IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

If we were having coffee these are a few of the things I'd share from my life that happened in May. #midlife #ifwewerehavingcoffee

IF WE WERE HAVING COFFEE

If we were having coffee these are a few things I'd be sharing from the lovely month of May. I always enjoy a good 'Taking Stock' blog post, so I hope you'll humour me and sit a while as I share my news. There's nothing like a virtual cuppa and a chat, and I have lots to share from the last few weeks..

BLOGGING/RETIRING

Well, I'm just finishing up my third month of not working and I must say, it just gets easier and easier to not be part of the workforce! I keep thinking that I should be more proactive in looking for things that are "constructive" for filling in my days, but I'm just really enjoying this period of doing my own thing in my own time. 

I wrote a couple of posts about stopping work and waiting this month - it really helps me to write about it and clarify my thoughts. It's also been very reassuring to have others tell me that they've walked this same path and have come out the other end thriving and loving their life after a difficult job ending.

I also covered "I" for Investing in what's Important and "J" for Living a life of Joy in my "List of More" Saturday series. I've really enjoyed focusing on positivity and bringing more of that into my life and my blogging.

MORE-ING

It's been a quiet month for doing More - although I did tick off a couple of letters in my alphabet of doing more new things this year. A couple of weeks ago we had one of those "moments" where we looked at our cedar inside blinds and decided they were getting old and dated, so went out and bought 9 new Day/Night roller blinds (so that's "D" ticked off) They've certainly lightened the room and freshened things up. Now we just have to make pelmets for them all - I guess I can tick off "P" when that happens!


In my pursuit of cutting costs, I also ticked off "H" when I tried out the Hairdressing Salon in my local Senior Cits Centre. My husband was a bit worried because he had visions of an old lady named Mavis taking to my hair with an old pair of scissors in her trembling hands! It was nothing like that - the hairdresser was in her 40's, very capable and next time I'm going back for foils as well - a saving of at least $50 each time - bonus! 

when you have your hair cut at the local seniors' hair salon

EUROVISION-ING

May wouldn't be May without watching Eurovision. I know a lot of Americans and Australians don't understand the awesomeness that Eurovision represents. You need to grasp the concept (put all your expectations of normality aside) and watch the acts - the fireworks spurts, the wind machine effects, the thigh high boots, the crazy outfits (circa 1990's for some reason) and even a costume reveal here and there, plus this year seemed to have a bit of a bondage theme going for some reason.

Australia has been allowed to join the party for the last few years and this year we were beyond amazing!! But with the European voting system (where sister countries tend to vote for their neighbours) we didn't make the top 3 - I think we were robbed! Anyone who can sing that well while swaying around on a stick a few metres in the air deserves to win IMHO!

EATING

We took a little Mothers Day drive down South for lunch in Bridgetown in mid-May. The sun was shining and the quaint little Emporium Bistro was doing a steady trade. It was a lovely day for a drive and a meal with my husband, a stroll down the main street, a stop off at the Donnybrook bakery for a couple of cakes for afternoon tea, and then home again.

Lunch at the Bridgetown Emporium Bistro

KITTEN-ING

Neither of the kids made it down for Mothers Day - it's a long drive for a quick catch up, so the fur children made it up to me with a cuddle or two. Here's Luna having a snuggle on the day - she's growing so quickly but still retains that lovely chillaxed personality.


READING

I've just finished the "Queen Of The Tearling" series by Erika Johansen - absolutely loved the trilogy. I'm a big fan of Fantasy novels and this was a really good read. It reminded me of the Tamora Pierce "Song Of The Lioness" series that I read and loved several years ago.

The Queen of the Tearling series by Erika Johansen - Fantasy Trilogy

WATCHING

I've been given a Netflix subscription and am very late to the Netflix party. It's been nice to have something (other than catch-up TV) to watch in the evenings, but I must say that there's a lot of stuff on there that has little or no appeal. I've watched a few movies, enjoyed seeing Brene Brown talk about Daring Greatly, started the first series of Chesapeake Shores, tried Grace and Frankie, and am still looking for more series that are upbeat and pleasant - fun, romantic, happy, just plain easy to watch. If you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments - I'm on the look out for stuff that is a mood lifter - not dark or dismal.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Well that's it from me during May. What have you been up to? Any exciting events, good movies, Netflix recommendations, holidays or family stuff going on in your world?


