Twenty 12 – a year in review

This time last year I reflected on 2011 by way of a meme - an idea that I copied from one of my favourite bloggers, Elizabeth of Scarlet Words (you can read about Elizabeth’s 2012 here).  I’m completing the meme again this year as it’s such a great way to reflect on the year that was.  Again, thanks to Elizabeth for sharing this brilliant idea and encouraging others to join in.

Okay, let’s get started…

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?

I’ve always loved photography but haven’t really done a lot of it other than happy snaps.  During 2012 I started participating in photographic challenges (mainly those by Chantelle of Fat Mum Slim) and started taking lots of photos with my iPhone and then editing them using the myriad Apps that are available.  I’ve loved it – the composition, the subjects and the editing.

 
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Mostly yes.  My intentions were to be fitter, healthier and lighter, and to blog more.  They all get a tick.  For 2013, it will be more of the same as I want to improve on all these things again as well as take lots of photos!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes.  Two very dear friends welcomed daughter number two in April.  I wrote about gorgeous little Marlo here.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Australia!  Does that really count?  We did have a wonderful week in a beach-front house on the New South Wales north coast – it was just what we both needed at the time.

 
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

More ‘us time’.  The lovely Wayne and I still battle with conflicting work schedules so I’d like more time together to just hang out.  Simple things like picnics, lazy afternoons, cooking, walks, movies – you get the idea.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

There’s the usuals (birthdays, anniversary, holiday up the coast) however 2012 had a few ‘biggies’.  There was my promotion and my recognition at work (see Q8 below), but the one that I guess really rocked me to my core was my dad’s diagnosis in July with a brain tumour.  Although it has affected me and made me rethink a lot of things, we were extremely fortunate that there was a wonderfully positive outcome in the end and my dear dad is now absolutely fine.  I blogged here about how thankful I was for the way this whole episode played out.

My dad, and the scar down the back of his head
which means he'll be around for a long time yet!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

My biggest achievements (yes there’s 2) this year were my promotion in August, and being awarded a prestigious award in December for my contribution to the organisation where I work.  You can read about my award here.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not ‘switching off’ when I left work.  I had a tendency to still be ‘thinking work’ even at home – I was known to leave myself voicemail messages at work at 3am on occasion!  I am slowly learning to switch off - I guess I’m a slow learner!  LOL.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Aside from a slight back strain during our recent house move, I consider myself very lucky to have enjoyed good health during 2012.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Probably my new laptop (the old one died) – well let’s face it, how on earth could I blog, etc without it?!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The lovely Wayne (aka The Boy Wonder!).  As mentioned in Q7, my dad needed urgent brain surgery during the year.  The lovely Wayne was just so wonderfully supportive at a time when all of us were really feeling scared, worried and upset.  Thanks babe. xx



The lovely Wayne (aka The Boy Wonder)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Three come to mind.  Those awful radio announcers who played that joke on that poor English nurse; Alan Jones for his vile comments about PM Julia Gillard’s father’s death; and the gunman who shot those innocent children in the USA leading up to Christmas.  Some people really are just oxygen thieves!

14. Where did most of your money go?

The usual stuff – household expenses, food, etc.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Our holiday in September.  Our week of staying in a beach-front house was wonderfully relaxing and we had been looking forward to it for months.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Dare I mention it?  Dare I let it rear its ugly head again?  I’m talking of Gangnam Style of course.  Yes I liked it initially, but then it became a little tiresome.  It is however the first tune I thought of when reading this question, so I guess it’s the one for 2012!  I won’t embed it here as I think we all know how it goes!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

a) Happier (still happy!)

b) Slightly thinner

c) About the same

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Relaxing, photography, reading, and spending time with the lovely Wayne.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Placing unrealistic expectations on myself and my time.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas was a quiet affair for us this year.  It all started on Christmas Eve with us again adhering to our tradition of watching Love Actually (I so love that movie).  Christmas Day started with a lovely breakfast for two at home – think poached eggs, smoked salmon, mushrooms, tomatoes and good coffee.  For lunch we popped up to the nursing home and spent time with the lovely Wayne’s mum.  Later in the afternoon, we made our way out to my mum and dad’s place.  Here we had a lovely casual evening with great food and lots of laughs.  As an aside, I had a bit of fun with the Elf Yourself iPhone App (thanks Elizabeth), so here's the lovely Wayne, our friend Tracy, and me...



21. Did you fall in love in 2012?

I stayed in love!

