This weekend has been full of activity, which was followed by much needed rest and reinvigoration. I had so many adventures this week and got to catch up with some friends and remember some things about myself that I had almost forgotten. I am currently wrapped up in a quilt Mum made me, sipping on a warm cup of tea, and about to put in some more time reading a great book. So now, I present to you: Nourished Life Gratitude List 2014 – Week Twenty-Six.
Monday: Tonight after work I met up my friend Megan (hi Megan!) and we went rock climbing! This is the first time I have been in about ten years and I had forgotten how much fun it was, and how much I loved it! Although it was a little difficult getting back in the saddle (or harness) I was grateful for the chance to relearn something I enjoy and grateful to Megan for reminding me to step outside my comfort zone – there’s a lot to explore out there.
Tuesday: Today I started the day watching a beautiful sunrise over the bay, and with a text message from my Mum sharing her view of the same sunrise from her side of town. I was grateful to share this moment in time with Mum and start my day with an appreciation of the beauty of nature.
Mum’s view (top) and my view (bottom) of the same sunrise.
Wednesday: Tonight Chris and I spent some time curled up in bed watching political satire and eating dinner together. This has become one of our little midweek rituals and I am grateful for its recharging value.
Thursday: Tonight I had a great fast run before coming home to make a cake for the cafe I bake for every now and again. This week I made a raspberry and chocolate layer cake from one of my favourite baking blogs ‘Sally’s Baking Addiction’. I was really pleased with the way the cake turned out and I was grateful for a chance to try making something different.
Friday: Today my wonderful work friend Jess and I made it out of the office for lunch for the first time in a month! We had so much to talk about and I was grateful for a chance to catch up with my friend. Tonight I stopped at the gym for a run. I pounded out just over 4 miles in under 40 minutes. Not fast for some people, but speedy for this girl and I was grateful to feel my lungs clear and working again after last week’s brush with bronchitis.
Saturday: This morning Mum and Dad had plans for some work to be done on the backyard makeover so the whole clan (that would be all six of us: Mum, Dad, Trent, Jess, Chris, and myself) gathered to shovel and barrow dirt, rake and level gravel and laugh and tease and have a whole lot of fun along the way. I am grateful for a few hours of this hard work some times. I am reminded of the strength inside my body and what I am able to use these muscles for; the joy of working in the service of someone else, repaying years of wonderful things my parents have done for me. I am happy to help them realise the dream they have for our family home, and I can’t wait to lounge with a cold drink under the umbrella once the work is finished and summer comes around again.
Our delicious reward for working hard in the yard.
Sunday: After yesterday’s four hours of strength and endurance work I needed to get out of bed and stretch my legs with a nice long walk along the bay and through the hills. After that Chris took me out to the cinema to see ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’. I have an unashamed love of action movies and I am grateful that Chris shares this with me. Also, after my long walk (12.5km) and work yesterday I treated myself with a hot chocolate and popcorn lunch (aren’t you proud Mum?).
Also this week:
- I enjoyed a slice or two of Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Loaf for breakfast
- Running over 40 km this week called for some serious protein recharge in the form of Double Strawberry Protein Breakfast Smoothies
- My lunch box was filled with salad and thick wedges of Roasted Beetroot, Thyme, and Feta Frittata
Tell me dear reader, what are you grateful for this week?
