Navigating Girl World

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How many friends do you have? And how long have you known them? Friends are great. They can egg you on to do that thing you have wanted to do all your life but have been too afraid to do, like travel the world, and they can stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life, like buying that snot-green top that you just walked out of the dressing room wearing.

I love my friends. I've said that before. I have many friends, all in different social circles. I have met them all at different times in my life, in different ways. My best friend in the whole world, for example, I met in primary school. I have another close friend who is my ex boyfriend's sister. Other friends I met online in parenting forums and online mum's groups. 

All of my friends, with the exception of my bestie, have children. You would think that this would mean they would understand when things got a little hectic right?

Wrong.

The last couple of months have been a little... we'll just say chaotic. You have seen a lot of the aftermath on the blog, but just in case you aren't one of my regular readers yet, I'll give you a little summary. I have recently taken on tafe, a casual job, a (relatively new) relationship and have been going through mediation to keep custody of my son. Needless to say, my time (and funds) have been fairly limited. As much as I love my friends, I just can't see everyone at once, and I don't have as much time for everyone as I used to. Unfortunately that has resulted in a bit of bitchiness and de-friending on Facebook.

Like, seriously? De-friending?

When did things get that bad? A forgotten message here and there and a cancelled play date so I can get some study done and I have lost friends? There must be some kind of mistake, right? Well, I don't know. I have seen this all happen before. Granted, I was in high school when this kind of behavior last reared it's ugly head, but sure enough here I am, in my twenties being (ever so slightly) told that "if you don't give up everything for me, then I'm not your best friend anymore". I have never felt so ridiculous in my entire life.

I love watching TV shows of kids in high school. I watched The OC and Laguna Beach through my teen years, and loved the drama and bitchiness that went on between the girls. It meant that what I went through in school was pretty much the norm. Well, it must of been, if it was happening on TV, Yes??? But life went on. I grew up, and although I still love watching both of those shows (my guilty pleasure), I assumed that the bitchiness would stop now that we are older, and mothers.

Boy was I naive.

So I am just going to go about my business I suppose, hoping that I don't lose any more friends along the way. With regards to my other friends, if they bail just because I get a little (OK, a lot!) busy, then they don't deserve to be in the presence of my awesomeness when things start to settle down again!

How often do you see your friends?

Do you still see lots of bitchiness in "girl world"?

Linking up with Twinkle in the Eye and With Some Grace!

Linking up with Jess for IBOT!

Slowing Down

I have always admired country towns. They have such a sense of character and community, and it always feels so different to living in the busy city.

Mr M and I took an overnight trip down to the Fleurieu Peninsula on the weekend to visit his family. I organised to leave Master A with my parents for the night (doing a little happy dance) packed up the car and started on the hour and a half drive down south.

Goolwa Beach

When I got there the first thing I noticed was the gorgeous beaches. Much rougher than the beaches where I live, they are surf beaches. Now I have seen Jaws way too many times to go jumping into waters like this, but it was fun and maybe a little romantic to walk along the shore hand in hand, my head on his shoulder... ok so it wasn't like that, but it certainly was nice.

The second thing I noticed when meeting Mr M's family for the first time, was how relaxed they all are. I start every day in full-on-mode. From the moment I wake til the moment I go to bed it is go, go, go.

"Need to make sure that this is done before dinner."

"Have to go to the shops and get this before they close."

"Make sure I don't forget to do this or the whole world might end."

When was the last time I just pottered around the house or garden, having a BBQ with family and friends, taking the dog for a stroll down the beach, just generally enjoying life and having fun?

I'll let you in on a little secret. Now, don't get too shocked, but I am a total stress head. I worry about everything, and I go through life at about 110km an hour. As I watched people go about their daily lives in such relaxed ways it made me realize how much I want that kind of lifestyle, for me and Master A.

It scares me just how much Master A is like me. He's clumsy, loves to talk and definitely has a sweet tooth, all just like his Mummy. One thing that I would rather he didn't inherit from me, would be my stressed out attitude. I want him to take the time to enjoy life, not rush through it like he has to race to the next finish line.

