Happy days .....................................

WOOHOO ~ this was just delivered to my place:

2011 Honda Accord..........................

Chat later I'm taking her for a spin..............................

Cheers......................................Leanne

Mmmmmmmmmmm...............

I'd like to say I've been busy and that's why this poor blog has been neglected, but I can't!! I am however very rested and have caught up on all the trashy day time TV that I miss when I'm at work. The past week has been busy though. DP's daughter came to visit from NZ so we did some nice things:
Monday ~ sightseeing in Sydney, including lunch at the Sydney Tower revolving restaurant
Wednesday ~ retail therapy at Charlestown Square and Westfield Kotara
Friday ~ Waterpark and beach (beach was amazingly GOOD)
Saturday ~ out for dinner
Sunday ~ more retail therapy
The visit went well and some questions answered.
DS came home from his trip to Perth with his Dad.
Needless to say I didn't have much opportunity to do any crafting, but I did finish some DT layouts for Scrap Pile:

I had the pleasure of working with the gorgeous Bo Bunny Noel papers and embellishments.

Have been experiencing a yearning for more tactile crafting of late, and as much as I've tried I just can't get into my teddy bears again, so I'm looking at some new options for creative expression...................

Cheers..........................Leanne

Loving..............................

Etsy!! I have bought a few items from Etsy (I could buy a few items everyday - there are so many gorgeous items on there - my favourites list grows everyday!!) ~ some mini canvases and a couple of necklaces ~ one for my Mum for Xmas that she absolutely loved.
Yesterday I ordered a variation of this from the Etsy store Shabby Chic Designs

 I am only having the long bar, pearl and gem. My 2011 word "Balance" will be stamped on the bar. Should be here in 2-3 weeks.

Cheers.............................Leanne

One Little Word.........................

In the vein of Ali Edwards and her One Little Word concept I have decided my word for 2011 is

 BALANCE

In particular I need to regain a work / life balance. 

In 2010 work took priority and even though my hours of work are 8.20am - 3pm I was regularly at work by 7.30am and often not leaving until 5.30pm-6pm. That has to stop in 2011.

There will be new challenges in 2011, but those challenges need to be met during working hours.

So that is my resolve

Cheers......................................Leanne

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011..................

We had a lovely New Years gathering here last night with the neighbours ~ oh, how nice it is to have neighbours we want to socialise with!! Had planned to have a big night, but 1 cocktail and 2 red wines later, it was rather tame, but I am thankful for that today.
2010 seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye, but on reflection it has been a massive year for me and us. Our year in review:

January ~Happy 9th birthday

April ~ Easter Bunny arrived and we arrived at a major decision ~ to sell up and move out of town. Real Estate agent contacted, house listed.

May ~ the Masterchef phenoenom hit our house and Riley developed an interest in cooking ~ and it has continued.

June ~ this gorgeous creature joined our family. A rescue dog from the RSPCA. Tammy is delightful and an amazing dog.

July ~ we moved from here...........................

to here................. 2 gorgeous acres, 10 minutes from town. Sheer heaven on earth!!

September ~ Riley and I went off to his first school camp ~ happy days

and we had two camping trips to Riverwood Downs ~ more happy days

October ~ we visited these ~ woohoo

and this. Two amazing weeks in Egypt ~ priceless

November ~ Ummmmm what happened?? How did this amazing, beautiful girl get all growed up??? Off to her first formal, and clever too, scooped the pool at presentation day. WTG Meggy!!

December ~ Newcastle Bikers Charity Toy Ride

and my beautiful friend Kay retires. Happy Retirement Kay, sure will be different without you.

Christmas Delight

 Only a snippet of what has transpired in the last 12 months. My work has now become a career again with a clear path to promotion. Beginning in 2010 as the co-ordinator of a major program, my role is being expanded in 2011, with a pay rise, and a new challenge. On a personal note I reconcilled with my grandmother after 9 years. A highly emotional time, but a step I am so thankful I took. I can never get those 9 years back, but I can make the most of what time is left. My greatest regret is that she doesn't really know Riley and that is a tragedy, I'll always have my memories and those who meddled can never take those away.

So all that is left to say is goodbye 2010 and hello 2011

Cheers.............................Leanne