The green, green (unmowed) grass of home

This week, I am so deeply thankful that we have a place we can call home. While we love to travel and discover new places, nothing comes close to laying your head on your own pillow, on your own bed, in your own home. It just feels more comforting to be in a familiar place, surrounded by things that mean something to you. And I am happy I got to spend another long weekend at home. It’s very refreshing to both my mind and body.

This week, I got back into the workout groove. Not as difficult as I thought. I went to the gym ONCE last week and skipped the week before that because I was sick. I thought my body will have a difficult time adjusting. Turns out my mind was playing games with me. My body was just fine, thank you very much. So, I tried TRX for the first time. My trainer was excited, too, because she just got certified and I figured she’s raring to experiment with poor old me! Anyway, it was HARD! But I loved it. I loved how parts of my body ached with each move. I loved how my mind protested and told me I can’t do it with each set. I loved how my trainer believed I could do it (even when I really can’t!). So thankful I have time and resources to do this. So blessed!
This week, I am thankful to be part of a group of exceptional ladies who share my love for photography. The Snapshots of a Good Life January 2011 class really exceeded my expectations. Not only did we continue to motivate and push each other to be better at our craft, the group also exhibited a spirit of generosity that blew my mind away. A member of the group has taken the lead to organize sending gifts to the American troops in Afghanistan and others have so generously chipped in. Our photography teacher is married to a military guy who just got deployed this year so she’s having a tough time. I thought it was really great for my classmates to think of something like this to help out. Even though I am not American, I felt really happy (and emotional – hello Kleenex!) participating in this act. Another member took the lead in organizing sending a gift to our instructor as a way of giving thanks, and sending our love to her at a difficult time in her life – with her hubby being gone on deployment. I love our teacher and I love our group for being such a caring bunch!

This week I got confirmation of another newborn shoot before the month ends. Loving the opportunity to do what I love and getting paid for it!

This week, our new helper arrived. I am thankful that we found one (because it is so difficult to get one nowadays!) and that we are able to afford having help at home. I am looking forward to coming home to a clean house and to warm home-cooked dishes each night. Speaking of dishes…

Honey mandarin, apple, yogurt and pressed apple juice

This week, I am thankful that I got to eat mostly healthy dinners. We’ve stocked up on fruits so I get to eat lots of fruits in the evening. Hubby picked up yogurt in the supermarket so we have those as well. It’s not easy to prepare dinner since we get home late at night, usually exhausted from work + gym so anything convenient + healthy is very much appreciated.

Two designs: One is vintage and the other is modern

This week, I made tags! Lots of them. I joined a tag swap organized by our Pinoyscrapbookers mods. I love scrapping and I haven’t done so in a while, so these tags are a great way to get me back into the groove. I am supposed to make two tags for each member of our group (there are 10 of us in each group) but I made more so I can give them to my other friends. I am thankful for the gift of creativity and for being surrounded by equally creative friends.