Preparing for the new arrival

For the past week or so I've been preparing. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. On Monday, I cleaned out the closet so there would be room for her clothes. Tuesday, I made the bed, then remade it on Wednesday because the cat 'helped' the first time. Thursday, a friend delivered some gifts I'd bought from her fabulous clothing company (www.solbari.com). Today I'm going to vacuum and dust. And tomorrow we pick up my mum from the airport! I vent my excitement by pre-preparing when we go away on holiday; I had never noticed that I also do it for anticipated guests.

This social butterfly has a short lifespan

Neon Angel Wings by Carla O'Brien

I have had a great week, but I can feel it taking its toll. I've been out once, if not twice, everyday. Three mornings during the week I met up for coffee with people: one old friend and her toddler, one new writing friend and one book club buddy. Then Friday I went for drinks with work people to celebrate a colleague becoming an Australian citizenship. Afterwards, I met another group of friends for dinner and drinks. On Saturday I had writing group in the morning, followed by a progressive dinner with my husband – involving alcohol at each stop. Finally, Sunday I had brunch with a new friend and some of her friends. I've really enjoyed it and proved the my current anti-migraine strategy is working well, but I can feel myself wearing out. I need to take a break from drinking every night. I'm also feeling some pressure about getting my freelance work done by the deadline because of too much social life. I've only got one thing – book club – coming up this week, then next week my mum comes. I want to be rested and restored (and work-free) enough to be her tour guide. 

Made my Friday

Yesterday was a very nice Friday. First, I got a package in the mail as I was leaving for work so I had something to look forward to throughout the day. Then I went for a drink with a friend after work. I got there early so I spent half an hour writing phonics worksheets at a sidewalk table. When my friend arrived, we had sparkling wine. We toasted to her increase in sales from Amazon and my two paid freelance jobs this month. I'm sure it'll be the first of many such toasts to come!

After arriving home, I finally opened the package from my Nana. She'd sent me books, lotion and a lovely card for Christmas and my upcoming birthday. I felt very fortunate and loved.

You know she's a true friend when...

Table set for breakfast
with friends (no picture
from last night).

Last night I experienced the generosity of friends. Firstly, J, who is a fairly new friend, and her husband were supposed to come over for dinner. A few hours before they were due, J called to say that some work had arisen so they would not be able to come. She was very apologetic and even brought over the dessert she had made. Then I called S, who I've known for several years but who has many more long-term friends in her life. The phone rang and rang, and I didn't wait to leave a voicemail. I figured it meant she was already busy and wouldn't be available to fill the spot at dinner. A few minutes later she texted me to ask if everything was ok. I was touched by how caring her response was. Finally, I called another couple who said yes, they'd love to come, despite being tired. In the end it was a fun night and I felt much loved.