I've had about half a dozen days at school now and have felt well! It's lovely to feel almost back to "normal" these days. I know I need to still pace my self a little so as not to get fatigued, but I am managing so much better this year than last year!
Richard has had a couple of days' work this year. In the meantime, he has used his time at home to catch up on plenty of things. He's been enjoying the freedom that "no work" brings. He continues to apply for suitable jobs, but is adjusting well to the likelyhood of less full-time contracts from now on.
He's been busy researching solar panels for generating electricity and a new hot water system for our house. Every person who quotes has a different system to push.
We had a good time at our annual church camp at the coast last week-end.
Stuart and Cherie are preparing for the birth of their baby in about 6 weeks'time. They held a baby shower at their apartment last week and had a lovely time with their friends.
The equipment one has for a baby in Seoul seems to be different from here. Strollers are awkward, as they commute by train, bus or taxi. They mostly carry their babies in back/front packs etc. The baby's bed is a system of folding foam pieces that can adjust as the baby grows. They are used to sleeping on/close to the floor, which is heated. It all looks very clever and compact.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Think Pink!
Yes, we have been told that our coming grand baby will be a GIRL! This is very exciting for us, as boys are what we have been used to.
Richard and I have booked to go to Seoul in April. The baby is due on April 20, so we have hopefully timed out trip correctly. We arrive on April 16 and depart on April 30.
Cherie is well and they tell her that all is well with the baby. Stuart is enjoying his work, teaching English. So they have settled in again , after deciding to stay. No word has come about the visa as yet, so time has run out for Cherie to be able to fly here anyway.
Richard is adjusting to being at home and is keeping busy with all sorts of tasks around the house and with his choir administration. There seems to be lots of things that need fixing around the house! He finally found out that he didn't get the contract he was waiting months to hear about. He has had a couple of mini jobs that he's done from home in the past couple of months. These have only been a half-hour here or an hour there. He'll keep looking for something as he enjoys the work.
I am booked up for some teaching days in the next month. I am feeling much better these past few weeks. Maybe the worst is behind me. My latest tests are all clear, which is great news.
Richard and I have booked to go to Seoul in April. The baby is due on April 20, so we have hopefully timed out trip correctly. We arrive on April 16 and depart on April 30.
Cherie is well and they tell her that all is well with the baby. Stuart is enjoying his work, teaching English. So they have settled in again , after deciding to stay. No word has come about the visa as yet, so time has run out for Cherie to be able to fly here anyway.
Richard is adjusting to being at home and is keeping busy with all sorts of tasks around the house and with his choir administration. There seems to be lots of things that need fixing around the house! He finally found out that he didn't get the contract he was waiting months to hear about. He has had a couple of mini jobs that he's done from home in the past couple of months. These have only been a half-hour here or an hour there. He'll keep looking for something as he enjoys the work.
I am booked up for some teaching days in the next month. I am feeling much better these past few weeks. Maybe the worst is behind me. My latest tests are all clear, which is great news.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
At home
I enjoyed a dinner out on Thursday night with a group of friends. I stayed awake! It was nice to have enough energy to do that.
Rick and I have been spending the holidays at home. No word yet on the job he has been waiting on, except that nothing has been decided. I have been thinking that every phone call might be about the job. I am trying to forget about it! Rick is managing better than me!
In the last two weeks Stuart and Cherie have made the decision to stay in Seoul for the birth of the baby and possibly another year. They have heard nothing from the Australian Embassy regarding the visa. Stuart started to look for a new job in Seoul. He was then surprised to be offered his old job back, after giving notice months ago.
This is wonderful for them, as it means he can continue on with his familiar job ( with good hours) and they can stay in the same apartment for another year.
If the visa is granted before the year is up, they will have to give a couple of months notice and arrange to sub-let the apartment.
Cherie is now six months pregnant and all is well. They are now very relieved to know what is happening and to plan for the baby's arrival without all the packing up and moving house..... or changing countries.
We may be able to go to Seoul to see the baby. We can't make plans yet until we know about the job that Rick is waiting on.
Rick and I have been spending the holidays at home. No word yet on the job he has been waiting on, except that nothing has been decided. I have been thinking that every phone call might be about the job. I am trying to forget about it! Rick is managing better than me!
In the last two weeks Stuart and Cherie have made the decision to stay in Seoul for the birth of the baby and possibly another year. They have heard nothing from the Australian Embassy regarding the visa. Stuart started to look for a new job in Seoul. He was then surprised to be offered his old job back, after giving notice months ago.
This is wonderful for them, as it means he can continue on with his familiar job ( with good hours) and they can stay in the same apartment for another year.
If the visa is granted before the year is up, they will have to give a couple of months notice and arrange to sub-let the apartment.
Cherie is now six months pregnant and all is well. They are now very relieved to know what is happening and to plan for the baby's arrival without all the packing up and moving house..... or changing countries.
