Time Flies

(A Google image search for 'time flies' brings up some really cool clocks.)

Valentine's Day already? This year is going so quickly - it is a little scary, actually.

At the moment, my husband and I are living in a caravan in my parent's front yard. It isn't as bad as it sounds. We have been here a month already, and it is actually going really well. We take turns cooking (based on who is busy and who feels like cooking), and we all help out with things like the dishes and the laundry. 

I think it is sometimes a bit scary for Julian, living with his in-laws, as he keeps seeing them do all sorts of things that I do a lot. Mind you, he does things like this:

Hahahahaha! I love it!

Mind you, I don't think it compares with my 80's hair and make-up:

So yes... back to what I was talking about. 

This year is a bit weird. We have no house, we are not planning on looking for one, and we are fine with that. We think we will be in the caravan until approximately the start of May, by which time we will no doubt be very happy to leave as autumns are not particularly warm here in Tasmania.

Speaking of Tasmania, the other day I saw it referred to as a country of its own (it is, in reality a state of Australia) and it was spelt 'Tazmania'. It was pretty funny. And disturbing.

I am going to do some knitting and eat the chocolates my husband gave me. It seems he likes me 'cuddly'. At least I can rest in peace knowing millions of other women are also eating chocolate today - or are you strong enough to resist? ;)

Happy (Belated) New Year!

I'm a bit late to the party, I know, but I really must wish you all a happy and fulfilling 2012!

This year has already been busy, though also very relaxed. We were away camping with friends from the 31st of December to the 3rd of January, and I feel like I've only just settled back in at home (probably because I've been on an uncharacteristc cleaning and organising splurge!).

The beautiful Gunns Plains, where we camped.

Now, I didn't even think of making any resolutions until a couple of days ago, but (truth be told) I don't usually make them anyway, because I don't like setting myself up to fail. So instead of listing my resolutions, here's a list of some 2012 firsts!

Firsts for 2012 so far:

- First celebration: My 26th birthday!

- First sunburn: Julian, though his wasn't as bad as mine, which I got the next day

- First bug photographed: Dragonfly - it flew past and landed right by me!

- First alcoholic beverage: merlot/baileys in milk (I was sort of alternating between them)

- First cooked meal: Eggs and bacon for a camping breakfast

Bacon clothesline!

- First crochet project started: Tiny Whale, pattern courtesy of PlanetJune.

- Books: first finished = Princess Charming; first started = A Woman's Place

- First movie session: Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chipwrecked, followed by Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (this was rather fantastic!) 

- First in-joke: POPPIES!!!

These are the opium kind - Tasmania is a huge exporter of these.

Records in 2012:

- I've worn a skirt everyday this year! My legs are looking a bit wonderful :D

- Rose early every morning while camping: 7am, 5am (!), 8am (this is later as we were exhausted from the early start the day before... air mattresses with leaks are NOT fun).

- Went as far along the north-west coast of Tasmania that I've ever been: Table Cape.

Table Cape Lighthouse

Stuff that has excited me so far:

- Swam in the same river my dad learnt to swim in (the Leven River, north Tasmania).

The Leven River, my husband, and two children who are not ours (though I boss them around heaps!)

- Visiting the Gunns Plains Caves (glow worms!)

"Bacon" - very cool cave fomation, the colours are from minerals.

And, Oh! I've decided to list my (very general) resolutions for this year after all:

1. Work hard but don't strive;

2. Be restful and peaceful but not lazy; and, most importantly,

3. Do everything with diligence and a happy heart (give, work, serve, create and play with joy!)

What are some of your firsts for 2012? What are some of your resolutions?

10 Things A Dog Would Teach

*** In an effort to get rid of random bits of paper, I'm turning them into blog posts. The upside? A lasting record and I get to share them with all of you!***

10 Things you would learn if your teacher was a dog:

1)  When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

2) Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3) Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Image from here.

4) Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

5) Stretch before rising (it really gets you energized, believe it or not!).

6) Run, romp and play daily.

7) On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass, and on hot days drink lots of water and rest under a shady tree.

 Image from here.

8) When it is in your best interest, practice obedience.

9) Be loyal.

10) When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Okay, this picture is just funny... it is from here.

10 Ways to Enjoy Life More

Everyone wants to get the most out of life. We all want to live better and more fulfilling lives. We also all like to be given clues as to how to live life to the fullest. Considering this, here are my 10 suggestions (with a slightly Christian flavour) for enjoying life more:

1. Practice being kind in words and actions. Do random acts of kindness.

2. Slow down and relax. Things will still get done but the stress will be gone.

3. Whenever you make a shopping list, follow it by making a gratitude list.

4. Pray, read your Bible and other inspiring/challenging books and play uplifting music.

5. Make a list of small pleasures (even making daisy chains :). Do them.

6. Limit movies and tv watching as it can make you feel dissatisfied and when done in excess it wastes your valuable time.

7. Love. Develop your friendships and make intimate moments and new memories with loved ones.

8. Experience the world God made. At night time stand outside and gaze at the stars. (But avoid gazing at the sun!)

9. Focus. Put yourself completely into everything you do.

10. Drink better and less. (This was the closing line of the speech given at my graduation.)

Do you have any sage advice to add? :)