2011

Well, we're at the end of another year. I am not doing anything; at the moment, I am sitting in my Mum's living room, watching Stephen Fry at the Sydney Opera House. We've got a day party tomorrow, so will really be celebrating tomorrow.

I have two traditions at the end of the year:
1. I write down goals and regrets and burn them
2. I write here, a number of things that have helped/affected me during the year. As it is 2011, I will write 11.

Here we go, in no particular order:

I got a permanent job. It's the first time I have holidays and gotten paid for it. It is definitely a bonus, but not the best bit about it. I am working in a school and, though there are some drawbacks, I am generally enjoying it. I got to be much more involved by being at a smaller school and am really looking forward to being more involved and have more responsibility than I would have in a large school at this stage in my career.

I got to hang out with babies. A few of them. Babies that I enjoy. People have sprogged out in great great numbers this year!

Cut price housing with a housemate. Through this, I remembered how, and really learnt how to live in others' space. I know that I did it in England, but I in most of those houses I wasn't living almost on top of anyone. Here I was. We struggled, especially because we worked together, but by the end of the school year we were chugging along ok with each other.

I exercised pretty constantly this year. Not very well, and not to a great heartrate, but I did it. I've had to stop because I am sick, but I will get back into it when that shifts.

L&J. These two ladies gave me some company this year that I will be grateful for. I know we won't be best friends, and that's OK. I was lonely for the majority of the year and these two got rid of it on occasion.

S. This man is phenomenal. I am in awe of his greatness. You know, that man at work who just does everything well and to aplomb. I learnt so much from him this year, and I am really quite upset that he is leaving next year. Not only did I learn about curriculum from him, I learnt so much about behaviour management and connecting with the students. I have changed my entire teaching way because of conversations we've had this year. Also, he showed and told me he had respect for me. He is the best supervisor I've ever - I mean, ever - had. I've had some that were very good. Some who are friends now. Some who I respect. But I don't know I will ever find a supervisor I respect quite so much again.

I started having panic attacks again. It's terrible. But it has really galvanised my need, desire and intention to be healthy as soon as possible. I've been getting help from western medicine, life coach, alternative remedies and meditation. Paying a lot for the privilige, but I really need it. I will be better!

I have paid back over $18,000 of debt. I have paid my credit card off, paid my mother off, bought my car outright off my father, paid a few thousand back to Dad, and a few thousand to the bank. It is very freeing. I will have it completely done by this time next year: $11,000 to go!

3 terrabyte hard drive - I have years of television to watch. I have watched hundreds of hours of House, Supernatural, Big Love, Smallville, Regenisis. Lots and lots of TV. I am starting to remove the shame I feel in relation to how much television I watch.

I have started to not hate Country Music. Even Taylor Swift. It's actually quite easy to listen to, learn the words and sing. And it helps that everyone in my town loves it.

The student that I fought with for the whole year was the only one who, on graduating, sought me out to shake my hand and thank me for the work I've done this year. Thanks made it all good.

So, that's my year.

My resolution for 2012 is the same one as this year: To look back and have no regrets.

This will be three-fold:

1. Exercise and eat healthily with a good mental health.
2. Work hard to help students learn and understand.
3. Be confident and love myself.

I'd love to hear some of yours!

Work

Work is needing to be done. But there's season 4 of Smallville needing to be watched. :-)

My Christmas Wrap-up

On the first day of Christmas, I went to Sizzler's with my friends. I did have some good chat, and I was sooo full! So full. OMG! I know that we're not supposed to be materialistic, but I totally got the Dr Who Sonic Screwdrivers. Weee! The waitress even asked where I got them from. :)

On the second day of Christmas, it was Christmas Eve and I went to the traditional dinner at my Dad and Step-mother's. Lots of food and laughter (and extremely bad bad bad jokes, care of the crackers and my Dad!)  My Secret Santa forgot to bring my present. Stupid sister! lol.

On the third day of Christmas, I forgot my camera! I started the day at Mum's where Santa had come to us all. I totally got the Tupperware travel set. :) My sisters and one of their partners also came. We had breakfast together and then we all went our separate ways.

I went to my Aunt and Uncle's. Lasagne is my Christmas. Wierd, I know but it is... Caught up with cousins and their families, who I haven't seen since Christmas Day last year.

Lastly, I went to my friend's house and then Redcliffe Lagoon. Then they came back to mine and we played the Heroica boardgame for a bit. :)

On the fourth day of Christmas, I hung out with my Mother, both of my sisters and one of their partners. We gave presents, then went swimming and then had lunch. Mum and I then went and bought me a laptop. I paid Mum the loan I'd taken out from her in 2005 back!

Over the four days, I had a really great time. I usually feel disappointed after Christmas, but can never say why. I get so excited about it - buying people stuff, wrapping it, hanging out with friends and family. Nothing better! But something is normally missing. This year, it wasn't. Of course, I felt the usual guilt over Mum getting 3 hours because we had to start Christmas Eve at Dad's. I also felt a little stressed at the constant changing of place on Christmas Day, but I really had a good time. Not sure what wasn't missing, but it wasn't and I'm not going to worry about it.

I hope you all had a great time with friends and family!

Christmas is done

Done.

It's finished for another year!

I look forward to it every year and  am normally let down. I was not this year.

Longer post with pictures to come...

I bought a computer so will set aside time later tonight.

Presents

This is the insanity that 15 adults go into for each other...

