Christmas Letter 2011

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!  I am so so late with my Christmas Cards that I've decided to post my normal letter up here - and perhaps send the actual card later to save me a bunch of stress... SO here goes....

Its the end of the school year, everyone is exhausted and I look back wondering where on earth the time has gone. I’d meant to get this done so much earlier than I did - but well.. you know..

I’ve worked a full time contract at the school Morgan and Lilly go to - and its been a real blessing. Last year was full of very early morning starts - the kids being dropped at school early and having to hang about till I got there after driving however far I had to go. Although last year I worked fairly much consistently throughout the year, I had a few days here; a week there - between contracts to cool my heels and get ‘stuff done’ - including my writing.  Its a bit of a shock to the system -  its the first time I’ve worked in a paid role full time for an extended amount of time since having the kids.  Intermix this with my attempt to continue my short story writing and collaborative writing projects  as well as ( yes I have “SUCKER” tattooed to my head) me starting as leader with Joeys ( the tiny scouts) - leaving very little time to do much else. Its been good  be in the same area and for times when kids are ill - been able to get to them within moments of a call. I’ve worked in special needs across the college - with classes from year 1 through to year 9 .There has been some interesting and challenging times; but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

 This year, Morgan and Lilly have: been to dance classes; competed and performed (they have won a number of trophies and were awarded the perpetual trophy for their studio this year)  played AFL for the whole season ( Lilly even played at the Gabba twice in the half time matches for the Lions) play a juniors style basketball, love Scouts ( and all the camps and outings they do) go to Karate (though not as regularly as they do the other activities) as well as did really well (As and Bs) with their school reports.  They’ve lost teeth and grown inches.

Age has stayed with Energex, but the whole company has shifted to a new premises, making his journey to work a very long and arduous affair.  He has moved roles and now works in Risk.  Adrian’s health continues to be a concern,but with careful monitoring, he manages it masterfully and is still able to work full time; even been able to negotiate a day a week from home. I continue to be the main driver and love our little Hyundai.

So blessed with the amount of travelling we have been able to do this year - all due to my full time job - money well spent as far as I am concerned. We went to Vanuatu last Christmas holidays, experiencing the five star and the village lifestyles whilst there. Highlights were defiantly the volcano and the incredible snorkelling trips we did all round the coastlines.  Easter saw us heading to the traditional camping spot at my parents property, bringing friends and relatives together for a heap of dirty wholesome fun. June holidays saw the kids and I drive up to Longreach to visit my sister Julie and her tribe; once again, bringing the country life to Morgan and Lilly. September holidays seemed to flash by with us spending the entire two weeks in New Zealand, tucked away in a chalet on the Coromandel Peninsula. Highlights involved the bubbling mud at Rotarua, speedy carts at Rotarua ( just about everything at Rotarua actually) big walks and hot sands at the (more bubbling stuff) Hot Water Beach.  Weekends through the year have been filled with AFL matches, Dance competitions or practices and scouting stuff. Age and I did manage to escape for a weekend to Sydney to celebrate our 18th Wedding anniv. (eek!!)

The floods throughout Queensland took our breath away as we watch icons of our state and city engulfed by the swirling torreds of mud. I cried buckets of tears for those lost and like many, sat glued to the live TV and internet watching it unfold. Although tragedy didn’t touch our immediate family, the waters came very close to loved ones homes; and many of the people I work with lost their entire homes and possessions.

Although I don’t feel as if I have had much success, looking back on my writing, I’ve been internationally published in a number of anthologies this year and invited to write regular columns for a variety of cutting edge sites. I have nominations for my science fiction short stories for the Aurealis Awards (its a big deal) as well - now THATS a bit exciting. My regular short stories, however, have screeched to a halt and I am feeling their absence immensely.  My novel languishes on my hard drive and paints are slowly drying up in the shelf.

