I can’t believe it’s been a full week since we were on holidays. I’m not finding it hard to be back into normal life though because every part of the holiday was perfect in its own crystalline quality and exists as a beautiful memory of experience and emotion. I can’t wait to share our photos with you in some future posts, but for now there was a lot to be grateful for in our week of returning to normal life. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Forty-Four:
Monday: Today we landed back in Brisbane! I was grateful to Mum and Jess for meeting us at the airport with big hugs and congratulations. When we got home we discovered that Mum had sewed me a beautiful Halloween apron and she and Dad had created cute and spooky Halloween decorations for us! I’m grateful that they were so thoughtful when they heard that we weren’t able to stay for Halloween in the USA.
Tuesday: Back to work today! I was grateful to catch-up with my workmates and congratulate our two new dads in the office. There is so much to celebrate in life when you remember that the ordinary is always extraordinary.
Wednesday: This afternoon I was grateful for pushing myself just a little and making it to the gym for a run. I’m trying to keep my holiday exercise streak alive and tonight’s 8km run was absolutely perfect. So was the aftermath of lying on the couch watching Ice Road Truckers and nibbling on some Hershey’s Kisses 
Thursday: I had the most lovely surprise today when my friends at work Jess and Chris brought me back a huge and lovely arrangement of flowers to congratulate Chris and I on our engagement. I am so grateful and touched that they would give us such a lovely gift of well-wishing.
Friday: Today Jess and I resumed our Friday lunch dates – I missed them while I was away and I was grateful to talk about holidays and weddings and all the good things. After work I went for a sweet and sweaty Friday night run before getting back to my kitchen for a serious baking session! I am so excited for all the wonderful holiday and summer foods coming up – and to create recipes inspired by my holidays to share with you all. 
Saturday: This morning Mum and Jess and I made our return to the farmer’s markets where we feasted on gluten free bagels and coffee and stocked up on lots of fresh fruit and vegetables for the week. I was grateful to spend a few hours with my ladies to start the weekend. Fuelled up on bagel I had a fast and brilliant 10km run and spent a few hours in my kitchen. Tonight Chris and I joined the family for some Halloween fun! We got dressed up (I make a very convincing witch apparently) and spent a few hours having spooky fun with kids of all ages with Dad’s exciting Halloween display. I’m so grateful to have a family who really gets into the spirit of celebrations of all kinds. It was so much fun on a Saturday night. 
Sunday: Today I had a well-deserved sleep in before a short sunny walk and then – brunch! Caroline and I enjoyed a brunch date in the sun at our corner cafe before she had to get back to marking high school home economics assignments (no fun!). I was grateful for a few hours of talking and catching up. This afternoon I have an important date with my couch, and then perhaps a little more work in the kitchen 
Also this week:
- I recreated one of my childhood favourites with this easy gluten free slice.
- This towering peanut butter and chocolate creation was a hit with all of my workmates and I’m sure you’ll love it too!