Things I am liking today....

1. Christmas season in Summer!  There is nothing like doning one's shorts, tshirt, and jandals (that's kiwi for flip flops) and heading out for some holiday shopping!  Weather has been ideal this past couple weeks, almost too warm, but the on shore breezes make for perfect temps! 

2. Minimalist Xmas. Despite what I hear about the holidays being more built up each year here, it completely pales in comparison to what we in America have going!  One has to look hard to even know that Christmas is coming.  Yes there are a few sparkly decorations in store windows and even in our clinic we have a small decorated tree tucked back behind the reception desk, but in general, Xmas is not met with the over-the-top enthusiam I have grown used to being in the US.   HNot one Xmas sweater for example! Imagine that!  Have to admit I am rather enjoying the low key nature to this coming holiday!  Less consumer craziness (who wants to shop really when you can be out at beach surfing or riding bikes or other!) more relaxed atmostphere, less drama in general.

3. Watching the boys row.  Stopped on way to work this AM at the Tauranga Rowing Club where Jack and Noah were setting off with their team in a quad with coxswain.  Gorgeous morning, sunshine sparkling off the water, light breeze, lots of activity at the boathouse, watching my boys show such enthusiasm about this great sport.  They even seem to know what they are doing for novices!  As they are out for summer holiday now, they are onto double practices.   I won't be so glad when I have to get them there at 5:30am, but today coach let them sleep in a bit.  Back at 3 pm for dryland training.

4. The invigorating feeling that sets in about 30" after the 90" hot yoga class.  Been going few times a week to this class that previouisly I was not sure I liked, but now fearing it is becoming a problem.  Feels so good afterwards, so hard in the moment!

5. Boys got accepted to Tauranga Boys College, Testosterone Central, directly across street from my work, which will allow them longer rowing season as they can compete in the school regattas, take Spanish in a class and not online, play soccer and also a bit more of academic challenge.  Don't seem too phased by the single sex nature of it.  Thank goodness for sports to occupy their time and serve as hormonal outlet.  Cool thing we learned this week as they will be able to particiapte in week long regatta on the South Island that bring all secondary school rowers tog to rac in March.  Great opportunity!

6. Last week while working in a very busy Friday afternoon urgent care clinic, the RN came to me around 4 pm insisting I take a break from working, go upstairs and have a have a cup o' tea.  It was the perfect remedy and so appreciated her thoughfulness to look after me as well as this custom, yet again.  Makes me realize how impt it is to stop every so often, at least twice daily here, as things can always wait, clear one's head, enjoy the hot brew and a nibble, and then feel refreshed to get back at it.  Think Group Health will be ok with me instituting this Coop wide??!!

7. Noah Jack and Maggie putting on wetsuits for 2nd surf of the day last night after dinner and off they went. I was off to dine with some fellow Spokanites and missed being with them, but love seeing them saunter off with boards in hand! 

8. Knowing AW is coming so soon!  5 days and counting!  He will join us in time for Xmas celebration at Santi's home, and then we head south to S. Island for mtn biking, kayaking, wine tasting, whale watching and general exploring.  So grateful he can take the time off to be here with me!

9. Anticipating Xmas AM surfing with kids.  Need I say more?

10. Coming home last night to Maggie playing with neighbor girls.  We are surrounded on 2/3 sides by young girls and after a few months of being shy, she is now coming out of her shell more.  Love that she has friends so close.

11. Being teased at work for my accent.  I got such a hard time for saying ANT-I-BIOTICS (the I pronounced like "eye") yesterday.  Here one would say ant-ee-biotics.  Whatever.  They had a good time mocking me.

12.Day off tomorrow!!