Category: bloganuary

Blogging challenge 2022

Christmas Q & A

Thank you Hugh for your festive questions. I loved your questions and answers and thought I would see how mine would fare.

1. When did you first meet Father Christmas?

I am not sure how old I was here, maybe somewhere between 2 and 4 years. I’m also not sure that I look too impressed with this Santa as he looks a bit menacing.

2. Have you ever baked a Christmas cake?

Short answer, no. However, I love eating a Christmas cake / pudding and have had one this year already.

3. What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I don’t sing karaoke as I would give you a migraine! I have tried a couple of times as a student when we used to frequent a karaoke bar in Belfast called The Globe, but I would have to have had a lot of Dutch courage.

4. What’s your favourite Christmas tree ornament?

Our delightful fairy that we place on top of the Christmas tree. We have had her for a few years now and feel that she looks very Irish. She reminds us of home and has travelled with us back and forth to Australia a couple of times now.

5. Is this how Christmas makes you feel?

Happy and lost in the bubble of Christmas time.
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Wayne’s Word – Powerful

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is POWERFUL (adj.) pronounced parful in Northern Ireland.

When the sun is blazing or the heat is intense, locals from Northern Ireland might describe it as powerful. It’s not just warm, it’s the kind of heat that makes you seek shade, grab a cold drink, and regret stepping outside, like it’s absolutely sweltering!

For example, “that heat is powerful today!”

Today’s heat is powerful, that’s about 104 Fahrenheit. It’s definitely not feeling like Christmas today!
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The fab five

List your top 5 grocery store items.

There are a few item that we do purchase daily and I would imagine they could be similar for many others.

1 – Milk

2 – Bananas

3 – Bread

4 – Protein – normally chicken or mince

5 – Spinach (we’ve been eating this a lot recently, in sandwiches and in our pasta bakes)

I would say these are our top 5 grocery items at present. Definitely fruit and vegetables are up there. We eat a lot of berries, apples and the Mediterranean vegetables.

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Doors of WordPress V148

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of festive doors. I have three doors to show and these are the last of my Christmas collection. I’m off now for a few days so will begin my Christmas shopping today and we plan to call over to Bondi to pay our respects. Have a lovely day everyone and I hope you enjoy the lead up to the celebrations. My favourite this week is number three as it is extremely festive looking and very elegant. Do you have a fave this week?

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As expected

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?

Yes. No plot twists!

Life didn’t suddenly veer left or right, it carried on straight ahead and maybe that’s underrated. I’m just happy nothing fell apart and nothing too bad happened. It means consistency, resilience, and learning to be okay with taking things at a slow pace. I take each day as it comes and make the best of my time. As we have seen at Bondi Beach, tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone.

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Share Your World 16/12/25

Thank you Di for this week’s questions.

1. Did anyone read you a bedtime story when you were a child?

Yes I was lucky that both my parents would read to us in bed, they would take turns. I remember my mum would struggle with the complicated words in my Thundercat novels and I’m sure it wasn’t easy, especially with English being her second language.


2.  Did you read bedtime stories to anyone?

Yes I have read to my niece and nephew, I absolutely love reading with them!


3.  Do you prefer to read a book, an ebook/kindle, or audio book?

I have never used a kindle although I imagine it would be much easier, especially at night as it has a night light.


4.  What is your favourite fairy tale?

Ooh good question. Hansel and Gretel always left a big impression on me. Two siblings abandoned in the forest, only to stumble upon a gingerbread house that turns out to belong to a witch who plans to eat them. I’m not sure why I enjoyed it so much haha but I remember really enjoying it.

Gratitude – Grateful to be off work today and winding down for Christmas.

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Wayne’s Word – Fragile

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is FRAGILE.

Yesterday’s events at Bondi Beach were a stark reminder of just how fragile the world can be. Places we associate with sunshine, routine and safety can, in a moment, feel painfully different.

