I know this is late, but I have been on holidays, even if the last few days have been more of a staycation than a vacation they still count because I slept in everyday and went for long walks by the water and ate way too many cookies (come back later this week and you will understand why they disappeared so quickly). Chris and I have been enjoying the break and catching up on films, books, and having big talks about all the important things in life. There has been a lot to be grateful for this week (and a bit), so here is the Thoroughly Nourished Life Gratitude List 2014 – Week Thirty-Two:
Monday: Today I started a great new book and I simply could not put it down. I was grateful for the recommendation by my friend Jess and the perfect escape during lunch. Greek salad + Russian love story = happy lunchtime.
Tuesday: Today my workplace decided that we are going to participate in the RSPCA Cupcake Day! This day is a wonderful way to support a charity close to my heart and the hearts of all the pet owners I work with. I am grateful to work with so many generous people.
Wednesday: Tonight after work Chris and I left for our trip to the coast! Although the traffic wasn’t the best and there was a weird lady who told us to pull over because our tyre was ‘about to blow!’ (her words, which turned out to be a bunch of hooey but a funny story nonetheless) we eventually made it safely to the Sunshine Coast. We had dinner, saw a movie, and then fell asleep to the sound of waves. I was so grateful to see Brisbane disappearing in our rear view mirror and to get away from our routine for a few days. Tonight Chris and I also had some big talks about things, and it was good to start off our holiday by getting a few things off our chests and out into the open. I love this man.
Thursday: Today I slept in and then ambled out of bed for a nice long walk along the coast road. I watched the sea smash against the rocks, the surfers ride the waves, and people sun baking in the midwinter sun that felt more like summer to me. When I got home Chris and I treated ourselves to brunch by the water: sushi for me and fresh fish and chips for him. Afterwards we took a long walk along the beach and I made my first ice cream stop of the holiday. Oh.so.good. After our time in the sun an afternoon nap was in order and then we treated ourselves to a dinner out. We tried a (new to us) Italian place on the boulevard and it was perfection. The gluten free pasta was divine and our antipasto platter was overflowing with all the good stuff. We highly recommend Augello’s if you are headed to Mooloolaba any time soon. Over olives and pasta and a massive meat lover’s pizza for Chris we talked about travel and wrote down our dream itinerary for the next few years. It might be a little ambitious but if your dreams aren’t big enough to scare you they need some attention don’t they? I am grateful that Chris and I are finally thinking about setting sail for some distant lands and having some adventures. I am also grateful that today Chris took the reigns and decided our activities for the day. It was nice to relax and let him lead the way. I’m not very good at doing that and I definitely need to practice it more.
Friday: This morning called for another long walk by the sea and more deep thoughts while I looked at the waves. The wide blue sky makes my heart feel wide open and my desires and dreams are exposed to me. When I got back to the house Chris and I headed out for another walk, this time around the lighthouse. We stood at the edge of the cliffs and then made our way to brunch followed by more ice cream before we headed home. I was grateful for our quick getaway and the quick de-stress it provided. (also, please ignore the hair below the wind was crazy)
Saturday: This morning I woke up early and met Mum and Jess at the markets for breakfast. I am grateful for our weekly ritual and having my Mum and my sister as two of my best friends and closest confidantes. Chris and I headed out this evening to attend his cousin’s 21st birthday celebrations and I was grateful to catch up with Chris’s family and eat some wonderful food made by his Aunty Grace.
Sunday: Today was the ultimate lazy day. I ate cookies and finished reading my book in the warm sunshine streaming through the sunroom windows. Later in the day I went for a long walk to counteract the cookies (balance, people, balance) and then Chris and I lay in bed and watched movies all night long. I am grateful for the chance for a truly lazy day.
Also this week:
- Jess and I nibbled on slices of this gluten free Raspberry and Coconut Bread for breakfast on Saturday
- I listed my recent reads and explained how hungry for books I am at the moment
Well, Chris and I still have two days of holiday left to enjoy and I am off to enjoy some new TV series that Chris and I are trying out (still trying to find our ‘end of winter binge show’) with a crunchy Sundowner apple I picked up from the markets on Saturday.
Tell me, dear reader, what are you grateful for this week?
