Hello comfort zone :)

Remember my post about stretching my comfort zone? No!!!! I am not thinking of another helicopter ride :) But I am thinking of taking a step or two outside.

Yesterday I went to see about volunteer work. I was introduced to a dietician and another health worker. This couple are working hard to get the locals to embrace a healthy lifestyle. I was involved in similar work back home. The upshot of my visit is that in the coming months I will assist them in promoting their challenge to the locals in their work environment. I will be working closely with the dietician in presenting her program. I hope to utilise my Toastmaster skills and put forward an interesting and interactive presentation to get and keep everybody motivated .... but bit scared.

Speaking of Toastmasters, I want to start a club up here, so contacted TM International and they have sent me a new club kit. Holy dooley - had I known what's involved I may have just waited until I get back home to pick up my TM journey from where I left off. There is quite a bit to do and I am feeling a tad out of my league. But to quote one of TM colleagues: "the further you leave your comfort zone Silvana, the faster you grow". Hey, I'm 56 David - haven't I finished growing? - apparently not :)

I have an appointment tomorrow with the island journalist to discuss publicity for the TM club and calling for expressions of interest. Once that happens, I'll have a starting point and I can then move on from there ..... I hope. BTW - we're meeting at the new coffee shop :)

So - the journey continues. No, I have not finished growing - I don't want to. There is so much more to do :)

Still stretching the zone - life is getting more and more interesting :)

The sounds of music

T.I. is alive with the sound of music - my music, that is :) When I came here I made sure that I packed a selection of CDs and for the first couple of weeks they sat on the wall unit, unplayed. But now, every morning, I choose one and the sounds of music fill the unit all day.

It's another way to make my place homely. And making the unit homely helps with feeling belonged. When I look around I see my stuff - old and new, my music is playing in the background and I have a sense of being at home.

Having music around me seems to bring it all together. I know the songs, the words, why I bought that particular CD, which song makes me want to stop and dance or sing along. At the moment I'm listening to the soundtrack of the movie "Chicago" and believe me nothing makes me want to dance and sing along more than "All that Jazz" - Catherine Zeta-Jones move over.

But it's all about balance, isn't it? I mean there are times when silence is good, when you need that silence to reconnect, to have a sanity check, when you need to listen to the silence. And then there's music - the sounds of music, of singing, of dancing. It's about me being me - here, on Thursday Island - away from home, but feeling quite belonged and ...... all - that - jazz.

Making my music - life is melodious :)

Homesick

Top pic: Mark and the beautiful Carmel

Bottom pic: Torres hotel, Australia's top pub

This morning, for the first time since coming here, I was homesick. Last night my son and his beautiful wife had their house warming party. I've known about it for weeks, in fact we'd talked about it even before I came up. And last night they were very much in my thoughts. I imagined everyone who I knew to be there eating, drinking and making merry.

But it wasn't until this morning when I got their email telling me what a great night it was, and what a great time was had by all that I felt the distance between us. And I was suddenly wistful, a bit sooky and homesick :(

Then this afternoon Rob and I went for our usual Sunday afternoon walk to one of the four pubs for a drink and a chat. We went to the Torres which is Australia's northern most pub. And again, I felt a bit homesick.

Back home Sunday afternoons was a session at the Story Bridge Hotel. The SBH - always crowded, jazz band playing in the background - the place is just buzzing. But there is no SBH here. The pubs are surprisingly quiet on a Sunday afternoon. I have yet to find that place that's crowded, noisy (in a good way) and buzzing.

I really wanted to get that Sunday afternoon feeling so I phoned a couple of my drinking buddies and was lucky enough to talk to two of them - Hi Kim, Hi Neil. It was so good to hear their voice and to engage in our usual Sunday banter - a bit of chitchat, a few laughs and a promise to ring again soon.

I felt happy, wistful, glad that I was here, wishing I was there - a mixed bag of emotions. I knew these days would happen, it's only natural. And I'm fine now. Being homesick is part and parcel of any adventure. And fortunately in this age of technology and communication, family and friends are never too far away. Emails, text messages, skype - and all from our mobile phones no less. So while I can't be there, I can still seem to be there.

Feeling homesick - life is ......

New shop in town

There's a new coffee shop in town!! :) Up until now I'd resigned myself to the fact that I would have to wait until I got back to Brisbane before I was to enjoy a decent coffee. But not anymore.