I used to live near Bondi Beach and walked along the promenade at least once a week, without a second thought, like so many others. It is extremely sad to see people being attacked for their religion or beliefs, innocent people and those caught in the crossfire. Things like this shouldn’t happen in Australia but these attacks really can happen anywhere and at any time.

In a fragile world, kindness, presence and looking out for one another matter more than ever. Bravo to the man who was able to disarm the perpetrator.

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Pokemon Go Safari Event Sydney 2025

Yesterday I spent the day at the Pokémon GO Safari event in Sydney.

If you know me, that might surprise you. I have a lot going on in my life, work, gym, travel, writing, family, friends – so Pokémon GO isn’t always something people associate with me, but it’s there, quietly ticking along in the background.

I started playing in 2016 when it first came out and never really stopped, when I start something, I find it difficult to stop. Events like yesterday remind me why I enjoy it, getting outside, walking for hours, and chatting to strangers who instantly feel familiar because you’re all there for the same reason. I was delighted to meet a popular Pokémon tiktoker who I have been following for some time. He arranged for people to meet up, share a photo and tag along with him if people wish. Super nice guy!!!

The event itself was simple and well put together. Different parts of the city encouraged you to keep moving, explore new areas, and spend time outside. There was a gentle sense of purpose to the walking, with people drifting along similar paths, stopping, chatting, and sharing the experience. It felt less like a game and more like a reason to be present in the city for the day and the weather was on point!

Does anyone else play Pokemon Go here? I was delighted with my finds and managed to clock in an impressive step count, winner winner chicken dinner!!!

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Who knows 🤷🏼‍♂️

Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.

I have been thinking about this for a few minutes, and honestly, I don’t really know.

I have to admit, I am a people pleaser. I like harmony and I want people to feel comfortable around me. I want them to enjoy my company, not because I’m the loudest in the room or the most interesting, but because being together feels easy and comfortable.

Maybe I hope they say I was kind, or that I listened, or that I showed up.

I don’t need to be unforgettable and I really don’t need glowing praise. I just hope that when I leave a room, people felt a little happier for having shared it with me.

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Wayne’s Word – Daft

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is DAFT.

Daft is a word we use a lot back home in Northern Ireland, it’s not cruel or cutting, it’s just a gentle way of saying that something is a bit silly.

I had one of those moments on my very first day working as a care assistant in an aged care home.

I turned up proudly dressed in a shirt and tie, thinking I looked very professional. What I hadn’t quite realised was that this job involved washing residents, helping with personal care, and getting properly stuck in.

I must have looked daft, I certainly felt that way!

Nevertheless, there was no time to overthink it. Off came the tie, my sleeves rolled up, and I got on with the job at hand, and thankfully I loved it. That was the beginning of my nursing journey.

Looking back, it still makes me smile. A daft start maybe but not a bad one. Feeling daft from time to time doesn’t define you. It just means you’re learning, adapting, and willing to get stuck in, and more often than not, those daft moments end up being the ones that teach us the most.

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FOTD – Paperflower

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is the paperflower, also known as Bougainvillea, spotted here in Caringbah, Sutherland Shire.

Interestingly, paperflower has shown potential in fighting urban air pollution due to its ability to absorb pollutants.
Its vibrant, extensive bracts and adaptability make it a perfect choice for urban greening projects aiming to reduce environmental pollutants. How cool is that?!
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Bravery at the microphone

Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?

Funny enough, yes I had to give a speech a few months ago for my good friend at his wedding in the Philippines. I was truly honoured to be asked and I am delighted to say it was a success. I’m not the most confident person out there and I do tend to be nervous with public speaking so I was delighted to have successfully carried it out but it was also such a relief when it was over.

I will be doing the same thing again for my best friend’s wedding in a couple of weeks. The speech is written and now I just need to say it a few times to make sure the flow will be good. Again, I feel honoured but will be nervous on the day. Pray for me!!!

I often think of this quote by Molière – “The greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it.”

