So, I was supposed to be up at the Sunshine Coast racing today. But after some hard, heart-to-heart talk with Chris during the week, I just found that I wasn’t racing because I really wanted to. I was racing because I am hungry for some adventure in my life, and to just get out of the house. And, we weren’t going to be doing anything while I was away that Chris would particularly enjoy, and that at the essence is one of the most important things to me. So, I decided that I’m not going to race this year. I am still going to be running my little heart out – for the pure joy of just running. Sometimes the joy is in the journey, not the destination. Something I need to really remember at the moment. Instead of going away for races (getting out of the house and away from our usual routine was one of my main motivations for picking this particular race series) we are going to choose adventures close to home while we save and plan for our bigger holiday at the end of the year. So, from my long walk and pancake filled Sunday morning, here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Five:
Monday: Holiday Mondays are the best! I started mine with a speedy tempo run, and then I headed down to the waterfront to meet up with Caroline. I had the most delicious chai latte and we talked up a storm as we sat in the cafe, and then walked along the water watching the world go by. I was grateful to see my oldest friend and grateful that even though so many years have passed, we are still standing side-by-side.
Tuesday: Back to work today. I was grateful for leftovers of my Thai Red Curry Roasted Capsicum Soup for an indulgent desk top lunch while I got lost inside ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. I can’t believe that I missed this book in high school! I’m enjoying it so much.
Wednesday: I try to exercise in some way everyday, and this year I have a little challenge with myself to be active for at least thirty minutes every single day. That might mean a run, a walk, a workout DVD in the lounge room, or trying out a class with my sister. Today I just wasn’t feeling it. I was supposed to go for a walk with Chris, but he wasn’t feeling well and I was so tempted to head straight home, grab the remains of the red velvet cake sitting in our fridge and curl into a ball on the bed. Instead I found myself with feet on the treadmill and earbuds in my ears. I was grateful for the sweat once I finished. And grateful that I found my inner grit even if it was just for 5km.
Thursday: Both Chris and I woke up feeling pretty tragic this morning, and so we decided that a bed day was in order. We called it in and laid in bed all day together. I was grateful for an unexpected day at home with Chris, even if we weren’t feeling well. The quiet days like this are sometimes the best healer.
Friday: Today I was grateful for the patience and care of the pathologists at our local clinic. After two failed attempts to draw blood on Thursday, the two ladies I visited today persevered and managed to draw blood without hurting me. I have funky, ‘dainty’ (apparently) veins that move around and don’t like to give blood so when I find pathologists who can get it out of me I am exceptionally grateful. To recover (cough, cough) I spent the evening looking at recipe ideas, chain-watching ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (love Viola Davis so, so much), eating sushi, and snacking on m&ms. I was grateful for a good Friday night.
Saturday: Today I started the weekend with the usual market run, and was delighted when my sister’s best friend came along too! I was grateful to catch up with these ladies and share some coffee and breakfast. When I got back home Chris and I headed out to do some travel planning (it’s so much harder when there are two of you to consider!) and then into the city for some lunch and to check out an exhibit at the museum. I was grateful to Chris for coming along with me. I know it wasn’t something he was particular interested in (it was a display of 350 years worth of underwear technology) but he came along anyway because he knew I would enjoy it.
Sunday: Today I started with a journey out into the blue – blue water out to the horizon, and blue sky stretching all the way to meet it. We were supposed to be at the coast today. I was supposed to be racing along a golf course track while Chris waited patiently for me to finish, but instead I had a sleep in and snuggle, and a long walk along the bay with my thoughts and some podcasts for company. I’m grateful we made the decision to stay at home and take it slow. I’m grateful that Chris takes the time to remind me sometimes I need to slow down, take a look around, and realise why I am making certain choices.
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Also this week:
- Hearty, spicy soup is just what the doctor ordered for summer – try my Thai inspired soup tonight!
- Valentine’s Day is a fortnight away, and dessert is the most important aspect of the menu. Red Velvet Cake is a festive way to show some affection to your sweetheart on February 14 – or any day of the year!
- Speaking of Red Velvet, you should check out my friend Lynn’s Red Velvet Crinkle Blossoms – adorable!
Tell me, dear readers, what are you grateful for this week? Let me know in the comments below, or join me on Facebook!
