My last 52 in 52 wrap-up was in February, so we’re due another one. Seventeen things ticked off, 35 to go. I can’t believe I’ve knocked over that many already.
Here’s where things are at.
Newly Completed
Do something kind for a stranger
You’d have to be living with your head under a rock (which sounds blissful right now) to not know that fuel prices are absolutely disgusting. Where $50 used to be a full tank, now you’re lucky if it fills up a quarter.
Which gave me the perfect time to be kind to a stranger.
I’d been thinking about this one for ages. Discussed the logistics with friends, planned it five times over mentally… and then the moment just happened, spontaneously, on a bike ride with my husband and son on the Sunshine Coast.
My son and I ducked into the petrol station for a Boost Juice – his reward for riding the long way home.
While we waited, I went over to the service counter and asked if I could pre-pay for someone’s petrol. Turns out that’s not how it works – they need a bowser to attribute it to. So I explained what I was trying to do, and the lady behind the counter and I worked out a plan together.
I’d already stressed about this part to my friends. I didn’t want to judge people on appearance as to whether they “needed” help. My friends had quite rightly pointed out that appearance isn’t a good indicator anyway.
So I looked out the window and spotted a P-plater filling up. With how expensive everything is right now, I figured doing something kind for someone younger would go a long way. I paid, then hid back in the corner with my son, waiting for our juice.
I heard her come in. The lady at the counter simply said “Your petrol has already been paid for.”
The girl’s voice started shaking. “What?! Wow…. um, OK.”
She walked over to her friend and told her the story in shock. “Oh my gosh, that’s so cool!”
And then they went back outside.
From one small thing: the girl, her friend, the lady behind the counter, and me.
Four people. I got so much joy out of it. I hope it paid forward in some way.
Even in a world that feels pretty full of hate right now, kindness still exists. Good to remind ourselves of that sometimes.
Do some Lego
For my birthday earlier this year, my husband and son got me a cute little sunflower kit.
I spread it out over a few weeks, doing a little bit here and there at night. Just a bit of mindless Lego after a busy day – genuinely one of the better self-care things I’ve accidentally stumbled into. No thinking required. Highly recommend, and now that it’s finished, I might have to go buy another one.
It’s currently sitting on a shelf in my office in a slightly chaotic, not-easily-viewable spot, but we’re getting some bookshelves built in soon, and it’ll find its proper home then.
Things in Progress
Learn the drums
Still watching Facebook Marketplace like a hawk. I keep going back and forth between buying a cheap new kit versus something second-hand, and honestly, the only thing actually holding me back is figuring out where the bloody thing is going to live in the house. More updates to come on this one.
Create a realistic, achievable blog schedule
I’ve actually made real progress here. I had a brainstorming session with ChatGPT – not to write anything, just to think through what was realistic – and the conclusion was pretty straightforward: one solid post a fortnight, enough time to actually be happy with it before hitting publish.
I also looked honestly at my own workflow, which is: brain dump everything, spend ages editing it, hate it, publish something, then re-read it a week later and cringe. So I’ve started using AI as a final sense-check – spelling, grammar, does it flow – while keeping all the actual writing as mine. It’s saved me a lot of time without taking away any of the parts I actually enjoy.
I also did a bit of a review on the blog itself, and made some changes – better images, a new theme, things that just make it feel a bit more like me. I could probably write a whole post on that process, so I’ll save it.
For now, I’ll keep this one as “in progress” until the habit properly sticks. But it’s looking good.
I hope you’re all enjoying the more frequent posts!
Start a capsule wardrobe
Slowly getting there. The closet has been cleaned out, the stuff that didn’t fit or didn’t make sense has been donated, and I’ve got a list of what I actually need.
I’m a visual person, so when I spotted a bullet journal on sale for $6, I had an idea inspired by something that I saw on Reddit. A lookbook – a photo of each outfit, what pieces make it up, easy to flick through when I’m packing or just trying not to wear the same thing for the fifth day in a row. When I cleaned out my wardrobe, I found things I’d genuinely forgotten I owned. So, clearly, I need the visual reference.
I started on it yesterday. Still a lot of categories to add, but I’ll share a photo when it’s done.
That’s the update for now. Lots still in motion, but it feels good to be moving. More to come!
I’m glad you visited my blog, because otherwise I wouldn’t have found you! I know I’m going to enjoy this!
Wow, you paid for someone’s petrol – that is NOT a small thing!! Good for you!
Too bad you aren’t in Canada, my son hasn’t played his drums in ages, and I’m sure he’d sell them if he could!
Likewise, I’m so stoked to have found your site. I’ve been hunting for more personal blogs to read and enjoy, and I’m looking forward to reading all the stories you share!
I figured petrol was the best way to make a difference in someone’s day right about now, we’re all feeling the pain.
If I was in Canada maybe your son could have given me some tips, I’m a complete rookie! Still trying to even be sure of what I want/need.
We’re on a trip in Europe and next week we’re renting a car for a road trip and I cannot IMAGINE how much it’s going to cost to fill up at the pump.
What a generous and wonderful idea. I think the ripple impact of acts of kindness go much further than we anticipate and I love how you recognize it’s not just the recipient who is blessed by this sort of thing. It’s you! It’s the people observing it! It’s the girl! It’s the gas station worker!
My son LOVES Lego and I’ve been eyeing the botanical sets!
I am loving following your Europe trip! I hope you have an amazing time on the road trip. Your photos are incredible and giving me such wanderlust.
You’re completely right on the ripple of kindness, and I’m loving that analogy. I really hope that it continued going. I tossed up whether I should write about it, but decided that if it meant that someone smiled that day, instead of all the headlines, that it was totally worth sharing (not just an ego boost for myself).