I will keep you all posted with how it goes…

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Doors of WordPress V147

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another wonderful week of doors. The past few days I have been really hopeful to find some festive doors for the lead up to Christmas and my luck came in at the beginning of the week when I took a walk through Surry Hills in the city. Lots of beautiful doors with festive wreaths! As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week.

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I love them all but I will choose number three as my favourite this week. I absolutely love the shade of green and how the wreath matches beautifully. What do you think?

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Rewinding my childhood

What’s your favorite cartoon?

To be honest, I don’t really have one these days but as a kid, I was OBSESSED with eighties cartoons. Pretty much any of them. He-Man, She-Ra, Thundercats, Gummi Bears, DuckTales…if it had bright colours, dramatic theme music and a slightly chaotic storyline, I was sold…hook, line and sinker.

There’s something about that era of animation that just hits different. Maybe it was the Saturday-morning excitement, perhaps it was the toy commercials disguised as plots, or maybe it was just the fact that everything felt new and magical back then.

Although, even now, I absolutely love and appreciate a Disney animated movie. There’s a real nostalgia that washes over me when I watch them today, that cosy, childhood feeling you can’t quite recreate as an adult. It’s comfort viewing at its finest.

So while I might not have a single favourite cartoon today, those classic eighties shows and Disney films still have a special place in my past and in my heart.

He-Man –
“By the power of Grayskull…I have the power!”
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Share your World – 09/12/25

Thank you Di for this weeks interesting questions.

1.  Have you ever been fishing?

I went once with a friend as a teenager and found it extremely boring and I detested putting the bait on the hook. Needless to say, I never tried it again.


2. What do you consider to be the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

Moving to Australia.


3. Would you rather:
curl up with a good book in front of an open fire, or
settle down with a tub of popcorn and watch a good movie with a friend.

A tub of popcorn and watch a movie. I would say I rarely do either of these but a movie with a friend sounds fun.


4. Have you ever owned tropical fish?

No funnily enough I have never. When I was a kid, my family home had a tank of colourful fish and I really loved watching them, there was something so fascinating and therapeutic about watching fish swimming, with seemingly not a care in the world. Maybe I one day will have my own fish, that’s not something I have ever considered before.

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Planning Ahead Without Losing Today

What could you do less of?

I could do less worrying about my retirement.

For some reason my brain loves to jump years into the future and stress about something that isn’t even here yet. I think about it often, like it’s a problem I can solve just by overthinking it. However, honestly…what is the point? Life is too short. I’m doing what I can now, and that is enough. The rest will work itself out, and I don’t need to sacrifice today by panicking about a tomorrow that hasn’t even arrived yet.

Happy Monday everyone!!!

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12 months and 12 photos (2025)

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

Today’s prompt ties in nicely with a post that I normally create every year since 2019 thanks to Tanya from Theredphoneboxtravels, where you post one photo that highlights something significant for that month. It’s been a big year for me with travelling and trying to see as much of Australia as possible. With not travelling home to Northern Ireland this year, we had more time (and money) to travel more locally. A few positive events have also happened with me gaining another beautiful little nephew and being made permanent full time in my job as a teacher of nursing. I would also like to acknowledge my blog as it has grown significantly this year and I am really proud of its journey and the amazing bloggers I have met along the way, so thank you to each and everyone of you who interact and make this a really fun space for exploring and learning more about the world and each other.

JANUARY – our first trip of the year was to a quaint little town called Berry. It’s one of our favourite places to visit in New South Wales.

FEBRUARY – Our next trip was to Melbourne to see our best friends who live there. We are really looking forward to their wedding at the end of this year!!!

MARCH – My amazing husband is always wanting to give back to the community. He had this idea of painting stones / pebbles with messages of kindness, for people to take and hopefully put a smile on their face. We had seen something like this in Northern Ireland and thought it was a wonderful idea. We painted them together and placed them in our local park. We came back a few days later later and they were mostly all gone 🙂🙂

APRIL – an amazing trip to Adelaide and we checked out one of our favourite vineyards.

MAY – my first ever official fitness challenge and I survived. My fitness journey has really ramped up this year and I’m loving it.

