Christmas and the year to come

y oh my, where does the time go? I have been so busy with Christmas that I've barely had the time to write anything. So far it's been an enjoyable Christmas and we've found some great family moments to enjoy with our new Wii games. I even played Super Mario for a while yesterday. We love the Beatles Rock Band game, though. Maybe the music doesn't quite have the same appeal to all, but it's fairly easy to learn and I like the vocal element. We recieved a gift certificate to Amazon so I've ordered Rock Band (for a different selection of songs) and also a dance game which we hope everyone will enjoy. DS has discovered quite a talent for drumming so perhaps he'll take it up for real one day.

This morning we had a real treat. DD1's Christmas gift to the family arrived. It was a large Edible Arrangement for us all to share. It was good! Chocolate-covered and plain cut fruits, all in a basket, like a bouquet of flowers. Everyone has enjoyed nibbling on it on and off all day. What a lovely and different gift.

We're planning another party for New Year's Day, as we have each year since January 2007. I'm looking forward to it and I'll no doubt be busy getting it all ready in a day or two.

In addition we're planning a big party for DD1's "Sweet Sixteen" in January. It wasn't really intended to be a huge party but we are going to have a hypnotist to entertain the kids - he's very popular with the teenagers and puts on a great show, apparently. He also lives locally and hopefully will be able to come whatever the weather. Unfortunately DD1 has big ideas about decorations and invitations which will far exceed our budget for this party, so it remains to be seen how that will work out, but we need to send the invitations early in the new year. Along with being about to turn 16 DD1 has certain expectations pertaining to her wishing to learn how to drive but if she wants a vehicle with a bow on it for her birthday, she'd better be looking for a Matchbox car!

2010 will bring several more changes and some will be quite drastic. Firstly, the pastor at our church is retiring at the end of January and because I am the church secretary, his leaving will affect me quite considerably. The interim replacement pastor will arrive on Feb 1st and then we'll find out whether or not we'll be able to work together. Also, it's possible that I'll become something of a grass-widow later in the year so I hope to find some new activities and interests and learn how to remain sane! More about all that at a later date.

I do hope to be visiting England again in 2010 but not sure exactly when - I'm hoping for the end of May and into June. It also turns out that an old friend is going to be appearing in a lead role in La Cage aux Folles on Broadway in 2010 and so some of us will try to go and see him. Quite exciting really because although I've seen him on television, I've never seen him in anything on stage since school! I guess my travel plans will also have to be worked around that.

DD2 and I have planned a February trip to a local theater to see the Cirque du Soleil show "Imagination" for a birthday treat. Not as expensive as a Broadway show, but it will be fun.

I'm rather looking forward to the new year. A new start, new beginnings, a new chapter in my life and I think that the changes will be refreshing.

Happy New Year!