Poppies Galore

One of the teachers who I had the privilege to work with when I was at Marina View School, had her last day there on the 17 December and is now, officially retired. Shirley spent more than 1/3 of her life at Marina View and will be greatly missed. She was also both my daughters' New Entrant teacher, so it was quite a nostalgic time for many of us on her last day. 

This is the card that I made Shirley which I cased from Michael Funke.  You can check out his fabulous blog HERE. Unfortunately, I didn't read his 'how to' instructions before I tackled it and think that it would have come out a lot better, if I had done so.  The colours here look very dull compared to his vibrant ones. It may also have something to do with my photography skills, or lack of.  Oh well, live and learn... 

Stamp Set: Pleasant Poppies, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, En Francais
Card Stock: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz On, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Gumbo Green and Melon Mambo Stampin' Markers.
Accessories: Blender Pen, 1" Square Punch (to cut the flag for the message).

I'm writing this from Palmerston North which is where we've been since Saturday. We had a lovely Christmas with my family and have caught up with wonderful friends who I've known since high school and my early days in the Airforce. Today I'm starting a wee adventure and travelling around the South Island with my new darling, who I've been seeing for the last few months.  His name is Brett and he's really lovely {swoon}. We're catching up with Brett's family in Blenheim and then some friends enroute to Christchurch, which I'm really looking forward to. Whatever you've been doing - I hope you've had a wonderful festive time catching up with family and friends. 

See you back here soon!

Snowflake Soiree

With the holiday's closing in on us so quickly and the day to day grind SO busy I'm mindful of keeping that FESTIVE spirit. I think we can all admit at times this can be difficult. In today's busy world it's hard to fit everything in a 24 hour period! Therefore, I would like to share with you, the fact that I am quite proud of myself this year because I was organised enough to send out some Christmas cards, to actually arrive before Christmas - in amongst all the craziness! Usually I am very late and they arrive in time for New Years, or they don't arrive at all... {yes, I have been guilty of that}.

This was one type of card that I sent out - and it's my favourite. It's a case from our Impressions magazine which is our free mag we get bi-monthly, chock full of awesome ideas. Just another great reason to be a demo. 

Stamp Set: Snowflake Soiree
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Naturals White
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories:  Champagne Glimmer Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper, Gold Brad
Tools: Big Shot, Snow Flurry Bigz Die, Northern Flurry Folder

I'm off to make dinner now and as much as I'd love to chill for the evening, I've too much to do. I'm behind in my Christmas "to do" list and will be starting my gift wrapping this evening. I don't think I'll finish them tonight, but at least I would have made a start. How are your Christmas preparations coming along? 

Clearance Rack Blitz - Week 2

Never before have we had a "Clearance Rack Sale" in New Zealand! This sale is where products that have been retired are available again at heavily reduced prices, strictly while stocks last.

I will be placing an order tonight, to maximise the chances of getting the products I want, so have a quick look through the list and get back to me ASAP with your must-haves!  (Perhaps you can consider it an early Christmas present for yourself)?

Here's the link to the PDF for this weeks products. 

Just Believe Birthday Card

I've cased this card from the very talented Sharon de Vos and really love the outcome. It was from a swap Sharon made some time ago - at the beginning of this year, if my memory serves me correctly.  Don't you love Soft suede and Marina Mist together! 

This card was made for a lovely lady who is celebrating her birthday today. Many happy returns Keryn - I hope you have a wonderful birthday. 

Stamp Set: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, Marina Mist
Designer Paper: Beau Chateau (retired)
Accessories: Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad, Vintage Trinkets
Tools: Big Shot, Jewellery Tag, Fun Flowers Bigz Die, Sponge, 3/4" Circle Punch

One day left at work until I'm on leave - woo hoo!! I'm more than a little excited!

Happy Birthday Nicole

My baby is growing up! My oldest daughter Nicole turns 19 years old today and I thought I might have needed some "virtual" hugs to get me through the day - but that hasn't been the case.  I'm sure that I say it every year, but I really don't know where that time has gone. It feels like yesterday, that she was just a baby in my arms. She has grown into a beautiful, kind and considerate young lady, who we are all very proud of. Wishing you all the very best for a wonderful birthday and an amazing year ahead Nicole. Big hugs and lots of love to you!

I made a Pop Up Birthday Cake card this year.  I got the tutorial from Lisa Young who is a demo in the States.  She has some great tutorials on her blog if you want to pop over to have a look. 