JUNE – we attended a very special wedding in the Philippines and absolutely fell in love with this country and its beautiful people.

JULY – HYROX…absolutely DELIGHTED to have taken part in this and again, I survived. I completed this competition with a partner but maybe next time I will try on my own.

AUGUST – Lunch with the boys. Every couple of months we try to meet up for food and tea and it’s a real highlight. It’s a great way to see each other outside of work and enjoy each other’s company.

SEPTEMBER– We finally made it to Western Australia! This has been a dream of ours for so long and it didn’t disappoint. Perth, Scarborough, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, Busselton and Margaret River, we ticked them all off, whilst having the best time and catching up with beautiful friends and family.

OCTOBER – Seeing our favourite musical in the Sydney Opera House, priceless!!

NOVEMBER – The hospital ball, I always look forward to this, a chance to let your hair down, meet other health professionals and have a boogie.

DECEMBER – Our work Christmas dinner with the best colleagues. I’m so fortunate to have two jobs that I really thoroughly enjoy! There’s a lot more to come this month and I just LOVE this festive time! With a special wedding happening at the end of the month too, it’s going to be a delightful end to 2025!

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Wayne’s Word – narky

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is NARKY.

Narky is a brilliant word that I love, used A LOT in Northern Ireland, that perfectly captures someone who is in a bad mood, easily annoyed, grumpy or just a bit short-tempered. If someone is snapping at you for no real reason, you could say they are being very narky today. It’s one of those expressive, no-nonsense words that tells you exactly what kind of mood someone is in.

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FOTD – Hanging cups

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower of the day is not actually a real flower, it’s a flower on a cup, hanging on a tree! I love the idea of hanging cups in a tree, especially when you’re visiting a garden tea room. This was discovered at the Camellia Gardens we visited this morning. It did feature a rose on the cup so I figured it’s perfect for today’s flower.

https://wrookieschu.com/2025/12/05/camellia-gardens/

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Camellia Gardens

Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?

I have many, many favourite places to visit but I will pick a local one that we visited today for breakfast, it is the Camellia Gardens in the Sutherland Shire. Beautiful gardens, with lots of flowers, native animals and a tea room! What’s not to love…and it’s just a 20 minute walk from our home. I have done a post previously if you care to check it out https://wrookieschu.com/2021/10/24/e-g-waterhouse-national-camellia-gardens/.

Welcome to the gardens
The tea rooms
We were craving a bacon and egg roll, an Aussie classic!
Inside the tea rooms, very pretty and popular for a high tea.
Beautiful views of Yowie Bay
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Doors of WordPress V146

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I thought it would be appropriate to showcase some festive red doors as we enter the Christmas season. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.

1 – Newry
2 – Perth
3 – Busselton
4 – Alexandria
5 – Oatley

I absolutely love all these doors but this week I am going with number one being my favourite from Newry, Northern Ireland. It isn’t as bright as the other doors but I love how it has a quiet and understated charm. I really love the stone work of the building, the door frame and that stunning transom window. I also really like how the door is slightly ajar, teasing us with what could be inside!

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Learning to switch off

What is one thing you would change about yourself?

If I could change one thing about myself, it could be how certain small things have a habit of sticking in my mind. I’m not the world’s worst overthinker, but every now and then a little situation, usually something from work, can replay in my head far more than it needs to. The annoying part is that it creeps into my nights too, sitting in my unconscious and messing with my sleep. I’d love to be able to switch off a bit easier and not let those tiny moments take up so much space.

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Early bird

Are you more of a night or morning person?

When it comes to picking a side, I am definitely a morning person. There is just something about waking up early, feeling fresh, and getting a head start on the day that suits me to the ground. I am so much more productive in the mornings, the classic saying “early bird catches the worm” really does apply to me. I love the quiet calm before everything starts up, when the world hasn’t quite woken up yet. Nights are great too, but mornings…that’s where I thrive!!!

