While I'd sit on my bed, crying and feeling sorry for myself, the logical part of my brain would be thinking: 'do something about it'. So that's what I'm trying to do. I thought about what would make my life better, and I want to act on those thoughts.
It turns out I don't want many things...
First, I wanted some time to myself, time to write. Time to just be me and, you know, even earn some money (I know, I'm wild and crazy - my biggest wish is to work). Tick - done! I'll post about it tomorrow.
Second, I wanted to travel more. This one's a bit harder, it's such a huge dream. And I know it will happen more, in time. But right now, our feet are firmly planted here while we renovate our house. So - I thought I'd try and do some more fun things, some touristy things close to home. Day-trips and fun outings, things that Abbey and I will both enjoy, and have some fun on our days together. Travelling without the, um, travelling part.
We started today with something very close to home, and something I hadn't done in years...
Puffing Billy!
For those who don't know, Puffing Billy is an old steam train in the Dandenong Ranges (where I live) on the outskirts of Melbourne. It's one of Victoria's top tourist attractions. This is one of its most well-known points - the tressel bridge:
Steve unexpectedly had a day off work today (he's working after hours instead), so we decided to have a fun family day. And it was so much fun!
Abbey immediately loved the train.
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| Sitting at the station, making 'toot toot' noises |
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| Then she started sticking her head out the window... |
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| And then sat with her legs dangling out of the train with me! |
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| When we stopped, Abbey got to go and see the engine and visit the driver.... |
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| And climb trees with Steve! |
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| And by the return trip, she was feeling a little too comfortable with the whole thing! |
All three of us had a fun day together... and it was a huge day for Miss Abbey. By 5.30 this evening, she was asking - yes, ASKING - to go to bed. And anyone who knows Abbey knows that this is an event in itself!
Megan
I love Puffing Billy. I pass under the bridge almost daily as I drop the kids at school. I think sometimes us Hills people take for granted our surrounds. I have the best memories from Puffing Billy as a child, and as an adult. We are so lucky to live where we do thanks for reminding me.
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I agree with you Megan you have to remember how to enjoy the simple things, good on you glad you enjoyed your day and now you have happy memories to reflect on when you are sitting crying and wondering what to do, I know I do.
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LOVED this as a kid
ReplyDeleteWe don't get to travel much, well ok, never do we travel, but we do heaps of day trip things. Maybe add to the list the ferry ride across and back from williamstown to st kilda, fabulous on a sunny day, especially if the markets are on at either end.
ReplyDeleteAnd then we love pretending we have a Saturday nightlife by going to the Werribee Zoo rhythm of Africa nights through the summer, the girls run about and dance around and we have a glass of wine and a picnic.
One day we plan to also join in with the tourists and do the fairy penguin trip, should be hilarious.
God, I think I should work as a Melbourne marketing tour guide rep or something!
I'm so thrilled for you that you are finding ways to fulfil your dreams albeit within new parameters. Your determination and drive is inspirational btw
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, what a fabulous family day. I always think it's nice to be able to do something during the week when you can - I can imagine how busy Puffing Billy is on the weekend, but as it's only an hour from us, it's definitely on my to do list with our Miss Abbey. (Oh I love how our girls have the same name!) And reading all your other posts, I'm so happy for you that you've got such a good balance happening in your life. x
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