New Years Resolutions

I don't think I've ever really gotten the concept of New Years Resolutions, but then again, I was never a real goal-setter. I think I set a resolution one year to publish my story. As the year progressed I realised that my story wasn't ready, nor could I afford the editing or self-publishing. Part-way through this year I decided to expand on a short story I wrote end of high school. I gave myself a 2 year deadline. I was dedicated for a couple weeks, and since then I have not found the motivation to turn my 10-page story 'summary' into a full length novel.

Perhaps that is my problem - my motivation. I think it shows through in my wedding planning too. I get a few things done, and then don't think about it for a month...which will probably end up for the worse. It just feels odd when people ask me how the wedding planning is going. Well, chose venues and booked for the reception, did that in June; chose, paid off and picked up my dress; chose bridesmaid dresses; decided on type of flowers; bought everything to make the invitations; decided on 'bonbonniere'; looking at quotes for car hire. What can I really say about it? I haven't really done a lot. I don't understand why people would stress so much about this? Or is it just me?

I think the only part of the wedding I just can't decide on is the honeymoon destination - and technically Jesse is supposed to be organising that.

But but to my original thought - perhaps I should make a resolution for next year - to be more motivated, and set goals, and actually follow through with them. How long do you think I'll last?

Hello Summer, where is my sunshine?

Well, it has been a while since I update this. As I write this, on a cold and rainy first day of summer, I can't believe how quickly this year has passed. I know it's such a cliché, but every year at this time I wonder where the months have disappeared to, and if I can join them. There are only 3 weeks tomorrow until we break up for the year at work, which is crazy to think about...but I can't wait for my holidays!

Having a look back on the month of November I can't say it wasn't eventful. Jesse and I have been looking at various places in which we could live. But now, with Rosie having to move back home (*sadface* due to work scheduling) we will be staying in my current unit until at least after our wedding (5 months yesterday!!).

Let's see...this month for wedding things I have started looking at and have gotten quite a few quotes for limos. And I've pretty much organised flowers (yay!). January will *hopefully* be productive for me. I will be taking my dress to the dress-maker for alterations, and *hopefully* making the invitations ready to be posted out in February. I'm also quite annoyed that I never heard back from the glass printing place. After our initial phone call where he said he would email me samples I got nothing. I emailed again and still have gotten no response. This was a while ago so I really need to follow up, but he said no rush, it takes about 6-8 weeks so I have plenty of time, but I want to order in Jan/Feb.

So I'm trying to think of what to buy for Christmas presents, especially for Jesse (anyone got any ideas???). Thanks to Ali I can cross my parents and brothers off my list, they're all sorted =)

Oh, and one other 'big' thing that happened this month - due to 'cost cutting' Dad has been offered a redundancy package from work, so he finished up at the bank yesterday after 32 years of service (that's right, Dad was only 17 when he started there!). So I caught up with him for lunch on Monday as he had an interview in town with a recruitment agency to help him find a new job. Until then, he is unemployed (I never thought I'd say that about my dad!)

Over and out for now!

End of the month update

Well, it is the last day of October...21 days since my last post...whoops! I have done a few exciting things this month, but I don't think my list of things to do before the wedding is getting any shorter.

BUT, I have picked up my wedding dress (yay!) and Jesse and I have pretty much got the guest list sorted. My current 'To Do's' are:

• invitations (decide on style and make) and
  
• find a place to live

Apparently the rental market in Adelaide is quite competitive in the area we're looking. So far, no luck on either of the place we've applied for. It's a little frustrating, I would like to know where I'll be living.

In terms of invitations, I think I've got an idea of sorts in my head, I just don't know how to express it and get it put together. And don't even get me started about colours! I. Don't. Know. Whoever thought planning a wedding was difficult. Well...to me it's not the planning that's difficult, it's just the whole finding ideas that I'm not good at.

