Jodie Yaxley (Hobbs) - the last 40 years

Where are you now? Town, State, Country *

Pacific Paradise Queensland

Occupation/s? Tell us what you have been doing

When I first left school I worked at the Four Square Shop at the top of Reibey Street, then worked at Coles for several years and Edgells. Once my son was born I worked for my stepfather on the Potato Harvester around local farms then I got my self into Office work as it fitted in with school hours better. I am now a Book Keeper working full time

What would you tell your 1977 self if you could send them a message now?

Make sure you get through the basics at school because there is plenty of time to choose the direction you want to take, you don't have to make that decision right here right now. Don't worry about the small stuff it will all work out in the end. What will be will be you have no control over things you should just make the best out of each situation. Enjoy your time at school because it really is a place in time that you make friends and memories that you will have for the rest of your life. Everyone is different and has different ways & that's OK too.

What would you like to share about the last 40 years?

I married in 1986, had my son Jared in 1988 and separated in 1990. I have remarried a 2nd time to Mark Yaxley (Sammy). We have been together coming 27 years and married for 23 years. We have lived on the Sunshine Coast Queensland coming 13 years, my son Jared (29) lives here on the Coast near us and has 1 daughter Harlow, I have a stepdaughter Kristy (35), she and her fiancée have 7 children and live at Crows Nest Qld, I also have a stepson Ashley (33), he and his wife and 3 children also live at Crows Nest Qld. We do miss family and friends in Tassie but do love the climate up here and having our kids and grandkids all with in driving distance is the best thing.

What are you proudest of about your life? What have been your greatest achievements?

I suppose I am grateful and lucky that our combined family all get on and we have a close relationship. When we are all together we have a houseful and we are all squashed in & extremely busy but that is half the fun.

Any regrets?

Yes I probably have quite a few but can I do anything about them..No. So I believe you just keep on going and make the best out of life.