Love an early morning…but first, coffee! What do you think of our new cup and saucer? Straight from the charity shop 🙂
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Share Your World – 02/12/25

Thanks Di for this week’s questions!

1. Are you busy making preparations for Dec 25th?

No not really. I have nothing to plan as it will be just us two this year, which I’m really looking forward to. I will be working a lot and even bought myself a new Christmas scrub to wear. I want to try make the Christmas week festive for us and our patients.

2. What is your favourite Christmas/holiday movie?

I love The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Growing up I always loved The Santa Clause and Home Alone.


3. What is your pet hate Christmas song?

I’m not a lover of Merry Xmas Everybody” by Slade. I think it’s the shouting throughout of “It’s Christmaaaaaaaaas!” the really annoys me.

4.  Which actor in your opinion made the best Father Christmas?

I always loved Tim Allen and I can totally appreciate Richard Attenborough but recently I have really enjoyed Kurt Russell in The Christmas Chronicles, he really looks like Father Christmas!

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Wayne’s Word – clout

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is CLOUT.

Clout today is all about influence and impact. If someone has clout, people listen when they speak, follow what they do, and notice their style. Having clout is not just about popularity though, it is also about having a voice that carries weight.

Example:

“Wayne really has clout in the office, when he suggests a new project, everyone jumps on board.”

“Jane’s Instagram clout means her opinion on trends spreads faster than any ad campaign.”

Sunset last night from our apartment.

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Meet My Meat Dilemma

What are your feelings about eating meat?

I have always had mixed feelings about eating meat. I grew up with it and it has always been part of my culture, so enjoying meat feels completely normal and familiar to me, also I do think it can be part of a healthy balanced diet. However, I care a lot about how animals are treated and I hate knowing the environmental impact that large-scale farming has on our ecosystems and planet. So I often find myself caught between the comfort of the way I was raised and the guilt of knowing the bigger picture, especially around animal welfare and the planet.

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Shorts & T-shirt

What are your two favorite things to wear?

My two favourite things to wear are definitely shorts and a T-shirt. The moment I can put them on, it feels like instant freedom, like winter has finally released its freezing hold. There is something so simple and joyful about warm weather clothing, no layers, no fuss, just comfort, sunshine, and that little lift in your mood that comes with knowing summer is here.

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November Shadows # 30

We made it! 30 days of shadow squares!! Thanks Becky for this great challenge to feel inspired by shadows / squares and for keeping me motivated through November. It’s been a blast!

So long November Shadows, you have been fun! – posted as part of Becky’s November Shadows challenge 🖐🏽
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Doors of WordPress V145 / November Shadows # 27

Today’s door is another beauty from Paddington and belongs to a stunning little house, hidden in the shadows. If someone could just give me this house to live in, I would be extremely grateful! Haha wishful thinking but how stunning is this place?!

Featured as part of Becky’s November Shadows challenge

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If I Didn’t Need Sleep…I’d Be Broke!

If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?

I can’t think of anything profound that I would do, read more, learn a language? I would probably do more of what I enjoy doing, walking along the beach and eating more food for half of the time and the other half I could be catching up on chores that I like to put off. I could even catch up with friends that I never seem to have time to see, get more uni work done and maybe even squeeze in an extra gym session. However, I’m not sure I could afford the lifestyle of never sleeping, at least when I’m sleeping I’m not spending any money!

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Share your World – 25/11/25

Thanks Di for this week’s questions!

1.   Do you have a keepsake box (where you retain special cards, pictures, letters, things that are special to you)?

I actually do. It’s a really old box that belonged to my Dad as a teenager and then he gave it to me, complete with a Blondie sticker inside. I have all my most personal and prized possessions in it and it’s back in Northern Ireland for safe keeping. I love opening it every now and again and seeing the memories flash before me.

2.  What has made you smile lately?

Just thinking about this box has made me smile!

3.  Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Definitely a morning person. 7am would be a lie in for me. I love seizing the day and I am most productive in the mornings.

4.  Do you prefer to be hosts or guests at a dinner party or family event?

I do like to host but I LOVE being a guest, so much less stress!