"Why are you rushing everywhere? The world isn't going to close!"

I could not remember where I read that quote if my life depended on it, but it was the very wise words of a child no older than about six. Why is it that we learn to grow up and spend our "down time" rushing around, trying to get everything finished? Why do we spend so much time at the shops, buying things?

One thing I noticed was that at 9pm on Saturday night, the only thing open in the town was one of the few service stations. All of the shops, service stations, Subway were all closed. Yet the McDonalds where I live is open 24 hours.

The people that I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with seemed to take the attitude of "work to live" rather than "live to work". It's all about the family.

The beautiful Horseshoe Bay

I guess my question is, when did we become such a busy and stressed society that can't even take the time to have a lazy breakfast with family on a Sunday morning, and how do I convert my behaviour, in order to save myself and my child from a life of stress, speed and demands?

When was the last time you had a mini-getaway?
Do you rush through life, or take the time to take "romantic" walks along the beach?

Linking up with the ever so fabulous Jess for IBOT

Fun things to do with little kids this spring

Disclaimer: Please note that this post was sponsored and written by Karimums with my own editing. 

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Spring is a beautiful time of year: the weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming, and the days are getting that little bit longer. Spring is the perfect time to spend more time with your kids outdoors, or even just a great opportunity to do something new and different to change up that tired winter routine. If you're stuck for ideas on what to do with your little kids this spring, use these ideas as inspiration for a fun season.

Spend more time outdoors
Remember when you were going through your pregnancy, and you spent plenty of time outdoors amongst nature? Well, spring is the perfect time to rekindle your family's love affair with the great outdoors. You don't have to go hiking or climb mountains; instead, take your kids to the local park every night, or take a long weekend and drive up to the beaches - your kids will love having the space to run around, and you'll love the feeling of getting out of the house or the office. If that's still difficult, then try to make use of your backyard or courtyard - have your children help you with a bit of flower picking, or sit with them and make some daisy chains again.

Get the creative juices flowing
With so many beautiful flowers and insects around, your kids won't be lacking creative inspiration. Put that inspiration to use, and get them to strap their artistic cap on! Whether it's finger-painting, making butterflies out of coloured paper, or taking some photos of the local flora and fauna, there are a myriad of ways to get your children back in touch with the Picasso within. If your kids like writing, take them out to a local bush and then have them write about what they did and saw while they were there; on the other hand, if you have some budding cooks, then bake a few cupcakes and ask your kids to decorate them in a way that reminds them of spring.

Try something new
Spring is a time of new beginnings, so why not get your children to try something they've never done before? Make a 'spring bucket list', and spend some time putting together a few new things that they want to do before the season is up. Maybe your child wants to learn how to rollerblade, or to get really good at goalkeeping. By making a spring bucket list and crossing off things once they have been completed, you'll also teach your children about the benefits of setting goals - it'll give them a sense of accomplishment when they cross it off, and that can come in handy at all stages of their life.

No matter what you decide to do with your kids this spring, make sure to take advantage of the beautiful sunshine and inject some extra positivity into your family's day. Remember - summer's just around the corner!

Taylor Jacobs is a mummy who is trying to get into the habit of writing and scrapbooking. Her favourite thing about spring is the beautiful flowers - she's going to make a trip to see the Floriade festival this year.

The Motivation Journal

Do you remember the old high school journal?

You know:
"Dear diary,
Today Thomas looked at me. He actually noticed I was there!"

Aahhh, the good old days of simplicity. When your most complicated issue was making sure you had studied for your maths test or that your best friend had stopped talking to you.

Either way, I know that my journal got me through so much of it all. Recently, I started a motivation journal. I guess in a way it's like the good old high school journal, but it's purpose, is to give me a kick in my procrastinating butt and make me take action.

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I struggle with motivation. I'm the first to admit I can be a little lazy at times. I am also easily overwhelmed. This is when I'm least likely to take action. So when I have an issue, or a big project, I sit down with my motivation journal and think it out, I make plans.

