Half time reflections

We left home three months ago today so we are half way through our time away.I thought this to be an appropriate time to blog some reflections on our experience so far.

(1) A PLAYGROUND A DAY (somewhat) KEEPS THE GRUMBLES AT BAY

We try to find good playgrounds, especially when we're driving long distances, for the kids to stretch out their bodies and give them a chance to be loud. As long as there is a swing for Max and some monkey bars for Harry all is good in the world.

We are so lucky in Australia to have such good playgrounds in virtually every town.

(2) I HAVEN’T CLEANED A TOILET OR SCRUBBED A SHOWER IN 3 MONTHS

How good is that!

(3) THERE IS JUST SO MUCH STUFF AT HOME THAT WE DON’T NEED

My friend Nikki will be so proud to read this! We are travelling with only a car and a camper full of stuff and we are living comfortably. Obviously a bathroom and laundry would be great too, but this trip has proved how little we really use in our day to day lives. 

My intention is to have a big chuck out when we get home. I realistically don’t need, for example, my 1998 uni notes, or four lasagne dishes. There are 21st presents in my house that I haven’t ever used – and 21 was a long time ago now!

Information is so accessible on the web and in our excellent libraries. I don’t refer back to a lot of my ‘bit and pieces’ when I do need them, as there is so much stuff to plough through it is easier to locate it elsewhere.

While I’m not going to get rid of everything – some family “treasures” are too precious, I am going to give minimalising a good try.

(4) TREVOR, MAX and HARRY ARE EXCELLENT

I know I knew this before we started, but I have had the chance to fully focus on my family since we’ve been away and not get distracted by the myriad of other things I get myself caught up in. I’ve appreciated their strengths and weaknesses more (and mine too of course!) and reflect on what gems I have in my three lads.

At times Trevor can take an intolerably long time to get his point across, not be romantic in the Mills and Boon sense and drive me crazy with his reluctance to blow his own trumpet, but he -

• is the sort of person who can assess and solve every imaginable problem in no time, and do it with good humour.
• consistently is a fantastically involved Dad who can be silly and wind the boys right up, can calm and soothe them when things go wrong, teaches them lots of important skills like how to make a good campfire, eagerly reads books to them like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and patiently explains every detail and will play endless games of Uno.
• makes me lots of cups of tea cheerfully every day.
• has seen me at my best and at my worst both physically and emotionally, and loves me wholeheartedly the entire time.
• is able to be friendly and genuinely chat to everyone he meets, making them feel valued on the way.
• notices the beauty in such simple things as the name of a road, the architraves of a building, the way a song will include certain notes.

(5) BEING FRIENDLY AND TALKING TO PEOPLE MAKE LIFE EASY

I am so glad I seem to be able to talk to virtually everyone I meet. I have learnt so much about where we are travelling by talking. I find people so fascinating and am genuinely interested in finding out more about them and their backgrounds. Also we get some great ideas about where to visit and/or camp by having an easy chat.

 

There is plenty more to reflect on, but this is what has surfaced tonight.

There might even be a Refection Part 2 later when my eyes are not so heavy….