CHRISTMAS 2003
As we approach the end of another year we would like to thank all our friends for their help and support in this year. It has been an amazing year.
As a small token of our gratitude we would like to share this audio from Sir Lawrence Olivier. It is entitled TIME and can be played on your Windows Media Player software.
Here is a run down of what has happened in our lives this year:
The year started with home renovations in full progress. We knew that PJ would most likely leave MIM soon so we had planned ahead and were building a home office on the back of the house, plus also an entertainment pergola and extra carport. These renovations proved crucial when PJ in fact was made redundant in August and left in September to work from home full-time on our multitude of business/investment activities.
It was a big year for our 4 year old, Taruna. He started Kindergarten this year and attends a local Montessori Kindy. Montessori was a method of teaching we really only started researching at the beginning of this year but we are so impressed with its teaching methodologies we’re even thinking of starting up our own school! Taruna absolutely loves going to Kindy as it is very puzzle orientated. Gwenda also became involved in the P&C Committee becoming the Vice-President.
In March our horse and carriage business, Hobnob Carriage Tours P/L, moved from Kooralbyn (near Beaudesert) to Samford and the management was taken over by a very competent lady and friend, Jacqui. Currently the business operates at the North Pine Country Markets on alternate Sunday’s and next year we shall be broadening our outlook to work at school fetes, festivals, weddings and the like.
We made a decision this year to go on a holiday every month even if it was just for 2-3 days. This has worked out great and the kids look forward to going somewhere different each time. This year has seen us go to such places as Fingal Heads, Evans Head, Tamborine, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Kooralbyn… Most of these mini holidays we fitted into our weekends or took off either a Friday or Monday to extend the time.
Rasika, who is 2 years old, also had a fun year. She started off doing Kindermusik in the first half of the year and then progressed onto Tumble Fun (Kindergym) for the second half of the year. She loved doing both of these and has recently discovered the joys of dancing to the Wiggles. Both Taruna & Rasika have also continued their swimming lessons this year and have both recently moved up to their next Grades as they become more competent. This also means that Gwenda can sit back and relax by the poolside while they both have their lessons now.
This year has also been an exciting time for us spiritually as we have found a local church at which we both feel at home. The style of the sermons is upbeat and music orientated, without being too over the top, and Gwenda was also successful in gaining a place in their music worship team so she will start singing with the group on stage in January. The church also has a very strong emphasis on children & youth and Taruna has settled into the Sunday School really well.
July saw Gwenda be called up for Jury Duty for 4 weeks. She was placed on three trials during this time and although she found it an interesting experience it also proved to her that ‘going’ to court was something we should avoid at all costs due to the complex nature of the system and the potential for human error in the judgements.
The transition from PJ working full-time at work to working from home has been a smooth and easy transition for all of us and the greatest winners are the children. They understand when either of us has to do some ‘work’ but also have greater interaction with us both with many more family activities. PJ also started Lawn Bowls in September and currently plays on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.
PJ was also part of a mentoring program this year under the direction of Bob Proctor. He is a world reclaimed personal development coach and PJ certainly benefitted from his experience in how to achieve your goals.
This year we also decided to redeem some of our frequent flyer/credit card reward points before the companies decided to change the rules on redemption guidelines (or in the Ansett case, before we lost all of them). Therefore we have been treating ourselves with a few doodads such as a new DVD/VCR, Mini Hi-Fi System and overnight stays at the Hilton Hotel (child free!).
PJ & Gwenda also attended a Centre within Course run by the Relaxation Centre. This was really enjoyable and a great way to end the year and focus on what we wanted to achieve next year.
Our latest business venture also started in December and is called Crystal Oasis Organics P/L. This is an organic fruit and vegie business in Townville run by a friend of ours, Col. Our philosophy in any of the businesses we start is that its main aim must be to help other people. PJ is also currently setting up a dream of his, a charity called ‘The Me I See Foundation’. Plus we are still very active in promoting the Neways range of non-toxic personal care products.
The best news of all is that we’re expecting our third child in April 2004. Gwenda is having a great pregnancy and is planning on another homebirth. Please keep her in your prayers.
We hope you have also had a successful and enjoyable year no matter how big or small those successes may be. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
With Love
Jayatarras Pty Ltd
