Yay its finally here!

This cute picture is courtesy of the folding talents of Richard and the Photography of Katherine here at Marker such creative people I get to work with.

Yeah for Christmas time

OK so any one who knows me knows I love Christmas time, I love that it reminds me to tell everyone how special they are to me, I love that it gets me motivated to do some charity, I love love love all the food, because I am lucky enough to live in the southern hemisphere I love that it brings with it summer and best of all I love all the little extra things that come with it. I thought I would list some of the Christmassy things I have done this silly season.

Put my Christmas tree up on the 1st.

Collected money for the Leukemia and Blood foundation along the Auckland Santa Parade.

Walked up Franklin road in Auckland where all the houses decorate themselves with elaborate light displays.

Sat and watched the Telecom Christmas tree light display and called Santa to put in a wish or too.

Attended the Christmas in the park free concert and sang my heart out to a few carols.

Have been listening to my now 21 CD collection of Christmas music. Although Boney M, Mariah Carey and Jackson 5 are still all favs.

Have been having a cup of Christmas tea from Twinings or Holiday tea from Harneys most days.

Made a batch of white christmas for workmates and a batch of gingerbread men.

Have been burning my Christmas aromatherapy oil from absolute essentials - smells so warm and inviting.

Have been to 4 Christmas parties so far with 2 to go.

Went along to Christmas wonderland where they had over 150 decorated trees - so amazing and you weren't allowed to take photos so I can't even show what it looked like.

Visited the animated mice windows at Smith and Caugheys department store.

Visited the new face lifted giant santa and his reindeer on the Whitcoulls building.

Watched the new 3d version of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol".

Read a book of celebrities favourite Christmas memories.

Have eaten so far, a mince pie, some fruit cake, a candy cane, shortbread, getting the theme mostly the sweets.

Elfed myself. I mean who hasn't its so much fun.

Participated in 2 secret santas.

Can't wait for tomorrow and Friday.

Hope everyone has an amazing Christmas and a super dooper new year.
Lots a love
Tanya xx

December

So as always I am a sporadic blogger but I am sure you can all understand what its like at this time of year when you get more social and the spare hours for reflection dwindle to nothing. Below is my usual list of whats been happening.

So first up my happiest achievement is that I have made it almost halfway on my weightloss reaching 20 kilos this month - my goal next year is to enter the healthy life awards and hopefully make it into the magazine to make all the hard work worthwhile.

I had the chance to go and see a lecture by the Dalai Lama which was nice at this time of year as he reminded everyone about forgiveness, peace and hope. I then went to a concert to raise awareness about climate change and to prompt our PM to go to the summit, which seemed to have a little sway as he ended up going so good result and my fav NZ band Op Shop performed. Best part was it was in the park outside my window. I then went for my third performance of the day to NZ ballets production of Peter Pan which was a little disappointing bar the amazing set designs.

Steve and Mike took me out for a Christmas dinner at the French bistro Pastis which I had the best Creme Brulee I think I have ever had.

Saw the movie version of one of my bookclubs most loved books Time travellors wife and really enjoyed it, yes for all the die hards it missed alot out but I think it had the essence of the book and I cried so worked on me.

Got up really early and decorated my sisters work gate with balloons for her birthday - a birthday that keeps on going as we then had drinks on the weekend and will go to the big day out in January nothing like a month long birthday to celebrate the last year of her 20's.

Had dinner at the best smorgasboard I have ever experienced as you choose your stirfry ingredients and toppings and then go to a giant hot plate where the chefs work their magic and cook it for you - love the individual tailoring of it.

This month I have been out for dinner almost everynight which is great I am very lucky to have so many great friends.

Lastly went to a cabaret called the Sexy recession which was made up of many small acts including, poets, singers, rope dancers, hoop dancers, burlesque, strippers, tap dancers, ballet and so on - was extremely creative and a great last performance for 2009.

My next adventure is Vanuatu where I head for 8 days on Boxing day. Bring on the sun and beach.

hangovers on a workday = miserable

We had our annual Client end of year party last night and I am now sitting at work trying hard not to be sick and remembering why I have never been a drinker, I couldn't even have a sleep in as my park out my window decided 6am was a good time to start the monthly mowing. Oh can you hear the violins playing.

tiddbits

So little bits of what I have been up to.

