LSNED: September 30

Well I made it to the end of September.  Go me!  It's been a fun journey to go through the month being more aware of what's going on around me, and thinking more about my environment and circumstances.  I think it's made a lasting change on my outlook, that I'll take with me into the years to come.

Today I love that Em came home from being with mum and dad for 2 nights, and she really missed me!  She's been all cuddly, wanting to be with me every minute.  So sweet!

And so, my last lesson for the month is that absence really does make the heart grow fonder!

LSNED: September 29

And so we're nearing the end of the month and the journey to learn something new everyday! 

I got stuck at work late tonight, dealing with a problem that shouldn't have happened.  By the time I got home, I really didn't feel like doing anything, or even having dinner.  Luckily with Em being away, it didn't matter whether I cooked or not.  Aidan was able to look after himself!

Today I learnt that every once in a while it is nice to not have to be responsible for anyone but me!

LSNED: September 28

We're right in the middle of school holidays, and I have to work tomorrow and Friday, so Emma has gone to stay with my parents for a couple of nights.  When I picked Aidan up from the station tonight, he said, let's go out for dinner!  It was a nice surprise!

Today I learnt that doing something spontaneous makes you feel good!

LSNED: September 27

Today I learnt that there's a bit of geek in all of us.  Never judge a book by its cover!

LSNED: September 25

It's been a miserable cold Sunday in Sydney again today.  We've had a lovely sleep in, I've read the papers over my cereal and a warm cup of cappuccino, and this afternoon we've played family games on the Wii and Playstation.  It's just been one of those lovely relaxing days.

Today I learnt that I need to take more time out to just relax and enjoy family time together.

LSNED: September 24

Today I realised that my eyesight really is getting worse.  I've been too vain to go to the eye doctor, but I've now been shown that a visit *MUST* really happen sooner rather than later!  Oh well!

LSNED: September 23

I've had an incredibly long day at work today.  Walked in the door a little after eight, and still had to get dinner on the table!

Today I learnt that I should remind myself that work will always be there tomorrow!  I shouldn't forget to leave at a decent time, to be home with my family at the end of the week!

LSNED: September 22

It's been a rough day.

Today I learnt that you need to let go of those who bring you down and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you.

LSNED: September 21

So we're having a foosball competition at work!  Now, I'm not really a foosball sort of girl, but we have basically been told we don't have a choice.  I've never played before, and so today I went and had a practice with some of the boys before the competition actually starts.  Well turns out I am quite good at it.  I managed to stop 4 goals, and set up a couple of goals for my colleague.  And I actually had some fun while playing.  Which leads me to today's lesson.

Today I learnt, don't have regrets!  Participate in things which are outside your comfort zone.  You never know how much you might enjoy yourself!

LSNED: September 19

I spent the day going through some old magazines and books, and having a massive purge of the ones I no longer want or need.  It's amazing how cathartic such a simple thing is.

Today I learnt that letting go is cleansing for the soul.

LSNED: September 18

We've had a nice family day out today, shopping for a new oven and a sofa bed for the spare room.  We had no luck on either, I'm sad to say!  I had to bribe Emma to come by promising a visit to Krispy Kreme Donuts which is her favourite.  But they're not mine I'm afraid!  They look nice and tasty when they are in the box, but I find them incredibly sickly, to the point of making me want to throw up!  Still, every time I take her, she convinces me that I need to have one!  Today's lesson is a good reminder not to be swayed again!

Today I learnt that you should never be talked in to doing something, when you know the outcome will not make you feel good!  LOL!

LSNED: September 17

Oh My Goodness!  What an awesome day in Sydney today!  Spring has really arrived, with temps up around 28 degrees where I live!  It really makes me feel good when the weather is nice.

We've been to the airport today to wish our friends a bon voyage on their big family holiday to Europe.  It's the first time they have travelled such a long way as a family, and I think I was just as excited as them.  They are travelling to Singapore, Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Euro Disney, London and Bangkok on the way home - a 4 week adventure that I wish I was going on with them!  Maybe next time.

Today I am reminded that it is only 1 week until the next school holiday break.  We all need it so much.  We are thinking of taking a quick trip to Canberra to see the Floriade.  But even if we don't, just being able to sleep in, catch up and slow down will be so nice!  Taking a break is needed to recharge the batteries!

