We are halfway through our stay-cation/house-dog-cat-sitting for Mum and Dad, and there is something about this house that will always be home, no matter how long Chris and I live in our own home. I’ve been enjoying my morning walks with Molly, cuddles with Toby on the couch, and being three minutes away from my sister. I will be happy to get back to our own home next week because this feeling of home, true relaxation and shelter, is what Chris and I are creating for ourselves in our new home. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Thirty-Four:
Monday: Today I headed home to Mum and Dad’s place to house sit for them for two weeks. When I went in to put my clothes away I found that Mum and Dad had left Chris and I a little gift pack on the bed: fresh towels, beautiful soap, and our respective favourite chocolate treats. It was such a sweet thought. I’m grateful that I am able to do something little to help Mum and Dad while they enjoy their holiday in Singapore. I will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I have for all they have done for me.
Tuesday: Today was a super active day! Molly and I went for a walk in the morning, I stopped past the gym for a run on the way home, and then Jess and I went to a Konga class and sweated it out to the music together while making complete fools of ourselves. It was so much fun! I was grateful to spend a night with my little sister dancing and squatting and crunching and lunging and laughing all the while.
Wednesday: Tonight Molly and Toby and I had a night hanging out alone while Chris stayed at our home. We watched Murder She Wrote, lounged about on the couch, and just had a relaxing evening. I was grateful for a Wednesday evening relaxation session.
Thursday: Tonight Chris and I had a Deadliest Catch marathon. We love this show! Although neither of us harbours any fantasies about running off to the Bering Sea to catch shellfish, we do love watching the adventures of these fishermen and we’d both love to visit Alaska someday! I was grateful for virtual adventures with Chris – talking about faraway places just makes me more excited about our upcoming holiday!
Friday: Tonight on my way home I stopped for a run. I really didn’t feel like running tonight so I bribed myself to just get through 5km. I stopped at 8km because Chris called and asked if I was ever coming home! Sometimes you just have to get started on something to remind yourself that you are capable, and that you love doing it. I was grateful for the reminder from my body tonight. 
Saturday: Today was a golden day from beginning to end! This morning I walked Molly and then headed over to have a walk with Jess (sister this time) before we went out for a sisterly movie/shopping/lunch day together! We bought ourselves a few new things (watch out NYC fashion police here I come!), had a great sushi lunch, saw Trainwreck (recommended), and laughed and talked and just completely relaxed. It was nice to take a day our where I just let myself enjoy every second of life. I came back on Saturday night feeling drop dead tired (what is it about shopping that is so exhausting?) but completely refreshed. I’m so grateful that my sister is my best friend too, and that we had such a wonderful day together free from stress.
Sunday: Today Molly had a walking date with our neighbour and they both came back sweaty and smiling so it was a success. I got to lie in bed a while longer, make carrot cake muffins, and curl up with a New York guidebook and ease myself into the day. I went for a long walk around my old streets, baked so many cupcakes I made myself sick on buttercream ‘testing’, and spent some time planning our time in New York (six weeks and definitely counting). I am grateful that we are going on this trip and preparing ourselves for an adventure!
Also this week:
- I baked up some perfect soft and moist banana bread
- Found lots of interesting places on the internet
- Made another batch of this salad for lunches this week