22. What was your favourite TV program?

In keeping with last year’s British TV theme, we have again loved predominantly British shows.  We NEVER miss Alan Carr Chatty Man – that man and his show are an absolute scream, you really need to check it (them) out.  There were also the usual suspects of QI, Graham Norton, Grand Designs and Top Gear.  A notable mention must also go to the Australian series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries which we thoroughly enjoyed.

23. What was the best book you read?

I haven’t read any books of note this year as most of my reading consisted of reading lots of amazing blogs.  I did however enjoy a couple of coffee table books I picked up during the year - Wine Dogs Australia and Why Dogs are better than Cats are both entertaining and contain gorgeous photos.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

There’s been several again this year including Lana Del Ray and Paloma Faith.  The one that stands out though is Of Monsters And Men.  This Icelandic group made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show and I just loved them.  I’ve already mentioned Lana here, so here’s a little something by Paloma and OMAM...

25. What did you want and get?

I wanted my dad to get good news after his brain surgery – it was the best news as he got the all clear and recovered completely.  I also wanted to get the job I’d acted in for 18 months, and I did!  I was finally promoted permanently to the position in August.

26. What did you want and not get?

Again, marriage equality.  Oh alright, and the winning lotto numbers!

27. What was your favourite film of the year?

Sadly this year we made it to the movies just once – one of the pitfalls of our lack of time together as we’d rather have a quiet night in!  Anyhoo the movie – we loved The Iron Lady with Meryl Streep.  We did however watch a number of great DVD’s during the year.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 46 years young on my birthday!  You can read all about my birthday here.  Suffice to say it involved a gourmet breakfast, lots of seafood, champagne, wine, ice cream, blood-letting, and a washing machine!

29. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Sharing it with the lovely Wayne, friends and family.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Corporate and casual – not at the same time though!  I also had a bit of a ‘thing’ going on with glasses (spectacles) this year – I bought four new pairs during the year.

31. What kept you sane?

The lovely Wayne of course, and keeping a good sense of humour at all times.  Oh yes, and wine!

This guy kept me sane (or is that insane?) during 2012

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

No one person comes to mind actually.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

It’s the same as last year.  Australia’s appalling policies and indecision regarding asylum seekers and marriage equality.  It amazes me that we are so behind the times with these two issues when we are leaders in so many other areas.

34. Who did you miss?

I miss my regular catch-ups with a dear friend Tracy in England but we’ve undertaken to have regular (& possibly long) skype sessions this year.  I’ve also missed two very dear friends at work who have both been on long term leave during the year.  Luckily for me they are both back during January.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Again this year there’s been a number of new people who I’ve met.  Some have been through work, some through other friends, and then there’s the online friends I’ve made this year through blogs and social media.  The stand out though would be a former colleague, and now great friend, Kerry.  We just kinda clicked.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.

Cherish those you care about – tell them you love them often and give them hugs often too!

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Motivation a powerful strength

Hesitation was my first instinct

I got the notion my weakness was

Total devotion it’s okay because

I will hold back tears

So I can move in the right direction

I have faced my fears

Now I can move in the right direction

Move in the right direction – Beth Ditto & Gossip

So there you have it dear reader, my 2012 year in review.  I’d love to read your 2012 in review so please feel free to leave your answers (or a link to them) in the comments if you feel so inclined.

 

G. xx

 

 

Thirst quencher

Today is Day Twelve of the November Photo A Day Challenge - the prompt for which is Drink (Read here about my self imposed twist to this month's challenge).

My diptych composition for today was shot whilst out on a long walk this afternoon with the lovely Wayne.  As we walked through the local park we noiced a bright yellow water bubbler.  It truly was bright and was screaming out to be photographed - so what's a guy to do?  As luck would have it, the lovely Wayne was also in need of a quick sip of water.  The end result is the photo of the lovely Wayne having a drink (edited to black and white) and the bubbler itself in all its colourful glory.

 

As an aside, I must say that there is no way I would drink out of a bubbler like that (we have differing opinions on this matter).  I mean who knows what has graced the surface of the water outlet!!!

 

Would you, or do you, drink out of a public bubbler?  No judgements will be made, I'm just curious!

G. xx

Lost without....

It's Day Ten of the November Photo A Day Challenge which means I'm a third of the way through!  The prompt for today is Can't (won't) live without.  Read here about my self imposed twist to this month's challenge.

