Hello 2010!!!

9 days into the New Year and this is my first post - not a gr8 start, Cathy!

Here's a brief run down of what we've been up to so far.

Drove out to Margy and Trev's at Wilton on New Year's Eve and spent the night all together celebrating Margy's 37th Birthday at Vaby's Restaurant at Picton with her, Trev, the kids, her Mum and Dad and brother, Don. Afterwards we drank Margy's home made sangria outside under the watch of the most magnificent blue moon, ate nibblies, chatted and laughed until around 11.30pm when we headed inside to catch the Sydney fireworks on telly. Happy New Year all!!! Off to bed and poor Miss 6 had a MASSIVE itchy bit down the back of her leg and scratched it relentlessly ALL night - needless to say that whilst I had no hangover to speak of on New Year's Day, I was severely sleep deprived!!! After b&e...compliments of Chef Trev, the kids had another play in the Taj Mahal (the kids monstrous cubby house) and then ducked in quickly next door for a dip in Margy's Mum's pool! Sare and I left at around 1pm I think, but were home by about 3. A different and lovely way to bring in the New Year this year. Thanks Margy and Trev. We had a blast!!!

So far this year money has been a little on the tight side, so we have been doing activities that don't require much cash...well Sarah and I have been - Miss 17 is all cashed up due to all her recent shifts at Nulla Nulla. In fact right now she and Jhi are at the Citigate in Sydney enjoying a hotel buffet breakfast after a night out on the town eating fine food and drinking cocktails! What a life!!! As for Sare and I...well we enjoyed an afternoon down at "Wiggle Bay" making sandcastles and playing in the park, an afternoon picnicing in Camellia Gardens with Dan, Bella, Leanne and Jofess (Joseph), and a gorgeous sun-filled day picnicking and swimming at Wottamolla in the National Park yesterday with Nanny and Grandad - although I managed to get myself sun burnt... It was a lovely day though (even though I kinda sorta broke my diet a little - thanks for the leftover brownies, Dim!!! NOT). Oh well, back on it again today!

At 7.14am on 7th Jan, Tracey gave birth to a new little addition to our family - Lincoln James Riddell, weighing a whopping 8lb14oz. We visited her last night at St George Private...gotta say he looks a LOT like his Daddy. Congrats Trace and Luke - your little boy is just gorgeous! My girls are stoked to have a new cousin ... well 2nd cousin...u know what I mean! LOL...

So far 2010 is shaping up to be a fine year. I have stopped smoking and drinking. I wish I could say that it is easy, but it is a daily struggle and find myself having mind conversations quite often. I will get there. I am determined not to let my vices beat me. I know how I want to be and I wont be dictated to by a packet of cigarettes and a bottle of wine! One day at a time.

I have already read one book this year - The Fantastic Mr Fox (in preparations to go see the movie which is out, with Miss 6), and I have started the first book in the True Blood series. I have also started my journal, and have put all of my paperwork and bills into order.... yay, just over a week into the year, and I am already checking all the resolution boxes!!! Browny points aplenty to one C.McLaren!!!

Anyways, I am off for now, but will be back to post again very soon. Til L8tr xxx