This is also where I keep my "vision pages". I don't have space for a vision board, so in its place I cut out pictures of things I want and glued them in to my motivation journal. I feel so young doing some cutting and pasting!

On Me and My Munchkin's Facebook page I used to post one thing I was grateful for on a daily basis. That dwindled away when I got busy or forgot to post, so although I don't do it on Facebook, I still try to get in my journal at least once a week and make a list of things I'm grateful for. My most recent list was things about me that are great. I've been having a few problems with self love the last few weeks, so this was perfect.

The motivation journal is very similar to a regular journal, but I make sure it's much more positive. I found with previous journals they could be very negative, only speaking of problems. I make sure to include things I'm excited about, wishes for the future, and if I have an issue to write about, I always make sure that I write a possible solution to the problem.

So do I have you convinced? Want your own motivation journal? My only advice is to make sure you pick out a pretty notebook to use. I always find it so much easier to write when the journal is pretty!

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Did you keep a journal in high school?
Do you keep one now?

It's Friday so I am flogging my blog over with the lovely Grace at With Some Grace, head over there for even more awesome bloggers!

Bitter to Bad Ass in 12 Months!

After looking at my diary I realized that today marks 12 months since I became a single Mum. Yes I know, I know, not exactly an achievement to be boasting about (how to lose a guy in 10 days, anyone?) but it does mean that I now have 12 months of growing and extreme shocks to the system under my belt.

Look at it this way, 12 months ago I was unhappy, wallowing in self pity and bitterness, balancing on the borderline between depression and auto pilot mode. I was lonely, kidding myself by saying I was ready to move on (and yes, move on is exactly what I did). I was feeling so guilty about leaving my ex, breaking his heart and taking his son away from him. By the way, I should really add that I'm really not a bitch, generally speaking!

Me 12 months ago

I have done so much growing in the last year I hardly recognize that girl anymore. I say girl deliberately. I was not acting like a grown up. I have been forced to grow up now. I no longer have anyone to fall back on. Yes I have support, and it is great. But when it comes to my son, I'm his mother, I'm his primary carer and it is my responsibility to look after his best interests.

I know how excited you all to hear about how different I am today so here it is: I take responsibility for my actions. When I make a decision Master A is the first thing that crosses my mind. After a year long battle with my ex that has turned nasty, I no longer feel guilty, as he shows that he has no respect for me. I became comfortable in my own company, even enjoying it. It was then that I met Mr M. He has added joy to my life, but he hasn't "completed" it. I have finally left the past exactly where it needed to be: In the past! This is something that has taken me 5 years to do. Most of all, I am happy! Of course, I have my days where it all gets too much. Who doesn't? Seriously, do you know anyone that doesn't? But the point is, I am much happier, and grown up since being on my own, and that is what tells me I made the right decision.

Me 12 days ago

Where were you emotionally 12 months ago?
Have you ever looked at your past self and not recognized them?
How about someone you know? Or thought you knew?

A Letter to 17 Year Old Me

Dear 17 year old me,

It's ok. Really, it is. You don't need to know the answers to the world. You don't need to stress about the future. The future will happen, whether or not you get worked up about it. And while you're at it, don't be in such a rush to grow up. Take your time and enjoy it. Live dangerously and have some fun. The responsibility will still be there later on.

Don't worry about getting your heart broken. Yes you've been with him for years but he really isn't the right guy for you. It will take you a few years and yes, more heart breaks before you find someone who's right for you. But never be afraid to be alone. You will get to that point I promise.

Find things that you love to do. And do them well. It will take you awhile before you find a career that you love. Yes, you will fail, but you will also succeed. As the saying goes, dust yourself and try again.

PLEASE learn more about style. Even in your twenties you still have no idea and dress like a slob 9/10 times!

If I only had one thing I could tell you, save your pennies! Adapt a no-shopping life, and for gods sake, stay away from credit cards and personal loans!

