Gratitude Sunday

I've been thinking a lot about gratitude lately.

I find when I stop and think about things, I realise just how grateful I am to be where I am in my life.

It's nice to occasionally just stop and think about everything that you have right now,

in this very moment. 

Lately I have been grateful for:

- Having a fair bit of work between my jobs, which helps me to be both pay for things and save for travel and other fun things I want to do

- Time with my family. No matter how brief it is, seeing them is worth the 6 hours round trip of driving

- The sunshine; it always lifts my mood

- Friends

- New ideas and inspiration

- Music

- Feeling the spirit

- The knowledge that I can be with my family forever, especially those who have moved on already

- The innocence of children

- One very happy, smiling little girl who I got to hold today

- Seeing others happy

- The ability to let go off some pain that I've been holding on to 

- Being alive

- The possibilities that the future can hold

What are you grateful for at the moment?

Blogiversary

Hip Hip Hooray It's Blogiversary day! 

It's been 4 years since I first wrote a post here on L!$@'s Life.

Weird...doesn't feel that long ago, and yet I have changed so much since then.

via

It's funny how my writing style has changed.

The things I write about have shifted as I've gotten older and changed the things that affect and interest me.

I like that I don't try to fit a particular mould, I roll with whatever is going on in my life.

The whole point of having a blog is doing what you want to do with your little space of the internet. 

There are going to be a few little changes around here in the not too distant future.

Change is good and allows us to grow.

So here's to 4 years of having fun here on the blog, and many more as they come!

Go and eat a cupcake or something for me.

I enjoyed some choc-chip cookies for the occasion :D

And as always, thanks for reading!

Brinner, Bubbly and Besties

For starters, I decided that I should indeed go to my class today, despite getting up late and not really wanting to go.

Then during that class I made friends with 2 girls who seemed really nice from the beginning.

Both of which are now in my group for the group project the unit requires!

A bonus I would have missed out on, had I not gone to class.

Then after class I picked up my first assignment and found out I got a Distinction...borderline High Distinction. Which had me so happy because I wasn't really sure how I had done.

Then I returned home and was reminded by a friend's status that my results from the two units I did in Japan were available. (She got 2 well earned High Distinctions!) Upon checking my own results I got the shock of my life when I saw that I got my first High Distinction for a unit!!

I actually got up and danced! :D

I have received HD's on particular assignments, but never the whole unit.

The best thing was that tonight I was going out to dinner with some girl friends anyway, so I kinda got to celebrate with Brinner! If you don't know this term...you should!

Jess and I celebrated a little earlier with some non-alcoholic sparkling cider

Today really was a good day!

Gratitude Sunday

This week I am grateful for:

- Getting to go 'shopping' as part of study time

- Everything Christmas related starting to come out! 

- Curry rice...three times this week alone

- Snowman shaped donuts :D

- Arcade games and photo booth fun

- Free hugs from strangers

- Finding Milo!

- Funny English tags

- New food...the good and bad

- Getting to ride a ferris wheel! :D 

- Managing to find church and getting there on time 

- Cute kids

- This wonderful opportunity to be in Japan

- Having a lesson on just what I needed.

And so much more!! I really have so many things to be grateful for and need to take more time to be grateful for it.

There is beauty all around

If we really take a moment to stop and look at the world around us...there is so much beauty.

On the way home from church on Sunday I noticed a big patch of purple flowers on the side of the highway. It was really beautiful. I wish I had been able to take a picture.

Then Kat, Chelsea, Camilla and I went for a walk along the beach in the afternoon.

Isn't it gorgeous!

I had to write my name :D 

Then tonight while driving down to Kat's place I saw this...

This picture doesn't even give the sunset justice. 

I am so blessed to live in this part of the world. There is always something beautiful to see...if we but look :D

What is beautiful in your part of the world??

Thanks

While writing up my usual Gratitude Sunday post yesterday I came across this video.

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia...so you just get the video today :D 

ENJOY!!

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Jessica Barnes

G'day peeps! 

YAY for my 200th post!!

So this week you get to hear from the girl I share my house with...

You've seen her before but I'll let her introduce herself 

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Hey everyone!

My name is Jess

I am Lisa's AWESOME!!...random housemate & friend. 

I too have a blog, pop on over and say 'hi' if you like! Would love to hear from you all :)

So what am I grateful for this week...