I'd noticed some action across the street for about a week and finally a couple of days ago I walked over and checked it out. And what a surprise :) That amazing smell of good coffee when I walked through the door, white cups with the name of familiar Brisbane coffee house, blackboard menu a la coffee shops back home and familiar things on the menu like panini, wraps, smoothies and salads.

And the best thing about the new shop in town - they are open until late and ....... they will open on the weekend !!!!! Thursday Island suddenly seemed so like home :)

Rob and I took a break from the office this morning and went for a coffee. What a treat - what a sensation - what a great cup of coffee :) My cappucino was delicious - the coffee was not burnt or insipid, the milk was just the right temperature and the froth was creamy.

There are about 4 plastic tables and chairs on the footpath - and they are always occupied. Rob and I sat and drank our coffee in silence. We were both savouring and in coffee heaven - and then we did what all coffee couples do back home - we read the paper :)

Oh joy! oh happy day! I can't tell you what this has done for me. Now there is somewhere to go - to have some time out with Rob, to sit by myself and read when I want some 'me' time, to feel confident enough to say 'let's go for a coffee .....'

Now all we need is a florist and all will be as it should.

Stopping to smell the coffee - life is sooo good

Date night

Tonight Rob and I had a date :) We didn't go out or anything like that. We had dinner outside at our little outdoor setting, just the two of us. We ate a simple meal, shared a glass of wine and talked ....... about non-work stuff.

I've been working with him the past two weeks, filling in, and the last couple of days have been absolute chaos. His phone has not stopped ringing and everyone who walks into the office wants his attention - now! Today I sent him an email just so I could talk to him - it was the only way I could get him to listen for a minute.

So tonight after our showers and while we prepared dinner I told him we were going on a date. I won't tell you what he answered (wink). But it was so pleasant to sit outside - away from everything, away from the usual surrounds - and be together. No phones, no computers, no updates and no other people.

Sometimes it's the little things that can make a big difference. I know that tomorrow is going to be another busy day, but after our date tonight we are both revived and refreshed.

Enjoying the simple things - life is good.

Exercise

Top and bottom pic: Views while I walk.

Some of you may remember from an earlier post that I am a procrastinator. And the thing I usually procrastinate about the most is exercise. And I don't know why.

Now my exercise routine is not high maintenance, time consuming, difficult or expensive. My exercise routine consists of a daily walk - and sometimes I may even slowly jog. For just 30 minutes of my time every day - or on most days - I have the power to keep myself fit and healthy.

Not only does my body benefit from the daily workout, but my mind does too. It's a great time to declutter, to sort things out, to think things through. Sometimes I even go blank (hey come on be nice) - and I use the time to look at my surrounds, listen to the different sounds, listen to the silence and appreciate the view.

I like to be mindful of my breathing, how my body feels as my heart rate goes up, how my muscles are being worked and of how I hold my posture. On some days I can actually feel myself toning up. And it's such a great feeling - it's truly a high.

I like to hold onto that feeling and I call it up from the back of my mind on those days when I'm finding it hard to get out and walk, on those days when the procrastinator in me is working overtime, when I become queen of the excuses.

But a funny thing has happened - again - since moving here. I'm finding I procrastinate less and exercise more. And why not? Look at what I see when I walk :)

Enjoying the views while I walk - life is healthy

Saturday shopping

A busy Saturday morning










This morning I went grocery shopping. So, you ask? Well I haven't been grocery shopping on a Saturday morning since I left Brisbane. And after I did the groceries, I went to the pharmacy and the newagency. In other words I did typical end-of-week stuff in my new environment. It felt so familiar - in and out of the car, knowing where to park, knowing the routine, and meeting people I knew along the way.

It felt good, nice. I didn't feel like a visitor. I felt belonged. And I felt happy.

Feeling at home on Thursday Island - life is good

Some photos

Me at the wheel of one of the pilot boats (for about 20 seconds)

Middle pic: Rob after delivering a pilot to the ship. Bottom pic: Getting up close and personal with dinner :)

I've added a couple of pics to some of my earlier blogs starting from "Day 2 on Thursday Island".

Community

I like being part of a community.

