Life is a Journey – Page 167 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

The week that was

Posted on January 2, 2012November 5, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It was a great week….starting in Fiji. Unfortunately it was the week we had to come home and back to reality…

But was almost worth it to see this crazy pup again. He and Rosie had a holiday with friends who have a dog. They slept ALL day the day after we arrived home.

It was the week of fluffy dogs….for some strange reason they are molting now – well in Summer. I can only assume because it’s been rather cool until now.

It was the week of cleaning an almost empty fridge ready for restocking….

It was the week of a delivery of books from Amazon….

the week I painted my nails bright blue for NYE….

And it was the week we said goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012.

Photo found on Pinterest

End of year celebrations

Posted on January 2, 2012November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It was a pretty quiet New Years Eve. Kevin and I went to the basketball to watch the Hawks play Sydney. Unfortunately we lost but it was a very exciting game. One they deserved to win.

After the game we headed home for a late supper with Nan & Pop….

My camera is mucking up so we’re having to use the flash…which leads to shiny faces and double chins :-(.

Just before 10pm we headed outside from some sparkler fun.

Then it was home to bed. I’ve been getting up early and therefore very tired at night. I read for a while and didn’t even stir at 12am!!!

On New Years Day the Powell’s came for lunch.

Not sure what happened but I only took three photos!!!!

Ice Cream cake for dessert….

and Noel with his big bowl of cream…. he didn’t really mean to get that much… or so he says :-).

Word for 2012

Posted on January 1, 2012November 7, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Photo from The House of Smiths who chose this word last year.

This years WORD came to me so very easily.

SIMPLIFY

I can apply this to almost all areas of my life. And if I manage to stick with should see some wonderful changes.

Simplify household routine
Simplify how we eat, with a focus on simple, wholesome foods
Simplify my exercise routine
Simplify my hobbies (and decide which ones to let go of)
Simplify my wardrobe (and that of the girls)
Simplify my daily routine
Simplify how we live
Simplify what I expect of myself

So do you have a word for the year?

Review of 2011 Goals

Posted on January 1, 2012November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It’s been a fairly uneventful year I guess. I turned 40, traveled to Alaska and Fiji, suffered from bad arthritis and a heal spur and generally feel happy with my life. I don’t however feel as I have achieved very much – especially with personal goals….

PERSONAL

Develop crochet and sewing skills NO

Complete Project life – new kit just arrived NO But working on it

Develop photography skills NO

Master basic digital scrapbooking (and possibly do digital album for our Alaska trip) NO

Make a list of (non-Romance) books I have to read and work my way through the list NO

Feel great about myself when I turn 40 in June NO

Try to find some way to get involved in Amy’s high school NO

Have more baths (once a week would be great) YES!!!! Especially since discovering Lush

Have a full body massage (never felt comfortable enough to do this) NO

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HEALTH/FITNESS/FOOD

Follow Weight Watchers and attend meetings every week (where possible) YES for a while…..

Maintain regular (2-3 times a week) RCR workouts NO

Start the Coach to 5K running program NO

If complete above – look into doing a 5K race NO

Continue to experiment in the kitchen by trying new recipes Sort of

Help Christy to improve her eating YES (but not very successfully)

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HOME

Work out new household routine and incorporate zone cleaning each week NO

Declutter (again) both the garage and sewing room and keep them organised KIND OF – did garage but sewing room still needs work (again)

Revise budget and actually stick to it (was doing well up until a few months ago) NO – same as last year

Hope the girls to develop, and stick with, their own routines NO – still trying

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FAMILY/FRIENDS

Make more time for real life friends YES

Try to make at least one new real life friend (our social set is dropping every year) NO

Meet at least 2 bloggy friends (have 3 probables at this stage :-) ) YES – Paola, Vanessa and Brenda

Monthly day out with Mum NO

Weekly family movie night YES

Monthly family fun day NO

Time reading with Christy most days YES