525,600 MINUTES - REFLECTIONS ON 2006

1. Overall, have you had a good year?
I would say so, yes. Well it hasn't been particularly awful so I can't complain, can I? When I really think hard about it, a lot has happened and alot has changed in my life in the past twelve months. I've grown up a lot, I think (for various reasons) and there have been a lot of ups and downs, stress and relaxation, laughter and tears. But such is life, and in the end it has been an enjoyable and important year for me.

2. What has been your biggest achievement?
Well finishing my university studies of course! I guess I can now say that I am officially a Registered Nurse in the State of Victoria and it makes me all proud and warm and fuzzy on the inside! Closely associated with that achievement is also scoring myself a Graduate Year position for 2007 at St. Vincents and Mercy Private Hospital down in Melbourne - I start January 29th which is so close, yet so far away!

3. Did you take any exams? Pass?
Um, duh. Actually my exams were all in the first half of the year. I have done assesment pieces of course, and have passed quite comfortably, thankyou very much.

4. Have you had your birthday yet?
In 13 days it is my birthday, all day long.

5. Have you been on Holiday?
Well not on holiday as such. I mean to say, I have had extended periods of time (such as now) where I have not been studying or working, but I haven't snuck off up the coast, or to some swanky spa resort for a proper holiday. Perhaps next year.

6. Where (list and when)?
See above.

7. Have you bought anything expensive?
Um, on a University students budget? 'Fraid not. Unless of course you count my car insurance/registration which was ridiculouly costly this year; or my HECs fees which are now accumulated at a fantastic $12 000.

8. Have you had a job?
Yeppers - I was working casually at a local Nursing Home this year, but sent in my offical resignation a few weeks back. Now, I'm officially slacking.

9. Made any big decisions?
Of course - back in June (ish) I made the decision that my future as a Nurse lies amongst the bright lights and bustling streets of Melbourne - which for a country gal like me is a huge culture change. As I mentioned before, St. V's have been smart enough (or silly enough - depends which way you look at it) to offer me employment, so in a little over a month I'll be packing the bags, making the trek and settling into my own little home with my fantabulous housemate-to-be, Christie.

10. Lost a friend or loved one?
Back in late November, my Great Grandmother (Nanna Eyers to everyone, even those who weren't her grandchildren) passed away after a long but fierce battle with the ravages of old age. And while it was horribly sad to have to say goodbye, nobody who met her could possibly ever forget what a vibrant, loving and superbly stubborn woman she was.

11. Met anyone amazing?
Certainly, I have met a host of amazing and inspirational people, mostly in the course of completing my Nursing degree, and many of whom are facing the most adverse and horrific circumstances. It humbles me to observe how some people take on phenomenal challenges with such zest and optimism and I feel so honoured to be trusted to share those experiences.

12. Made new friends?
There are always friends to be made.

13. Moved house?
Soon enough, but I've prattled on about Melbourne quite sufficiently, I'm sure.

14. Changed College?
University, and Nope.

15. Tried something new?
Many new things, but the one that jumps to mind was my expereince a few weeks back with a new, ahem, alcoholic beverage, aptly named a Jager Bomb. Thats all I have to say about that.

16. Been more happy or sad?
Happy.

17. Made any enemies?
Well, I hope not, but I guess you never know.

18. What music will you remember from this year?
I have listend to Chasing Cars and Black Fingernails, Red Wine so many damn times this year that I think they're both permently etched in some far region of my brain. So yes, I guess those two.

19. What movies have you seen at the cinema this year?
It's been far too long since I have been to the cinema, but I'm fairly sure I took the little brothers to see Over the Hedge at some point. Was that this year? Gah, who knows.

20. What was your best night out?
Only a few weeks back - our Graduation party. Good friends, good music and good drinks.

21. What was your worst night out?
I can't say there has been one that strikes me as worst - it's usually the morning afters that get to me.

22. Best Day?
There have been lots of good days, and they significantly outnumber the bad so it is difficult to pinpoint just one. Handing in my last assignment on Monday November 20th felt pretty dang good though, I can tell you that much.

23. Worst day?
Nan's funeral.

24. Best month?
December! And we're barely even started! lol! I love this time of year, and I have been enjoying just spending my time with my family and friends, without the looming stress of study and work and so on. Life is sweet, at the moment.

25. Worst month?
September - a nasty combination of assignment due dates, scary job interviews and clinical placement (which was good in itself but difficult to deal with under the circumstances) meant double, triple, quadriple stress levels for me. Soldiered on though, obviously.

26. Was summer a gooden'?
Well, here in Australia, Summer is just startin' but is certainly shapin' up to be a gooden' although I've been doin' my fair share of sweatin' with the season so far provin' to be a hotten'. But I'm lookin' forward to spendin' some quality time just bludgin' and chillin' with my friends and fam.

27. Have you made better friends with anyone?
Lots. It's amazing how often you know people but don't really know them, you know? It's usually worth making the effort.

28. Lost any friends?
Lost as in lost contact/association with, yes, and even so I still worry about said person sometimes. I just hope everything works out for her.

29. How many people have you kissed in the year of 2006?
*gigglesnort!* Not telling.

31. Did you have your heart broken?
No, honestly there hasn't been anyone around to break it :-)

32. Made any plans for next year?
Yes, but again, enough with the Melbourne blabber.

33.How many hair colours have you had?
Just the one - I'm such a blondie.

34. Got pierced?
No.

35. Got inked?
No.

36. Changed your image?
Don't really think I need any major changing, so no.

37. Missed anyone?
Lots.

38. Know what you want in the future?
Again...Melbourne drabble. But if we're talking long-term? I dunno - lets wait and see how things pan out.

39. Regret anything?
"Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only for wallowing in. "
Katherine Mansfield (1888 - 1923)