It’s time for a June Coffee Catch Up. Wow what a month June turned out to be and I would love to share what I got up to during the month over a virtual coffee. Will you join me?
Looking back at June I was surprised to see how much I actually did in all areas of my life and once again realised IT IS NEVER TOO LATE AND WE ARE NEVER TOO OLD.
Mike and I have settled into our new home on the Gold Coast and despite being one hour away from my family and friends I’m still managing to see them weekly. The upside is that I have a beautiful home by the ocean.
FAMILY
The highlight of each week is spending time with my grandsons, Ethan and Elliot. Nothing beats hearing ‘Nan’s here!’ when I arrive. I have wonderful ‘discussions’ with Ethan on our walks to and from school. Ethan and I make sure we stop and explore on the way to school and say hello to the cat that lives next door to the school.
I visited Ethan’s classroom and he proudly showed me some of his artistic work.
Elliot and I then spend the day together and he is such a delight I am enjoying watching his development and am so jealous of his physcial flexibility! Did you notice he can also read at 1 years old! Never too early to start. These are certainly Precious times. xx
FITNESS & HEALTH
Brisbane Half Marathon
The month started with running and completing the Brisbane Half Marathon (22.1kms). As usual I was running with one of my Saturday Sisters and we have been in training for most of the year. I also wrote a Mid Year Fitness review which again surprised me in a positive way.
I continue with workouts Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays using videos from Strong Healthy Women and this helps with the Strength/Resistance training which we all need to include in our fitness program. Yoga and Pilates are also practices that I enjoy.
I’ve also started an additional Facebook Page dedicated to Health & Wellness. It is called Thriving Health & Wellness and I would love you to join me on a health and wellness journey.
FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
We started the month with a belated first birthday party for my grandson, Elliot. His birthday is 29th May however all the family were sick so his celebrations were postponed. As is my usual gift for my grandchildren, I made Elliot a Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake which he loved.
On June 21 my Mother-In-Law celebrated her 93rd birthday. We visited her in her aged care home, took a birthday cake and celebrated her special day with the other residents at their weekly ‘Happy Hour’ – yes they have a few wines and nibbles each Friday afternoon!
When my Mother-In-Law went into aged care after the death of her husband nearly 3 years ago we thought we would be planning her funeral. However, she has amazed us all by embracing her new life and participating in all the activities and outings. She goes to the gym at least 3 times a week, which she had never done before and does 1km in 20 minutes on the stationery bike. Every six weeks she has a cut and colour at the in-house hairdresser and a weekly manicure – I never know what colour her nails will be. Once they were Electric Blue!
Everyone knows Luisa and her lovely smile and she is a shining example of – It’s Never Too Late & You Are Never Too Old.
I’m a student again!
I have proven to myself this month that IT IS NEVER TOO LATE and I’M NOT TOO OLD because I registered to finally gain my Certificate III in Fitness. At almost 62 some would say ‘why bother?’ but for me the opportunity arose and I have been wanting to do this for years. My husband who is always supportive of my goals and dreams told me to ‘go for it’ and so I did! I’m now a student again!
I’ve started a new business in Health & Nutrition
As well as starting my Fitness Certification I have also started a new business with the focus on Health & Nutrition Coaching as well as product sales. I was honoured to be asked to be a health coach for a Body Transformation Challenge in June providing motivation and tips for eating healthier and being more active. I’ve been asked back for July and it is wonderful helping both women and men achieve their fitness and weight goals. It is early days but if you would like to know how to get more energy, be active and achieve your goals why not send me an email for more information. We only have one body and we need to look after it!
What is something new you could try that you have always dreamed of doing? It really is never too late!
FRIENDSHIPS
Online friendships can be just as special and rewarding as those in real life. During June I was excited to meet with Debbie Harries from Deb’s World and her husband Grant who were visiting family in Queensland. We met for lunch and Grant was very patient as Deb and I rarely came up for air, talking non stop.
My other friend, Christine Blundell from My Private Stylist was visiting family in Queensland. It was lovely to catch up with her for coffee. Chris and I have been working together as I coach her with her goals. This is so satisfying and wonderful to see her growing in confidence.
