Sunday, October 30, 2011

#99: You complete the goal you set out to achieve

#99: It makes my day when………….. You complete the goal you set out to achieve

Wohoo, I have finally made it to 99 posts for MMDW blog and although the last 15-20 posts have dragged out, we have finally made it. Better late than never right?

Making it to no.99 (and knowing what no.100 will be) has made me very happy, as I really wasn’t sure I would get here, which brings me today’s post idea.

Isn’t it great when you finally complete the goal you set out to achieve?

Today I am also actually enjoying a double dose of happiness, as today also marks the completion of Movetober. An initiative created by Kelly at The Smile Collective encouraging her readers to exercise every day of October. Being a keen exerciser, I set a goal of 30min of cardio (or 1hr if walking) which I thought would be easy to achieve. However it was much tougher than I thought and on at least 6 days I really had to push myself to get it done. Sorry Kel, I may have cursed your name as I was putting on my joggers but was always grateful by the end of the session and it reinforced how important exercise is for my own happiness.

But this post isn’t all about me - everyone has the opportunity to set themselves little goals that they can achieve.

Whether it be training & completing in a triathlon or getting to the bottom of the ironing basket, we should all take the time to recognise our achievements, pat ourselves on the back and give yourself credit for a job well done.
Happy times!

Becstar x

Ps. I’ve giving you all a day off tomorrow but tune in Wednesday for the completion of MMDW, with a very special post.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

#98: Finishing the shampoo & conditioner bottle at the same time

#98: It makes my day when………….. Finishing the shampoo & conditioner bottle at the same time

Is it sad that this really makes me quite excited? Go on, you can tell me if it does – I can take it.

I usually always go through conditioner much faster than shampoo meaning that I am never in sync buying one or the other.

After thinking about it for longer than I should of, I have come to the conclusion that I go through about 3 bottles of shampoo to 4 bottles of conditioner and buy a bottle of conditioner about every 5 weeks, so I am excited by this moment approx. 2.5 times per year.
That’s enough for me and I gladly pop into Coles on the way home to buy my matching products as a pair, the way they should be.

Similar excitement occurs for the following items running out at the same time:
·         BBQ Sauce & Mayonnaise
·         Laundry Powder & Softener
·         Peanut butter & Vegemite

Happy washing!

Becstar x

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

#97: Someone asks “Have you lost weight?”

#97: It makes my day when………….. Someone asks “Have you lost weight?”  

Now I’m not actively trying to lose weight but is there any other sentence that instantly boosts you self-esteem more than this line? Even if it’s not true, it is certainly nice to hear.

The week before last I was asked this question by 3 different people and while my initial reaction was to instantly say “No, I don’t think so” I will admit that I was rather pleased with myself and have identified that training for a ½ marathon with only 6 weeks preparation is probably likely to lead to a calorie deficit & ending up a few kilos lighter.

I did have to ignore the secondary thoughts of “Did I look bigger last time they saw me then?” and now that I am not training as much, the comments have stopped. But maybe that’s got more to do with the empty chocolate packets in my bin?

Oh well, it made me happy while it lasted.

Happy days!

Becstar x

Thursday, October 20, 2011

#96: You bump into someone who you had just been talking about

#96: It makes my day when………….. You bump into someone who you had just been talking about  

I know, I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, as I crawl to the finish line for this blog. So close yet so far but better late than never and we will get to the magic 100.

So today’s post has happened to me twice over the week and both times I have run into someone I have been talking about excessively in the previous 24 hours. Now you might not think this is so impressive but oh it is……….please read on!

What makes this almost freaky is I had never bumped into these before outside our usual interactions, I had no idea that they were going to be at the airport and both times I saw them at airports away from where we all live.

Now it makes me wonder whether my radar was more in tune and that’s why I saw them but both cases they both literally walked into me. In both instances it left me with the biggest smile on my face and in awe of how the universe aligned to bring us together.
The amount of times I have said or heard “I can’t believe it” about these two coincidental meetings highlights it’s awesomeness and reiterates my belief that ‘Everything happens for a reason”

Want to bump into someone you haven’t seen in ages? Just start talking or thinking about them & who knows what may happen? (Brad Pitt, Brad Pitt, Brad Pitt……….)