Commercialisation of a sacred tradition? Poo to that! I want to give people things!

Oh and sorry they're sideways - a crooked neck is my gift to you!

Wrapping

I read on one of the blogs (natthefatrat.com) about wrapping presents with brown paper and doilies. I fell in love!

I spent hours at Spotlight chosing the ribbons - I tried to match the decorations with the person. I had so much fun wrapping the gifts. :-)

It did defeat the purpose of a Secret Santa though!

7mate

Is trash reality TV.

I love it.

Service sucks

If you are quoting something worth almost $40,000 do you wait 2 days?

Whole story coming soon...

Phone Calls

I had phone call upon phone call today. And not one could I answer!

I had an appointment in Robina, so was driving (3.5 hour return trip, blergh) and couldn't answer.

1. Television people, who I'm grateful are going to install the VAST system so we can get reception come the new year. To ring back.
2. Leasing company, who is returning my call almost two days later. Called back and then had to wait 20 minutes while the guy was found.

Ok, so 2 phone calls. Which for me is a lot.

Christmas Dinner

I went out for Christmas dinner with friends last night. Now, I knew that two friends wouldn't be there; one had a family birthday and one doesn't come out very often. I look forward to this dinner all year. And I was a little disappointed.

The nephew is being clingy and cranky. Not really a problem. It's a phase - he hasn't seen me for almost ten weeks. I understand. I'm awkward around ppl I don't really know too. :) He gave me a kiss at the end of the night and made everything ok.

The geek squad came. I am a geek/nerd too. This is a testament to my nerdiness (oh, and I got those sonic screwdrivers from my friends last night!) I enjoy geekiness and allow it in my life. But, if you are at a dinner table, you should have a conversation, not text.

To illustrate, let me draw a picture.

Orange, bright yellow, brown and light brown were talking to each other. They are my close friends. Yellow and cream were texting each other. Cream and dark green were texting each other. The three blues were sitting in silence. Light green was me.

Now, I know that people I know read this. Please know that I don't regret going, nor having them there. They are your friends and I'm sure if I was given a chance, I would like them. They do play D&D and love computer games after all - isn't that what I love about you?

 But surely having to sit with the person who organised the night isn't so bad that you have to either text each other, thereby excluding said person, or sitting in silence, and not responding to any attempt of conversation.

And must we really leave a restaurant ten minutes after finishing eating? Again, not a complaint being levelled at orange, brown, yellow or light brown; the babies you had there made you go home, I understand that. I really just wanted to get together and chat with friends. I only have friends every ten weeks you see and then when I organise something so that I can chat, the people sitting around me have no interest.

I just felt lost.

But I love you and am really looking forward to getting to spend some chat time with you, even though I know it's really hard to at the moment.

Thursday

I knew I had to be at Dad's by 9:30 this morning. I set my alarm for 9am and my sister texted me a picture of what my BIL (OK, not legally, but all but) would like for Christmas. Thanks!!!

After a little snooze, I made it on time, driving through the rain! With my very scratched glasses on. :) It was a good breakfast; sausages, quiche, American hash browns (yummo!) and juice.

Then I spent a few hours on the computer. One of the olds had left a youtube vid (http://youtu.be/18lsxFcDrjo) up and I watched it. Wow. My brain is scrambling to see how I might be able to use it in class - which of course, I won't because it would not fulfill requirements of legal internet use blah blah blah.

I am about to leave now to buy aforementioned Christmas present, and then go to the clothes shop that is having 50% off. In all this money-spending, I should be able to buy myself something right? Other than airfares, accommodation and a new car?

Christmas Wrapping

I was inspired by some wrapping that I saw on the internet. I wanted to do something similar, but couldn't find the materials ANYWHERE... well, in the one store I went to! So, I've altered the plan a little. I'm hoping that I both get the enjoyment I expect out of it and that people like them.

Oh, and for $90 on top of presents, I better had!

Dear Santa

I was sitting at the computer this morning, wondering what I should type in. Given I haven't blogged since October - my Android powered phone allows me to read blogs, but blogger doesn't work. For me, that is.

I thought I'd just start as if I hadn't been away. So, as it is the 12th of December, and Santa is out there looking for everyone's lists, here is mine:

1. Ticket to Dr Who and the Melbourne Symphonic Orchestra.

http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/matt-smith-wants-a-dr-who-movie/

My Mum has actually already bought this for me. I spent this morning buying air tickets to get down there!

2. Tickets to Florence and the Machine.

http://www.eventfinder.com.au/2012/florence-and-the-machine/brisbane

3. Harry Potter's Wand

Isn't the whole thing about Christmas that you can ask for stuff that you want

but could never justify actually buying for yourself?

4. A Hairbrush

In purple. I think.

5. Tupperware Toiletries Set

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TUPPERWARE-Travel-Accessories-Set-Brand-New-/300597003292

6. The Outsiders Shirt

I said no school oriented gifts and it is true that I will be teaching the Outsiders and it will be a great asset for that. But really, it's just freaking cool! Or, if not this one, Animal Farm, or A Clockwork Orange.

7. A Zazen Water Filter

8. Dr 9-11 Sonic Screwdrivers

Hmmm... I may be a little bit of a nerd...

9.  Pyjamas

10. iTunes vouchers

 But more than $20!!

That's my 10 things I want this year. I've never (as an adult) been able to give people 10 options. So, I'm really happy!

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I've already got presents for almost everyone - no one's given me a list though...

Happy Shopping!