2011 in review:

Yup, it’s that time of the year, and unlike most years, I’ve decided to take a look backwards this year, and just see what’s happened.

Jan: Moved to Darwin, took up new position.
Feb: Climbed on the healthy bandwagon.
Mar: life
Apr: life
May: away for work for most of it
Jun: City to Surf
Jul: Half Marathon, work
Aug: Our trip to Japan. Fantastic.
Sep: Work again. Life
Oct: when was this?
Nov: last week.
Dec: Mad!

Hmm. perhaps that was a big fat fail. Lets try that again…

Big things: Moving to Darwin – got to drive across the top end and see more of the country (never. again.). Love Darwin, except the sandflies and locals. It’s not like Townsville. Spent a lot of time out field for work. Learnt that eating starch makes me fat – lost a fair bit of weight. Took up running for ‘fun’, did a half marathon and the City to Surf. Times are still nothing to write home about, but for me to look at a 5K as ‘a waddle’ and 10K as ‘a run’, when last year I moaned about running a measly 2K, and NEVER twice in a day!!, that to me is my biggest personal achievement this year. Eating healthy has become both the backbone and bane of my life, particularly when you try to eliminate starch – and it’s something I will struggle with have to manage for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for the support and love I get from my family, for without that, none of my achievements this year would’ve happened, nor would they have meant so much. Our Japanese holiday, fantastic, need to do it again. So many places, so little money.

What’s on the agenda for 2012?

I want to concentrate on my eating habits, and get them sorted out. I need to be more aware of what works for me, and come to terms with the fact I am NEVER going to be the ‘everything in moderation’ person, or the ‘just one every now and then won’t hurt’ person. That is possibly going to be the biggest challenge, but once I can get into that mindset, I can move on. Keep up with the fitness – which might be harder than necessary if I am in the field for 4 months, but I’ll have to manage somehow… I didn’t come this far to throw it all away, and goddammit, I’m going to fucking demand food without starch in it – I don’t care if they think I’m a whingey whiney little bitch, fuck them. They can cook for vegetarians, they can cook for ME. And if they want a doctors note, then I’ll fucking get them one. Wow. I knew it pissed me off last time, but I hadn’t grasped quite how much. My bad. Moving on…

I want to appreciate my family as much as possible, while I can show them in person. Chances are I may not be home this time next year, and when I do get back, the girl child will have left to take up her university life back in Queensland. She needs to know I will miss her, and that I believe in her – and I forget she’s not psychic. And he does needs to know too. I don’t want him to think I’m taking him for granted, and that I love him being here, and I love me being here. I want to be with him at 92. And then get a divorce at 100 and get in the guiness book of records!

I need to be more proactive at work – stress less, be seen to be doing stuff. My last promotion course is on in Feb, and I need to be able to do it. Plus there’s another guy on the course that I’ve worked with before, and I need to beat his ass. I need to enjoy my work – and I do – which means I need to leave it at work, and be able to switch off. I’m getting better at it, and I need to be able to help him do it too. I will possibly go away for work at the end of next year, and I’ll make the most of it. If I don’t go, then I don’t go. The money would be nice, and the experience nicer, but I’m not going to swing off a cliff over it. If I don’t go, I will enjoy being at home with my family for Christmas, and helping the girl child with her interstate move (and try not to cry too much!)…

I’d like to say that I’m going to be a kinder, more considerate person in 2012, but I don’t think I’ve got a snowflakes chance in hell. We’ll see.

 

2012? Bring it!

This year has been pretty awesome – work’s been good, home’s been great. We’ve been on holidays overseas, kept our heads above water, and haven’t killed anyone (of note…:)

Next year I’m hoping will continue in a similar vein, although things are a bit unpredictable with work commitments unlikely to be finalised until the last minute at the earliest, two weeks after at worst. Nevertheless, I’m going to try and jot down some things I’d like to do during the year… although those that know me well also know that I suck at making goals. Oh well here goes…

1. I’d like to make soap. I love home made soaps, but baulk at paying $6 a piece for something that is a ‘want’, rather than a ‘need’. If I make it myself I don’t need to feel guilty, and with a bit of luck I’ll be able to share the love. I’ll try a kit first, but it’s cheaper to do it all from scratch – but I need to know it’ll work! The intent is to make soap and shampoo and conditioner and washing liquid, mainly because I can control what’s in it, but also because it’s (supposedly) cheaper and better than commercially produced stuff.
2. I want to keep running. This will be difficult if work starts to cramp my style.
3. If work cramps my style, I need to have another focus other than running. I choose pilates. One of the gals from work has said she’s going to start again next year, so I’ll go with her. I like to hurt in company, apparently.
4. I’d like to do some sewing. I haven’t done any for many years, and I feel the need to be able to make some cheap lightweight pants for the summer months. Everything in the shops up here is either southern based (ie. They do WINTER), or hippie style, which I do like, but srsly… there’s a limit. And a time. And a place.
5. Financial responsibility and decluttering is to commence forthwith. Refer t’other blog HERE.
6. He wants to kyack. Hell, I can’t even spell it. But I’ll buy him one… 🙂