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? :)

Happy New Year!

Well 2009 is no more, and 2010 arrived with the usual fanfare. Sydney is always one of the first places to welcome the new year in and we always do it in style on our great harbour. This year we hosted a party with friends. Was great and relaxed, with the usual music, overindulgence on food and alcohol (although fairly tame in comparison to most).
There is something about sparklers that always excites children.


And adults alike... lol

Below is such an Aussie photo... We ate outside and swam so there was the obligatory can of Aerogard spray to ward off the mosquitoes! lol

Thanks for being a part of my 2009. Here's hoping that your 2010 will be one filled with much happiness and many great new experiences. Cheers!

Christmas celebrations continued...

After early Christmas celebrations with my mum, sister and brother and then with inlaws #1, Christmas Day was spend in our usual tradition with inlaws #2, in a great relaxed atmosphere overlooking a spectacular view. Unfortunately this year was raining. As with every year, there was the annual Chicken wing eating competition (proud cook Uncle John) and as with every year, Steve won. He ate 16 this time which is bloody rediculous if you asked me because his closest competition only ate 4! lol. R.I.P. the 8 chickens who sacrificed their lives for his glory...... lolOn Boxing Day we hosted our dads at our house. Was nice and relaxed and I even managed to get in a nanna nap when the testosterone filled ones decided to let their food settle by watching the movie Thin Red Line. War movies........zzzzzzzz

I hope all my friends had a great Christmas season too. We're hosting a party for New Years Eve soon, so I battled the shops again for another round of food.

You're all invited!..... I just have to find where I put your darn invitation..... hmmmm? lol

Crazy family Christmas

I went away last week to Queensland to visit my mum, sister and brother and their families for an early Christmas. Was a great but noisy time with lots of young kids, hot weather, splashing in the pool and opening of presents.
Not sure who started this bizarre ritual (ahem lol) but here are some snapshots of my weird and wonderful family.

Bunch of nutbags if you asked me... lol

Damn... where has the time gone?

Cant believe that I haven't written here in over a month. Also can't believe I only have a few weeks left of leave! Damn Damn Damn! Have done a lot, but upon reflection had set myself unrealistic goals (like becoming a guitar vituoso in a matter of weeks lol). So what HAVE I been doing???.... hmmmm thinking... thinking....? I have been gardening.... and swimming..... and sorting through the house and our years worth of hording. In fact, I've finally boxed and photographed numerous things which we intend to sell at auction or on ebay sometime. I went through a phase of garage sale shopping for items I knew were bargains and likely to fetch more money at auction... and as a result have stored some embarrassing items such as royal family photo albums, mugs, aprons and puzzles, and lots of retro toys from the 1950s - 1970s.

Also selling my old teddy bear which was passed down from an aunty. Its one of those valuable ones over 100 yeras old. I used to call him Jonfas (no idea why? lol)

There are also some things of value, like my grandfathers gold rolex watch and an old bible from the 1800s. The husband has also finally agreed to rid himself of his prized star wars and star trek collectables so tomorrow Im off to visit an auction house to get some things valued.

Aside from all this I have been meeting different friends for lunch, doing a soft stone sculpture workshop where I made the statue below which sits proudly in my garden.

One thing I hadn't counted on was the numerous blood tests and x-rays I would have to endure these holidays. This all came about from a visit to a naturopath/dr who suggested I may have an auto-immune disease whereby my thyroid is being attacked. So the past month hasnt been the most glamourous time as my arm started to feel like a pin cushion - bruised from the needles...

...and my body frazzled from the x-rays. My naturopath also decided I should be taking multiple vitamin tablets (16 to be exact) and drink herbs that make me want to dry reach just thinking about them! lol The good news is that I feel well and my health is not suffering in any obvious way. The bad news is that I have to see a specialist early next year and may have to go on medication for life. Oh well.... such is life.... no use letting it get you down (she says when feeling rational lol).

On a lighter note... I wanted to punch my personal trainer in the face at the gym today.... no reason... other than I hate her! lol

Doing a photography course this Saturday which should be great. Then will enter a photographic competition by end December online. Next year I will hopefully aim to exhibit some of my new work once completed. Next week Im flying up to meet my mum, sister, brother and family for an early Christmas. Should be great.

Well thats one month crammed into a few short paragraphs. Hopefully will do another posting soon. :)