If we were having coffee these are a few of the things I'd share from my life that happened in May. #midlife #ifwewerehavingcoffee

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38 comments

  1. Hello Leanne, sitting here with my coffee pondering your list. Sounds like you are easing your way into making how you spend time more about what you want. That is a good place. It is summer here in Florida (our hot,humid season) so I have lots of indoor projects going on. We have not painted the interior of our home for years and the old colors have become outdated. Room by room we are taking that on. Rearranging, re-purposing and donating furniture to make room for a few new items to freshen the place up a bit. We reached a love it or leave it place with our home these past few months and have decided to show it some love.

    As for the guilty pleasure shows on TV, we have plenty of them. My motto is that if it makes me laugh, why not. I would like to recommend something light and lively from Netflix, but lately I have been watching Lucifer. It's a detective show that features the Devil as a sidekick to the heroine of the show and together they solve crimes. It is one of those shows where you need to suspend reason for a while and just go with it. Just finished the last season of Game of Thrones on HBO, definitely not light. But, there is always the Hallmark Channel if you get that in Australia. Love stories galore.

    I'm working on a Shutterfly book with the pictures we took while in Europe. Lots of editing and arranging to capture the essence of the trip. Tennis and golf take up the space in between projects, so life is pretty much as usual.

    Love, love that you are going to the SC center for your hair. I stopped paying the high prices years ago and now visit the local Hair Cuttery when the need arises. It's all about getting the look for less these days.

    Well, that's it for me. I enjoyed our visit. Take care.

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    1. Hi Suzanne - well you certainly sound like you're filling your days really well too! Our house before this one was painted in lots of interesting colours (all that suede effects and feature walls fashion) when we moved here it was entirely painted in Antique White and we thought - oh we need to add some colour.....long story short, 10 years later the walls are still the same because they're a great backdrop to whatever colour I feel like choosing in bed linen, cushions etc. Good luck with all your painting - it definitely freshens things up - as does the decluttering and furniture sorting. Tiring but so rewarding.
      I did a photo book for each of our kid's weddings and a family one, never got around to doing one of any of our trips - it would be a great way to remember the highlights.
      I've seen Lucifer advertised at the top of my Netflix, so I'll have to check it out - it's hard to find that balance between nasty and nice - too many shows seem to be really dark or really sugary - I like somewhere in the middle I think.
      Lovely sharing a coffee with you xx

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  2. Is it that time of the month already? I agree re the singing while swaying on a stick thing should have brought her higher up the placings. Re Netflix? I was addicted to Derry Girls & Sarah & I have been watching jack Whitehall’s Travels With My Father. Have a great June.

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    1. I just watched my first episode of the Derry Girls Jo (on your recommendation in a post from the other day) Not sure about it yet, but there's so few episodes that I'm sure I'll be enjoying it by the end.
      And yes we were robbed I tell you - Eurovision saddened me this year.

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  3. What a nice peaceful month you've had Leanne, I can't believe it's 3 months since you stopped work though - really?? I love your kitten and what cute cuddles you must get! II admire you for giving the senior cits hair salon a go, that's a great graphic too! Yes Eurovision was disappointing in that we didn't win but it's always fun to watch, just for the amazing acts, costumes and interesting music choices :) All the best for June my friend.

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    1. Hi Deb - I always love sharing the Eurovision Love with other people who get the kitchiness of it all. I think Kate did an amazing job and was the perfect act for the comp - how that Dutch guy beat her is beyond me (darn that in-voting that goes on!)
      And yes, I find it hard to believe that 3mths has passed already. I see the occasional job float into my email inbox and think about it for 2mins and then hit the delete button - I just can't be bothered with all the palaver of fighting for a job I don't need - the further I get from the workforce, the less I miss it!

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    2. That means you're settling in well then Leanne! Enjoy your time. Shared for #mlstl

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  4. Hi Leanne, (trying my comment again, via Blogger/Firefox per help sites:) I loved my career, although I do have a "been there, done that" attitude. Time to move on to new ventures. Your picture of the haircut made me belly laugh. I also enjoy Fantasy novels and I made a note of the 2 series you mention in this post. Summer reading (for some of us). I also noted the Chesapeake Shores. I was reading about this series last night. Filmed in my neck of the woods. An interesting post Leanne:) Erica

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    1. Hi Erica - so glad you can comment - it's such a pain when you write something and it disappears into cyberspace. I'm a big Fantasy Novel fan and I'm still getting my head around Netflix - Chesapeake Shores has some lovely scenery and it's a very "nice" show - not dark or scary so good for watching before bed! You're very lucky to live near there.