Two things came to mind straight away when I read today's photo prompt - the lovely Wayne and my iPhone.  I don't like being too far away from either of them!  So they're my diptych components for today - the lovely Wayne and my iPhone (I've chosen to feature my fave photo apps).

 

What's two things that you can't or won't live without?

G. xx

Five o'clock shadow

It's Day Five of the November Photo A Day Challenge - the prompt for which is 5 o'clock. Read here about my self imposed twist to this month's challenge.

Today's diptych photo composition consists of two represntations of 5 o'clock - 12 hours apart.  The first part is a screen shot of my iPhone at 5.00am when my alarm went off - yes I did hit snooze (a few times!).  The second part was snapped this afternoon - 5 o'clock shadow.  Now just to clarify, this 5 o'clock shadow belongs to the lovely Wayne who modelled for me under intensely tying conditions (according to him).  I mean really, I think it was me working under trying conditions - damn models and their demands!  Oh yes, I've again indulged my passion for black and white photography.

G. xx

Still here

Just a quick post to say "I'm still here"! 

Image source

I'm currently quiet as I'm not adding too much content to the blog at the moment.  This is because I will be moving the blog to a new location and making a few tweaks in a few weeks time - this is one of the things I will be tackling when I have holidays in September.  More about that once the move is complete and I resume normal transmissions.

Lastly, I thought I should give an update on my dear dad.  His recovery is nothing short of miraculous as he is more or less back to his usual self, which is pretty amazing considering he had brain surgery 4 weeks ago!  In a word, he's fantastic!

So there you have it, a quick update on the goings on around here.  What's happening with you?

What a fortnight!

Apologies up front if this post seems a bit ‘deep’ or upsetting but I wanted to share why I’m incredibly thankful tonight as I sit here writing this.  Note that I am in a good ‘place’ and am not seeking sympathy or the like.  There will even be a celebratory drink (or 3) tonight!  I guess I just want to ‘download’ and as I said, share why I’m thankful.

I’m thankful that I live in this fabulously modern country where urgent and up-to-the-minute medical treatments are available and accessible.  I’m thankful that in less than a fortnight, my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour, had surgery to remove it, was then advised it was benign, and was given a clean bill of health.  I’m thankful that he is a very fit and healthy man who is already home and is recovering quickly.  I’m thankful that we can still give each other a good ribbing and that throughout the ups and downs of the last fortnight we kept a sense of humour.  I’m thankful for having a wonderful mum, sister, brother-in-law and how we form an amazing team when needed.  I’m thankful for my friends who have sat and listened when I needed to talk.  And lastly, I’m thankful for the lovely Wayne – the rock I have leaned on (heavily at times) this past fortnight as I (& he) supported my wonderful family.

Like I said at the start of this post, I’m actually quite happy and up beat as we’ve come through this last fortnight with a great outcome.  And I do have to confess that as is the way in our family, we always try to maintain a sense of humour no matter what.  I mean there’s already jokes and jibes happening amongst us all about this whole experience – I guess that’s our coping mechanism!

What are you thankful for?  And what coping mechanisms do you use in times of crisis?



My wonderful family



Linking up with Kate Says Stuff for Thankful Thursday via Kirsty from My Home Truths.

The jumper & the super hero

June Photo A Day - Day 29:  Soft

The photo prompt for day 29 of the challenge was soft.  My thoughts automatically went to a beautiful Alpaca wool jumper that my dad brought me back from a trip to South America a few years ago.  It is so light and soft but very warm and is not prickly like sheeps wool.  The sad thing is it's a bit of a snug fit this winter - hmmmm.  Anyhoo, here's the pic...

June Photo A Day - Day 30:  A Friend

The final prompt for this month's challenge is a friend.  This is an easy one - he's been my best friend for almost 23 years.  Anyhoo, here's a re-edit of a previous pic of my boy wonder, the lovely Wayne.

Love and memories

June Photo A Day - Day 20:  Fave photo you've ever taken

Now this was a very easy one for today's prompt of fave photo you've ever taken.  My absolute most fave photo I've taken is of the lovely Wayne and our beautiful little girl Sophie.  I love this photo for a number of reasons:

1. It's the two 'people' that mean the absolute world to me;
2. Neither of them were aware I was taking the photo which makes it so beautifully candid;
3. And lastly, it's a wonderful memory of our little girl who is no longer with us.

Now this is not a sad post, it's actually quite the opposite as this photo always brings a smile to my face and makes me happy.

