Sunday, December 24, 2006

A summing up of 2006, holiday greetings etc

Yes, I know, some of you thought I was lost to blogging forever, and it is very possible that I will not return to the level of commitment I had before I left for my 6 week holiday in the U.S. But I do not want to cut my ties totally with the wonderful world of blogging, and especially not lose contact with my blogger buddies. I have been checking up on your blogs and note that I am not the only one who is losing momentum at this time of year.

But what a year it's been! From the time I decided to retire in March, then finishing work in June to start taking 6 months of accumulated leave, to now when I am only days away from official retirement (have already received my final pay cheque - gulp!), it has been a steady diet of exhilaration. I just love being retired, and couldn't have chosen a better time to do it. I was SO ready for a life with fewer demands on my time, and a comparison of my 2006 and 2007 diaries illustrates this well.

The one on the left is your heavy duty A4 size diary, with every workday divided up into half hour timeslots, one week per view. On the right is my handmade diary for next year, small, light and soft to the touch, with lovely beads as decoration, and it's 2 months per view. Click to enlarge and see the lovely texture on the handmade paper.












If you look carefully you can see the footy games already pencilled in for June and July.











My U.S. holiday was one highlight of my new life this year, but another, totally unexpected highlight was that I was recently awarded the Chancellor's Medal for my "outstanding contributions to the University"! I had to read the letter a number of times before I could comprehend. A formal presentation will be made next year, and there will be photos (promises, promises). What a way to finish a career, doing something I loved doing, and then being so honoured by the academics who were such a joy to work with.

So a summing up of my 2006 would have to be a very positive one, without forgetting that I have been extremely fortunate in many ways: good health, a wonderful husband and family, and a network of friends around blogger world. And also not forgetting that there are many who have not been so fortunate, for whom I wish a 1000% better 2007. And to everyone, I wish you a very happy holiday season and a fulfilling new year.

15 comments:

Kerri said...

With the speed of a bullet, here I am! (Thanks to the Internet). So happy to see you posting Val. What a wonderful surprise to get that letter and congratulations on your award! I'm sure you are most deserving of it. That is a very positive note to end the year on.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Much love xox

Alice said...

Oh gosh, a posting!

Congratulations on your award from the Uni. I'm sure your really deserved it, even if you were puzzled by it.

So good to be able to look back on a year with so many positives - let's hope 2007 will be at least as good, although I guess you can't retire twice so that will take a bit of beating.

Have a wonderful Christmas, Val and the MWC and boys.

DellaB said...

...awarded the Chancellor's Medal for my "outstanding contributions to the University"!

well... CONGRATULATIONS to you - well deserved too by the sound of it!

Glad I came by, just stopped in to say:
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS VAL'
:-)
Della

Susie said...

I'm always delighted when you pop up in bloglines!
Thanks for sharing some of the highlights of your wonderful year...
The Chancellor's Medal is a great honor for you! Congratulations!
Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas!
Love and ((hugs))

TJ said...

It was so nice to hear from you recently dear Val!!
I'm just stopping in today Christmas Eve to wish you and yours a very merry and love filled Christmas!!
Love YOU!!
:-D

John Cowart said...

The Chancellor's Medal!
Wow.
You are starting your new life in a blaze of glory.

Val said...

Great way to finish a career! Well done indeed. And I wish you a great year ahead Val. Keep in touch!

Kali said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours Val!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Merry Christmas to you and all your family! It has been a pleasure meeting you and reading your blog!

Gwen said...

Hi Val..
Hope your Christmas went well,what
a way to go out.
What a thrill to retire with the honour of a "CHANCELLOR'S MEDAL".
Well done Val and I would say well
deserved.
Stay Well ..

Carole Burant said...

Dearest Val...wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! I know I'm a few days late but I'm just now catching up with everybody. I hope your Christmas was a lovely one!! Wow, what an honour indeed to win that Chancellor's medal...VERY well done dear Val!! Much love xox

Hale McKay said...

Congratulations on the award.

Have a Happy New Year.

(Hear by way of Peter's place.)

Jeanette said...

Hi Val
Congratulations on your "Chancellors Award" What A wonderful way to retire.
Happy New Year To You.
Keep smiling

Sharon said...

Congratulations Val... Indeed a high note to retire on... And you and yours have a lovely New Year full of promise...

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

Congrats on the Chancellor's Medal Val. I've loved retirement and have enjoyed my 12.5 years of it and I see that you are also enjoying every minute of yours. I'm so happy for you and I know that 2007 will be a wonderful year for you.

Love your diaries too.