Another Night Hike

Ross and I went up to Shep again last night.  This time we decided to do our usual track in reverse.  That way as we came down the last big hill we would have the twinkling lights of Adelaide in front of us instead of to our backs.  It was a beautiful night.  We ended up just in t-shirts.  The steep down we usually walk became a steep up.  And I mean steep!  I had no idea it was such a steep hill.  LOL  It is amazing how different your perception is depending on if you are going up or down.

It normally takes us an hour and a half or so to do our track.  On Sunday, because we kept stopping for photos and to look at the birds, it took nearly 2 hours.  Last night we did it in 1 hour 10 minutes.  I have no idea how or why.  It didn't feel as though we were going faster.  And believe me, I had to stop several times going up.  But it took a lot less time.

I have been loading my back pack with books and things to start creating weight when we hike, but soon I will have to start doing the hikes with my full kit on so I get used to it.  I am a bit wary about how the weight will go, but I need to do it.

My ankle held up really well.  It was twinge-ing at the end, so I iced it when we got home and it feels good now.  I have decided not to even attempt to run until after the hike.  I am not risking an injury.  Once we get back I will start running again.

xox

Busy Weekend

I had a great and busy weekend.  It started Friday night with dinner at Mum's.  Well, the real reason I went was to raid her fabric stash, but dinner was an added bonus!  :o)  I grabbed a whole heap of fabric ready to start my hexagon quilt.  I have been planning this quilt for a couple of years, so it is going to be great to actually get started.  We had a great night catching up.

Saturday morning I got stuck into finishing the last knitted square for the the blanket.  I knitted while watching Season 1 of Charmed on DVD.  A great morning.

Around lunch time Ross & I headed out for our hike.  It was a stunning day.  No rain for the first time in a week, and we even saw the sun!  My foot hurt a little going up the hill, although I found going backward helped with that.  Besides, going backwards I got to watch this amazing view unfold before my eyes.

The stitching together of the panorama isn't great (it gets bigger if you click on it), but you can get an idea of how high we climbed and what we could see.

This is Ross right at the top.  Those teeny tiny building in the background sticking up is the city of Adelaide.

There were birds galore out in force and it was just stunning.

Going back down made my foot hurt a tiny bit, but it wasn't too bad.  We got to the point where Ross likes to turn off, however we couldn't get across.

At least, I wasn't prepared to since I don't have waterproof army boots!  (For some reason Blogger won't let me put that photo in the right way up, sorry about the side view...)

We made it round in a couple of hours and had a great time.  I was thinking of going again, but my ankle was a bit twinge-y so I decided to stop there.  I got home and put my foot on an ice pack for a couple of hours while I finished knitting.  The ice pack seemed to really help, and it is feeling good now.

I got the last square done and laid out the blanket how I am going to put it together.  I meant to take a pic of it all laid out, but I forgot.  Sorry about that.

Sunday morning I went to the local quilt shop with Di to get the backing for the blanket.  I got a nice deep red with a black curly line pattern on it.  It will look sensational.  I spent the rest of the day alternating between sewing the blanket together and baking cookies.  I really enjoyed the whole day.

Tonight Ross & I are heading back up to Shep to do another walk.  We leave in 7 weeks, so I need to walk as much as possible in that time.  Either hiking or just walking in general.

xox

It's Daffodil Day!

Feeling Crafty

I haven't worked on any of my craft projects for ages, and I am currently feeling the crafty bug.  First things first, I need to finish the knitted blankets.  I laid them out and realised the size I was going for is just going to be too small.  So I have a couple of choices here.  I can knit for another year to get enough squares to make them big enough, or I can combine what I have and make one good sized blanket.

One blanket won.  That was the original plan but Ross wanted his own.  I have now convinced him that we can share one good sized blanket and snuggle under it together.  So I counted up my squares and I am 2 squares short.  Well, I was.  I finished another one last night.  So now I only need to do one more square and I can put it together.  YAY!

The other reason I want to finish it (other than I am sick of knitting squares) is that I have not done any quilting for ages.  I have been planning my first hand quilt for a few years (I usually work by machine) and have decided it it time to start.  All my fabric is at Mums so I am heading over there tonight to start picking colours.  I am doing a hexagon quilt and I want it to look like a field of flowers.  This project will probably take me a couple of years (especially the speed I work and how often I get distracted) but I don't mind.  I am looking forward to getting started on it.

