Small, happy things.

Our little temporary home is only about 50 sqm (and we think this is a generous guess!), but oh my there have been no shortage of happy things in our tiny, humble abode during the one week or so that we’ve been here.

It really is true that there are so many more stars to see out here, beyond the city and suburban lights. And that makes each night something a little bit special. The sunrises and the big, wide skies are definitely something to write home about too.

Living here is an adventure, that’s for sure. We’re so glad that we get to experience life on this smaller, slower scale while we wait for our build. While there is definitely less room, this lack of space has made us much more mindful about how we actually use space and what we fill it with. This weekend we cleared out some of the furniture and items that came with the rental (as the owners are very kindly letting us store it inside their huge shed), and just gaining even a tiny bit of extra space has been so exciting! As my husband said, “look at all this room for activities!” gesturing towards our newly found narrow gap between the coffee table and the wall. It is making us appreciate every little square metre, which has been a very healthy exercise for us indeed.

Anyway, I wanted to record some of the little things that have made me happy lately, because there have been so many and I don’t want to lose them in the day to day:

• I’ve started using our cloth nappies again. I know, this is the height of excitement, right? I took a bit of a break while dealing with a newborn, plus a toddler, plus selling the house, but since being here I’ve felt up to the extra washing again. I’d forgotten how satisfying it is to hang up all the nappies to dry and then stuff them all on a warm afternoon. It also feels really good to see the amount of landfill waste dramatically reduced through something as simple as nappies. I’m definitely not perfect with using them and nor am I trying to be. I believe that making sustainable choices should be rooted in simply showing up each day with grace, both towards yourself and the planet. Everyone’s journey will look a little different and it’s important to keep in mind that if something ever feels too much, then it’s okay to put it on the back burner and to take it up at a later stage. This is probably an unpopular opinion, but women (we tend to deal with the lion’s share of the work involved in sustainability) usually already to have a way too much on their plate. It’s okay to not do it perfectly. Just take small steps and press pause for a bit if you need a break. As the wonderful saying goes, "we don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions doing it imperfectly." (Anna Marie Bonneau). I have so much more to say on this topic (hopefully it gets a bit more riveting than nappies), but I’ll save it for another day.
• We’ve been playing outside, both in our own backyard and at the park, so much more. It has been the best thing to see our toddler run free in these open spaces. To take herself outside for a wander or to pick some flowers or to make some potions throughout the day. She is definitely a happy little bee when she can run wild and free. We are so, so lucky. I need to stop going on about it, but writing about how lucky we are is like pinching myself to check that it’s all real!
• Before the move, I started doing proofreading and editing work for a few different organisations and charities to try and build something of a portfolio. This is going to sound silly, but something as simple as adding in Oxford commas and spotting dangling modifiers have made me so happy! I think it’s because I felt purposeful in doing something entirely separate to my role as a mother, for the first time in over two years. Once we have a few more things sorted over here, I’ll be getting back into the swing of it and I’m truly so excited. Though because of all the proofreading practice I’ve been doing, it’s tricky to read things now because my brain keeps spotting all the errors! And please don’t take this blog as evidence of my skill; 100% of these posts are written when I’m half-asleep and in the middle of the night. They are always rushed and are definitely not proofread or edited. I do promise that I apply far more care and diligence to others’ work than I do my own!
• Gardening things. Our landlords are so kind and have encouraged us to plant in their garden, so today we bought spinach, silver beet, and broccoli seedlings. We can’t wait to get stuck in at some point this week. We’ve also been composting (my first time ever!) and it’s truly so satisfying to see the huge reduction in our waste (especially combined with using cloth nappies too) and to know that our scraps are helping to make beautiful things grow. I’m very excited to start a compost bin and maybe even a work farm at our new house.

And because I’m talking away about all the things that have made me happy lately, I’m also going to include a few things I’m looking forward to (all the things that make me go eek!):

• Recycling soft plastics. Wooo, I’m kind of on a sustainability buzz, can you tell? Since being able to reduce our waste significantly by just composting and using cloth nappies, I am hoping to go one step further. It’s kind of addictive in a way! In some NZ cities, there are soft plastics recycling bins in supermarkets for household use. Sadly, there isn’t this option available down where we live (our closest collection is about an hour away), but I’m going to be keeping an eye out and crossing my fingers, hoping something pops up.
• Going op shopping. I’ve been into op shopping for about 10 years now, and although I don’t get the chance to go often, it’s always something that I look forward to doing more of. My husband and I are wanting to style our home very uniquely and in a way that’s special to us, so we’re going to be scouring our local stores for anything that pops out and says “yes please!” Most of our furniture is second-hand or upcycled, so we’re very excited to see what we can come up with for our new home. On a quick side note, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the blog, She Hunts Op Shops, and getting all swoony about their magnificent finds! 
• Organising the pantry. Wow, could my life get any more exciting? I think I’ve basically peaked in full mum mode at the age of 25. Anyway, since you already know how uncool I am, I’ll just launch straight into it. You know those beautiful, amazing pantry organisation inspirational photos and videos? Yes. That. Call me inspired. Call me influenced, even. Just take my pantry and make it pretty, please. Let me at all the glass containers and label makers and quinoa.
• Growing strawberries and watermelons. These are high on the priority list for our fruit and veggie garden in our new home! I can’t wait! And our toddler will be over the moon to have her favourite fruits right in the backyard.

Anyway, that’s my small, happy things as of late! I think I’m going to do this regularly, because reflecting on all these lovely things made me smile. Have a good week, friends, and blessed be your pantry!