Bit of Nostalgia

It was our 6th wedding anniversary on Friday - and at least we remembered this year.  Last year we remembered a week late.  I think it's because we've actually been together for 13 and 1/12 years and I always remember that anniversary in January.   Our exact day for getting married was governed by availability at the resort.  

A little background here for those who don't know - Bloss and I eloped to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.  Since it was second time round for both of us we didn't want a big fuss here in Australia and so we just went off on one of our many holidays and announced it when we got back.  We didn't tell a single soul (well except the the travel agent) so it came as a huge surprise to family and friends - probably lucky we both have sons as daughters might not have been so forgiving!

Anyway thought I'd share a few photos with you

This is us on our way to the ceremony The Bridal Party - our bridesmaid and bestman were a lovely couple from Dorset in England who we met in the bar the night before.  Up until that point we were going to have our two wedding planners from the resort (Rarotongan Beach Resort) as our witnesses.  We hadn't told anyone at the resort that we were getting married but a few drinks the night before loosened our tongues and Bernie and Carol were very excited to participate.  Bernie had never been a best man before.  They were madly packing to leave that night for US but Carol kept out pink shorts and top to match my dress!!  The other lady is our celebrant whose name I've forgotten but who was delightful. 

This is known as the loving tree - weddings are quite often conducted under it's branches.

Time for a champagne to celebrate!

On the beautiful beach

Bloss looking much more relaxed now!

So we went out for dinner on Friday and shared a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio then left the restaurant and headed to the Coffee Club for coffee and desert.  I had this wicked Irish Cream cheesecake but am pleased to say that I managed just less then half of it and then had had enough.  So weight still just holding steady this week - time to get back on track!

Other news from No 2 son is that as I think I said last week, he's off to Brazil next Sunday for two weeks to see his girlfriend, but after the two weeks he's bringing her back to Singapore with him.  Then in August/September at the end of the job they are coming back to Australia  - to Queensland first then to Perth.  Only problem is that depending on timing - we might miss them as we're off to Europe on 9 September.  Damn!!  Have told Clive that if that's the case - I'll jump on a plan to Perth in November.  Although there is a possibility that they will be here for Christmas. So exciting times for Clivey boy - I'm so happy for him.

Righty ho folks - that's the news for this week as well as a trip down memory lane.  Must get out of bed now - lol!!

Love

Z xx

What's new?

The answer is not much but thought I'd put up a quick post so you would all know I'm alive and kicking.

Actually not kicking much today - am at home sick - had a dreadful night - headache, nausea etc. Got up this morning intending to go to work but made it as far as the shower before deciding I felt too awful.  Went back to bed and crashed for about 4 hours - awake now and managed a couple of hot drinks but not interested in anything else.  Still a bit headachey.  Need to get myself moving later though as I have a hairdressing appointment - which has been planned to get the timing right for colour, perm and foils so don't really want to get that all out of sync.

Had a lovely Mothers Day.  Started with a delivery of flowers at 9am - beautiful lilies - cream with a pink throat - a scent to die for - from No 2 son in Singapore.  He 'skyped' me later in the afternoon too.  No 1 son and family arrived in late morning with a 'small' box of choccies - they know me well and a voucher showing a donation to Breast Cancer research - clever thoughtful lady my daughter in law! Then they took Bloss and I to the local pub for lunch and my D in L and I shared a bottle of champagne - went straight to my head as the first alcohol for about 8 weeks.

Busy week just gone by at work but nothing of major import to report.  The weekend past was also quiet - Bloss and I decided to have a bottle (or two) of wine on Saturday night with tea.  Not a good idea as I'd once again been dry since Mother's Day so woke up with a nasty head on Sunday morning - I'll just stick to Lime and Soda or Diet Pepsi for the time being I think!

Had a small loss week before last but holding steady this week.  Added a nice holiday countdown thingy to my blog - I just love wallowing in the anticipation!!

Have a great week possums

Love Z xx

the coundown thingy isn't working - I'm looking for another one now

Not Quite as Planned

Update

Too right it isn't as planned - had a feeling there was something else I had to share but couldn't think what -  it was this....