I walked again this morning.  And I am feeling better for it.  Tomorrow Ross & I are going hiking.  Just to Shepherds Hill, but it will be good.  The plan is to do 2 loops which should take us a few hours.  It's hard to judge distance, but at a guess I would say 6-7 kms.  I am looking forward to it, and the hills will be a real test for my foot.

I hope everyone has a magnificent weekend.

xox

Question Day!

1)  What was the last exercise you did?

2)  What is your favourite thing to make with a tortilla?

3)  What is the last movie you watched?

4)  Do you like the heat?  If not, how do you deal with it?

5)  Is there something you do every day to be environmentally friendly?

xox

Funny Thing

It is pouring here today - alternating between just heavy rain and thunderstorms and hail.  So my co-worker and I got a chuckle when we saw this across the road.

Yep, the window washer is cleaning the windows in the pouring rain.  But it got funnier when he got the chamois out and started trying to dry them....  LOL

xox

Checking in for the deserved butt kicking...

Mel, I got your last comment.  You wanna kick butt so here I am...  Last night my boss drove me home.  It was freezing cold and I only had a thin jacket with me.  Considering I have been coughing and snuffling and he doesn't want me out sick, he drove me.  When I got home the house was filled with the smell of freshly baking scones...  I admit it.  I succumbed to the temptation and stayed in and ate.

This morning was storming.  Wild and windy and pouring.  But I got a lift in so that as long as it calms down (and it is meant to) I can walk tonight.

I'm sorry Mel.  I promise to do better...

xox

I Wanna Run...

OMG - I actually want to run!  This just came up over me.  My foot is not ready yet though.  I caught the tram to work today so I have walked 2 kms this morning and I will walk that again tonight.  The foot is okay, as in it is not hurting but I can 'feel' it if that makes sense.  My legs are greatly improved from yesterdays garden soreness, and this mornings walk was great.  I haven't done that in weeks and gee I can feel the difference.

But I want to run again.  I need to let this heal though.  Our hike is in 2 months (a bit less actually) and this injury has seriously gotten in the way of training.  I need to walk as much as possible in the next couple of weeks so I can hit some hill training in the lead up.  Otherwise we won't be going until next year.  :o(

So the goal for the next 7 days is to walk every day.  Even if it is just 2 kms in the morning and 2 at night.  I have to walk.  Butt kicking is required if i don't do it.  :o)

xox

Food and Gardening

Sunday morning saw us all troop down to the local Farmers Market.  It was an absolutely glorious day.  I even took my jacket off while we were there and walked around in a T shirt!  Spring must be on its way!  I forgot to take my camera which I am regretting because the colours and sights (as well as the amazing smells) were phenomenal.  We stocked up on some amazing in season veggies.  Bought some honey and fresh bread.  And finished the morning with a Bush Tucker ice cream.  This ice cream is to die for.  If you're ever in Adelaide and get the chance to try it, I highly recommend it.

From the Farmers Marker we went to Bunnings to get a few extra things for our gardening adventures.  Gardening lasted all afternoon.

This is what we started with

We started by scooping the top layer with the grass off

We then filtered this dirt getting as much of the grass and roots out as possible so we could reuse as much as possible.  The dirt is amazing rich and filled with lovely juicy worms which is sensational.

We had help from the Overseer of Operations

And our Site Supervisor

It took a few hours but finally the patch was ready

You can't see it yet but we have planted Snow peas, Dwarf Peas, Carrots, Bok Choy, Silverbeet, and in the tubs are mixed lettuces.  We also planted strawberries, but they are out the back.

We were amazingly lucky to have such a brilliant day for it.  The sun shone all day.  Half the street were out working in their gardens with their dogs running around.  It was a really fantastic day.  Half the patch is still empty and we are going to put in capsicums, zucchinis and pumpkin in the next month or so.  We also have a second tub ready for more lettuce.  We are going to sow it 4 weeks apart so we have a longer crop of it.  Honestly, we don't know a huge amount about gardening, but we will learn.

