Pages

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Family and Friends

It's been a big day.

Today my middle child Olivia turned 17. How did that happen? It was only a few moments ago she was born! We had a fun morning with crumpets and presents for breakfast. (our family tradition) and off to school and work! Olivia said that today was amazing - she deserves to have had an amazing birthday.  She does so many things to help me - always obliging. So much so that I have to remind myself not to take her for granted! (Actually always obliging EXCEPT when I ask her to tidy her room!)

Only a half day at work today because this afternoon I went to the funeral of the Mum my dear friend Denise. Eileen was a very kind, thoughtful, loving positive lady who approached everything in her life with grace and courage. I felt so sad to say goodbye to her. She was always pleased to see us and she and Denise's Dad invited us to their combined 80th party, 5 years ago. They asked Glenn then if when the time came, would he take their funerals. Yes of course he would, hoping that would be many years ahead in the future.
Sadly that time for both of them came this year, Denis in May and Eileen today. It felt surreal, we sat in the same church 3 months ago and it felt to so strange to be back there today. Too soon. I listened as Denise spoke about her parents - she was so brave. Far braver than she would believe herself to be. Denise and I have been friends for 16 years now. I am so blessed to have her as my friend.

We had extended family here for dinner tonight. It was a fun evening and I was reminded how lucky I am to have such a fabulous family. I was also mindful how lucky we were to be celebrating for a happy reason.

Something else incredible happened to me today. I got a text out of the blue this morning from a relatively new friend. It simply said : "thank you for being you and for being part of my life. I am grateful and humble to be part of yours"
This friend every Wednesday does things for others with no expectation of anything in return and appreciates the chance to be grateful for all that they have. What an amazing thing to do!

This text had a profound effect on me (it's been a day of tears). That someone would take the time to text that to me, or someone else is wonderful. It made my day and made me realise how grateful I am for my amazing Family and  for my amazing Friends (old and new).

It's the small things that matter isn't it! xx

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Rebuilding Christchurch by Dancing (and Singing)

I think, in our own way, all of us who live in Christchurch are doing our bit to rebuild our City. Whether it's checking in on our neighbours after a sizeable after shock or dumping of snow, or contributing to the Share an Idea for our city plan. Or even just committing to stay in Christchurch is an important part of rebuilding it. We need people to be living here as we rebuild our lives and the Government and Council rebuild our infrastucture! (Not sure the Government will spend money on us if no-one is planning to live here)

I wanted to be doing something specifically directed at helping Christchurch recover and move forward and so I jumped at the chance to join the Rebuild Christchurch Foundation. I came on as the Acting Chair in September 2011. I talked about Rebuild Christchurch in this post :)

On July 12th 2012, I officially became a Trustee. And at the AGM on Tuesday 24th July I officially became the Chair of the Board. What a proud moment! It's so amazing to part of a dedicated Team that puts the needs of the people of Christchurch at the forefront of their mission.

The Foundation has been on the ground helping those who need it most post quakes. It feels so good to be able to do something to help those most badly affected, when we have got off relatively lightly.

Last year we launched Project Christmas - This was what happened in our garage!
It was so much fun to organise and there was plenty of laughter and a few tears. I visited a family who had lost a family member in the February 2011 quake. I told my daughter Olivia that there might tears, and there were - they were mine!

We have started planning Project Christmas 2012 and to raise funds we are having a Dance and Charity Auction in October. Please think about coming along! And tell your friends to pass it on. Tickets available here! And I'll see you there :)

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Back to Business!

Shock! Horror!! Two posts in two days. I know - How amazing!

Now that I have your attention...
I re-launched my business blog tonight. It's been two years in the making but you know what they say - Good things take time!

So if you have a spare moment, head over here for a read... And let me know what you think :)

Monday, August 6, 2012

Educating Anthea in the Art of Blogging

My Niece Jenny is teaching me how to do more with my blogging. She is an amazing blogger - check her out   here! I have loved watching how her blog posts have become more innovative and I never miss her Wardrobe Wednesday and how to mix and match clothes you already have, to create new looks. I really missed it one week, when Jen was unable to post a Wardrobe Wednesday (I can hardly complain as she was visiting us all here in Christchurch).
The best part about following Jen's blog is being able to watch my Great-Nephew and Niece - Noah and Isabelle - grow up. Even though they live in Hastings and I just met Isabelle for the first time last month, it felt like I had always known her as I vicariously have watched her grow and blossom!
Isn't it great to always be able to learn something new - And Jenny is an amazing teacher and a wonderful mother, as you can see in her blog!
Thanks Jen - for educating your Aunty!! xx