Daybook

Out e-hunting last night for inspiration on writing prompts for February's expat blog challenge (join us!), I found The Simple Woman's Daybook.

I have no idea why it's a daybook for women, in particular, but aside from that, I liked the idea of  the exercise. I thought I'd give it a try and see if it's something I'd like to incorporate into regular practice on this blog. Weekly? Monthly? Whenever the inspiration strikes, maybe. Not sure, and I'm afraid it might veer over into sentimental/cliche, but I'm game to give it a go. So, here it is in all its simplicity:

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... The potted palms jump in a slight breeze. Blue sky, but not that blinding blue you see in so many pictures of Sydney, more a baby boy's layette. The bright, plastic playhouse Hushpuppy received for Christmas is still a surprise on each glimpse out on the balcony. A monstrosity, but I hope also a joy for her as she grows,

I am thinking... About home. About money. About what the two mean to each other.

I am thankful... For the American girls with whom I brunch and know I can turn to for anything. I was recently reminded that not all expats find their way into such easy, devoted friendships.

In the kitchen... My Christmas present sits on the counter. The Bellini - or, as we call it, The Spaceship, because it does everything. Just everything. It is a prize and I am dreaming of all the ways Spaceship and I will share the kitchen duties.

I am wearing... Loose black pants, green t-shirt. Ergo baby and human child accessory.

I am creating... Today, Spaceship and I are making a loaf of bread. I am testing Spaceship's ability to streamline a process I find tedious. 

I am going... The mall. On the day after the holidays. I am mad.

I am wondering... How to convince Hushpuppy to play happily in the creche at the gym so that I can resume a workout regime. A project for the new year.

I am reading... I just finished this beautiful food essay written by someone I once worked with. 

I am hoping... To find the exact thing I have in mind at the shopping center, and to make a beeline home, out of the madness. I am hoping to keep a sense of peace.

I am looking forward to...New Year's Eve with friends. Sydney's most remarkable day of the year.

I am learning... To speak kindly. To let things go. I am learning slowly.

Around the house... My cleaning checklist was abandoned in the weeks after Thanksgiving, as Parter-in-Crime and I battled a seemingly endless flu/sinus infection/general yuck. It seems daunting to get back to square one. 

I am pondering... A social media detox.

A favorite quote for today... From the essay I just read: "You can cook for hours and the meal is still gone in minutes, so there has to be a reason for it other than to eat. To do something competently. To apply intuition and guesswork and have the result come out mostly right. To make something delicious, something you've never tasted before, because of a recipe you found or, even better, your sense of what will work."

One of my favorite things... The Spaceship. The possibilities it holds.

A few plans for the rest of the week: The mall today. Hushpuppy's friend's first birthday party. Hope a few swim sessions. Pack Christmas back into the garage. 

A peek into my day... As I write this.