Wanderings

I never get tired of flowers.

I thought moving to Newcastle had helped a little but I think I counted my eggs too quickly (is that the saying?). I should be grateful though - the move has knocked 1-hour off my commute each day. 1-hour I’ll most likely spend procrastinating on tumblr.....write it off as the promise to myself to engage in more creative pursuits? 

Cicero. (I tend to agree with you Cicero)

I have recently committed to lunching Sofar Sounds Newcastle (Aus not UK as people keep getting mixed up), something I am passionate and excited about, however a little nervous too as my networks in Newcastle have severely diminished after a 10 year sabbatical in Sydney, and being a volunteer based initiative relies heavily on networks. In my short time of unemployment I stumbled across 'Awesome Newcastle' a group of local business people who donate $100 each month to contribute to a $1000 cash grant to worthwhile new ventures. I applied thinking that a bit of cash would assist greatly with the startup costs. Honestly I didn't really think I was in with a chance - confidence in myself is something I've always struggled with. To my surprise I was chosen as one of three finalists for January. With only 2 days notice to prepare a 3-min pitch I went along and gave it my best shot. The other two finalists blew me out of the park. Their initiatives were worthwhile and in support of those in need. How could I compete with that?!? I was happy to though, as it shows there are some really great people in Newcastle - creative, generous and intelligent people. The board members informed us it was their closest vote yet, which made me feel a little better. By the end of the night I left feeling the experience had been much more valuable than the cash prize could ever have been. I had some practice at public speaking (something I loathe but have always wished I was good at), joined a fun-sounding group of marketing professionals called 70:30 (70% social, 30% networking), was offered 2 venues for Sofar, made some valuable connections and reinvigorated my passion for the project as well as helping others. Moving to Newcastle was something I was nervous and excited about at the start, but after experiences like this, I am now only excited for the future Newcastle holds for me.

Hans Christian Anderson

I've always considered myself quite blessed in terms of my personality and disposition. You'll generally find me with a smile on my face and I don't generally hold on to negative experiences in my life. Brickman's 1978 study titled 'Lottery winners and accident victims: Is happiness relative?' found that it is personality, not positive or negative life events, that impacts people's happiness. Perhaps I am one of the few "lucky ones" that was born with a happy disposition and will be pretty happy whatever life throws my way. But when I reflect on times in my past when I know I was supremely unhappy I ask myself: were these just dark shades in my experiences that, as Brickman suggests, we get over in time, like a paraplegic gets over their accident? Or is it that the one thing I have always valued most dearly is in fact what makes us happy? (That thing being the love born of our relationships with others). I know I have never been happier than I am right now, and that is because of my man. I was always able to appreciate the little things in life and would find so much happiness in seemingly simple things like gardening, cooking or riding my bike, however when I do these activities now with my partner in crime by my side my experiences are amplified. The joy I feel is heightened and things feel right with the world. So maybe Brickman was right - maybe I was born with a happy personality and am genetically predisposed to be happier than your average Joe. Or maybe I'm right - and what matters most in the world is the love we get from our relationships, because it is love that skyrockets our happiness to levels we could not achieve on our own.

(A cute little quote left on the assignment submission page from my lecturer)

The climb was worth it. (at Yama-dera)

Taking the new wheels out for a spin! Bike bandits with @danielhartin (at Bronte Beach)

I've got a lot of goals this year so I think it's going to be a good year. Bring it on! (and yes I realise I'm saying this in March....where the hell has two months gone??)

I just realised that I very rarely blog when I'm happy. It's always been a way to release negative or frustrating emotions for me. I might try to change that. 

The new toy!

How sweet are these bike racks? There's nothing stopping bike racks from being creative art instead of plain steel poles. Good one Randwick council. 👍 (at Frenchman's Road, Randwick)

Sculptures by the Sea

I can’t imagine why people would run on a treadmill; on a machine, stuck inside, staring at stark grey walls, when they could be running out there, in a world of beauty, to discover a new place or revisit a favourite place. It’s seems crazy doesn’t it?