LSNED: September 16

I found out today that one of my favourite designers and friend is giving up designing to concentrate on her family, and to be able to get time back to concentrate on what pleases her most...scrapping.   And that led me to today's lesson.

Today I learnt, that sometimes we just have to take a step back and review what's happening in life.  Don't be afraid to make choices based on what pleases you, rather than what others think is right.

LSNED: September 15

Goodness me....half way through the month, and still going strong.  When I signed on for this class I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm amazed that when you actually focus on what is happening in your life and what is going on around you during the day, it is amazing at the lessons you learn.  Even the simple things give you an opportunity to learn.  Some lessons are new, some are reminders of things you've forgotten, or put to the back of your mind.  This course has made me listen more, and I am trying to take more time to reflect and think about things.  I am certainly more observant.

So on to today's lesson.  Today I learnt that life really is full of new learning experiences.  You just have to be open to learning.!

LSNED: September 14

I've got a new banner!  Nice, isn't it!  Thanks Shimelle.


Today I was filled with happiness for my daughter!  She's had a really rough year!  There has been bullying at school (which finally seems to be settling down), and she's had a planter wart on her foot since March that just won't go away...despite serious actions by both the doctor and podiatrist.  Add to that the usual bouts of colds and Asthma and it's a year I'm looking forward to being behind us in many ways!

I had been invited to her school assembly to watch  her being presented with her Silver Badge for good behaviour!  They need to get 25 ticks on their behaviour card to move from Green to Bronze, and another 25 ticks to move from Bronze to Silver, so she has done well to make silver by September, as ticks are quite hard to come by.


Anyway, as I arrived, she was already up on the stage being presented with another surprise award.  It was the class merit award for being a good role model.  How awesome is that!


And when she came home from school, she told me she has been nominated as a prefect for next year!  WOW....three good news stories in one day!  I'm just so delighted for her.  It's the boost she has needed for a long time.


Today's I learnt that watching my daughter's pride in her achievements is worth more than anything in the world.

LSNED: September 13

Today I learnt that a true friend doesn't care when you're broke, being a bitch, what you weigh, if you don't see them for months, if your house is a mess, what you drive, about your past, or if your family is filled with crazy people. Your conversations pick up where they left off, even if they have been years apart. They love you ... for who you are.

LSNED: September 12

I caught up with a special friend today for coffee.  She is a 2 times survivor of breast cancer, and is now dealing with the cancer she has in her liver, bones and lungs.  She is not in remission, but the cancer that looked like it would take her life about a year ago, has stopped growing, and is buying her some additional time.

As a young mum of 2 growing boys, and godmother to my own daughter, I have watched her deal with insurmountable pain, and the threat that her young life will be cut short!  Yet, she is strong, has a wonderful sense of humour, and is one of the most positive people I know.  I love her dearly, and seeing her today reminded me of a super important lesson.

No matter what life throws at you, and how bad things may be, remain strong and positive.  There is always someone who is suffering and dealing with more than you!

LSNED: September 11

Today I learnt that no matter how many years pass, I will remember 11.09.01 just like it was yesterday. May those who lost their lives RIP. May the tragedies of that day never, ever happen again!

Source

LSNED: September 10

We've had the most awful day weather-wise in Sydney today.  It's September, yet today was more like  the middle of winter.  I think the temperature got to only 15 degrees...and we've all been back in our winter clothes.  We've had soup for lunch, and jacket potatoes for dinner....that gives you an idea of how cold it is.  It's been one of those days to stay inside, and do absolutely nothing!  But we've had fun just being together. 

Today I learnt that it is OK just to have fun hanging around at home...enjoying each other's company.  Watching movies and playing games.  And that a tickle and a good belly laugh is the BEST!

LSNED: September 09

Today I am thankful for such awesome neighbours.

In fact we are good neighbours to each other!  So rare these days.  They come in for coffee/tea nearly every Saturday.  They let us borrow their car when we need to.  We look after each other's dogs when we're out.  They give us help on the computer.  We lend them gardening tools.  They offer advice...even when it's not wanted...LOL!  We're so very lucky to have each other!