Fairy Lights

Ok, so Im a bit girly when it comes to fairy lights... but I just love them! I put these up in my office/art room recently and plan to have them on every night I'm on the PC! Brings a little festivity to my every day :)

Perfect Summers Day in Sydney

I love my garden. This is the great view I get to see from my kitchen window as I cook breakfast. I also see my lettuce and tomatoes growing. Below is the first tomato I have ever grown and eaten. Mmmmmm

That will teach me...

Decided to try skinny dipping for the first time a couple of weeks back at home. The sun was setting and I had just finished watering the garden on a warm summers evening so was inspired to want to just jump in. Rather than be bothered to go get changed into my swimwear, I thought I would quickly strip off nude and jump in. Was pretty dark but was able to see by the flickering light from the house. Once I was finished, I was still feeling game so without too much thought I decided to grab my dry clothes in my arms and run naked to the house to get inside and grab a towel. Only problem was...... my husband thought I was already inside and had locked the back doors! So there I was naked outside banging on the door to be let in. Trying desperating to shield myself from any potential prying neighbours! lol After what seemed like a lifetime I was finally let inside.... That will teach me to do something adventurous! lol

You think I would have learnt from this... but have been skinny dipping a few times since... however I always make sure I have my towel poolside ready to go!

Work

Im well and truly back into the swing of things now. Tomorrow will start my third week in. Here is the note that was left waiting for me upon my return :)
Despite returning to performance management issues for staff, budget planning and the odd mundane meetings, overall its been great. It reminded me that I really do enjoy my job!

Reflections and resolutions

Well as mentioned, its now the new year and its my tradition to reflect upon the past year and make plans for the coming year. While not without its challenges, overall its been a great year. Not many people get to take 3 months off work doing whatever they desire. Some of the things I am particularly pleased about include:

• I discovered a love for gardening through re-landscaping a lot of our gardens and planting my own vegetables and herbs. As a result I feel I was able to reconnect with nature and find a new means of creativity and relaxation.


• I began the transition of becoming more "green" through using reusable shopping bags and using organic cosmetics, cleaning and gardening products.... I feel healthier already! lol


• I finally sorted through things that I had hoarded for sale for years and disposed of them at auction (sale to take place Jan/Feb). Its quite cathartic to rid yourself of clutter... even "valuable" clutter :)


• Although frustrating regarding the amount of time and effort it took from my holidays, it was also a good thing that I made a breakthrough in discovering an underlying health issue which has plagued me for possibly years. Im now excited that this year will bring greater healing as I work closely with my naturopath.


• I completed a sculpture workshop and created a garden sculpture which Im proud of. Im also excited that the skills learnt mean that I will be able to make my own from home throughout the year if I should get the urge.


• I also did a great photography workshop which taught me how to use my new digital slr camera creatively. Stay tuned for great things :)


• I did heaps of research regarding art and photographic competitions and exhibitions I want to be a part of throughout the coming year.


• In reflecting upon these months, however, I also realised that sometimes I set unrealistic goals which in the end just cause frustration. While I did manage to achieve some significant things I had wanted to there were numerous goals which are yet to be attained (mumbles to self.... like learn the guitar l0l). But at the end of the day, I have a good life. I'm happy and positive about the possibilities that each day bring.

I dont want to set specific goals for 2010, other than this:

"Be happy and healthy"

Can't be better than that....surely? :)