It is a surprise to realise that my last post has been over 6 months ago so it is my duty to myself to post something to keep my timeline going. It is enlightening to review my previous entries and so I must endeavour to keep posting my thoughts and wishes more regularly, in a similar vein to taking more pictures of my children so that I can look back upon them more fondly.
So without further adieu:
1) House - we have now been living in our new abode for more than a year and have complete our wonderful pool as well. The pool has been put to good and frequent use since the spring and I treasure the leisure times spent within it. I have purchased a swimming tether that I have been using regularly as part of my new year resolution of exercising more and I really enjoy it. The certifier has just visited this week after the builder finally organised to have inserts on the stairs put in to meet the regulation width so hopefully the house will soon be certified and it will be something my husband can finally put to bed.
The back yard is looking nice, we have removed the dead old gum tree, the side hedges are fitfully healthy and our herbs around the side of the house are flourishing. We have planted a grape which is also faring well and while my little fig tree has born fruit, the fruit has fallen victim to bugs so this year's crop is naught. Our front yard is still a barren wasteland but my husband will pay attention to it soon.
2) Friends - we have visited my friend in Queensland while we were on xmas holiday in the Gold Coast. She seems to be doing well and I must admit I do not miss her that much. My closest friend would have to be the girl at work. We talk often at work and msg each other after hours but sadly may be parting work places soon but more of that later. My other friend has had her baby and seems to be doing well but to be honest I have not spent much time with her as I feel like I have moved apart from her. It feels as though maintaining friendships has not been a priority for me although I regularly catch up with old workmates and socialise quite often but have not taken it much further than that.
My other longtime friend with the naughty kids has told me she is due for the 3rd baby! its exciting and i'm very happy for her although she is over 40 and it is a bit risky.
3) Family - the kids are doing reasonably well healthwise although my daughter has had a very long case of eczema all over her extremities. I have been putting cream constantly on her since we have moved in actually. I wonder if there is something in the area that is different to where we were before as my hayfever has also been rampant but only of late. My son has had much lower grades so this year I am focussed on helping him overcome his weaker classes. I want them to try karate class too this year so will switch them out of gymnastics after the 1st quarter of the year.
My mum's health had a little scare late last year as her blood tests showed a factor related to bowel cancer but since then we have had further scans, an endoscopy and gastroscopy and the doctor has cleared her, attributing the factor to her past operations.
My nephew is still showing delayed speech ability and I still believe he has a mild case of autism as he is ferociously brilliant with numbers but my brother and sister in law keep to themselves about their battles with him.
My husband turned 40 recently and I organised the birthday bash which turned out to be a fantastic night although I was quite nervous about it, as I always am when I am the host or organiser. It was a joint party with a long time friend of mine but I am also now feeling like I am out of touch with her too.
We have been on a few trips over xmas- Dubbo Zoo which was fun except my daughter got strangely sick for 2 days, Gold Coast and camping in the downpour at Kangaroo Valley. I railed against going camping on a weekend where the forecast was storms but we persevered with the two other families and while I didn't have the best of times, it was manageable and the kids loved it.
Skiiing was also not so great this year as my daughter was sick as well so it felt like we didn't get the most out of it.
Our rabbit is a constant joy and I am really pleased that purchasing him has worked out. The kids adore him and my mum dotes on him, making him fresh salads twice a day and sending me daily photos of him in various states of repose. I am contemplating creating an instagram account of him but feel I don't have the time yet to commit to it.
4) Work - well working as a contractor has been fine so far, I was extended and also placed in a lead role within the biggest project of the company when the other lead resigned. I have learnt a few things in this lead role as in my responsibilities as lead as well as endeavouring to learn about my direct reports capabilities rather than relying on what their team members report about them. The company is in a volatile state at the moment and it is likely that I will not be there in 6 months time. But the money has been fantastic and I wish to continue to benefit from that. I am thinking of moving to work closer to home but we'll see.
5) Finances - we are doing well financially and I want to take it to the next level this year and purchase at least 2 more properties. I'm currently seeking loan approvals based on the fact I have changed my employment and looking at QLD properties as the Sydney market is too expensive.
If I am able to take a break mid year, I would love to spend time renovating an old house or apartment but it would have to be in Sydney as I couldn't leave the kids. I still have goals to retire earlier and think maybe I should be more detailed in how I achieve this.
6) Health - my goal is to have a firmer belly and more slender arms. I have been swimming for about half an hour twice a week for the last month or so but still haven't seen any results. I wonder if i need to sweat it out instead but I do love swimming. I feel at least my cardio has improved. I have also removed all sugar from my tea and coffee which wasn't too hard although I admit I dont get as much enjoyment out of tea or coffee but only mildly so. I almost feel like i'm leaning towards becoming vegetarian but I have just instead tried to minimise meat.
I feel I"m eating pretty well but have not seen the results in weightloss yet. Maybe I shouldn't look at the scales so often!
2015 was a good year and I want 2016 to be better!
