[blondie]

After having posted my own negative views on living in Sydney I thought it would be fair to balance it with a few good things.

They do come along now and again and I don't always share, or appreciate them, as much as I should. It's quite hard to shake off my british cynicism. (If I knew how to put those smiley faces into this text there would be one here now !!)

So my good things are not earth shattering but are helping this family smile.

My daughter Ella who is in Year 11 and studying for HSC's has been asked to attend the Parliament Building in Sydney for a talk on women and leadership. She is there today with one other girl.

Also she has been selected to attend the NSW State Drama Camp in June. This is for children who have demonstrated a talent for well, drama obviously.

There is absolutely no way she would have had these opportunities in her school in Devon. Geographically we were too far away from major cities etc. Her love of drama was always funded by us with saturday classes etc.

Her birthday is in a few days time and although she has only been in school since November she has about 25 friends arranging a surprise birthday party for her, the theme will be England because she still misses it. How lovely is that?

My son Matthew has been invited to a friends house after school today, the first time for him since starting school.

So if my children are happy, then so am I.

My mum and step-father are here visiting for the first time and absolutely loving it. My mum took the news about us moving very badly and there was a lot of bad feeling and upset. Now she loves it and is already talking about coming out again in January. My OH will probably be away at sea by then so the company will be good to have.

Oh and I am getting used to the lack of heating, thick socks and hot water bottles seem to be the answer.

I hope you all have things happening to make you smile also.

Blondie