Martha and Mary thoughts.

First, some excellent wisdom from a friend today. I've had a few clashes with different people, which on the bright side I think I'm getting a tougher skin, but it's a bit demoralising when generally I think I try very hard to be there for people, be reliable, do what I'm asked to do. Turns out I've even probably offended someone at work by giving them advice about how to print something. That one I'm not worried about, my professional advice is valid, but I guess it's always possible to be more tactful. So anyway, here is the wisdom I place here for myself to see in the future.

1. Acknowledge what the other person has said
2. Refrain from giving an opinion unless they want it or you think necessary or you want to create discussion
3. If giving it, give in a gentle manner, or phrase it so that it shows your concern etc etc

Hmmm, now thinking about this more. Most people don't care what we think, unless they specifically ask us.

I had an accumulated tiredness or worry or something, so many things on, full weekends, no space to think for a month or two, getting anxious about what to do with upcoming events (do I go to a wedding in Brisbane? When will I visit Heather? When will I go to Mudgee this year? I have so many people to text about things!) and I decided I just need some space. If I get some space and calm down it's easier to confront things.

I had a sudden thought at home group and went home and deleted the Twitter app off my phone. The reason I got a smartphone and got twitter was when I left Sydney I knew it would be a great way to keep in touch with Sydney friends. And it has been. But I don't really have time to check it, and I think the usefulness in that support has decreased. I'm keeping the account so I can check on my computer at home and at work, and keep tweeting @whatpercydoes, but deleting the app off my phone has been quite good, I haven't missed it and I've found it faster to get out of bed in the morning instead of reading articles in my twitter stream.

Then I took Wednesday off work. Middle of the week is a great time to have a day off because it makes the beginning and the end shorter and more bearable! First of all, I didn't sleep in. I got up and went to a cafe for breakfast and read a chapter of Disciplines of a Godly Woman. That was a good start because it mentioned Martha and hit the nail on the head. So many things! Getting anxious! Jesus says ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED. We need to challenge each other about this. It's hard to be wise about because of all the good things you have to sift through and sometimes say no to, to have time for the one thing. Relationships, acts of service, etc.

So anyway, I had my breakfast out, and then I BLASTED a whole lot of life admin by just pottering around! I had a locksmith over, dealt with my mortgage (had to choose a new fixed rate term), received a delivery of wine (JK and I joined a wine club at the food and wine expo), planted cherry tomatoes, did cello practice, wrote a few emails, baked cookies, took my spare TV to the tip, went to the movies and say Love and Friendship, got a hot chocolate, watched a bit of Netflix, did Jillian, watched Bachelor, went to bed early. I guess I did a lot, but I also didn't do a bunch of other things and that's OK. It was an energising day.

I find landfill sad. I like decluttering but the thought of my beloved old bag or trousers being dumped in a pile and buried is really sad. Confronting. A good thing to remember when I'm obsessed with a new bag, which I am. My main soothing pastime now is to watch TV while browsing online stores for yellow clothes. I don't know what that says about me.

These two trees in Raytay are the marriage trees, where people got married before there was a church in the town.

Had a home group girls night at my place, decorating pizza and painting our nails and talking, and hearing about CAP money.

I had a very empty weekend and Saturday was sunny and windy so I basically washed load after load of clothes and bedding. Nice to open the house up and get rid of some winter dust. The house isn't clean enough for my liking, that's another thing that's weighing me down. But I'm busy living and it's not so bad that I can't have people over. I would just feel better, in my mind, if it was cleaner and tidy.

Went to a church blues night at a bowlo. I wasn't going to go because of the whole 'it's too hard to organise people to go with me' thing. I tried to get people to come with me to a music thing a few weeks ago and it was disappointing. I can't be bothered trying at the moment. I've been to the movies twice by myself in one week and that was great. I'm OK not going to things. But, I went because I got a lift with Maddie's mum and her friends, and I hung out with Maddie there which was actually really nice. We shared a huge bowl of wedges, and got up and danced like crazy people for one song.

On Sunday, I worked on my personal project, a Regency Dress. The time has come! I have some worn out sheets so the top sheet has plenty of wear in it for a dress. This is about halfway, I think. I need help fitting it, and when it fits I'll dye it and add a ribbon sash. I may wear it to a birthday party where the theme is mid-life crisis. I can't think of anything good, and Austen is often my escape from life.

And so that's all. I'm going pretty well in a lot of ways. I'm content in my singleness, I am still enjoying my job, I love my home. I'm mainly trying to figure out where I can cut back and how I can have a better time praying and reading.