Hello Summer!

With temperatures hitting 30 degrees here, it's safe to say that Summer is just about here. I love Summer but have never done well with the higher temperatures and I can't say that it is any better with a bump in tow. Cue lots of water, ice cream and shade for me. However, I don't want to be negative so here are some of my favourite things about this time of year.

• Longer days, mornings are so much more bearable and everything just feels more positive with so much light!
• Summer food - my fruit and veg intake spikes with the hot weather and I feel so much better for it. Also, there's always an excuse for a cheeky ice cream break or two.
• Swimming! I'm hitting the pool for the first time in a long time today and the added bonus is the number of outdoor pools here in Germany - can't wait!
• Sun cream. I love the smell of sun cream. It immediately puts me into holiday mode. So many beach holiday memories.
• Fashions - even when it comes to maternity wear, I love loose, comfy summer dresses. They keep you cool and looking feminine and there's less washing without all the winter layers and socks.

I hope it's as sunny and bright wherever you are!

52 Weeks of Grateful

I recently discovered this project through a favourite blog of mine - A Cat-Like Curiosity and decided that I'm going to take part.  As part of my attempt to lead a more Buddhist life, I have been taking the time to consciously think of the things that I am grateful for at the end of each day and this seems a really good way to make that more official!  I'm going to do this on a Sunday normally but so many things happened last week that I am grateful for that I felt it would make a better start.

Things I am grateful for this week:

1. Nico

2. Mum and Doug driving over to visit

3. Mum and Doug bringing a car full of my belongings from England - some of which I have had for a long time and have missed more than I knew.

4. My friend Loreto taking us to Fischerhude - a real German countryside gem - for the afternoon.

5. A short work week.

6. My friend Loreto being my friend.

7. My lovely pupils - year eight getting all engaged and excited as they are heading off to London this week and year ten being a pleasure to teach now that the exam is done.

8. My Dad calling to check in even though it's month end and a busy time at work for him.

9. Having an amazingly productive Saturday including fitting the balcony net so that we can sit out with Pete when the weather brightens up.

10. Losing two pounds.

11. My Mum teaching me some new knitting skills.

12. Finishing the latest Game of Thrones book.

13. Finding space for all the things Mum and Doug brought over from England.

14. Finding a nice present to send my Gran.

15. Having positive feedback and a new meeting about my new contract (fingers crossed!) which also led to a lovely reference from my old boss.

I know there are some more that I have forgotten already but I will be making more of an effort to note these down from now on.

What are you grateful for this week?