Finally, believe in yourself. You CAN do it, you ARE smart and you only need to apply yourself to whatever it is you are doing to succeed. Work hard, play harder and be good to your family and friends because you will need their support one day.

Sincerely,
Twenty-something year old you.

A 17-year-old me

Linking up with Jess at Diary of a SAHM for IBOT!

Why do I Deserve Happiness?

I have re-written this post 3 times now. I just can't seem to find the words to say what I need to. I have been doing a bit of soul searching in the last few months. You may have noticed a bit of a pattern in my posts.

I am so happy with where I actually am in life, and this is a first for me. Sure there are a few things I would like to change, but the changes are on the way. I just need to be patient (totally not my strong suit!)

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I grew up with a low self esteem, I'm not really sure why. I have always thought that I am just not worth it and don't deserve happiness. I have never known what it is that I actually want and I thought I would never be happy until I got to where I wanted to be, so you can see my predicament!

It has taken me over 20 years to realise that I deserve to be happy. I am a good person. Sure, I still have those "I'm a bad Mum/friend/daughter/sister" moments, but they don't take over my life. I still get mother's guilt, but I don't let it make me think I am a bad Mum.

So why do I deserve happiness in my life?

I love my family and friends. I would do anything for them. I drop everything if someone's in trouble, or needs to chat. The same goes for my son. I clothe him, feed him, play with him, and I gave up work to stay at home with him when he was sick (this meant giving up finances, and the chance to get out of debt quicker to get my own place).

I am a good person in general. I will help strangers, I am never rude to people unless they are rude to me. I don't stick my nose into other people's business and I am all round just a friendly person. A bit shy, yes, but friendly.

I will work hard, especially when it's something that I love. My standards for myself are way too high, and I am working on bringing them down.

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I deserve happiness in my life. I am finally realising that, and making sure that I am putting the steps in place to be happy.

Have you ever suffered from a low self esteem?
Why do you deserve to be happy?

It is Tuesday, which means I'm linking up Diary of a SAHM for IBOT!

Make sure you head on over and check out some totally awesome bloggers!

My Week in Pictures

I thought I would share my Instagram roll for the week just been. I know how interesting it can be to get a little looksi into people's lives, so have decided to provide it for you! If you are on Instagram you can follow me at meandmymunchkin.

I was pretty stoked to find out that I have lost enough weight to (just) fit into a pair of old jeans. What makes it even better is that this is the 2nd pair of old jeans I have managed to fit back into within a week...

 ...so I celebrated with a chocolate donut and a chocolate milk once the Munchkin was down for a nap!

On Tuesday Master A got quite sick. You know he's really sick when he just lays there and watches TV! Thankfully he's much better now.

On Wednesday I finally got my delivery of textbooks for my Tafe course. I am still trying to catch up on the work that I fell behind on waiting for them.

#photoadayaug Day 1: Outside. Master A was riding his bike around the front yard while I checked out the tradies next door, pretending to be reading at the same time!

#photoadayaug Day 2: One. These are the birthday cards from Master A's first birthday.

I went on a bit of a shopping spree for new clothes on Saturday, so for the few days before I cleaned out my drawers and wardrobe. This ended up being about double this size by the time I finished! Now I have all nice new clothes!

I decided to pick Master A up from daycare a little early on Friday, and go to the park on the way home. He had so much fun, I think I may need to do this a little more regularly!

When we got home he was allowed to put on Toy Story. Very excited little man!

#photoadayaug Day 3: Coin.

#photoadayaug Day 4: Somewhere I sat. This is the couch I park my butt on to catch up on True Blood!

#photoadayaug Day 5: Logo. I had not had Vanilla Coke in so long! It tasted so good!

Windows of Happiness - A Welcome Treat

Following on from my post on Thursday, What Makes a Good Mother, my windows of happiness post this week is about giving my Munchkin a treat every now and then. There are some regular things that he is treated to, such as a chocolate milk with dinner on a Friday night. This is simply milk and chocolate nesquik in a drink bottle, and he loves it!

