Top Tens - Winter 2014

[I thought my tradition was broken when I didn't blog for several months, it felt like I missed several seasons. Alas, I didn't! There's still a few days left of winter, yay! So I will continue.... :-)....]

Ten Things I Love/Appreciate

1. God's provisions - physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially. Daily reminders of love.

2. Love tight, long, squeezing, bear-like hugs.

3. Holding hands with someone I can trust.

4. Home-cooked meals.... I struggle to recollect details of the months past, but I remember people between fall and winter making sure I ate (home-cooked or dined out).... Loving gestures, though I always have a preference to eating at homes, even if it were cheeses on toasts, even if homes were messy.

5. My mentor and her husband. I will miss them :-(((.

6. Appreciating spiritual peace.
7. Feeling a constant and calm joy.

8. True friends and family.

9. Quiet - in solitude or with a company.

10. God's cover, answers, protection, embrace/armour, blessings, lessons, lovingkindness, authority.

11. Open smiles and open tears. Beauty in vulnerability... honesty... and hope....

12. Dancing freely, it comes out from my heart.

13. Spring, for sunshine's soft warmth on my skin, and the promise of flowers.

14. Overland hike with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit; revealing seasons, plans, lessons, placements, promises, love, attention, wisdom.
15. I could go on.... so very much to be thankful for and to love and to be joyful about!!

Ten Things I Miss/Dislike

1. Missing tight, long, squeezing, bear-like hugs. Especially the pick-me-up varieties, hahah, ugh. Consider this a welcome for all my friends, male and female, to just do it!!! I'd love it hahahah! :-))

2. Missing holding hands (I remember growing up and holding hands with friends, boys and girls, why did we grow out of that??!?). Everyone's welcome/challenged to grab my hand too!! ;-)))

3. Dislike forgetting everything, anything... (not being my usual/old self).
4. Dislike my mind and body feeling "tired" easily... (not being my usual/old self).

5. Miss writing. Someone said I should write at least 200 words daily to practice (but see points above and time constraints, but I will).

6. Still missing two-hours of head-to-toe deep tissue or sports massage with scented oils.

7. I'm silently saying goodbye to Melbourne, just in case....

8. Miss reading (and remembering/understanding easily).

9. Miss singing for fun with (crazy) friends.

10. Being busier though not in a "job"!!!?!! But I love this change. Thankful for being exactly where I am placed, to be with; and to "work".

11. Goodbyes. (Instead "Keep in touch. See you later.") 

Ten Wishes/Prayers

1. For God's armour to always/daily cover me and family and friends, hedge of protection with the blood of Jesus (not literal for those who don't understand!).

2. Responded, "okay, I accept"... to be willing to be in a role/position I never dreamt for myself. It will be hard (never happen) in my own will, so I'm just placing that in God's hands and I keep my promise in my heart as a reminder as He will walk me through the journeys.

3. For my family to each have a personal relationship with Christ.

4. To always be obedient and dependent to God as His little child. :-)

5. My training.
6. Still would like to learn to play a musical instrument well (preferably guitar/ukelele, or my voice).
7. To be a better swimmer... or singer.... or both. ;-)
8. To learn how to plan and shop for food/groceries weekly, so I can be a better cook.

9. For my ankle to be healed strong, my core/stomach muscles to be strong, and my posture to improve.

10. For my (ad)ventures to be successful. That opportunities keeps coming and presenting itself; and that I respond rightly/appropriately, by taking them on, or saying no.

11. My languages!! But brain oh brain is resting.... :-/

Ten Material/Resources Wish List  ;-) 
- list copied from Winter 2014's list, very messy, have to be patient to read below, sorry.

1. There's a property (properties!) in France I am looking at to buy. Next to the beach, away from Paris but a direct TGV train (approx 470kms away), behind it an old castle (what's left of it), 300 metres from the beach, walking distance from the main hubs so infrastructure/facilities are available. If I turn the attic into a room with balcony, I'm pretty sure it will have more than a little view of the sea. I can make myself afford the villa. I just don't know how i'll maintain it! This or any French property purchase will definitely be for keeps! <3 (It is still available but not for me at the moment. All plans to property develop and/or purchase on hold.)

1. A tablet or an ipad. To use for video/photo processing and editing. I'm very tactile, I'd prefer to use my fingers than a mouse to do things. (Hahah, I don't even know how to use my one-and-half-year-old Mac still... *sheepish grin*)

2. If not above, a dual-sim phablet/phoblet/foblet(?).... you know which one I'm talking about.

3. 4. More income-generating investments, so I can have my own place at home and my second home (see above, hahahah). I come up with simple/complex inventions at least once a month!! I need mentors, creators, engineers, entrepreneurs and doers/finishers in this field!!

4. 5. Folding hula hoops of various sizes. I used to be good at twirling them, good for core exercise. Decided to exchange it for now with a lightweight sleeping bag for Everest Base Camp, comfort rating -20 degrees celsius at least.

5. 6. Portable pole, yes for dancing and rotation/strength work. If you're imagining something close to porn or prostitution get your mind off the gutter. I found out how good an exercise routine it is in 2005. I'll stick with swimming lessons at the moment, goggles already in my bag, considering location of where I am heading. ;-)

6. 7. My own potted herbs and vegetable garden. Big Agnes(?) lightweight 3-4 seasons tent.

7. Canon DSLR lenses, tripod, and equipment for lighting and studio photography.

8. A human/robot caddy to carry and take care of equipment above while I'm in my artistic zone ;-).

10. A moped. On hold.

9. 11. It's almost winter! Thigh-high boots!!! <3 :-) Osprey(!!) 70 little travel pack.

12. Long or oversized, thick, grandparents-style cardigan. Those ones that feel like I am getting hugged! <3 :-) (Got one good enough, and won't need it where I am going, but keeping an eye out for those super-thick ones! <3)

10. Lightweight and waterproof winter jacket and hiking pants.