Happy days!

Becstar x

Sunday, October 9, 2011

#95: You see the clock on your magic time

#95: It makes my day when…………..You see the clock on your magic time 

Good morning readers, hope you all had a nice weekend. Are you ready for today’s blog & for what may end up being the last week of the MMDW blog? I hope so, as we only have 5 posts to go…….

So hopefully I am not alone with today’s post but I have a feeling that I’m not. Who out there has their own magic time? Some of you may be thinking, what is she talking about but those who have one will already be nodding along & can skip to the next paragraph. I’m not necessarily talking about your favourite time of day, I am talking about the magic number that you always see when you glance at all the digital clocks in your life.  

Mine is 11.11 and I see it all the time. Case in point yesterday when I went to use the microwave - I opened the cupboard and there it was glowing brightly (see picture proof below). Sometimes I have a sudden urge to check my phone to see if I have any messages to find no phone love but 11.11 saying hello.

Now I understand the theory behind Reticular Activation (where you see things that you are thinking about – which is why when you think about buying a black 4WD, you start to see them everywhere) but I really never seem to view 11.10 or 11.12 (Perhaps I just don’t notice it?).

Either way I don’t mind, as I like to think that it is the universes way of keeping me happy, as every time I see it, I smile and am amazed at my great timing.

Happy clock watching!

Becstar x


Thursday, October 6, 2011

#94: High Five’s from a stranger

#94: It makes my day when…………..High Five’s from a stranger. 

Okay so before I get started on today’s gem, first I must apologise for my complete lack of posts over the past few weeks. I have had some things happening in my own life that have taken away my focus but since I am so close to the magical 100th (& final) post in this blog, I am motivated to finish what we started. Don’t despair there are other projects in the pipeline that will follow to keep you smiling……....

I’m going to start this post by asking you a question……..When was the last time you high fived someone?

If you can’t remember, then it’s been too long and I want you to find a reason to high five someone today.

High five’s are one of my favourite actions to instantly improve your mood, as it usually means that you have identified something awesome and are willing to acknowledge it. I high five my family all the time after someone tells a cracker joke, high five my exercise partner at the end of boxing class for a job well done and even high five the kids in my life, well just because they are awesome.

But the experience is heightened when you high five a stranger. Why you ask? Well that means that something has happened that is so super, super awesome that it is impossible to contain the excitement within your own personal space. Your favourite team may have just won a big game, you may have just heard good news on the radio, your number at Medicare may have finally been called to the counter……Whatever it is, I guarantee the excitement you get from such a simple gesture will leave you with the biggest smile on your face.

Just try it……High five your partner for cooking a great dinner, high five your kids for cleaning their rooms or a work colleague for simply surviving another week. If you don’t a least crack a smile, then I am happy to refund all money paid for reading this blog.

Happy slapping!

Becstar x

Monday, September 19, 2011

#93: You get inspired.

#93: It makes my day when………….. You get inspired.  

So I’ve just spent over 7 hours today in a seminar with possibly the world’s best coach, Anthony Robbins. Therefore it would be impossible not to be having a great day right?

Very enthusiastic & positive guy, who had 10,000 people dancing without the assistance of alcohol – which is no mean feat I’m sure. His message of changing your ‘state’, raising your standards and changing your ‘shoulds’ to ‘musts’ to help you achieve your goals certainly struck a cord with me and I left there with plenty of internal questions for myself that I will continue to digest for the next few days.

But it did make me remember how great it is to get inspired…..…..Whether it is from a motivational speaker, from seeing someone around you achieve something great, through the lyrics of a song, reading an autobiography or even watching a movie that seems to speak to you.

