Farewell 2010

DAY 52

It is the last day of 2010, and I am looking back on the year.

So much has changed, and yet so much has stayed the same.

In 2010…

• I started writing this blog and learned to be grateful in the moments when I felt anything but
• I went on 6 first dates
• I went on 1 second date
• I went on 1 date where the date failed to show up
• 4 members of my family moved to America, and took part of my heart with them
• 1 friend moved to New York City
• 1 friend moved to Melbourne
• I have had 2 housemates
• I have read 45 books
• I took the longest holiday of my working life
• I spent 8 amazing days in New York
• I spent 14 days in Utah and found my heart again
• I travelled to Vancouver and back, met some amazing people and saw some of the most beautiful scenery I could imagine
• I did not find love - though I searched for it in many places
• I welcomed my third nephew to the world
• I have laughed and I have cried
• I have forgiven, and have been forgiven
• I have shared joy and tears with friends
• I ran my 12th Easterfest music festival
• I celebrated my 30th birthday and rejoiced in the years
• I have taken more photos in these 365 days than in the last 5 years combined
• I attended 1 funeral
• I attended 1 wedding
• I learned to let go of what I have been holding tightly for the last 10 years
• I made a life changing plan
• I lost 14kgs and found 9 of them again
• I discovered the incredible blessings in my life that I had taken for granted

I pray that 2011 will bring

• Safety for my family
• Joy for my friends
• Peace
• Hope
• Love
• Contentment
• Boldness
• Knowledge
• Faith
• Joyful reunions
• Strength to let go
• Empathy and understanding

May 2011 bring you and your family simple happiness, contagious laughter and unimaginable joy.

Camouflage Cat #2

DAY 51

I misplaced Molly for a while today.

Luckily, I found her again.

Stalking things in the garden.

And hiding.

Like the houdini that she is.

I think if the army needed to do some garden warfare, then their uniform should be Molly coloured.

No one would ever see them coming.

As cute as...

DAY 50

So this is my niece Ava.

I think she is as cute as...

• A button
• A kitten playing with a ball of string
• A kitten sleeping on a pillow
• A baby tiger
• Pie
• A bugs ear
• A baby's bottom

My goodness.

Just look at those pigtails and those cheeks.

I may have just eaten her for breakfast if she didn't already go home this morning.

Family.

My heart would be empty without them.

My favourite part

DAY 49

I have to admit - if I have to love something about the commercialisation of Christmas, my love would firmly be placed in the food basket.

I'm not a fan of traditional Christmas food - don't give me anything that came across the ocean from any European destination. I am all about the new Australia traditions that my generation has been creating as we go along.

Don't give me Christmas cake - I prefer a luscious pavlova topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

Don't give me mince pies - I prefer chocolate truffles.

Don't give me roast turkey - marinate some chicken and cook it on the barbecue to perfection.

I love that Australia cuisine is redefining itself with every generation. We keep the traditions that speak to us and create our own with every passing year.

Today's photo is the two desserts I created for Christmas lunch this year. The left is a yummy 'brownie raspberry ice-cream cake', and the right is a pavlova with whipped cream and strawberries.

Dessert is my favourite part. It always has been. It always will be.

And the fun continues...

DAY 48

I am absolutely loving having family and the kids around all the time. The days get happily filled up with the routine of family life - a welcome change from the every-day-ness of my single life sometimes. Although - I will admit that I do enjoy disappearing to my place after dinner each night for some 'me' time.

I laugh every time I see this photo of Asher - that kid just cracks me up! "Hi Aunty! Why are you laughing at me Aunty? Why is someone holding a plate up behind my head Aunty?".

Christmas joys...

DAY 47

Some many great moments today, accompanied by the occasional sadness - missing those family members not joining us.

My highlight was watching my nieces open their presents this morning on my lounge room floor. Moments filled with exclamations of joy and occasional skirmishes with the cat.

Special breakfast with bacon and eggs and yummy chai tea from my new pink teapot (thanks to my lovely sister-in-law Lara).

My brother explaining to the girls why we give and receive presents on Christmas day - we remember Jesus birthday by giving gifts to the people we love.

Incredible lunch with family and friends around a big table. Laughter, wine, decadent desserts and joy all on the menu.

In my world, Christmas is all about family. Family - both immediate and extended. Family who love you no matter what. Family who share your joy and sorrow. Family who can't wait for you to succeed and who cheer you on along the way.

Family who love you for much more than just sharing a last name.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10

Twas the night before Christmas...

DAY 46

Twas the night before Christmas, and Ava and Eden needed to notify Santa that the delivery of their presents was to be sent to Aunty Linda's house to be opened at breakfast Christmas morning.

This was done by sprinkling oats (for the reindeer) + glitter and stars (for Santa) over my front lawn.

I am sure that Santa won't miss this clear reminder.

Over the last couple of years the magic has come back in to Christmas for our family. The grandchildren have brought a long lost element of wonder and joy.

I loved it over dinner tonight when the girls asked me to sing them some carols while we waited. 'Oh Christmas tree" was the only one I could think of at the time.

Also, tonight Asher met Molly and Lulu for the first time. I think he is a fan.

