Postcards and Photographs and the Top of my Wardrobe

This morning, I decided to clear out a box, that has been sitting on top of my wardrobe, to make some space and make my room look a little less cluttered.

What a delightful treasure trove I found!

There were postcards from some little friends of mine.  When my tutoring students went on holiday I would set them homework which always included the task of writing me a postcard.  I would tell their parents that the student must be responsible for purchasing the postcard, writing me a message, addressing the postcard and mailing it.  I was certain that I was teaching them a life skill and I got the bonus of receiving a post card.

The sad thing is, people don't tend to send postcards anymore.  Why is that?

I used to love sending post cards and receiving them.  When the BFF goes to Canada, I will have to demand some postcards.  I might have to give her postcard money!

Among some papers and folders I also found some photos.  I love photos! I found a few Santa photos from several years ago.  The children were so small!! I also noticed things about them that I certainly hadn't noticed before.  It's amazing how children look so content.  There really is something magical about the innocence of childhood.  Other than that, I found some photos of old friends.  It was a bit of a spin out - you know a strange feeling- like travelling back in time.  We were so young! I was surprised at how much I remembered just from looking at pictures.  A simple photograph - or a dozen - sparked memories I had forgotten I had.  Doesn't it seem silly.

Meanwhile, I'm typing this collection of random thoughts while sitting on my bed, surrounded by old photos, little boxes, school resources, papers and M'n'M's.  Perhaps I should do something about tidying all this up.

Aside from a little dust, the top of my wardrobe is now clear and definitely less cluttered.  So, mission accomplished.  Although I'm not sure if it counts until the photos aren't scattered on the bed.

Cest la vie

Thank you for...

1. Mum and Dad.
2. My nephews and nieces and their glorious individuality.
3. Chocolate.
4. My 'smart' phone that has lots of pictures that I have taken of lots of lovely things. 
5. Shelly- my kitty friend.  She also has a beautiful  individuality.  

Today was productive and calm and the weather was absolutely gorgeous!  I hope school tomorrow is similarly calm.

Mum's Birthday... and my new gift giving policy

Today is Mum's birthday.  

You might know that we, in our house, have a lot of STUFF.  It isn't just Mum or just Dad or just me for that matter.  Shelly and Hagrid claim that the stuff was here before them, therefore they aren't actually responsible for it.  Meanwhile, Shelly rarely picks up her toys!  But I digress.  

It wasn't very long ago that I decluttered the bathroom.  During this experience, I came upon a number of "gifts" that had been unwrapped but never actually used.  I have always been the kind of person who believes that your birthday shouldn't be about the gifts, but the experiences.  I would much rather attend a party (or a small gathering with a few very close friends or the family) and feel special, than get a bunch more stuff.  So, I suppose this is something that has been rolling around in the back of my mind for a long while.  Now, I have finally put all the pieces together and I have a plan.  

Once you get to a certain age- I'm thinking 15 years (mainly because that is the age of my eldest nephew and I don't want him or anyone else feeling as though they have missed out on anything)... you will not receive a STUFF type of gift from me!  No sir!  From me, you will receive an experience!! 

I have to admit that I like to give experiences and I have often - especially when the bank balance was low- done this in the past.  But, now it will be a policy. 

Here are some 'experience' gifts I  have given in the past and I have to say, I think they were the ones that have always meant more to those around me. 

• Singing happy birthday over the phone... or better yet.. having a bunch of random people you don't know sing happy birthday to you over the phone.  I have done this more than once for friends of mine... I hope they liked it.  
• Free Babysitting and a voucher for a movie or fancy restaurant- obviously a gift for friends who happen to be parents.  
• Paid for camp fees. 
• A day with M- this one goes to the kids, they get a whole day of me and they get to choose from a selection of activities that I know they enjoy e.g. movies, bowling, mini- golf, craft, painting, dress ups, picnics etc etc. 
• Spa Day- massage or facial, or a voucher to pay for a treatment of choice.
• Sending exactly the number of messages/ gifts as the age of the recipient.  Example= last year my boss turned 40 and he received a range of you tube videos, text messages, emails, post-it notes, cards and pictures wishing him a happy birthday and altogether they totaled 40! 
• A treasure hunt: again, 45 notes hidden all over the workplace for my 45 year old teaching buddy. 
• Decorated desks/ bedrooms - including birthday messages, "facts about the recipients date of birth" and other items. 
• Balloons hanging from the bedroom door (see the blog post about my BFF's birthday celebrations a few years back). 
• Holiday spending money. 
• A lunch/ dinner with your's truly. 
• A shopping spree! 

So, there it is.  Don't get excited about receiving stuff this year people... instead, I'm going to give you a memory! 

By the way... in case you're wondering... I gave mum spending money for her recent nautical escapade (she went on a cruise) and I sent her a photo of a birthday cake, because I don't want her to get fat.  LOL =) 

Love 

Another Thursday Thank you

It never really retired or left, it's just been silent.

Thank you for my parents, although they drive me mad.
Thank you for my job, although it frustrates me.
Thank you for my cat.
Thank you for my family- sis, bro, nieces and nephews, aunties, uncles, grandparents.
Thank you for Skype.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  I have so many reasons to be thankful.

Wednesday Words: exactly 6.

Ha Hee Hee Ha Hee

Enough Said!