Simple.

Sometimes I feel like the world has gone mad and I'm being swept away with it. Everything these days runs at such a fast pace. I find myself frustrated when it takes more than a millisecond for a web page to load. I rush around, for no particular reason other than the fact that I feel I need to.

But at the same time, I currently have an obsession with living simply. I want to slow down, appreciate the little things and take my time. I have a great respect for the Amish. If it wasn't for the lack of broadband I'd be over there like a shot.

I kid, I kid!

But in all seriousness I have been trying to simplify my life a little. I try and spend at least half an hour with my son outside or at the park everyday. Whenever possible I make things instead of buying things. I try to grow my own herbs. .

I have also decided to learn how to sew. I can't believe I have gotten to my late 20's without knowing how to operate a sewing machine. I have borrowed my mums sewing machine and plan to devour the instruction booklet and then get my housewife on. (I sound all confident now, but I can suspect in a few hours when I am being buried in a tangled mess of bobbins I shall be feeling far less cocky!)

Anyway back to the matter at hand. One thing I truly believe in is op shops. Oh op shops. I love them. You can get some crazy bargains at op shops, AND the money goes to a good cause. You can take your old clothes hanging around your wardrobe and come back with a new set. What is there not to love? A few months ago I paid $5 for a designer dress that still had the $200 price tag on it. I also got my son the very kids couch I wanted for $6 rather than the $25 in Kmart. I love how the clothes are worn in already, and I LOVE how you can get clothes you wouldn't necessarily find in retail outlets. I don't know if shopping at op shops is exactly simple, but its certainly something I recommend.

But living simple is more than just recycled clothes and home made items. Every day, no matter how busy the day, I make myself a cup of tea or milo and just.....be.

In hospital, according to the nurses, a hot drink could cure anything. Sad? Make yourself a cuppa. Angry? A cuppa will sort it out. Headache? Go and grab yourself a nice cuppa. And that old wives adage is true...a cup of something soothing does calm you down, does make you feel better.

So as I'm sipping my drink I don't stress about all the things I have to do. I look away from the towering washing pile. I ignore the dishes in the sink. And I just breathe, and drink, and savour those 15 minutes.

It's my time. It's simple.