Farewell 2010, Hola 2011

At the turn of the year it's always tempting to take stock of one's life, and turn over some new leaves in anticipation of the renewed energy the new year brings.

2010 was an interesting year, a year of transition but ultimately not a huge year for achievement. Looking back on my resolutions for the year I think I managed to succeed with about one and a half of the three, which I guess isn't bad going but it's not so great either. I certainly started the year on a better footing than 2009, with a NYE party at Nick's where I outrageously died my hair pink. A year of bad hair ensued, from which I am only now recovering!

I have travelled quite a bit this year again, with a trip to Darwin, a jaunt in Byron Bay, a conference in Brisbane, an escape to a country Queensland music festival and several other little weekends away. Of course a highlight was another big trip to Europe, and my first UK Christmas in a long time.

Life on the open road

Another resolution was around cooking, to explore new recipes and grow my culinary vocabulary. I can confidently say this was a resolution I stuck to, and I've tried many new recipes this year. They have primarily been of the dessert variety, much to the pleasure of my friends!

My spectacular book club cheesecake

Chocolate and cherry cupcakes

The resolution to grow green fingers was a complete disaster. The garden I had been cultivating is sadly no more, and I have simply not had the time or the patience to try again this year. Perhaps gardening is something I should leave until later in life, when I have my own garden or someone to help me with the hard work it entails. I'm considering getting involved with Landshare Australia, a movement which aims to connect people with land and people with the time and energy to contribute, in order to enable more people to grow their own food.

So here's to 2011, and let's hope it's a more productive year than 2010. My resolutions for this year are:

SORT LIFE OUT: Pass my driving test, get my Australian Citizenship, clear the credit card

CULINARY: A continuation of last year's resolution, but to try more savoury dishes this year

LEARNING: Continue to learn Spanish, look into some further postgrad study, learn to sew clothes

Not so thrilling but they're there at least. Let's see how I go this year.

cx

Dreaming of a white Christmas

One of the things I 'ordered' when I bought my UK flight ticket was a white Christmas. But what I didn't expect was the massive drop in temperatures, and the feeling of breathing in air at zero degrees: something which I haven't experienced in quite a while!

Snow at dusk

As soon as I got off the plane I knew that I'd acclimatised to Sydney's weather. I could barely breathe in without gasping for air! Then as London was gripped with minus 8 degree weather and snow-thunderstorms I know that my wish had been answered, but oh how unprepared I was. Even bringing the winter clothes I haven't worn for 4 years was not enough, and I indulged in some Zara knitwear while shopping in London.

London snowy cycle chic

With my friend Ben in snowy Clapham

But it was such fun, driving round the country in the snow. Unfortunately it killed the trains from King's Cross so my wonderful Ma had to drive down South to pick me up, but it was all worth it. Rolling white hills and frosted trees, what a picture.

Ma's house in the snow

Christmas eve was spent in York, a tradition that I still adore, as the streets are so 'Ye Olde England' and the vibe is so Dickensian. Grandma laid on a fabulous spread, including her famous Jamaican Tart, and it was lovely to see Trish, Sam and Sarah looking so well. I also got some fabulous presents, which was a nice bonus, and I enjoyed giving gifts I'd brought from Australia. I also got to have a huge trek across the Yorkshire Wolds with Pa, which was certainly intrepid. We saw hare, pheasant, deer and all sorts. Beautiful, if a little cold.

Random sight in York on Christmas Eve

York sign

Dad's side of the fam at Grandma's

Really?

A walk in the Wolds

Then on Christmas morning Pippa drove us across the country to Paddy and Lorraine's, where a feast was being prepared. A large table for Christmas, a gorgeous meal, some giddy prezzie opening and a fabulous game of charades (that seemed to go on forever, what fun!) Not forgetting the Queen's Speech of course.

Betty does her speech

Paddy reads the cracker jokes

Yum!

Merry Christmas!

'Two words...'

More visiting was completed on Boxing Day, with the obligatory game of Liars' Dice. Much fun was had by all. I think I shall leave it another five years before I have a UK Christmas, because the absence makes the whole thing so much more of a novelty, and therefore five times as enjoyable. What a special time. Thanks to everyone who helped make it so.

More fascinating signs

cx

UK 2010: The Big Eight-Oh

In early December I left Sydney's summer climes to visit the UK, for my first Northern Hemisphere Christmas in 5 Christmasses! Luckily I could time my visit perfectly to be at a big family gathering for my Granny's 80th birthday.

Me with the bday girl

Family came from all over the world, with myself and Granny's cousin Helen winning the prize for the farthest travelled (she came from Vancouver), and we spent a lovely weekend together at a hotel with a big function room for a party and large lunch the next day.

Granny looking dapper

Me with ma and Pippa

After my hellish jet-lag on my last trip I was determined to strategise somewhat differently this time, and got a prescription for Zopiclone (sleeping tablet) to help me out. I stayed awake on the first leg watching movies, had a 2-hour stopover in Bangkok, then popped a tablet at the beginning of the second leg and slept like a baby! (It helped that I had three seats to myself so could lie flat!) I arrived in London at 6am wide awake and ready for the day, and apart from a few early nights I pretty much sorted my body clock out immediately. DEFINITELY recommed it, the whole experience was much less stressful and I didn't waste any of my precious few days in the UK.

Jet-lag free view of Paddy's garden

Anyway, back to the party... We got our glad rags on and gathered in the function room of the hotel. A great night was had by all -- Granny was the centre of attention and we had cake and jollities, the once the olds had hit the hay the rest of us danced into the night. Lots of fun.

B-day cake

Granny with her daughters

The boys chat

Craziness on the dancefloor

The next day we had a sit-down dinner, after having soaked up our hangovers with a cooked breakfast. Paddy and Paul made little speeches and we shed a tear in memory of Jonathan, who would have loved to have seen the family all together for this special occasion.

More dancefloor shenanigans

Ladies in red

My new hot red lipstick went down very well! Seems this is a look I should get out more often. And Michael's iPod fared us well into the night after Chris White and his band finished their set.

I'll blog about my London trip and white Christmas shortly, but in the meantime I've been uploading pics from my trip here. Nearly done! Phew.

cx