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Comfort Zone Be Gone!

It is amazing how often we are afraid to step out of our comfort zone. This is a task we should attend to daily. I found myself doing it twice today, and I am sure I had chest pain as a result, LOL.

First, I took some time out to learn about something I have always avoided. 

I spent the early hours of today at a seminar run by the fabulous Jennifer Moreton & Alexandra Dalzell of ABN-AMRO Craigs here in Christchurch. It was a seminar about finance, shares, bonds, fixed interest etc. All those things that usually make my eyes glaze over. However these two made it digestible even at 8am in the morning. I left there understanding allot more and feeling less afraid of opening the finance pages of the paper. I really went out of my comfort zone here, as I usually avoid "money" stuff like the plague.

This takes me to the second event. That was presenting a Business Plan to my fantastic husband. He is a CEO of a large company so knows his stuff and as much as I love being married to him, talking finance with view to getting finance for a new project with him really is not high on my list of comfortable activities.  I made it with the need for only one tissue, to wipe a stray stress tear. Oh and yes my eyes got that glazed over feeling when Excel spreadsheets, profit & loss, Cash-flow and projections where being talked about. 

 I even left after working on things a little more understanding some of the finer points of these financial terms that I have thus far managed to be ignorant about. 

 This new project is way bigger and potentially more lucrative than anything I have done before and requires finance to get it rolling, so I have spent today getting out of my financial comfort zone and learning some great things.

You know what it really is not as scary as I thought.

My challenge to you is to spend a little time today learning about something you have managed to avoid or have been afraid of for a long time. 

I thank my many Maths teachers over the years who never saw fit to pass me once for my fear of numbers, maths and spreadsheets. 

However I thank Jennie, Alex, DH and Kathy for making life a little simpler for me today.

Onwards and upwards, Tally ho!!

Global Organizer Relaunch

This is one for my fellow Professional organizers out there. Regardless of how long you have been in the industry,

Global Organisers" is the place for you to network.

This is network that was dreamed up after the NAPO Conference in Reno in 2008, however due to using a not

so flash platform it did not grow the wings I had hoped for. However, now I have discovered www.ning.com. 

I have created "Global Organizers" using a platform that allow the members to grow the network.

So now the easy bit. Join today, start sharing your news, ideas, events, training and information. 

This is no-holds-barred social network for Professional Organizers throughout the globe.

You are welcome to share things that you feel wold benefit fellow professional organizer. 

All I ask is that you don't spam fellow members and that you respect the thoughts and ideas of fellow members.

Simple as that.

So join up today:

GLOBAL ORGANIZERS - The place for Organisers to meet gloablly

The end of an era!

Today marks the day that I pass the Baton of AAPO to a new President. I have served on the committee of AAPO since it was just a concept. It was a privilege to work with Lisa Baldwin, Lisa Rowley, Lissanne Oliver and Amanda Sarden on the Founding Committee of the Australasian Association of Professional organisers. Since we took on members in February 2006 I have served as Executive Secretary and then 2 terms as President. It has been an exciting time of growth and learning for me. Now I take on the role of Immediate Past President, and hope to develop a Professional Develpment program that will benefit all AAPO members.

So today is really a day I can relax, maybe, as the role has been ably accepted by Angela Esnouf, who has been my fabulous VP for the past 2 terms. Good luck Angela with everything that you experience in the next 12 months. I know you will rock.

As they say, when one door closes another door opens. So I have as of today stepped into the shoes of "President" National Speakers Association NZ Christchurch Chapter. Some may say out of the frying pan into the fire, LOL. Not me I am excited by the challenge.

One of my passions is to see people develop, learn, grown and succeed in their own passions. So having been AAPO President and becoming NSANZ Christchurch President puts me in the place that makes me feel like I am giving a little back.

I want to take this opportunity to say Thank you to all the friends and colleagues I have the honor of knowing from these experience. I am looking forward to continuing to work along side you all in making a difference, one day at a time.

Hip Hip Hooray it's kikki.k....

I am excited to announce that kikki.k has finally opened a store in Christchurch. 

Over 2 years ago I met with Kristina Karlsson (founder of kikki.k) at the AAPO Conference and asked. "How long till NZ then Christchurch??"

