Life as I know it ... today

Life has a way of getting in the way of blogging, doesn't it.

I share a fair bit over on Instagram but find it hard to make it over here to this much loved but neglected space.

Life has been busy but not. Filled with the usual day to day busyness that comes with having a toddler but not all that exciting in scheme of things. Life has changed quite a lot from my time as a governess and my chasing waterfalls days. I don't make it out exploring that much at the moment either.Well, I make it to swimming lessons, mum catch ups, playgroups and to the shops to do the groceries, but really that isn't all that interesting to anyone who isn't a 2 year old, or in my mum's group. Actually, the shopping part isn't even all that interesting to the 2 year old (or me quite frankly, grocery shopping isn't that fun), unless we go to the "fish" shop ... our local Stockland's, that has a giant marlin out the front, which he only likes going to because of the big fish. Coles around the corner however, is an unacceptable shopping location. Probably because he doesn't get to see enough trucks and roadworks to get there.

Pause ...

And now the toddler is no longer painting the table with BBQ sauce and has his requested food and drink.

Ahhh, the glorious life of parenthood.

I do often wonder when those with young kids actually find the time to write those wonderful, insightful posts while not leaving their kids to fend for themselves (aka paint the house with sauce) or eating into their valuable sleeping time. Maybe they don't work at night so actually have that quiet time after their children go to bed. Maybe they just actually have their heads screwed on and don't approach life in a headless chook, winging it fashion, like I do.

Anyway...

I miss this little place of mine, so hopefully I'll be back soon.

Off to see what is frustrating the toddler of the house now.

A Birthday letter to me

Its funny, we see and write all these beautiful words for our children as they reach milestones or to our loved ones on special occasions, but what about ourselves.

Last night, as I was driving home from work I had a thought ... how about I write a Birthday letter to me, wishing myself well for the coming year, finding the positives. It was the middle of the night, admittedly, and actually already my birthday but anyway, here goes.

Dear Anne,

Happy 32nd Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with beautiful moments.

Over the last year you have grown and changed so much. Although you probably feel you haven't achieved much, you have done amazing things. Just because they aren't big things, doesn't make them any less important. All those little achievements and victories are something to be proud of. Keep learning and growing and don't be afraid to try and learn new things.

You've been busy learning how to be a mum, the mum of a now toddler. It has had its ups and downs and definitely not enough sleep but you've made it from day one to now and the wheels haven't fallen off completely, so something must be going right. I hope over the next year you embrace your inner child (again) and enjoy the time with your child. I also wish for you the confidence to think you are good at this, even though when stuck in the daily grind it doesn't feel like it.

You've learnt to work as a family unit and communicate better with Mr Sparky. Having spanners thrown in the works like new job opportunities does that, as well as raising a child. I hope you spend more time discussing things, even the every day mundane, in the moments you can and get the time around work and life to enjoy each others company, to enjoy your time as a family in the here and now. Keep dreaming for the future together, one day it will hopefully all be within reach.

You have turned up day in and day out, well night in and night out, for work. You've done your best (mostly), been reliable and worked hard and I hope you feel good about that, you should. You've also forged relationships with work mate and managed not to say nasty things (although you really should stop swearing under your breath about others who don't do it right because that might be their best, plus one day someone might overhear you). You aren't perfect, no one is, but be proud that you give things a go, do your best and can hold your tongue (sort of).

You've done a bit of travelling and looking around the place over the last year. You've had great practise at winging it while travelling and enjoying what each day brings, mostly with a smile on your face. Your love for the peace of camping is growing. I hope you get to see more cherished moments with your family, away from the busyness of life and all consuming technology. Enjoy living in those moments but enjoy living in the every day moments just as much. I hope you get more chances or make more time to get out more to explore nature and the outdoors and to enjoy taking photos of it all. You need that.

32 might sound scary and you might wonder where those years have gone but there is so much life for you to grab hold of and live. Enjoy the moments, making memories, and learning on the fly. Most importantly don't forget to just be you.

Happy Birthday, gorgeous lady!

Love from

You.