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  5. The month of May has certainly flown by! I love that you are enjoying the days of being home and doing what you want to do on your own schedule. I've been paying closer attention to my budget, too, since moving to Michigan and blogging full time, and things always work out. I found a less expensive hair stylist right around the corner! Love your Luna, too :)

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    1. I'm quite surprised at how little we spend these days Candi and it's also a bonus that my husband is still earning an income. I'm becoming more and more reluctant to return to a job that brings in $$ but gives me no sense of accomplishment or value. I'd rather not work and enjoy my hobbies and blogging than sell my soul for the almighty dollar.

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  6. So glad you are embracing the not working gig! I love to hear about Eurovision but I don't watch.It is one of those things that I find fun to listen to people talk about all enthusiastically but be an outsider. What can I say about your kitten, Love!!!!

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    1. Luna is the cutest isn't she Haralee. And Eurovision is definitely an acquired taste - the spectrum of performances always amazes me - from the macabre to the saccharine and a lot somewhere in between - once a year is more than enough for me.

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  7. It's been quiet around here as well. We've taken some drives and had lunch as well. Saving up for next year's big adventure these days!

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    1. I don't think we'll be doing any big adventures any time soon - a few small ones will probably keep me more than content for the time being.

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  8. Your life sounds delightful. I had another birthday this weekend and am busy. Getting ready for surgery in June.

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    1. Happy Birthday! And I hope the surgery isn't too serious or involving a long recovery period. I must say that I value my health more as I'm getting older - I certainly don't take it for granted like I used to in my younger days!

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  9. Hi Leanne - Glad you're enjoying May. It's been a good busy month for me and t'is the season to do travel planning as we're heading into summer where I live. I'll do my May wrap up by next Sunday. Have a beautiful week! #MLSTL

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    1. I'll look forward to reading your May review Natalie - it always involves so many activities and travel events (very different to the mellow flow of my days atm!)

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  10. I have to admit I watched the Eurovision final for the first time - I'm hooked. Next year I'm running a sweep and having parties. We were on a weekend away and it was the perfect breakfast recovery party #MLSTL

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    1. I've watched it for a decade or more now Lydia - my daughter is hooked on it too, so we share our opinions via Messenger and mock or admire the various acts. She also thought Australia deserved the win - we were fantastic this year - we were robbed!! Glad you've joined the party - you can check out the drinking games for your party next year :)

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  11. Sounds as if you had a restful month of May. Good for you taking a chance to catch your breath after leaving your job and not rushing right into something "constructive." #MLSTL

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    1. I'm finding it less and less appealing to go back to the 9-5 life Christie. I love not being on a strict timetable - getting up when I feel like it, walking, blogging, coffee-ing, chilling out - it's all such a pleasant way to live and if we can afford for me to stay this way then I won't be rushing off to find a job I don't need.

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  12. Hi Leanne lovely as usual to catch up. I’m a big fan of Eurovision too. I was excited when Australia where allowed in a few years ago. Until I realised they will never win as Eurovision is held in the winners country the following year. I can see them coming to Australia. But Kate was amazing! Just staying upright was worthy of the win: o thought she was the best but maybe I’m biases

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    1. I think if Australia wins we get to choose a European country to host in our honour - they certainly wouldn't be coming to Australia. It's the European sister countries who all vote for each other that skews the results. Kate was unreal and those sticks they were on were REALLY long - so even more amazing!

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  13. Your May sounds like it's been a good one so far! Mine has been rather hectic! I've been watching Netflix for quite a while now. If you don't mind a bit of the royals - have you watched 'The Crown' series and there's also 'Victoria'. I've just watched Season 1 of 'Dead to me' and really enjoyed it. Hoping there will be a Season 2! Not sure if you've read the books but I absolutely love 'Outlander'. There's heaps more I've watched but those are what come to mind right now. xo

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    1. I loved the Outlander books and I think the Jamie and Claire characters in the series are perfect choices for them. I watched Season 1 on SBS and really should watch the rest now I can access them. A couple of people have recommended Dead to Me so I might give that a try too.

