My Word Of The Year for 2022 is Happiness. This post is to look at what, if anything, caused me to feel happy during the month of March. March has been a great month with very little stress, and much happiness.
Cycling
I’ve had many happy hours both on my ebike and my trail bike during March and feel very happy with the way my cycling is going and the way my body is holding up, now that I’m much older than I ever expected to be.
I decided a while ago to buy an ebike rack for my car to transport the bike, but I’ve had trouble deciding on which brand would be best. Finally I made the decision, and it arrived just a few days ago. As the ebike is very heavy, it’s not possible to lift it into the back of my car, as I often did with my road bike. I can now load my bike up and take it where ever it is that I feel like going to ride. There are many bike paths around Bendigo and surrounds waiting to be explored.
Two weeks ago, I called in to say hello to a good friend, who I hadn’t seen since Christmas. Her exciting news, was that she had bought an ebike. I’m very happy to now have an occasional ebike buddy. We were both talking hard and fast about the rides we will do together. I’m now looking forward to our first ride, coming soon. This had me smiling all day and is huge on my happiness register.
Blogging
The April AtoZ Blogging Challenge is now only one week away. This year will be my eighth year participating, and as with last year, I am participating in this challenge on my other blog Tracking Down The Family For some silly reason I have chosen a theme that requires a huge amount of research. I have been researching and drafting posts since November last year. This is the reason that I have only done two blog posts on this blog since my February Happiness Update. Besides, the amount of work that it generates, I really do enjoy the AtoZ challenge, so I don’t mind the work. In actual fact, planning for this challenge always makes me feel happy.
Out and About
Elvis: We have an exhibition of the Elvis archives from Graceland in Bendigo at the moment. This week went to see it and had a fabulous time. More to come on that soon.
Van Gogh: Lume Melbourne: This was a digitally enhanced exhibition of the art work of Van Gogh. More to come on that also.
Sunflowers featured at The Lume
These two events were held on consecutive days and were the most crowded events that I’ve attended since covid struck. It did feel quite strange to be surrounded by so many people, but it was held in a covid safe way and I was really aware of staying covid safe. As strange as it felt, it also felt fantastic to be out and about and attending events again.
News
Now for the really exciting news that causes my happiness register to go off the scale and my heart to sing. I have finally made plans to go to Queensland to see my grandchildren! Can you believe that? Finally, after over two years, I am going to see my son and my three grandsons. Even though covid is still with us, and it looks like the cases will be increasing in the next few months, I’ve decided that I can’t wait any longer. So, I’m very happy to say that in August, I will be in Noosa for one week, visiting my family.
The other happy 😆 news is that on the way to Noosa, I’m making a side trip to Norfolk Island for seven days, for The Australasian Family History Congress. I will be going alone, but will have many friends there to meet up with. This will be my first trip to Norfolk Island, so I’m sure it will register high on the happiness scale.
Happiness Scale for March
Rating my experience of Happiness in March. Score is out of 10
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
This post is linked to the link up created by Deb, Sue, Donna, and Jo. which is to enable bloggers to link their Word of the Year monthly update posts #2022wotylinkparty
Also linking to Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share and Denyse’s monthly linkup #lifestories
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Hi, Jennifer – What a delightful post! Just reading it made me happy. (Happiness usually does breed more happiness.) Congratulations on your upcoming trip to visit your grandchildren in Queensland. It is so nice for family and friends to finally start getting together again. It’s been a very long time!
Thank you for joining us for this WOTY LinkUp. We greatly appreciate you participating!
I’m looking forward to giving my grandsons a great big hug Donna.
Oh Jen, I’m so happy for you! I know it has been so difficult not being able to see your family and now it will happen this year. I’m sure you are counting the days and although you have found happiness in many ways this month, nothing could compare to seeing your family again. I went to the Van Gogh exhibition with a friend late last year and loved it. Such a sensory experience. Thanks for joining us for 2022 #WOTY Link Party and I look forward to reading more happy thoughts and experiences from your month. xx
You’re right Sue that I’m counting down the days. Very excited
Looking forward to your A-Z and hope to catch up for an in person chat in August.
I’m looking forward to catching up too Carmel.