We may be able to go to Seoul to see the baby. We can't make plans yet until we know about the job that Rick is waiting on.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Taking it easy
Rick and I have been relaxing at home this week. We've caught up with friends and we've spent some time with Cameron, as he has been on holdays too. I've been doing some reading, crocheting and watching the cricket. This was despite the Aussies losing! I thought the English team played very well and deserved to win the Ashes. My health is improving as the side effects of the treatment lessen. There are even times now when I don't think about the treatment etc, which is a sign that things are settling down. People have said that you get to point when you can almost forget you've had anything wrong with you. This might not be far away, as the side effects are becoming more manageable thses days.
Stuart and Cherie are now making plans to stay in Seoul for the birth of their baby ... and possibly until February 2012. They have had to take this decision because time is running out to hear news of Cherie's visa and they've been recently told that the processing has been delayed.
We are sad that we won't see them here this February and will miss the excitement of the birth etc, but are glad that things have worked out with Stuart's job and acc0mmodation in Seoul. There is good medical care in Seoul and there is opportunity for support from their many friends and Cherie's family. If the visa is granted in the next few months, they will make plans to come home to Australia when it's suitable for Cherie and the baby to fly. We are not sure if we'll be visitng them. We'll wait and see what happens with the visa etc.
Stuart and Cherie are now making plans to stay in Seoul for the birth of their baby ... and possibly until February 2012. They have had to take this decision because time is running out to hear news of Cherie's visa and they've been recently told that the processing has been delayed.
We are sad that we won't see them here this February and will miss the excitement of the birth etc, but are glad that things have worked out with Stuart's job and acc0mmodation in Seoul. There is good medical care in Seoul and there is opportunity for support from their many friends and Cherie's family. If the visa is granted in the next few months, they will make plans to come home to Australia when it's suitable for Cherie and the baby to fly. We are not sure if we'll be visitng them. We'll wait and see what happens with the visa etc.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year !
Happy New Year to you.
We spent New Year's Eve in Cronulla.
A little beach holiday:
Richard and I had a relaxing time "minding" Paul and Jeni's lovely apartment in Cronulla. ( Thanks again, Paul & Jeni)
I loved swimming in the ocean rock pools. We had a couple of cooler days that were great for walking and just looking at the view, followed by some hot days to enjoy swimming in the apartment pool and in the ocean.
We also watched movies and I also read a little and crocheted. Mum and Dad came to visit us one day. We enjoyed spending time with Paul & Jeni on their return from seeing family in Victoria.
The water was inevitably chilly at first, but then I didn't want to get out! These photos aren't the most flattering of me, but I sure had fun! 2011 will hopefully be a good year for me to get fit again.
We all went to Mum and Dad's church, which has just begun meeting in the new building. Mum made us all lunch, before Richard and I said farewell and drove home to Canberra.
We spent New Year's Eve in Cronulla.
A little beach holiday:
Richard and I had a relaxing time "minding" Paul and Jeni's lovely apartment in Cronulla. ( Thanks again, Paul & Jeni)
I loved swimming in the ocean rock pools. We had a couple of cooler days that were great for walking and just looking at the view, followed by some hot days to enjoy swimming in the apartment pool and in the ocean.
We also watched movies and I also read a little and crocheted. Mum and Dad came to visit us one day. We enjoyed spending time with Paul & Jeni on their return from seeing family in Victoria.
The water was inevitably chilly at first, but then I didn't want to get out! These photos aren't the most flattering of me, but I sure had fun! 2011 will hopefully be a good year for me to get fit again.
We all went to Mum and Dad's church, which has just begun meeting in the new building. Mum made us all lunch, before Richard and I said farewell and drove home to Canberra.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Christmas in Canberra
New Christmas tree with new lights!
I had a lovely catch-up coffee with Leonie just before Christmas.
Partha joined us for dinner on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day service in Canberra
It was great to hear the choir sing.
Cameron and us at church in the morning.
Chrsitmas Day lunch:
We enjoyed a very special Christmas lunch...beautifully cooked by the talented chef, Andrew, for his family and friends. Such a special treat for us.
Besides the delicious food and good company, there were fun games such as Sumo wrestling, table soccer, jumping castle, pin ball machine and the old favourite Christmas movie ( National Lampoons Christmas Vacation)
Watching the movie
Richard as a sumo wrestler.
Roz and Sherab often host a meal at their place on Christmas night for family and friends. It was great to have the opportunity to go this year......for the very first time!
Roz and Walsa. Roz is showing us her special hand painted art work she brought back from India.
We missed seeing the extended family in Sydney for dinner, but we liked not having to do the traditional pack-up, 3- hour drive and working out a place to stay. My health just wasn't going to stand up to the challenge this year.
Two days after Christmas we had a lovely time at a get together of extended family in Camden.
The picture below is out of context. It was taken in August when Stuart and Cherie were visiting. We missed them on Christmas Day.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Lamont - Christmas Update 2010
Lamont’s Christmas update 2010
At the end of a challenging year, we are all doing well.
Berlin
At the end of a challenging year, we are all doing well.