After gardening I went inside and made a big pot of green veg soup for tonights dinner (I always prefer soup the second day) using the most amazing fresh veg from the market.  When the soup was dine I worked on last nights dinner.

It started with Spinach pasta.  I got this from the Central Market.  Completely organic and home made.  

I served the pasta with garlic butter.  We also had mixed lettuce with a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing.

And a dark crusty rye bread from the Farmers Market

It was delicious.  

This morning I find myself in agony.  Not only is my foot (again, I am sure it is the tendon next to the Achilles that is the problem) killing me, but 4 hours of gardening have taken their toll on my legs and walking is painful! LOL.

No Daily Tarot today as I forgot my cards.  I'l bring them tomorrow.

xox

Writing Workshop

I have spent today at a Writing Workshop. It has been fantastic. Basically it was about learning different writing exercises and ways to expand your writing ability and widen your field of writing experience. We also got lots of tips for breaking through writers block (oh how I hate that term) plus ways to find things to write about when you want to write but can't think of anything. Some of the exercises were similar to the ones I got from the Children's Picture Book course I did a few months ago, but a lot of them were brand new.

The best thing I find from doing these courses and workshops is that I walk away, not only feeling inspired and motivated, but also with snippets that I can turn into something down the track. A few things that came out today during the exercises I will work on developing. A few can also go straight to the bin! :o)

The last exercise was awesome. I got some really great stuff out of it, and feel as though I really extended myself. It felt so great to be writing randomly and free form again. I need to make free writing part of my writing again. I'm looking forward to doing the exercises and practicing my craft. I'm sure it will improve my novel and my children's stories.

In other news, tonight Ross and I are meant to be going on a night hike. I say meant to because my Achilles (actually I am pretty sure it is the tendons next to the Achilles and not the Achilles itself that is the problem) is really painful today. It probably has a lot to do with running through the city in the rain last night (thanks for that Em) :o) When I get home (this is coming from my phone on the tram) I will ice it, put it up and take some Nurofen, and hopefully I will be fine to go tonight. Tomorrow is farmers market and gardening day, both of which I am really excited about.

xox

Organic Gardener

I am going to become a true organic gardener. I went and got this magazine this morning. I have joined the Diggers Club. And I plan on growing what I can. It is hard because we don't have our own place right now, but my MIL is more than happy for us to start a garden at her place. When we move out she will maintain it and we'll still get veggies.

Sunday, after a morning visit to the farmers markets, we are going to start the garden. Depending on what seeds we can get we are going to start with some of the following:
Capsicum
Parsnip
Broccoli
Carrots
Lettuce
Zucchini

I can't wait until we are eating our own beautiful veggies. We already have our own herbs growing that my Mum got started for us, so this will be a fantastic expansion on that.

Stay tuned for more on this topic.

xox

Food Inc

Last night Ross & I sat sown to watch Food Inc.  Thankfully we waited until AFTER dinner to put it on...  Now I know that I am in Australia, not the US where this was filmed, but it still spoke to me.  Firstly, I am glad I am a vegetarian.  Lately I have been toying with the idea of the occasional meat meal, mainly because I have been craving fish & chips or roast chicken & chips.  That craving is gone.  Well and truly.

I knew the treatment of many of these animals was appalling, I had already made the switch to organic free range meat where possible (although it is a very expensive way to eat and not something we could always afford) but I had no idea of the drastic conditions they were kept in some place (actually in a lot of places).  And this treatment is not just encouraged by the massive companies that are buying the produce, in many cases it is mandated by them!

But it is not just the meat industry.  The entire food industry needs an overhaul.  Ross & I have been toying with the idea of a veggie garden for ages.  Time to stop toying and start growing.  We also often miss the local Farmers Market and buy our veg from the supermarket.  No more.  We need to be a lot more aware of what we are putting into our bodies.

I was so appalled by so much of this movie that I probably missed some bits.  I will watch it again I think.  I also want to find out how I can find out more about the Australian food industry to see if it is as appalling as the US.  I will need to start researching.  And I WILL start thinking more about the foods I buy.  Aiming for Australian grown and produced as much as possible, and fresh fruit and veg - from the markets.

