2008 was a tough one. Resolutions revolved around making 09 a little less crap. Did we succeed?
A difficult start to the year. Bashed the car on Jan 2nd. Insurance were assholes with the repairs. Car lasted a month before going back and having the job done properly. The onus is on us to do the chasing and negotiating. Why the fuck am I paying my premiums?
Moved home in Feb. Some say there’s no place like it. Big garden, small house, nice neighbours, close to amenities, Em’s happy, kids are thrilled. Job well done.
Jack took up rugby in Term 2. Rough and tumble, but no broken bones. He won some awards and met the Crusaders. This year is a toss up between codes. Rugby or Footy? Still to be decided.
Bella started horse riding. A great experience. Included kitting up, grooming and caring for the beasts. Then she decided she wanted a rabbit rather than a pony. “Billy Jazz Matthews” introduced to the family in July. Family loves him. He hates me. The only rabbit I’ve ever heard growl…
Millie started kindergarten. Loved every moment. New teachers still don’t remember her name? She doesn’t mind – she’s made friends with everyone else (except the boys of course).
Lulu saw the year through in leaps and bounds. Went from crawling to cruising to walking to running and there’s no stopping her. Started speaking her mind toward the end. Thoughts revolve around food, knock knock jokes and Dora.
Em kicked off with a sponsored 12km run in March. 1:17:30 was her finish time. Aims to shave 10 minutes of that in 3 months. Had her first earthquake in July, queue panicked text messages received from UK amid reports of tsunami warnings. Then she really picked up the slack when I was out of work. Pulled double and triple shifts for nearly 3 months. Saw us through our most difficult patch. Can’t express how proud I am of my wife.
Personal journey was a short one. Cruised until October. Then employers sold the business from right under me. Three months of job hunting. Was the 1 of 80 who filled my position in the end. New employers are solid. Benefits are grand. Happy to land on my feet.
In other news, one brother returned from England, then moved to Hamilton (trading down much?). Another left from Blighty to be with bride to be. Pop had a stroke in August. Long road to recovery still ongoing. Family pray for him every day. Now we pray for peace of mind and spirit. Dad started out recovering from major back op. Nerves in legs still tickled, but at least he no longer needs support. Big brother Alex visited with nephew Louis in July. In-laws invaded in November for 3 month occupation. All are welcome and company has been greatly enjoyed.
The year finished as it started, with the car off the road. This time it’s a blown head. A new engine is the likely outcome. Significant costs make this a long-term project. But we’re blessed with friends with big hearts and spare cars.
We wanted oh nine to be better than the year before. We succeeded. New Zealand is now a place we can call home – as long as Em’s residency is accepted…
Twenty ten significantly commemorates 10 years for Em and I together. So my goal this year is to pour favours of love on my beautiful wife. Every day at a time.
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