I treated myself to bike hire for a weekend to Byron in August with the excuse of going to a writers festival. The festival itself was a boost of inspiration - but the riding I did made me long to be mistress of two wheels so badly, I am near to tears thinking about it now. All seasons for things, so I understand I need to be patient.  I’ve turned into such a big girls blouse about some things (esp when the kids are up on stage - I am an embarrassment)  

I’ve enjoyed catching up with all you lovely folk on Facebook, checking out photos as they appear and connecting - albeit briefly on skype or chat. Its the only way I seem to be able to see most of you..

Next year sees me full time teaching work in special needs again next year - at the kids school - so fortunate!

Best sign off - wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season. Stay safe. 

Hugs Annie and the rest of the Evetts.

If You Give a Mouse a Motorcycle

I'm looking for funny, simple poetry for Morgan to recite.. I found this - its a bit long - but it made me laugh..

If You Give a Mouse a Motorcycle  by Kenn Nesbitt

If you give a mouse a motorcycle, don't be too surprised if he starts behaving strangely once he knows he's motorized. He may act a bit bizarrely. He may dress a little weird. He might buy a leather jacket and then grow a honkin' beard. When he straps a helmet on his head and boots upon his feet, then you'll see him pop a wheelie and go racing down the street. Pretty soon he'll find he's fond of doing motorcycle tricks. He'll be jumping over cars and trucks and buses just for kicks. He'll start working at the circus where he'll take away your breath as he rides with other rodents in the flaming cage of death. When he accidentally crashes he'll have no more fun and games; just the screech of twisting metal as his bike explodes in flames. And without his motorcycle he'll be fired from his job. He'll become depressed and lonely and a sad and smelly slob. And the only way to save him from this misery and pain is to buy another motorbike so he can start again. So remember this advice: Don't even trust him with your keys. If you need to give a mouse a gift, it's best to stick with cheese.

back to work back to the grindstone

I know loads of families do it - but I am really struggling with the whole full time work and juggling life around it.

Its nearing the end of my second week full time as a teacher at the College Morgan and Lilly go to.  I am in the Middle school section - so the high school part - and away from them - but its got alot going for it as far as convenience.

The teachers in my team are really relaxed and supportive - so really I couldn't ask for a better place to land.  The Teacher- aid rocks - so knowledgable and fantastic with the kids.

I'd kinda forgotten about the myriad of meetings and after school staff things - something as a contractor or relief you don't do; but have been fortunate so far that the kids are happy to hang out at school and wait for me.

So - its back into our mad world - Mondays is dancing - we are at a different studio this year - simply as the times suit the best.  Morgan loves his hip Hop teacher and the class.  My heart squeezes when I peep in to see him fully involved, smiling and jumping around.  His shiny smily face afterwards is all the answer I need.  Lilly just dances everywhere - so loves whoever she is with!  Best of all - the studio is only 10 mins up the road - rather than the 40 mins the other one was.
Tuesdays is karate night - Age has decided he will pick the kids up after class and I will either walk home or get a lift home after class. It lets the kids get to bed at a decent hour that way.
Wednesdays is AFL training.
Thursdays is Joey scouts - and muggins here has volunteered to be a leader.
Fridays is karate.
Saturday mornings are AFL matches.  Thankfully the kids are still too young to have to travel to games - thats next year - so not looking forward to that one.

I have staff meetings at 7.50 am on Wed morning, till 4.30 on Wed afternoon and one onTuesday arvo till 4.30 as well.

shheeesh.

I've been capturing my life every day with a photo - using the 365 days in photos challenge - and posting them over at Art By Annie

one day - when I get time, I might start to sketch again.. ba h aha ha.

Age is well. On a new medication which has made him a bit fuzzy and dizzy but hopefully has some good results in the shrinkage of the tumour. It has a few side affects we are looking out for - swelling of brain and the like - but so far so good.  One of the down sides is that he needs to take it strictly every 4 hours - so I am on the 1 am patrol to ensure he takes it then.  I am usually up - so its not a problem.

I have made a commitment to post once a week.. we will see how that goes huh?