FIRE!!

Well, you can never say life is dull!!

This morning, Tiko and Shelley, Stu and Kylie, Kevin, Annette, Suzanne and I went into town to the tailors to have another uniform fitting (prior to commissioning) and we stopped off at Trade on the way. I was looking at the books when the fire alarm sounded and we (minus Stu and Tiko who were off getting us all coffees and hot chocs) were ushered along with all the THQ and Central DHQ staff - and whoever else got caught in it - to a 'safe place'.

Lo and behold, then four fire engines turned up (and I have to confess I was jumping up and down in excitement!)

It turns out there was a real fire. I'm not sure on the details but from what I heard, someone was working on something on the roof and somehow caught something on fire and smoke was smelt in the building somewhere. Fortunately no one was hurt and I believe THQ is still standing.

I'm reminded of one of Jen's favourite sayings: Drama, drama, drama!

Being a Christian

“When you become a Christian, Jesus will invade your life and make you into somebody He can use to change the world. Through you, He will challenge racism. Through you, Jesus will attack sexism, poverty, and militarism. That was never taught to me when I was growing up. I never heard that I could be an instrument that God could use to change the world.

All I was told was that being a Christian meant I would go to heaven when I died. I was never told that the primary reason Jesus saved me was to make me into somebody whom He could use to change the world into the kind of world He willed for it to be when He created it.”

-Tony Campolo

Guy Fawkes

Yeah sure, it seems a little nuts that we in little old NZ would have fireworks in remembrance of a guy who tried to blow up the British Parliament Buildings yonkers ago, but, hey, any excuse for a BBQ and fireworks, eh?!

Clockwise from left: Reuben, Naomi and Patrick bring over the fireworks; Kendal, me and Naomi; The men doing the BBQ; Naomi cartwheeling; Tiko prepping the BBQ.
Clockwise from left: Reuben and Patrick on the see-saw; Monique and Sue; Terry (Gotta love Perry's face in the background!!); Kayla and Kylie.
Clockwise from left: Christina, Kate and Hannah; fireworks; Emily and Reuben with sparkers; the kids sparkler trails; Kendal.
Clockwise from left: Simon lights the sparklers for the kids; Naomi and her sparkler; fireworks; Kayla watching the fireworks in the sky (classic face!); Kate; Rochelle.

Photos of My Wellington Whanau

Lucy and Michael's Wedding

Yes, my darling Lucy finally tied the knot with Michael!! It's been a long time coming - 5 years in fact! I made the trek up to Hamilton on Thursday afternoon and got back late last night, so am fully shattered, but enjoy these photos of Mr and Mrs Clement...

Clockwise top left: Our mothers; Kelly and Lillie walk down the aisle; followed by Jess and Mia; Me reading a poem to Lucy and Michael; Lucy and her dad, David, coming down the aisle.
Clockwise top left: The vows; the kiss; Mr and Mrs Clement; Kelly, Lillie, Lucy and Michael; Dayna and Kelly.
Clockwise top left: me, Carl and Jaci; Mum and Dad; me and Ali; Mum and Sue. Clockwise top left: Joel; Levi; Jaci, Kelly and I; the cake; cutting the cake.
Clockwise top left: the parents table; Carl, Jaci and Joel; Mum, Dad and I; The Awesome Foursome: Jaci, Lucy, Kelly and me; Michael and Lucy's first dance; the rest starting to dance.

I Got Me Another Musical Fix

Yes, I confess, I'm a musical junkie and I just got myself another fix.

I went with Caroline, Janette, Janine, Heather and Suzanne tonight to FINALLY see the movie Hairspray and oh my gosh I am still buzzing.

Please account for the fact that I have been pegged the cadet who most likely wished she lived in a musical, but after the singing, the dancing and the bright colours (not to mention that always happy ending) I still can't see why anyone wouldn't!!

Brilliant. And a fab night out.

Definitely one I could watch again for a lift-me-up and a laugh.

Good Back, Come Back!

So I went to Julie and Lachie's for dinner early last week and Julie had a looksy at my calves (long story - for another time). While I was on the ground, Hannah (bless her!) didn't quite realise how old she is (11 but the size of a 15 year old!!) nor how big (nearly my height), and she jumped on my back.

And I wanted to get angry, but I couldn't. It really wasn't all that long ago when I went through that stage and I remember how much I hated being told I was "too big".

However, my back has been in pain for the last ten days.

Julie has given me some exercises and advice (she used to be a physio), which was much appreciated and I am pleased to report, today (ten days after the initial incident) the pain has substantially lessened. Praise the Lord!!