HOW I HOPE MY FUTURE WILL BE: CHALLENGE DAY 9

I'll make this brief as I kind of touched on it on day two of the challenge:

1. No more pudendal nerve problems! That means successful treatment, no recurrence in pregnancy or ever again, for that matter. 

2. Married for a long time, til death do us part. Buried in that statement is obviously good health for James and me.

3. Our families will be around for a long time, we'll see them lots and have tonnes of new additions!

3. I hope I'll be a mum. I want our kids to be happy, to possess confidence in themselves and know they have parents who love them.

4. Contributing to a better society. I'm only one person but I know I can do a lot. 

What do you hope your future will be like?

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GUILLAUME AT BENNELONG

Guess where we went to celebrate James's birthday last night? None other than within the incredible, historic walls of the Sydney Opera House. Guillaume at Bennelong, to be specific. Neither of us had been to this grand, fine-dining institution but we had walked by a number of times and both acknowledged that it did look like the kind of place we really ought to eat at one day. So yesterday that's exactly what we did! 

The only acceptable photo of me from the night: 

ye olde self-portrait using the instagram medium

Just look at those baby blues!!! 

I don't eat out a whole lot anymore, but when I do, I want to feel treated. I roll at two speeds with my "treats": most of the time all I'm hankering for is a burrito or a burger, the rest of the time I want to dress up in something new, then go out and have my senses spoiled rotten. Guillaume at Bennelong did a whole lot of the latter. From the floor to ceiling windows commanding views of the city and harbour to the soft classical music that set the pace and tone, this place was quite a luxury for us. And the food. Oh my, the food. That autumn menu is a cracker! This is what we ate:

For the cold starter, I had the Royale: peas, speck, truffle and James had the Yellowfin Tuna with basil, soy and mustard seed. Mine was out of this world. I also had an incredible glass of Perrier Jouet. It was the first time I had ever tried this champange and I hope it won't be my last!

My warm entree was pine mushroom with ouef mollet (soft boiled egg), gnocchi, tomato and salsa verde (if I could get the recipe for that gnocci, I'd be enormous) and James had the scallops with cauliflower, spinach, shiitake and balsamic.

And for mains, neither of us could go past the beef with shimeji mushroom, spinach, shallot and merlot.

Again, dessert was a no brainer. This is the Nougat glace, peanuts, caramel ice cream and banana. It's like a pastry, ice cream sandwich and banoffee all in one!

We ate like kings and got to experience the Opera house in a very special way. And the birthday boy enjoyed his night, which was all I could have hoped for.

After all this treating my tastebuds, I think it's time I tried doing a juice cleanse. First timer here, who wants to do it with me??? I think a buddy system might make this challenge a little easier to get through!

BIRTHDAY BOY

I woke up bright and early this morning, excited to give James his gifts. It's always hard for me to hold back on either giving the surprise away ahead of time or saying "It's midnight! Let's open your presents now!" I did briefly mention the idea of staying up 'til 12 but James wouldn't have any of it. 
Back to the gifts. I can't let an occasion go by without buying something that goes in the wardrobe. This year I got him a tee and hoodie, both from Industrie. If you recall, he has the same hoodie in an oatmeal colour but since I am always stealing it, I thought it best to get him another one. He put them on straight away - that's them in the photos below.





At Christmas time, we discovered James is a natural on the guitar. Rach was teaching him some basics and was astounded at how fast he picked up the skills. So I simply had to get him a guitar this year - can't let this potential go unrealised! After he opened his gifts, we had coffee and spent some time on youtube learning chords. I emailed a chap about lessons and I think James is looking forward to one day being able to play a few of our favourites. When he finishes work today, we'll be heading out for dinner. I plan on taking more photos then! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES + DAY 8 OF MY 30 DAY CHALLENGE!

^^Isn't he gorgeous? He hasn't changed, he's still that sweet-natured boy^^

It's a very special day today: the day the love of my life was born. Which ties in with day 8 of the challenge: a moment you felt most satisfied with your life. Easy. It's every day since we stood face to face 2 1/2 years ago. It was a short conversation, but it was life-changing. Life is infinitely more worthwhile. I can't explain it but if it's happened to you, you'll know what I mean. At the same time, life feels like it's going way too fast and I've never been so terrified of the day when one of us draws our last breath. I love him and I love my life because he's in it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!