1. The Gospel in my life, and the blessings and teachings that it brings to my life.
2. My family and friends, the examples that they are to me and the support they give me.
3. My work, I love my job, sure there are days that I hate it or that I wish that I would strangle the people that I work with, but overall I love it, and I work with amazing managers.
4. An amazing Chiropractor! We have a love/hate relationship, but over all he is awesome! Plus he is nice, and he's also really cute.
5. My Curly hair, over the last few years I have really come to love it, and this year I have learnt to really look after it, curls are high maintenance!
6. Going out to dinner to yummy places with friends!
7. Being able to catch up with my amazingly talented cousin Lauren! So proud of what she has achieved in her life so far! Much more to come from her!
8. Random times with Lisa, being in funky moods after work. Random moments of laughter.
9. My blog, I love blogging, I am not a creative type of person, by this is my little bit of me, so I get to express myself through it. I also love how many awesome new people I have been able to meet through it.
10. I am also grateful that Lisa and I get to see Kat this Saturday, after her 7 week trip to the US. She will finally be safely home and we'll be able to enjoy her company again, listen to her stories, have a girls night full of country music and American goodies!

Hope you all have a great week,

And thank you to Lisa for letting me guest blog today!!!

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This week I am grateful for:

- My blog & followers...it's an outlet and I'm grateful that you all listen to me :D

- Sunshine...it really does lift the spirit!

- A loving Heavenly Father...I just need to put my trust and faith in him more

- Skyping with my whole family...that was one loud household!

- Ibuprofen...I hardly use it but needed it today

- A fun 'chill out' session with Jess & Camilla

- Being able to make it through the book for my Japanese Film and Text class

- Motivation!! :D a little more anyway :P

- The funny karaoke exhibit at MONA....still makes me laugh :D

- Both Jess & I winning a free Magnum off our late night purchase

- Life...as always! 

Gratitude Sunday Series Guest Blogger: Mandy Voisin

This week I'd love to introduce you all to Mandy!

She is one seriously beautiful and talented girl.

I first fell in love with her blog when I read the story of how she and Kevin (her hubby) met.

Part 1, 2 & 3

GO read it now! :D

Here's Mandy:

Things I am grateful for:

1. Waking up to my husband's messy hair and smiling face every morning.

2. Living in a country where we can worship any way we choose.

3. Literature. The good kind.

4. My body that allows me to move and experience life on this earth.

5. Homemade popcorn every night - it's a ritual.

6. My education. Nothing has ever made me feel so fulfilled. 

7. Seasons that add variety. 

8. Nature and all of the beauty that accompanies it.

9. Poetry.

10. Sisters

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Isn't Mandy just awesome and sweet?!

Thanks for guest posting! :D

Some things I am grateful for this week:

- Getting my ipod back safely...serious blessing!

- Little comforts

- Skyping with Kat

- Extra work

- Being alive

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Also a special mention today to all those affected by the 9/11 attacks of 2001. Today, 10 years later so many are still affected. I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that families can be together forever and that those who lost love ones can be with them again.

My thoughts go out to those affected by September 11, 2001.

Gratitude Sunday

This weeks addition comes to you from my sick bed. Joy.

*sarcasm noted*

I really hate getting sick because I am stubborn...just like my father...when it comes to taking medication, because I don't take it...unless I really need it.

This week I am grateful for:

- Being able to sing in conference last night and today despite being sick

- The spirit that was at conference and all the things I was able to learn

- A warm bed to sleep in

- An almost completely cleaned room

- Being able to contact Kat even though she's on the other side of the world at the moment

- Slowly taking steps towards Japan ( kinda freaking out about it too)

- This beautiful and free country I live in

- Being able to sleep this afternoon...soo good!

- Catching up with Cinta after ages of not seeing her

- Another week alive

What are you grateful for this week??

Dear...

Dear Followers,

You are amazing! Seriously!!

I am so grateful that you take the time to read my very random thoughts :D

Welcome to those that have started following recently!

Dear Boy,

I really like you...but it's hard to tell you or try to make it more obvious that I do. I am very self conscious and find it hard to put myself out there...

I think you might like me too but it's kinda hard to tell.

If you could be more obvious or make a move that would be fantastic!

Dear Darcey,

You are the cutest little niece. I can't believe how many times you told me that you miss me.

It melted my heart and made me miss you sooo much more.

Dear Eric,

Could you just slow down the growing already! I can't see you very often because I live 3.5 hours away and you just seem to be getting bigger really quickly. Aunty Lisa wants to see at least some of your firsts :D

Dear Family,

You are my world. I love you so much I can't even tell you enough. You have supported and loved me through many circumstances. I wish I could see you more.

Just know that I think of you often.

Dear Life,

Thanks for being a better lately. I appreciate the boost (knock wood).

