August 2011 was my last update and I have been blogging for 6 years now!
Since then our lives were filled with getting paperwork for visas to Australia.
Dress shopping with Megan to find my “mother of the bride dress” and checking the countdown app on my iPad every day to see how long it is until we get to see Tarryn again.
Wedding
My brother Lawrence got married in October and I got to be the back-up photographer that was great fun.
Photography
I treated myself to a discounted photography course; it was 6 classroom lessons and a practical session. I also got an external flash and a brand new Canon 600D which I just love.
Sondela
Had a weekend breakaway to the bush, I got up close and personal with a giraffe when I went on a long bush walk by myself. It was a very special time. My mom and Costa joined us this time. I love the quiet time in what feels like the wild bush even though it is only an hour or two away from home. Kiara started her driving lessons there!
Layla
Costa’s grandchild was born and that brought much joy and excitement into the world I made a scrapbooking album for him to remember that special time
Grease
Kiara got a very good role in the school production of Grease and they performed in our local civic centre, it was a fantastic production, but took up her whole school holidays with rehearsals.
Gratitude page
I got back into scrapbooking slowly and made a gratitude page and booked at Spier Wine Estate for this year’s scrapbooking university in September.
Cansa relay
I was part of a Cansa relay with the people at work and it was a very special time spent reflecting on those that lost their battle and to see the brave warriors walking that are fighting and smiling through it all.
Training
I was lucky enough to attend Agile training as well as First Aid and a management course. We even had a proper graduation ceremony for the management course.
Turkish cooking class
I went to one or two cooking classes this year but loved the Turkish one the most. Kiara got to come with me and she enjoyed it too. Pity they are so expensive, I would love to do one every month.
Kiara
Kiara school had their honours evening but Kiara and I could not attend we were at the hospital. She was on another drip for her migraine headaches, so we found out on BBM chat that she was made head of choir, drama, soiree, music overall. I was very pleased for her.
Devin
Had a good year and finished his first year in high school. He turned 15 and as most years with a birthday on the 23rd December, never got an official party.
He is still a passionate Arsenal fan and enjoys playing soccer at school.
Nanna
She had a gallbladder removal op this year and sailed through it. She was only interested in how many days left until Australia.
Work
We had 3 fun work events, a day out of the office at Karee Kloof, a local pleasure resort, a movie trip with the management team and an overnight stay at a fantastic venue for a management strategy session.
IPad
I got my beloved iPad though FNB (obviously the best place to bank and to work for). Their special deal for the iPad 2 was just so incredible that some of my friends moved their banking accounts just to take up the offer! Love it!
Supperclub
We are all still going strong, meeting once a month. We are saving for another trip in 2013. Everyone is coming up with suggestions as to what the best option will be. I loved our Gautrain trip to Sandton and supperclub Christmas breakfast (does that make sense?) at the Radison Blu.
Bookclub
Is alive and well and still not much discussion takes place regarding books! Actually no discussions take place, come to think about it. Always a fun evening of food and drink and chocolate spiced with gossip and laughter. We went to a spa for our Christmas event and I think alcohol was the reason we didn’t get an in-focus photo!
Christmas Eve
I was lucky enough to have 3 of my best friends here to enjoy the evening with. We had snacks and drinks and took photos. I love the pouty photo from that night and when my printer eventually works, I will get it printed and framed.
Christmas day
Costa,the kids and I spent a quiet day getting ready to fly on Boxing day.
Australia
Coming up in the next post…
Cheers from me until next time xxx
