MOTHERHOOD: LIVING TO SERVE.

serve v. To work for. To be a servant to.

When I was 17, I started my first job. And around the sixth month in, I remember thinking my boss had the best job ever. She just ordered everyone around, and it appeared to me that she didn't have to do anything except get paid more for telling us what to do.

How naive I was. Of course, now I've been in the position of 'authority' a few times since, and I soon realised that the teeny tiny increase in pay is hardly deserving of the pressures and extra work.

You see, to be a manager, or someone in a position of leadership, they serve others. Not the other way around. They spend time with their staff, train, mentor, coach, problem-solve. They are the ones who hold the cards to everyone else' questions, requests, and ultimately work satisfaction.

That's serving.

As I go through life I realise that serving is such a major part of it. We serve God, those we love, our friends, our communities.

Here I am, serving all day, and all night. It's not just barking orders. It's taking the time to give the best answers, the best advice, the most thoughtful route. Then there's the training, mentoring, coaching, and problem-solving. How we treat our children is the way they see the world.

It takes it out of me at times and I honestly feel like I have nothing left to give. But then on other days, it gives me the energy I need to keep giving.

And serving.

I love it. I truly do.

THIS CITY I LOVE.

Melbourne: a port in SE Australia, capital of Victoria, on Port Phillip Bay: the second largest city in the country; settled in 1835 and developed rapidly with the discovery of rich goldfields in 1851.


It wasn't until I was driving around Melbourne today that I realised that I really love this city.

One would argue that the weather was questionable, but I love the four seasons in one day. If you wear layers, and pack a jacket, you can go anywhere.

The wide roads, signage and direct access to freeways is a dream. Most of the city has been well planned, and is a little less of a Rabbit Warren than other cities (which shall remain nameless, but you know where I'm talking about).

I'm not sure about the 'artwork' along the new eastlink, but Victoria does encourage the arts. There's more festivals than you can poke a stick at, more places to eat than anywhere else in the world (per capita). One doesn't have to travel far to listen to great music, and there's always something on.

Should I mention the shopping? I guess that's why my friends visit Melbourne.

I've lived here twice now. Almost four years the first time, and now in my fourth year this time.

Having moved around to so many places, I realise that I don't really wish to live anywhere else.

BIRTHDAYS THAT GO ON FOREVER.

wish (wsh) n. 1. A desire, longing, or strong inclination for a specific thing. 2. An expression of a desire, longing, or strong inclination; a petition. 3. Something desired or longed for.

It's only one day a year, but if that day turns into a week, then it's the best!

The boys' birthday celebrations have been good. There's been a Wild West party, birthday wishes from interstate phone calls, presents arriving during the week, leftover cake to eat, and more candles to blow out.

On Madison's birthday, he cried. Because he wanted to have another birthday.

And I think he wished it so hard, his wish came true.

FOOD CLUB. WHAT'S THAT?

delicious adj. Highly pleasing or agreeable to the senses, especially of taste or smell. Very pleasant; delightful: a delicious revenge.

What's not to love about this combination: A night out. Dressed up. With friends. Without children (mostly). Talking. Eating. Drinking. The best food.

Once a month, eight girls gather together at a delegated house with a dish matching the theme of the evening, which equals eight dishes and one big eating night out.

Tonight the theme was Thai. Here's a snippet of the menu: fishcakes and spring rolls. Lettuce cups with shredded coconut, cashews, peanuts, chilli, lemon, chilli sauce. Shiitake soup. Pad Thai, green curry with coconut rice. Coconut Sorbet with mint sugared pineapple.

There is no way that I can tell you it was that good. You just had to be there.

I heart Food Club.

And I love, love, love good food.

THE REAL DEAL: BONDING WITH FRIENDS OVER A CUPPA.

friend n. 1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. 2. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.

If there's one thing I've learnt while being a mum to young children is that you're at your most vulnerable, most tiring, most busy, and most emotional time in your life.

And one thing I love is that I have fantastic friends. Friends who can be honest, and friends who I can be honest with. As much as we all love our children to bits, we're able to share our innermost feelings and fears while sitting in each other's messed-up-by-children houses.

And cry. And laugh.

Over a cuppa.

We put on our happy faces, but here were know it's okay if we don't want to.

I love that.

Because it's real.