A thoughtful Dad

This morning I got up and came out to Breakfast and this is what I found at my place at the table.
My dad had been for a walk around the garden and seen this lovely red rose. I was so touched by the trouble he went to - wrapping it in wet tissue, folding it in alfoil and then tieing it with ribbon just like a gift. Such a kind and thoughtful act and it made my day.
Just a close up - and it had such a beautiful fragrance.

Yesterday my husband spoilt me also with a couple of bunches of flowers. He couldn't decide which where nicer so I ended up getting both.
We had a lovely day together. We had talked about going away for a few days, but decided that since we were planning a rather long trip away at the end of the year that we would save towards that, so we spent the day out, doing a little shopping, out for coffee, (check out the cup, most applicable for the day) we then headed off to see a movie "Old Dogs", and then last night we went out for dinner. We ended our day with a walk along the beach before coming home. We left home about 10am yesterday morning and got home about 9pm last night. Had a great opportunity to have a good chat and do some planning and set some goals for the year. Just a special day.
Thought I would share the last few cards I made at the end of December. A few of us got together for a card making day. These are just a couple of simple cards I made with left over scrapbooking supplies. Unfortunately, the photos aren't the best, but at least they are a record for me.
Finally I found this quiz on both Katie's and Sal's blog and thought I would participate in it also.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?


Called in the Union on a work issue and won.
Tore my Hamstring in my left leg.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?





Um I don't usually make new year resolutions, although one of the things I wanted to achieve in my life was more balance but that kind of went out of the window earlier in the year when I had to deal with some pretty bad work issues, and then I found it hard to get my motivation back.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?



The girl I work with gave birth to a darling daughter in September

4. Did anyone close to you die?



I lost my uncle.

5. What countries did you visit?



No where exciting last year- pretty much stayed put at home.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

To be Healthier, happier and looking forward to a wonderful holiday with my husband.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Jan - Family holiday at the Gold Coast.
31st Jan ( took early seperation from the Uni I had worked at for 15 years.)
6-7th Mar - USQ Farewell weekend in Toowoomba
6th April - when my work world turned upside down and I received another word for God that He was in control.
16th Sept - when I tore the hamstring in my leg and was bedridden for two weeks
20-22Nov great weekend away with my ex RLO work collegues
25th Dec - Chloe's overwhelming surprise, joy and gratitude at getting a car for Christmas
26th Dec - Enjoying a pedicure with my girls.
28-30th Dec - Family camping holiday at Corio Bay

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?



Having the courage to stand up for myself work wise
Dealing with the conflict and standing firm even when the going got tough.
Righting a wrong and having a win. It was also the most difficult thing I had to do.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not necessarily a failure, but I think I needed to trust God more, and it was a very emotional year for me. (Something new for me) but in regards to failing, I don't think you ever really fail if you learn from the experience and you grow from it.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Tore the hamstring in the back of my leg - this happened just before holidays and I spent the whole of my holidays laid up. Not a great way to spend your holidays.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Can't think of anything other than buying a car for Chloe. It was such a huge surprise for her and her reaction was priceless.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
We celebrated Chloe's 18th Birthday -
Very proud of all our kids - they are wonderful caring compassionate human beings. So blessed to be their Mum.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?



The Admin at my work disappointed me with their lack of caring and support.

14. Where did most of your money go?



Bills and cars and interest.

15. What did you get really excited about?
Surprising Chloe on Christmas Day - and having all my kids home for Christmas

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Clearview by "Starlight Theatre" just love their song which can be found here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGYJ35GA3RU

Have also enjoyed listening to "Casting Crowns" music this year.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you
Happier or sadder? Sadder this year - my work situation did not help and then a number of close friends have been diagnosed with Cancer and aren't doing too well.
Thinner or fatter? A few exra pounds but I am working on changing that in 2010.

Richer or poorer? Probably a little better off with the drop in interest rates this year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?



Spent more time focussing on the many blessings in my life, and spending more time with those people I love and cherish.
Trusting God more.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?



Feeling down and emotional about things that I could not change and had no control over.

20. How did you spend Christmas?





With my family at our place Wonderful day - always is when everyone is home.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?




I'm married to the love of my life and I love him more each year.

22. What was your favorite TV program?





I'm not a huge TV Watcher, but I don't mind watching programs like NCSI.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?


No....I don't hate anyone - I don't have time in my life to hate people.

24. What was the best book you read?





That is a hard one to say. LOved reading the "S" Series of books by Karen Kingsbury, also enjoyed reading some of "Gayle Roper's" books too.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?




Don't know that I really discovered anything new music wise. Love listening to anything by "Casting Crowns", "Third Day", also enjoyed listening to some of "Selah's" music this year.

26. What did you want and get?





new flash for my camera

27. What did you want and not get?





How sad is this, I cannot think of anything that I wanted and didn't get. Just feel very blessed with all that we have.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?




This is a hard one - haven't seen too many movies this year, but recently I was pleasantly surprised by seeing AVATAR in 3D. I would not have considered it a movie I would enjoy at all. In fact I only went because it was a family outing and the rest of the family wanted to go and see it so I was out numbered, In saying that though, I enjoyed it so much, that I have now seen it twice.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?



I was 52. I spent the day at a Professional Development SEminar - went to the doctors in the afternoon, and my appointment was running so late, that I had to ring Steve and Chloe and tell them that I would meet them at the restaurant. Steve and Chloe took me out for dinner, we hired "The Proposal" and went home and had a family movie night.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?





Not having to deal with all the work issues and having to go back and deal with some of the feelings that were involved in some abuse issues from 2006 and 2007. In saying that though, it has been a huge lesson in trusting God, and as much as I hated going through a lot of these trials this year, they have definately made me a stronger person especially in my christian faith, so for that I am thankful

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?


Skirts, tops and sandals

32. What kept you sane?





Jeremiah 29:11-13.
¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?


I am not a follower of celebrities or public figues. Personally I think a lot of their behaviour is appalling and leaves a lot to be desired. I am more inclined to look up to those who serve and care for others and are very humble. Thinking of some examples, would be my wonderful husband, my friend Ann, Kathy, Barb, Jenni, and my friend Maureen. These are people who have taught me life lessons just by observing how they deal with and treat others.

4. What political issue stirred you the most?





Emissions Trading and Global warming issues.

35. Who did you miss?



My big kids - didn't get to see them nearly as much as I would have like this year.

36. Who was the best new person you met?





How sad is this, that I cannot think of anyone off the top of my head.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.





Jeremiah 29:11-13.
God is bigger than any problem or situation you find yourself in.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.




Can't think of one at the moment .

It will be interesting to come back and look at this again in 12 months time. I wonder what will have changed and what my answers would be then.