I'm not that happy with the front of the card, but I couldn't think of anything else to do and as usual, time was of the essence. And, it wasn't until I finished that I realised I've used identical colours as Nicole's 18th birthday card. Oh well, I didn't hear any complaints from DD19. 

And, here's the inside:

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Bring on the Cake
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, 
Designer Paper: Comfort Cafe
Ink: Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Cajun Craze, Black Staz On
Accessories: Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Silver Glimmer Paper, Blender Pen. 

I'm feeling a bit worn out and very tired. How are you all faring? I can't wait until after work on Friday, when I start my leave. I'm only off work for two weeks, but am really looking forward to the break. That's the thing I miss the most about my previous job, (other than the people, of course) is the 12 weeks holiday a year.  Now I get 25 days annual leave which is a considerable difference. This will be the longest break I've had since starting, over 6 months ago, so it's no wonder I feel a bit jaded.

I hope to see you back here real soon!

Christmas Clearance Blitz - Week 1 Starts Today!!

Stampin' Up! are  temporarily taking hundreds of products out of retirement with discounts up to 70% off the retail price, but only while supplies last!  

The items on sale all come from our last years Idea Book & Catalogue - if you don't have  a copy click HERE to view an online one. You need to take advantage of this sale by the last day of each sale, in each period. For example, week 1 is available until next Thursday 20 December or while stocks last. 

We have four different groups of products on sale between 14 December - 21 January.  These are the sale periods:

• 14-20 December
• 21 December-3 January
• 4-10 January
• 11-21 January 

If you didn't buy any of these items during how Catalogue retirement sale and would like to purchase them, now is the time to get them. The Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last for each time period they’re on sale—so don’t wait! Sorry, there are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.

You can email me HERE if you would like to order any of these products. 

Christmas Owl

Hello all! This was a card that I'd been wanting to make for a while. I finally found some time amongst the Christmas chaos and here it is.  I'm not sure who I cased it from as I'd taken a photo of it at the Stampin' Up! Heartfelt event a few months back. If it was you, thanks so much for sharing - I really enjoyed making it! 

Stamp Set: Owl Occasions
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Naturals Designer Buttons, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Silver Glimmer Paper
Tools: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Bigz Die, Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Stamp-a-ma-jig

I hope your day is full of sunshine and smiles!

Clearance Rack Blitz

Stampin' Up! are temporarily taking hundreds of products out of retirement with discounts up to 70% off retail–only while supplies last! There will be four different groups of products on sale between 14 December – 21 January. 

Here are the FOUR sale periods:

14-20 December
21 December-3 January
4-10 January
11-21 January

So make sure you check back this Friday 14 December, to see what’s on sale and when!  


Keep in mind that this type of sale is just something Stampin' Up! is trying out and not necessarily something we'll do again in the future. Take advantage of these amazing bargains on previously retired products while they're here!

Getting Krafty!!

Happy Sunday to you! This was the other project we made at class last week. We decorated a Kraft Gift box. It was so easy but an adorable outcome don't you think?  I cased the idea from the amazingly talented Kristine McNickle and you can pop over to her blog HERE to see the wonderful projects she makes. The ribbon on top of the box is featured on the front of the Annual Catalogue and also on page 143. They're so quick and easy to make. 

These boxes are the perfect size for filling with goodies without costing an arm and a leg! And, they are phenomenal value at $5.95 for four. 

Stamp Set: Snowflake Soiree
Card Stock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Ink: Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad
Designer Paper: Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories: Kraft Gift Box, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I hope your weekend is wrapping up nicely... I'll see you back here soon!

New Stampin' Trimmer!

We've been waiting for this beauty to arrive and now it's AVAILABLE!  This is very exciting!  This new Trimmer is spectacular!!  Check out all the great specs here.