Anyhoo, here's my fave-est photo I've ever taken...

Pretty in Pink

Now I know dear reader that those of you that are of a certain age will know that this blog post's title is the name of a classic coming of age movie from the '80s.  Others of you may not!  Anyhoo, the photo.

June Photo A Day - Day 10:  Best bit of your weekend

Today's photo prompt was best bit of your weekend.  The best bit of my weekend so far has been this evening.  I'm tucked up on the lounge with the lovely Wayne in front of the TV on a cold winters night.  It doesn't get any better than this.  Well maybe, and it has.  To top it off we are watching a fave classic from my youth - Pretty In Pink.  I haven't seen this movie in years and I'm loving every bit of it - the music, the fashion and the hair.  LOL.

Anyhoo, enough of my reminiscing, here's my photo - the lovely Wayne and I snuggled up on the lounge under a blanket.

As an aside dear reader, what's your fave '80s movie?  Tell me in comments below.  Or not!

I'm baaaaack!

Hello dear reader – I am still in the land of the living!  I know I’ve not posted in a month, but I’m now back at the helm of this blog so normal transmissions are resuming.  Apologies for this lengthy post – but hey, it has been a month!

So, where have I been?  Well it’s been an interesting month to say the least.  On the personal front, the lovely Wayne and I have been living at my parents’ house for the last month dog-sitting whilst they were swanning around Europe.  On the professional front, I’ve been prepping for one of the biggest events in my work year – delivering a management conference for 230 staff at the organisation where I work.  Hence the reason(s) why my poor blog has been neglected.

Dog-sitting

I’m sure I’ve covered this elsewhere in this blog, but the lovely Wayne and I live in a unit with a smallish courtyard – not entirely conducive to pets shall we say.  So, as my parents were heading off O/S for holidays, their little dog needed minding so it was easier for all concerned for the lovely Wayne and I to stay at their home for the duration of their holiday.  No drama I hear you say.  Well for all intents and purposes you would be correct dear reader.  I mean to say, what trouble could a little mini-foxie cause right?!  Now this little dog (named Sari) is a gorgeous little girl, BUT, she is almost 16 (nearly 112 in doggy years) and as such is now sadly starting to show some signs of aging.  She’s a lovely little girl but is starting to get a little forgetful occasionally with regards to her toileting.  Now this isn’t normally an issue as my (retired) parents are there to ensure she has regular trips outside.  Things don’t necessarily work as well when Sari’s carers are working full time!  Suffice to say the lovely Wayne and I became quite au fait with floor cleaning and disinfectant!  That aside though, she was a model charge and was very well behaved indeed.  This brings me to something else about our stay at ‘the folks’ house.  Now I have to say this (sorry mum & dad), but their internet service is crap!  And after a few failed attempts I simply couldn’t be bothered.

Work work work

Coinciding with our sojourn at my parents’ house, I’ve been working on one of the major bodies of work for the year that I do – a management conference for 230 staff.  Despite the pressure and long hours, it was a very successful event, timed as it was to coincide with my parents’ arrival home.  The ever dependable lovely Wayne collected his in-laws and delivered them safely home (thanks babe).  This year was very different to previous year’s conferences as it was conducted completely electronically.  My national director has heaped praise on me for delivering something that has set a new benchmark for such conferences within the organisation where I work.  This of course could not have been achieved without considerable support and assistance from a number of people.  These include my boss of course who supported me and allowed me to be creative, as well as a few select others (you know who you are).  Two people that deserve a special mention are the lovely Wayne for his patience and for making sure everything at home ran smoothly considering the hours I was putting into this project, and someone who I admire and respect because she just manages to ‘do it all’ – she never says no at work despite being a mum to three children, two of whom are special needs.  So thanks Kirsty - knowing that you had aspects of the conference covered was both appreciated and comforting.

And so there you have it dear reader, a summary of the last month in the everyday life that is Being Gawee.  If you’ve made it this far with this massive post, well done!

A baby, a bug, a fish & an idiot

It's been a couple of days since I last posted and shared photos so lets have a catch-up.  Thursday saw the end of the working week and the start of a delightful 4 day weekend.  It also saw the arrival of a new baby daughter for two of my dearest friends, Pru* and her husband G.  Needless to say, I'm a very excited Guncle* and will be heading out later this morning to shop for cute baby stuff before popping up to the hospital later today for a visit.