Well as usual Auckland and wellington have had the pleasure of shopping in a kikki.k boutique for a while now at their Newmarket, Queen St, Shore city and Queensgate boutiques.

Finally it is our turn Christchurch. So see what I am raving about and go see the gorgeous new kikki.k store on the new 1st floor at Riccarton Mall. 

I for sure will love taking my clients to seethe real deal rather than looking on line.

So a huge warm welcome to kikki.k in Christchurch, great to see you have finally made it.

A must have for travellers - Cabin Cuddler

Although I am yest to get my hands on this hot little number, I am excited to discover it while online today.

It is so frustrating to get on board a flight and find there are no blankets or pillows left. Especially if it is a red eye or long haul trip. 

The Cabin Cuddler is one of those amazing inventions that solves that problem. I have been travelling alot lately and have many more trips coming up, so plan to get my hands on one of these.

I love how sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones. This certainly fits into that category, and congrats to the genius who thought this up. I know my travel weary body will thank you in the future.

So go on check it out for yourself CABIN CUDDLER

I am keen to hear your thoughts and reviews on this innovative product. Enjoy!!

Wendy Davie Professional Speaker - Audio Preview

Here is a new Audio Preview from a recent Speaking engagement.

Nothing says "downsize" like selling all your stuff!

A fellow Professional Organiser and friend of mine Julie Bestry, www.juliebestry.com, twittered a link today to an amazing website that shows a great example of decluttering.

Megan Deal from The Third of Three design group. www.thethirdofthree.com will on the 1st of June be entering a Lab environment for young designers. So in preparation she is selling every one of her personal belongings. I mean every single one of them. This is taking the concept of downsizing and acting on it in the most literal and possibly profitable way.
If she does not sell all her items they will be then donated to a charity. You can read all about it and possible purchase some items at http://www.goodbyewafflemaker.com/
So if you ever thought you could not part with something precious then check this out. One or two items made me think "Oh I could not get rid of that", but it truly is inspirational and I wish Megan all the best.

Six Word Wisdom!!

Many will have heard of telling a story in Six Words. 

Ernest Hemingway did it with "For Sale, Baby Shoes, Never Worn"

Today I have my own Six words to share with you all.

NOT MOVING FORWARD, GET OVER IT!

New Celebrity must have - TWEEPOLYEES

Have you ever wondered how the Celebrities sort through the gazillions of messages they must get while using twitter.

Well today I figured it out and have coined the phrase "Tweeployee" the official definition I give the word is

tweeployee: the underling employed by celebrity tweeters to handle to replies they don't have the time or inclination to handle them selves.

So there you have it, if you need a tweeployee you know that you have hit the big time in the world of twitter.

So @aplusk @mrskutcher @iamdiddy @ryanseacrest @tonyrobbins @johnmayer @rove1974 @dhughsey @lancearmstrong @wendydavie @kimkardashian @guilianarancic do tell when you have your first tweeployee

The TIME of your life...

The inspiration for this post has come from Karen Brown in Christchurch. To put it her way she has asked me to "address the issue of punctuality", something tells me she is a little frustrated by someone or something that has made her late or been late.

If you have read my book "The Accidental organiser" you will know by now that I do not tolerate lateness and lack of punctuality all that we.. In fact I think people who are late all the time are a real pain. there is no excuse.

So how can one ensure they are not driving others nuts with their lack or respect for time:

* Set your watch a few minutes fast.

* Give yourself more than enough time. leave home 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to.

* Pick up the phone, if you are not going to be ON TIME, call and warn the person waiting for you. even if you are only going to be 5 minutes late.

These are just short and sweet things but will make a huge difference. 

For more on this read "Time keeps on Slipping" chapter in "The Accidental Organiser"

available on the website.

PS: Even if your friends joke about your lateness it realy does Peeve them off.

Always have a contingency in place.

When ever you travel you are leaving your best laid plans in the hands of others so always have a contingency. I am writing this from the Airport in Sydney. We have been advised that the baggage handlers and cleaners have walked off the job for a stop work meeting.

This has cause an unknown delay to my home flight. I am due to collect my boys from school. Am I stressing. No!!!!!!