Rob and I had a bit of a disagreement about a year ago on this very thing. He'd applied for a couple of jobs on Norfolk Island, and was hoping to be successful so that we could move there. I was, of course, against the idea. One of his arguments was that it would be nice to be a part of a community. I counter argued that you don't have to be in a small place to be part of a community.

I believed (and still do) that I can make a community wherever I am, for example within my own suburb with neighbours and local groups. I can be a part of my work community. I am a member of Toastmasters so am a part of that community. I can be a part of my church community, part of a volunteer group community - and so on and so on.

But ..... you know ..... there is something nice about being in a small place and feeling that you belong. It's been brought home to me twice this week. Walking to church on Sunday morning I was stopped by a neighbour who wanted to introduce himself. He recognised me because I walk past his house on my daily walk and so he wanted to say hello. And today, again on my walk, someone I'd met on Sunday afternoon at a friend's BBQ, stopped to greet me in the street.

I guess it's no different from having that happen at home, but it made me feel that I had made it here, that I was starting to belong - that I am becoming a part of this community. And I guess I also feel that sadly, these little shows of friendliness may not have happened back home, in the big city.

So Rob - I agree. Norfolk Island, Thursday Island, any island - in fact any place, anywhere - there is something nice about being a part of a community.

Feeling like you belong - life is good.

Blossoms

I will have been here 3 weeks tomorrow. So far, so good :) And I haven't really been here long enough to miss anything yet, apart from my family of course ...... and Lily, my cat. But there is one thing that I do miss already and I wish I could do something about it. I miss fresh flowers.

If you've ever been to my place you will know that I always have a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table. It helps to make the place homely. It brings a warmth and friendliness to the room, to my space.

So once I'd moved in, rearranged the furniture and made the place my own, I stopped to get the flowers. But where were they? There is no florist and the supermarket does not sell them either. I waited for the monthly Saturday morning craft markets because Rob told me that they sometimes have a flower stall. But not this month :(

So to that end I have planted some flower seeds in the back garden bed and hopefully, with regular watering and some TLC they will grow into beautiful blooms. But until then, I do have an alternative.

There is a wonderful bouganvillea bush in the front yard as well as a hibiscus. And the neighbour across the road has a frangipani tree that drops its flowers daily. So now instead of a vase of flowers on the table I have little bowls of floating frangipani flowers placed here and there, and little vases (glasses) of deep purple bouganvillea and ruby red hibiscus that unfortunately only last a day.

So together with the bowl of fresh fruit on the table and the little vases of flowers here and there my space is now looking homely and fun.

Waiting for my flowers to grow - life is blooming :)

Birthday musings

I love birthdays, especially mine :) Why not feel happy about celebrating the day of your birth? So today ..... I did. And I had the best day - low key, lazy, pleasant and fun.

What was the highlight? Well, there were lots. The phone calls from my family, the text messages from friends, the skype session with my daughter and son-in-law and the celebrationary BBQ with new found friends and acquaintances.

But the best thing about my day was the realisation that I'm happy where I am, that I'm happy being here, that I am where I'm supposed to be.

Happy birthday Silvana :)

Life in the slow lane

Walking to the shops
Aussie Post

I updated my Facebook status yesterday and commented that I was liking life in the slow lane. And it is slow up here - there is no traffic, there are no traffic lights, there is no peak hour. The shops are basic and adequate. There are no malls, no arcades.

The island boasts:
Australia Post
a bank
newsagent/homewares/shoe retailer/babywear/Billabong & Retravision outlet - in the one shop
a hardware
a butcher
a pharmacy
a hairdresser (unisex)
a nail technician (?!?)
jewellery/pearl shop/clothing - in the one shop
clothing/haberdashery/touristy stuff - in the one shop
a 'dollar' shop - only there's nothing there for $1 :)
a travel agent
a library
a bowls club
a hospital
a nursing home
medical centre/dentist
and:
2 supermarkets - they sell everything from chewing gum to TVs
4 pubs
6 churches - all lined up neatly in a row :)

As you can see - all needs are met. Surprisingly the shops all carry a decent and varied selection of stock and once you get your head around the higher prices, shopping is just as much fun as it is anywhere else.

Apart from the hospital, nursing home, the bowls club and 1 of the pubs - everything else is on the one street, the main street - Douglas Street.

