2012 is upon us, and looking bright! We rang in the New Year last night in downtown Auckland, under the Sky Tower. At midnight, a round of blazing fireworks were set off from atop the tower, and we were in perfect viewing position (although our necks were a little sore from looking up.)
Earlier that evening, we enjoyed a stellar 4 course meal prepared by our Canadian friend, Tanya, and two other lovely Canadian gals, Nadia and Veronica. A spectacular way to welcome 2012!
2011 was a phenomenal year, with many blessings and memorable times. A highlight for Brendon was being accepted into the PhD program, and a highlight for myself was printing my first postcard set. Communal highlights include times with loved ones who crossed the Pacific Ocean for a visit, as well as our trips to Melbourne and Queenstown. As we stare into the dark void of 2012, it appears it’s actually not so dark after all.
In just 4 weeks, I will take on a new class of Y5/6 students, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting already. While I am definitely content with savoring my summer break at the moment, I am also looking forward to the challenge of another year of teaching ahead. In July of this year, I am due to receive my full registration as a teacher in NZ, which will hopefully transfer over or mean something when we return to Canada, but I have yet to verify this.
With two weddings scheduled for for early 2012, I am pumped about the way my photography business is going. My passion for photography only continues to grow and expand, and I have been thrilled with the numerous opportunities I have had recently to photograph people. Being someone who highly values photographs, I find a lot of joy in being able to give people the gift of photos that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Brendon is currently plugging away at the first chapter of his thesis. He aims to finish the first chapter this month, then present it in front of a post-grad committee in February. If all goes as planned, Brendon will officially be a PhD candidate.
And in a couple of weeks, we look forward to a visit from our dear friends, Matt and Amy Cairns! We have some awesome adventures planned for our time together, and are stoked for a Neilson-Cairns reunion.
As we look back on a 2011 that has been very good to us, we realize it has not been so good for everyone, including the people of Christchurch. Here’s hope for a year without earthquakes and the courage to move on or start over after many lives have been overturned, yet again, by the movement of tectonic plates.
Thinking of family and friends in North America as they ring in the New Year this evening. Sending love across the Pacific, and wishing you all a 2012 filled with adventure, growth, yummy food, and good coffee.