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for everything. I wouldn't have or be anything without you.

Dear Body,

Sorry that I don't treat you as well as I should. I am really glad you haven't given up on me yet. I am trying to improve and take better care of you

Gratitude Sunday

This is really turning into my favourite post of the week :D

I love recapping all the blessings I have and it just makes me happy thinking bout it all.

Even if I've had a crappy week I think just think of the positives :D

This week I am grateful for:

- Funny women in Relief Society and church in general

- My SIL leaving her facebook signed in so I could have fun

- Having the first cuddles with my nephew out of my siblings :P

- Promptings

- Trying to explain to my niece that her new chair was hers but her old one was now Eric's...such a funny moment!

- Making up a random dance with the girls I look after

- Playing dress up with the girls I look after to said dance :D

- Time spent with Kat finding random little shops

- Being able to bake...it is my latest addiction

- not getting sick from babysitting sick little kids

- Cute puppies to look at

- Playing favourite classic boardgames with friends

- Being able to sing in the Expressions of Easter Fireside at church

- Choir practices being done...even though I'm glad it was all worth it

- random facebook moments

- Finding out friends are engaged! :D Seems to be the season

- Finding out people are pregnant! :D Even more exciting

- Family...as always

- Creating new habits and sticking to them

- Realisations

- Learning new things

- Mothers...they are all funny :D

- My brother lending me his car

Gratitude Sunday

Please excuse the lack of blogging this week...we have gone over our internet allowance and so it is going REALLY slowly!!

But I couldn't miss this post...I have too much to be grateful for.

This week I am grateful for:

- Technology to allow me to be able to watch General Conference over the last 2 days

- My brand new nephew Eric David James Travers who was born this morning :D :D :D Can't wait to meet him!!! (His name is very family orientated, which I love)

- My sister in law for having my nephew and enduring through all the pain and problems during the pregnancy

- Catching up with friends

- Mj leaving a packet of Jersey Caramels for me in my letter box :D

- Random e-mails to participate in projects

- Extra work

- Plans being freed up so I can go and meet my new nephew!

- Fun games nights

- A comfy bed

- The sound and smell of rain

- photos! They are truly awesome!

and many many more!

100th Post!!!!

Happy 100th post to me!!

With such a big number, my blog deserved at least something a little special...

but I like to be different so...

Here are 100 things that I hope for:

1. An Eternal Companion (i.e husband...but forever)

2. Children...not everyone can have them and I will feel super blessed if I can one day

3. My parents to be around for my children...I have only 1 living grandparent and the others have been gone for a long time.

