You know how sometimes, you will see a film that has been built up by the people around you as being an epic, amazing film – and then it’s just not? The film disappoints, and not because it was a bad film per se, but because others’ idea of the film was just different to yours.
That’s a bit how I feel about 2011. This week feels like the lights are coming up and I’m disappointed with how the last 2 hours – 12 months – went. Maybe I feel a little like I wasted my time and I could have been doing something better, perhaps it’s more that too much was squashed into the two hours and in the end, nothing made sense.
I can’t remember how I felt 12 months ago, what my hopes and wishes were for 2011 or what I had wanted to achieve. I don’t recall making any big declarations or resolutions about the coming year. All I know is that it seems, via social media, that I am not the only one that did not enjoy the movie.
So as much as I am thrilled to see the end of 2011 and make a new start in 2012, I felt that the most positive way to end would be with the best parts of the year – rather than the worst.
In no particular order….
- A little trip to Paris. I have no words to describe how amazing this experience was. My first overseas trip as an adult, the most surreal, wonderful time of my entire life. I cannot wait to go back.
- My 27th birthday. A wonderful afternoon surrounded by the most important people in my life – amazing friends and family. The sun shone and we laughed and I was blissfully happy.
- Meeting brilliant people via social media. I concede that perhaps social media is a little like online dating for friends, but if online dating were as successful as social media meet ups, I’d have dozens of boyfriends. I have met some of my closest friends through social media, made amazing contacts and had some of the best nights out.
- My niece’s first everything. My gorgeous niece turned one this year. She had her first Easter, first trip to the snow, first time camping, first time to the beach and so many, many more firsts.
- Fashion events. I worked at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival but sat out Melbourne Spring Fashion Week for the first time in years. It was so nice this year to experience fashion events without running around as an employee or volunteer and to just enjoy the show.
- Onya Aid. The fundraiser we hosted on Australia Day was a testament to the Onya team and how quickly Aussies pull together to help a mate in need. We raised over $6000 for the victims of floods in QLD and I could not have been prouder.
- Weddings, babies, etc. Any kind of life altering event that I was invited to be a part of. To those in my life who got engaged, married, had a baby, announced a pregnancy, got a new job or bought a house – or anything in that realm – congratulations. Your happiness is contagious.
- Writing. While my writing was a little on hiatus this year, I was thrilled to contribute to the Eating and Drinking Guide to Melbourne, Scout Newspaper, Onya and various social media accounts.
- Laser Eye Surgery. Yes it hurt, but I now don’t have to wear glasses or contacts ever again*. (*or until such time as the muscles fail in my 50s)
- My grandmothers 80th birthday. I’m pretty stoked to make it to 27 but my grandmother wins by a mile. My uncle flew in from Canada for the occasion and my whole family celebrated with champagne and streamers. Congrats Nan.