BLOGGING
If you follow my blog you will see that I’ve fallen into a pattern of monthly themes. June we were all going #JunkFreeInJune and I had some wonderful guest writers sharing their thoughts. The ideas was not just about removing junk food from our diet but also decluttering our minds and life in general. I gave you Part 1 & Part 2 of 30 ways to clear the Junk from your life and….
- Nancy from Defining Third Age wrote about Changing Eating Habits,
- Shelley from Taming Frenzy wrote about Eliminating the Mental Junk from our lives,
- Leanne from Cresting the Hill wrote about How an Unexpected Job Loss was a Godsend
- Peta from Strong Healthy Women wrote about the Power of Writing to Clear the Junk from Our Minds & Body
- Christine from My Private Stylist (and ST60 & Beyond Fashion Editor) wrote about De-cluttering our Wardrobes,
- Erica from Behind the Scenery wrote about How Bikram Hot Yoga Changed her life.
Well that was my June and I’ve loved catching up with you. My July theme is #JournalinginJuly and I hope you will join me. For the bloggers and your enjoyment each Saturday Debbie from Deb’s World and I will be co-hosting a link up to share our creative writing. You can read about it HERE and I’ve included the prompts if you would like to follow along.
I also have been playing again and changed my Home page on my website to include my mentoring business. I would love to know what you think.
I’m a celebrity!
Just sneaking into June was my interview with a journalist from The West Australian Newspaper. I was humbled to see myself included in such illustrious company, including our own former Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop. Yes that is me in the top right hand corner.
34 Comments
Hi, Sue – You are such an inspiration! I continue to learn so much from you. I look forward to our meetup in June!
Thank you my lovely friend and I can’t wait to meet you as well. It is only about 10 weeks away! x
Wow! Lots of wonderful things going on in your life! So happy for you!
Thank you for your kind words and I am very grateful for all the good things in my life. June certainly was an exciting month for me. Have a beautiful week and thanks for stopping by. x
What fun to connect with these lovely ladies. And I just want to put a huge, juicy kiss on Elliot’s soft, sweet head. Glad you are settled into your new digs and still able to enjoy grandbaby time once a week. Lauren will be moving home in 3 weeks!! Yay!! Looking forward to having lunch dates, visits to the park together, going to the gym. So hopeful and happy.
Very proud, as always, of you and your accomplishments. Great pic of Mike with his mum. They look so much alike. Happy birthday to your MIL. She is quite amazing for 93. Hope she enjoys happy hour every time they have it!
Going to try to join you all July for the creative writing.
It was a lovely month, Leslie and I’m very grateful for all the good things in my life. I’m sure you will have so much fun when you daughter moves home. Exciting times ahead for you. xx
Go you in the newspaper!! I love that hungry Catapillar cake!
Thanks Lydia it was exciting to have 5 minutes of fame that’s for sure. The Hungry Caterpillar Cake did look good and I love making special cakes for the grandchildren for their birthdays. Have a great week!x
So much good stuff in one post! Congrats on your course, it sounds like a wonderful opportunity and you’ll be so good at it! I’m planning to write my book this year – I don’t think age should be a barrier to anything you want to do and your MIL is a great example of that! Yay for your half – my running has really taken a hit this year but I’m determined to get back on track and be up and running for all my favourite events next year! Love that Hungry Caterpillar cake and how lovely that you got to see friends in your computer in real life – that’s the best! Hope your July is full of joy!
I was surprised at how much I had packed into a month, Sammie! Have a great July and enjoy your Christmas in July xx
That all sounds wonderful, Sue – you are a constant source of inspiration!
Thank you my friend. Hope to see you soon. x
Sue, that’s one amazing birthday cake. What a lucky boy!
And congrats on the media coverage! Well deserved indeed.
SSG xxx
Thanks SSG the cake was made with love! I was pretty excited about the newspaper article as I didn’t realise what it would look like. I felt like one of the celebrities for 5 minutes LOL:) Have a great week. xx
I love virtual coffee dates! Your home on the Gold Coast sounds delightful, and it’s good you’re still getting to see friends and family. It looks like my son is about the same age as your youngest grandson. It’s so wonderful to see them develop, isn’t it!
