Batten down the hatches

We were in Queensland for a few days last week. We wanted to go but didn't really have the finances, however we received some help with flights as an anniversary present so with ten days notice, we booked flights.

We knew it was going to need to be a low budget holiday, but we haven't been on a family holiday for almost four years and our boys deserve a holiday.

Even though money concerns me at times, especially spending money that I know needs to go elsewhere (upcoming doctors fees!!!!), we felt that a holiday was important so that in the upcoming difficult time ahead, our family will have some fun memories to talk about together.

We had a blast! We got to spend time with family and friends and in the five days we were there, we even made it to Dreamworld. Not being able to go on rides is one of the disappointments that has resulted from my back problems. I LOVE rides!! I wasn't too silly but I went on a few of the tamer rides knowing my rods are already broken and if things go really bad, I have surgery scheduled anyway. A bit naughty I know but I NEVER get to go on rides and it will be back to being extra careful again after surgery is over so I wanted to make the most of it.  It was a long day and I did indeed pay the price physically but I am so glad we did it.

The beginning of the Qld storm hit while we were on the Gold Coast. It rained...and rained....and rained some more. We flew out first thing Sunday morning and escaped the worst of it but the next day we too were receiving warnings in NSW to prepare for damaging weather.

The news reports said to be cautious and it got a bit wild but nothing like the images we were seeing of our northern neighbors, however we didn't know how bad the impending storm would be when it made it to our neck of the woods.

Monday day and night were loud, windy, and incredibly dark and wet. But come Tuesday morning, I was surprised to see the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. If anyone had told me on Monday that there would be sunshine the next morning, I wouldn't have believed them, but indeed Tuesday brought beautiful weather.

I am two and a half weeks from surgery. I feel nervous, like I am heading into a storm. I don't know how bad it will be, but either way I know it won't be fun. I am so glad our little get-away gave me the chance to think about something other than what's coming.

More than anything though, I look forward to the sunshine after the storm, I can't see it yet, but I know it will come.