The other great thing to happen was the lovely Wayne and I enjoyed a day off together yesterday.  They are not as common as they once were so are highly cherished and spent doing something.  As yesterday was such a gorgeous day it was deemed appropriate that the top go down on the Jeep and we head out for a picnic by the lake.  More about this later.

I'm still participating in the April Photo A Day Challenge and have been diligently clicking away.  Here's the latest photos...

April Photo a Day - Day 5:  Tiny

Thursday's photo prompt was tiny.  Something tiny I have here at home is a miniature VW Beetle.  I've had it for years and is one of those little things that evokes great memories.  My very first car was a VW and this tiny one was a gift from the lovely Wayne many years ago after I had been reminiscing about my first car and what it meant.  At 18 years of age, my family and I lived in a an outer suburb and this car meant freedom and independence - it was the start of a whole new era in my life.  It was great.  And that little car (mine was actually fluro orange - aka BOB*) created many great memories.  Anyhoo, enough of the old-man-reminiscing, here's the photo...

April Photo a Day - Day 6:  Lunch

As I mentioned earlier, the lovely Wayne and I headed out for a drive to a picnic spot on the shores of Lake Macquarie yesterday.  It was a gorgeous day - sunny, but not hot, and a gentle breeze to keep the flies away.  Our picnic lunch consisted of a yummy tossed salad and barramundi fish fillets cooked on the barbeque.  We sat under the shade of a big old tree soaking up the ambience and chatting.  Oh yes, and in keeping with his persona of being a big kid, the lovely Wayne also brought along his remote controlled helicopter which we played with (oh alright, he flew it well and I crash landed it!).  Anyhoo, the photo.  Yesterday's prompt was lunch, so here's barbequed barramundi fillet with salad...

Acknowledging an idiot

Like I said we had a delighful day yesterday, however I must vent about a motorist we encountered on our drive.  To the woman in the white sedan who ran the give way sign causing us to screech to a halt to avoid you, the hand gestures and swearing at us because I dared to honk the horn were amazing - what a great role model you are to those 2 children you had in your car!  End of rant!

What's he on about?

Pru - My bff's name isn't actually Pru, it's a pet name.  Our pet names for each other are Pru and Trude (from Kath & Kim) as we can be a bit Pru & Trude-ish when on a shopping expedition! (And yes, we do the accent too).

Guncle - Oh come on people, where have you been?  Gay + uncle = Guncle!

BOB - Bright Orange Beetle.  My first car.

Handsome

April Photo a Day - Day 4:  Someone who makes you happy

The April Photo A Day Challenge prompt for today is Someone who makes you happy.  What can I say here that will do this justice?  Keep it simple and just post the photo methinks!  The lovely Wayne has made me happy for over 22 years :-)  Cue photo....

The photos (clockwise from top left): His first helicopter pilot lesson; Robin the boy wonder; My fave pic (at dinner with friends); His 50th; Pensive at a BBQ; Embarking on the Sydney Tower Skywalk.

A man-child & space birds

Happy Friday!  Thankfully the weekend has begun.  I'm sitting here chilling out, glass of wine in hand and appreciating the fact that the weekend is here.  It will be a good weekend too as my sister and my brother-in-law are in town for the weekend which means dinner with them at mum and dad's - always a good night when the six of us get together.

You may have twigged that I said I'm sitting here chilling out - no mention of the lovely Wayne.  Well that's because tonight I'm an Angry Birds widow!  A new version of Angry Birds was released last night (Angry Birds Space) and as the lovely Wayne is in essence a 50 year old child who is addicted to all Angry Birds games, it has been downloaded and is being fiercely played.  I imagine other readers with children experience a similar situation however I can't very well send my big kid to his room for playing it too much, can I?!  This will last a couple of days until he has mastered it then all will be back to normal.  It's actually quite cute to watch as he really gets in the zone.  And I will be sure to thank my sister and brother-in-law tomorrow night at dinner as they were the ones who introduced the lovely Wayne to the original Angry Birds.

Image courtesy AngryBirdsAddiction.com



Anyhoo, I must away as it appears that the man-child's iPhone battery is now low and needs charging, so we will now converse while it charges....LOL.  Do you live with a man-child?  If so, please share a man-child story in comments.

Grumpy Pants - a confession

One of the blogs that I follow is My Home Truths by a friend, Kirsty (do yourself a favour and go have a read).  Each Sunday, Kirsty posts I Must Confess which is a link-up that others are encouraged to participate in.  For a while now I've been what could be best described as a long time lurker but haven't actually participated.  Today that changes as I Must Confess....