Oh Jen that is GREAT news you will be going to Noosa to see your family in August! We too have booked tickets to England to see our daughter and granddaughter in August :). So I’m with you – bring on the happy vibes 🙂 Frineds have returned from Norfolk Island and had a great time so I know you will enjoy the visit with like minded friends.
You trips out and about sound fabulous and having a friend to ride with is always fun. I’m loving riding to town to get the mail and do little jobs, meeting a friend at a cafe and then riding up the hill to home. Thanks for linking up with us for your monthly #WOTY post.
I’m so HAPPY for you!!
It’s great to be able to travel again Deb. I’m starting to feel brave enough to venture out.
I’m so glad you’ll be getting up here to visit family. You’ve had to wait such a long time. I’m not participating in A-Z but will follow your progress. Thanks for linking up!
Thanks Jo. Can’t wait for the trip north
Oh those sunflowers at the Lume sure put a smile on my face! I bet that was amazing to see in person. So much happiness in this post. I hope you have the most wonderful visit with your family. I am sure they are just as anxious to see you.
Those sunflowers were gorgeous Joanne. Very Smile inducing
Wow Jennifer, that was a great read and I am soooo happy you have your family visit locked in!!
Yes it’s good news Denyse
Thank you so much for linking your blog post up for Life’s Stories my “now” fortnightly blogging link up at Denyse Whelan Blogs.
I appreciate your support and continuing blogging connections and friendships.
I will be back with the next #LifesStories link up on Monday 11 April 2022.
Denyse.
Well, good morning A to Z friend! I am participating again this year to and I am looking forward to it starting up. It is a fun challenge.
Thanks for the virtual coffee.
Will pop over and visit your blog. Enjoy the challenge!
Loved your update. I have never ridden an e-bike. I think I would enjoy it though. Those flowers at the exhibit are gorgeous. WOW. So exciting to get see your family.
I have no doubt you’d love riding an ebike Kirstin
Jennifer, What a wonderful post, full of happy news. I’m glad that you’ve booked to go see your family in Noosa and a side trip to Norfolk Island. I look forward to reading your cycling and out and about adventures. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Thank you Natalie for your kind words
What an uplifting post with all these happiness points! How wonderful that you’ll get to see your family after two years – that’s absolutely fantastic. You have so many good things going on generally, and you’re doing so well with your word of the year. That’s so inspiring! I loved that display of sunflowers, I saw it on Instagram first and it’s absolutely stunning.
Those sunflowers make me smile Susanne. Thanks for popping in
The word suits you well. Riding with a friend is always fun and what could be better than hugs from the grandchildren. Happy travels to you!
Thanks Suzanne. I’m hanging out for those hugs
What a wonderful word you’ve chosen for this year and I love a post that focusses on what has made you happy for the month. Fabulous to read you’ll be coming to Qld in August and catching up with your son and grandchildren! As for Norfolk Island – that is where we went for our Honeymoon back in 1985 and it is such a beautiful place! You will love it! I went to Van Goh Alive when it was in Brisbane and loved it! Have a great week Jennifer!
Thanks for all your positive comments Min. I’m really looking forward to Norfolk Island and can hardly wait to see my family after almost three years. Thanks for popping in again.
Hi Jennifer – I loved the Van Gogh picture and the sunflowers and I’m SO happy for you that you’re going to see your son and grandsons – you would be over the moon I’m sure (and so will they). Great that you can fit in the conference on Norfolk Island too – win/win. And good on you for doing another AtoZ challenge – I can’t imagine tackling another one!
Leanne I’m that excited to be seeing the family soon. I just can’t put it in to words. The AtoZ seems to keep me focused by this year just might be my last, I’m thinking.
If I lived closer to town I’d love an ebike. But I’m certainly too far where I live and wouldn’t be riding on the highway.
Well done on the blogging challenge. I hope you enjoy it. I’ve done it once and should do it again to get my mojo back.
And yay re your holiday. It’s nice to have something to look forward to!
My days of riding on busy roads are over now too Deb. Thanks for popping in.
Your happiness is contagious, Jen. Just reading about it makes me feel happy too. Life is good. Have fun on your bike and enjoy your travels, especially those grandchildren!
Thanks Christie. Makes happy to see your comment
I’ve been wanting to the the blogging A-Z challenge and I completely forgot. I think I’ll need to sit this one out and plan these posts through this year to release next year.
I plan them through the year to make it more doable. Hope to see you next year