...You know life must have some pretty exciting things to offer!
Ha ha ha
Well, here it is, the official first blog of the new year. I know, I know, faithful blog followers, I will really try to be more diligent. In fact, it is on my new years resolution string hanging outside the grade four classrooms, so that means I have to try. My resolution was to write once a week. I've been back in Indonesia for just over a week, so hopefully this will still count. Otherwise I will have to write another one later this week to make up for it.
So, since I last sat down to wrote a few things have happened. Hopefully you all saw my Christmas letter. That should have caught you up on the goings on of the past year - albeit brief and in rhyme. Time at home for Christmas was just what I needed.
I arrived in Saskatoon in the wee hours of the morning with my little tunic and leggings and sarong to shield me from the blustery winds. Yes, Air Canada was awesome and let us out on the tar mac. At least I had the sense to be wearing sneakers. It would have been quite the site had I had my birks on :) My first exposure to the elements was reminder enough why I live in a tropical climate. Shit, it's cold. I remember thinking as I was helping mom with shoveling the driveway (which we had to do on many occasions ..we'd just get it all cleared one day and wake up to more snow the next) or just being outside for whatever reason, "People live here all year...brrr"
At any rate, I digress. I was greeted at the airport by mom and she wisked me away the hotel for the night (remember, it was the wee hours of the morning of the 23rd). I was happy to have my 30 hour travel day come to an end. I slept relatively well and woke later that morning to begin a whirl wind Christmas shopping experience. I'd purchased gifts for most of the women in my family, but hadn't shopped for my brothers. As an aside - if you think shopping for boys is more difficult than shopping for girls, give a little shout out!
After mom and I shopped 'til I dropped, we headed back to Humboldt. Ella took about 45 seconds to forgive me. Then I was her cuddle companion for much of the three weeks I was home. She still curled up with mom too, but I was happy to have cuddle time with my kitty. I'd missed her. I think I spent the rest of that evening in some sort of daze. I might have unpacked, but as I hadn't actually brought any clothes home, I don't remember (you see, one doesn't need tank tops and capris for a Saskatchewan winter). The 24th was dedicated to Christmas baking, decorating the tree and getting ready for our traditional Cabbage Rolls and Perogies supper. I must admit that I was probably not the most festive or cheerful - but it's hard when you're jet lagged.
Christmas Day was one to go down in the history books. Typically I am the one who is eagerly waiting for 8:00 (to be pronounced eight oh oh) to arrive so we can open presents from Santa. This year - I actually had to be woken up (jet lag). Santa spoiled me rotten. I always love Christmas morning with my family. It is simple and silly and just really low key. I've come to see that I really like low key - the sort of environment where I can wear a silly mohawk rider toque and not worry about what the world is thinking of me.
Part of Christmas morning that was pure joy for everyone was when Ella opened her present. Yes, she even had a stocking from Santa. No it isn't lame. Ella got a play mat with all sorts of goodies attached to it and a square that crinkles. It also has a square with cat nip. Ella loves cat nip. The square is a fair size, so when she decided to pick it up and drag it around the house, we were all busting a gut laughing. she looked really adorable in her Christmas outfit (yes, she had an outfit too!)
Time with family is a highlight of my holiday at home. I vowed that I wouldn't be driving from one end of the province to the other for the duration of the holiday that I was home. So having Humboldt as home base was really nice and it allowed me to get the rest that I needed. John, Michael and Debbie cleared out on Boxing Day (they always leave too soon, in my humble opinion) and mom and I spent much of the 27th just in our jammies - okay, I think we spent all of the 27th in our jammies. It was great. Between Christmas and New Years, we made a few trips into S'toon where I was able to connect with some dear friends. We spent New Years Eve and New Years Day with relies in Strasbourg - always a delight. Then went out to other relies the first weekend in January. Mom and I headed to Regina, where we had belated birthday celebrations. My family and I honoured Father Banga as we enjoyed his infamous Hungarian Noodles and Cream Chicken - I am so thankful to have been taught to make that dish. Not only is it yummy, it is synonomous with Fr. Banga.
A trip to PA to see the doctor and get in a few last visits was how I rounded up the last of my days in Saskatchewan. I headed back to Surabaya on Thursday, January 10. After a 50 hour travel day, I was back in my apartment, safe and sound!
And I suppose I best stop there. My next blog (which will be written after supper - my nanny has prepared my dinner, so I must go eat) will detail the exiting adventures from Saskatchewan to Surabaya ('cause when you fly with Air Canada, it's always an adventure). I will also tell you about my first week back to school! The fun doesn't stop, so stay tuned.
Until next time (in about an hour...)
TY
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