Happy Christmas to you and your family.

From me and my little family (aka Molly and Lulu).

On a rainy day

DAY 45

It's encouraging to see that some things don't change.

Little girls still love to play in the rain, even 25 years later.

Above are my nieces Ava and Eden last weekend.

Below is my sister Alison and I back in 1984.

I am particularly fond of my yellow rain hat and matching raincoat.

And my red mittens.

I'd bet money that our pants are made of corduroy.

And made that 'thwit, thwit, thwit' noise when you walked.

It meant I could never sneak up on anyone.

Must have been a fight prevention measure that mum had introduced.

She was sneaky like that.

Not sure why Alison felt the need to sit in the middle of the swing and not on the seat.

She must have been going through the 'I worship my big sister' phase.

Pity that phase ran out so soon.

---

I miss you Allie.

And our cups of tea.

Oh Christmas Tree....

DAY 44

I am officially on holidays.

For 12 lovely days.

I am very happy about this.

I am so happy in fact that I think I may just go and have a lay-down.

Underneath my christmas tree.

After all the Christmas frivolities are over I plan to do absolutely nothing with the remaining week apart from shopping, sleeping in, reading, watching DVD's while laying in bed and eating things that are no good for me.

Who said you have to leave town to have a relaxing holiday??

How can I say no?

DAY 43

How the heck am I ever going to be able to say 'no' to this face?

- "Aunty, can I cut your hair with these scissors?"

- "Aunty, can we play candyland for the 15th time today?"

- "Aunty, can you please spin me around and around and around until I throw up?"

- "Aunty, can you please read me this book again?"

- "Aunty, can I please stay up all night watching movies and eating junk food?"

- "Aunty, can I please borrow your car to go cruising for chicks?"

Oh my, I think I am in trouble with this one!

Can't talk, must read....

DAY 42

I have come across the best books of 2010 - The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

I read book 1 and 2 about 2 weeks ago and couldn't put them down once I started. If I was the type I would have taken a sick day to keep on reading!

Basic story line is..... set in the future where a totalitarian government rules the world with an iron fist. Every year each of the 12 districts must send two teenagers to the 'Hunger Games - a gladitorial like contest of wits and strength to the death - to remind the people that the government controls their lives.

Katniss volunteers for the games in the place of her younger sister. Book 1 follows Katniss as she heads to the Capitol and then to the arena for the games.

I read an interview with the author and she said that she came up with the concept by watching TV one night. On one channel was a 'Survivor' like show with teenage contestants competing for a cash prize, and on the other channel was young men and women marching off to fight the war in Iraq. She wondered what would happen if both were combined - and the Hunger Games were born.

These are awesome stories. Do yourself a favour and get your hands on all 3 book at once - as you won't be able to survive if you have to wait between books!

I've got to go - I just picked up book 3 from the library and it is calling my name....

Photo Friday

DAY 41

A Friday ritual - celebrating a special moment from the past that I don't want to ever forget.

The Christmas Party fiasco

DAY 40

With Christmas rolling around as it inevitably does, the annual Easterfest Christmas party was once again upon us. Being the frugal person I am I offered to arrange the catering for a classy BBQ for 20 people on my boss (Isaac's) beautiful new deck.

I spent a long time choosing the menu, especially the desserts that I would effortlessly whip up without even breaking a sweat. Luckily two friends offered to help - so I farmed out the salads and potato bake to extremely capable hands.

All was going to plan in the lead up - except for a pavlova that took me two tries to perfect, and a 'brownie raspberry icecream cake' that needed some serious help at the last minute (read... cooking another layer of brownie at 6.30am on the day of the party).

Party day rolls around. Freak heavy thunderstorm at 2pm. No dramas. Head to the house to set up all the hired tables/chairs/plates/glasses etc at 4. No power. No dramas - Ergon says power back on at 6.30pm. Great. Round up as many candles as we can locate just in case Ergon are lying to us (shock, horror!). Oven is gas (hooray!) so no need to panic.

Guests arrive. Second severe thunderstorm rolls in. All guests race out to pack up previously mentioned beautiful table setting. Everyone jams in to the house to wait out the rain while it steadily gets darker and darker and darker.

The rain lets up an hour later and the fog rolls in. No dramas. Everyone out again to wipe down the tables and chairs and set everything out again. Men start BBQ cooking. Drinks start to flow. Everyone gathers round the outdoor gas heater (in the middle of summer!).

Ergon updates with 'no power in the near future' info. Hmmm. Very dark. Children running around the house like bats, bashing in to things, wreaking havoc. Occasionally I see a light-sabre floating from one side of the room to the other. Turns out it was the best source of light in the house. Oddly comforting.

Ok - dinner is ready. Outside on the tables it was a romantic candlelit dinner for 20. Can't see the food you are eating - no dramas - just keep quiet, be happy and hope that dark splotch on your plate is a piece of lettuce and not a wayward bug.

Dessert time. Aussiejoy and I head in to make something wonderful happen. Pavlova success from Joy. I nearly set the house on fire by lighting-up the baking paper (a welcome source of light for a moment there). No dramas. I run squealing to the sink and extinguish the flames. Crisis averted. Icecream cake has been steadily becoming smoosh in the freezer since it arrived. 'Eat up quickly before you lose it' was the best advice.

