Our Great Holiday

In March this year we met with a bunch of ladies and some guys who are working on their own weight goals. It was simply amazing. I had developed friendships all over NZ and Australia and there were people I still hadnt met in my life. Brent and I converged upon the Gold coast, but not before a Karaoke night with Georgie, the mad Sunshine coaster. We only had one evening together as she wasnt going to be joining us on the Gold Coast, so naturally we wanted to make the most of it.

What a laugh. We were hecklers, we were fan clubs and we were stars all at once. The best bit is there couldnt have been more than 9 people there in total!! I think Georgie can make a party out of an empty cardboard box. The funniest bit was Brent falling asleep at the table while we partied on.

On the next morning to Brisbane, which, I have to say freaked me out because after 23 years since the last time I was there, it looked completely different and I didnt recognise the place. We rondevoued with Petina who had arrived from Perth and was laxing by the river with a friend. After a lovely coffee, we took a couple of pics, jumped in the car and headed to the Gold Coast. Once we had dumped our bags, it was time to play. Petina convinced me to buy a pair of board shorts at Target because thats the done thing over a swimsuit at these places and off we headed to Whitewaterworld to meet up with Bojana and Kim, a lovely couple who were already playing in the water. I think I amost lost my voice that day. Terror struck me going down some of the rides. I really dont have the stomach for the fast stuff, but my ego demanded I keep up with the crew and I was a trooper. I loved being a child again. I think every adult should let it all go at least once a year!

Finally in the evening we picked up Rose, another great mate who was flying in from Melbourne. Two other gals, Erica and Lisa were on the same flight but didnt fancy being folded into our wee car. Shame, Petina and I had amazing fantasys about their discomfort all the way to the airport (snort snort)

After meets and greets and hugs and mwah's mwahs, we headed off to the surf club for an impromtu dinner. One high energy function this. Lots of laughter, trying to get to know each other really quickly, a realisation that what we knew of each other on line, was actually representative of who each other was. I had so much pride, because I had organised this social occassion and it was a huge success.

Over the weekend, more partying, dinner at a casino, a drunken reverie, and late night girlie sessions. It was not enough, there wasnt enough time but it was fantastic. The best bit is people formed firmer friendships. My own were made rock solid and promises to keep in touch were heartfelt.

Once everyone was gone, Rosie Petina Brent and I headed for Movieworld again with Bojana and Kim. If I thought Whitewaterworld was freaky, I nearly had my heart stopped on the Superman rollercoaster, the Batman torture thingy and the Diehard kill me now ride. I was greatful for the sit down quietly ones. Oh my beating heart!!!

Once the girls had gone home, Brent and I stayed in Brisbane a couple of days. We visited a place I lived when I was young, and caught up with an old flatmate. He was just lovely and again, I felt there wasnt enough time. It was a surreal experience because my memory was so different to what I saw around me. I was like..wow...wow. We walked everywhere, took a trip round the river, caught buses, trains, hit malls, and with our newly purchased UBD, took tiki tours round the suburbs. Its not a pretty city, but very interesting just the same.

Once back in Caloundra, we stayed with Laurie. Laurie and I have been friends since I was 7 years old, and I flatted with her in Brisbane many years ago. Her father lives next door to my Dad and we always remained close. She was amazing and just made us feel we belonged. Im not one for people putting themselves out for me, and we got to feel just so at home. She arranged for a friend of hers to take us 4wd out in Rainbow Beach, which is accessed via a barge at Noosa. It was an eye opener for me. Dozens of 4wd's going up and down the beach, people camping at the top of the beach, with flags out so they dont lose their camp site, and people fishing in the water. Im not sure Im keen on sharing a beach with fast vehicles, but it was very interesting.

While on the Sunshine coast, we found the walks, the beaches, the malls, and just kept busy day after day. We made it to Australia Zoo, and watched little Bindi Irwin do her thing for her audience. I have to say a lot of people worry about that kid being pushed, but if you had seen her mother, and other obviously close people just beaming with pride, and singing along with her, you would know that the kid is surrounded by nothing but love and support and a very very proud mum.

This was an amazing holiday. We never even sat on a beach we were so busy. Our last night was in Brisbane again, after a day exploring. We spent our last night walking at night round the city. Actually I thought we were looking for a curry, but Brent apparently had other ideas. After about an hour or two walking, he sat me down in Brisbane Square, asked if I had a good holiday, smiled and said "there is just one more thing" . I was tired and hungry, so I didnt click. I said whats that then? He put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a box, gave me a second to go into shock and got down on one knee "Lesley, will you marry me?" For the first time in my life I was speechless!!! Totally speechless!! I squeaked out a yes and just grabbed him so I wouldnt fall over!! Wow!! How can we ever top that holiday!!!

Well thats 2007 at its best start. I gained 5kg as you will see from the pics, but the good news is that half is off already and Im planning on restarting my focus on weight loss. Winter is good. You work harder because you are cold!

I hope you enjoy the pics. New technology enables us to show more. What a great programme!!