Can you believe that we're three days into July already? WHOA, 2011! Where are you scampering off to in such a hurry? (I mean, didn't anybody ever tell you to stop and take a whiff of the roses occasionally or anything?! Jeez!)

Oh, well-ity well. ''I love you!'' Homer Simpson once declared to donuts. Here's what I'm declaring love to this week!

x VERY Possibly Visiting The Philippines In October - EEK! So as I strolled into the office on Monday morning (a teensy bit of background information: I'm a part-time copywriter for a travel agency), my boss, who's just returned from a p-h-e-n-o-m-e-n-a-l holiday to the Philippines, asked me: ''say, how would you feel about co-ordinating a shopping and spa tour in the Philippines in October? You know, like leading a group of people around to all of the best-kept secrets and indulgence spots? There's so many, and they're so CHEAP! You could be the host! Oh, don't worry, you wouldn't have to drive around or anything, you'd just need to organise and look after everyone. It would all be paid for!''

Um, WHAT?! Yes I will co-ordinate such an excursion! Okay, so I've never actually guided anyone around in a similar manner before (terrifying!), but am I up for the challenge? (And the beautiful Philippines?) ABSOLUTELY! (Plus, it's fun to scare the bejesus out of yourself!) Fingers crossed that everything goes ahead! (And hey, if you're in Sydney and interested in such a trip, contact me! Maybe we could jet off together?)

x Afternoons Spent Frolicking Through The Park - Because if running around like a mad woman and bellowing ''look! DUCKS!'' with your boyfriend and pup in the sunshine isn't one of the finest (and free!) ways to enjoy a warm winter's day, then I don't know what is!

x Random Conversations In The Street - Oh, how I love a random conversation in the street! It's almost embarrassing, really. (Especially when it's an interesting, non-awkward, non-''crud, get me OUT OF HERE!'' interaction.) The other day I was sitting at a bus stop when a gentleman (an obvious metal lover with a braided beard to his chest) asked me for directions to an entertainment venue, and he was so amazingly well-mannered that I couldn't help but spend twenty minutes on my mobile phone's internet attempting to locate some. ''I can hear my grandfather Alfred's voice lecturing me about how important it is to look people in the eye and introduce yourself right now,'' he chuckled, extending his hand. ''So, hi! My name's Chris. I used to drum for (something!)-unter. Tell me about yourself.'' It was oddly nice, and a good reminder that sometimes you should break the rules and enjoy a chin-wag with strangers! (Unfortunately I couldn't help him out with an address, but I hope he got there and had a great time!)

x Other Little Things - Wellington anticipation (in 25 days, I'll be in New Zealand! Hip, hip, hooray!); Sarah Von cooing ''oh, you're so CUTE!'' and bundling me into a gigantic hug as I tumbled into the restaurant on Wednesday (such. a. top. girl!); lovely, LOVELY elderly gentlemen with matching waistcoats, adorable manners and smiling eyes; sushi, sushi, sushi (I've guzzled it four times already this week. Four times! ADDICT!); Sex & The City (still one of the best shows of all time); old-school tunes (I heard this song the other day and couldn't stop giggling. CHECK OUT THOSE DANCE MOVES! Plus, it brings back sweet little memories); trying potato-topped pizza (caaan't say that I'm a fan, which is strange, because hot chips and pizza are probably two of the greatest culinary inventions ever!); participating in Lape Soetan's 'Going Places' travel series (my interview is here!); dreaming of planning a weekend trip to The Gold Coast (is anyone else tempted?! Let's go!); and Tumblr! (I'm a-tumblin' here!)

Suggestions For The Week Ahead

x Embrace someone deeply and unexpectedly. Affection feels divine, doesn't it? Share it around! (Bonus points if it's with a person that you'd never normally grasp!)

x Bask in the beauty of the outdoors. Nibble your lunch alfresco instead of el-desko. Take a ten minute waltz around the neighbourhood. Sit at a park bench. Marvel!

♥

Happy, happy weekend to you! How was your week?! What are you currently celebrating? (And have you recently enjoyed a conversation with a complete stranger, or am I the only nut who delights in such an activity?!)

xoxo