem to be a glass half full kind of girl! Must take a few leaves out of her book!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Lovely lunch

K was in town this morning for a course, so not only did I get a lift right to the door of the shop this morning, but I got the unusual, and very rare pleasure of having lunch in town with my beloved.

We didn't have a lot of time, and we didn't go anywhere fancy, but it was lovely just to be able to sit and enjoy each others company for a short, uninterrupted while.

I think that sometimes I take my nearest and dearest for granted. I suppose on a day to day basis we all do. Today I was reminded of how important it is to stop and remember sometimes that the people closest to us are our greatest treasures, and should be treated as such.

So, today I am grateful for a few moments taken to remember just how full my treasure chest is.

Gratefully yours.
xx

Day of rest

Well, true to my word, I didn't waste my lovely extra morning on doing housework!

I had a lovely relaxing morning at the shops, just wandering...window shopping. I enjoyed my Costa treat - a chai latte and lemon tart. And then I came home, and other than a wee bit of tidying, I put my feet up and watched a film! I was then in fighting form for the afternoon with the kids, and an evening out, playing cards!

I have to admit to feeling a wee bit guilty at "wasting" my day....but only a wee bit!

We all deserve a treat from time to time. If you don't look after yourself, then how can you look after anyone else? That is an especially good point for my two wonderful, pregnant nieces to remember!

I'm at work tomorrow, then it'll be hard at it to get the house in shape for the weekend, so I'm glad I took the chance to relax when I could. And I'm very grateful for the morning off to do it!

Gratefully yours.
xx

The gift of time

I was given a gift today. An unexpected, and very much appreciated gift.

I was supposed to be working tomorrow morning, but the shop is going to be having an enforced power-cut from 9am till 1pm, so my services are not required!

Couldn't have planned it better myself!!

It's not so much the time off, as much as the unexpectedness of it! It really was like being handed a gift, all wrapped up in sparkly paper and a big bow.

Now, K was asking me if I intended carrying on with the Spring cleaning, but, as I explained to him, that would be sacrilege! You simply cannot waste the gift of a morning off on housework! That just wouldn't be right! So, I think it best just to relax and enjoy the morning. I feel that perhaps a visit to the shopping centre and Costa may be on the cards, but I will just take the morning as it comes and enjoy my wonderful gift!

I am, needless to say, very thankful today to the Electricity Supply Board for choosing tomorrow to do their essential maintenance!

Gratefully yours.
xx

The big clean up

The big clean up has begun.

Today the sitootrie got its annual spring-clean. Floor steam cleaned, windows washed (well, inside anyway)...even the seat covers got sent to the dry-cleaner. Books that have sat on the windowsill, unopened for the last year, were either thrown out or put in bags for the charity shop. Ornaments were washed (yes, washed...dusting just wouldn't cut it!) and candles were replaced.

Easy seeing it's nearly Burns Supper time!

But really, it's back to my old bug-bear...motivation. I actually love the push of having to do something. My self-motivation is practically non-existent, but give me a reason.......  It's probably why I tend to leave things till the last minute too. I need the push of the last minute pressure!!

So, today I find that I am thankful for having a reason!

I really do love it when the house is clean and tidy!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

The tree that wasn't

I was looking out the kitchen window this morning, well, okay, it was nearer lunch time 'cos I spent a large part of the morning in bed, reading my book! But, anyway, I was stood at the window looking out into the garden when I realised that the tree that stood in next doors garden, right against our mutual wall, at the bottom corner of our garden, had upped and gone!!!

It was the last of a line of eucalyptus trees that our neighbour has obviously got fed up with, and when I looked out my window, there it was gone...leaving in it's stead a messy twist of old, dead clematis and ivy with nowhere to go!

It's disappearance left  me with no other choice but to go out and tidy up the bottom corner of the garden!

Now, as with housework, I'm not much of a gardener, but once the welly-boots were on there was no stopping me! I ended up out there for an hour (a huge feat for me!) cutting back and tidying up all over the garden. And in the end I am very pleased with my hours work! I really feel like I achieved something.

So, today I am grateful for the tree that wasn't! It was the motivation I needed to get off my butt and do something useful!

Now, I'm off back to bed to read some more of my book!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Misty morning

My goodness, what a fog we had this morning! I have seldom driven in worse. Could hardly see beyond the bonnet of the car! It was actually quite scary!