I have a contingency in place, it takes just one quick call to arrange alternatives if things are taken out of your control. So before I board, when ever that is I will be calling my back up school collector Bridget and letting her know if she will need to get the boys. 

This simple plan has saved me a great deal of potential stress and anxiety, and was easy to arrange from a completely difference country. 

Always have a contingency in place, you never know when you may need it.

Reporting from Sydney

I am writing this blog post from my hotel room in Sydney. I am here for the NSAA 09 Convention. That is the National Speakers Association Australia annual convention at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney, Australia.

I have had some interesting events that have challenged this organiser. like arriving at the airport at 5 am on Wednesday to be advised my plane had been cancelled and I was the only passenger that did not know. What a weird thing to happen. So Air NZ kindly made sure I got to Sydney via Melbourne and all was well. Then on Check in I waiting 2 hours and 3 phonecalls for my luggage to be delivered to my room. They then bought the wrong bags. I eventually went and got them myself. Not a wonderful start to a 5 Star hotel experience. But after a swim in the pool and some retail therapy I was fine.

This is going to be a great 3 days of learning, sharing, networking and generally mixing it with some of the best International Speakers on the planet. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be amongst such esteemed company.

Want to know what I really think???

Check out my new blog. Brat...NOT! Raising great kids

This is something that I am passionate about as well as organising, so if you are a parent of kids of any age, then this is the blog for you. Enjoy.

Cheers

Another first for Wendy & NZ!!

Wow I am excited to announce I am now a Member of NAPO's "Golden Circle" this is an elite group of Professional Organisers. To be part of this wonderful group a Professional Organiser must have 5 years experience as a Professional Organiser and have been a member of NAPO for at least 12 months.
It is an absolute honour and privilege to be the first New Zealander to be accepted into this amazing group of esteemed professional. To find out more about NAPO visit www.napo.net


This comes just a couple of months after being the first New Zealand based Professional organiser to become a Certified Professional Organiser CPO (R), this is a difficult and worthwhile qualification for any Professional Organiser internationally. It is the highest qualification available to Professional Organisers Internationally. So to be New Zealands only CPO and only one of 2 in Australasia (Karen Koedding is the other) is an absolute honour.

I am excited......Can you tell??

Waking up is hard to do!!!!

We have had a considerable change in routine in my household since the school year started and this has provided some interesting challenges.

Last year my Daughter would bus to school and the boys would crawl out of be at 7.45 and wander down to school at 8.30ish. Well we have had a change of schools this year and now the boys require a 30minute drive across town.

Not being  morning person (as my regular readers know) this is proving interesting. However we are getting this down to a fine art. The kids have even had cooked eggs for Breakfast the last 2 days, so the organiser is getting organised, even in the morning!!

I imagine every home in the world has a morning rush of some type with or without kids to get to school. So I am going to share a couple of the changes I have made and you can too. These all help make those mornings easier.

* Set the alarm 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to get up. For me today was 6.30am.

* Have all the clothes laid out and ready to get into first thing. 

* Spend you evenings checking over the next days schedule and pack you bags for the day then. Do not wait till the morning. Do the bags in the evening.

* Create a check list for each child. This could include: Get dressed, Breakfast, put lunch in bag, put bag by door, clean teeth etc.....

* make school lunches the day before. This has been a routine in our house for years now. Lunches get made in the afternoon and the put in the fridge for the next day. 

* Get homework done in the afternoon and evenings, do not leave till the morning, t won't get done and you do not need the extra hassle.

* Have a nutritious breakfast. that extra 15 minutes can be used to have a healthy breakfast.

* TURN OFF THE TV AND COMPUTER - We first did this 10 years ago and barring special events (such as a rugby test, or worlds cup soccer) our TV and computer never get switched on in the morning during the working week. This makes a huge difference especially with kids attention spans and ability to be ready on time.

Doing these things has helped us transition to a new routine and be organised. After 5 weeks we have not forgotten anything in the morning and the kids are always fed and watered before heading out the door. For me with 3 kids and 2 schools and 30 minutes driving this has been a real accomplishment.