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  14. Hi BBB, 3 months has flown and each week you sound more relaxed! What a lovely May you have had. I just tried the hairdresser in our apartment complex and she as very inexpensive. I had tried doing it myself but we should be able to get pampered at times shouldn't we? I loved that photo of the hairdresser - made me smile! I've just finished a book Secrets Between Us by Valerie Keogh. It was a psychological thriller but unfortunately wasn't that great. The storyline from about halfway through was very predictable so I knew what the ending would be. I haven't watched any Netflix for a while. Caught up in Lego Masters and now The Voice. Have a wonderful June and enjoy another month of doing just as you please. Thanks for co-hosting #MLSTL and I think we have a good core group going now. Sharing on my SM. x

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    1. I just finished Nine Perfect Strangers by Lianne Moriarty and felt much like you did about your book Sue - it was okay but not fabulous. I enjoyed Lego Masters too and have been watching The Voice on catch-up TV so I can fast forward the boring bits (I'm finding it makes it less tedious). And yes, I still enjoy the hairdressing experience and will colour my own hair occasionally but if my next visit is successful, I might leave it to the experts!

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  15. I liked the calm and cruisy read here Leanne. I think you are becoming used to not having to face that workplace anymore and it's making a real difference in your posts. I also know how good it is to use blog posts to write things out and I applaud you for that. Netflix is a bit nothing much for me but my husband loves it. We share viewing rarely. His interests and mine for that do not match. But it's good to be different. We have added something to our weekly routine and that is a morning drive to somewhere new on the coast and find time for a cuppa. We are enjoying each others company very much. Denyse #mlstl

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    1. I love that you and your hub have things in common and things that are different Denyse - we're much the same and I think it keeps things fresh. And yes, you're right, I'm really beginning to love not working. It feels a bit lazy and decadent, but at the same time I also feel like I've earnt this stage of life and I'm not going to go back to the workforce to earn money I don't need. I'm doubtful that there's a job out there that would be enjoyable enough to tempt me back these days.

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  16. Hi Leanne,
    Loved your coffee list...the blinds look fresh and lovely and how nice to spend time with the cute kitties (I can sympathize as my kids are usually far away and visits are few; Cali helps) and I've taken note of the book series - time for me to open a "real" book again instead of technology!
    #MLSTL

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    1. Hi - I'm so glad you liked the blinds - they certainly lightened the place up and freshened things up a lot. It's funny how you get used to things looking a certain way and then it gets a whole new vibe when you change one small thing.
      And it's tough having kids that don't live nearby, but when they do visit, it's usually for a few days and that helps to make up for the stretches in between.

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  17. I have to say, that picture of you while out to lunch is fabulous. You look relaxed and happy. As for Netflix, I agree with someone above who said Jack Whitehall’s Travels With My Father. The Kominsky Method staring Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas. Wine Country. Call the Midwife. Knock Down the House is a documentary around American politics, but it shows the women who stepped up to the plate and ran in our last election in order to bring positive change. And if you like comedians then I recommend anything that John Mulaney is in and also Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. The last is with Jerry Seinfeld and the episodes are usually around 20 minutes or so.

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    1. Thanks for the recommendations Jennifer - there's so much on there that I haven't even begun to find yet! I'll add your suggestions to my list of things to check out - I like that there's some variety in there - I'm afraid the Hallmark movies are a little banal after a while!
      And as to looking relaxed and happy, my friens IRL have made similar comments, so being forced to give up that job has turned out to be a good thing indeed for my mental health - and probably for my physical health as well.

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  18. Hi Leanne,

    May was a busy month with the seven-phase long-drawn-out federal election in India coming to a close. The results came on May 23, and there was so much of work for me.

    A few days ago, I opened my Kindle reader and I discovered that I had downloaded a couple of books to read, and I had totally forgotten about it!!! Must catch up with my books too.

    My niece is doing her two-month internship at a company not too far away from where we stay. So she has moved in to our house since commuting becomes easy for her. That is a welcome relief for my wife and I, since our son is away doing his post-graduation course. So, we three have been having some quality family time going on walks, shopping, eating out, chatting away, and watching some movies. She will be with us in June too.

    #MLSTL Party participant. Shared the post on my social media.

    -- Cheers, Pradeep

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    1. Hi Pradeep - how lovely for you to have your niece filling the hole left by your son. It adds a breath of fresh air having a young person in your home doesn't it?
      I can't believe how involved your Indian election system is. We just had our Federal elections - one day of voting and it was all over and done with - I definitely like our system for it's simplicity.

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  19. I love that cat. Her photo's what drew me here from the Blogger's Pit Stop. Give her a cuddle from me, would you?

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.