Well, while everyone heralds the new year in and confesses up to their resolutions, thoughts and wishes, I thought I might take a moment to reflect on 2011 before getting ahead of myself (which is very unlike me so probably a good exercise in itself).
I thought I might just focus on the highlights of 2011 which, all in all, was a good one for this Family of Four.
So, in 2011:
We moved House (and found a home): much of what follows in this list is linked to this event. We may have only moved about 40 kilometres south but this 'sea change' was what this family desperately needed, It still fascinates me how different one suburb can be from another in the same town ! It ain't perfect but I am lovin' 6163.
Started a vege patch: Within weeks we had lettuce & rocket exploding from the front yard, and when the beetroot and snow peas sprung I thought I was the next Stephanie Alexander, alas the slaters have found my tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and mojo and I am learning how friggin' tough growing a plate of veges can be, respect to the growers out there.
Joined a book group: I have had a certain fascination with book groups for some time and when I finally got the chance to join one, I was thrilled, needless to say I have been a bit tardy with the books (but not the discussion - not sure how that works!) but I have learnt that the joy of a book club is meeting up with a group of interesting women (sans children) who love literature, are keen to read new stuff and to hear about what you have read and vice versa. What's not to like ?
Made new friends: Making new friends as an adult can be difficult, you don't have a past with people, they often only know you as your children's mother (very one dimensional i must say) and you often only get a chance to talk to people with those very children hanging off you demanding drinks, food, the toilet or wanting to leave, so the discussion is stilted, at best. Since I was a child I have spent my life moving around having to meet new people and it is both a skill you learn (not often by choice) and something I both love and avoid. However, for the sake of my children and me, I have made tentative steps in 2011 and found those efforts handsomely repaid by people who I am desperate to know more about and to let them see more of me.
Started riding a bike: Every time I get on my bike and ride around the suburb, beaches or even 5 minutes down to the shop, I cant help but smile... I just love it and I just wish I would realise this more and get the goddamn thing out of the shed every day !
Started writing a blog: At first I was a bit infuriated with these women who plaster anecdotes and saccharin sweet photos of their lives with their upteen children all over the www, telling us all how great every day is for them, then I became sceptical of the illusion the 'screen' brings to one's life as a mother etc., then I discovered a few more blogs of women I could relate to and enjoyed reading and who I trusted weren't hiding the reality but rather focusing on the good and meaningful in their days with Les enfants, and I became a little tempted to give it a go. Its been ad hoc and a bit untidy, and sometimes it feels a little too narcissistic for me, but I am keen to continue and might even commit a little more in 2012 and attempt to make it look a little prettier (stay tuned).
Started working for myself: A scary move for me and one involving a steep learning curve, needless to say the concern that no one would want me to do work for them (never mind pay me), has changed to a concern of how to say 'no' and finding the right balance between my other job, my children, and me.
Went on my first child free weekend: Needless to say, it wont be my last. I remembered who 'me, myself, I' was, and I reminded myself that I am OK, can still shake my booty, and while I still love my kids more that ever, know that I also need to see my oldest friends once a year to hug, laugh, cry and drink champagne together in blissful un-interrupted-ness (?)
Made my first pavlova: There were not many culinary highlights in 2011, but this was one of them - chocolate Pavlova - how very Australian of me ! (Bit Ironic it's a Nigella Lawson recipe)
Drank more than 1000 cups of coffee: this is a rough estimate but it is a reality and the funny thing is every morning that first cup of coffee is a highlight for me, so it had to be in the list of highlights for 2011.
Had a night in a 5 star hotel with my partner in crime: snuck this one in right before the year's end and remembered why I find my husband funny, sexy and such good company.
Cried: About being an impatient mother, a crap partner, about delivering work that doesn't seem good enough, for friends who are not here (and never will be), for an extended family that doesn't exist, for for the struggle that many Aboriginal people face daily, and for Prince William (so happy he got that lovely bride).
I can only hope that 2012 brings as many adventures, highlights and joys and which I (and this family of four) are able to face with more courage, generosity and wisdom.
