I am - because of 2007

Those of you who know me well have a pretty good idea of what 2007 has been like for me. There's lots of stuff I don't include here - for a number of reasons - but mostly I'm a private person and don't like to share too much, of myself or the people around me, with the world.

What I can say is this - Some changes have been put in place, some discoveries made and some things finalised which will hopefully make 2008 much more productive, bareable and enjoyable than 2007 has been on a whole.

Because of 2007 I know these things about myself in a way that I never have before:

I am a woman of strength.
I am a woman of resilience.
I am a woman of resource.
I am a woman who is respected.
I am a woman who is supported.
I am a woman who is loved.
I am a woman who knows the value of time out.
I am a woman who knows the value of extra effort.
I am a woman who knows the value of being helped.
I am a woman who knows herself.
I am a woman who knows how to turn fear into courage.
I am a woman who knows that through Him all things are possible.

New Life

Today I finished school for the year. So incredibly relieving that I can't even explain. I have had a very very difficult year at school and can't quite believe it's finally over. I was completely overwhelmed by the support and appreciation I was shown during our staff formalities today. Our Principal presented me with a huge (really!) box of chocolates and a very moving speech about all I've done. This isn't something that normally happens - I wan't being farewelled or amything - just acknowledged. My heart was greatly moved and I got quite teary when responding. I feel seen - my actions, my struggles, my efforts, my anger and frustrations. And because of that I feel empowered, enveloped, enlarged, appreciated, valued and loved.

Thank you Endeavour community for supporting me while I supported you. Now I am free to recover, re-energise and come back to the world with new life.

And here is a whole, completely new life! She was in my house today when I got home - my new little neighbour - Esther Lydia van der Hoek. Is she not just completely adorable?! She was born yesterday morning at 8:30am weighing 2.7kg - tiny! I think she's fantastic! We had a lovely long cuddle while her daddy chatted with Joel. I'm quite excited that we share a name (my middle name is Esther - for those few who don't already know that!) but i still might call her Pigeon - because that's about how much she weighs!

Welcome to the world little girl! I look forward to getting to know you!













(this is what I look like when i come home at the end of the term! sometimes i'm gorgeous - sometimes i'm not!)

Bags by Annie

All bags are handmade by my very clever mum. Each one is unique. Grab yours now before someone else does!
Large:
$35
33cm across the base. 28cm from bottom to top centre
Small inside pocket
Small:
$30
26cm across the base. 19cm from bottom to top centre
small inside pocket

See me for more details and we'll deal!

revitalised

My new 'do'...

Last night we had the year 12 graduation service at the school I work at. Nothing particularly thrilling except for the fact that I didn't have to stay seated for the whole 2 hours like most people and I was able to try out a new way of wearing my new hair cut. Verdict? So versatile and great!

Last Saturday afternoon was my own graduation. You can now add 'DipTh(Counselling)' to my name. Again, nothing particularly thrilling. But I did feel a great sense of satisfaction and pride at my accomplishment. And I felt sweat dripping down my back. And I felt moved by the presentation of the Servant of Christ award. I also tried a completely different way of doing my new hair... there you go! You all thought I'd chopped it all off!


And yes, I am wearing the same top in both pictures. It's pretty ok. It makes me feel pretty and lovely and dressy and cool (in the temperature sense) and it comes from my new favourite shop - giordano.