But, on to other news, in the last month two of my friends have had babies. One, in fact, just on Friday night. Congrats to Nicole and Brent and Scott and Robyn on their beautiful baby boys...Lachlan must be a choice name, as that is what you have both named them!!

Edited to add: Rosie and I had a very productive day today, and we've sorted the design and materials for the invitations!! I just need envelopes, and to draw up the wording on my computer so I can print and make a trial!!!! YAY for progress =D

The joys of customer service part 2

On the flipside, there are also clients that I love to see; ones that I will gladly stop what I'm doing to assist them. I will mention a couple in particular. His name is Lucky (yes, for real, that's his name) and he's a painter. There's nothing in particular that stands out about him, except he is so incredibly friendly, and his books are immaculate. For a tradesman (I'm generalizing here) he is very neat and very well-spoken.

The other is John (a good Greek name, that one) and he is excavator. I don't know what I did, but one day he came in and dropped back his signed documents and paid his account in cash (also another good Greek thing to do). But then he handed me a $50, saying for my help. I've never actually been given a tip before, so I didn't know what to do, and tried to give it back to him several times. He told me not to tell anyone, but the first thing I did was tell my manager, who said it was perfectly OK to keep. The most amazing thing about that was the timing. I was flat broke that week, after all of my expenses. And so the $50 allowed me to put a full tank of petrol in my car.

I wish all of our clients were so pleasant to deal with, and as easy as Lucky and John. I'm sure I will have most stories at a later date.

The joys of customer service

We have 2 offices. One in Adelaide, and one in Perth. Our Perth office is pretty much just that - an office. My boss goes over for 3 days each fortnight to see clients, and all work is brought back to us in Adelaide. So naturally, all of our files and client documents are kept here also. There are very few clients who have an issue with this system, as my boss is always highly accessible and we are more than happy to help with any and all queries.

One of our Perth clients came to our Perth office this morning. We've had trouble with him before not getting back to us. I got a call from the Receptionist of the offices (there's a loan brokering company operating from the same lot of offices) saying Mr G had rocked up asking for his receipts. I was thoroughly confused as to what he was asking for, I knew we hadn't sent anything back to Perth awaiting collection for this particular client. After a little persistence we discovered he wanted his returns and info to take to another Accountant.

In the Accounting world before a client can officially change their new accountant has an obligation to ask the previous accountant whether there are any ethical or other obligations in taking on this new client. In the majority of cases there is no objection. But one thing that will be an objection is outstanding accounts. And our friend Mr G has an outstanding account. So not only can we not give his information to the new accountant, he has to pay us before we will do so.

He was not happy, but I don't care. And we don't care that he's leaving. He was a pain anyway.

Exciting times

I'm feeling quite happy tonight. I feel like I'm making progress with things.

Last weekend Mum and I went shopping for wedding shoes, as I had a voucher for David Jones leftover from last Christmas. And guess what, I found shoes!! They are very pretty. A bit higher than I'm used to, but I'll wear them in a bit around home, and I'll be fine =)

While we were in Rundle Mall Mum and I also went and looked in a few dress shops, sussing out what we could find in terms of Bridesmaid dresses, and we did!! I tried on the dress, which was a similar design to what I would have made, and it was perfect!! So during the week/this weekend Sarah, Rosie and Gretel all tried on and purchased the dress!!!!!!!!

✔ Shoes
✔ Bridesmaid Dresses

And today Jesse and I went and had a look at a couple townhouses close by (within about 100m) of his work for rent. The first one (a little expensive) didn't seem the extra cost, it was a bit small, but had a very nice double garage. The second one was wonderful, I had a good feeling when we walked in. It was only 1 car space, but the living area and kitchen were much more spacious feeling, and practical.

So we're sending in the application on Monday. It's available now, so it looks like I might be moving next weekend. Gah!!

But it's all very exciting.

Awesomeness

Awesomeness is the night I am having tonight.

Ali and I have burgers, bodka, lol whoops, vodka, lollies and movies!

This is the definition of awesomeness.