Party finishes. Everyone happy and well fed. People chip in to help clean up. "Don't blow out the candles - we can't find the matches". Too late! Dark.

Isaac leads people down the foggy front steps, swinging a lit lantern. Reminiscent of Monty Pythons 'Bring out your dead'. Maybe this was the source of the nightmares I had last night.

A Christmas Party to remember but not one I would like to relive. I can handle the rain, just give me some power!

I wonder if....

DAY 39

Don't ask me why, but I was thinking that if Molly and Lulu were in the CIA - Lulu would be the bombshell blonde who distracts middle aged men in bars - useful but not deadly.

Molly, on the other hand, would be the street-smart, kick-ass girl from the wrong side of the track who stealthily sneaks in to steal the nuclear launch codes and save the world from total annihilation.

I think I may have been watching a little too many episodes of 'Alias' recently.

Plus I really need a holiday.

During which I will watch many more episodes of Alias.

I am seeing an alarming pattern here.

Good things happen

DAY 38

Good things happen.... when women bake.

Some lovely friends from church and I had a cookie exchange last night. It's a great way to stock up with morning tea essentials for over the holidays and an even better reason to do some baking.

In previous years I been a bit of a Christmas grinch - but I am thawing to the idea of embracing the Christmas spirit - especially if it comes with baked goods.

It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas...

DAY 37

I put together my favourite Christmas yummies this weekend - Rocky Road trees and Chocolate Peanut Butter truffles.

It is certainly beginning to taste a lot like Christmas - my fridge is full of chocolate covered goodies, left over desserts and bottles of wine.

Christmas is fast becoming my favourite time of year.

Photo Friday

DAY 36

A Friday ritual - celebrating a special moment from the past that I don't want to ever forget.

Should have read the instruction manual

DAY 35

I decided to make icecream tonight - but instead of doing it the way I normally do I thought I would try the icecream maker that a friend gave me. Unfortunately for me, it came without an instruction manual.

I am the type of girl who ALWAYS reads the manual before attempting anything. Forewarned is forearmed. I felt very uneasy about using this machine without finding out the rules first.

I thought 'how hard can this be?' as I poured my mixture in, set the timer for 15mins and walked away to eat dinner.

I came back to discover exactly how hard it could be. Disastrous.

I have since been online and discovered that I was supposed to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before using it.

Ah that makes a lot more sense.

I can see now that no one wants to eat strawberry flavoured butter.

I learn something new every day.

Chocolate sauce addiction

DAY 34

It's a good thing that I like to give thing away - otherwise I think I would have trouble sending these out of the house.

Chocolate sauce. A tradition of mine for the last 3 years. It is devilish on ice-cream, brownies, waffles, anything really.

Occasionally, being my friend pays off.

Is it holidays yet?

DAY 33

This is how I feel at the moment.

Very very very tired.

I'm not sure I remember the end of the year frenzy being this ridiculous in the past. Every night I am either out or home cooking something. Don't get me wrong though - I love all the cooking but at the end of the day I often like falling asleep on the table, or chair, or couch that I am collapsed on.

I guess that is what Christmas holidays are for - so you can get over Christmas.

PS: Don't you just love the jumper I'm wearing - it must have been a 'use up the left-over' pattern. Stripe-alicious!

The wet season

DAY 32

It has been raining.

A lot.

It is summer and I don't believe it.

I have been dreaming about surfing at the beach and water slides.

I think my brain is having a little holiday of it's own every night.

Oh summer, why have your forsaken me?

I never knew that Toowoomba had a wet season.

I wonder if the drought has broken?

Photo Friday

DAY 31

A Friday ritual - celebrating a special moment from the past that I don't want to ever forget.

The hunter

DAY 30

I guess deep down there is a lion in every cat - even the excessively stupid ones.

Lulu caught a mouse in our courtyard last weekend. The only problem was that one she had caught it she didn't know what to do with it - so she put it down, and surprisingly the mouse ran away. Molly then caught said mouse and proceeded to play with/torture it for the next hour. Eventually the mouse died of a suspected heart attack and was abandoned under the BBQ. It was a bad day to be a mouse.

I was very proud that Lulu even knew she was the natural hunter of the mouse. I wouldn't have been surprised if she chose to adopt it in to the family as her friend. I can hear her now - "Can we keep him mum? Look how cute he is..... I'll make sure I feed him every day! Please mum please!!!"

Oh dear..... I think I have been single too long. I am making up conversations with my cats. Help!!

Giving #4

DAY 29

Tonight it was Nigella's 'Chocolate Mousse Cake' and it was divine.

I think my rendition is was very close to Nigella's - I even managed to get it out of the tin without any dropping disasters which has happened in the past (there was once a pavlova that became a meringue smoosh one Christmas....).

Had a lovely dinner with mum and my Uncle Hans and Aunty Jane who are visiting from Newcastle. Aunty Jane is a cooking inspiration - so I had to present something worthwhile for dessert to prove that the next generation of Moes bakers is up to the high standard already set!

I hope I passed!!