Well here it is – Christmas Day.
We are going over to someone’s place who is having a Christmas Dinner for the community. Apparently, there are about 40 going. There will be games for the kids and of course food! We have said we will give a hand where it is needed but we are really over doing a lot. We have done heaps throughout the year and see this time as a rest and recuperation time. We are doing a bit around our place at the moment. We are endeavouring to get our place back to something similar to what it was before we got the new kitchen and the granny flat (Cabin) added. It was great a mate came over and gave me a hand to move some of the bigger stuff. He really knew what he was doing and the fridge, couch and fold up bed plus cupboards went into the Cabin in super quick time. I was really glad for his help. I was trying to avoid Merril needing to move anything weighty. It worked, but it is really hard to get her not to do anything like that. We had bought a small fold up table from Ikea. I must admit I am used to getting a table and simply putting it in place. This one came with instructions and in many pieces. I am needing to assemble it. Someone I worked with left where I work to put stuff together for people. I can see why. I am a typical guy and left Christmas shopping till the last minute. Merril and I went out Christmas eve. We had Containers for Cash to take and we took them. It seems many others decided to take theirs on the same day. Merril commented how she likes the way we work together. I process the plastic and cardboard containers, and she processes the bottles which I pack in freezer bags from the supermarket. We did that and then separated at a shopping centre. I got presents and she got one too though she already had gotten some. We then had a coffee together at the shops and went home. All it all a good day. But the presents are under the tree and I’m ready to open them. Then again though I am used to getting up early. I hope everyone has a great day.
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An Important Part
We had a delivery yesterday. It was a washer/dryer we had ordered from Sydney at the end of last week. We think the company must have a warehouse in Brisbane. We can track the delivery of the item on the phone. It shows exactly where the item is and its journey to our place. When the thing is close by a text is sent to say when it is due to arrive. Not only is the item delivered and unpacked - it is installed. The people that deliver it are friendly and efficient. (We have used their services before). What really got to me and had a huge lesson in it is: when the item was installed one of the guys said the attachment needed a clamp to ensure it did not move. He told us what we needed and where to get it and said he is surprised not all washing machines come with it. It is a clamp. Approximately $2.50 from Bunnings. Without it the whole environment could be wrecked if the hose comes loose. Something worth well north of a grand and the environment it is in (which could be worth thousands) could be wrecked for the want of a $2.50 part. It made me think of what I say. My mouth is such a little part. Yet what I say is capable of wrecking relationships and deeply hurting another. But when it is working properly it is capable of building friendships and making others feel good about themselves and inspiring. I will say it every time that I need help with that, and acknowledge I do not always get it right. But thankfully I often do. Like the washing machine such a little part can have such a big impact. This Christmas I think I will be attempting to build others up. I know my faults. Others often know theirs. None of us need reminding about our shortcomings. I am thinking a good present to give someone else is seeing good and commenting on it and making them feel good about themselves, My next post is due on Christmas day. My present to anyone who reads this is you have a lot going for you. We have a future and a hope. Merry Christmas! It has arrived. Time off.
These last few months have been crazy busy. Apart from our normal church activities we have had a new kitchen built, a granny flat (cabin) built, trip to hospital, a cruise booked that did not happen, the bathroom altered, and the place a shambles while work was being done. At the lunch on Saturday a stranger commented to me that, “you never stop.” I reckon that is right as I tend to be go go go when there are things to be done. But I did notice I was running out of steam. Things I would normally do I noticed others were stepping up and doing, and I was ok with that. Merril was talking to someone Saturday who was saying places they normally book into for Christmas lunch were not doing it this year. Their reason? They felt staff needed time off. So we are looking forward to time out ourselves. Time where we can get to the things we had in mind to do, to get the place the way we had planned. There is a huge new to do list, but it is without the pressure of activities we need to attend. We love all that, but we also love the thought of a rest. It is weird how doing all this other stuff at home, we consider a rest. We do have a washer/dryer arriving today. We looked up various places to find the best price and local was one dollar cheaper for the item, but we needed to add on delivery and instillation charges. We found a place in Sydney we have used before, and they would delver the item free of charge and install in. The saving at face value was around $150 dollars. When I mentioned it to the builder of our Cabin his comment was “why wouldn’t you?” My thoughts exactly really. Apart from that the day is ours. Oh and making sure an industrial bin we are looking after is unlocked for clearing tomorrow (it is normally Thursday). There will be no clearance next week. This activity does not have high excitement value at face value, but it does to us. Hopefully we use the time well, but it is nice to have a time of working at our own pace without the usual deadlines. |