Welcome 2008

One of many beautiful spots in Caribbean

Me in Chamonix


Ben and I in Paris

I know I am very late with this post but I thought better late than never. I have been reflecting over my last year and it has been one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have achieved so many fabulous things, seen some amazing sights, meet some fabulous people who will now be friends for life and have discovered more about myself than a very long time.

The list of places that I have been too has extended from places in Australia and NZ to pretty much every continent in the world. So many people have asked where my favourite place has been and I would have to say Paris and the Caribbean. Paris is just so amazing. There is a place for everybody. There is the history, the museums, the art, the shopping and the food!!!! I have dined at some amazing restaurants when Ben's parents came over in September. The Caribbean was also incredible. It was a hard life for those 6 weeks that we just sailed from island to island watching the cricket and building a fantastic tan. My life in these six weeks was so simple and easy without a care in the world. The places traveled on Contiki will be an experience that will also never be forgotten.

As you know I was skiing over Christmas. It was fantastic. It was quite different being away from family at this time and did feel a bit homesick but in saying this I will never forget it. We had a big Christmas dinner cooked by all 9 of us that went, played in the snow in the afternoon and laughed and drank merrily. I have become more confident on the ski's since the last time (12 years ago). I did manage to do a massive fall and get some big bruises and a very sore elbow but that didn't stop me from getting back up.

As for my personal development this year I have been faced to deal with my many emotions about my body and the way I feel about it. I know I will have a continual battle but I must admit I have had fewer back steps this year than from the last few. I had times when I felt ugly and fat but I now look back at photos and think I must have been crazy. I looked good but was just in a complete denial. I am learning to love myself for me in the present time and not to critise myself so much. My boyfriend has been a saviour and he is always helping me through some tough times and is always there for me. I love him heaps and I don't think he really knows how much it means to have the continual love and support that he gives me as he is one of the few people who really knows what mental battles I go through.

So for this year I hope for it to be an impressive one. I arrive back in Perth in late February after being to South Africa. My boy starts his new job in January and I am so happy for him. I will miss him heaps for the 6 weeks we are separated but I know it won't be long before seeing him. I am going to sort out my career path and decide if podiatry is what I want to do and go into partnership or if something else is in the making. I am going to run the half marathon back home in September and become more confident in my appearance and self with little baby steps along the way.

So to all of you Happy New Year!!

Lots of love Amy
xxxxxxxx