I really like the sound of the water feature when the little pump is running. Makes it nice sitting in the study with that babbling in the background. I added a bio filter and some good "bugs" a couple of weeks ago and it is now quite clear. The fish seemed a bit worried though about their lack of cover so I added a few water lettuce which float on the top with their roots dangling. The fish are still too timid to pose for a picture though ;-)
Strange after having our home for a bit over 12 years here. Lots of good memories beginning with bringing Kirsten home from the hospital and the good days when we had street parties at Xmas time. A lot of changes over the period but a couple of good comforting constants like Russel and Beverly who even while we were in KL made it feel like we never left when we managed to drop by MLb for a visit. Sigrun and Declan convinced us to go for a last walk to the beach but alas it was too cold and windy this afternoon so we had to abort. We had breakfast in the concourse after church and that is a spot I sure will miss for it's convenience and village atmosphere.
We have a whole new adventure and lots of exploring ahead of us but it is with more than a tinge of sadness that we leave our lovely home. At least the new owners seem to have fallen in love with it as we did so we are sure it will be looked after.
Next post (perhaps apocalyptic) from Camberwell.....
S has all the kinder Mums here tonight for a meeting and it sounds suspiciously like a hens party with more wine ! I have retreated upstairs to the study but it is still quite loud. Oh well the other guys have had their turn so I will grin and bear it.
Very scary to think we are going to leave Beauy after all this time but am sure we will settle ourselves in and get to know the area. I do have a nice kitchen to look forward to...
As Sigrun said we are in a bit of shock, don't like the auction process for that reason either. A side health benefit as I can cycle to the office from this house.
Just can't help myself, we had a team activity today in NZ where we went go karting. Have not done that for at least 15 years but the competitive streak is still strong. Me and my partner won the comp with the best laps times and no penalties so a fast clean race. Riding bikes and driving a kart are quite different but the love of the speed is the same.
*cue Sir David Attenborough*
I am sat in a part of the eco system I have occupied now for some 15 years both at home and abroad otherwise known as an airport lounge. This particular one is in that delightfully colloquial ex colony known as Australia though I preferred Van Diemens land as it has a certain ring to it. I am surrounded by the tribe Travelus Mammalius known for their avid consumption of free food and drinks during their ultimate pursuit of the reaching the coveted status of most frequent flyer miles.
Fascinating creatures who can be characterised into several sub species:
Aural Extremis - known for their extra appendage utilised for talking to others at very loud volumes (thus causing speculation as to the need for the appendage)
Sufferes Paternalis - seen travelling with their young who unused to the system create noise and attention that may bring unwanted predators or at the least scorn from the tribal elders
Wobbilus Torsos - found circling the hot food bain marie in alarming quantities and known for their unique cry " they just put fresh food out " they can be extremely dangerous if disturbed in a feeding frenzy
Winos Gratis - a unique breed that is able to regulate consumption of fermented grape products at an alarming rate when a regulating system is not introduced
Dullis Commercialis - the less colourfull part of the tribe these strange creatures seem compelled to a never ending series of spreadsheets and power point presentations, always found to have a very ornamental dress code often consisting of a constrictive neck accessory
Confusis Retirus - often elders of the tribe this fascinating group seem bewildered by their surroundings and resort to questioning all members of the tribe about their situation
to be continued.....
Suspect I will here an echo to that given my lack of entries lately. Things have been quite mad this year with work and i have not felt energised to be blogging at all. Keeping in touch with some friends by reading their blogs but not reciprocating huh.
The last couple of weeks have felt good like there is some imminent good thing going to happen so I hope that is the case. Getting some replacement staff I really needed is of course contributing to that a great deal as I am not a one man band in the office and really need the good support of my team to flourish.
Interestingly I now have an Austrian, a Zimbabwean and a South African in the team to join the 1.5 Englishmen and the Aussies (I am the half in case you didn't guess) so the diversity is increasing nicely. I have also been spending a lot more time with the NZ team and that has been quite rewarding so a pity I neglected them a bit last year.
All in all feeling more energised and looking toward future possibilities wherever they may lie.
Who am I kidding this is every week at the minute. In spite of the new structure supposedly simplifying things I appear to have become busier with an even greater volume of e-mail and meetings. Last count is around 450 waiting for some kind of look or action and folks that is ludicrous to say the least.
Pleased that K was voted class captain though and on a love thy neighbour platform it seems, hope Obama is reading my blog...
Got dad visiting this week and looking forward to that as have booked leave for Friday so we can play golf at my club. Had two games there this year and my appetite is re-awakening as a result.
Got asked to join a parish ministry team before the AGM and decided I have had enough time not serving so agreed. I joined my first meeting this week and the main minsirty for this team is the Sudanese folk who have moved to Oz and are attending the sister congregation to ours. Am very impressed with the chap who is leading this apsect of the ministry. Reminds me of the friends in KL who have a heart form God which is not overly touched by cyniscm or denominational politics.
Got some pleasing news about my appraisal for last year so am encouraged in my plans to find a new role in the company which allows me to grow.
Begun enjoying my music again and seeing the need for more listening...
Intigued and confess oft annoyed at the antics of this boy child we have brought into the world. His transformation between angel and demon is swift and often, though for the most part he is an angel.
Had some good conversations with current staff and a great one with a previous team member this last week and a bit.
Enjoying my bike rides with K who is developing some real stamina now.
God be wth you -
And we are truly grateful
Well the E-Bay experience was not too bad as both items sold and have been picked up leaving me with the space to re-organise the garage into a much better use of the space. I probably let the sofa set go too cheaply but then it was sitting and rotting there so what's the point right.
Had a pretty good week on the whole, have been in touch with my old boss and he has been brilliant with offering guidance and support in this period where I need to make a change in career with my company. Funny I was never sure how well we did or didn't hit it off but having dined at his house I know he is a believer (something we seem to be secretive about in most company though I don't know why) and he has demonstrated that belief in his actions for which I am truly grateful. May the good Lord continue to bless you my friend.
Am going to meet with the new manager who got the role I was after this week and not sure she is aware that I don't intend to stay in this role for too long. I wonder what the company tells people and if they really listen to us when considering their options at times like these. I like the person and have no doubt they will do a good job so feel bad that I am not willing to stay but on the other hand I have to continue to challenge myself and find what I am capable of.
Am very pleased with the bit of a garden we made last weekend and one of the pants has begin to sprout some new growth which is a reminder of his creation and grace. We all too often forget just how blessed we are amidst the hustle and bustle of today's world.
Looking forward to getting up to QLD next week and re-connecting with my family and perhaps getting on the course and seeing if the lessons are going to pay some dividends.