Master A eats all meals at the kitchen table. This includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. It is a real treat if we eat in the lounge or mummy's bedroom, and usually he doesn't like to break his routine so will insist on sitting at the kitchen table anyway.

On Wednesday this week we came home early from kindergym because Master A did not want to play. He only wanted to be held and cuddled by me. Getting home he was no better. He had been at his dad's house the day before so I wondered if he was maybe just feeling a little overwhelmed. So I decided to treat him to 2 of his favorite snacks for morning tea, AND - wait for it... he was allowed to eat it in Mummy's bedroom, while watching The Wot Wots.

He thought this was great and it made him so happy. He was even offering his Tiny Teddies to the TV screen just in case Dotty Wot was hungry. This little guy makes my life worth all of the hard stuff that has been hanging around lately, and I love him more than anything. Treating him every now and then makes me smile, and I think it makes me a good Mummy!

Linking up today with the beautiful Fi from My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness

Windows of Happiness: A Beautiful Life

Just a short little window of happiness today. As I sit and write this post my Munchkin is napping after a great trip to the park with friends, complete with a little morning tea picnic. It has made me realise just how beautiful our lives are. I have the opportunity to create a great life for me and my son.

As we were at the park I watched many families come and go, family bike rides with happy children and healthy snacks. This was their "family day". I love that I can do that with my son. Although it is only him and I now, one day I hope that we have family day with more of us. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to create these moments for us now though.

I work so hard to create balance and routine in our lives to make it easier to enjoy those moments. And today I feel like it is all paying off.

What is making you happy this week?
Have you linked up with Fi at My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness?

Windows of Happiness

Today I am linking up with the lovely Fi over at My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness. The idea is finding the rays of sunshine in this wintry weather, which is perfect for me, as I write this I am bed-ridden with the flu, only a week after my Munchkin's chest infection. Focusing on the things that make me happy help to get me through it.

So one thing that has made me happy this week is a day out with my Munchkin. We started out with a trip to Kindergym, in which Master A had a ball on the trampoline, among other things.

We then headed to the National Railway Museum for A Day Out with Thomas. Although Master A was a little too young for most of the day, he loved going for a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine, and although this picture doesn't show the smile that was plastered on his face most of the day, it was great to see him have so much fun.

Spending a day out with my little Munchkin and friends has been great, especially when winter makes it harder to get out of the house and actually do things outdoors. So even with a nap-deprived toddler this day was perfect, and a great excuse to enjoy winter!

Linking up with Fi from My Mummy Daze for Windows of Happiness

Doing it Alone!

I have written this post with a fabulous single Mummy in mind. Rachael from Pretty Pink Peony posted earlier this week about feeling a little alone on her journey. So I have put together a list of reasons why it is awesome to be a single Mum. There are so many benefits that often get forgotten in the process of living day to day life. And here they are:

1. Having a whole bed (and doona) to ourselves. This is, of course, unless you have your children sleep with you. In that case, you get beautiful cuddles!

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2. You don't have to share the TV at night. On Wednesday night, as I was cuddled up under the blanket with my favorite 4 girls from the big apple (Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha), I logged into Facebook on the iPad to find many unhappy wives complaining about being stuck watching the State of Origin. I smiled, turned off the iPad, and relaxed with a Vodka Cruiser (nobody to tell me I shouldn't be having a drink!) Bonus points for not having to share the chocolate!

3. When you see a totally hot man at the supermarket, on the street, out for dinner, or in my case building the house next door, you are quite within your rights to flirt up a storm and ask for their number politely strike up a conversation. Who knows, it could lead to a dinner date!

4. You can plan a night out or in with the girls, without having to ask permission. Something I take full advantage of as a single lady!

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5. Cooking a pot of spaghetti or soup for dinner will mean you actually have leftovers for the next day! It did not seem to matter how big a pot I made before, once seconds and thirds were had, there was enough for him to take to work the next day, and that was about it. Now I can get 2 or 3 days meals out of 1 pot!

