Life is a Journey – Page 66 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

Summer Holiday to Nelson Bay

Posted on January 11, 2014October 24, 2026 by Libby Withnall

On Thursday we finished packing, said goodbye to the pups and drove 4 hours up to Nelson Bay, where we are staying for the next week with Nan & Pop. Kevin unfortunately had to stay behind to look after the pups (& go to work).

Christy and I decided to be room mates…

which meant Amy got a room to herself….

We got unpacked and settled and took in the view.

Glorious even on an overcast day.

Christy, of course, had to go for a swim.

Amy was nice enough to make me dinner (Nan & Pop were making their own).

Which we ate outside.

And were visited by some of the local lorikeets.

Then it was time for some cards games to end the evening.

You can see more of our day by watching the video.

A busy start to the year

Posted on January 8, 2014October 24, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It was a crazy, busy start to the year but there was definitely time for some fun. And unfortunately I’ve still be suffering with arthritis pain and some sinus pain.

Kevin & Christy went on a 3 hour horse ride. No, not on this horse :-).

There was a basketball game and a WIN by the Hawks.

And we finally got a signed jersey.

There was a visit to Jamberoo (on a very crowded day).

And I spent some time looking up at this view.

There was time for a lovely, relaxing bath.

Amy had a group of friends over for a Mafia (card game) party.

There were lots of lovely morning walks with the pups.

There was a visit to the pediatrician for Christy, who ordered another blood test, which thankfully went well for her. She’s also to do 6 weeks of a wheat free diet (which we’ll start after our holiday).

There were more Christmas cards delivered and I finally found a place to display them.

There were some unexpected visitors in the form of stick bugs.

There was a mermaid in our pool.

This is me in My Little Pony form – thanks to Christy.

And this is our family pony – CAKE (Christy, Amy, Kevin & Elizabeth).

There was not enough time spent with the puppies.

And there was the handing in of forms and an interview to start the official change of Amy’s name to Athena. It’s been something she’s been wanting to do for years and we thought it best to do now before she starts getting things like drivers licenses, etc. It’s going to take some time to start referring to her and calling her Athena.

Goals for 2014

Posted on January 4, 2014October 25, 2026 by Libby Withnall

1. the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.

2. an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.

Dictionary.com Unabridged

Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.

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Since I’ve been doing Wellness Wednesday videos over on youtube, it was only natural that I chose WELLNESS as my word for 2014. Suffering with arthritis and other odd ailments, I’d like to make this year the one I end feeling so much better and put all my pain behind me. I actually started my wellness journey in mid Oct, so I got a bit of headstart by losing 6kg and feeling a whole lot healthier. But I still need to try and determine what (if anything) triggers the arthritis pain and other odd stomach issues I’ve been having.

What wellness means to me:

– feeling physically good & able to do anything I want to

– being active every day and fit & strong enough to live the life I want

– being happy within myself

– feeding my body good, nutritious food that will not only help me on the path to wellness, but keep me there

– taking time for me, relaxing and partaking in my hobbies

Goals for 2014

Personal

* Spend time of smashbooks/scrapbooking every week

* Keep up to date with my photobooks (and catch up on the missed ones)

* Work more on Youtube & my blog – try to get into a routine for uploading/posting

* Read for 30mins most days (from books/magazines)

* Learn not to take on/do so much that I feel overwhelmed

* Develop a pedicure ritual/routine (instead of painting nails)

* Go to the beach at least once a month

* More ME time

Health/Fitness/Food

* Continue eating a low processed sugar/ vegetarian/ plant based diet

* Make one new meal/dish and one new snack/treat each week

* Walk most days with the dogs

* Strength training 3 times & yoga 2 times a week

* Focus on wellness

* Take a yoga class

* Attend a health/wellness retreat/day spa (finances allowing)

* To slowly but surely lose about 12 kg

Home

* Stick to our new budget

* Develop & maintain new daily routine

* Develop & maintain new cleaning routine

* Declutter & organise all rooms/areas of the home and maintain

Family/Friends

* Meet up with a friend at least twice a month

* Family time every weekend

* 2 out of home “dates” with Kevin each month

* Special time with both girls (seperately) at least once a month

* Family holiday in Sept/Oct – where will depend on finances

New Years Eve & Day

Posted on January 2, 2014October 24, 2026 by Libby Withnall

New Year Eve started with a beautiful walk to the lake…

The day included grocery shopping and spending some time by the pool. Late in the afternoon Christy and I went to the basketball.

It was a tie, and unfortunately the Hawks lost after a double overtime.

Back home we enjoyed a late supper with Nan & Pop, before I collapsed into bed about 10pm. Didn’t even stir at midnight.

New Years Eve Vlog

2014 started with another lovely walk.

Then we were joined by the Powells for lunch.

Alyssa & Christy played Minecraft.

The pups slept.

Lunch was enjoyed. Amy was so sweet and made the vegetarian lasange.

And there was dessert.

Cupcakes by Christy…

and Choc brownies by Amy…

Leanne had the great idea to add cream and make this amazing creation. Of course, we all copied :-).

I looked up at one stage and found Bailey standing in a ring of toys (courtesy of Erica).

New Years Day Vlog

It was definitely a fun start to 2014.

well·ness