That guitar is on fire

So close.  Just so close to my goal time for 10km.  I want to get under 50 minutes and the other day I came the closest I've been yet.  Sure I'm not going to break any records.  But what do I care?  I'm not doing it for a career.  If I was I'd be out of a job.  I run because it makes me happy.  It makes me sane. (Ha!  Well, as sane as I can be)  The little goals I set for myself along the way are just a game to keep it interesting and to motivate me to lace up.  

I'm big on goals.  You can write your goals down like a list.  And you know how much this girl likes lists.
I dig the idea of a challenge.  While I still haven't chosen a sporting challenge I want to complete whilst raising funds for Equality Now (http://www.equalitynow.org/)  I am working on a big shoot idea that involves empowering women at the same time as creating awareness and raising money for an excellent cause.  Nuts and bolts are still being worked out so I'll keep you posted.  It should be fun though and I'm excited.

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Speaking of fun, the girls and I played hookie the other day from school.   My mother was horrified when I told her that I pulled Taryn out of school for no reason, but the way I see it is that the girls learned so much from our trip, while at the same time making memories.  Win - win.   Since we don't have one worth visiting here, I took the girls to the museum.  They freaking loved it.  Taryn was literally running around exclaiming "I just LOVE this!  This is soooo cool mum.  I am soooo HAPPY!"  Bless her little cotton softs.

I plan on many more days throughout like this one throughout the years.  A break in routine to blow out the cobwebs.  I'm not very good at spontaneity but when I do make the effort, and say "HELL YEAH" to the random thought of the day, I feel alive and free and youthful and fun.  

I saw these guys the other day, identical in full costume, bells on shoes, flowers on hats, dancing and singing outside a cafe.  They also wore identical smiles.  I love that when most people would say "yeah, nah.  I'm not wearing a flowered vest and bells on my shoes while singing folk songs and holding up flower arches." these guys said "Hell Yeah!  OR something like that.   and lets face it. On the surface this would seem rather... ahem.  Dorky.  But so what?  These guys said YES and joined a group and have a ton of fun together!  Ain't nothing wrong with that!

Some more happy moments in pictures:

GIRLS NIGHT!

A present to me from my girls

Taryn dressed as a Photographer again today for "what I want to be when I grow up" mufti day

First pippins camp.

A burning guitar.  It looked cool.  Smelt bad

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Miss Taryn turned six recently.  Like all parents, I have used the phrase "where has the time gone?!"  A lot recently.

I freaking love this chick.  She. Is. Cool.

Lastly.  I was sniggering the other day when I read an article from one of my favourite bloggers Kelle Hampton about the The shakedown
Y'know that super quick, superficial clean that you do before guests arrive on short notice?  Admit it.  You do it too.  As if our houses are just this perfect all the time.  'Cos we have our shit together and all that.  My kids don't leave their crap on the floor every. single. day.  I don't have washing piled up.  Every. single. day.  Oh and my kitchen?  Yes my benches are always clear and free of dirty dishes. pfffft.  Still.  I can't help but freak out if someone shows up without notice and my house is a mess.  I can't relax and enjoy their company because I'm too busy thinking about my failure as a home owner.  So I perform the shakedown when needed.  I thought I'd document it for you here..... (excuse the photo...another phone pic)

From this...

To this...

In 20 minutes. with the help of this...

and some good old CCR.

Now if only I weed my garden and mow the lawns too....