But forget urgency, deadlines, punctuality - it happens when it happens, it arrives when it arrives. It's know as T.I. Time. Mostly Rob and I have a laugh about it, but sometimes it can be challenging or downright annoying. But - there's nothing you can do about it, so ...... go with it. Find something else to do, fill in the time, find an alternative - learn to adapt.

Living in the slow lane - life is good.

My space

From where I sit here at the computer I can see the rest of the living area of the unit. It's actually one longish room that's half kitchen and half lounge/living (oops, I accidently typed 'loving'). And it looks great :) It's homely, comfortable and comforting. It's lost that sterile temporary-place look. It's amazing what a bowl of fresh fruit on the table can do to a kitchen :)

What makes a place homely? I mean this room isn't going to win any interior design awards and I doubt that Vogue Living is flying up to photograph us for it's latest issue, but - this place, this room, this living space feels and looks good.

Years ago I stayed with a friend. I stayed in the guest room - white bedspread, fresh flowers, guest bathroom complete with fluffy towels and potpourri - it was beautiful. But it wasn't homely. Every time I used the bathroom I made sure that I wiped down all surfaces until they were clean and dry. I felt guilty for using the towels. My friend's hospitality was generous and without question, but her beautiul home was not welcoming or ...... homely.

So what is "homely"? It's a feel. It's when people walk into your space and smile and feel compelled to make a comment. It's when they stop and look around and want to take it all in before they do anything else. It's when you like being there - in that space - and you want your friends and family to come and share in that space.

And it doesn't have to be Vogueish or trendy or picture perfect. But it does have to be inviting and warm, friendly and fun. And that's what I see when I look over to my right - I see warmth and hospitality, I see a living and yes a loving space.

Come and see me in my space - life is good.

How wide is my comfort zone?

"Get out of your comfort zone" - now that's a phrase that's bandied around liberally. You need to "get out of your comfort zone" and stretch yourself, do things that make you uncomfortable and in that process you grow.

Now I thought that coming to live here - on Thursday Island - was getting out of my comfort zone. I mean listen to this - I was moving out of the city to go and live in a remote area, I was leaving behind family, friends, job, house and pets and going to live in parts unknown .... well unknown to me. Let me tell you - that didn't even touch the sides!

This morning I got way out of my comfort zone. This morning, with my full consent and with my full knowledge I went on a helicopter ride. OK, I hear you asking, what's the big deal? I mean, that's exciting isn't it? A scenic helicopter ride over the reefs - the weather is fine, the sea is blue, the pilot is experienced ......... and the helicopter is very, very l-i-t-t-l-e.

I was terrified. I was so scared. I didn't enjoy it. I wanted to be anywhere but where I was - up in the air, away from the ground, in a little tin bubble.

Let me ask ..... how far do we have to go to prove to ourselves that we can do it? How far do we have to go to conquer a fear? I think, today, that I went above (pardon the pun) and beyond.

And this is what I found out. Helicopter joy rides are not for me. I don't like them. I don't enjoy them. And you know what? - that's OK. I tried it, I didn't like it ..... and that's OK.

My comfort zone is not very wide. I'm prepared to stretch it a bit ..... to extend myself and become uncomfortable. I do believe that in doing this I will develope and grow and become, not so much a better person, but a more broad-minded person, a better balanced person.

But do I have to extend it to the point where it's no longer a growth experience but an experience overcome with fears, albeit irrational, and trepidation? I don't think so. I know I will continue to look for experiences that stretch me, that make me feel uncomfortable. Because ultimately I do want to continue my growth and development and feel that satisfaction that comes from extending the comfort zone.

But let me tell you this - I will not, in fact never! get into a helicopter ever again.

Life on the ground - that's where it should be :)

Just rolling along

I've lost track of time. One day rolls into the next. But it's a good feeling - I'm not worried. Somehow my days are full but if you were to ask me at the end of the day what is it I have actually done - well, the list is not long.

But I guess I'm getting belonged, I'm marking my territory. The unit looks way different from what it did 7 days ago - flowers in little vases, kitchen organised, mess tidied away and pot plants lined up along the front wall. And I haven't finished yet :)

I look around the unit and it's so different from what I've left behind and what I thought I could live in. And even though cosmetic changes are on the way, the place has a nice feel about it. Our spirit is here and it feels good. We're happy here and it feels good.

There is work to be done and I look forward to starting. But for now I will continue to settle in and become belonged.

Life is good.