100gms off 20 kilos loss - so close to halfway now

have made super walks the norm so doing 10km minimum everyday including some very nice scenic walks around the bays and up in the Waitakere ranges

Went for a mad clothing shop at the country road sale and bought a hat, sneakers, and two summer tops

Booked my trip to Vanuatu over New Years - 30 days to go (not that I am counting

Met a lovely guy over from Italy and did the tour guide, Auckland ambassador thing (not hard when they are cute)

Watched lots of vids, favourite of which was All about Steve love Sandra Bullock

Learnt all about our CRM Salesforce on a 4 day course and came away buzzing with ideas - Is it a sign your getting old and boring when databases get you fired up

Went to the last design assembly of the year and almost won a $100 diary say almost as my colleague forgot her BCs so I crossed out my name on one of mine and wrote hers and murphys law that was the one chosen, also learnt about all the amazing stuff happening in the mobile world the new barcodes are very cool

Saw new moon - can't wait to see again

Went to my friends jewellery exhibition for her year end at Hungry Creek art school - some neat work coming into the design world - can't wait till it is able to be purchased

Finally went to see the unveiling of our lovely giant santa in Queen street as he has had a bit of a bad rep for looking a little on the creepy side for the last few years but now he has friends and a new face.

Youtube video of Santa

New Moon

In May this year I read all the twilight books and for the first time in ages was totally consumed — so much so that when I had finished book two at 9pm at night I looked around for a bookstore open late and went to it and bought the next one, came home and continued reading. I had the biggest black shadows from lack of sleep for a two week period I have ever had. I then proceeded to pass on my passion to all my fellow bookclubbers.

My friend Amy was as equally enamored as me so I am happy to say that we both went along to opening night of the second movie “New moon” and it was amazing — leagues ahead of the first movie which I was not a huge fan of this one the cinematography was better, the costumes were better, the dialogue, the acting, the makeup, the soundtrack everything was fantastic.

We both came away totally buzzing. So all you romantics out there get out and see it. Oh and there is lots of eye candy for gals as well with an extremely buff Jacob.
New Moon Trailer

photoshoot

So as a manager I had to have my pic taken for a company brochure being printed and I think this is the first photoshoot I have had since I was in primary school, had forgotten how little fun they are but am happy with the pics they are true to life atleast (a little more flattering wouldn't have hurt) I have even resisted the temptation to airbrush.

happenings

Had an amazing day on Saturday wining, dining and bookshopping with friends, found one of my all time favourite novels Hunting and Gathering for $2

Sunday had a hangover from said wining and dining (Black Zambuca shots need I say more) but still managed to drag myself out with my mum to the patchwork quilt awards

Monday discovered a new TV show to watch called eastwick filling the charmed, sex in the city girlie gap for me

Tuesday had bookclub and realised my book reading needs to pick up as 1 book a month is not enough

Wednesday went for an amazing walk along the beaches from Takapuna to Milford and then went and saw the interesting movie Imagination of Dr Parnassus or something like that. Wasn't as good as I was hopping as did look at my watch midway but some nice visuals and kinda good story line. Oh and Johnny Depp that is reason enough for me to see something.

Memory

When I was just a wee little whipper snapper (about 5) I used to sit in front of my mums record player (yes I am old) and listen to Elaine Pages record stages. I loved the song memory and listened to it over and over again so much so that 25 years later when I heard she was coming to NZ I couldn't miss out on seeing her and I wasn't disappointed she was amazing. Yes before you ask I was very much one of only about 5 people in the sold out theatre with non grey hair. You can imagine my being upset when her last song was sung and no memory had departed her lips – but wait then the encore and my song and it was sooo good I cried and the audience gave her a standing ovation.

Guy Fawkes 2009

I really do love the kiwi spirit that even though every year it rains on Guy Fawkes we all still get out and light our fireworks. I went to my favourite seller this year Wah Lees to get some big ones and I chose them entirely based on their names such as Whaling witch, Pharoah, Jade Garden, Fujiyama and even a family of very funny characters. All in all a good night even with the slightly long slideshow of my mums adventures over the last 3 months.

Melbourne cup winner or not

I managed to come second in my work sweepstake and win one of my TAB bets but at this stage think I have actually only broken even - still the thrill of picking 2 winners is great.

Thanks Crimescene and Shocking

Its great to be a woman

Last night I went along to a charity event for the Max Womens Foundation and it was so much fun, we were greeted with bubbles and canapes and then got to watch a catwalk show of the summer max collection. Then were spoilt rotten by goodie bags filled with chocolates, chips, jewellery and magazines to name a few.

Last but not least the movie, my sisters keeper which had us all blubbering most of the way. Having read the book I was pleasently happy to find the changes they made didn't hurt the story and the casting was spot on. A fantastic book and a heart wrenching movie.

Oh and here are a few funny pics of me running.