4. The quick arrival of my niece or nephew...causing some troubles for my S.I.L

5. Wars to stop...I know it's cliche but I really hope we can stop fighting each other one day

6. To go to Japan

7. To visit the world

8. To feel comfortable in my own skin

9. To feel confident in speaking Japanese one day

10. To find more work to pay for things

11. To finish my Bachelor of Arts

12. A lot more nieces and nephews

13. My little brother to go on a mission

14. To learn how to sew better

15. To finally finish my knitted blanket

16. To learn to crochet

17. Pay my parents back the money I owe them

18. To get more followers :P

19. All of my siblings to find an Eternal Companion

20. Human rights to be enacted and upheld everywhere

21. Friends to stick around for a long time

22. Many more blog posts

23. Continued freedom...I feel so lucky to be free

24. My house to clean itself...I can hope, never gonna happen though :P

25. Families to be united

26. Better organisational skills

27. People to have the food they need

28. Japan to recover from the earthquake and Tsunami

29. To complete my 101 in 1001

30. To make a difference in someone's life

31. To remain close to my family as we get older

32. My children to be close with their cousins

33. To be a good mother

34. The strength to overcome the difficult times

35. A good last name to change mine to one day...I don't want to be stuck with something bad

36. To learn sign language

37. Be financially independent one day

38. To take more photos

39. To dream more

40. Remain fun all of my life

41. Always show people that I love them

42. Never get too old to prank someone

43. Be more confident around others

44. Stress less

45. More opportunities to dance in the rain

46. A life lived to the fullest

47. Motivation on my off days

48. Good dreams that last longer

49. Beautiful days to appreciate

50. Awkward moments to make me appreciate the comfortable ones

51. Rain to keep everything growing

52. Not care what people think of me so much

53. Not get annoyed as quickly

54. Try new things all the time

55. Stop and enjoy the good times

56. Always keep my testimony

57. Go on more treasure hunts

58. Get over my fear of spiders...so I don't freak when they're in the house

59. Own my own house

60. Believe in the goodness of people

61. Not judge others

62. Be my best self

63. Never stop loving movies

64. To go to Conference in person

65. Meet up with International friends again, at least once

66. To see the good in people before the bad

67. Be more patient

68. To never stop learning or growing

69. Someone that loves me for all of my faults

70. The opportunity to give out Operation Christmas Child boxes

71. Serve others in whatever way I can

72. Be proposed to in a unique way

73. Never lose a child...I admire those that can make it through it

74. To be a dork forever...it's just more fun

75. Never regret anything

76. Never hold on to the past

77. Meet a famous person

78. Never take things for granted

79. Keep singing in the shower

80. Not be caught dancing around the house

81. Never stop getting excited when I get snail mail

82. Be less afraid to introduce myself to new people

83. An easter egg hunt this year

84. To be more selfless

85. Always smile

86. Be a good friend

87. Always realise when I have done something wrong and fix it

88. To always feel things...no matter if they are good or bad

89. A song to always sing

90. Never let someone stop me from being who I am

91. To always strive to be fair

92. To see less faults in myself

93. Live to see my children grow up

94. Never forget the people that have changed my life

95. Live up to my heritage

96. Always have someone to hug

97. People to be charitable

98. An excuse to dress up

99. To break stereotypes

100. Most of all...I hope you made it through this list :D

Gratitude Sunday

This week I am thankful for:

- Mexican themed fast breakers for YSA

- Having time to stop and think about things

- The little bits of extra work I have been able to get

- Memories

- The beautiful sunshine coming through the clouds as Ness and I were singing Alleluia on our way to choir practice

- Random Bazinga posts on facebook that just make me smile

- My dad calling to make sure I was still alive and doing ok

- My brother and sister-in-law hosting and encouraging regular Family Home Evening

- Testimony meeting

- The nursery children being nice today

- My beautiful friend Kat coming home from her mission :D :D :D

- Institute...and all the lessons I learn

- Friends who still love me even when I snap at them when I'm in a bad mood

- A desire to be better

- Being able to keep busy for a day...I work much better when I just keep going

- Love...all the different kinds

- My Quickflix gift voucher...which I am using a LOT!

- An extra hour sleep because of Daylight Savings going back to normal

This adorable picture:

(source)

The Family

WARNING!!!

There are a LOT of photos with this post...but they make it fun so bare with.

Today I seriously just wanted all of my family in the one place. Being a dork and not caring. These are some of my favourite pictures because we are such dorks!

On the Great Wall of China...

Mum taking yet another picture on a family holiday...

My 2 older brothers at Adam's (right) wedding...

On a cruise in China...

My niece Darcey loves to steal people's shoes...

Little bro came down for a visit...

Little bro and I helping to set up Dad's new pharmacy...

Older Bro and I at a friends 21st Birthday Party...

Little bro and I at an AFL match...

Little bro on Dad's plane...

And for some nice, lovey dovey shots...

My older brother Adam and his wife Jay on their wedding day...

My older brother Rhys and his wife Amy on their wedding day...

Don't you just love being a dork with your family??

I love and miss you all!!

Gratitude Sunday

Well Sunday has rolled around and it's definitely time to recap what I am thankful.

It was kinda perfect today that the sacrament talks were centred around gratitude and the home teaching message was all about having a positive perception of things.

This week I am grateful for:

- A brother who is worthy to hold the priesthood and give me a blessing

- A mother who blogged just so I would know that she was thinking of me

- Parents who drove 3 1/2 hours to where I live because they knew I needed them but I wouldn't ask them to come

- My religious freedom

- The 7 days of life I was granted this week...you never know when you will go

- The work I do have at the moment...no matter how little it is

- Two Birthday parties

- Children...no matter how bratty they were in Nursery today

- Bubbles (seriously go blow some bubbles and watch them float away)

- A break from University

- A renewed optimism and determination for my schooling

- Jam Donuts

- Sacrament talks that remind me again just how grateful I need to be

- Home teachers who come :D

- People who accept me, faults and all

Literally just a few of the things I am grateful for this week.

I hope that this can be a constant reminder for me of the many blessings I have in my life.

Maybe I'll even start having a few guest bloggers on here too...

We'll see :D

So what are you grateful for?

(source)

Followers...

Thanks for the support Erin Travers, Jess Barnes, Lauryn Vanrooy, Jack Prebble, Kieran Spilling, Zoe Stewart, Amy K, Jamie Jenkins, Dree and Christine!

Thanks for reading my random thoughts :D

Much Love, Lisa xoxo