Perspective

Homecoming 2009

Scotland’s tourist board came up with a catch phrase “Homecoming 2009” and this trip, our third in 3 years, though costly, lived up to exactly that.

Not only did we get to see family, and have a combined family holiday with the Caves and Jacksons, but we played a part of the marriage of Elaine and James. We are so blessed to have been able to have done all this in 3 short weeks.

We celebrated Abigails 3rd birthday 4 times (Scotland, England,Islay and at Elaine’s and James house).

 

In England we had some nice meals with the family.

Met friends and had days out at various parks

and we were entertained at Aunty Emma’s house.

On return to Scotland, Clyde and I even got to see the first Killie home game of the season (3-0!)

This holiday we actually planned a get away. We were living the dream on the fairly remote island of Islay.

Dinner for 12 was served in the main hall at Easter Ellister each justifying our endeavours to seek out the unfindable – Goat Poo Cave and the unmarked Blowhole.

We familiarised ourselves with the local wildlife, conquered mountains

 

made new friends, and sampled new whisky in local villages

 

….waited patiently for swell….. built bridges…..

….hunted for treasure… and accidentally interrupted a marriage proposal.

Our holiday finished off with a flawless and exceptional wedding of my wee sister to James Bruce Steel. here are two of my favourite pictures. How good does Elaine look?

Unlike previous trips this one was fairly sad leaving – we had such a good time. Thank you to everyone who made our trip outstanding.

Happiness. Creation or pursuit…

I read this week a great quote about the pursuit of happiness being less effective than the creation of happiness.

Then in my health plans magazine I read about The 4th Annual Conference in Sydney of Happiness and it causes.

Here’s some grabs from the article

• 50% of happiness is genetic, 10% is circumstantial and 40% is based on habits of thought and behaviour
• 1 in 5 women in developed countries is on anti-depressants
• Your emotions are affected by the five people you spend the most time with

What I took from the article was adopt a positive train of mind, surround yourself with happy people and take care of number 1 physically and mentally.

Whilst all this makes sense I was left with a disturbing thought that if you weren’t happy you just had to become happy and all would be well. Ok, so I was a bit circumspect about the happiness guru title and therefore naturally sceptical of any findings.

I propose that:

• Being unhappy can be justified and good for you

(to appreciate highs you need to understand the lows)

• Happiness can be selfish
• Self assurance and gratitude can be more important than being happy
• Being content has a direct relationship with happiness
• Joy, as opposed to happiness isn’t determined by emotions or healthy eating.

 

As a Christian I believe that joy is the knowledge that you are saved regardless of your circumstances or genetics. Jesus benefits you, and in turn your acquaintances as he can change your thoughts and behaviour.

So, I end in agreement with words from Chuck D from Public Enemy: “Don’t Worry Be Happy, was a number one jam,….but slap me if I say it right here“.

Music, Fair, Prizes and Football

I’ve always liked a bit of Hip Hop and was amazed when I watched a documentary that showed a Hip Hop Church. Its not really a church but a group of cool Christians you happen to be MCs, DJs etc. We took a few from St. Marks and I liked it so much I’m going to make www.krosswerdz.com a regular thing. Everybody say “Hola!”

Clyde’s been having some fun too. Not only is he improving at reading and creativity but his school puts on some fun events too. At the fair he was using his new found talent of thrill rides. We was happy to go onto the Rotor ride.

He was the smallest (pinned to the outside bottom right) and looked a bit incredulous and was wobbly but smiley when he came off

 

At work I was very pleased to win a quarterly award (for being passionate) thanks in part to my colleague Sam and the recommendation of Gary Denman (cheers Gary).

In lament of his now diagnosed Glue Ear (operation next week) Clyde and I went to the Aussie World Cup Qualifier.

It was the first game Clyde watched all the way through. He was ecstatic when Australia (the yellows) scored and later won 2-0 against Uzbekistan.We were up in the cheap seats but managed to get a clearer view in the second half. Clyde was surprised with the noise, but enjoyed the football so much he played his Vsmile Football game all the way home.

Now to the Cyclones U6 first game at the weekend!

Burns Supper Videos and Photos

If you enjoyed the Burns Night, or if you simply wondered what happened if you missed it, you can see the edited for video event here:

https://cid-359c7406660d541b.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Videos/Burns%20Supper%202009

If its a bit too long, Ill be adding a 5 min fly-by video for YouTube in the next week or so!

You can also see a few snaps here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcghees/sets/72157612956099693/

Gardening in March

March has been a month of various weather. Between the heavy rain and mostly sunny days we have been as a family getting the garden to rights.

Just as well as Clyde and Abigail are making more use of the garden – Clyde practising for  new season of football in the U6 Cyclones and Abigail on her Skuut bike.

The spiders have set in though, so we are being careful of Red backs (in the strawberries) and the unknown spiders that are attaching themselves via a leaf to the Lemon Myrtle Tree.

We have relayed some of the lawn near the shed, re-mulched the pine trees and weed killed the paths. Lorna has also acquired a plant as a gift when she left her work, and she has plated some frangipanis and other plants in the now vacant side garden.

Indoors we have been cleaning about Abigail’s room, now adding a tall cupboard to accommodate her now very girly clothes. Clyde too has a wee desk now that he is at school and has reading material and more paper everywhere.

Grandma and Granpa McGhee Visit

A great visit started with a big hug at the airport for Grandma from Abigail.

Abigail got her fair share of reading. “What cho Talking… Grandma”

Clyde and Grandpa were as thick as thieves. Often skipping up to the loft to play scaletrix.

After a great month, we will have to a wait a few before Elaine’s Wedding!

Golf shoes – 24 years RIP

They don’t make them like they used to. My STYLO Golf shoes lasted be 24 years – from a wee lad. Admittedly the last 5 they were looking a bit tatty.

 

They finally fell apart (separation from the base) after a January of twilight golf – in preparation for York’s bucks weekend away.

I’d happily buy another pair but I don’t think they make them anymore.

Test Camping Weekend

In January we decided to make use of the holiday period to take a long weekend to go camping.

Last year we bought a tent and although we opened it in the backyard we hadnt yet given it a dry run.

Our friends the Rosics were off for a week on the Gold Coast and stopping near Crescent head. Id pretty much hoped that there was going to be some surf,  and the charts had predicted some.

My parents due to arrive the following weekend meant it was on.

Clyde discovered he quite liked running around the campsite and checking out the wildlife with Abigail

We met up with Rosics for dinner a quick surf (very good conditions). However with little shade it wasn’t much fun for Lorna. We are looking consequently for a new tent!

Burns Supper 2009

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Robert Burns, Lorna and I put on an event for our friends, family and neighbours. Making use of the outdoor projection setup and deck, we were very fortunate to have a dry day before the rain. Catherine Bowers kicked us off with a Selkirk grace.

 

To make it a little more organised this year I put everything on my computer and used PowerPoint to project the words, pictures and agenda. Everyone took part – we had  great Laddies and Lassies speech from the Lawrence’s, singing, poetry, toasts and speeches. Bar the piper (Ron Clements OAM) I was the only one in a kilt (thanks Mum & Dad for last years birthday gift)

 

Clyde took part in Tam O Shanter with Maw and Paw

Lorna again did a tremendous job of a 5 course menu and the food and drink well well measured.

Even Abigail had to get up wondering and amazed about “the noisy” piping.

 

We finished off, our last Burns night in a while, with a rendition of Waltzing Matilda and Auld Lang Syne.

 

My Mum, reminded my that my Uncle Robert loved a good burns Night, so this night was in memory of him and in thought of my Aunt Rose.