So much so i am writing this in a coffee shop at 9am after doing the morning shuffle and having a relaxing cup of tea and checking my emails, all after eating a healthy breakfast and dropping the kids of on time and well prepared.

Go forth and tackle your morning rush, you Will feel better for it.

A cracker resource for the Recession!

I stumbled upon a gem called "Clara" today and her videos on YouTube are a delight to watch and some real tips for saving money and going back to basics in these interesting economic times.
Please take some time to watch THE DEPRESSION BREAKFAST
There is a whole library of this spritly 93 year olds tips and recipes. Too cool.

What to do, What to do!

I am feeling a little in a dilemma at the moment. That is what to do, I am having this amazingly strong urge to return to full time Mothering and ditching the business. I know I won't but sometimes it does get a little to much to bear.

I have my first book on the shelves and thoughts for a few more, consults are slow (must be the economy!!!!) and getting my speaking gigs up and running taking longer than I anticipated so wondering if I should maybe have a hiatus???????

I have a fabulous office I work from that overlooks the water and I am there till October, then I think I will return home to our newly built study and let things flow. Until then I will no doubt keep trucking along and getting things done.

I would love to hear from you all the things you need from your friendly organising guru and I will continue to deliver. Also what sort of book would you pick up off the shelf? let me know and I will start working on the most popular choice:

1) People Clutter - Sabotage by Association

2) The organised family

3) Moving house information book.

4) real Organising tips from real people

Let me know your preference and I will deliver within 12 months the most popular choice. 

I look forward to your inspiration and motivation.

A new favorite activity! A time saver too!!!!

As a busy mother of three I really love finding things that make my life run smoothly and optimise my time. Well today I have discovered just one of those things. now I am likely to be behind many others on this discovery, however I am going to share anyway.

At the moment I am sitting at a desk by a large window overlooking a leafy garden, I have my two boys by my side and we are all heads down working. We are at the Library. Now I am a rare visitor of libraries so this was an idea that came to me through necessity. My youngest son is playing field hockey this afternoon after school. I collect the boys at 3.30pm and Hockey is at 5.30pm. It takes me 30 minutes to drive home from school on a good day, and then 40 minutes to get back across town to the hockey fields. So today I collected the boys from school, got some afternoon tea and headed for the nearest library. we are midway between School and Hockey (home is across town) and we are getting things done.

The boys are busy working on today's Prep (homework) and I have checked my emails and am doing a blog entry, I will have a look around my fav sites and add some to my new website that I am building.

It is one of the most relaxing, peaceful and enjoyable hours of wok I have done in a long time. Occasionally I am interrupted with a small question from one of the boys and they are both getting homework done in a lovely environment. I have saved over 1 hours driving and petrol usage and we will be at hockey in plenty of time to have Ben warmed up and ready to go.

I think I have to declare this one of my new favourite activities and each Tuesday during the field hockey season you will find me and my boys having some relaxing, quality but productive time at the local library.

This is a challenge for you to see how you can combine activities and multitask in a simple, easy and relaxed way that will give you great pleasure and productivity as well.

Have a fab day.

Intergrity, what is it? Do you have it?

There are many times in our lives that we are put into challenging situations and wonder if the way we are handling it is the best and most honorable way. I have had a few of those situations crop up in many aspects of my professional life over the past six months and this has lead me to look at these situations and ask. Have I acted with Integrity?

Integrity to me is one of the values I hold with the highest regard, and fail to understand when I see others act in a less than honorable way. For me I want to be held to account for my integrity and always endeavour to act in a way that will leave me with no doubt that I have done my best and most honorably in any given situation.

However recently I have been witness to some strange and in my view dishonorable acts that truly leave me wondering how some people can look in the mirror. 

* Recently I did some work from afar to try and rustle up some support for the Victorian Bushfire victims. This resulted in me personally being attacked by someone who felt that I had neglected another group. Talk about a case of damned if you do damned if you don't. I cannot understand or fathom, why someone would take the time to write to me and attack me for doing what was a purely voluntary thing that offered me absolutely no person gain. Would this person have been better of to offer me some ideas to share that would assist this other group, rather than dis me because I did not have such information to pass on?

