2009 Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas and Welcome to my 2009 Christmas letter.

As usual, January started off as a busy time at work, completing the year end closure, in my primary job as Accounting Manager at UNICEF Supply Division in Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as starting my secondary job as IPSAS Project Manager (International Public Sector Accounting Standards).

February brought more time for fun with two Scandinavian ski trips. First, a weekend skiing in Sweden, then two weeks later I took the ferry to Oslo where I opted for a snowboarding lesson, which I actually really enjoyed, and more importantly didn’t get hurt.

In March, I went on a very adventurous holiday to India which I loved. Among many other things, I saw the Taj Mahal, camped on a sand bar island in the Ganges River, saw many interesting spiritual sites, slept on overnight trains, and ate some excellent vegetarian food. Anyone interested in hearing more about my travels in India can read my travel blog at http://colleen-colleenstravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/colleens-trip-to-india-march-2009-week.html

In April, my role as IPSAS Project Manager, become my primary role. The UN is adopting International Public Sector Accounting Standards and I am the leader of the group responsible for inventory and logistics changes, both for the Copenhagen and the field office inventory. It is a nice change and I am finding it very interesting.

In May, I had the opportunity to go to Amman, Jordan to participate in an inventory systems and management workshop with colleagues from the Middle East Region. I really enjoyed the experience of working and learning with the field office colleagues. Back in Denmark, I participated in a regular Sunday am cycling ride and other activities with a cycling/ outdoor adventure club I joined last fall. I have really enjoyed the activities and new people I have met in the group.

In June, my parents made their third visit to Copenhagen. As in their past trips, they spent some time in Copenhagen, did a Scandinavian trip with me, then another European vacation on their own. This time we did the summer version of the Oslo cruise, where the long summer daylight hours gave us an excellent opportunity to view the fjords and sights of Oslo. After leaving Copenhagen, they went on a tour and cruise and Greece and Turkey, where they encountered Oprah.

July was excellent summer weather in Denmark, and I had a very active month enjoying the outdoors. First I went on a fantastic bike trip to Sjælland’s Odde in the north of Denmark, which was extremely well organized by my partner Scott. In addition to the 90 km a day of cycling, we had two ferry rides, swimming in the Roskilde Fjord and dinner by the sea. Then two weeks later I went on a rock climbing weekend trip in Sweden. It was my first time doing this activity, but the trip was meant for beginners and I really enjoyed the climbing and hope to try it again in the future.

In August, I made a trip back home to Canada. My sister and her family were there at the same time, and I had a nice time seeing family and friends, playing duets on the piano with Henry, touring the new downtown Hydro building, visiting my Grandma in Pipestone and going to the family cottage at Delta.

September brought some extremely exciting news. I am expecting a baby next April! Both Scott and I looking forward to this and both mother and baby are healthy on all parameters.

During October, I continued with my regular activities and routines, although with some modifications: aquasizes instead of body pump, prenatal yoga instead of regular, and flat paved bike paths instead of mountain bike trails.

In November, I had the opportunity to do a lot of visiting with family. First, my parents joined me on my work trip to New York City, where they did a lot of sightseeing and we saw a couple of Broadway shows. Then I went to Vancouver to spend time with Michelle, Mark and Henry. Scott also joined me later and we had a nice weekend in Vancouver, and then drove south to Washington State to spend time with his family. It was a really positive trip for both of us.

December brought lots of snow to Denmark which will mean a white Christmas, and, as a Winnipegger, I look forward to that. I also became an aunt again – twice - when my sister welcomed twins (a boy and a girl) on December 22^nd.

I’d like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Colleen