Whatever the forum, the feeling remains the same and hopefully it leads to action that moves you forward and helps you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

Where are you going to find your next source of inspiration? If your answer is ‘dunno’, then I suggest you check out www.ted.com I’m sure you will find something that cuts through to you.

Happy days!

Becstar x
             
Getting pretty darn close to Tony Robbins today….tomorrow’s speaker is Donald Trump!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

#92: A friend leans on you (or vice versa)

#92: It makes my day when………….. A friend leans on you (or vice versa).

In honour of R U OK Day here in Australia (Check it out at www.ruokday.com.au) today’s blog post is all about how great it feels when a friend leans on you for advice, support or comfort during a difficult time.

Obviously they may not be feeling great at the time but there is a part of us that makes us feel proud and honoured that they were able to come to us and that they thought that we could help them. And hopefully through lending an ear, being a shoulder to cry on or simply acting as a sounding board, they will walk away feeling much better than they had prior.  

This in why this works so well in reverse also, as we all know how comforting it feels when you are able to unload or ask advice from your closest (or sometimes not even your closest) friends and confidents. The weight that is lifted off your shoulders to be able to simply say the words is one which while may not be considered joyous but I guarantee it will feel much better than holding it in.

It confuses me why we are always so reluctant to share our worries, struggles or concerns with others, as we all have them at some level and I guarantee everyone secretly holds it in at some stage through their life.
So if you are out there struggling at the moment, please talk to someone about what’s bothering you, as not only will you feel better instantly but you will also improve the day of your friend who you confide in.

Happy sharing!

Becstar x

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

#91: You finally burn your scented candles

#91: It makes my day when…………..You finally burn your scented candles.

Anyone else out there have a house full of lovely scented candles that sit around your house with the plastic still on them or worse still collecting a heavy layer of dust?

Well I have plenty and when I get close enough I remember how good they smell, so I always wonder why do I never actually light them?

However when I actually do finally remember to do so (after I have successfully remembered to buy matches after failing to do so on 3 consecutive shopping trips) it always lifts my mood. There is something about the soft flick of a candle and the slow waft of vanilla bean or sandalwood through your home that lifts my spirits.

Then when you blow them out the lovely smells intensify and you feel quite pleased with yourself – or maybe it’s just me?

But I do suggest that you all get out the matches and light one of you scented candles today! Now even! I know you all have some lying around and I promise it will make you feel calmer & improve your day, no matter how well or poorly it is going.

Happy smelling!

Becstar x


Sunday, September 11, 2011

Repeat #67: A true champion prevails

#67: It makes my day when…………..A true champion prevails.

This one has happened again, so rather than get a new post today, we simply modify an old one for a new champion!
Wow what a month it has been of late nights watching the Tour de France but for all the tired mornings  it was so worth it! What a day, Sammy Stosur, you are amazing!

So many people have bagged Cadel over the years but I knew he had it in him and the way in which he did it, was nothing short of extraordinary. A gritty, determined female sportswoman who struggled with lack of sponsorhips up until only a few years back, simply gets on with the job and today was crowned US Open Champ.

I must admit it was a very weird feeling this morning, as although I knew Sam was in the final, I thought it was being played in the middle of the night & was due out an the aiport early to head up to Sydney. I was still without coffee when walked into the Qantas Club and saw 40 odd people huddled around the TV. My heart sunk, as I thought "Shit another natural diaster/terrorist attack" but much to my relief and excitement I realised they were watching Sam. I put my bags down and tried to look at the score when all of a sudden everyone was cheering, clapping and high fiving strangers - she had won!

It was so joyous to see complete strangers get so excited together and a very happy way to start the day.

I get goosebumps just thinking about it and I know I'm not the only one.....

Bravo Cadel Sammy, you have totally made my day and it's so great to see true champions prevailing.

Happy riding ball hitting!

Becstar x

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

#90: You catch up with a good friend you haven’t seen in ages.

#90: It makes my day when………….. You catch up with a good friend you haven’t seen in ages.

