Kelly's World

In July of this year, C will be turning 30. For some reason everyone celebrates that particular age, like it’s some gateway to becoming old or something.

So we are set to prove he isn’t old yet. Not yet anyway.

To celebrate in style we decided we would go overseas. Of course, there will be the family affair, but after that it’s on a plane and bye bye Australia, hello Thailand!

At this stage the plan is to be there for two weeks. The list of things we are thinking of doing are:

The scariest part of all is the size of the group that’s going. We have opened up the invitation to friends and family, and at this stage we expect the group to be somewhere in the vicinity of 10-20 people. That’s a lot of people, and a lot of cooks in the kitchen if you know what I mean. There are people that have been to Thailand before, and are quite opinionated on what we should or shouldn’t do. I am definitely interested in hearing their feedback, but I would still like the opportunity to discover and plan things for myself as well. The planning of this trip is going to be a nightmare if it comes down to people refusing to compromise.

When I expressed to a friend my fear of trying to find something to suit everyone he referred to Apple and the Steve Jobs methodology:

A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.

This is one of the times where I’m going to have to get some thick skin. At the end of the day I have to make sure the holiday is everything C had hoped for. He is the important one here. As long as everyone knows that everything is entirely optional, there won’t be an issue. I will simply say “here is our itinerary and what we are planning to book. Let me know if you want to be included or not.” That way people can design the holiday they want while we have the holiday we want. Of course, there will be the designated party days and subsequent hangover/rest days.

So while the planning part of it may be a potential nightmare, I’m still so incredibly excited.

Let it begin.

If you have any tips on Thailand, or organising a group of people on holidays, I would love to hear from you!

Oxley in 2011 after the devastating floods in January

Around this time last year my home state of Queensland got hit hard by mother nature. There were cyclones and widespread flooding, taking lives and causing immense damage. After the floods, thousands upon thousands of volunteers hit the streets to help with the cleanup. I was one of them, going to a friend’s place where water had reached over 1m high on the second story of his house. We spent two days salvaging what we could from his house, and cleaning anything that could be saved.

There are people still suffering from those floods today whether it’s rebuilding their houses or still mourning for those who never came back.

And now it’s raining again.

I know that I won’t be the only one who will be a little anxious by the fact that the land is already saturated from rain and there has been more forecast for at least another 5 days. I think they have predicted about 150mm; hopefully we are well equipped to handle it. Worst case scenario, I know the Australia spirit will be there yet again ready to lend a hand as soon as it comes time. We’re like little worker ants in that way, we just don’t ever give up.

But please, mother nature, give us a break this year?

Credit: scui3asteveo

After a 6 month hiatus, I’m finally going back to uni.

Last year I had what I would think was a minor breakdown. I was crying a lot, I was unhappy and I was stressed. REALLY stressed. In the end I decided the best option for me was to pull out of uni for the term and give myself a break. As soon as I pressed the button to withdraw from the class, a huge weight lifted off me. It was a tough decision, yet I don’t regret it.

I finally feel like I’m back on top of everything again, and ready to conquer the world. 2012 is going to be my year, and I’m going to rock it.

I know I’m putting a bit of pressure on myself again – uni and a 52 in 52 list that includes a photo every day. But I think I have the support network around me to pick me up when I’m down. I feel strong and motivated again. I don’t feel like I’m going into this because I have to. I’m going into this because I want to.

Feb 28th is the start of classes again, and frankly, I can’t wait.

It’s just occurred to me how much I am a creature of habit. Not in the sense of complete OCD, I don’t have to put on my underwear in a particular way, for example. Although if I get them on inside out I will be a little upset. Unfortunately this has happened on numerous occasions when I haven’t been drunk, or in the dark, which is a little worrying.

But it’s just the small things where I realize I have particular favorites:

It’s the loo cubicle that gets me. I don’t know what drew me to it. From what I can tell, it flushes the same way as others. It’s the same design as the others. Yet it’s the first one I head to, and if it’s occupied I do feel a little out of sorts.

Not enough to throw someone out of my cubicle of course

I could get poo on my hands.

Not my poo either.

Yuk.

Do you have anything in particular that you have a “favorite” of? That you immediately gravitate towards?

I must learn not to get distracted when making some toast for breakfast. I burned 4 pieces of toast before I finally got one that was edible.