I was working in Adare (about 25 minutes drive from home), and normally bomb down the motorway. But today I was crawling. Amazingly, a lot of the cars coming against me only had side lights on! I even saw one car (very fleetingly as it suddenly appeared then disappeared again) with no lights on! How stupid can you be!!!

Anyway, to the crux of my story...

As I was driving along the last bit of road into Adare, I was amazed by the fact that, although I could barely see the fields flanking the road, I could see beautiful blue sky above!! It looked quite strange and very beautiful.

So, today I am, once again, thankful for witnessing the beauty of the unexpected.

What a lovely way to start the day!

Gratefully yours.
xx

At the end of the day....

....it's good to know that I'll be going home to a nice warm house, a glass of chilled wine,  plenty of hugs, a dinner cooked with love, a comfy chair...did I mention the hugs?

I don't ever mind working a long day, because I know what will be waiting for me when I get home. And it's nice to catch up with what's been going on at home in my absence.

Today I am grateful, and very, very thankful for all of the above.

Gratefully yours.
xx

Proud Mammy

Today I am grateful for the kind words of Thomas's teacher.

I mean, I know what a fantastically gifted, intelligent, handsome, well behaved, socially adept son I have, but it's nice to hear it from someone else! (Not that she said he was handsome! That would just have been weird!!)

I do like going to parent/teacher meetings!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Grey day

What a contrast to yesterday!

This morning, as I drove to work, the sky was heavy and overcast. It was drizzling constantly - that soft, misty stuff that really gets you soaked. I wondered, as I drove along, nice and snug in my wee car, what the day would bring that I would be grateful for. I decided that, if all else failed, I could at least be grateful that the clouds had given us a cosy blanket, and the temperature was up a good bit from yesterday.

Before I started my blog, I checked my e-mails, and Facebook, as I usually do. Mags has a gorgeous photo up, with a caption that says the temperature with her was -6degrees at 4pm this afternoon. So, I guess I really am grateful for the grey, cloudy, drizzly and mild day we've had!

Mind you, as is evident from Mags's photo, there is something beautiful to be thankful for in the icy cold too!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Reflection

I love mornings like the one we had today.

Cold and bright, no wind, and high tide!

My walk by the river to work today was lovely. When the water is so high, and the sun and wind are in agreement, the river looks stunning. All the tall buildings and lights are reflected, and although you can still see the movement of the river as it flows, it is very serene and peaceful. It makes me feel the same.

It is also a reminder to slow down and clear the mind every now and then. Look at things with a clear and uncluttered mind.

Today I am grateful for the right conditions.

I wish it was high tide every morning!!! Still, once in a while (yes, I know it must be regular intervals, I've just not got round to working it out yet!!) is better then nothing.

Gratefully yours.
xx

Sanctuary

Oh, I love going to the hairdresser!

An hour of pampering and relaxation....and gorgeous hair at the end of it! What more could a girl ask for??

I always said that when I win the lottery (oh, yeah, I guess I'd better start buying tickets!) I will go to the hairdresser, or better still, have one come to me, every day. I love having someone else wash my hair and blow dry it! Who could possibly enjoy blow-drying their own hair???

But, needless to say, the chances of me winning the lottery are slim to none - as I said, they might be slightly higher if I ever bought a ticket!!

So, today, I am grateful for having two darling kids who love to play with my hair!

Okay, it's not quite the same thing, but it sure feels lovely (most of the time!!). On demand scalp massages! Bliss.

Gratefully yours.
xx

Singing in the rain

Well, we weren't exactly singing, but Meggie and I did go for a walk in the rain today.

Not intentionally though! It was dry when we left the house, as were we. By the time we were far enough away from the house to not make it worth while turning back, the heavens opened. Still we walked and chatted, even though we had to keep repeating ourselves, 'cos we both have fur-lined hoods, which made hearing each other rather difficult!

The swans, ducks and sea-gulls were particularly glad that we didn't turn back. We had ten rather enjoyable, and thankfully drier, minutes feeding said birds, watching the gulls catch the bread mid-air, and the ducks and swans vying for the bits that made it as far as the water.

We were absolutely drenched by the time we got home, but we were happy.

So today I think I'm grateful for not giving up at the first sign of rain!

I find it's very easy to give up at the first sign of trouble, but it is almost always worth pushing on regardless. In fact, it probably makes reaching the goal even more sweet. More satisfying. If it's worth having, it's worth working for.

Gratefully yours.
xx

The end of the week

It's the end of a busy week.

