Comfort Zone

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Seems like lately I keep pushing myself out of my "comfort zone" and I don't know why the hell I would do that to myself! I am a self confessed introvert (but can be borderline extroverted when amongst people I know well!). So for those of you fellow introverts, you would know how terrifying it is throwing yourself into new situations.

Flying fox...oh dear!

So... recently

• I have been retrenched from my job
• I am seriously thinking about going back to uni
• We have nearly completed the build of a brand new house (well not me..the clever builders have)
• I  have booked a ticket to Blogopolis in Sydney for June but not my flight or accommodation and
• I just had a weekend away at Big 4 Bellarine with a heap of lovely strangers (and Miss Mandy!)

All of these things stressed me out last week which did result in a bit of a freak out/meltdown on Thursday - it was the culmination of being sick with a ridiculous cough for weeks, not enough sleep and work stress that ended up with me coming out in a rash on Thursday and stiff neck from all the tension. I thought, you know, my body is telling me something has got to give.

Now that was a VERY rambly way to get back to the weekend that just passed. A little while ago I got invited (thanks again to Miss Mandy from A Little Space Like Home) to the Big 4 Bellarine Mum's Night Out. Basically a very generous and gorgeous weekend away put on by Sophie and her team at Big 4 Bellarine. I know this is ridiculous but I was really anxious. Anxious about meeting new people, anxious about what this "great race" was going to be that was on the invitation and anxious that I wouldn't be able to relax. I was thinking, oh why did I push myself out of my comfort zone??

I am so glad that I did. The experience couldn't have come at a better time. The location was gorgeous, so restful and green. Mandy and I had our own cabin which was so spacious and new. We met Ling from Pork Chop's Nest, who was on our "team" and right at the get go she said. "let's get this straight, we don't care if we don't win right?" I was so relieved. We just got to run around the park, Ling kicked a football, Mandy climbed a big climby thingy, I changed a toy baby blindfolded, we ate pancakes, flew on a flying fox and had a great laugh!!

Ling, me and Mandy at the pancake leg of our great race!  

Then we were basically left to our own devices to relax before drinks at around 5pm. I relaxed on the comfy bed with some magazines and my ipad under the nana blanket...bliss!!

Pic borrowed from Big4 Bellarine facebook page

The crew at Big4 put on a beautiful dinner with tea lights, flowers, (champagne for me!),  lollies and gorgeous food and dancing!  I chatted away to new people who were just lovely, normal mums(normal to me is a compliment!) and I even bumped into a lovely girl I used to work with years ago. Quite bizarre that I should be reminiscing with her about work when I am about to leave my job. (The universe really does work in mysterious ways!)

I collapsed into bed so happily on Saturday night, so relaxed and content in the knowledge that I would get a full night's uninterrupted sleep and didn't have to set an alarm. Breakfast consisted of a latte, bacon and egg roll and then followed by peaches and yogurt! Yum!

I just realised that I haven't written much about Big4 Bellarine itself! To be honest, whenever I have driven past there on my way to Queenscliff I have wondered, what on earth could be in that vast space?? Well, what is there is...gorgeous accommodation for those of us who will never actually camp in a tent (because we are soft!), sites for those who are not soft, giant jumping pillows, awesome pool with a slide, huge play ground for the kids, bikes, tennis court, soccer pitch, footy goal posts, games room and theatre room! It is a great place where you can bring the whole family and feel confident that there is heaps for them to do in a safe and oh so happy environment.

Pic borrowed from Big 4 Bellarine facebook page

I would really like to thank Sophie, her husband Tim and all the staff at Big4 Bellarine for being so generous with their time and "back yard". I had an awesome time and am grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone because it was just what I needed!

Look how refreshed I look!!!

Pic from Big4 Bellarine facebook page