Thinking

Far too much thinking going on. Must be mid life crisis time. To be considering what is really important in life, what do I really want and do I really have the get up and go to make sweeping changes?

Is true joy and happiness in every day life actually accessible? Particularly with the state the world is in these days. Ponder, ponder and ruminate. If I don't have the discipline to get up early two days in a row to exercise, do I have the discipline to create a different kind of life?

I don't have any answers I'm afraid, but will continue to ask the questions anyway...

Habits.

Most people are creatures of habit. Mornings tend to go the same way, in the same order each morning, family rituals are basically habits peculiar to a particular group. 

Breaking habits can be incredibly difficult and making new ones seemingly impossible.

Giving up smoking is something that I've finally kicked...again. But it's been 51 days and I think the worst is over. 

It's probably my age (44eeek) but I'm feeling dissatisfied with my life and feeling the need to make some changes. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change my family for the world, hubby and daughter are the centre of my life. It is what I have managed to achieved in my 44 yrs that disappoints me I guess. I always felt capable of more but never had the drive or any idea of what I wanted to do really, so I drifted into this and that.

I've done ok, I have a pretty good job that I'm actually pretty good at, but I dream of different.

So I'm trying something different, little things at first.

Getting up earlier and making some time for me; some meditation, some exercise, some changes in habits. I'll keep you updated on how it goes.

I conquered Mt Washmore! Or at least until next week.

Well after however many weeks since we got back from the very lovely New Zealand, I finally got all the washing folded and put away. Sure I've got another load in the washer and another drying but 4 loads clean, folded and put away I call success. No more scrounging through the wash basket for clean undies and matching socks yayyyy!

A loaf of bread made, and as the 14yo daughter is on camp for the next two days, it may just last longer than two days. Isn't it pretty? 

This recipe makes such a lovely sandwich and toasting loaf and only takes about an hour.

1 HOUR LOAF

5 1/4 cups bread or strong flour

2-4 tbs sugar ( I use a scant 2)

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 rounded tbs instant yeast

1 1/2 tbs oil

2 cups warm water 

1. Mix dry ingredients

2. Add oil and water to make a sticky dough

3. Knead for 5 minutes

4. Shape into loaves, I make one big one.

5. Cover with a teatowel and leave to rise for 25-30 min

6. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius

7. Slash top of loaves to allow expansion and bake for 25-30 min or until golden brown