I like coming home from work on a Saturday evening. My dinner is handed to me on a plate (literally!) and I plonk myself down for the evening in front of the telly. Pure and utter switch-off-ness! And this wonderful state of mindless bliss will, hopefully, last for another 24 hours....oh, no....just remembered about the housework I didn't get round to during the week!!!

Okay, so maybe I can get off with an hour or so in the morning. I can draw up a roster, and delegate! Now that sounds like a plan!! A room each, maybe. Bags-I the living room! It's the tidiest! Seriously though, it should work....except that the kids will end up only doing their own rooms ('cos that'll take them most of the day!), which leaves the rest of the house to be split between K and me! Yeah....this plan may need some more work!

But, in the spirit of switched-off-ness, I refuse to think about it any more tonight!!!

Today I am thankful for periods of blissful nothingness, which, of course, are not really nothingness at all. They are full of relaxation and rejuvenation....and mindless telly!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Down time

It's been a busy week.

It was nice just to come home this afternoon and know that I didn't have to go gallivanting taking the kids anywhere, there was no homework, and no plans for this evening. So, just time to chill. Fish and chips shoved into the oven for tea, and Bob's you uncle.

I've enjoyed the working this week, and I think I've managed (more or less) to keep on top of the housework too....if you count all the bits and pieces that I intend to do on Sunday!!!

Not thinking about going back to work full-time any time soon though!!!

Today I am grateful for the right balance!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Down to earth

Sometimes you just have to be grateful for the obvious...

Today I am grateful that my car passed it's NCT (MOT) test!

No having to organise a visit to the garage to have something fixed. No re-organising an appointment to have it re-tested. No worrying if it will pass second time around!!

Yes, I have definitely come down to earth with a bang, and am being very practical today. But, what can I say, anything that eases the worries and stresses of normal life!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Pushing the boundaries

I did something this evening that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I went out to play cards with a group of people who, bar one, I didn't know.

It's a bit like meeting the in-laws extended family at a wedding - you know the people to see them, have probably met once or twice at similar events, but you don't really know them. These card sharps are the "other friends" of one of our close group of friends!

I had suggested at Christmas time that I might like to join the group to play cards, but it was really in jest (and a little influenced by too much wine!), but I was taken up on it and invited to join them tonight! So I did, and I enjoyed myself immensely. It was actually really refreshing to be with a new group of people, with different interests and points of view. Now, I certainly didn't talk myself hoarse, but I did listen and I did laugh, and I did have fun! I also did pretty well at the cards!!!

So, today I am grateful for pushing boundaries.

My zone of comfort is now a bit wider than it was....more space to dance in now!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Basic instincts

How often do you listen to your instincts? How often do you even recognise them as such?

I know that a lot of the time I ignore mine, or don't even notice them...ever get that "I knew I should've done that!" feeling?

Today I listened, and heard, and followed my instincts.

I'm not saying it was deliberate! But I knew it as soon as I did it, if you know what I mean!

I took a different route back to the car at lunch-time, after work. Something just said "don't go that way...take a different way!". So I did. And along that route there were gardens full of snow-drops and crocuses. And the trees lining the road were, wonderfully, hung with all shapes and sizes of bird-feeders! Someone who lives on the street had obviously taken the time (and a very tall step ladder!) to hang them up, and the effect was beautiful! I only actually noticed when I looked to see why I could hear so many birds singing! What a lovely thing to open your curtains to in the morning! (If you live in the middle of a city!!). And what a lovely way to lift your flagging spirits in the middle of the day!

I guess it's all about making the best of what you've got. (Didn't I say something recently about pigs ears and silk purses??).

Anyway, today I am grateful for my instincts, and where they lead me.

I shall endeavour to listen and hear them more often. And I have no doubt that a little bit of mindfulness will help in that quest!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

The first day back

What a yucky morning it was. Cold, wet and very dark! It was like the middle of the night as we headed off to school!

The kids, however were full of the joys of the first day back!

They got up at the first asking - and earlier than usual, as requested by themselves! Thomas wanted to have a shower, and Megan wanted a bit longer, awake in her bed to come to herself! They both made their own lunches(!!!!!) and were dressed, breakfasted and ready to go about 15 minutes earlier than usual!!!

Meggie had no homework today, but Thomas came in and did his without any fuss or bother. Lunches were eaten completely, and empty boxes left by the sink for me to wash. What I really want to know is, who came in last night and stole away my children and left me with these two angels in their place!!!

Today I am thankful for first day enthusiasm.