6. You can wear what you like. I like skinny jeans. Do not ask me why, I just find them comfortable, and love them. My ex, hated skinny jeans. Although I usually don't care what people think of my clothes, I will generally wear them anyway, I got a little sick of 'that look' every time I put them on. It is so nice to know I can wear what I want, when I want.

7. When something breaks, or you need something doing around the house, you can hire a hot tradie, who will do the job right, instead of watching your hubby fiddle around with the toilet in his socks and jocks, only to have no idea what he's doing!

8. When decorating your house, it's only your opinion that you need to worry about. Who wants to argue over which couch to buy? Certainly not me!

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9. You have no one to explain that totally necessary online purchase for a nice new pair of boots that you really couldn't afford. And you will look hot for when the tradie comes round to fix your toilet!

10. You have the time to focus on you, and your hobbies. I love that I have more time to read again. I just made the mistake of reading the Fifty Shades series. So not the book to be reading whilst you are single!

Do you indulge in any or all of these things?
Do you have any others to add to the list?

Linking up for the first time with With Some Grace for Flog Yo Blog Friday

The Roller Coaster of Life

Most people have had some kind of a roller coaster ride through their lives. And I don't mean on an actual roller coaster. As someone terrified of heights, roller coasters scare the hell out of me! I'm talking about life. Ups and downs, twists and turns. No one's life can be completely full of ups. It's totally impossible and you can't appreciate the ups without experiencing some downs.

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My life since turning 18 has very much been a roller coaster ride. You can read my story of depression here. The difference with happy people, is their ability to not let the downs affect their ability to believe that life will still give you more ups. 

At the end of last year, I had a very negative view of men. To me, they were only there to break my heart. Don't get involved, won't get hurt. I've also had the view of why would they ever want me? A single mum in her early twenties, living at home with her parents, studying instead of earning a living. Not a lot of guys would consider this a great catch. Trust me, I've done my research! My car has required a hell of a lot of money spent to get it fixed and drivable, and there is still more to do. I am living with my parents, when I desperately want my own space. 


What I have come to realise, is that I have so many things to look forward to. I can't wait until next year, when I should be able to afford to move into my own place. Hopefully by the end of next year, a new (smaller and cheaper) car should be on the cards too. I will also be working by then too. There are so many moments that I have to look forward to, that my fear of the 'down' parts of my past have totally stopped me from having. 

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Watching my Munchkin grow up. Coming to a workable agreement with his father so that the stress of custody issues stops and we can enjoy our son. Finishing my study and being a fully qualified accountant. Replacing the furniture I lost when I split up with ex with beautiful nice new furniture (that I pick)! Meeting someone special to spend the rest of my life with and having more kids. 


I am by no means saying that we should always focus on the future, and what the future brings. Otherwise we miss the present, and all the wonderful things that are in it, like our children, families, friends, careers, homes, etc. But a healthy balance of looking forward to the future, and appreciating what we have presently, and being grateful for it makes the roller coaster ride so much more bearable, and even fun. We can't take the downs out of our life, but we can make sure it doesn't ruin our chance to have more ups. 


Are you on an up or a down on your roller coaster ride?
What have you got to look forward to?

Linking up with the totally awesome Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT

The Ideal Life

I have started on my "big clean out", and while wading through many water damaged boxes in my parents garage, I came across one of my favorite organising books: It's all too much by Peter Walsh.

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It's all too much is a brilliant book about de-cluttering your home and life. Of course, once I found it, I had to start reading it again. Peter Walsh is an organisation expert, and when he is with clients he starts off their journey by asking them what their ideal life is, in every aspect. Their home, health, relationships, experiences, activities and career. I started to think about my ideal life, and what I want from it.

My living situation is a lot more permanent than I had planned when I moved back home with my parents 8 months ago. In my ideal life Master A and I are living in our own place. A unit with a little back yard would be perfect. My friends are extremely important to me so I would love to focus on my friendships. Spending time with them and entertaining at home, being that having a small child means I can't always go out.

