Blown Away and THANK YOU

The day before I ended my international assignment in Cincinnati, there was a farewell do. It was extremely emotional. I really didn't realise what a difference I made. I was blown away.

I can't put in words how thankful I am to a couple of individuals who gave me the opportunity to work in Cincinnati. It has had a big impact on me (work and personal). I will never forget the last 21 months.

Finally, I have to thank my wife and children who have accepted the way of life. We have grown as a family, learnt so much about each other. Thank you so so much.

Festival of Lights

Before heading home, I couldn't go without seeing the Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo.

I took a colleague and her daughter this evening. We had a fab time, especially going for a ride on the minature railway!

Carols

This afternoon I went to Church to listen to John Rutter's Gloria and partake in some carols.

The quality of music was incredible. We listened to the Cathedral choir and Canterbury brass.

Ho Ho Ho... Merry Christmas

Saturday evening was spent downtown with very close friends at an English Pub. A very fitting way to spend precious time with friends before I head off home.

We counted over 20 Father Christmases (sp!) and 1 Mrs Christmas. I was brought up being told there was only 1 Father Christmas!! Anyway, very funny (especially as there were a couple smoking outside).

It was bitterly cold but did feel like Christmas was truly coming. There was even a horse and decorated cart taking people round downtown for a ride.

Not More Food!

This evening was the 4th consecutive night I went out for dinner. I've got another 5 to go!!!

In an attempt to spend quality time with friends before I head back home, I'm finding that I'm continously going out for meals/drinks. Having a fantastic time, but very concious that I need to do some exercise!!

Tonight it was Dewey's and Graeters. Tomorrow it's Allyn's, Saturday it's Nicholson's, Sunday Zips, Monday friend's friend's, Tuesday Fun at the Web...!!

Mason Illuminations

I have a feeling my father would be extremely jealous of the Christmas lights in my friend's neighbourhood.

Has anyone told America about global warming?!

Jungle Jim's

This evening I went shopping at Jungle Jim's. Had a really fun time. Goodness knows how many times we went round the shop looking for specific ingredient's for my friend's work buffet :).

I decided to educate my friend about crackers that go 'BANG' on Christmas Day :). I said I'd buy them as a pressie as long as she shared a photo of her wearing the paper hat.

Great fun.

Not Long Now

Earlier this week (Tuesday evening) it snowed, so I had to be careful driving back from a great evening with friends in my masculine looking white Dodge Charger!

The Christmas decorations are up, people are buying Christmas trees from the sides of the roads and frantically in and out of shops buying pressies.

Also, it's not long now until I return home to be with the family. On Thursday the company announced my new role. I was struck by the large number of people at MBC (some I haven't worked that closely with) saying that they wished I was not leaving. WOW, I must have made an impact. It's going to be very tough leaving, but as the family motto goes "just suck it up :)"!