Christmas 2010

Notice presents, and Home Alone...

And also the white card on the tree that had Steve's surprise in it- My VISA!!!!!
Sharing celebration Moet under the tree after Steve got his Christmas Eve present.

This is only HALF of the ham I was given at work for a Christmas present.

YUM!!!!!!

Clems Chrissy Party

On the dance floor

Lisa

Table buddy

Mmmmmmm Prawns

1 SQN end of year function

Sunny Coast Girls Weekend 2010

Had a fabulous girls weekend away on the Sunshine Coast with my friend from work Lisa, and her good girlfriends. Her parents have a condo in Mooloolaba. We also successfully climbed Tibrogargan in the Glass House Mountains.

There is a back story to Tibrogargan- Steve and I attempted to climb it several months ago. It had been a long day of climbing other mountains, and we wanted to see what it was like. The guide books classify it as a level 5 (basically the hardest a hike can be before it is considered rock climbing). Anyways, to make a long (and scary) story short I got ten feet up and was nearly shitting my pants I was so afraid. Steve and I politely climbed down, and agreed maybe, maybe to come back one day and climb it.

So when dear Lisa stated that we were climbing Tibro on our girls weekend, I had HUGE reservations. However after many arguments on the safety and value of my life- and several days of mental preparation- I agreed to climb it with Lisa and Donna. And man am I glad that I did- it was everything I was afraid of and more, but it was also a fantastic challenge. We all came away from it with a huge sense of accomplishment.

Come on Donna...

Oh, hey Lis...

Donna getting a little guidance.

YAY the top!!!!

The rest of the weekend was filled with epic sessions of body surfing- crazy dancing, live bands, long walks on the beach, and relaxing with awsome ladies.

Happy Halloween!!

October wedding

Hey, look at me at work...

Get Lost Magazine photo prize winner!!!!!!!!

Look at Steve in his travelling hat!!! He won the photo competition in "Get Lost" magazine. How exciting!!! Soon (and when I say soon, I mean in a years time), we will BOTH be wearing our travelling hats and going around the world.

B-

Spring Ball 2010

The prom dress makes a come back for the Arabian themed RAAF Spring Ball 2010.

wine, wine, wine, fish

Gangsters Ball 2010

Wow- I just saw my last post, can't believe it's almost been two months since the last time I've written. My job hunt has been temporarily put on hold, not because I've stopped looking for full time employment, but because I've been working for a temp agency. What was supposed to be a four day placement turned into a two month placement- they keep extending me longer and longer. I'm doing reception and administration for an advertising agency in the city. More on that another time though.

For now, here are some pictures from last night's Gangsters Ball. It certainly was a feast for the eyes and ears. It was a ball/ show where everyone dressed up like flappers/ swing dancers/ gangsters/ pin-up girls, and then also watched live performances of bands, burlesque dancers, and acrobatics. There were also two dance competitions, one for swing and one for rockabilly. So needless to say we had a fantastic time.

Saturday afternoon news...

You know what isn't my favourite thing? Being rejected for a job you really really wanted and thought that you'd totally get- but didn't. How can I go from having the best day ever on Thursday, sunshine and happiness, to the WORST day ever on Friday. There are too many highs and lows when job hunting. I got a call from the temp agency for a three week job starting Monday, however in my honesty I said that I was waiting to hear back from the architecture firm (which is a full time job), and said that I didn't want to jerk them around- ie. if I did hear back from the firm I'd have to take it, bailing on the temp job. So I turned down a perfectly great temp job- just to hear back from the other place with this e-mail:

Hi Bailey,

Thank you for attending your interview yesterday for the Receptionist Position.

Unfortunately you were unsuccessful – only just.

However, I am forwarding your details to a couple of colleagues who are considering expansion of their admin staff. I will keep you informed of possibilities. I do not do this with all applicants, but am with you as our decision was very hard, and you have great credentials. If I had two positions available, I would employ you.

So to sum it up, I turned down a great opportunity, and got rejected for the job I really wanted. You can imagine the rest of my evening (tears, disappointment and all). It even makes it worse they were so nice about it in their e-mail.

STATS
Days since start: 14
Hours spent scanning job web sites: Too many to count
Jobs applied for: 5
Employment agencies visited: 4
Interviews attended: 3
Offers: 1
Rejections: 1 big one

Bailey's favourite things...

These are a few of my favourite things...

peanut butter cookies covered in smarties

juicy inari sushi

hot water bottles covered in fleece

EVERYTHING about muffy

to be continued....

The great Australian job hunt continues....

STATS

Days since start: 12
Hours spent scanning job web sites: Too many to count
Jobs applied for: 5
Employment agencies visited: 4
Interviews attended: 3
Offers: 1
Death defying rock climbing stunts: 1

The great Australian job hunt continues. And my oh my has my bookkeeping office experience helped. Before no one gave me a chance, but now I am filled with optimism, there ARE options. The only trouble now, is making sure I make the right decision.

Waiting to hear back from an architecture firm right now- stay tuned for the results.

Night away at Ruffles

When Steve and I both arrived back in Brisbane, we decided to take a break to go away and spoil ourselves for one night. We had a $300 voucher for a stay at a Peppers Resort. So we decided to go to Ruffles Lodge and Spa. The above picture was our room in the Chums Lower accommodation.

After hiking in the Hinterlands all morning, we started off our stay there playing an exciting hole of golf!!! While also consuming some delicious muscato.

Then we moved on to the hot tub overlooking all of the Gold Coast Hinterlands. We even braved the infinity pool for a refreshing dip.

Then we of course had to make good use of our gift from Greals and JJ, so we headed to the spa for champers and snacks.

After the spa, we got ready and headed to dinner. The dining room is gorgeous- it also juts out and overlooks the countryside and the coast. It was dreamy at night looking out and seeing all the lights of the land.

Dinner was four courses, and very delicious! Particularly Steve's truffle mash, and my dessert cheese platter.

Breakfast was also included- and made to order, and oh so very yummy.

All in all we had a fantastic time at Ruffles.

June in Canada

So I just had an amazing month at home in Canada. Every time I visit home I'm always surprised at how good Canada smells- hahah, that sounds strange, but really, home has a smell like non other.
Amelia is the cutest little thing in the world- I love her so very much!! The first week I was there I kind of had a bit of a cold from the airplane and lack of sleep. But rested up for my first weekend home which I spent up at Adrian's cottage. I got to spend lots of much needed time babysitting and playing with Meme. And she loves her auntie Bailey!!

Meme enjoying her bath time.

Steve was also able to come to Canada for a weekend. So we had two different engagement parties, one for my friends, and one for the Oakville crowd and relatives. We felt very loved, and blessed to have so many people love and support us. Can't wait for that wine to come!! While I was home I was constantly reminded of what amazing people my friends are, and how lucky I am to have them in my life.

Niki and I watching the Mad-Glee Queens Players show in Toronto.

Steve and I at my parents engagement party.

Cayley turns 26!!

Ingies Birthday card- Happy Birthday, Love Muffy Book Verum.

Adrian and Ingies birthday lunch at Stoneys.

Lindsay Brown's (soon to be Wescott's) bridal shower- all the Oakville girls

My last night with Meme!! Muffy decided she wanted to dress in Amelia's clothing. Muff always makes us laugh, best little baby in the whole world- one of a kind.

Look at the little puff of hair- little porkies!!

All in all it was a great trip home- thanks for having me Ingies and Frank, and thanks for all the time with Meme Tay!!

All for now-