Do you ever have one of those days - you know, the kind where you're in a bad mood and there's no apparent reason why.  Now I've self-analysed yesterday and I cannot for the life of me work out what 'did it'.  Anyhoo, I'm getting ahead of myself.  Yesterday morning I awoke as per normal (got out of bed on the correct side, etc) and within an hour had 'tude for no apparent reason.  Sadly (and despite my best efforts to the contrary), that 'tude was with me for most of the day.

First up I headed out to the shops.  On the way there, I was convinced that every idiot driver on the road was out in force as they were ALL annoying me.  Things didn't improve at the supermarket either - unruly feral children, crazy people that couldn't successfully take charge of their shopping trolley, you get the idea.  The whole while I'm trying to snap myself out of it, the self talk about how I had a choice whether these things annoyed me and that I could choose to not let them annoy me - pffft, didn't work!  I survived the outing unscathed although I'm sure there must have been steam coming out of my ears at this point...LOL. 

Back home my afternoon was incident-free and I even had time for a little nanna-nap on the lounge before beginning preparations for a roast lamb baked dinner.  Yay I thought, commonsense has prevailed and I got over myself.  Imagine the horror when the lovely Wayne waltzed through the door after being at work all day and asked (innocently) how my day was.  At first all was fine - I regaled the tales of annoying motorists, children and shoppers and how I was refreshed after my brief nap.  And then it happened - the lovely Wayne made a harmless throw-away comment that I must be getting old and grumpy!!  I must confess that I momentarily snapped - you know, "how dare you, you're older than me", etc , etc.  This is why I also refer to the lovely Wayne as 'Poor Wayne'.  Now I calmed down quite quickly (I think the glass of wine helped!) but I felt terrible that I had unloaded on him.  Suffice to say, I apologised and all was forgiven - I think the delicious roast dinner may have also helped!

So there you have it, my confession.  Do you have something to confess?  Then why not link up with Kirsty at My Home Truths and share your confession.  Trust me, it can be quite cathartic!

Linking with Kirsty at My Home Truths for I Must Confess...

#FebPhotoADay - Day 11: Makes You Happy

Today's theme for the February Photo A Day Challenge is Makes You Happy.  This is easy.  What makes me happy is any time spent with the lovely Wayne, so it makes sense (to me anyway) that my photo for today should be a photo of the two of us together.  Now I have to confess that I have cheated a little with this photo as I've posted a photo of us taken just before Christmas - I've just re-edited it!  Yes I know I should have taken another photo of us today, but I really like this photo, so here it is (re-edited of course)...

Brekkie and a Photo

This morning I tagged along with my mum and dad as my dad was dropped off at the pick-up point for a week long hiking adventure with a walking/hiking group he belongs to.  On our way home, mum and I stopped at a fave (and new) cafe near the water at Speers Point for breakfast.  The food and coffee was delish as always, but the company was great.  It was nice to just spend some time with my mum.  And even better that it was over breakfast.  It's not that I never see my parents, but as they only live 25 minutes away, we are never together at breakfast time, so that was a novelty.

The other reason it was nice to spend time with my mum (solving all the world's problems too) was that since dad retired, it's rare to get either of them on their own.  Not that that's a bad thing as I love 'em to bits, but it is nice to not have to share them from time to time ;-)  I mention a recent day I had hanging with my dad here.

#FebPhotoADay - Day 5: 10am

Today's theme for the February Photo a Day Challenge is 10am. 

Now I know that the obvious way to capture this is a photo of a clock at 10am however I was after something that showed the time but also showed something happening at that specific time. 

I decided on a screen shot of the TV guide application that I have on my iPhone at 10am.  It shows the time and what's on the box at that time, so I'm happy that I've satisfied my own set of criteria for today's photo theme.

Six Days

Six day weekend, oh how I've enjoyed you!  The lovely Wayne and I both go back to work tomorrow after enjoying a 6 day weekend - talk about luxurious!  It all began on Australia Day last thursday.  Wow, that seems so long ago.  We then took Friday off (as did half the country) as well as Monday and today.  It has been a great break actually and dare I say probably better than the 3 week holiday I took at Christmas!  Mostly because this time we were both off.