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People being people

Name your top three pet peeves.

1 – People not saying thank you when you hold open a door or step out of the way for them.

2 – People being passive aggressive.

3 – People taking trolleys from supermarkets and leaving them on the streets – a real problem where I live.

I think people are a common theme! Happy Tuesday!

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My kind of people

Who are your current most favorite people?

When I think about my favourite people, the answer is pretty straightforward. At the very top of that list is always my partner. He’s my favourite person, full stop. I love being with him, and he’s the person I’d choose to spend my time with any day of the week.

After him, my favourite people are my family and my friends, the people who know me best and who I can always rely on. My nieces and nephews are my most favourite little people!

I would also include some of my work colleagues in the mix. Everyone has those coworkers who make a shift instantly better. You know the day will run smoother or be a lot more enjoyable when they’re on with you. They’re the people you look forward to seeing on the roster.

Your favourite people don’t have to be a huge list, they’re simply the ones who make life better, whether that’s every day or just when your paths cross.

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In a World of Humans, Be an Animal Lover

What are your favorite animals?

Dogs, dogs, dogs!

One of my goals in life is simple – to have a couple of old, scruffy dogs who need rehoming. The kind with grey muzzles, wonky ears, and hearts full of love just waiting for someone to notice them. There’s something special about giving an older dog a soft landing, a warm bed, a gentle routine, and the feeling that they’re safe and adored after whatever life has thrown at them. While everyone rushes to the cute puppies, I have always been drawn to the seniors, the overlooked ones. One day, I hope my home is their final, happiest stop.

However, I really do love all animals…well, all except the truly scary ones. Meerkats, dolphins, birds, turtles, elephants, cows… the list could go on and on. There’s something fascinating about each of them. I love watching how they move, interact, and live in their own little worlds. However, I also appreciate that many of them are wild creatures, and part of loving them is respecting that distance. I’m happy admiring them from afar rather than getting too close.

At the end of the day, sometimes animals are better than humans! They love without judgement, live without complications, and bring out the softest parts of us without even trying. Whether it’s an old scruffy dog who just wants a safe place to rest or a wild creature I admire from afar, animals remind me of the kind of gentle, honest world I wish we all lived in. Maybe that’s why I will always be an animal person at heart.

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Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

Beach or mountains? That’s a really tough question!

Honestly, can I say both!? I can never fully commit to one because they each give me something that I love.

There’s something calming about walking along a beach, the sound of the waves, the wide-open horizon, that sea salt smell. Beaches feel freeing and awakening, like the world suddenly gets quieter in the best way.

However, mountains? They have their own kind of magic. I love the challenge of walking up a mountain, the sense of progress with every step, and that moment when you reach the top and everything stretches out below you. It’s grounding and energising all at once, the freshest air and quietest of spaces is hard to beat.

Furthermore, the ultimate dream!!?? A beach WITH a mountain view. There’s nothing more scenic or more satisfying than seeing those two worlds meet. One of my favourite places captures that perfectly: Murlough National Nature Reserve near Newcastle, Northern Ireland. It offers the best of both worlds, a beautiful beach with the Mourne Mountains rising in the background. There’s nothing more scenic than strolling along the sand while those mountains sweep down to the sea. STUNNING!

Murlough Beach, April 2023

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November Shadows # 21 / FOTD – French Lavender

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s flower is French lavender, however, this wasn’t spotted in France but rather Matamata / Hobbiton in New Zealand. Coincidentally, it has a shadow featured in the image, perfect for a double challenge feature. I could have also posted as a Thursday door but I won’t go that far 😜.

French lavender – posted as a FOTD and part of Becky’s November shadow challenge.
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Doors of WordPress V144

It’s Thursday again already and that can only mean one thing…time to showcase some doors! I have a few more doors to display from one of my favourite suburbs for doors, Paddington. I’m sure you are all sick to death of hearing about this place but it has the most fantastic doors in the state, maybe even the country! I know that’s a bold statement but I am yet to meet another place like it. There are a few neighbouring suburbs that can give Paddington a run for its money but I feel that they are also extensions of Paddington, for example, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills, both neighbours to Paddington. As always, let me know if you have a favourite this week.

