Word for 2013

Maxabella has challenged us to chose one word to define our lives or a word to live by in 2013. Last year I chose as my word:

OPEN

I wanted to be open to new experiences, make my house open to visitors and be prepared to consider the possibilities that could / would be available. I think it worked put well. Admittedly, the whole visitor thing didn't last too long but I was open to the possibility of changing direction, to studying and doing something useful with my life. I was open to making new friendships and having new experiences. So I studied and I think that as an Learning Support Assistant I can make a difference.

This year, the word that resonates with me is:

Connect

My plan is to connect with people, to make new connections and to strengthen those I already have. I need to make connections with schools to get some work and stay connected to my family (both nuclear and extended). I would like to help connect my children with their peers and friends as well. Part of my plan is to also have time with my husband. We need to connect with each other as adults as well as parents.

Wish me luck!

I've been on a holiday…by myself

For 5 whole nights I slept alone (in a double bed not the single I expected), enjoyed food cooked by others (including a three course dinner every night) and had almost zero responsibility. It was bliss.

The view from my room

This was a holiday that we had talked about me going on about 5 or 6 years ago. But life got in the way and it never eventuated. So for Christmas, my family booked the holiday for me. I was very impressed but I was also apprehensive. Before this holiday I'd had very few nights away from my family. I know I had two nights away in 2009 seeing P!nk. And there were another 2 or 3 nights for my sisters fortieth birthday earlier that year but that's been it. I wasn't sure how we would all go.

I went to a health retreat and it took me almost 24 hours to start to relax and enjoy myself. Of course things tend to not to smoothly so Girl Child not feeling well and having a 39 degree temp the first night I was away was not unexpected. But the following morning she was fine and so I began more comfortable and relax about being away.

I have to admit the whole not having to cook or clean for 5 nights was a huge draw.  They even had Gluten Free food, which I had been a little worried about. I went on a package which included a personal health assessment, as well as sessions with a naturopath, personal trainer and life coach.  For the pampering part of the package I had a body scrub and a massage on different days plus a lymphatic facial (I’m still not sure how it differs from a normal facial but I’ve never had one of those done by a beauty therapist) on the advice of the naturopath.

There were activities on every day and while I didn’t manage to make it to all of them, I did go for an hour walk everyday, plus did some swimming, exercise classes and archery. I managed to read two novels as well. 

The agapanthus hedge I saw on some of my walks

While I really enjoyed my time away, Mr E. got sick during my last full day so I did feel guilty about not cutting my trip short and going home.  Especially when it took 3 phones calls to ensure that Girl Child actually went to bed when Boy Child asked as Mr E. was not feeling very well and had fallen asleep quite early.

Would I do it again?  Yes I think so.  I really loved the relaxation and pampering once I got into it.  It’s not something I would generally do / get done for myself.  I’m really glad that the family did make this a gift. There were a number of people there who had been several times before including one who has been at least once a year for the last few years.  I don’t think that I would want to go that frequently but I definitely enjoyed it.