Last weekend I flew back to Perth to surprise a couple of my very close friends at their engagement party, which was wonderful and I was very honoured to be able to share such a wonderful time with them.

However one of the unexpected positives that came out of this night was that I got to see and catch up with some good friends who I haven’t seen in ages. Mostly friends from my university days who I have not seen as we all travelled the world at different times and have since each relocated away from Perth to various states.

So it was to my utter delight that I got the chance to catch up with them and cram the last 7 years into a 15min conversation. But the best part of this……is that it feels as though no time has passed at all. You instantly feel connected, are totally at ease and genuinely feel so happy to see them.

You always suggest that you should catch up more often but sometimes life gets in the way & perhaps another 5 years will pass before I see some of them again. But it is kind of heartwarming to know that there are plenty of awesome people out there & hopefully you will bump into them again, so they can make your day once more.

Happy socialising!

Becstar x

Ps. Apologies for the lack of posts lately, it’s been a crazy time for me personally & professionally, so poor old MMDW Blog has suffered. I hope you have all been finding your own special moments to keep you smiling.  

Pps. The countdown in on………....only 10 more posts of MMDW Blog to go.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

#89: You notice the seasons change

#89: It makes my day when…………..You notice the seasons change

Welcome to spring! Or for my Northern Hemisphere readers, say goodbye to summer (sorry that was cruel, I feel your pain)

Today it is obvious that the seasons are changing, my Twitter and Facebook feeds have been overwhelmed by people telling winter to “P*ss off” and perhaps rightly so. But I’m so excited about today, as I’m not talking about the actual date of season changeover that gets me excited.

I’m talking about the moments that happened a few weeks ago, when I noticed that it was dramatically lighter in the mornings, when the sun was shining more days than it was cloudy, when I got minor sunburn at the footy and/or when I got out for a ride and I wasn’t required to wear my arm/leg warmers.

For a friend of mine who lives in the country, she said she recently noticed it was getting warmer, as she only wore a scarf twice that week after months of not going outside without one on. I am sure you all have little things that you notice or should notice that lets you know that warmer weather is on its way.
Bright sunny days make me happy so knowing that there are plenty of them right around the corner is enough to get me excited.

Happy spring!

Becstar x

Monday, August 29, 2011

#88: Your inbox is full of personal emails

#88: It makes my day when………….. Your inbox is full of personal emails

If you are anything like me, you work world revolves around Outlook and the receipt and sending of emails….I couldn’t count how many I deal with on a daily basis and to be honest I don’t think I want to know.

Although I am quite strict about how I deal with my emails, making sure that I file them away once dealt with and try to keep my inbox down to a minimal amount, which hence means that I am up to date. Current count = 17, a bit disappointing as I like to keep in single figures.

However take me away from the office for a few days or even a few hours and I will most certainly come back to fresh emails and a full list of things I need to attend to, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

Now don’t get me wrong sometimes the emails are great, with clients praising us or telling us they want to come on board with our great systems but the most excited I get when checking my emails is when I see an inbox full of emails from family & friends…….

Isn’t it just like the new way of receiving hand written letters? Certainly nowhere near as romantic but still nice. (For those really young readers of mine who are struggling to comprehend what email is all about, you probably understand this concept more when you receive facebook notifications)

I love the days when the email banter is rife between my girlfriends and I have to scroll through the 15 one-lined emails to understand the joke. Or the random out of the blue ‘how are you?’ emails from more distant friends or even really good email forwards that make you smile and remind you that some else has thought of you.
Whatever it may be these emails certainly shine through from work related emails and make me smile.

Happy emailing!

Becstar x

Thursday, August 25, 2011

#87: When you make someone else’s day

#87: It makes my day when…………..When you make someone else’s day

Doesn’t it just make your day when…..someone else says to you “Well, you’ve just made my day!” You still with me or slightly confused?

As much as all of the last 86 posts make my day, this one would have to be up there with the best of them. All because whatever actions completed or words spoken you will not only make another person’s day even better but in return when they show their gratitude and tell you so, it will also make your day. Double whammy!

