Creamy Broccoli Soup

Yesterday was a good day.  I tackled some of my large pile of uni work and was happy with my progress. These last 4-5 weeks of semester are always pretty full on. I have four assessments due.  A slide show on Gender Dysphoria (transgender), and three essays totalling about 6000 words.  One of the essays is a critical reflection where we have to analyse ourselves basically.  Self analysis is a huge part of our degree and we do it frequently in class and as part of assessments. We also have mini counselling sessions at least once per week, sometimes more and there is no hiding anything from yourself or others.  Some students find it confronting but it is done in a very respectful, understanding and supportive way and I am finding it to be very worthwhile and interesting.

Anyway, back to yesterday.  After spending the morning on uni I then got out of isolation - gasp!  I drove down to Caloundra and had my hair done.  It was so strange but lovely to be doing something so normal yet rare.  The day was beautiful and I so appreciated it.  Sophie was ready for some love and a play when I got home so we had some fun before I got in and cooked my dinner.  Oh my goodness, it was divine.  Creamy Broccoli soup from Nagi at RecipeTinEats. So very easy to make.

You add butter to your pot and cook down some onion and garlic before adding 4 cups of vegetable stock and 1.5 cups of water.  To this add 2 cut up potatoes and two heads of broccoli florets. Put the lid on and let it bubble away for about 20 minutes.

Turn off the heat and use a stick blender to blitz it before stirring through 2/3 cup of cream (I used less and used the low-fat cooking cream), then stir in some grated cheese. I think the recipe called for 1.5 cups of cheese but I used less too and it still tasted lovely. Oh salt and pepper too. An easy, healthy dinner.

I'm tired today and out of step with my routine.  My day usually starts around 5.30am with my study day beginning between 7 and 8.  I read too late last night and this morning I am feeling the consequences. Sophie woke me at 6am and then again at almost 8 as I'd fallen back to sleep after letting her out. It's not a problem though, I just adjust my plans to fit and I'll still get everything done.  This morning I've been organising my application to return to teaching.  My teacher registration renewal came through this morning so I can get that underway.  I'll look at relief teaching or permanent part-time work with either Education Queensland or in the private sector.  I know one private school looking to fill a permanent part-time position so I'll apply for that and see if it fits around my uni commitments.  It's a bit difficult when I don't know my timetable for next semester yet.

Coffee sounds like a good option right about now. It may perk me up enough to get back into my study.

Stay well and safe everyone.

xx
Sandy

Butty's and fish

I got out of the house today. The purchase of new warmer pyjamas has been becoming a necessity. Our local little Target came up trumps there and also provided me with a peg basket to replace my broken one. The peg basket replacement was LONG overdue. Then on to try out The British Fish shop further up the road. Butty’s, onion gravy and mushy peas are on offer too. Very Harry Ramsden. Being particularly obsessed with England at present this seemed quite fitting. I must say that the serve given will last me for more than one meal. It was very generous. They deliver now too local peeps.

The One Where Sophie Took Me For a Walk

It's our first walk in a few days as Sophie has been sick with a stomach bug.  We were both very keen to get out in the cooler afternoon air, and in the quiet.  The walking paths around here are very quiet at present which is unusual.

 We walked by the pond, picnic and play area.  It is surprisingly empty of birds at present and it was tranquil and still and so very cool.  Nature and quiet are just so very soothing.

 The eucalyptus trees are at the end of their flowering and the dropped blooms are leaving the pods which the Gumnut Babies wear as stylish hats....

From the children's book "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie" by May Gibbs.

My walking buddy who is fast asleep on the back deck now. I hope she's not too sore tonight.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Easter. Be kind and think of others and I hope you receive the same.....

Baby Steps in Isolation

My first round of assessments are done and dusted and we are entering a period of no classes over Easter so I have a bit of breathing space.  I've slowly started planning and researching my next written assessments and have filled my isolation time with giving Sophie lots of love and pottering around the house.  Since J leaving and shattering me and my life into a million pieces I have had no heart for my art. I felt no connection to that part of myself that creates and enjoys it.  Today I spent some time in the garage making an art space for myself.  It's not finished and I'll adjust it to suit as I begin to use it but it is a start. Small steps towards healing.  Never in a million years did I think healing and recovery would take so long and that the hurt and psychological damage would still be so strong after all this time.  I'll get there though.  Studying mental health triggers me, bringing up things about J and his family that hurt anew while helping me to understand more clearly the depth and form of their disorder as individuals and as a family system.  Lots to heal from. 

 Once isolation is over I'll look at getting some kind of covering for the floor. An offcut of lino perhaps.  Found a snake skin while I was sweeping so the snakes are about even her in town.

Sophie and I doing our daily yoga session. :)

Stay safe and well everyone.  Just like my healing journey that is taking time and many, many babysteps, our world will heal and our new life will return. 

Sandy xxx