Rose gardens, halloween and marathons

What a great weekend. Started it off on Friday with an art opening and then watched my friend Gregs heavy metal band Manfred Manslaughter play at Whammy - he is very talented but no amount of talent is ever going to get me into that genre of music, however fun on the odd occasion. Then finally after years of planning to go I can say I have been to the Parnell Festival of roses and it was really wonderful, I had no idea how many varieties existed and who knew there was such a thing as a purple rose.

Then later that night I went round to a friends to watch the kids trick or treat, she had even made a trick box full of oily spaghetti that they had to put their hands into - the squeals were very funny.

Lastly I completed my first Quarter marathon and thanks to the super technology of skins I managed to run further than I ever have before. I timed myself way back in June when I started training and it took me 2 hours and 10 minutesto complete the 10.5km course so was sooooo happy today when I bet that by 43 minutes. I have decided that next year I am going to train for the half marathon as try as I might to pretend I hate all sport and exercise I actually quite enjoy running.

This is it!

wow what an amazing man Michael Jackson is. I just watched the last film of his rehearsals and it was amazing he is such an incredible dancer, singer, creator and man. He really made me think about the bigger picture of the unhappiness around me and the damage we do as individuals to each other and the world. Thanks Michael for reminding me that we are each important and that it is up to us to make the change.

"...Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me..."

I would encourage everyone to go and see it. 

Ruakaka suite plastic

So work has been getting me down of late so I decided I needed a break and lucky for me popped Labour Weekend, now you would think in a country obsessed with bachs and camping that planning 6 weeks in advance would be plenty to find a place to stay but let me tell you it is a gruelling task and the worst part the online sites say rejected with a big red cross instead of a much nicer the place is not available so after 50 red crosses I was starting to feel a bit down. Luckily as I was about to give up andreside myself to the idea of being stuck in town a place came available.

So in the car Leanne and I headed up north to a beachside town called Ruakaka. We had no idea what to expect of the place and were surprised to say the least when we arrived. Firstly it was on top of a hill and had the most amazing views ever. Secondly we were given champagne and chocolates on arrival.

And last but not least was the contents of this bach which is hard to explain but I will do my best. Every door and window had a balaniese  carving over it, every surface had some ornament or two or three and every ornament seemed to have several parts to it. Just when you thought you had noticed everything something else would appear. They also wrapped almost everything in fairy lights of different shapes and colours. We loved the bed which was a mattress in the hollowed out base of a water bed with lace trimmed sheets and alter. The place even came with pay TV and recent pirated DVDs. What more could you ask for.

Now if you are thinking that was enough - wait - was we also had two cats one black with no fur and looked very scary like a miniature panther and I am sure was blind as never made eye contact and the other a cream fluff ball who came in for water and left twice a day.

Now for those of you out there obsessesd with clean windows head my warning. I decided to clean them (I know weird for someone on holiday and not in there own place) as the dirt was obstructing my view. Only to have a bird fly straight into them later that day and almost die from concussion - sorry birdie.

I have included a pic of my friend leanne as she cracks me up - everytime we go north and drive past a certain beach she can't stop laughing, no matter how many times she sees the sign. The beach is called Uratiti. This beach is also next to Waipu. Ah the joy of english sounds to Maori names.

To top off a great weekend of hangin on the beach, reading books, gossiping with the girls and cuddling with new born babies we also stopped for a coffee on the way home and won a $50 petrol voucher from  radio station.

Funny how the world works

I was questioning why I was at work today and at 10am found out because Katherines mum was sending a special delivery of cream horns and Afghans. What a great start to a Friday.

8:45am and only three people at work

I find myself wondering why I am one of those three and not one of the ones elsewhere.

I am off to Ruakaka for the long weekend and I can't wait after a grueling hunt for a bach to stay in over 5 weeks it is nice to finally have a destination. I don't even mind if it is cold and rainy as I am just happy to be getting away.

I even made a mixed CD for the drive, Oh so retro.

cowboys and indians

Went along to my friend Melissa's dads 60th party and had an amazing time almost non stop danced to country and western music the whole night (still not a convert) some of the costumes were amazing we had an almost scarily authentic Wyatt Earp, a great Lone Ranger, a fabulous Indian chief, a Dolly Parton even I had trouble not staring at the boobs of and many other cowboys and Indians. Kiwis love a good dressup and when the whole crew get involved it makes the night so much more special. Plus how many parties can you wear ugg boots and a sack and its 100% appropriate.

Happy Birthday Mike (The Sheriff) - thanks for such a great night.

ATC Reunion 1991-1995

My friend Leanne and I went along to the 50 year anniversary of 6 Squadron at Whenuapai Air base and it was alot of fun catching up with the guys and gals we did Air Training Corps with many moons ago and reminiscing some fun stories(we were all hormone fueled teenagers back then after all)