So Long 2024
I love a little life reflection and boy till 2024 turn it on.
Intense is the word that comes to mind. It was full on, exhausting and that meant I didn’t show up so much for others or on social media this year. I just needed some time and to have headspace for myself.
For those that are interested, this is what my year looked like;
BEEN:
This year I took five big trips;
Western Australia - with my sister to visit one of our best friends
Philippines - with my bff
Samoa - solo trip to both islands
Taiwan - solo trip for ten days
Vanuatu - with my bff staying on Efate Island
I also went away with my boyfriend throughout the year;
stayed at the Pier One in January with our dog while the floor varnish dried
stayed at Crystalbrook Albion - which was very underwhelming
stayed at the Four Seasons, The Rocks overlooking the harbour for my bfs birthday
stayed at the W Hotel and loved it
stayed overnight at Mudgee - work trip dropping containers at Aaron’s Pass
had a week in Tailem Bend, Adelaide - we were put up at The Bend race track with accommodation and meals provided
weekend in Mulwala in the truck to swap out containers
went up to Yamba - made a long weekend out of it just after Christmas
Also went to;
House sit for my cousin at Upper Colo for a few days
Sydney Symphony at Parramatta Park
Sydney Zoo Glow Festival with friend and her twin daughters
Sydney Fish Markets
Total Country Concert celebrating 60 years of HQ Rooty Hill
Archibald Prize at Windsor Gallery
Australiana Pioneer Village
see Akmal
The Fenwick, Balmain
House of Sails for fathers day lunch for my bf
Sculpture By The Sea
Korean BBQ
Car Boot Sales in Kiama
Hawkesbury Preloved Clothing Markets
CELEBRATED:
My brothers 40th in January
My bfs mum turned 85 in May
My sisters baby shower I organised in May
My niece, Elsie born in June
My grandmothers would be 100th birthday with a bonfire at my Auntys
My bf and I’s six year anniversary in August
My bffs birthday staying overnight at Darlo Bar
Fathers Day in Kiama
One of my travel buddies wedding out at their property at Gulgong. Was a magical setting for a wedding
My mums brithday by cooking dinner at my place. Our first official guests
My cousins 40th
My youngest cousin getting married at a vineyard at Gerringong. It was an incredibly windy day/night but still so much fun
My birthday with lunch at Austinmer Beach with my sisters and mum
My eldest nephew graduating Year 10 with his formal
My eldest niece graduating Year 6 with her formal
My bfs nephews engagement
WORK:
Completed 240 observations at preschools
17 presentations including a big one on transition to school at the SEPLA Conference
INCOME:
Received two pay rises throughout the year as a teacher which I didn’t think was necessary. It has had a huge impact on funding available to schools and students which is pointless. We are just paying teachers more to do their job without the necessary support available.
Received donations from my photos on Pexels which is always exciting to receive. I had 2,413,669 views this year and my photos were downloaded 21,098 times. Mind blown!
Had a stall at the High End Clothing Sale at Castle Hill earlier in the year and managed to sell and clear out much from my wardrobe. Great lesson in excess and clothes bought but never worn
I am still selling things from around the house - sold the old fridge and microwave, and gifted the oven to my brother who needs a new one
BLOG:
Only published 42 blog posts this year. Life took priority. My etag toll blog still being the most popular and most searched for
But readers reached 2000+ a month which was a first
HOUSE:
Completed a full house renovation this year which was insane, great but very taxing on my mental state. We lived in the house whilst it was all happening and I don’t deal with disorganization at the best of times. Unreliable trades and just the slow drawn out timeline just about did my head in. We started the year with a bare and empty house with walls, doors, tiled ensuite, cornice and architraves. Everything else has been completed this year. Timber flooring installed downstairs, carpet laid upstairs, walls and ceilings painted, new down lights, pendants and fans throughout, tiled fireplace, new kitchen, another air conditoner installed, walk in wardrobe fitted out, ensuite completed, and new furniture purchased. The house finally looks and feels like a home. The exterior of the house will hopefully be completed in 2025.
Had four council clean ups and four chemical clean outs
HEALTH/LEISURE:
I learnt to swim this year, well my bf started to teach me but it is alot to put together. But my confidence is growing in the water. I ‘swam’ the most I ever have this year. I started out going twice a week with my brothers wife to the local pool before my boyfriend wanted in. I swam in WA, Philippines, Samoa and Vanuatu. I even bought some new swimmers.
Got back into Live Life Get Active for a couple of months then winter came. Instead I finished the year off with the last four months cycling daily for 20 minutes on the exercise bike.
I read 46 books this year, a mixture of novels, memoirs and nonfiction. My goal for the Goodreads Challenge was 52 books but it was not meant to be. I will try again next year.
Continued to get the meal box kits which reduces my anxiety around grocery shopping and coming up with meals every night - this year we mixed it up between Hello Fresh and Dinnerly.
As we look back on 2024, I hope it has been a year of growth, joy, and memorable experiences for each of you.
Thank you for following along on my journey through life and for being a part of this community. Here’s to the lessons learned in 2024, the adventures embraced, and the exciting possibilities that 2025 holds.
Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead—may it be filled with new opportunities, lasting memories, and plenty of reasons to celebrate!
