OMG almost another year gone. They seem to fly past so quickly now, it only feels like yesterday that we were celebrating New Years.
So what has 2011 brought me?? Well one thing is for sure things happened in 2011 that I don’t think anyone could have foreseen.
2011 started out great, with New Years being spent with Bevan and his family at the Blue Lake in Rotorua. A number of colds ones were drunk and overall was a great way to see in the new year.
Then it was down to Waikawa Beach for a few days R&R with the boys, and then a couple by myself.
Back to Whitby to start packing for the move from there to Silverstream was the next item on the list. Moving is always such fun, even more so listening to Farmer Wayne bitch and whine about the 10 steps down to the new place… Man you must be getting old!!
A few days after settling into Silverstream it was off to Chch for one of my now regular trips down there for Census. However this was one trip I will never forget. At 12:51pm on the 22nd of February 2011, life in Christchurch changed forever. A 6.2 earthquake, centered just outside the CBD, caused the loss of 181 lives and changed the face of Chch. I detailed my experience here. I’ve been back to Chch only a couple of times since then and the place is a very sad sight.
Another big change came in March, when I not only turned 40, but ALL Windows machines were replaced with Apple Mac’s, firstly a MacBook Pro and later a 27″ iMac. 40… Well there’s a milestone that I never thought I would make, and thanks to all those that came and helped my celebrate. And as for the Mac’s… Still lovin them.
April… That brought a new experience… I was chosen to go on a drive day at Hampton Downs with VW NZ. More on that here.
April also brought an addition to the Tock clan… Doris the kitten (now cat!) joined us. She’s proved to be a bit of a fighter by beating up the odd dog (Sorry Jake!) and inflicting many a scratch when I have teased her a bit far! And finally in April my Dad turned 80 years young… Doesn’t look a day over 79!!
The middle of the year was just that the middle and in NZ that means winter… So not alot happens in winter. July brought us Alex’s 8th B’day and I am so proud of the fine young man he is going into. He must have looked at his dad and decided to do everything I didn’t!!
August found me in Sydney for the first time in almost 6 years. Had an awesome time catching up with Cherie and Brent from Perth and celebrating Amanda’s 39th B’day. Pikkies can be found here.
Next up was Reegan’s 4th B’day. It only feels like yesterday that he was born. So many things have happened in that four years, but one thing remains the same, my love for my boys. They are my world. Love you both xxx.
The middle of August gave us another once in a life time event… A major dump of snow across almost all of New Zealand. I was unable to get to work for three days as the roads were closed. The boys had a great time in the snow making snowmen and throwing snowballs.
End of August brought the annual Microsoft TechEd conference in Auckland, which as it was on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this year I was able to tack on a couple of days on Waiheke Island with some friends. Stunning place, just sorry for one of those there the memories have been soured by subsequent events.
September meant the end of the anti-nut pills that I had been on for over two years. So please with myself that I have been able to get off them. Depression is still a daily battle, but thankfully one that I am winning. 
October… Two events stand out… The loss to the world of Steve Jobs. I’m not a fanboi but the man changed the world, while still managing to be a major pain in the arse!! There’s hope for me yet! And the second, my annual butt on the couch day… Bathurst!… No more to say on that..Lol
The last few months have just gone in a blur, so not much to add there really.
So 2012 what surprises do you have instore for me??
Finally wishing everyone a safe and merry Christmas and a awesome new years.
