A sneak peek to where I have been this weekend

Amiens, France - Sept 2014

Where in the world is Mirebella??

Have not blogged in a while. Been meaning to.. Seriously!!  A lot has happened but for the moment - am away  on the other side of the world - no, not Dubai but in Europe!

More stories to come. x

It has been a while

Goddamit - nearly mid year and I havent been actively blogging.

So many things has happened, and I am getting more jaded with work (lots of ongoing projects) -  this girl needs her sleep!

Mini green thumb project - garlic

Valentine's 2014

Valentine Day flowers - lilies - from BF. He has always given me lilies. 

As I have said here before, the first flowers he got me was Christmas lilies, and I also carried Calla lilies on our wedding day. 

Now that we are parents to a toddler (yes, SZ is no longer considered a baby!!), - Valentines could be considered just another day but we don't want to turn to 'one of those' parents.  So it's going to be a quiet Valentine but instead of 2, there will be 2 1/2 instead!

Happy Valentines Day!!

Milestone - survived the baby stages

Ah ... An overdue post. 

So the lil man turned 1 on 31/1. No longer a baby, now a toddler. 

I have so much to say but I don't think words alone can express this feeling so I won't for the moment. 

We threw a small gathering for friends to celebrate his milestone age. Nothing flash, just food, drinks and lots of laughter. 

Melbourne Heat Wave

Let's face it, anything over 26' is hot - but you have 5 days of over 30' days - it's just madness. 

2014 Goals - staying healthy

Like every other person I am sure, I have my list of things I want to achieve. Some are tiny, small are most probably achievable - but the hardest thing for me has always been eating healthy. 

You see - I have a sweet tooth of sorts. When I was carrying SZ, I lost all inclination for junk food. This included chocolates, crisp, chips and most carbs. Now that it is a yr on - all of these things are hitting me full on and I have to be fairly careful otherwise I am going to turn into your typical 'married ma'am' who has let herself once she has her man and popped a bub - I don't want to be that! 

So keeping in line to eating less junk, 1 of the things I am trying to do is to raid pantry less, and make an effort of actually staying 'clean'. This includes less easy access stuff like instant noodles and chocolates and more fruit  

So, over the past week I have been making lassi or yogurt smoothies as an alternate meal and it's not been to hard. I must admit tho, there is this craving to munch into things rather than drink. 

Wish me luck! 

Denby Beach - Brighton

Last day before we go back to work tmr and fortunately, it turned out to be a lovely day so we drove to Brighton to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. 

2014

Well well well ... It is already 2014.
Decided to take it easy on the 1st day of the yr. Was initially planning on heading to the beach but the weather was rather blah so opted to stay in and watch 2 movies, play Wii and indulge in some smelly cheese and port wine instead.

As all new year entries do - what happened for me in 2013?

1) After 42 weeks, BF and I are now parents to a gorgeous lil man (SZ) on 31st January. It was a lifestyle change and getting into a routine where you have to put someone else's need as priority when this someone isn't able to fend for himself was a journey, it is something we are still adapting to but everyday is different and the reward of smiles and hugs is well worth the sacrifice of sleepless nights, dirty nappies and a messy house. 

2) Went back to work full time after 24 weeks in June - and loving it. SZ went to full time care in Sept. 

3) Made new friends, and dropped a few along the way. As the yrs go on, I am getting fussier to whom I want to let into the circle.

4) Cut down on international holiday travel, but went to Malaysia twice and a mini break to Penang and HK in April and November. SZ has had more passport stamps in his 10 months then by time I was 18!

5) Did some domestic travel, Brisbane with mum in Aug and Sydney with BF, SZ and the in laws in Dec.

6) Cut down work related travel to the bare minimum with lots more daily trips rather than overnighters. Fortunately, my promotion last yr has given me the chance to be selective with my travel and having a supportive manager helps as well.

7) My team won an award at work in Dec. This was unexpected but long overdue but seeing the hard work being recognised is an achievement which I am proud to be a contributor.

8) Welcomed another addition to the family in the form of a lil girl who is my niece in May. My parents are now proud grandparents to a set or grandkids (after yrs of nagging esp to me)

9) Went back to celebrate Diwali in Nov for the first time in 10 yrs. Having the whole family together for this auspicious occasion def was one of the highlights for my parents - Dad especially.

10) Celebrating Christmas as a family as my in laws are visiting for 6 weeks. Having family during the holidays is always fun plus it means SZ will know his English side of his family.


11) Moved in into our new home. It was a journey of over 15 months but after several mind changes over builders and design options - we finally got our keys and moved in in May. We are still settling in with a long way off esp to the back yard but we have settled in and it is nice to be in our own place again. 

In short, 2013 was a good yr for me. Am hoping 2014 would be filled with happy moments as '13 was.

Good bye 2013!

Looking forward to the experiences, challenges and excitement that 2014 will bring.

Happy New Years everyone.