* There is quiet alot of stuff around my industry relating to plagiarism and misrepresentation. Unfortunately some feel it is OK to cut and paste information from other websites and try and claim them as their own. I have seen some instances where people have been approached about this and rectified the issue immediately with an apology as well. 

Also though I have seen some people being accused of doing this type of this when clearly there is no plagiarism or breach of copyright. Yet there have threats of intimidation and bullying based on unfounded accusations. When the bully was looked at more closely it seems that they themselves could be seen as guilty of misrepresenting themselves to the detriment of others. Yet when approached about this they deny and think it is OK for to continue to do what they have always done, despite it being a bend of the truth. 

Would these people all not be better off to represent themselves in an honest manner, not inflate qualifications and titles, and only use their own materials in any materials they have? I just do not get it!

* Attacking colleagues, competitors and clients!!!! Oh yes this is rife. I am gobsmacked at how many people spend good time and energy on witch hunts trying to catch others out. There are some people who I wonder if they are so low on business all they do it trawl the Internet looking for someone to attack. Here's a tip. You would be far better of spending your time looking for new clients, new innovations or maybe a new job. Turn that negative energy around and use it for building your business, self esteem and credibility.

This may seem like a negative blog post but it has been playing on my mind for some time now and I feel relieved to have put it on paper. So to end on a positive note, here is a list of the ways I like to operate with integrity: (feel free to use these as well)

* Always look for a win win in any situation or dealing.

* Spend my time and energy worrying about how I can build my business, not kick others down.

* Give of myself, either with time or information to help others become better in whatever they chose in life.

* Keep on learning, "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful - Samuel Johnson"

* Be honest in all my dealings.

* People I deal with will always know where I stand, I chose not to have hidden agendas.

* I avoid dealings with people who have a negative impact on me or my business.

I would love it if you my readers took a little time to add to this list, by sharing what actions you take every day to live with integrity.

Keep smiling and have a great one....

Cost Effective and Practical for kids!

My regular readers will know that I very rarely invest in storage products etc, until I am really sure that I or a clients have not already go what is required on hand.

So in the last few days we are getting down to the end of a big renovation here at home. Both my boys have moved into their own bedrooms. What a relief it is. They had literally taken over the house during the renovation as there was nowhere for them to store their stuff.

I had done a big declutter before we commenced the renovation project. So thankfully only had a few boxes in odd places throughout the living, dining and hall area.

I must admit it certainly did not look like the home of a Professional Organiser for a while there. Well that is changing and order is slowly being restored.

During the process of returning the boys to their own rooms (for the first time ever) I came across a gem of a storage product that I want to share. They are called iCube.

I bought my stash at "Plastic Box" here in Christchurch. I was thrilled as there seems to be a major lack of decent storage and organising products available in New Zealand. So I got busy and bought enough for both boys rooms. Despite the packaging tempting me with all difference colours to jazz up the boxes. Here in NZ it is only Black or White, with colour in the inserts of blue or wicker or grey. OH please just because I live in New Zealand does not mean I do not want a better selection..........So aside for having a limited choice of colours I went ahead and got what I needed.

For those of you not in the range of a "Plastic Box" store, try "A Cherry on Top"

I have used these in the boys room to store toys, balls, games and books and they are great. I will send a pic of the real deal in the boys rooms when my camera decides to start working again after a close encounter with an Orca at Christmas, but that is a whole other story.

These would be great for kids rooms, scrap booking, craft supplies and even camping as they are customisable to your specific needs.

So this is indeed one of those rare times I will do a product recommendation, because this one really serves it's purpose and can be made to suit your specific needs. Just remember do the organising before you purchase the product, that way you know you are buying what you really need.

Devastation in Australia

As an Aussie who is living in New Zealand, my heart is truly breaking for all those effected in what must surely be one of the most tragic weeks in Australia.

Victoria has been dealt deadly bushfire's that have killed over 170

 (the toll is rising) and in Queensland they are struck by flooding and drought. What a temperamental country Australia is. Beautiful but deadly as well.