I think the timing of this was something that was 'meant to be'.  I have been feeling more and more like I need to refocus on my food but the whole calorie counting thing was getting me down.  This is a way I can refocus and bring good whole foods back into my life without worrying about calories for now.  If I concentrate on the quality of my food, I am hoping the rest will follow.

Daily Tarot

Knight of Pentacles
This card represents someone in your life who is dependable and hard working.  They are resourceful, and thrifty.  Good with money.  Organised to the point of annoying.  A bit of a loner.  Can even verge on dull or stubborn.  If you draw this card you are asked to recognise who this person is on your life.  Is it you?  Or someone close to you?  Listen to what they have to say as they have a message for you.

xox

New Groups and Question Day

I had an awesome night last night, although I am well and truly exhausted today.  It was an incredibly late night for me, and we were one of the first ones to leave!  We got there dead on 7, and I didn't want to be one of the first ones there so I made Ross wait in the car with me for 10 minutes or so.  I was so nervous.  I actually said to Ross while we were in the car that we should turn around and go home, but he wouldn't let me.  :o)

So we made our way in, found the group right away (from the telltale E.T. DVD sitting on the table which is their 'call sign' to new members) and felt right at home right away.  Everyone was so friendly and we had people to talk to all night.  I came away exhausted but happy, and hope that we can get there for next months catch up as well.

So, on to Question Day

1) If food had no calories or fat what would your favorite dessert be?
2) Did you ever have anything stolen from you?? Did you get it back? 3) What was the last film you saw at the cinema? 
4) Do you always wear your seat belt? 
5) What do you do to make your water more appetizing?

Daily Goals

1) Try and stay awake for the whole work day

2) Drink water

3) Do NOT buy chocolate

4) Actually tidy my desk today

5) Try and stay awake (yes I know I said that twice, but I feel it needs reinforcing.

Daily Tarot

Page of Wands

The Page of Wands indicates creative restlessness, pent up energy, and perhaps some frustration.  She has passion and desire, but she isn't quite sure how to put it to good use.  This is someone on the verge of a discovery or a new phase of life. The Page also represents messages, in this case something possibly about career, travel, or even something spiritual.

xox

New People

Tonight Ross and I are going to a new Meetup Group.  I found this group through the same place as I found the Book Club.  It is called MeetUp and it is a worldwide website designed to get people meeting each other.  It has groups for just about every topic all over the place.

Anyway, tonights group is a meetup of people who are interested in the Paranormal and Unexplained.  It is up in the Adelaide Hills and both Ross and I are interested and are planning on going.  I am really nervous about it.  Mainly because it is a big(ish) group of people who all seem to know each other already.  Ross and I are the only new people going.  Plus I am a bit scared that I won't understand what people are talking about as some of the topics they discuss are things I have never heard of.  But Ross will be with me so I am sure I will be fine.

Daily Goals
1)  Drink water (this has been sadly lacking)
2)  Take my vitamins
3)  Eat better than yesterday
4)  Be brave and actually go tonight
5)  Tidy my desk because it is getting pretty overcrowded

Daily Tarot

4 of Cups
This card represents self-absorption, apathy and boredom.  You have been disappointed by somebody or something and now you are emotionally stuck.  You don't like what is in front of you and you can't be bothered to look further than your own brooding mind.  It is a shame because if you listen to the voice of wisdom you will look up and see that what you need is not that far away.

xox

Tarot Bits

Last night I did my first ever Tarot reading for someone else.  It was a whole lot of fun.  I went to my friend Emma's house and we played with the cards.  Ross came as well.  We did an overall spread for each of them and then they each got to ask some questions.  Some of the results were scary accurate.  I had to refer to the book a few times, but overall I was pleased with how much I knew right off.  It was heaps of fun.

Not much going on today.  My Achilles is still playing up so I haven't been exercising.  Food hasn't been great.  As much as I normally love winter, I am over it this year.  It is really affecting me.  I can't wait for Spring!

