What an aMAYzing month it’s been! It’s been a crazy busy month with literally every weekend spent galavanting around this beautiful state. From a romantic seaside getaway, to a fine wine time in Jindabyne and trekking through the snow, gigs in Sydney and a girls trip away to the Southern Highlands, this month reminded me of how fortunate I am to have loved ones around. Despite the crazy schedule and the overdue desire to sleep in my own bed, I loved spending time away with friends and family. With a lot of stress and uncertainty at work, it served as the ultimate distraction in being able to throw myself into my social life and connect with people I love.
A seaside escape to Mollymook
While long distance relationships are certainly not the easiest thing in the world, the plus side is getting to be creative with when and how we see each other. After a cold snap hit, John and I booked a weekend in beautiful Mollymook, where we explored the pubs, enjoyed some oysters, wine, cheese and biccies and watched cheesy 00’s movies. I think I’m going to have to write a blog post about ‘long distance’ relationships because it’s pretty fascinating (even being one half of one myself). It truly felt like a little holiday escape with the hardest part being having to say goodbye at the end.
Jindabyne + snow magic
I’ve done the classic ‘I’ve just moved to Canberra and am going to go to the snow all the time – just bought a season pass’ move. Ahead of a busy ski season ahead, John and I went with Nikki and Lewis to Lewis’ home town. We had planned for a relatively relaxed day of walking and exploring but with some fresh conditions hitting the mountains, we were treated to snow! And not just settled snow but actual snowfall! My god it was pure magic and so damn exciting! We ate amazing food, drank amazing wine, watched a shit movie (thanks John) and took in the beautiful views from their beautiful lakehouse. It got me so damn excited for the snow season, so if you’re keen to hit the slopes, hit a girl up!
Gals trip
A few months ago, Josie, Catherine, Chloe and I decided to get together in a few months time (this is how we maintain adult friendships now – book a random date in a few months and lock it in). Well while it came during the middle of my endless weekends away, it really came at a great time to reconnect with my girlfriends, drink wine, eat too much cheese and just chill out. We booked the cutest airbnb in Tallong ‘The Orchard’ complete with a fireplace and plenty of room for the four of us. It was perfect weather to snuggle up in a blanket, read a book, fall in love with baked brie and garlic dip (you’re welcome Catherine). Already looking forward to next years reunion!
Sydney long weekend
I’m not sure if you knew this, but the ACT has the most public holidays in Australia. So at the end of May, over another ACT long weekend, I spent the perfect long weekend in Sydney with John. We went exploring through the Royal National Park, made some delish dinner and went to arguably the BEST GIG EVER – Middle Kids. I feel like going to a gig in COVID times is always a bit risky and uncertain, but they absolutely pulled it off and nailed it. It was so moving and awesome – I think I’m not in love with the lead. Sometimes there’s nothing better than a slow weekend!
Shenanigans
A month just isn’t complete without some shenanigans! We won our netball grand final, my housemates and I cooked up the ultimate roast lamb and took an awkward self timer, and Johnnie and I drank shit beer and made the best tacos ever!!! I don’t always take photos of the inbetween moments (dinners, coffees, walks etc) but they mean just as much to me as the big weekends away.
Shows
See What You Made Me Do
There’s not many show that I watch and for the following weeks I can’t stop telling people to watch it – but this is it! It’s confronting, it’s awful, it’s terrifying and it’s the reality of too many women who experience domestic and family violence, where tragically, one woman a week is murdered in Australia as a result. This show is a must watch for all Australians.
Self Made
I’m not sure how I missed this show but damn is it amazing!! I came across this on Netflix while searching for the ultimate show to watch in the bath, and friends, this definitely hit the spot. The cast are incredible, the costumes and sets are incredible and it’s based on an incredible true story. Did I mention it’s incredible?!
Handmaid’s Tale
Oh boy it’s back and I’m not sure I’m ready. Thankfully this show is only coming out week by week because I need to space out the depressing times this show gives. It’s the final season, I’m ready for June to absolutely fucking lose it and for Gilead to crumble!
Podcasts
The Sure Thing
This is an epic mini-series that I smashed out in a long day of driving. It tells the true story of two young Australian men who constructed and (nearly) pulled off Australia’s largest insider trading scam. It’s a really interesting look at the psychology of young men, particularly around taking risk. Couldn’t recommend it enough!
Tunes
Julia Stone’s Sixty Summers album
Oh damn I have had this album on REPEAT!!! I was never the biggest Angus and Julia Stone fan (of course, who didn’t love Big Jet Plane?!), but this album has given me a whole new love and appreciation for her talent with singing and songwriting. Love love love it!
Product
Ok this is a weird one but hear me out. I NEVER used to use a hairdryer. I would go to bed with wet hair, go out with wet hair, do anything with wet hair, I just didn’t really care. That was until I moved to Canberra where one night I went to bed with wet hair and woke up with a splitting headache becuase my head was so cold. So I guess it’s true what Grandma always said, don’t go to be with wet hair. Watch out, there’s a new me in town.
As the temperature dropped, my trusty old Lorna Jane tights just couldn’t stand the cold. Luckily it coincided with the Iconic’s winter sale where I snagged these Running Bare thermal tech tights for 30% off. You wouldn’t think good, thick, warm tights would make too much of a difference, especially because once you start running, you get hot and sweaty anyway. Well my dear, I’m here to preach about them. Not only do they help in keeping my body warm, but the quality of these tights are amazing. They keep me supported and the phone pocket in the legs don’t droop (and actually support my phone while running!) I’m slowly expanding my winter athletic wardrobe but I’m definitely going to look at adding another pair to my collection. Love love love them!
As I write this, it’s nearly the end of June which I guess accurately sums up the busy days and packed weekends I’ve been having. I’ve been leaning on excercise a lot lately to help process my thoughts and connect with my emotions which has been helping a lot. I’m working on reminding myself that I can’t do everything at once, and that it’s important to do one thing at a time and do it well. I’m working on not being so hard on myself and setting reasonable expectations, rather than unrelenting standards. It’s all a work in progress, but hey, it’s still progress.
I hope you’re all keeping warm, telling your family you love them, and making time for the things that matter to you.
A Worldly Addiction 