Today I'm basking in the afterglow of a job well done :) Yesterday I was reminded of how much I enjoy playing hostess to my friends.

It all starts with the invitation. Then the "oh-oh, what have I done?" But that thought is momentary as the other half of me is already planning menus, table settings and guest list - and more importantly a timetable.

The day dawns with a flurry of last minute house cleaning - "don't use the bathroom, I've wiped everything down!!!" Not that the bathroom will be seen as guests will use the smaller one.

Then - working to the timetable. Start at prepping x o'clock, finish that by y o'clock, start something else at z o'clock and be finished and washed up by deadline. Then time for a quick shower and change and be ready and waiting for the arrival of the first guest.

I love the oohs and aahs as they lay eyes on the table setting - matching or non-matching it doesn't matter as long as it's done with love. Flowers and/or greenery are a must.

Food - it's all in the presentation. Beautiful plates and platters, flowers as garnish - it all adds to the fun and pleasure.

And all too soon it's over. And it's time to clean up. But even that can be fun as I relive the afternoon and enjoy the feeling of knowing that I'm good at this. And I can't wait to do it again.

Entertaining at home - yes - life is good :)

Stress for the day - make sure I place my trolley the right way round at the Aldi checkout. Mind you, the checkout person is always very nice and will patiently explain how it should go. But today I watched the person in front of me and did it right all by myself :)

Finally getting it right at Aldi - life is good.

New beginnings. On paper, it sounds great - exciting, adventurous, brave. In reality - it's scary.

I'm on the threshold of a new beginning. I want it, but I'm scared. Once I take the first step, I'm committed. OK - I can stop the process at any time. And, if things slow down or don't go according to plan then there will be support should I need it.

But, once I start - I don't want to stop. I want to be excited and feel adventurous. And at the end there will be a clean slate, a blank canvas for us start afresh and move forward.

New beginnings - life is good.

There's a tree outside my window and it seems to be the venue for a breakfast convention for birds. There's a gathering of rosellas (they're the multi coloured ones aren't they?) and miners (the grey and yellow ones). As you can see I know a lot about birds :) It's a beautiful sight.

Oh - and there's a bumble bee hovering around me because it can't seem to find the open window so it can join its friends. I may have to help it :)

Lots of blessings today. It's a reunion day and a celebration day. A reunion with a friend who now lives in another town and a celebration of another's birthday. The blessing for me is in the celebration of our friendship and the reunion of 3 women who have faced different trials and emotional upheavals and who have come through to the other side.

I know there'll be lots of laughter, support and a few quiet times as we share a deep and meaningful moment. We'll agree and disagree - and agree to disagree. But tonight as we take leave of each other the bonds of friendship will be that little bit stronger and even more special than what they were this morning.

Yes - life is good.

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Kacee - our beautiful cavoodle pup of nearly 3 years - is lying on the couch and looking at me with those soulful, doggy eyes. She wants a walk. She figures that by staring at me and following me around like a shadow - getting underfoot and scrambling every time I move or take a deep breath - that she'll wear me down and I'll take her out. She's right :) But I like to mess with her head so I'll make her wait until I'm good and ready. Won't be long Kacee - after I finish blogging (sigh)

Yesterday I experienced how a change in attitude can make what I thought would be a routine Sunday afternoon training session turn into a positive, uplifting event. After arriving, registering, finding my seat in the auditorium and wishing I was somewhere else, I started to pick up on the vibes of those around me. They were eager and happy to be there, looking forward to an afternoon of shared knowledge and new experiences.

When the session began I was still in a closed frame of mind, but little by little, as I listened to what was being said, I could hear that some of this stuff was of benefit to me. I could use this knowledge, these tips, these ideas. I started to open up.

I gained the same from the next session. I probably only took away 2 things from all that was said in the second hour - but, gosh, 2 invaluable hints that I can use later when I have the need.

I came home very positive and thankful that I had made the effort to attend. It reminded me that I have a choice in everything that I do - a choice towards a good experience or a choice to make it bad and sad. Thankfully I chose the first option.

Life is good :)

It's amazing what a good deep sleep does for you. If I can ignore the fact that half the day is almost gone :) I can enjoy the luxury of waking up late and taking my time to do .... whatever. There's a certain decadence in not having to rush around and be somewhere at a given time.

Another beautiful day here in Bristown. One of those days where I look out the window and see lots of greenery, slight breeze blowing (is that a zephyr?) and I feel grateful. There's something about a freshly mown lawn, the odd spot of colour that comes from little flowers dotted here and there, blue skies and sunshine.

I don't want to be anywhere else - I don't want to be anybody else.

Life is good :)

It's hard to feel positive today. Work issues are clouding things for me. I feel undervalued and under-cared-for. Lots scenarios going through my head. Time to turn things around.

Attitude is everything, so my attitude is changing. I'm not a victim - I'm in control. I'm working towards a better job - it's going to take time (not a lot) so be patient. Work hard, keep at it and I'll get there.

I am not my job. I feel better already :)

Yes - life is good.