BOOM SHAKALAKA – it’s 2017 Hawt Dang and Happy New Year friends! How are you? Did you have a most fantastic Christmas? Were you able to take some time out and recoup after the mammoth year that 2016 was? Did you get your eat on and drink yourself merry? Are you ready to get crackin’ on 2017? OK, interrogation over!
Would you believe I have been living it up on my little tropical island in the heart of paradise for 3 months now, the waves of gratitude that wash over me as I reflect on the year that was and the year that will be, warm the cockles of the heart. So much accomplished, so much to be thankful for, so much still to do!
I write you from the heart of paradise, a picture perfect postcard where the sun always shines and palm trees line the coral laden beaches with crystal clear water full of colourful tropical fish. A place most would call a holiday, but I call home.
Under the sea, darling its better, down where it’s wetter, take it from ME!
Maybe it’s the humidity (it’s currently 31 degrees, 89% humidity here) that has me all pensive, but these past few months have been filled with some amazing experiences and I’m totally pumped for what 2017 has in store for this little shenANNAgator.
2016 was a tumultuous year for me both professionally and personally, I left the comfort and familiarity of the National Press Club of Australia when I ‘scored’ a job in the Events team at Parliament House of Australia. But things just didn’t feel right at Parliament House (even though they did spend weeks promising and cajoling financial and career gains to get me there), so I jumped ship and decided to live more frugally for awhile to avoid spending my time working in a place that didn’t fit, and headed back to my hospitality roots for a couple of months working in the kitchen while I figured out my next adventure.
My last Canberra Chef at Home gig with my fave Cheffie at Murrumbateman Moving Feast
Figuring out my priorities was easy – ‘pursue personal and professional happiness over a life filled with obligations and craft the most nourishing life possible with just the right amount of adventure thrown in to boot!’
Apart from all the usual crazy fun antics Event Coordinators get up to professionally here on Daydream Island, I’ve also consumed an unhealthy amount of sweet and sour pork, showered in murky brown bottom of the tank silt loaded water because the islands water supply ran dry; worked in a 40+ degree office for days on end because the air conditioner conked out, almost stepped on a snake and been bitten many times by blister inducing bugs – nothing like living on an isolated remote island in far north Queensland for adventure.
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with S…
Friends, I’ve learned to not sweat the small stuff, and if I do sweat, well… it’s doing great things for my skin – free sauna, right?!
Serenity, Aphrodesia & Infinity, representing respectively mind, body & spirit
Yep, it was a year filled with highs, some shitty lows, a bunch of pinch me moments, some tears, many laughs and much tough love, but overall I reckon I am one of the luckiest gals around, because 2016 helped me find me!
Stay close to anything that makes you feel glad you are alive!
I cannot thank each of you enough for your support of my blog, I appreciate so much that you take the time to stop by. I love connecting and sharing with all of you, you guys ROCK! Thank you for making it possible!
Big sparkly unicorn kisses, a dash of sass and sprinkle of love coming at you!
I’d love to hear what fun shenANNAgans you have planned for 2017?