We didn't go away or do anything ground-breaking, it was more the fact that we did stuff together - something that is a rarity due to our often conflicting work schedules.  It was a weekend of simple pleasures.  Today we went for a walk, some of which was in the rain - and no, we didn't have an umbrella with us.  We just got a little wet and it was great.  We've also cooked up some truly delicious gastronomic delights, but I won't go into them as I seem to babble on about food in almost every blog post.  We ate out, we planted a herb garden, we watched fireworks, we sat on the lounge in our undies watching dvds (there's a mental image for you!) while it rained and rained, we went to the markets (twice), we listened to music, and we slept in 6 times!  It really has been a great break and not one bit of it was planned.

Here's a few photos from during our extra long weekend...

I also saw this today and had to post it here - it made me laugh...

Twenty 11 – a year in review

One of my favourite bloggers, Elizabeth of Scarlet Words, fills out a meme on her blog at the end of each year as a way of reflecting on the past year. I loved the idea of it so am going to have a go at it myself (despite being 11 days late in doing so!). Thanks to Elizabeth for sharing this brilliant idea and encouraging others to join in. Make sure you have a read of Elizabeth’s 2011: year in review.

Ok, here goes...

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

Professionally, I really stepped outside my comfort zone at work and took on an additional role that really challenged me – and I loved it despite the stress and sleepless nights. Personally, I started this blog and started using Instagram – both of which were done to make me take more notice of the world around me and those that are in that world. To see the real beauty that is so easily overlooked. And I have to say it has been great and I’m loving the discoveries I’m making. Oh yes, I also caught public transport (train) all the way from Newcastle to Sydney and back! I don't do public transport as a rule.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t remember making any new year’s resolutions for 2011 however this year is going to be more of what I’ve done in Q1 and I’d like to be fitter, healthier and lighter by the end of the year. I also intend to blog more.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but 2 very dear friends have made a baby in 2011 and little Bubble (as he/she is affectionately known) will arrive in the first half of 2012.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?

The only travel I did this year was with work – the furthest I ventured with work was Canberra - hmmm. The lovely Wayne and I didn’t even undertake our annual Melbourne sojourn this year – we were just too busy. We only ventured to Sydney on a few occasions this year too. Those that know us will know that that is sooo not us.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Time! And I guess fitness (see Q2).

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I guess our respective birthdays. The lovely Wayne’s because it was a milestone birthday (his 50th) and I was able to give him something he had always wanted – a helicopter pilot’s lesson (which he couldn’t stop talking about). My birthday is covered later on at Q29.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Challenging myself on a number of levels (both professionally and personally), but most of all, learning a lot about myself (some of it was hard to face/learn too!).

9. What was your biggest failure?

Letting some friendships slip a little – not in a bad way, just a consequence of being very time poor during the year and not blocking out enough time to make sure I spent time with friends.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

During the first half of the year I had a nasty bout of sinus that led to middle ear infections in both ears. These 2 ear infections turned nasty and resulted in me having 2 burst ear drums. Annoying to say the least.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The lovely Wayne’s pilot’s lesson (see Q7). Those that know the lovely Wayne know that he doesn’t say a lot and keeps things to himself but he couldn’t stop talking about piloting a helicopter – it was like listening to a kid that had just been granted a wish of going to Disneyland.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The lovely Wayne. He was definitely my rock this year and I couldn’t have achieved what I have this year without his love, support, patience and occasional reality check!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

OMG where do you start? I guess the political leaders (and I use that term loosely) in Australia and their appalling decisions and policies regarding asylum seekers and marriage equality. For the first time in my life I felt embarrassed to be part of a society that was so backward in its thinking. There was also that woman who threw a puppy out of a high-rise because it messed on the carpet – I absolutely abhor cruelty to animals.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, bills, food, iTunes and Nespresso Pods.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Being given the opportunity to really extend myself at work and actually make a difference.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

This song appeals on a number of levels however at the end of the day it’s the self esteem, acceptance and equality that it makes one think about.  Not to mention the attention that it received!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

a) Happier.

b) I may or may not be a wee bit umm, fuller figured shall we say!

c) Definitely not poorer – I’d like to say more enriched.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I wish I’d told those that I care about that I care about them a lot more often than I did.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Procrastinate.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

I won’t bore you with this again, however we spent lunch with the lovely Wayne’s mum and dinner with my mum and dad. You can read all about it here.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?

I stayed in love – does that count? As I’ve said before, he’s my rock and I know he puts up with A LOT!

The lovely Wayne in the driver's seat ready for his lesson.

