7.30am, Christmas Eve - Central Market, Adelaide

Saturday afternoon achievement

Hello, its Dan, yes me. I don't normally write on this blog, but I am now. Becks is cleaning and being domestic whilst I am sitting on my skinny backside being creative. The picture below is of our new home in its full colours, all very exciting. Have a good Xmas.

Dan

Wow, what a year... we're shattered!

So, we're nearing the end of 2007 and what a year it has been!

I must say that both Dan and I are really looking forward to some time off together over the Christmas period. We are both absolutely shattered and I can only presume it is 2007 catching up with us!

Dan finishes work for the holidays today and has his whole organisation Christmas lunch at the National Wine Centre. His team lunch was a D'Arenburg winery in the McLaren Vale - I'm sensing a theme here... Dan has had a busy 6 months in his new job and has faced several frustrations but seems to be settling in and doing his thing.

A slightly different story for me. I have resigned from my job in local government. After just 6 months in the role, I have decided it isn't for me. I've faced many frustrations (which I won't bore you with) and for my own professional development (and personal sanity) I think that it wasn't really going anywhere. I could sit tight and go along with it but I just wouldn't get the satisfaction I like to get out of work. Watch out state government, here I come! I start a new job at the end of January so let's see how that one goes!

So it's been a bit of a 'funny' time recently. It's a bit strange that Christmas is next week because we haven't really got around to thinking about it yet! We've decided not to have a tree this year (bah-humbug!) as it just seems more hassle than it's worth! Honestly, we are that shattered! Christmas day itself is going to be very laid back - just us, the beach, and a bottle of champers!

The land purchase is still going through. We visit it every couple of weeks and things constantly change. It's so exciting to watch a patch of mud turn into a cul-de-sac with a road, kerbs, and drive way entrances! This week we've signed a contract to build a house (very very exciting) so once we officially have the land and planning permission from the local Council it will be all go. We aim to be in the new house by Christmas next year so fingers crossed. Then we will definitely have a big tree and a party at ours!

This morning it started to rain and it hasn't stopped all day. I guess when all the rain for the last three months (minus a few short showers) comes down in one day it's gonna be a heavy downpour! Funny that the drains don't seem to work properly so everywhere floods and there are streams down the street!

After work (yes, I'm typing from work) myself and three other English girls from work are off to Glenelg where there is a live link up with GMTV! We hope the sun will be shining by then so we at least look like we're basking in the Australian sun! Very strange to think of everyone in England watching on a cold December morning!

Anyway, thanks for reading this year. I will keep this blog going in 2008 as I know quite a few of you still dip into it to catch up on our news. Have a great Christmas and a brilliant 2008!

Becks x

Saturday night basketball

Tonight we went to see the Adelaide 36ers - the basketball team. Great fun.

1st day of summer...

Scene: Marion Shopping Centre
Date: Saturday 1 December 2007
Time: 1.00pm ish

Girl behind counter in shop: How's your day going so far?
Dan & Becks: Yeah, so good so far. We're just starting on our Christmas shopping.
Girl behind counter in shop: Yeah, first day of summer - everyone's at it.

Surreal.