Playing Catch Up

I know it's late and I know your life didn't end just because my blog post was a bit late.  Considering I haven't updated you on my goals since March (and it's about the half way point) we are checking in today.

This Year, 2017, I will…

Quit… eating because I’m bored, sad, angry, frustrated or confused.

I have been emotional eating the last few weeks.  Now that I'm on holidays I am starting afresh.  So far, so good. 

Eat…   three balanced meals and two snacks at least 6 days a week. 

I need to start fresh for this one too.  I was doing well.  Then, I wasn't. 

Start… exercising for 30 minutes, at least 4 times a week.

More excuses.  I went for a big walk yesterday.  That was good.  I played with a big and happy dog today.  It probably doesn't count.  Trying, trying. 

Visit… family and/or friends once a month.

Totally on track!! Woo Hoo.  This one is harder than you might think.  I find social gatherings daunting.  More than two or three people in a group and I'm done. I can't concentrate.  I feel frumpy and tired and confused.  Managing to consciously make time for connecting with others is tricky sometimes.  I am finding that (for the most part) it's worth the effort. 

Accept… that I cannot fix everything. 

I am going to give it a tick this month. There are things I can fix and I need to take control of those.  The biggest thing for me to remember that I cannot change or "fix" the past.  It doesn't matter what I do or how long I worry, I can't change it.  I have to remember that. 

See…    Melbourne in real life/ Capital Cities.

I went to Adelaide and I saw a bit more of Brisbane (yes, I know I live in Brisbane's suburbs!).  During the holidays, I am getting out and about more so I'm giving this one a tick too!

Learn… at least 12 scripture passages by heart. 

Let's See: Scripture Verses learned so far

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Psalm 23

Psalm 32:7

Colossians 1:11

I'm working on:
Psalm 32:8
Philippians 4:19 I might try to learn a larger passage from Philippians 4, but for now I'm starting with one verse. 

Therefore, I'm on track! I have found a new app to help me with this and it's awesome!

Give… to Christian Missions overseas and in Australia (12 times or once a month).

I have been continuing with my regular sponsorship of a day care centre overseas.  I am saving some money to send to an orphanage in Cambodia where my cousin is the director. 

Be…   Quiet

I have been feeling challenged in this.  I am doing it.  I am.  I need to do it more.  I almost feel like I need more than quiet.  Maybe I need silence?

Grow… spiritually by reading my Bible 5-7 times a week and attending church at least 3 times each month.

I finished the devotional book I was reading and I am now working my way through a section in an Everyday with Jesus for a year book.  Each book is divided into four, twelve week plans.  There is a Bible passage for reading, a short commentary and references for further reading (with questions).  I am finding it very useful and a little challenging.  The books I have are currently out of print, but if you are interested this website publishes a daily devotional by the same author with the same structure. I did quite a bit of research to try and improve and meet this goal.  I think I have gone backwards.  I am continuing to read and pray at least 4 times each week.  Church attendance is on track though. 

Invest… in reaching these goals.

Obviously I'm doing this.. I need to refocus. 

Love

Amidst the Party Planning

I didn't post last week because it was very busy.  Every spare minute was spent on party planning.  There was a lot of stuff that needed to be printed, cut, laminated, folded, rolled, wrapped, packed, stuck and set up.  On Tuesday night, I got a strange message from my aunty asking if we had received a message. 

The short version of the story is ... my Uncle died on Wednesday night.  He was on life support on Tuesday and they turned off the machines on Wednesday. 

I was in shock.  I was sad. I was angry.  I was lost.  I cried.  The funeral was yesterday.  We cried together and we laughed together.  It was nice to remember him. 

There is so much to tell you.  I just have no words.  This time next week, I will have finally finished the semester at school and I will be on holidays.  I hope I will have found my words.  Then, I will tell you about parties and friends and how I have reached some goals and how I haven't reached others. 

Love

Party Central

This week our house has turned into Party Central.... and I don't mean we are entertaining friends every night, eating party food and getting no sleep.  I mean, we are planning my nephew's 10th birthday party.  He is number 6 and he LOVES Dinosaurs.  He asks lots of questions in an attempt to satisfy his curiosity and has a keen attention to detail.  Which means the Jurassic World party we are putting together has lots of elements which all need to be just so! 

Here's a 6 word story for you... There's a triceratops on my table!

In a few weeks, I will start a Party Central Series where I will give you all the info on the three parties that I have put together this year.  For now, you will have to make do with browsing through my Party Pinterest Boards.  I create a new board for every party that I plan as well as two other general "parties and events" boards where I pin things I like but might not fit with a particular party theme.  My inspiration usually comes from Pinterest... but I have a few go to websites too. 
Art/ Rainbow Party (5yo girl)
Frozen High Tea (10yo girl) - check out the blog posts here
Nerf Party (13 yo boy)
Jurassic World Party (10 yo boy)
Pretty Things for Pretty Parties (every event from Weddings to Birthdays)
Birthday Party: Plan it in a Week! (quick and easy party ideas)

That's all for now.  I'm too busy to write anymore! 

There is so much to do!!