Features of the All-New Stampin' Trimmer Item number: 129722 $59.95 

• An extra-wide 6-1/4" cutting base and an extended 14-1/2" ruler.
• The extra-wide cutting base provides a large work area and is marked in 1/4" (4 mm) increments, allowing for small measurements. 
• The right-side grid helps you measure and cut very thin strips. 
• The extended cutting arm has a stabilizing leg to provide a sturdy and steady cutting surface for longer cuts. 
• When fully extended, the extended cutting arm sits flush with the trimmer base, providing more accurate and consistent measurements across the entire surface. 
• The cutting base and track include a full ruler, incorporating measurements down to 1/16" and grid lines that mark each quarter inch. 
• All rulers and measurements on the base are printed under a plastic cover so your measurements won't wear off.
• The track gives you enough space to cut or score a full 12" (30.5 cm) without having to remove or switch out handles and you don't have to take the cutting and scoring blades out when you're not using them. 
• The cutting track locks in place for secure storage or transport. 
• The track includes an insertion point for cutting and scoring blade handles so you can easily insert handles into the cutting track.
• The precision tip on the cutting blade allows you to pinpoint precisely where you're cutting.
• The point on the side of each handle shows you where the blade will cut, making it easy to see exactly where your cuts and scores will begin.
• Storage compartment under the base which holds scoring and cutting tools.
• And lots more features as well!

Ready to have your own?  Email me HERE to purchase one today!

Well, I'm off for now. I've been water blasting and doing lots of necessary, but horrible jobs and I have a million other things to do as well! I shouldn't even be blogging!!! I really need more hours in my day :-) Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you again soon. 

Snow Much Fun and Christmas Countdown To Do List!

This was the cute Christmas Gift Voucher Wallet we made last night at class.  The ladies loved making this project and it went down a treat. I've cased this from Sandi who is a demonstrator from Michigan in the USA.  Click here to view her blog and see some really cool projects. 

Stamp Set: Snow Much Fun, Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel
Card Stock: Midnight Muse, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
Ink: Black Staz On, Midnight Muse, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake Stampin Markers 
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Two Way Glue Pen
Tools:  Scallop Edge Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Blender Pen

How are your Christmas preparations coming along? I've written out a "Christmas Countdown To Do" list this year, so I can avoid some of the craziness I experienced in other years.  I thought I'd share it with you. 

4 Weeks Before (to be completed by Tue 4 Dec):

• Complete all of your gift shopping.
• Finish making your Christmas cards.

3 Weeks:

• Decorate your home in a festive look.
• Write out and post the Christmas cards that need to be sent overseas.
• Order ham from Butcher.
• Wrap and label your gifts.
• Finish making handmade gifts for neighbours, children's teachers etc (come along to my class on Tuesday 44 Dec if you need some inspiration).

2 Weeks:

• Write out and post your remaining Christmas cards. 
• Plan your menu for the big day and advise family of what they're responsible for bringing.
• Write out your grocery shopping list and purchase all non-perishable items.

1 Week:

• Check gas bottle for BBQ is full and functional.
• Pick up meat from Butcher.
• Make meringues and/or pavalova and store in an airtight container. 

4 Days Before (Fri 21 Dec):

• Buy Christmas lillies.

2 Days Before (Sun 23 Dec):

• Purchase fruit and vegetables.

1 Day Before:

• Prepare salads, vegetables etc.
• Ensure camera has full batteries and/or phone is fully charged. 

Christmas Eve:

• Set the Table and prepare what you can.

Christmas Day:

• Enjoy!!

We're travelling down to Palmerston North for Christmas on either the 21st or 22nd of December, so I've emailed this list to my Mum... lol. And,  in case you're wondering, we don't make our Christmas Cake - Uncle Earnie takes care of that for us :-)

If you think I've forgotten anything, I'd love to hear from you. 

Lovely as a Christmas Tree!

This is a card that I made at my fabulous upline's place a week or so, ago. Thanks heaps Karen - you rock!  You can click on Karen's blog here to see how to make it. Brayering, sponging and masking are included and it certainly is a wow card!  We've used the tall tree from the Lovely as a Tree set.  This is the second time in a matter of days that I've used this set. Before then, I hadn't picked it up for over six months!  True story... 

Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree, More Merry Messages, Snow Swirled (star in RH corner)
Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Luminescent Watermark pad
Accessories: Table Salt, Two Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Tools: Brayer, Sponge

If you want to make this card (or any others) in time for Christmas, give me a call and we'll organise a time and day to do so. 

I hope everything is going well for you in your corner of the world.  See you again soon!

So Glad You're Here!

I received this cute and adorable card from my upline's upline Jacque Pedersen (soon to be Williams), a few weeks ago.  Thanks so much Jacque - I love it!  It's been on my "to do" list to blog so finally here it is... The lovely Core'dinations cardstock is featured which is amazing in real life!  Honestly, if you love vintage - you will need to add some of this to your collection! 