Daily Goals
1)  Drink water
2)  Monitor food
3)  Make that phone call I have been avoiding
4)  Tidy up at home
5)  Cook a healthy dinner

Daily Tarot

2 of Swords
You are facing a difficult decision or conflicting ideas, but are not willing to face the situation.  You have closed your eyes to it and are hoping it will go away and are letting your emotions distract you.  This card is telling you that the decision needs to be made rationally or intellectually, and not emotionally.

xox

Rainbows and Tarot

As I was getting in the car this morning I looked up and this gorgeous rainbow was filling the sky.  It was raining lightly and the sun was just coming up.  I only had my phone with me which is why the photo is a bit crummy, but it was a beautiful sight.

Yesterday I gave myself over to sloth.  Ross was at work, MIL was in the kitchen soaking stamps all day.  And I sat in my room, watched crappy sitcoms (That 70's Show - I love it), read, played Facebook Games, did puzzles, and just generally did nothing.  It was wonderful.  :)

One thing I decided was to try and build up my Facebook page for my photo cards.  So I have started another give away.  If you are on Facebook do a search for 'photo cards by kylie ann' and become a fan.  Invite all your friends to become fans.  The 100th fan, plus the person who suggested that person, each get 2 free cards of their choice.

Daily Goals
1)  Drink Water
2)  Eat no crap
3)  Stay away from Facebook and get all my work done
4)  Enjoy my tarot reading tonight
5)  Early night

In an effort to learn the Tarot in a more practical way, I have decided to draw a Tarot Card for myself each day and record it.  I use the Mystic Dreamer Tarot, so if you use tarot yourself and don't recognise the images, this is why.  If you don't believe in this or aren't interested, I will put it as the last part of the blog so you can stop reading when you get to it.  If this becomes the only reason you come here, skip to the end.  :)

Daily Tarot

Today I pulled the Wheel of Fortune.  This is one of the Major Arcana so it implies big things.  The Wheel of Fortune is the number 10 card.  So it talks about the beginning of something.  This card signifies a change is on its way, one that you may not be expecting.  The card tells you to be open to the change, and although it may not be what you were expecting it is likely to bring good fortune in the long run.

xox

Bringing Back the WhoGAF!

This morning I was lucky enough to meet a new person.  I love to meet new people.  Sarah sent me an email last week.  She had found my blog through Calorie King and it turns out we are members of a couple of the same meetup.com groups, including the book club, although we have not been to any of the same meeting yet.  That's Adelaide for you - never mind 7 steps of separation, try 2 steps of separation!  So we decided to catch up for coffee.

It was really great to meet someone that I have a lot in common with.  We ended up talking for 3 hours!  About a range of different topics.  Thanks Sarah, it was great meeting you.

I ended up getting to the library only 40 minutes before closing so didn't get to spend as much time writing as I would have liked.  That's okay though. It just wanted meant to be today.  I ended up visiting Ross at work and then doing a little bit of shopping.  I bought this awesome new handbag.

I have been looking for a bright but not overly fussy handbag for ages, and this was perfect.  And at $29 (marked down from $109.95) a bargain to boot!

SO the WhoGAF.  WhoGAF stands for Who Gives A Fu&k.  A few months ago this was my big revelation to myself.  I needed to stop worrying about what others think and just live my life.  WhoGAF has kind of gotten a bit lost of late, so it is time to bring it back.  I have gone back to worrying about what others think.  Not as much as I used to, but it is creeping back in.

So this is my mission for the next month or so.  Whenever I find myself cringing about something or holding my tongue in case people think 'badly' or 'poorly' of me, I will shake myself off and think - WhoGAF!  It is my life and I will do as I damn well please!

xox

Writing Zone

I am in a bit of a writing zone at the moment.  I spent a few hours yesterday working on the next chapter of the book.  I finished chapter 6 and am part way through chapter 7.  I really really wish I didn't have to be at work today as I would have loved to have spent several hours today just mulling over the next part.  But that's life.  I have very few plans for the weekend so hopefully I can get some more done.

I started reading the next Book Club book last night as well.  It is called We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.

Again, this one is very different to the type of book I normally read, but I think I will enjoy it.  I am not far enough into it yet to be sure.  It is about a boy - Kevin - who kills 7 classmates and 3 teachers.  But it is not about him so much as his mother.  It is written as a series of letters written by Kevin's mother, Eva, to her estranged husband.  She starts writing them a year and a half after the killings and uses the letters to try and sort out what made Kevin who he was and turned him into someone who would do this.  She has guilt over the fact that she never wanted him in the first place and tries to decipher if she made him into this person or if he was just born evil.