Anyone care to bet on how long it will last??? My guess is about two days, if I'm lucky! Still, on the positive hand....they are very kindly breaking me into normal routine, gently!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Round two

Well, here we are into year two of living gratefully and positively.

I plan to read back my posts from last year as well as keeping up with writing new ones every day. My goodness...I'll be so positive that I'll be positively glowing!!!

Today, however, I am grateful to have got my house back to normal.

Don't misunderstand me...I love the Christmas tree and lights and all the rest of the palaver, but I do like to see the house back to normal after the season is over. It almost feels minimalistic by comparison!!! And tidy!!!

It actually makes me feel like doing an early Spring clean so that the whole house looks like that!! But don't worry....I'm working a lot over the next few weeks, so the feeling is bound to pass!!!

And now my bed is calling me.....I'm nearly finished my book, and it's a cracker!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

I love lemon

Oh yes!!! Costa have got their lemon tarts back after a 3 month absence!!

We went shopping and coffeeing en famille today. Nice treat as I seem to end up working most Saturdays.

The highlight, of course, (well, for me anyway!) was the Costa stop. And I was delighted to see my favourite ever lemon tart back on the menu.

I am now calmly serene, relaxed and ready for the year ahead. All is right with the world once more!

Today I am grateful for the return of the tart.

I mean to say, it really doesn't take much to keep me happy, does it!!!

I would just like to acknowledge the fact that I began my blog on the 5th January 2012. So, my (first) year of living positively is over! 365 posts!!! Who'd a thunk it????

But, never fear...I'm on a roll and have no intention of stopping now!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Hugs galore

Today I am grateful for all the mountains of hugs I've had over the last couple of weeks, while Meggie and Thomas have been on holiday.

Thomas loves to give hugs early in the morning (or not so early!) when I wake him up, and when there's no one else around.

Megan can just suddenly decide that she "needs a hug!!!" any place, any time! And, boy, are they hugs worth getting!

It makes every day worth while.

Long, long, long may it last!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

The ultimate dinner

OMG!!!

I've cracked it, at last!

Both of my children not only ate their dinner...but they both told me it was delicious! Thomas even went as far as to say it's his new favourite dinner!!

When culinary delight did I conjure up, I hear you ask!

I made home-made beef-burgers, and served it with chips topped with garlic mayo and cheese. Just like Supermacs, only better!!

And, d'ye know what??? It made my day! I had four happy campers at the table and a huge sense of achievement!

Today I am grateful for those clean plates!!!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Thank you

I've had a be nice to me day.

I sat for most of the morning watching a TV adaptation of Jayne Eyre. I really must go out and buy those classic books again...you know the ones - Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, Emma. All of them made great TV films (most, if not all of which I have on DVD!).

I did feel guilty for a while. Well, poor K is back at work again, as are most of the country! But then I thought, well, I'm on holiday! No use being on holiday if I can't sit and enjoy a film!

Megan and I also made some cards today.

We spent most of the afternoon at the kitchen table surrounded with stuff! What fun!

We were making Thank You cards, for Thomas and herself to send, but is was a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

Today I am grateful for a day well spent.

And may I take this opportunity to say......

...a great big THANK YOU to you all for reading my blog all year and keeping me going!

Gratefully yours.
xx

Welcome to another year

Well, here we are in 2013.

And 361 days into my year of positivity!

So I am going to stride purposefully, head held high, into the new year.

 I shall endeavour to see the silver lining in every cloud and make every sow's ear into a silk purse.

Today I am grateful for today.

May there be many more of them so that I can continue to practice positivity.

And, who knows, it might become a habit!!!.

Gratefully yours.
xx

Ring out the bells

I have wonderful memories of Hogmanay when I was growing up.

The big parties, going from house to house till the wee small hours, in the snow! I guess the snow wasn't every year, but in my mind it was!

I loved to see all the adults, who were normally quiet and....adult-like...laughing and dancing and having fun.

I loved it when, at midnight, everything else stopped and everyone hugged and kissed and clinked their glasses to see in the New Year in style.

It's much quieter now that I am one of the adults. The party we go to is much smaller and full of discussion and meaningful conversation. No dancing, but we do laugh and we do have fun.

I wonder how Thomas and Megan will remember it in 30 years time!!!

New Year can be a sad time, as we close the door firmly behind us. We can't go back.

But we can move forward. And we can take on new challenges, and make new memories.

Today I am grateful for all the people I have known and loved, who made me who I am today.

I wish peace, joy and fulfilment to all those I love, in 2013.

Gratefully yours.
xx