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2 and 3
4 and 5
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I absolutely love doors 2 and 3, how cheery and uplifting they both look. I wonder did they choose the colours together as they match perfectly. The design of these town houses is just fantastic and don’t be fooled to think these are small town houses as they are huge inside, extending backwards for quite a distance! I have been lucky to have been in a few of these and they are just as stunning on the inside! Have a great Thursday everybody!!!

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Wayne’s Word – parasocial

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is PARASOCIAL.

Parasocial is one of those words that suddenly exploded into everyday conversation, however, to be honest, I have only heard it today as it has been named Word of the Year (appropriate word for today).

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided relationship we form with someone we don’t actually know, it could be a celebrity, an influencer, a podcaster, or even a fictional character. It happens when you feel connected to them, invested in their lives, and sometimes convinced you truly know them, even though they have no idea you exist. To be honest I’m not sure I have ever experienced this, although when I was younger I was invested in some celebrity singers and actors etc but I never felt like I was in a relationship with them.

Apparently it is not always a bad thing, parasocial relationships can be comforting, motivating, or inspiring. However, they can also blur boundaries, make you forget what is real, and fill spaces where genuine connection is missing.

With social media, where creators are talking directly to us, and it can feel personal. The line between audience and friend gets thinner and thinner, and that’s exactly why parasocial has earned its moment in the spotlight.

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That gut feeling

Do you trust your instincts?

I have learned that my instinct usually shows up before the logic does, a quick sense of yes or no that I can’t always explain straight away. Over time, I have realised I am a pretty good judge of character (in my opinion). When I meet someone and something just feels “off,” I feel that I am often right. It isn’t drama or paranoia; it’s pattern-spotting. My brain notices things before I have had time to put words to them.

That’s why I trust my instinct. It’s not loud or panicky, it’s a quiet nudge that says pay attention. When I ignore it, I usually regret it. When I follow it, I avoid situations or people that don’t sit well with me.

So yes, I do trust my instinct because, at the end of the day, it’s really just me trusting myself and I want to avoid people or situations that could potentially cause stress for whatever the reason.

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December: A Tale of Two Seasons

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

My favourite month has always been December. Christmas season arrives, and with it comes office parties, mulled wine, decorations, and everyone generally being in good spirits.

Growing up in the Northern Hemisphere, December meant cold weather, dark evenings, and a cosy atmosphere that made Christmas feel extra special. That’s the version of the holiday that’s still in my head.

Living in Australia now, December looks completely different. It’s the middle of summer, and instead of coats and gloves, it’s all about heat, swims, and barbecues. I actually love the warm weather and getting outside as much as possible.

However, Christmas just doesn’t feel the same when you’re wearing shorts and a T-shirt and hearing festive music in the sun. It’s nice in its own way, but it’s not what I am used to.

Even with the changes, December is still my favourite month, just for very different reasons depending on which side of the world I’m on.

Christmas in Australia
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November Shadows # 17

Yesterday’s lunch spot. We have always wanted to try here and were very fortunate to find an available table by the water – posted as part of Becky’s November shadows challenge.
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Wayne’s Word – Umpteen

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is UMPTEEN.

I used the word umpteen today and suddenly realised I hadn’t said it in ages. It’s one of those wonderfully vague, old-fashioned expressions that slips out when you’re trying to describe “lots,” “many,” or “more than I can be bothered to count.”

Umpteen is informal, a bit playful, and somehow always sounds more dramatic than simply saying “a lot.” It carries the sense of exaggeration without actually exaggerating, perfect when you’ve told someone something for the umpteenth time or when you’ve had umpteen little jobs to do in a day.

Funny how some words drift out of our vocabulary until a moment brings them back. Maybe umpteen deserves a comeback.

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