Hi Bella, yes the children are just adorable at that age and each week I see new developments with Elliot. His older brother Ethan and I have wonderful conversations to and from school. They both bring me constant joy. xx
You live the concept of You’re Never Too Old and It’s Never Too Late. Thanks for continuing to inspire us. Have a fabulous July.
Thank you Jo, I appreciate your beautiful words of encouragement. Bring on July! xx
Fabulous round up of the month Sue, I loved how we could get together and chat like old friends. You are such an inspiring role model for all of us Sue, keep on keeping on!!
It was wonderful to catch up Deb and I could have chatted for hours. Thank you for always being supportive and encouraging it certainly means so much to me. x
What a June Sue! So many new challenges have begun (along with becoming a famous 60 year old!) I’m so impressed with you taking on the Cert III and also starting your coaching business. I think you’ll do a fabulous job and I hope it just goes from strength to strength. Loved the grandboy updates and the Hungry Caterpillar cake too x
Thanks BBB, I surprised myself with all that I actually did in June. These posts are a great reminder of what we have achieved and enjoyed, aren’t they? Have a great July my friend. xx
You have accomplished so very much in June, Sue, and taken some significant steps in your career. It’s very exciting to see you announce your new services! No, we are never too old! Spending time with the grand kids will always be a priority for me, too, as well as the time I have with my mom. She made the same decision as your MIL and at 92 years old she’s doing well. I am thankful to be near my family. xo
June was a great month for me, Candi and like you the family time is so very special. Lovely to see that your Mum is doing well, I miss mine especially now that I have grandchildren, she would have loved them so much. x
Sue, you continue to amaze and your schedule makes me dizzy. Congratulations and keep moving forward!
Hi Suzanne, sometimes I surprise myself because I feel I haven’t done much during the month and then when I actually write the post I realise just how much I’ve accomplished. x
Congratulations, Sue, for all your impressive accomplishments in June! I agree it’s never too late and we’re never too old. Have a fabulous July! #lifethisweek
Thanks Natalie I was surprised at what I actually did in June. These posts are a great reminder, aren’t they? x
Hi Sue, A home by the ocean. I am already breathing more deeply as I read this. I love children’s unfiltered creations. Your cakes showcase your love-infused artistic talent.
You are an inspiration on many levels, Sue. As I have mentioned before your knowledge, energy and enthusiasm is contagious. I am glad you continue to share with us. Congratulations on the journal article!
Thank you so much for your continuing support Erica. Your words are always so encouraging and positive. Thank you! xx
What a fantastic and satisfying month this has been for you Sue. Congratulations on the baking, the time with the grandsons being fun and ensuring your MIL’s b’day was great too. A new rhythm of life since you have moved is suiting you it seems. Well-done.
Thanks for sharing for Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is Self Care Stories. Hope to see you there linking up. Denyse.
Hi Denyse you summed it up beautifully because it was fantastic and satisfying. I love baking for the grandchildren’s birthdays. I actually am struggling to find a rhythm since moving but life keeps going on doesn’t it? x
Hi Sue,
I love the Very Hungry Caterpillar cake! For the baby shower prior to grandaughter Jaime’s birth I made a Very Hungry Caterpillar diaper cake…the 4 tiers were made of disposable diapers and the outside was decorated with ribbons and Hungry Caterpillar teething rings, books, toys, and a big stuffed Hungry Caterpillar on top. The mom-to-be loved it, and it was practical, too.
Whenever I give the girls gifts they are usually book-related, or tickets to a children’s museum or event. NO TOYS. They have too much unnecessary stuff as it is!
Hi Nancy, we are so alike. I prefer not to give many Toys as the grandchildren receive far too much. When they were born we opened a bank account and deposit money on their birhtdays and at Christmas. Hopefully they will have a little something in the future. 🙂 I always give a book as well, Rachel and Ian are very much into the boys being read to from birth and also Ethan who is now at school reads each night to them. It is a lovely tradition. x