I want to have the time to do something for me; yoga, scrap booking and exercise are all things that I would love to make the time to do. Having an organised and clutter-free house would give me the space and time to do so. I would be working part time in a job that I enjoyed and studying.

I know that it seems I am trying to have it all, but this is my ideal life!

So now that I have my ideal life in mind (it is a little more complex in my head, I just skimmed over it for you) I am getting set on clearing out the junk. Anything that doesn't fit in with my "ideal life" doesn't stay.

It has given me the chance to sit and really think about what it is that I actually want in my life. Even the simple things like hobbies and interests. Not only in terms of big goals.

Have you ever thought about your ideal life?
What kinds of hobbies/interests would you love to make time to do?

Linking up with Diary of a Stay at Home Mum for IBOT

Good things come to those who wait?

This year has been a turning point for me. I have achieved so much already, emotionally and physically. One thing that I am particularly proud of is adapting my personality from the belief of waiting for things to happen to me, as opposed to making things happen for me. I used to be the girl sitting at home alone, waiting for the phone call that could change my life. Or I would sit by, furious, and let people walk all over me. I would wait for the perfect job to fall into my lap. This was not through sheer laziness, just a misunderstanding on my part, about my job in the process of my life.

Good things come to those who wait.


I guess to some degree, this quote is true. You can't always expect everything you want straight away. For instance, you may want to buy your own house. You can't expect that you can save for a month and have enough money to buy a house (unless of course you earn megabucks!) The same is true for a job. You can't walk into an entry level position and be there a week, and expect to get promoted in that time (I'm sorry but just because it happened to Ana in Fifty Shades of Grey does not mean it's going to happen to you!)

At the same time, you can't expect to get promoted if you simply turn up for work, do your job with minimal effort and enthusiasm and go home every day. You can't expect to meet people by sitting on your couch and turning down offers of going out because that would require you to not be in your pajamas by 7pm on a Saturday night.

I used to be that girl. If I had to do anything to get it, I generally went without. Again, this was not because of laziness. I was usually scared of failure, or didn't know where to begin in the first place. It tested my will power or put me outside of my comfort zone.

I'm not sure if it's being on my own, feeling sick of getting hurt, knowing that I am the sole provider for my child or just being tired of waiting for things to happen that never do, but this year has been different. I have been putting myself out there, trying to make things happen. I refuse to accept that my past means that I can't do something I want to, and I will not let my shyness and fear of failure get in the way of something I desperately want. I know what I want, and I am going after it. I no longer rely on someone else to create my happiness. I am creating my own, and it feels oh so good!

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Are you an "action" person, or do you tend to wait for things to happen?
Have you always been that kind of person?

The Things I Love Most

After a pretty bad month, and a decision to extend my May challenge (but a lot more relaxed), I thought it would be a good idea to re-connect with the things that I love. I have gone through all of my recent photos (and a few old ones) and picked a bunch of things that I love. Here is a list in pictures of the things in my life that make my day.

My Munchkin's smile. This is an old pic of him, but the smile is gorgeous!

The beach, which I am lucky enough to have at the end of my street.

Blogging, I have only been doing it such a short time, but the benefits already are huge (and so much cheaper than therapy!)

Getting dressed up to go out for the night. This was my first girls night out in six months.

Scrapbooking, though I don't do much of it anymore. It is something I want to start doing again.

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Inspirational quotes. This is one of my favorites.

Iced Coffee. I keep saying I'm going to give it up, but keep finding excuses not to. Though I am in the middle of a 3 week challenge, giving it up.

My desk. It is my haven and where I do my favorite things, like blogging and scrapbooking.

Getting handmade crafts from day care. This was my mothers day card this year, and had his foot prints on the inside. Gorgeous!

Instagram. I am becoming quite addicted!

A yummy dinner, such as a big pot of spaghetti, chock full of veggies.

And best of all I love cuddles with the only man in my life, my little Muchkin.

What do you love the most?

What makes you smile on your toughest days?