Reading my last post here, I was surprised to see that it has been a week since I last updated. Has it been that long already? Well, just so you know, here are some things that I’ve been up to recently -
1. Events, events, events! My son just turned 5 recently and we held a Sports Party for him and his friends. I think we all had a good time. Other than that, there were also birthday parties and a citizenship party for some of my good friends. Plus, a few other happenings around here. More to come too.
2. Becoming a Parent to a School-Aged Child. Yes, my newly-turned-five boy has started school a week ago. So, there are all sorts of new routines to follow. Quite hectic. And, to think, I haven’t even figured out a time to volunteer for school activities yet. Eeps.
3. Getting some consulting/casual work at my old workplace. That’s right. My wonderful supervisor whom I worked with a few years ago has given me a new short contract in the not-for-profit organisation that I used to work for as a P/T Graduate Officer in Psych. The organisation primarily services people with intellectual disabilities. I left the organisation when I went to work full time for b5. So, I’m grateful that I’m able to go back and pick up some work there again. Even though my contract’s nothing major, I still think it’s fantastic. I love my colleagues and clients there. And, I’ve really missed working with them. So, it is quite nice to be back. Even if it’s just on a short-term basis. (Oh, and I found out yesterday that the team boss reads my blog occasionally, so I want to give her a virtual wave here, in case she’s reading!). 
3. Establishing new schedules. With all these changes with work, school, and living arrangements, my family and I are having to get used to new sleeping/waking/working/eating times and such.
4. Exploring opportunities. I’ve been chatting to a lot of people about possible involvements in their projects… and starting/working on my own projects. It’s amazing how much time these things take up! Not only do you end up discussing various aspects of the proposed projects… there are also proposals and plans to put together. Also, I’ve received an offer to do a Master’s programme a couple of weeks ago in one of the Universities here in Adelaide. And now, I’m seriously considering the idea of studying again for another qualification. If I pursue it, then I’ll be on my way to working on a second postgraduate degree. It’s all very exciting stuff. Stressful too. But, exhilarating! My hope is that that degree will not only lead me to a great career that I love… but also open up other enterprising opportunities that I’m interested in.
5. Learning to love being lost. This is sooo contrary to my nature of wanting to come up with goals and plans. Sure, I still come up with “goals” – but they’re quite loose at the moment. You see, a wise career advisor said that the best thing to do at a time like this is just to enjoy being lost. Wander about a bit. Instead of doing default work and taking up ‘obvious opportunities’ – leave those alone for a while. Or just let them happen if they do. Then, just do things that you don’t normally do. And, do things that you used to love to do – but didn’t have the time for. You never know what will open up this way.
6. Taking time for personal assessments and reflection. My journals and idea books haven’t seen so much action in such a short time. But, I know that this is part of how I deal with transitions, changes, opportunity explorations, and being lost. I’ve been taking stock of past experiences, present state, and future hopes. I’ve been letting my mind run wild with all sorts of ideas and dreams.
7. Completed my first month in a coaching programme. When I first signed up for this coaching programme, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know if it will help at all or not. But, a month in to the programme, I’m pleased. I wish there was more input from the coach. But, I probably need a different programme for that. In any case, for now, this is working. So, I hope to be able to continue.
8. Getting to do things that I love. Surrounding myself with things that nourish me. As I said earlier, as part of my “enjoyment in being lost” – I’m allowing myself to do fun, nourishing stuff. I’m getting to read a lot more than I used to. I’m getting to play with my kids more – and do more stuff with them without trying to hurry up all the time so I can do my work. I’m getting to talk and connect with people that I like. I’m also cooking more. I’m even getting to do a bit more doodling, creative dreamstorming, and some non-work-related writing. In fact, I’ve even started experimenting on writing a cookbook. And, I’ve also organised a short camping trip for my husband’s birthday that’s due to happen in the next few weeks.
Oh, and yes, I’ve been trying to survive the heatwave here in Adelaide too. We’ve been having 40′C days here the last week or so. In fact, the highest temp I think was 45′C and the city felt like it was melting. This week, it has been in the high 30s. But, we’re hoping that things will start cooling down soon.
Anyway, what about you? What have you been up to lately?
