slowing down

That is a photo of the window in my study. The green trees, little droplets of rain and two white ribbons give me a sense of peace, exactly what i need these days.

Yesterday, i decided to go to the library at Glebe, which is a pretty little suburb close to the university. I felt like myself once again as i perused the aisles, one by one, looking for a title that sparked my interest. The feeling of finding a good book, one that you've been waiting to to read forever cannot be replicated. Being in the midst of books soothes my soul and reminds me of who i essentially am.

I left the library with three books- A wedding in December by Anita Shreve, The namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and Shopaholic and sister by Sophie Kinsella. The first book, i've been waiting to read for a while now; the second, i knew i had to read after watching the movie and it's the one i have started on- she's a beautiful writer- so evocative and decriptive; the third is for when i get tired of reading the history of the family for my thesis.

As i walked along Glebe Pt. Road, headed back to the university, i noticed how quaint the little shops and cafes were. I wished i had the time to stop by and browse or have a cup of coffee and a pastry from Le Petit Tarte, a charming little cafe that makes me feel like i'm somewhere in France.

But i continued walking along, slowly.
I refused to brisk walk like i always find myself doing when i'm walking, even if i'm not in a rush.
Slowly, i walked and passed another cafe selling delicious looking cakes. There were two people sitting on a table on the sidewalk, drinking their lattes.

How many things have i failed to notice because i was rushing?
I am determined to slow down and look.

no turning back

Rushcutters Bay is so beautiful. I love walking there on the weekends- the park to one side and the bay to the other. Kids everywhere.

Last Sunday, we went to Rose Bay for a walk and it was lovely. It was great stopping between some houses and being able to see the harbour bridge and sparkling water. It was even more lovely having a cappucino and chocolate croissant after. What a beautiful morning it was!

And today, Tuesday, it is just as beautiful where i am- not anywhere near a body of water but familiar nonetheless. I slept in till 9am (which i haven't done in the longest time as i'm usually up at 6:30am to work out) as i knew i was coming down with a horrid little bug last night. I feel so much better today after a good rest. The weather bureau had said it was going to be cold and windy today (which it is!) but it is also so, so beautiful. I opened my windows and the trees were going crazy in the wind. It smelled so fresh. The blue skies were perfect. It's almost winter but everything looked so green. I washed my hair (it seemed like a hair-washing day), got changed and drove to Zoe's for some toast and chai. That's the kind of morning i like.

Have been checking my mailbox since yesterday morning for my sample wedding invites! Can't wait to receive them!

Two weeks before winter

We've had a fairly mild autumn thus far. The nights are chilly but nothing a jumper, a throw and some mint hot chocolate can't make comfortable. What will winter (in 2 weeks!) bring?

Today was beautiful. Autumn leaves everywhere and blue skies with little tufts of white cloud everywhere. We went to Rushcutters Bay for a walk and had breakfast at the only cafe there. I had some organic muesli with yoghurt and a soy cappucino, which were both yummy. We were the only childless patrons there, which was quite interesting to observe.

I've just asked my friend (and Jon's flatmate) to do the decorations for our wedding and feel like a burden's been lifted. I've been trying to figure out how to decorate the garden and reception venue and not flout council rules. Now, Gareth can figure this out. He's an architect so i'm sure he'll be much better at this than i could ever be.


I am counting down the days till our wedding. When will it come?? I'm so tired of having Jon leave every night after he tucks me in. I mean, i love him and want very much for us to be physically intimate with each other. But we've both made a decision to abstain from sex before the wedding- one of the best decisions i've ever made. I must say it's not an easy decision but i truly believe it is the right one. The wedding night is going to be that much special because of it. For now, i'm satisfied with kisses and cuddles.

So, things are coming along nicely. I have been praying heaps and praying differently and can see results, which is always nice. The best answered prayer was Jon's new job, which he got yesterday! He's going to be a computer games programmer now, which he is so excited about, which makes me very happy. I like seeing my boy happy and confident. My thesis is slowly being written. I'm not sure what will happen next year and whether i will switch to part-time so i can work some extra hours but i dont' want to worry about that now.

I'm off to watch Sleepless in Seattle with Jon. We've both seen it a couple of times (well, at least i have) but have never seen it together, which i think is a situation that needs to be remedied immediately. So some pasta, red wine and a movie with the love of my life is on the cards for tonight. Life is good.