As this tumultuous year comes to a close, I reflect on the events of this year, both the highs and lows. 2006 brought me my happiest event ever; Our wedding. Getting married to the best guy in the world with so many of our friends and family there to celebrate with us was simply magical. And while the wedding was great, being married is even better.

Along with our wedding, our move to Vancouver has been great too, though not without a few hiccups. The good news with our move: Jaime found a fantastic job that he loves and where he is well respected. We have big apartment in a great part of the city, and already had the pleasure of overseas visitors (thanks Bez and Shoshe!). And being so close to Mum, who has been an absolute angel to us this year, is really wonderful. The bad news with the move; my not finding a decent job, so not having enough money to do the things we want to do. Also, missing our friends overseas so much that it hurts.

2006 brought Jaime's family three new members. Daniel, Jayden and Imogen are our new cousins born this year.

On the downside 2006 has not been a banner year for my health. With the ongoing problems with the pulsatile tinnitus, I have been subjected to the worst medical tests, ranging from the uncomfortable (MRI) to the extremely distressing (Lumbar Punctures). And as the year closes I have now broken my foot, torn my calf muscle, and may have a DVT. I am hoping for better health in 2007.

So I have decided to make specific resolutions for 2007:

• Take up Indian Classical Dancing and learn how to do cartwheels. (I choose these aspirations BEFORE breaking my foot. I shall have to put them closer to the end of 2007).
• Travel more; much more. At least making it to Europe in September for Abby's wedding, a visit to T & E in Edinburgh, and at last a trip to Paris.
• Spend less time in hospitals. I would say no time in hospitals, except that I already have a neurologist appointment scheduled for January.
• To find a job I love. I know they exist!
• Call people overseas more often. I've been really slack about this, but I think I comes from growing up when overseas phone calls use to be extravagantly expensive. With our new digital phone line they cost a pittance, so I really should call you all more.

Anyway, all the best to you all. My 2007 bring you what you wish for, and finally bring peace to our amazing world.

That's right, its snowing...in Australia???!!!! Its just raining and a balmy 5 degrees here. I guess there's nothing inconceivable in our current climate change. Enjoy the snow guys :)

Wishing all our friends and family a very merry Christmas no matter where they are. We are thinking of you all, and will be toasting to Peace, Health and Prosperity in 2007.

This is photo of our Christmas tree, a beautiful Noble Fir.

I'm hoping Santa brings me mutant healing factor for Christmas. Failing that, a new fifth metatarsal bone.

I'm trying to keep my chin up, but I'm feeling depressed. I was really looking forward to Christmas this year, but now I've broken my foot, missed out on any Christmas parties, and all our guests for our Christmas day dinner have piked. I really miss our friends overseas. I wish you could you all email yourselves to me for Christmas.

I just wanted to say how lucky I am to have the wonderful husband I do. At the moment he has taken on long hours of "helper monkey" work fetching this and grabbing that. Keeping his cool while I swear like a sailor at the obstacles in my way. Without him I couldn't even manage a shower. But most importantly he keeps me smiling and laughing through the pain. I might have a broken foot, but I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Thanks sweetie :)

That's right people - I botched running across the street. This morning on the way to work I figured I'd sprint the block and half to the bus stop as my bus is always early and I didn't want to be late to EA. Unfortunately, in the middle of the street my fifth metatarsal bone on my right foot decided to break, sending me into a freefall 180 degree smash into the road. My hands, knee and ankles were all scraped up, but my foot was in agony. After some kind bystanders helped me up off the street, I hobbled home and applied ice to what I thought was a sprained foot. Alas, an hour later my foot was swelling like balloon and the pain was excruciating. So Mum (wonderful angel that she is) came over and off to the University of British Columbia Hospital we went. Good news: took hardly any time to be seen. Bad news: its broken alright. The xray of my foot almost made me puke. The bone is actually displaced. I have to wait two weeks to see the ortho doc to see if I need surgery and a pin.

So now I have this fancy stormtrooper boot cast and a pair crutches I call "fear" and "loathing". Getting to work tomorrow, which will be my last day at EA, will be hard with the walk, bus, train, bus, walk to work. Next week I start a new temp assignment as a web monkey for IBM. Luckily, one does not need a working foot to test games or migrate websites. Unfortunately, IBM is just down the road from EA, so I still have the horrendous commute.

Still, this gives me an opportunity to work on my upper body strength.