Category: Daily Life

Yesterday I went along to first lesson of a five week drumming course held by Michi Henning and Linda Nathan of Brisbane. A big crowd – about 20 of us, biggest class ever apparently, and lots of fun. Drumming just about non-stop for an hour and a half, at the end I felt like I’d had a real physical workout.

Michi teaches the traditional African beats and tells a bit of a story about when and where they are played, and what instruments are used. Yesterday we learned the Fankani which is a rhythm from Guinea and traditionally played as a welcome at many types of occasions. There are two parts, one is played with bass, tone and slap beats; the other just tone and slap. Sound great when played together simultaneously.

Went for a walk today with Mum, Liam, Mikaylah, Alyeisha and a few of the dogs. Felt really good to work up a bit of a sweat, it’s been a while since I’ve been on a good long walk.

I had fears that Ebby would misbehave terribly and pick fights with Mum’s dogs, but we took care to keep them apart and it didn’t seem to be a problem. Ebby did disgrace herself later though, when we got back to Mum & Dad’s place she decided to wee on the mat – twice!

When I got home, H was getting ready to mow the lawn. I postponed my shower and wandered around picking up fallen branches and the bigger twigs I could see lying on the ground so they wouldn’t get caught in the mower. A bit tired and sore now, but the lawn is looking good all cut.

Ten years ago I’d been a wife for four years, and had just been made redundant from twelve years of banking; my severance helped pay off the house and bought a new Mazda. Scored employment as a web designer which later evolved to admin manager.

Since then:

• hubby and I separated for 18 months, then got back together
• moved six times
• supported myself in home-based business
• studied Internet Communications for 12 months
• sold business, started working my present job
• switched my study to bookkeeping
• Dad diagnosed with leukaemia
• my brother expanded his family to seven kids
• Mum lost her mum 🙁
• my sister discovered her joy of reading, and blogging

In general the last decade had some troubled and unsettled times, but it has ended on a good note and I have sterling hopes for the next one. I can’t believe hubby and I will be turning 50 before the end of it!

My goals and hopes for the year ahead:

• complete my bookkeeping course before end of June 2010
• see or experience 12 new things through the year
• be thoroughly conversant in my current role at work
• have new job prospects with another not-for-profit group on the horizon
• hubby to get the transfer he wants
• family to stay safe and happy, Dad’s leukaemia remains stable
• amicably end my involvement with people and/or groups that drain my energy and enthusiasm
• get out of the house at least once a week (work doesn’t count)
• have a decent holiday (at least one week) with hubby
• actually go away on holiday somewhere with hubby – even just an overnighter

Wishing my beloved family and friends a splendid year, free of worries or doubts.

Wish I’d had my camera with me yesterday as I was driving to work. I saw an Australia Post postie delivering mail with a santa cap on her head 🙂

Jo and I caught the latest Twilight movie on Saturday – based on the second book in the series, New Moon. Kind of interesting vampires v. werewolves v. teen angst. Jo has all the books, kindly let me borrow the third in the series – Eclipse, because the movie left me wanting to know what happened next! Finished the book overnight, and now waiting to read the last book.

I wouldn’t say it is that good a story, the attraction I think is all the emotional stuff, the romance – it’s compelling and really hooks you in.

Looking forward to the next movies.

Hubby has been crook for the past few days, lots of coughing and congestion. He’s had a couple days off work, went into the doctor today and laryngitis was the verdict. No idea how he got it.