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Kari (10)
Kharen (5)
Mel W (5)
Christina @ The H... (4)
Sasha (4)
Diana Bletter (2)
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Wow- when you have ‘down time’ you …don’t really! I think you’re a bit like me, psychology degree and all! Since I have been promised work, I can’t sit back and just let it happen- I have to fill the time thinking of other opportunities! You’ve already done a coaching course- amazing; you’re just plain hyperactive coping with the new school boy, the offer of the degree place, the extra contract doing psych stuff and your various interests… I say go for it, if you can cope!!
LOL, Kay! I love that comment about not having a “real” downtime. You’re so right. I just feel the need to keep myself occupied. There are just so many things I’d love to be able to do… and it feels that there’s so little time to do it all!
Good for you for taking what could’ve been a bad decision and turning it into something positive! It’s happened to me twice in the last year, so I know how challenging life’s unexpected turns can be.
I think it’s great that you are getting caught up on your reading especially! I read and read while I was out of work from illness and injury and I’m missing it so much right now! I have to get up early just to have time to check email some days!
The coaching sounds interesting. I’m not sure what sort it is, but it it’s like life coaching where can I sign up? I’ve always thought I would benefit from something like that. I’m not exactly the best at taking control of a shaky situation as I’m so dang sensitive. LOL!
Looking forwards to hearing more about the developments!
Hi, Kari. I just feel that it’s good not to let bad things stay that way. I don’t like stewing, getting angry, etc. Of course, I feel upset and all that – and I end up not liking things/people/situations just like everyone else – but, I prefer not to dwell on them. I move on and keep going.
On the coaching: It is a kind of life coaching. And yeah, I find it quite beneficial. It’s my first time signing up for a programme, but I think it’s really useful at this stage of my life. Maybe you can find one that you’d enjoy doing too!
Hi Shai…lots of things happening ‘no?
and i’m sure there’ll be lots more happening in the next few weeks and month..Good luck for next week!
oh, and belated happy birthday to Cam…I can still remember when we “met” back in late 2004 and he was just a baby…has it been that long? wow!
C xx
Hi, Christine. Yes, plenty of stuff indeed.
And more to come. Thanks for all that. And yeah… it IS incredible. I think we have first met each other online when C was just a newborn. And your girl’s in early primary school. And now…?! It just goes by so fast.
I was just telling another blog friend about how January has passed by so quickly and that i cant seem to recall what i did!
this February is filled with birthday parties and wedding stuff.
is Adelaide as hot as manila?
i miss reading about your children.
take care and god bless.
Hi, notsquare. Yeah – things just seem to fly by, isn’t it? And yes, Adelaide’s been soooo hot. We had a couple of weeks with temps that are 40′C and above. Even up to 45′C!! It was horrid. But, things are not so bad right now. Still on the warm side most days, but Autumn’s just around the corner.
Hi Shai,
I’m glad you’ve been busy. Doesn’t life change when school starts? Happy birthday to your little guy. Mine started kindy this week. Although the first two weeks are low key, he will be going for two full days once they get into full swing. I’m loving the idea. Hope you make the choices to do what it is you really desire. I’ve been busy, too, but just boring regular stuff.
Thanks, Heather! Your li’l one’s already attending kindy! It’s incredible. I still remember when you first announced you were pregnant. Wowsers. And hey – I bet they’re not really all that boring.
Anyway, I hope your li’l guy’s really enjoying kindy now. And you too. 
Hi Shai
As always, I’m impressed with your drive and optimism. It got to 45.7C on the hottest day. So very glad that today is cool. There was a light misty drizzle early this morning. Over the hot days I’ve spent time trying to save a few plants. Not that it’s been very time consuming. Hauling buckets of water from on end of the garden to another seems silly but it does comply with our use of water restrictions. I think the walnut and cherry trees will live. Amazingly a lot of trees and plants survived unscathed and entirely without my help.
Last weekend I decided to take up trying to learn Japanese again. Even though it’s a challenge to the brain cells it’s fun. I intend communing with my camera today……trying to work out some more of it’s functions.
Thanks, Helen. I know I’m not always optimistic – but I try.
I feel that it’s about the same amount of energy that I end up putting in to getting all pessimistic/skeptic/upset and optimistic/positive/hopeful… so, I figured, I might as well work on the path that will lead me towards a better life. 
Anyway, it sounds like you have been pretty occupied yourself. Love that you’re continuing to study Japanese and playing with your camera. Really happy for you.
Thanks again so much!