Stamp set: Petite Pairs
Card Stock: Early Espresso and Gumball Green Core'dinations, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze
Designer Paper: Regals Designer Series Paper Stack 
Accessories: Whisper White Sweater Trim, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Tools: Big Shot, Lacy Brocade EF, Woodgrain EF, Small Heart Punch

Incidentally, I'm really glad that I'm here too. The alternative doesn't bare thinking about... And, I'm especially glad that I'm a demonstrator! I hope you are all happy, well and enjoying your week. 

It is my girlfriend Amanda's husbands birthday today. Here's the card I made - albeit, a bit late...  Happy birthday Ivan.  I hope you had a wonderful day of celebration with family and friends! 

Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree, On Your Birthday (retired)
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Watercolour Paper
Designer Paper: Brights Colour Collection Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories: 1" Twill Tape (retired)
Tools: Modern Label Punch, Aqua Pen

It's a cold and windy day in Auckland today, which is a big contrast from the lovely sun we've seen during the week. I've even had to don some more layers and turn the heater on. Thankfully, I'm off to warmer temperatures tomorrow. 

Pop back here during the week, as I've scheduled some posts for you in my absence. Have a GREAT week!

Welcome Baby!

I made this card for one of my daughter's teachers, who is pregnant with her first child. It's nothing like what I had intended to make, but I was a bit time starved, so didn't have time to make an alternative. It's not the best photo - but I'm sure you get the gist. 

Stamp Set: Baby Boutique, Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel

Card Stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon (retired), Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Tools: Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch.

Have you got much planned for the weekend?  I'm catching up with friends on Saturday and Sunday, before I head away on Monday for the week, which I'm looking forward to. 

Hope you have a good one!




Welcome Christmas

This is one of the Christmas cards we made at my Christmas Card class yesterday.  It's a case from the talented Judy May, who is a demo in Australia. I love Judy's work and you can view her blog here.  We made three cards and this one was the favourite by far. Such an innovative way to use your circle punches, don't you agree!

Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Silver and Red Glimmer Paper
Stamp Set: Heard from the Heart (retired), Pennant Parade
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Tools: 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch (from Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack), Owl Punch (small heart), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

I'm repeating this class on Tuesday night and there are two spaces available, if you want to join in the fun. 

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Happy 20th Birthday - for the third time!

My daughters' dad turns 20 years old for the third time today. What a milestone! And, to celebrate, he's bungy jumping off the Auckland City Sky Tower. You wouldn't get me doing anything quite as adventurous as that.  I hope you have a fabulous year with everything you wish for Kel!

This was the card that I made which was cased from Sue Madex, a very talented  Australian demonstrator. You can't quite see the sparkle from the Brushed Silver cardstock - but trust me, it looks very effective! 

Card Stock: Basic Grey, Basic Black, Brushed Silver 
Designer Paper: Urban Oasis (retired)
Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Large Star punch, Small Star punch (both retired), Crimper (retired), Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies (retired)

Have a great weekend!

Two Promotions for November!!

It's not often we get TWO promotions during one month!  

Christmas Gift with Purchase Promotion!

Dates: 1-30 November 2012

Promotion Details: It’s only November, but Stampin’ Claus is coming to town! Get a FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes Set and Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper Bundle. The bundles are also discounted 15% and the cost of the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack is not included in the retail price. Choose from the following options:

Item	Description	Retail Value	Special Price
132260	Christmas Gift Pack (wood-mount) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Set (wood-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$117.85	$100.90
132261	Christmas Gift Pack (clear-mount) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Set (clear-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$102.85	$85.90
132262	Christmas Gift Pack (wood-mount bundle) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (wood-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$150.85	$133.90
132263	Christmas Gift Pack (clear-mount bundle) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (clear-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$137.85	$120.90

INK-redible!! Earn FREE ink!

The FREE ink bundles for hostesses promotion does not have to be a workshop - ANY order over $750 will qualify!

Dates: 1 November- 16 December, 2012

Promotion Details: Hostesses who hold a minimum $750 party during the promotion period will receive a FREE collection of Classic Stampin Pads*—they can choose from Brights, Subtles, or Regals.  Plus, the free ink is in addition to the regular hostess benefits—INK-credible!

Contact me to place your order or book a class or demonstration today!

Greeting Card Kids

This is the card that I demonstrated earlier today at our Team Stamp-a-Stack event and Monster Garage sale. The card uses the stamp set Greeting Card Kids and I think it's quite a cutie and is ideal for a little person in your life.  I've cased this from page 14 of the Annual Catalogue. I really like the message on the card which comes from the More Merry Messages stamp set. There are lots of different messages in this set and they use some very cool fonts. 

