It's Been Too Long

It really has been too long since I, Rachel posted. You know the longer it's been since catching up with an old friend, the harder it seems to be...hmm what to talk about. The trouble is, throughout any given day, little or big ideas float through my mind and I will write an imaginary blog, and then it's as though I've already done it, it's old news, or not really even news worthy.

For example, many months ago I had numerous conversations with a wide range of people about odd socks. I thought, oh I should write a blog about this. But then I had discussed it that many times, that I got over it. However, I will tell you the gist, cos it's a good one: Odd socks are a good thing. They are an important reminder that some things just aren't that big of a deal.

I came to this conclusion after many a morning trying to find Tobey and Oskar a proper pair of socks each. As our clean washing tends to live in various piles around the place (dirty washing lives in various piles on the laundry floor, oh and bathroom floor), this task was rather time consuming. Not only that, the boys would at times argue over the same pair, and me, trying to be fair and minimise escalating emotions, would split the pairs so that they had one of each-cos that's fair,right? So, odd socks won the day. But that's just a side note, the real epiphany for me was the WHY? Why does it matter if the kids are wearing odd socks? Just cos that's not what you do. It's a just cos that's the way it is, that's what people do thing. THIS IS NOT A GOOD ENOUGH REASON. It does not harm anyone, it is not disrespectful. Those are important reasons to do things. If Tobey or Oskar specifically wanted a proper pair of socks, if it mattered to them, well then I would respect that. But they don't give two hoots. So, my conclusion folks is this: Odd socks are a reminder to say no to pointless rules of 'just cos that's how it is'. Be free to make your own decisions. Heck, break a few 'just cos that's how it's always been' rules! It's liberating, trust me!

So, after that super deep revelation that I am glad to have shared again and again, let me fill you in. I feel like we have been running The Story Tree at about 80%. I have chosen to be okay with this because my family and my health and wellbeing, and my need for connection are important,they require time. I do not want to be a workaholic, it is not sustainable. When I am too busy,the people I love most get the dregs of me at the end of the day. I put my energy, my best self out there to strangers, and dear Matt and the kids pay the price. When I say 80%, I mean that not everything gets done when it should, to the standard that I would like.

The good news is, change is in the air. Matt has retired from running his own concreting business and is now in partnership with me. YAYNESS. Seriously, this is huge. Double energy into one business, double energy into raising the boys, double energy into our LIFE-FULLSTOP. Do you know what makes me sad? That stress has been the everpresent vibe around here for so long, we forgot what it's like to live without it. Malaise of our society's culture, the norm-just how it is,hey? No sirree, not around here no more. The culture at our place is one of odd socks.

And falling asleep with a good book is also something we encourage

















A few more 'norms' around here:




Sundays in pyjamas until we need to leave the house to go have a picnic, or walk up the street to visit neighbours;




Playing in the sandpit for as many hours as desired(read:kids in sandpit, parents pottering);




Picking daisies and lavender to put in little jars around the house;




Having a bubblebath at whatever time of day you feel like it;




Matt singing and playing the guitar during kids bathtime;




Vacuuming the loungeroom carpet three times a day cos I let them eat toast, fruit etc, while playing lego or watching ABC Kids, and the crumbs attract wildlife cos we live in the sticks;







last but not least, siestas are a personal fave:)

The 80% life makes sense to me, leave 20% time for pleasure, fun, relaxation and creativity