little miss may

A little narcissism and self promotion is good for the self-esteem every now and then.

On a cool, Autumn afternoon some friends talked me into going for a swing on the trapeze.

At first I thought it’d be a hard trick to do, but I quickly realised that 1) gravity and momentum helps, 2) don’t think, just listen and follow instructions, and 3) have fun!

And so I present to you… the “knee hang”…

Now if only I didn’t ache so much after all that swinging… ow…

It’s been ages and ages and… ages.

Yep. Ages.

So much had happened in the last 6 months, let alone the year. Time certainly has gone on its own momentum and raced to the finished line for 2009 in a matter of rolling moments. Every hour, minute, second, nanosecond… they’re all made up of moments, just one rolling into another like a gentle, continuous wave.

I can’t quite begin to reiterate the past months’ events, there are too many but this I certainly can say - I am very thankful, eternally grateful for my family, and the friends I have, past, present and future.

Still… no harm giving a quick rundown… Maybe in reverse order?

I bought my scooter today, the Sachs Amici, glossy black. Truly fun-looking. Getting delivered tomorrow. I actually haven’t got the hang of riding a scooter yet but I’m sure I’ll get used to it in no time and zipping around town in a couple of months, perhaps… After I’ve plucked up enough courage to share the roads with the big boys, that is.

It’s not all good news at home, my Dad is ill and in a heartbeat I went home to visit for a couple of days over the Christmas hols. It’s so heartbreaking… heart wrenching. If there was one wish I could make, it would be for the cancer to be non-existent in the first place. I thank my family and friends for all the support they’ve given and shown. And utmost gratitude to my family for taking care of him when I’m unable to be there in person. Time for another trip home soon.

Thank God for little angels like this one. Baby Brandon’s been a blessing to the family. Lovable, adorable, smoochable.

Work-wise it’s been a hard day’s night. And a few. Many few, but I’m positive there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. If there’s one thing I learnt, is that work will always be there, so don’t stress it, keep calm and in the words of William Hung, “I already gave my best, and I have no regrets at all”.

On the yoga front, I finished the theoretical exam, the anatomy and physiology test, senior first aid and still have a couple more assignments and the practical to go. Probably won’t “graduate” until March by the looks of things, as I still have quite a lot of practice hours to go. I’m taking my time quite a bit on this one, also because of my preoccupation with other things (re: all of the above). I’m sure I’ll teach a couple of classes before the end of 2010. Of course!

That was some good regurgitation, even if it’s only a few things…

And how have you been, dear reader? Having a good 2010 so far?

It was a slow start to the year.

Having stayed up on New Year’s Eve till the wee hours, my body was naturally craving for more sleep. But I decided, nah, it’s an absolute waste to sleep in on a beautiful day like this. I could always crash early tonight.

At a hot 34ºC, one would think it crazy to go for a ride in the afternoon. Strangely I didn’t mind the heat so much - maybe it’s because I grew up in similar climate for most of my life. Having said that, I wasn’t in a mood to an ambitious long distance ride either, I just wanted to get out and about.

I happily (and sweatily) pedalled down to Berry Island, a nice neighbourhood spot that’s surrounded by water. It’s not exactly an island, more like a small peninsula. Parked myself under my favourite tree, stuffed my ears with sweet music, and laid there staring at the sky for a good 45 minutes.

It was bliss.

If only I didn’t have to pedal uphill home.

I was looking back at the list I created in January, of things I wanted to do this year. It wasn’t quite a New Year’s resolution (or ten), but some things to keep me going for the next 12 months.

To recap, have a look at not so new year resolutions.

Well then.

01. Keep my greens alive, the latest addition being a cute chili plant
Greens are still alive, alas my chili plant is no more. Over-watered as usual. I have to stop doing that. My greens are sulking now that it’s Winter, but hopefully they’ll survive long enough to breathe in the warm air again come Spring.

02. Take the driving test and get my full driver’s licence
Yep, that’s done. Embarrassing story on Test Day itself where I bumped the curb on a left turn and the hubcap flew off, but thankfully the test officer didn’t fail me. “It’s marked as a ‘no’, but don’t EVER do that again!” he said. I’ve steered clear of the curbs since.

05. Cross my fingers, apply for a Resident Return Visa and hope they approve it
Got that one! After a month of getting my paperwork together, they accepted my “compelling and compassionate reasons” for being away those last 4 years and not fulfilling my 2 before renewal. At least I don’t have to worry anymore if I have to fly out of Oz for an emergency. Touch wood.

06. Keep in touch with some old friends, even if it’s just 1 email a year
Facebook has allowed me to find — and be found by — old childhood and school friends whom I’ve lost touch with. Ah, the wonders of the Internet.

07. Buy a new battery for my beloved MacBook
The battery has kept Mackie goin’ and goin’ and goin’… and still goin’.

08. Get me some wheels, maybe
For sure! My new Baby Mazda2 purred in my hands today as I took her for a spin around the ‘burbs. And as with all new cars, I’m still quite nervous whenever I take her out but we’re fast becoming old friends. And lovers. Ooh. That sounded naughty.

09. Remember, less is more (less stress, more salt)
Does blogging less count? Hmmm… yep, it does. Gives me so much more time getting to know the people who are beginning to matter a lot to me. And play the guitar. Someday.

10. To dream the impossible dream…
Still doing that. I’m finding what was impossible, is always very possible. If only you believe.

Now all that’s left is 04. finish reading one more book to make read count = two, and though I’ve changed my mind about 03. sponsoring a child somewhere, I’ll find a way to make up for it. Make more donations, for example.

I’m doing pretty good, hey.

Only 6 more months till 2009…

It’s come and gone
But little tokens and photographs
Help make the day
Live on and on
In memory.

Thank you for the cards, online and phone greetings…

Thank you for the laughter and presents…

Thank you for the sinfully delicious…

Thank you for the posh bubbly…

Thank you for your company…

Thank you for the most divine day.