I am not going to do 5 daily goals today, I am going to do 10 goals for the next few days.

Goals
1)  Drink enough water every day
2)  Monitor food intake
3)  Go for a bike ride
4)  Go for a walk
5)  Finish book club book
6)  Finish chapter 7
7)  Housework
8)  Paperwork
9)  Return overdue library books
10)  Practice Tarot

xox

Question Day!

1)  What is one of your favorite songs to workout to?



2)  Do you have holidays planned this year?  What are your plans?


3)  What is your favorite store?


4)  How did you pick your blogs name?


5)  Are you a morning person or a night person?


xox

Look What I Found

My usual lunch time ritual is to read while I eat. Although I sit at my desk (we have nowhere else) if I'm reading I'm not staring at a computer and I can usually forget about work for 20 minutes or so. I am currently reading Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs. It's my current 'work' book which means I read it when I'm having breakfast and lunch - I don't take it home with me.

Anyway, I have been reading this for a few days. Today when I opened it, this beautiful card fell out. It looks like it's from a deck of some kind, and I'm guessing the last person who borrowed it was using it as a bookmark. It has a photo of the stamen of a flower (I think that's the word) and all it says is

"Divine Guidance"

Now I am a HUGE believer in fate and karma and everything happening for a reason, so I have to believe this is some sort of sign. What exactly it's referring to, I don't know right now. But I feel very sure that I was meant to get this card today. :o)

xox

Sudoko

Look what I bought. I have always been curious about Sudoko but never brave enough to try them. Then I saw this beginners book and decided to grab it.

Actually, I know this is a pretty boring topic, but I needed to write about something as I am trying something new. I am emailing this via MMS from my phone, and I wanted to see if it would work. That way when I have something short & sweet to say, I can quickly send it. I'm thinking about weekends mainly, as that is when I usually have little things I want to talk about but am nowhere near my computer.

Anyway, I have wanted to learn how to Sudoko for a while, and now I can. If anyone is a Sudoko wizz and wants to give me pointers, I'm all ears. :o)

xox

This'n'That

Well, it's official.  I am out of Running Group for now.  The Achilles is still sore.  Walking is mostly okay, cycling is mostly okay, running hurts.  Since I have my 5 day hike coming up in a couple of months I am not prepared to risk it, so am resting it as much as possible.

I will get there though.  I know I will.  :o)

Nothing much else to report.  Last night was a relaxing evening filled with cooking, and spending time with the fella.  Plus a bit of reading and doing some puzzles.  It was really nice.

I am going to go back to doing my Daily Goals.  So here are the 5 for today:
1)  Drink 6 glasses of water (I haven't been doing this lately)
2)  Monitor my food intake - not calorie counting or anything, just monitoring so I can see where I am at
3)  Don't waste half the day surfing the Net.  Get my work done first
4)  Start sorting through the TV room - it's a mess
5)  Write a letter

xox

More Tarot

Last night I went back to the Tarot Teachers house to finish the Tarot Workshop we did not get finished on Saturday.  Everyone was there which was really nice.  We finished the workshop by doing basic spreads and readings.  It was really interesting and by the end of it I was starting to really understand how all the cards fit together.  It is more than just knowing what each individual cards means, it is also about knowing how the different cards fit and what they mean when they crop up together.  I am getting better at understanding the symbols which is great.  I am going to have to really practice so that I can start doing readings for my friends.

One thing that came up in my spread - quite strongly actually - is that I need to take better care of my health.  I have been pretty slack lately with my food mainly, but also with exercise.  I really need to take stock.  I keep saying "I'm Gonna" but I never do.  Now it has come through very clearly in my cards that this is something that requires focus, and it needs it now.

xox

Tarot and Baking

Saturday I had my Tarot workshop.  We got there at 10 and spent some time getting to know each other.  It was a good group of 6.  4 of us had all been in the same Basic Tarot course, although we hadn't sat near each other so didn't know each other.  We spent the day going through the Major Arcana in detail.  We looked at the Tarot meaning, the symbology, the numerology, and the astrology associated with each card.  There is so much to take in.

