This week is DonateLife Week (23 Feb to 2 March). DonateLife Week is Australia's national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation.
Organ and tissue donation saves lives. One donor can transform the lives of up to 10 people and significantly improve the lives of many more. People of any age regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion can one day need a life-transforming or life-saving transplant. Around 1,500 people are on Australian organ transplant waiting lists at any one time.
This time last year I blogged about a lady (the friend of a friend) who had just received a double lung transplant. Like I said back then, I only 'know' Camille via my friend Carly and via social media, which is how I've been privy to her transplant journey. Camille recently celebrated the one year anniversary of receiving her new lungs - her lungiversary! During that time she has gone from relying on others and on oxygen, to now spending time with her active young nephews, riding her bike, going for long walks, walking her dog, travelling, working, and recently playing her first game of (her much loved) basketball in many years.
Camille trampolining with one of her nephews
11 months after her double lung transplant.
Remember this is Camille's story, I'm just a very privileged onlooker who has witnessed (from afar) the amazing difference organ donation has made to her life. I encourage you can read about and see the difference to Camille's life in her own words here.
The majority of Australians are both willing to become organ and tissue donors and know that family confirmation is required for donation to take place. To optimise every potential organ and tissue donor, every Australian family needs to ask and know their loved ones' donation decisions. Although three in four Australians have discussed the subject with family members, only 53% of people know their loved ones' donation decisions. Importantly, 96% of those who do know their loved ones' donation decision say they would uphold their decision.
So please have the chat this week with your friends and family - how good would it be for everyone on the Australian organ transplant waiting list to experience what Camille has?
I'll leave the final words in this post to Camille. When I contacted Camille to ask if I could write about her and reference her blog and photos, her reply included this sentence...
If everyone could only see what a difference it can make - not only saving a life, but being able to begin again with a brand new life!
Kinda sums it up really. Thanks Camille, and Happy Lungiversary!
G. xx
Notes:
Camille has kindly allowed me to share her story.
This is NOT a sponsored post however it IS a subject that I am passionate about.
First up let me say that this is not a sponsored post, it's a post about something dear to my heart.
A few months back I wrote a post that touched on organ donation. Now although this is something that am in total support of, my only experience of it is what you see or read about in the media. That has changed a little. Let me tell you a little story about a friend of a friend.
My friend Carly has a friend (we'll call her CurlyPops) who has been waiting for a new set of lungs for a very long time. Well an amazing thing happened to CurlyPops recently. After many false starts, she received an early morning call telling her to get to the hospital because a new set of lungs were waiting for her. CurlyPops has now had a double lung transplant and is on the long road back to good health. Words can't express how thankful she is that a beautiful family somewhere had had the discussion, and at a time of immense personal grief gave the ultimate gift to a total stranger. I've been very fortunate to be kept up to date on CurlyPops' progress by our mutual friend Carly. I don't know CurlyPops but have felt the highs and lows of her journey so far. Here's a few recent words from CurlyPops about the amazing gift of life she received.
Where am I going with this you ask. This week is DonateLife Week. DonateLife
Week is Australia's national awareness week to promote organ and tissue
donation. It is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of the national
DonateLife campaign and supported by community events and activities across
Australia.
Did
you know that as an organ and tissue donor, you could transform the lives of 10
or more people. But to make your wish count, we all need to discover the facts
about organ and tissue donation and to register our decision on the Australian
Organ Donor Register.
And
to make every wish count, every Australian family needs to know each other’s
wishes. This is because in Australia the family of every potential donor is
always asked to confirm the donation wishes of their loved one before organ
and/or tissue donation can proceed.
During
DonateLife Week, Sunday 24 February – Sunday 3 March 2013, take some time to
share your wish with your family and close friends, and ask them about their
wishes.
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.
I'll preface this post by saying that I'm not seeking sympathy or the like - I'm just sharing what is whirling around in my thoughts at the moment. I've been mulling this post over in my head for over a week now as I wasn't completely sure what I wanted to say or even whether to say anything at all. As you can tell, I've decided to put pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard!
This coming weekend there is a school reunion happening for my year from school - it is 30 years since year 10. I've been contacted by a few people to invite me along and ask if I was going to attend and therein lies the dilemma. You see, I've been struggling with the decision of whether to attend or not. Now I know this is not exactly a 'life decision' but I've still struggled with it. I guess I should provide some context.