In Victoria entire towns and a huge percentage of the populations of those towns have been completely wiped out by the fires. Approx 800 homes have burnt to the ground. For up to date figure and info CLICK HERE

In Queensland there are floods that are also taking lives and making this another disaster zone. For more inofmration CLICK HERE

As a Professional Organiser my thoughts have immediatly gone to what people can do to help in some way. The most immediate things that are needed are clothing and food. Lifes essentials that have been lost by so many.

If you or someone you know is in Victoria and can help, the radio stations are broadcasting where donations can be dropped off. I am listening to 3AW while working here in Christchurch, and they are broadcasting services that are available and where donations can be left. A fellow PO, Lysa Wheelen from Presenting Homes has advised me that there is a warehouse putting together relief parcels at Lot 7 Henderson Road, Rowville 0409 944 220 (Andrew), 8 -5 every day this week. Items can also be dropped at Unit 48, 1508 Centre Road, Clayton. Thanks to LINFOX transport for supplying the distribution centre. If you do donate items ensure the packages are well labelled so they can get to where they are needed.

As the President of AAPO I have put a call out to all our members to help where they can with time, donations and encouraging clients to donate items. This is a time when we all need to band together to make a difference.

I invite you to comment here with any suggestions as to how people can help and lets help where we can regardless of where we are in the world.

Something I wanted to share.

My Sister in law sent this to me today and I wanted to share. I am unsure who wrote it so am unable to credit the author. If anyone knows please let me know so I can give due credit.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE

1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and early 70's !

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.

Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds , KFC, Subway or Nandos.

Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.


We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy  Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY ,no video/dvd  films, 

no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no
Lawsuits from these accidents.

Only girls had pierced ears!

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...

We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays,

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!

RUGBY and CRICKET had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on MERIT  

Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.

They actually sided with the law!

Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla'

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO

DEAL WITH IT ALL !

And YOU are one of them!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.

And while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

PS -The big type is because your eyes are not too good at your age anymore

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 1st 2009 posting.

WOW, what a thrill yesterday to start my working year. The above picture is of my book "The Accidental Organiser" on the front Bestseller wall at Borders bookstore Riccarton

it was a real buzz to see it there ands thanks to Borders for knowing how wonderful my book is and making it easy for people to find.

I have been away for 3 weeks and we had an amazingly relaxing, eventful, action packed and fun family holiday. Yes all those in one holiday. It is amazing what can happen in 3 weeks while camping. 

My Son Ben and I left a day early and drove to Murchison (3.5 hours) we stayed in a great motel "Murchison Motels", had a great hamburger at the pub for dinner and then set off early the next day for Pakawau, in Golden Bay at the top of New Zealand's South Island.

This is our 4th Christmas vacation at the Pakawau Beach Park and we hope that the planned developments do not go ahead as it really is one of the last true paradise camping spots left in NZ.

It is always so quiet there for Christmas Day and then the people begin to arrive on the 26-27th December. But it still never gets to busy, that is why we love it. That and the camp site right on the beach......Bliss.

we have just bought a boat as many of you may already know, so Pete (DH) was excited to get that out and about in the Golden Bay area. Our boat, (Name still to be decided options include: The Eater, Bluey, Ginga Blue) certainly clocked up some hours and provided many great and not so great times during the holiday.

We fished and boated, the kids waterskiied. Also we were met my some amazing creatures as well Dolphins, Seals ands Orcas while out in the Bay.

Pete had a close encounter with a Stingray while windsurfing in the inlet, ending in 7 stitches and 2 fabulous scars on his leg and a great holiday story to dine on for years to come.

We were joined by some friends for some of the trip Michelle, her Mum Joan and Daughter Iliana from Christchurch as well as John, Pam and Lachlan form Wellington.

I unfortunately nearly met my demise on the final day in some very stormy seas of Pakawau Beach, all I can say is never ever go boating without a lifejacket. It certainly is the reason I am able to type this today. Suffice to say, I am a little wary of water at the moment, despite having been a lifeguard for many Years in my youth. It only takes one nasty experience to wipe away many years of fun. But I am working though it...........Therapy anyone, LOL.

So we all returned on Sunday with a few extra kilos, a great tan and a new zest for the coming year and what it can bring.

I hope you all enjoyed the Holiday Season and also are ready to have a fab 2009 and beyond.