At the end of the session we were meant to all do a detailed reading, but before we got to that we had already gone an hour over time.  So we are meeting again tonight to finish up.

I spent yesterday in the kitchen.  Firstly making a big bowl of veggie soup, then baking.  First up I made Hazelnut cookies.  I'll be honest, not a huge fan of them, although my MIL loves them.

That was followed by Chocolate Cream Cookies.

Now I tell you - these are sensational!  Kinda like an Oreo, but tastier.  I had some cream left, so I added cocoa and decided to sandwich together some of the Hazelnut cookies.

It improved them, but they are still not really to my taste.  They are nice, just not my kinda cookie.  :o)

Throughout the cooking I read a book.  It is "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold.  A movie was made out of it that I had wanted to see, but never got around to.  The book was excellent.  Very moving.  I highly recommend it.

Last night Ross and I spent snuggled up watching TV.  No book.  No laptop.  No DS.  Just us.  It was sensational.  And way too long since we have just spent time like that together.  :o)

xox

It's Friday!

No Running Group again last night.  My Achilles is still sore.  Not painful agony kinda sore, more annoying.  But it gets worse when I run.  So I skipped last night.  This morning it is really tight.  If it is okay next week I'll go back.  If not I might wait another term before rejoining the group, but will run on my own when the pain has gone.  I am too slow to jump back in part way through the term.  I can't afford a doctor/physio/podiatrist or whatever the hell I need, so I am going to let it heal the old fashioned way.  Time and rest.

So instead last night I plugged in the laptop and got stuck into some writing.  I have finished the first draft of another children's book.  I am not sure about this one.  I will keep working on it, but it may not get to the publishers.  I love the concept I have come up with, but am really unsure about the way I have put it together.  I might need to put it aside and come back to it fresh in 6 months or so.

I have also done a couple more chapters of the novel.  I am now working on chapter 6.  It is interesting, my writing tutor said once that as soon as you get to about 7000 words, you start revising in your head and wanting to go back and change things.  I am up to about 10,000 words and that is exactly what I want to do. but she also said not to.  She said if you get bogged down in editing the first few chapters you will never finish the first draft.  So I am just plowing ahead and trying to get everything down.  I am actually a little stunned I am as far through as that.  I didn't expect to get there so quickly.  But it is going well and I am enjoying the process.

Tomorrow I have another Tarot workshop.  I am really looking forward to it.  I haven't done as much practice as I should have to prepare for it, but that's life.

Nothing else planned for the weekend.  Hope you all have a good one.

xox

Question Day!

1)  When you eat out what is the main thing that you are looking for on the menu? (can say more than one thing)


2)  What was the last thing that made you smile?


3)  What exercise are you doing today?


4)  Who vacuums in your home?


5)  What is your favorite TV show?


Looking forward to everyones answers!

xox

I'm Back

Wow, Long time no blog. :o)

I have had a long weekend, and I have loved every second of it.  Coming back to work today has been hard, but we gotta do what we gotta do.

It started Saturday when I made my way into the city to pick up the new bike helmet I won.  Yep – I won a helmet!  I never win things so I was super stoked.  It is a Gear Up Girl Helmet for the bike ride in November.  The first 100 to register got one and I was in the first group.  YAY!

Saturday afternoon I spent shopping with Em.  We had a great time as usual.

Sunday morning was Book Club.  It was a really interesting group because this time we all had very different opinions on the book.  I had a great time.  From there I met up with my sister and niece in the city for my Niece’s 13thi birthday shopping trip.  I can’t believe she’s a teenager already.

Monday morning I caught up with a friend for coffee then went to a Tea exhibition at the Unley Council Museum.  Sounds strange, but it was really interesting. 

Then yesterday I spent writing and reading and relaxing.  It was fabulous.

I did no exercise at all (other than walking around the city) and I didn’t think about my food.  Strangely, I also didn’t overeat which is bizarre in a way.  I barely turned the computer on over the 4 days which was also fabulous.  I am becoming too reliant on the blasted thing so it was good to make the decision to avoid as much as possible.

But I am back at work today and already straight back into it.  I wish I had taken the whole week off, but I have more time off in October so I just have to hold out until then.

xox