I'm a passionate advocate for anti-bullying laws in schools and society in general and this isn't just because I'm a gay man who has witnessed bullying. I've been bullied - as a teenager it was relentless. Now I'm not going to go into specifics or name and shame, but on a daily basis throughout my high school years I was bullied physically, mentally and emotionally to the point where it affected my grades, my self esteem and my self confidence. I'll confess that I considered suicide on a number of occasions. What's that saying? - "Your school years are the best years of your life" - pffft. I never, ever want to relive that time of my life. I got through it though because I had the most wonderful group of friends, some of whom were also experiencing the horrors of bullying first hand too. I haven't mentioned my family as part of this story because I never let on at home - I was too ashamed and embarrassed. In hindsight, that was ridiculous!
Has all this shaped the person I am today? Most definitely. Some of it good, some not so. I think it's made me a champion of the underdog, sympathetic, empathetic and passionate about certain causes. It's also made me lack self esteem and self confidence as an adult and has caused hideous bouts of depression at times. As for now, I'm finally coming out of that place. I have a wonderful partner of 23 years who has shown me that it doesn't matter and that I can succeed. I'm proud of the fact that I've been anti-depressant free for a number of years now and I gain self esteem and confidence on a daily basis - I'm in a good place and I think it's evident to those that know me.
Anyhoo, back to the indecision. The voyeuristic part of me wants to go to the reunion to check them all out, the moved-on part of me feels that I already keep in touch with the people from school that I wish to keep in touch with, and then of course there's the scared little teenager!
And all that, dear reader, is the reasoning for my indecision on this matter.
So what did I decide to do? I'm not attending the reunion. Does this mean that the collective 'they' have won out? Does it mean I've moved on and these people cease to be a consideration in my life? Or is there still a bullied, hurt and scared teenager lurking just a little too close to the surface for comfort? Perhaps it's a bit of all three!
Wow, this has been quite cathartic as I've never shared these thoughts and emotions with anyone other than the lovely Wayne and now here I am putting it out there on the WWW. Hmmm, that's me, all or nothing!!
What would you do? Would you go to your school reunion? Or have you been already? Feel free to share your reunion thoughts and experiences below in comments.
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.
Today's photo prompt was time. Now I considered taking a photo of an actual time however I had already done that for Day 8 (six o'clock), so I thought I'd take today's photo of something associated with a time of the day. As luck would have it I had an impromptu luncheon date with a dear friend today which provided a perfect photo opportunity. So here you have lunch time...
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!
This is just a quick update post to a post from a couple of days ago where I mentioned how I was a very excited Guncle at the arrival of the new baby daughter for two very dear friends of ours. Well I did finally get to see them all today and I have to say (totally unbiased) that she is just gorgeous. Anyhoo without further ado, I introduce the oh-so-cute Marlo (with her adoring Guncle Gawee)....
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!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! In keeping with the theme of Saint Patrick's Day, I thought I'd share a photo that encompasses both the origins of the day and today's photo prompt for the March Photo A Day Challenge (which I'm not technically participating in!) which is Green. So here you have a photo of a 4 leaf clover that I found quite by accident a few weeks back. The lovely Wayne and I were at the park and I happened to glance down at a patch of clover and this little gem was right there in front of me - no searching involved!
According to tradition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally. According to legend, each leaf represents something: the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. I hope that this 4 leaf clover (or shamrock) is lucky for me!
The English
Today I caught up with my dear friend Tracy who lives in England. It's been a couple of months since we had a good chin-wag but as always, it's like we spoke yesterday. As well as catching up, today we tried something new (to each of us). We downloaded Skype and chatted via video on Skype. Well how cool is Skype! Neither of us can believe that we have taken so long to embrace this wonderment of modern communication. Now I'm sounding like someone's nanna!! Oh dear. Anyhoo, I just had to share today's discovery with you dear reader. Tracy and I are hooked, that's for sure.
Today's theme for the February Photo A Day Challenge is Green. My photo for today is a collage of new and old photos all of something (& someone) green. Here you have (clockwise from left) trees and grass at the local park, my dear friend Leah dressed as a witch, a tennis ball, and the leaf canopy of a large tree.
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.
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!).