Thanks Anne for this award (private blog so you can only link if you've been invited)

The rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog 2. Write 5 things you are passionate about apart from blogging. 3. Tag 5 people on your list and let them know you tagged them. What am I passionate about? 1. Bloss - he drives me crazy sometimes (as I do him) but we have a wonderful life together with so many shared pleasures

2. My fabulous sons and grandsons and my delightful daughter in law - I'm so fortunate to have them living reasonably close and so I get to see them often.  And as you all know No 2 son just lobs in from time to time and brightens everyone's day!

3. Life - it is without doubt the greatest gift we are ever given and I try my damnedest to enjoy and treasure every moment that I have

4. No surprise this one - travelling and exploring this wonderful world we live in and meeting people from the many wondrous nationalities and cultures it comprises.

5. My job - I am very fortunate to be doing something I love with a great bunch of people.

I could go on - but on reflection, No 3 covers it for me.

The 5 I'm tagging:

Lainey - who introduced herself to me very soon after I started blogging and who I hope I will finally manage to meet this trip to Scotland

Julie - can't exactly remember how we got together but I'm sure we were sisters in a past life

Leanne  - who I spent a delightful evening with when we visited NZ year before last 

and the two Marias :

Foody Maria (her blog is Foodie Wanderings) - a lady who has had her fair share of ups and downs these past couple of years but who always manages to stay smiling and positive

Arty Maria (her talent is just incredible) - funny one this we 'met' in blogland because a guy in US left a comment on my blog one day so I went to his site and saw the link to Maria's blog there so followed that and discovered Maria who actually only lives just over half an hour's drive from me and who brings her dogs to the beach just down from our place.  We haven't managed to meet yet but it will happen one day I'm sure.

Made it to the hairdressers on Monday night - we experimented with a slightly different shade for the base colour and the plan was to have a series of chocolate coloured foils through the front. However the colour didn't come through as dark as we wanted so we'll have another go in a couple of weeks. But here's what I've got so far!

  

Rob does the 'flicky out' thing beautifully but even though I always try the next day it just doesn't work for me but happy with it anyway.

Not really much else to report this week - the count to ten pile is holding steady - it had had quite a decent increase last weekend but wobbled for a few days during the week but back to where it was. The concert was absolutely brilliant - a great entertainer - and gee he certainly is his father's son.  Actually we saw his father in the same venue many many years ago and it was one of the best concerts we've ever been to. 

Work still very busy but incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.  Going to work tomorrow even though it's a public holiday - my choice.  All this gadding around the globe that we do means I have to be very thrifty with holidays and I just hate taking a days leave when I'm at home.  I need one day before we fly out to finish packing, take Zanna to the kennels etc. and then we get back on a Tuesday and I don't want to start work until the following Monday.  And like I said I don't want to use up annual leave unpacking and doing the washing!!!  So what I do is work a few public holidays and take those days in lieu.

We've paid for just over half the trip this month - the balance next month so means that by the time we go we've almost forgotten how much it cost!  Mind you I think we've got some fantastic deals - included are - 

• our return flights from home to Brisbane
• return flights from Brisbane to Europe (including airport transfers)
• flight from Frankfurt to Edinburgh
• flight from Glasgow to London
• 3 nights accommodation in Frankfurt before we pick up the tour
• 15 day tour which includes all breakfasts, 6 dinners and of course accommodation (and porterage and gratuities)
• and 2 nights accommodation in Hong Kong

All this is costing just under $4,500 each - considering a long weekend in Sydney would have cost us at least $1500 each, I reckon this is fantastic for five weeks - we are lucky though in that there's 12 nights free accommodation when we're at Mum's.

No 2 son still in Singapore - we've been 'skyping' a few times - gee it's improving all the time.  I used to skype my sister and it would be either really good or bloody hopeless but each time I've spoken to Clive it has been like he's been sitting in the earpiece of the phone!!  He uses a headset and if he fiddles with it when he talks it can cut in and out but I have one of the cheap VOIP phones I bought on EBay for $20 which plugs into a USB port and it works a dream.

Anyway that's it for me for the week - hope you're all having a good one.  Take care lovelies!

Z xx