22. What was your favourite TV program?

We aren’t big TV heads however we have a few faves. The Graham Norton Show is an absolute scream, I can’t resist that domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, I love the wit of QI with Stephen Fry, and of course a just lurve Grand Designs with Kevin McLeod. Hmmm, just realised they’re all British shows. The lovely Wayne has insisted I also list Family Guy and Futurama!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don’t like the word hate when talking about people. There’s probably 1 or 2 people that I dislike more than I did last year so we’ll just leave it at that.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas. A fantastic book that I couldn’t put down.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

There’s been a several this year (Adele, Katie Melua, Florence & the Machine to name a few), but the one that struck a chord with me was a song by Mindy Gledhill. It’s a beautiful song and it sums up my feelings towards the lovely Wayne. Yes I know, pathetic romantic alert!! LOL.

26. What did you want and get?

A better understanding of myself (inner peace if you like).

27. What did you want and not get?

Marriage.

28. What was your favourite film of this year?

I can (sadly) only recall going to the cinema once last year. We saw Money Ball late last year and enjoyed it.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 45 in November and was itching to do the public transport thing (yes I know, ever the adventurer!). We had the day off work together and travelled by train to Sydney where the lovely Wayne took me to the Picasso Exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW and then to a favourite Spanish restaurant for dinner. Simple pleasures but I had the best day.

30. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Recognition and personal thanks from quite senior staff at work for my achievements and contributions throughout the year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Extremes I guess. It was either suit and tie or shorts/jeans and t-shirt!

32. What kept you sane?

Being able to download to a few special people. Namely Michelle, Geraldine, and the lovely Wayne. You 3 have no idea just much your listening and encouraging words did for me. Oh yes, and there was Semillon Sauvignon Blanc too!

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Hmmm, no one person in particular comes to mind.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

That would be pretty much a tie between Australia’s shyte policies and decisions regarding asylum seekers and marriage equality (see Q13).

35. Who did you miss?

2011 has been an unusual year in this regard. The lovely Wayne and I lost our beautiful little girl Sophie three and a half years ago after 12 wonderful years. Our little Jack Russell cross was the child we could never have and although it’s been 3 and a half years, I’ve really missed her this last year - painfully so. She has been in my thoughts pretty much every day.

The lovely Wayne and our Sophie

36. Who was the best new person you met?

This is a tough one as I made a number of new friends at work that have helped me heaps in my new role. I guess our neighbour Helen would be pretty close to the top of the list too – we are very lucky to have such a great neighbour. She’s definitely a kindred spirit.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

I learnt not to underestimate or doubt my abilities.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

On the radio, on every TV show

for each and every reason, each and every season.

Music when we love for the moon above,

music for the show of life that never ends.

Music on a plane, music on a train,

sailing in the ocean, music in the motion.

Music in your car, at your local bar.

There's music when you look at a star.

Can’t Stop the Music – Village People

And so there you have it dear reader, my 2011 year in review. I’d love to read your 2011 in review so please feel free to leave your answers (or a link to them) in the comments if you feel so inclined.

Pork and 'Puter

The Pork!

It seems that we are destined to eat well in 2012!  On Friday I decided that I felt like roast pork and so it was that the wheels were set in motion for a roast dinner.  My favourite way to do this is to cook a nice rolled boned pork roast on the rotisserie in the barbeque.  It always turns out super delicious with perfect crackling thanks to my special trick - and this dear reader is something that if I told you, I would have to kill you!  ;-)  This was accompanied by a selection of vegetables baked inside in the oven.  During all this our neighbour Helen commented over the fence that the smells coming from the barbeque were divine so I insisted she pop over and help us eat it.  We had a great evening feasting on the roast dinner and washing it down with a few good wines.  We always have fun with Helen, she's a hoot.

The (com)Puter.

My dear dad has decided to leap headlong into modernity by buying himself a laptop (the days of his old 'clunker' were numbered).  So today I spent the day at mum and dad's helping dad set up his new router and laptop - who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?  You just have to be very patient!  Anyhow, the day was a success with dad quite chuffed with his new high-tech world.  It was also great to spend the day with him just doing stuff.

The day ended with the lovely Wayne and I heading down to our local to relax and share a bottle of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc whilst enjoying the great view.  Life's good :-)



The View



PS:  I'm aware that this is yet another food post and this blog is seriously at risk of becoming a blog about the lovely Wayne and I gourmandising our way through the year - I will endeavour to expand the subject matter! (but we just enjoy good food & wine!).