I had a client ask me to do something yesterday that I completed for them in less than 5 minutes as I was bored with the task I was doing. They were so grateful and told me exactly how helpful my quick response has been, so consequently by making them happy, they had done the same for me. I was pretty chuffed with myself and my motivation skyrocketed.

So if the lovely lady in the supermarket with the trolley piled high lets you in front to pay for your one banana, make sure you sincerely tell her how happy you are for that gesture and she will feel great too. Pay it forward!

Happy Friday!

Becstar x

 Ps. Thanks to all my lovely readers who have told me that the MMDW Blog makes their day because that was the main inspiration for today’s post. I don’t get sick of hearing that people are enjoying it. Thank you.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

#86: The perfect night’s sleep

#86: It makes my day when…………..You get the perfect night’s sleep

Oh the joy of waking up feeling completely rested, ready to tackle the day full steam ahead.

You’ve just had a great night’s rest after falling asleep in mere seconds, you feel as though you hardly moved, you didn’t have to get up to go to the toilet and you even woke up naturally before your alarm went off.

I must admit that these morning moments are pretty rare for me and not many mornings go past when I don’t wake up to an alarm (Especially since starting Operation Rise Early – where for those interested my performance sits at over 80%)

When it does happen I feel such a sense of achievement that I have really performed during the night, giving my best effort at a great night’s sleep. I just wish I knew how I did it, so that I could relive the glory every morning as I woke up, so I could start the day on such a positive note.

Happy resting!

Becstar x

Monday, August 22, 2011

#85: A stranger says hello

#85: It makes my day when…………..A stranger says hello

One of the simplest things that you can do is simply mutter the words ‘hello’ to someone else walking by, isn’t it? Then why is it so rare?

At least the rarity makes its occurrence so much more exciting, joyous even when it does happen!

Living in an apartment building where lift travel with strangers is unavoidable, I used to say hello if I was entering the lift and someone else was already in there but I will admit that I soon became despondent as others did not acknowledge my existence as they entered. So it is to great delight when someone jumps in and says hello and we enjoy a quick 20 second conversation about the weather, the annoying lift announcer’s voice or whatever they or I may be holding at the time.

I know of a few people (myself included) who have entertained themselves during their morning exercise routines by playing the ‘hello’ game, where you say hello to everyone who you walk past and see how many respond. It still astounds me that the outcome is often less than 50% - I mean why would you not reply?

However the reluctance of some to acknowledge your existence just adds to the excitement that comes when a lovely stranger unexpectedly throws a chirpy “Hello” your way. It always makes me smile and I walk away pleasantly surprised.

When was the last time you said ‘hello’ to a stranger? Don’t be shy, you could just be turning someone else’s day around.

Happy greetings!

Becstar x


Sunday, August 21, 2011

#84: You wear new clothes for the first time

#84: It makes my day when………….. You wear new clothes for the first time

In honour of my very successful shopping expedition on Saturday (2 dresses, a jacket, a skirt and a new handbag in under 2 hours), todays’ post is really all about looking & feeling good, which ultimately helps improve your mood & make your day.

Buying new clothes is always exciting but what’s even better is wearing them for the first time. Hopefully they fit perfectly, there are no stains, they are crease-free and they give you a nice boost of confidence.

What’s even better is when your ultra-observant and lovely friends notice your new outfit and compliment you on it or perhaps what’s even more exciting is when a total stranger or new acquaintance does so.

 It’s enough to have you rushing out to the shops again so you can wear a new outfit every day – now wouldn’t that be the life?

Happy shopping!

Becstar x
I would have loved to post a picture of my new dresses but in case any of my friends see this, then they wouldn’t be a surprise.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

#83: The daily special is your favourite flavour

#83: It makes my day when………….. The daily special is your favourite flavour

Doesn’t it feel like the chefs have decided upon today’s menu, just for you?
Don’t you just want to yell out a big “YESSSSS!!!!!” as soon as you see the specials board?

