Christmas Newsletter 2009

Once again its that time of year when we all express surprise at how fast its all gone ….. one day I will find something original to start my Christmas newsletter but it wont be this time round …. I just don’t have the imagination tonight.

It’s been a year of change for me. I started 2009 unemployed and not sure what the future would bring job-wise. I enjoyed the lovely long summer pottering around home – both gardening and quilting with 10 hours a week working at Community House. That was a lifestyle I would have loved to continue but unfortunately it doesn’t pay the bills. However, it did make me realise that I really would prefer not to work full time any more.

Mid March I started working full time as Programme Administrator to the School of Design at Whanganui UCOL … sigh, 40 hours a week! I found it hard being tied to the job for those set hours after years of relative freedom and flexibility. I had to give up the Community House work which saddened me as I really enjoyed the work environment, the people and the work itself.

Six weeks later I learned that the Wanganui Labour office was going to re-open for 20 hours a week but with nothing definite on offer I had to just sit and wait patiently. My patience paid off and in June I started back in my old office working for the Labour Whips and two Labour MPs. I was also fortunate that Community House had not filled the vacancy when I left, so I trotted back there as well.

So, now I work 30 hours a week, Mon – Thurs and love it. Having a three day weekend is highly recommended J

It’s amazing how you make your budget fit your income….. I changed my spending habits and have learned how to make my pay last the whole fortnight. I wish I had learned these 12 years ago when I started having to live on one wage … my savings would have been worthwhile by now. Oh well, it’s true – it’s never too late to learn.

On the home front, I lost two very dear companions within 6 weeks of each other. Frstly my bichon Muffin (12 years) died very suddenly at Queen’s Birthday weekend followed soon after by my 18 year old cat, Skye. That left Mingus who really did miss his friends as they were already here when he first arrived. He had never been an only animal. Two weeks ago, two little kittens – Mr Norris and Missy Molly – arrived. They are now 9 week old bundles of fluff and mischief. Mr Norris is a lovely ginger orange and Missy Molly is various shades of grey. Both are affectionate and want to be wherever the people are. The kittens and Mingus have started playing together which is very pleasing.

Grown up children and grandchildren continue to be my greatest delights …. Having so many so close is such a blessing. My 14^th grandchild is due in May next year – just as exciting as when the first one was on her way. This little one is Hannah’s third child – another boy which she is very happy about. We also have a wedding to look forward to - Alice-May is marrying George in February so that will also be a special occasion.

Mum and Dad continue to do well at 89 and 86 respectively. Mum had a hip replacement earlier this year and has continued all her activities, including gardening, sewing, craft club and driving various friends from place to place. She is amazing. Dad has slowed down and seems content just to stay at home.

I am loving my garden and gradually getting it as I want it – a mixture of flowers, fruit and veges. When not in the garden, I could be in my sewing room working on a quilt. I always have at least one on the go – at the moment there are four in various stages of completion and I have promised myself not to start another until these are finished.

It’s the family “off year” for Christmas this year so it will be a very quiet one. Only Hannah, Ari and Cyrus will be around on the day itself so we will do something a bit different to celebrate. My brothers and their families are going to spend the day with Mum and Dad so we may end up there too.

I hope that you have a very happy Christmas and that 2010 brings fulfillment and happiness. I love to hear from you all and catch up with what is going on in your lives.

God bless