Thanks to everyone who came along today to make it the success it was - I hope you enjoyed yourselves and managed to nab yourself a bargain or two!

Card Stock: Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Naturals White
Stamp Set: Greeting Card Kids, More Merry Messages
Ink: Black Staz On, Ridinghood Red, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones
Tools: Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Big Shot, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

Enjoy your weekend!

Two Tags Box

This is one of the Make 'n Takes I made last month when I attended the Stampin' Up! Heartfelt event. I hate to admit it, but it is also the only project that I've actually finished. However, I do plan to rectify that very soon ~ so watch this space! 

It's a little box made from the Two Tags Bigz Die. Very innovative don't you think? Inside the box are five little note cards. I love these colours together. 

Stamp set: Clockworks, One in a Million
Card Stock: Calypso Coral, Whisper White, 
Ink: Calypso Coral, Gumball Green
Designer Paper: First Edition Designer Paper
Accessories: Gumball Green Dahlia
Tools: Fancy Flower Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig

It's a beautiful day here in Auckland today and I'm just about to walk my dog Oscar so I'll get to enjoy some of the sunshine. I've got the day off work to catch up on some domestics and also prepare for our Monster Garage Sale and Stamp-a-Stack team event we're holding tomorrow.  Hope you have a GREAT day!

Tea-riffic!

I had a play date on Sunday afternoon with two lovely ladies {waving at you Rhonda and Linda} and this was one of the cards that we made. I am also embarrassed to admit this was the first time that I've used this set. I've had it for over 18 months, so it was good to get it inky. I've cased this card from Kelly Rose, a demonstrator from Nebraska. She has some lovely work if you want to pop over to look at her blog here. 

Stamp Set: Morning Cup
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler.
Designer Paper: Love Letters (retired)
Ink: Staz On Black, Cherry Cobbler. 
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, Linen Thread
Tools: Jewellery Tag, Eyelet Border Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Piercing Tool, Blender pen, Sponge, Crimper (retired). 

Have you checked out the special Stampin' Up! has for the month of October?  You know that lovely new Stitched S atin 5/8" 2012-14 In-Colour ribbon that Stampin' Up! have introduced in this years Annual Catalogue? Well how would you like a free roll of ribbon worth $19.25 for FREE? That's what you get with every $70 you spend! There are five colours to choose from and you'll find them on page 172 (#4) of the main catalogue.  Email me here if you want to take advantage of this promo. 

Have a wonderful week!!

It's Spool time - FREE ribbon with a $70 order!

Have you got your eye on some craft products from our two gorgeous new catalogues?  During October you'll get a bonus - a free roll of ribbon with every $70 purchase. 

Choose from our 5 new in colour stitched ribbons (listed as number 4 on page 172 in our annual catalogue).

$140 purchase = TWO rolls of ribbon, $210 purchase = THREE rolls of ribbon ..... and so on

Spend $350 and you'll get FIVE free rolls of ribbon, PLUS you'll also get $55 to spend on regular products or hostess products. 

ORDERING INFO

Order by phone or email. Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard or direct deposit.  Delivery to anywhere in New Zealand. And, don't forget to let me know which ribbon you'd like. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Bright Blossoms

I made this card for a lovely colleague from my job at the primary school where I use to work. Lee Lee has worked there for over 20 years and is semi-retiring. I was fortunate enough to be able to sneak away from work today and attend her special morning tea. It was great catching up with lots of familiar faces and it seemed a lifetime ago that I worked there. How quickly we adapt to the changes in our life. Wishing you all the best for your 'semi' retirement Lee Lee. 

Stamp Set: Bright Blossoms, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Midnight Muse, Whisper White
Ink: Midnight Muse, Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze, Gumball Green Stampin' Markers
Accessories: Calypso Coral Bakers Twine, Basic Pearls 
Tools: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Folder, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch pack. 

I'm off to Christchurch tomorrow for the night, which will be tinged with trepidation. I was born in Christchurch and lived there until the grand age of 9 years old. I visited friends and family a lot when I was a teenager and then later on, when I joined the Airforce, so it holds many fond memories for me. Although I've been back a few times since the earthquakes, I haven't ventured any further than the airport, which is still all intact and shows no signs of the devastation. I imagine that it's not going to be pleasant, but is something that I need to do. 

Have a GREAT Friday and I'll be back soon!!