Well whenever the daily special happens to be my favourite on the exact day that I go to the café/restaurant then I like to think it is good karma for being so awesome!

My preferred favourites include:
·        Muffin of the day: Raspberry & White Choc or/ Orange & Poppyseed (Too hard to choose  just one)
·        Soup of the day: Pumpkin
·        Pie of the day: Steak & mushroom
·        Beer of the week: Corona (with lime)

What are your favourites?

I hope lady luck is on your side today!

Happy eating!

Becstar x


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

#82: You get new sneakers

#82: It makes my day when…………..You get new sneakers

Aaaaaaahhhhh doesn’t it feel great? Your feet feel so snug and comfortable, like they have just stepped into their own comfty bed. They will never want to leave, so it’s too bad that the sneakers, stocking & work skirt trend just never took off.

The bliss you feel makes wonder why you have been putting up with the old, dirty, worn out trainers for so long when you could have been in foot heaven. Silly girl!

Then to take it up a notch, combine new sneakers with #1: New sock day and you will be so excited you will probably end up jogging for a ridiculous distance together just so that you can all bond.

But reader beware: Too much of anything is never good and the ecstasy of new sneakers can be ruined by the introduction of NSBS (New Sneaker Blister Syndrome) if you do not introduce them gradually into your life. Plus the feeling usually only lasts for 1-2 weeks so make sure you savoir every minute, this is a great time to be active!

Happy feet!

Becstar x
                     My favourite sneakers at the moment – not for exercising but they look cool.

Monday, August 15, 2011

#81: You successfully get up early

#81: It makes my day when………….. You successfully get up early.

Can you sense a sleep theme creeping into the blog?

As I mentioned yesterday I am on a special mission ‘Operation Rise Early’ to change my body clock and start getting up every morning before 6.30am. My theory is that I will be able to fit more into every day, even if I have to take a sneaky nap every now & then.

One of the hidden gems of this operation is the sense of happiness and achievement I have felt when I have got myself up and out of bed on time. I am a big fan of sleeping in whenever possible but I always feel so guilty that I have wasted time that could have otherwise been spent achieving something.

This morning I felt so proud of myself when I dragged my exhausted self out of bed, even if it was only initially to the couch while I drank my coffee before heading down to the gym. Then after 45mins in the gym I was feeling totally energised and quite happy with myself that I did it. The easy option would have been just to sleep in for another hour, no-one would have known except me.

This sense of excitement is usually heightened when you don’t actually ‘have’ to get up but make the conscious decision to do so. But if you want to congratulate yourself for simply getting out of bed to get to school/work/uni on time, then good on you.  

Happy rising!

Becstar x

Sunday, August 14, 2011

#80: You get to take an afternoon nap.

#80: It makes my day when………….. You get to take an afternoon nap.

Woah, I can’t believe it has taken me 80 posts to blog about this one – it has to be one of my all-time favourites. There aren’t too many simply pleasures in life that I enjoy more than an afternoon nap.

I had to really think about the last time I indulged, as they have become left frequent these days without the excessive training but then I remembered back to a lazy Sunday afternoon only 2 weeks ago that I enjoyed a 45min kip in the warmth of my doona. (Incidentally I had run 16km that morning, hence the need for extra sleep)

At night I really struggle to get to sleep and it usually takes me at least an hour before I nod off but put me down for an afternoon nap and I’ll be zonked out within 10. I also feel like it’s a better quality sleep and sometimes it splits the day up so much that you feel like you’ve had 2 days for the price of one.

The ‘nap’ phenomenon could come in handy this week for me as I embark on what I am calling “Operation Rise Early” where I am getting myself out of bed every day before 6.30am. Now before you all scoff that this is not so early, I agree for most that isn’t but when you work from home & it takes you 5 steps to get to your desk, there is no huge need to get up super early. However I am determined to get more out of my day & this morning I got up, had coffee, checked social media, exercised for ½ hour, did the dishes, ate brekkie, paid a bill and was still at the ‘office’ by 8am. My reward for the lifestyle change is that as long as I get up early, I can take a 30min nap if required. Best bit is that I’ll still be 1-2 hours ahead – how clever am I?