Berlin
January: Rick and I managed to go on a wonderful overseas trip in between my various health treatments. We spent time with Stuart and Cherie in Seoul and visited various parts of Germany, Spain and France. We enjoyed the experience very much and saw many fascinating places in the freezing cold! We expected it to be really cold in Berlin.. and it was. We weren't expecting it to snow in Madrid though!
Toledo, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
February: I had my second operation to do with the cancer treatment/prevention. All went well.
March to December: We were able to attend several family celebrations in Sydney as well as a special holiday in Victoria , even though I didn't feel all that great. I have experienced many side effects of the preventative medication I am on. I need to take this for five years! I was pleased to be able to teach at times, but had to learn to adjust to the need for extended periods of rest. Now, over a year on, I think the side effects are lessening and I am feeling hopeful that the next year won’t be as hard.
We celebrated a 21st, two engagements and a wedding. Stuart and Cherie also came home for a weeks' visit in August.
Rick had full-time work for the first six months, then about 2 days a week since July. He has just had an interview for another 6 month contract that starts in January. It would be a good Christmas present if he gets the job! He has looked after me very well over the past year, for which I am grateful. It must be difficult for those who have cancer or similar health problems and have no one close to look after them.
Cameron continues to work at Dept of Health and Ageing. He has been thinking that he might need a new challenge in 2011. He also had a month’s holiday in Europe, where he spent time in London, Paris, Florence and Rome. He went with his friend, Ben from Uni days. Rick and Cameron have been busy renovating the kitchen in Cameron’s townhouse. Hard to believe he has lived there for nearly three years!
Stuart and Cherie have spent the last two years in Seoul. They are enjoying what will most probably be their last few months there. Their exciting news is that Cherie is having a baby ! Due in late April.
So we will be grandparents!!
Cherie is well and if all goes to plan, they will be arriving home to live permanently, (initially with us), in February. This all depends on whether Cherie is granted a visa in time!
If the granting of the visa is delayed beyond February, they will remain in Seoul to have the baby and we will hopefully visit them in April/May.
Another good Christmas present for all of us would be news of the Visa!
We will be home on Christmas Day this year.
Traditionally we travel to Sydney on Christmas Day, to meet up with my family in time for dinner. This year we are staying home. While we will miss the fun of being with the family and celebrating Christmas dinner together in Sydney, we are looking forward to staying in Canberra and experiencing a few different things this year. We will see some of my extended family at a gathering in Camden two days after Christmas.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday Christmas Lunch
I am privileged to know such a great group of women. We had a lovely Christmas lunch together on Thursday.
December check-ups
Time again for some health checks. One to check for any signs of lymphoedema, one to see the breast surgeon and one to diagnose my ongoing problem with vertigo ( over two months now). All good results. My vertigo was diagnosed as benign and brought on by certain head movements. I have special "dizzy" exercises to do and it will hopefully disappear altogether! It has lessened in the last couple of weeks.
School finished on December 9. I enjoyed the end of year dinner with the staff and even managed to join in the dancing without getting dizzy!
We also went to the special Christmas party at church, which was very enjoyable.
This week I've been really on holidays, with no thought of school ringing me to work. I've been resting and reading a lot, hoping to feel like a healthy person soon! I have seen improvement in the last month, which is very encouraging.
Below:
Just some older photos I thought I'd add! Nothing really to do with the blog entry. I'm just thinking about Stuart and Cherie. Cherie is half way through her pregnancy now and is feeling very well. They are waiting patiently for the visa so that they can move here in February.
Cameron, Cherie and Stuart back in 2008.
Amy, Stuart, Andrew, Elizabeth, Philip, Jenny, Janelle, John & Cameron Lamont, taken at Josh's wedding in Tassie. We caught up with Amy last week when she was in Canberra for a conference.
Stuart's graduation.... 2007.
School finished on December 9. I enjoyed the end of year dinner with the staff and even managed to join in the dancing without getting dizzy!
We also went to the special Christmas party at church, which was very enjoyable.
This week I've been really on holidays, with no thought of school ringing me to work. I've been resting and reading a lot, hoping to feel like a healthy person soon! I have seen improvement in the last month, which is very encouraging.
Below:
Just some older photos I thought I'd add! Nothing really to do with the blog entry. I'm just thinking about Stuart and Cherie. Cherie is half way through her pregnancy now and is feeling very well. They are waiting patiently for the visa so that they can move here in February.
Cameron, Cherie and Stuart back in 2008.
Amy, Stuart, Andrew, Elizabeth, Philip, Jenny, Janelle, John & Cameron Lamont, taken at Josh's wedding in Tassie. We caught up with Amy last week when she was in Canberra for a conference.
Stuart's graduation.... 2007.
Emma and Marc's Engagement Party
Saturday, November 27 : Cameron, Richard and I travelled to Sydney for Emma and Marc's Engagement party. It was a very happy celebration. A brunch with plenty of delicious food, and we caught up with family and friends.
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