It’s that time again! 
This week I’m thankful for…

Long Weekends.  Australia celebrates Easter with a five day long weekend this year, and oh my goodness it was so needed. Work has been so draining lately, so the weekend came just in time.  I spent a lot of time just hanging around the house enjoying the fact that I had nothing that I absolutely needed to get done. WOO 

(stare down with a alpaca!)

Carnivals! We went to The Sydney Royal Easter Show sometime earlier this week, and had a blast eating corndogs aka pluto pops, looking at weird animals (we saw the largest steer in Australia!) and walking about the fair grounds.  It kinda felt like we were in a pretend America, which was kinda cool.

Easter Mass.  I haven’t been to mass in a very long time, and I think a part of me feels guilty about that.  Having been a practicing Catholic and going to mass religiously, it’s hard to believe I stopped going for so long.  But I did.  Finally though, something inside of me snapped and I decided it was time to go to churchthis Easter Sunday.  Miguel & I went together, and it was nothing short of uplifting and needed.  Oh & St. Mary’s Cathedral is the most beautiful, intricately crafted place that I’ve ever been to.  It’s a definite must see for all folks going to Sydney. 

Skype. I dunno if I’ve said that before, but skype really is amazing.  We talked with Miguel’s family on Easter Sunday (American time) and it was great seeing them all.  Plus we got to see his best friend who’s been away serving in Afghanistan, and it was just so great to see him alive & well + smiling.

Online Food blogs! Is that weird? Lately I’ve been running into a bunch of online foodie blogs that have the most amazing recipes on them.  With some simple ingredients, plus the help of these foodies, I’ve made some pretty spot on meals— namely salt & pepper porkchops & chocolate cupcakes! Thank you foodies for helping me create such lovely meals! 

and with that, I’ve got to prepare myself for the short work week ahead.  Super thankful for the long break & all I’ve encountered, but definitely ready to get back into work mode.  Hope the week ahead has lovely surprises in store for you, and don’t forget to take some time to stop & reflect on the things you’re thankful for!