I hope you all get to welcome a nap into your day sometime soon……..

Happy napping!

Becstar x
                     Wouldn’t it be great to go back to kindergarten & enjoy ‘Nap Time’ every day?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

#79: A work friend becomes an out of work friend

#79: It makes my day when…………..A work friend becomes an out of work friend.

Warning: this process can be awkward and laden with anxiety over whether the other person likes you as much as you do them. It feels a bit high school but the rewards are worth the gamble as the relationship grows.

It's all about the first time you catch up with your work colleague outside of work and I'm not talking about at Friday arvo drinks or the work Xmas do. This is the time when the two of you arrange to meet up exclusively, outside of work hours and you do not discuss work (except maybe to bitch about the annoying guy in accounts).

You will have traded mobile numbers, discussed each other’s romantic relationships (past or present) or undertaken activities that you usually do with your besties. The true test of whether your friendship has taken the next step will be how they next introduce you. If they simply say ‘This is my friend Bec’ without any reference to your work, you will struggle to hide the smile and excitement you feel. You did it!

This situation isn't confined to work relationships; it may be with a sports teammate, your client or even your hairdresser. I'm currently working on converting my gym class buddy into a normal friend. Just because you found this awesome person in an unconventional social setting, don't let it ruin the start of a great bond.

Happy hunting!

Becstar x

#78: The car is full of petrol.

#78: It makes my day when..........................The car is full of petrol.

Oh gosh, I really dislike getting fuel. Really, really dislike it - to the point where I verbally make anyone else in the car very aware of this fact. 

My dislike is possibly misplaced as it's not that hard but it just one of those mundane jobs that i feel is a waste of time. I remember back when I was younger that a small servo near our house had attendants who filled up for you while you sat there. So maybe this would be more my style but even then it's still a waste of 10mins, especially as you aren't supposed to be on your phone.

Anyway I digress. For those of you who have your own car that only you drive, then this may not really apply and if it did you may be freaked out. I once had someone siphon fuel from my first car but it would be mighty impressive if a stranger actually filled her up for you...

In Melbourne I share a car with my boyfriend and so whenever I jump in & see a full tank, I am overly excited. The prospect of not having to stop for fuel is almost enough to have me pump my fist in the air and let you a big 'Yes'.

Living in inner city Melbourne we hardly ever drive, so we really only have the need to refuel every 3-4 weeks and I think I've avoided the local Caltex for over 2 months now.

I have definitely noticed a increase in my mood while driving  of this. Let's hope he is ready this and the run continues.

Happy driving!

Becstar x

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

#77: Deadlines are unexpectedly extended

#77: It makes my day when…………..Deadlines are unexpectedly extended.
Depending on what type of person you are, you will love this or hate this one. I confess that I am the type of person that does assignments at the last minute. I have spent many nights up until 2am finishing assignments before the next day deadline. Rather than you think that I am unorganised, I would prefer you think that I thrive more under pressure.
However I still get totally amped when I find out that a deadline has been extended. It may be for an assignment or these days it is more likely to be a tender submission at work or simply an extension for mundane task that needs to be completed.
Doesn’t this make you happy?
Even though getting an extension may not mean that I complete the task any sooner than the day before it is due (Like I said I thrive on pressure) it does mean that I get to have a few more stress free nights.
Happy times!
Becstar x

Sunday, August 7, 2011

#76: You and your friends arrive at exactly the same time

#76: It makes my day when………….. You and your friend arrive at exactly the same time.
Ahhhhh…..you get to avoid the awkwardness of entering the bar and doing a few laps to search for your friends or even worse standing alone. But imagine how people back in the old days must have felt when they couldn’t even take out their mobile phone & pretend to message/call someone so it actually looked like you have friends.
Note: Beware though if you are doing the fake phone call to check on your friends whereabouts, make sure your phone is on silent, because if it happens to ring – you will look the fool.
The excitement of this moment is multiplied if you are going somewhere for the first time or are running late and therefore don’t feel so bad, as your friend obviously was too.
You also get to use the great line “Well that was perfect timing!” and you start of your catch up on a positive note. You must be ‘meant’ to be friends when your worlds are this synched.
Happy arrivals!
Becstar x

Thursday, August 4, 2011

#75: You take the perfect picture.

