HAPPY NEW YEAR
Well, 2007 has come and gone and we now look forward to 2008. I must say that a lot has happened over the last 12 months, with me moving through virtually every department in Komatsu and ending up on the mines, where I belong, I think!!! I am planning on studying this year as I want to get my degree in either mechanical engineering or mining engineering. I have to decide where I want to go and then take it from there. This is something I should have done years ago, but now, with my new rotation being 1 week on 1 week off, it gives me more time to study. Debbie has settled down fantastically and is not as homesick as when she first arrived, but still misses the family a lot. She has applied for a job at the Regis Old Age Centre, about 100m from our house and hopefully she will be accepted as it will really supplement our income and also relieve some of the boredom she experiences when I'm away. Jamie has passed year 10[std 8] and has 2 years left at school, hopefully. In August, when he turns 16, he can get his learners licence and he just can't wait. He will be starting subjects, at school, that will be geared towards his future study plans so he realises that the next 2 years are probably his most important ever!!! Andrew starts his second year apprenticeship[with a $4.00 p/h increase] and is really doing exceptionally well and loving it, much to every one's surprise. He has probably settled in the best of all of us and has made plenty of really fantastic friends. He has no inclination of ever going back to S.A. and already calls this home!!! He is very ambitious and I'm confident that he will still go far. I have applied to have my skills assessed and once I have that, I can apply for Permanent Residence, otherwise I have to wait another year. We just dip out on so much not having our residency. Anyway, all the best for 2008. Hope it will be a prosperous year for all.