Taking Stock – December 2017

It’s time for my last Taking Stock post for 2017.  During 2017 I have ‘taken stock’ quarterly.  First in March and then June and September.   I will probably do quarterly Taking Stock posts during 2018 as well.

Before I ‘Take Stock’, lets have a quick look back at some of the things that have made up my 2017

In January I was still reflecting (here and here) on my December 2016 South Pacific cruise and very eager to book the next cruise (not yet done).

In February I was obviously not enjoying the Brisbane heat and humidity because I was dreaming of snow and a white Christmas!

In March I did my first Taking Stock post for 2017.  I spent some time staying with Dad while Mum was away for her sister’s birthday.  How little did I know then that those days spent with Dad would be so precious and very special memories.

In April I decided it’d be nice to be a bit nostalgic on the blog now and then.

In May I celebrated Marvelous May and enjoyed another birthday!

In June I had surgery and my son went overseas.

In July I started my Gorgeous 50’s series.

In August I headed for the hills and my happy place – surrounded in beautiful nature up in the Bunya Mountains.

In September I proudly presented the results of my first crochet project in at least 25 years and it was time for Taking Stock again.

In October I had some lovely trips away exploring beautiful Australia – by visiting Canberra and then Perth.  I’m yet to share photos and a blog post about my Perth trip because soon after my return I was in bed sick with a bad virus and then my Dad became very unwell and regular visits to the hospital became my routine.

In November I shared that I am now proudly a World Vision Australia Blog Ambassador.  I also had a visit from a duck and her nine ducklings which turned out to be quite symbolic and timely.

In December my world changed forever when I lost my Dad.

Now let’s take stock for the last time for 2017

Making:  Double batches of Lite Aeroplane Jelly with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in it.  A healthy after dinner treat when I feel the need!
Cooking:  BBQ with marinated steaks, sausages and onion along with a potato bake and an assortment of salads for family New Years Eve celebrations here (last night – by the time this is read).  My sister was bringing a baked cheesecake for dessert – YUM!
Drinking:  A little more wine and champagne than usual over the Christmas and New Year period.
Reading:  Marian Keyes’ first book about the Walsh Family – ‘Watermelon‘.
Next read:  Marian Keyes’ second book about the Walsh Family – ‘Rachel’s Holiday‘.
Wanting:  Strength and courage as I navigate my first real experience with grief.
Looking:  Forward to my two week beach holiday in February. I am actually yearning for long early morning and late afternoon walks along the beach.
Playing:  Catch ups with regards to Christmas preparations, blog planning, my new venture planning and household chores!
Deciding:  On what to post about when.  So many ideas in my head for blog posts! 
Wishing:  A lot of things but wishing doesn’t really get you anywhere.
Enjoying:  The excitement of a new venture for the new year. Keep watch on the blog for some news coming soon!
Waiting:  For the wee hours of the morning on 31 December (which will have been and gone when you are reading this) for my daughter to come home from 28 days overseas.
Liking:  That I have a new venture to be excited about and to keep me busy!
Wondering:  What 2018 has in store for me.  I hope it’s good stuff! 
Loving:  Summer days in the pool and reading by the pool!
Pondering:  New meal ideas.  I’m a bit stuck in a rut and bored.  Need some new and exciting recipes to try.
Considering:  Painting the house (inside), starting with Twin1’s bedroom which needs it most!
Buying:  Christmas presents online, and only a week or so before Christmas, was quite stressful this year but thankfully all worked out ok in the end.
Watching:  Watched Season 1 of ‘The Good Place‘ on Netflix and loved it.  Then watched all of Season 1 of ‘The Sinner‘ on Netflix and loved it too!
Next watch:  Season 2 of ‘The Crown‘ on Netflix.

Hoping:  2018 will be a rewarding and happy year.
Marvelling:  At the dedication, compassion and care I felt by staff at the hospital where Dad was.
Cringing:  Over the fact that I only got the Christmas tree put up on Christmas Eve.  Leaving it up for New Years festivities and then it will come down.  Short appearance this year!
Needing:  Nature, quiet time, relaxation, beach walks – stuff like that.
Questioning:  Life, death, the universe.
Wearing:  My swimmers a lot over this hot and humid festive season!  I love having a pool!
Following:  My own advice and applying a bit of self-care and self-love to myself.  It’s not been an easy few months.
Noticing:  How long the days are now.  I like it!
Knowing:  That the two week holiday at the beach in February is very much needed!
Thinking:  A lot about how life is so fleeting and how important it is to live it well.
Admiring:  My family for the strength and unity they have shown through a very difficult and sad few months.
Sorting:  Myself out trying to prepare for the new year!
Getting:  Ready for an exciting new venture.  Oh whoops I mentioned that earlier under ‘Playing’, ‘Enjoying’ and maybe also ‘Liking’ didn’t I?  Stay tuned for exciting news coming soon!  In the meantime … there are little teases and hints scattered throughout the photo collages above.  You will only know if you actually read this!
Bookmarking:  Things to go back to read, when I have more time, that I promptly forget all about.
Coveting:  Frankie4 shoes – so many that I am drooling over!
Disliking:  That Dad wasn’t with us for Christmas and that 2018 will be the first year of my life without my Dad physically in it.
Opening:  So many emails and text messages from stores tempting me with Boxing Day sales!!
Giggling:  At Ava (my dog) who has been beside herself with excitement over the two new toys she got for Christmas!
Feeling:  Sad quite a lot.  Missing my Dad. 
Snacking:  Mangoes – oh I love them!
Hearing:  The whir of my little desk fan.

‘Taking Stock’ is the brainchild of Pip of Meet me at Mikes.  As Pip says HERE – “Here is a blank list for you to cut and paste to Facebook or Insta or your blog or your secret wordy place, so you can Take Stock too!”  I’ve noticed she has some new words this month too!  Note that I removed the word prompt ‘Smelling’ because if you look back at all my previous Taking Stock posts – I do not have the sense of smell.  I can’t smell.  It’s become a bit repetitive and boring saying this every time, so I’ve just removed the word – easy, peasy!

Wishing you a fabulous 2018.  I hope that it is a happy and healthy year for you and your family and that all you hope to achieve comes to fruition plus more!

Ciao for now,