#75: It makes my day when…………..You take the perfect picture.
Now I’m not just talking about finally getting the angle right on the gold old “arm’s length shot of you and your friends at a concert”. I’m talking about when you take a picture that is good enough quality that you will take the effort to print it out and perhaps pop it into a frame.
You may also judge the quality of the photo by whether it makes it way to being your desktop background or for the younger generations out there – whether or not you have just found your latest Facebook Profile Picture.
The picture may be great for a number of reasons, including:
·        Everyone is finally looking at the camera and smiling,
·        You personally look really great;
·        The scenery is amazing;
·        The photo captures the mood of the time & has you smiling when you think back.
Whatever it is, whenever I take an amazing photo or am tagged in a photo of others that is amazing, it totally makes my day.
Happy snapping!
Becstar x
                     Here are my two latest ‘amazing photos’ that have made it to my computer desktops.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

#74: You find a shortcut in Excel/Word/Pages that you will use every day going forward

#74: It makes my day when………….. You find a shortcut in Excel/Word/Pages that you will use every day going forward.
This is one of those bitter-sweet moments where you are torn between being super excited about your discovery but also being slightly annoyed at all the time you could have saved if you had known this shortcut 5 years earlier. Imagine how much more impressive your uni assignments could have been……..
I am sure this must happen to people every day, when you suddenly figure out a quicker way to search/sort data, an easier way to format pictures in word documents or perhaps even just learning to create a formula in excel. Whatever your level of proficiency with these programs, I am sure that there is always more to learn.
My latest discovery has been ‘Conditionally Formatting” in excel which has come in handy on more than one occasion. I love to colour code my documents and this functionality selects all the fields with the same values & highlights them in a nice ‘pink’ for me. Brilliant!
I suppose I could create more of these moments by doing a course of these programs to learn more but perhaps that would take the fun out of “discovering it” for myself. It’s like a nerdy treasure hunt with the reward being enough free time for an extra coffee break (or perhaps just fitting in more work!).
Happy hunting!
Becstar x


Monday, August 1, 2011

#73: You find awesome clothes in your wardrobe you forgot you owned.

#73: It makes my day when………….. You find awesome clothes in your wardrobe you forgot you owned.
Happens to me all the time! And I think it makes me more excited that when I actually purchased the item in the first place because it’s like getting a new outfit without having to pay! Brilliant!
Perhaps it’s my distinct lack of desire to do any ironing that leads to me to the discovery of ‘new clothes’ when I finally have a spare 5 hours to get to the bottom of the basket. They could have been there for months years before I finally rediscover them but I like to think it’s a reward for finally doing my unwanted chores.
Or sometimes it occurs at the start of a new season, when you rediscover a cool skirt that you brought early last summer but had completely forgotten about and only stumbled across when searching the back of the drawer for your trusty boardies after a long, comfort eating winter!
The ultimate though is when you find a beautiful dress that you had forgotten you owned at crisis time when you have a big event to attend & just couldn’t find ‘anything’ in the ‘real’ stores. You take one last look in your wardrobe after conceding you will have to wear “Miss faithful LBD” when you see a glimpse of the beautiful floral Cooper Street dress that you only even wore once to your long lost cousins engagement before FB was invented meaning there are no tagged pictures/evidence of your wearing it & everyone commented on how lovely it was. Gasp! Amazing!
Happy shopping! (In your own wardrobe)
Becstar x
                                     I bet Carrie would have had moments like this ‘all the time’!