2011 – It’s a wrap!

New Years is always a time of introspection. A time to pause and reflect on the year you’ve just experienced.. things you maybe liked, or didn’t like. Lessons learned and changes you may like to make as you move into the year ahead..

Some of life’s lessons for me this year include:

1. ALWAYS .. always triple bag used cat litter before taking it down to the trash bay. And if the lift arrives and it has even just one person in it .. say “Oops no thanks I forgot my x” and wait til it comes back empty. I am pretty sure “cat-pee lady” is not a handle one wants, ever ..

2. Your (real) friends will not care if your house is tidy when they come over to visit you. In fact good friends will come over and make it messy. PS be sure to invite them back for brunch so they can help clean up. Ya just gotta think these things thru’!

3. Pigeons are sociable creatures. If you do not think you can handle shit happening (and happening and happening and how) do not allow your pet pigeon to go outside and meet the locals. Who knew? *sigh*

4. Be nice to your children.. That way you can readily ask them to clamber thru a neighbour’s window when you think their $#@! cat that you’re babysitting has gone missing or (my fave) dive into a full dumpster for the apartment keys, when you accidentally throw them in with the rubbish. (Sorry CJ)

I’m sure there’s been more but that’s all I can think of for now ..

Seriously, though … 2011 was a big year for me. And I did learn a bit of ‘stuff’ along the way.

Mostly it was a good year, with many enjoyable and interesting experiences. As for the bad things that happened, well I can’t fix or change them so there is no point in wasting energy there.

One lesson I learned a long time ago was knowing when to give up. It sounds like a bad thing, but it really isn’t..

Anyway, some of the fun experiences for me this year include a somewhat random jaunt to a sea food festival in the South Island. Why a vegetarian would bother is something I am still unable to answer. Or could it be the vineyards en route Blenheim airport held more appeal? Either way, it was an awesome weekend with a wonderful friend.

And a chance to check out Hapuku Kitchen next trip I’d like to spend some time in the nook with some wine, talking and eating Fiona’s cooking. Watch this space 😉

2011 could perhaps be called “the road trip” year actually. Another good friend humoured my enjoyment of driving and drives such that we’d often find ourselves blasting thru’ any number of regions and areas, on adventures to nowhere.

I think my faves were the Auckland roadie, and the fish and chip dinners at the bottom of the island. Still can’t believe he threw out my pineapple ring tho. Sheesh..

As well, the many trips CJ made to Wellington are times I cherish. Generally we do very little except rest (her) and eat out (us) .. Get our hair done by my fabulous son.. And then shop. It’s hell, I don’t know how we cope 😉

I love that she was here for the snow storms, that was awesome going out and playing in the snow with her and a friend.

And although her most recent visit was a tad too “flying”, for Xmas then again: how many kids want to spend time with their parents? I’m very blessed indeed.

Another note-worthy activity has been my official membership into the breakfast club! Although seriously boys – 7am? Ugh, some of those mornings were mighty painful, but the company made it all worthwhile.

Friendships made through work aren’t actually that common in my experience – yet I’ve been very fortunate to end up working with an amazing bunch of people since coming to Wellington.

And count many of them to be friends – whether they like it or not 😉

So here’s to 2012.. What will it hold?

A new apartment? New job/s? Travel to exotic locations? Yet more champagne & Gorgeous food? Continued good health!? More new friends? Hopefully all of the above and more..

Happy (somewhat belated) New Year everyone! I hope yours is fabulous..