Two Weeks

So we had two whole weeks off work thanks to a combination of public holidays, Xmas closures and a little use of annual leave.

The plan was to fly to Ireland on the Monday before Xmas to stay with the in-laws for a week, having spent the previous couple of Xmases at home. Unfortunately, the Youngling contracted chickenpox with the impeccable timing required to prevent the trip. (It could have been worse: if she'd developed the spots while we were over there, we may not have been able to travel home!) So, a hasty bit of replanning was required.

Meanwhile, our car's recent reliability issues finally got to the point where we couldn't trust it to get us to work, let alone to an airport on time. Getting it fixed, we figured, would pretty much be throwing good money after bad, so we went looking for a replacement in a hurry. Luckily someone at work was selling something suitable at a suitable price, so we managed to get ourselves sorted there. And we have since managed to pass the old car on to someone else who doesn't mind doing some work on it.

Xmas day worked out pretty well for an improvised one: we ate duck and had to bribe the Youngling with chocolate to get her to open her presents. Actually, by the end of the holiday, with several bouts of presents (including a birthday), she was getting a bit too good at opening packages.

On Boxing Day, thanks to a bit of hasty rebooking a few days earlier, we flew out to Ireland to have a shortened visit which was still good. The big discovery here was how much simpler and mellower it is to travel through Knock airport instead of our previous main choice of Dublin. I mean, we get off the plane, walk through the nearest door, wave passports at an immigration guy and, just past him our bags were turning up on a carousel. How cool is that?

New year's eve involved a trip to stay with I&E in South Wales, as per last year. Another great, mellow party with some good friends. We seem to developing new traditions, like substituting the theme from The Archers for the more usual Auld Langsyne at midnight.

Then after a couple of nights back at home, we were off to Wales again, this time to Pembrokeshire for another banquet, this time to celebrate a birthday. And much fun, food, mead and ale was had by all.

So, it's a new year and I'm back at work again. So far, so good...

Dickin Hox?

So it's our last day at work before a full fortnight off, during which we were looking forward to a nice trip over to Ireland for Xmas, followed by other fun back in the UK when what happens? The Youngling gets sent home from nursery with chickenpox.

While this isn't the worst thing that could happen, it means we're due some extra grumpiness in the lead up to her 2nd birthday, and also that we are unlikely to be travelling anywhere. All of a sudden we are looking at having to get in provisions, etc, that we weren't expecting to do, and the whole shape of the holiday changing completely. Hopefully we'll get to see at least some family over the holiday.

Oh well. All we can do is hope that the Youngling doesn't suffer too much.

Post-Hectic

Things are finally settling down after a rather hectic few weeks. First <3 went off to a conference in the USA, then we all piled into the car for the long trip to Cornwall for a cousin's wedding, then I was in London for a week for a course, then we had the bank holiday weekend, which seemed full of things to do (and by this time the Youngling didn't know if she was coming or going). We have now had a few days of something approaching a normal routine reasserting itself and life is feeling a little calmer again. Apart from anything else, it's nice to have all three of us in the same place and not having to drive anywhere (other than between work and home).

On the plus side, my course was a good one and has resulted in me qualifying as a Red Hat Certified Technician, which is only really an entry level system administration certification, but as I am only a novice sysadmin, it is a nice extra certificate to have.

September is looking like it will be a little easier going. Still lots to do, but no big trips planned so far. Let's hope it stays that way.

Not so new any more, but...

So, before January is out, a brief review of 2007...

The year was, unsurprisingly, mostly about learning to be a parent. It isn't easy sometimes, but I think we haven't had it badly overall and the youngling is a complete star. Latest cute story: having fed the littlun, I left her playing while I sat next to her having my own lunch (which wasn't ready early enough). Next thing I know, she had rummaged through the bib bag (kept hanging on the back of her highchair), and was standing next to me proffering a bib and indicating that she expected to have it put onto her and then be put into the highchair. What could I do but oblige and give her some of my lunch? That's me told!

Next most important was finally completing my degree. That's 7 years of study all paying off. I'm now booked in for a graduation ceremony in May, which should be a laugh. Incidentally, last week I actually received a sales call from the OU, who had noticed that I wasn't signed up for a course and wondered if I had continued my options for further study. I said that I was taking some time off from study.

Musically, I have kept playing harmonica with slowly increasing confidence and repertoire. And furthermore, I have spent some time with my ukulele, learning a few basic chords, so at least I can accompany a few songs. The youngling likes musical instruments too, and apart from shaking her maracas, she can also make good noises by twanging uke strings and by banging on our electronic keyboard (it's amazing what functions and effects she can set off sometimes).

The other big thing which I haven't written about yet is that I have started learning morris dancing. This is turning out to be a great way to get some exercise, get out of the house, meet some other people, and an excellent excuse to drink beer. :o) I don't have any of the outfit yet, but will have soon...

So, all in all, apart from some rocky patches 2007 wasn't a bad year, and it ended with a great new year's eve bash with some very good friends in South Wales.

2008? Well, more of the same, I guess. We'll see how the morris and the music goes, but the top priority remains the youngling, who is already developing into a real little person who is a lot of fun to be with. It's all good...