For those of you who weren’t aware, my Nanny was born in the Ukraine and during WWII, when she was just 18, she was marched from her home, never to return. She never saw her family again and never went back. My Grandpa was born and raised in Poland and was also a prisoner of war at a German farm where he worked for years until the war ended. This is where Nanny and Grandpa met – during their time working at the farm (I say farm, as it wasn’t a concentration camp, but they were prisoners there.)

There is so much to their story that I’ll never know, but I have a keen interest in the events of WWII because of their experiences. Years ago, I read the graphic novel  Maus written by Art Spiegelman and it was like I was listening to Grandpa telling his stories. I felt like Art had interviewed my grandparents and had written a book about them, and it gave me a new insight into their lives during that time.

So when my friend gave me The Book Thief to read on my holiday in October, I knew I was going to love it. And boy did I ever. I finished it last week and I already miss the characters and their stories. I would even go so far as to say it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. The writing is so compelling and the short chapters made it easy to keep my sleep-deprived attention. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down but you don’t want to finish because the magic will be over. (I have an antenatal appointment today which will no doubt mean lots of waiting around, and I’m sad that I won’t have my book to pass the time.)

It’s really re-awakened my interest in that time in history, and I’m now on the look out for another book written about WWII. If anyone has any suggestions, flick them my way! I have also read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas which was a real heart-breaker. I saw the film shortly after and thought they did an absolutely brilliant job with it. I do want to watch The Book Thief as well, but Hubs wants to read the book first. Lucky he’s a much faster reader than I!

I also remember watching the movie Life is Beautiful no long after it came out (20 years ago??!!) and I still remember it had a huge impact on me at the time. Anyway, suggestions anyone?

So many of you who know me well, know I have a tendency to be impulsive.

Blog everyday for a year!? Am I serious!??

I really want to commit to this guys, I do. But I don’t want it to become a burden. I need to cut myself just a little slack. But I also don’t want to appear as though I’m copping out after just 2 days!

But you know, I’m my own boss and I’m allowed to change my mind. Another thing I have a tendency to do. (Hello 4th pregnancy! Am I right Mum!?)

So instead I’m going to aim for 250 posts in 2017. That’s roughly 5 a week which is still a lot but does allow for the occasional missed day. Like you know, when I’m in labour in May.

Still 2 from 2! Might even see you tomorrow!

Sooo I’m sitting here watching the kids and I was trying to think of some goals for the year. I mentioned a few things in my wrap-up yesterday along the lines of not comparing myself to others and to just focus on my own journey. I also want to add to that: “be encouraging and supportive and excited for other people, particularly women, as they are on their journey”. I want to be more intentional about this. So often I think to myself “I should tell that person blah blah blah” but I don’t have the courage. I will try to be more courageous in 2017.

But that’s not what this is about. I mean I also want to practice daily gratitude, daily meditation, mindfulness and a bit of yoga. I also want to make a conscious effort to spend less time on my phone when I’m with the kids and be more present when I’m with them.

But I’m still getting off track! What I’m wondering “can it be done???” Is this.

I want to blog every day for a year.

I know, right. Some of you will be thinking “yes Renae you can do it! Please do it! I love reading your blog!” (I know who you are.)

Others will be thinking not much at all about it. Both reactions are fine. I need a challenge and I’ve been loving writing lately so I thought this might be a good way to document my year as well as try out a few new things.

So this is day 1. So far so good right? I’ll need to set myself daily reminders for the year! Wish me luck and I’ll see you tomorrow!