I have just heard the very sad news of Whitney Houston’s passing. I grew up listening to Whitney’s music and each of her songs mark an important time in my life. Her music brought me such joy and empathised with aspects of my life and emotions. Unfortunately, Whitney herself led a very troubled life. May she rest in peace. She will live on through her truly memorable music and incredible singing talent.

Oh Sade…this woman’s smokey voice always puts me in a good mood. I needed it after today. For your enjoyment…

Long time, no see I hear you say? Well a lot has been going on. Adjusting to a new city, a new job and a new life really is no easy task. Especially when all this happens in a time span of a few weeks. But I think I’m doing okay. I seem to be settling in much faster than I thought I would. Maybe my character relates to Sydney more than it did with Newcastle? The strangest part is, when I am back in Newcastle, I suddenly feel out of place. Somewhat foreign…despite having only left there less than a month ago and having lived there since I was 9!

I’m definitely less bored in Sydney. There’s just so much more to do on a weekend. Today, I spent the day with my mother in Chinatown, basking in the Chinese New Year celebrations (note: – don’t forget about the twilight parade next Sunday). In Newcastle, I would of been sleeping by now – sleeping of boredom. My options would of included spending the Sunday at Westfield Kotara or Charlestown Square….zzzzzz And as beautiful as Newcastle’s beaches are, I’m just not a surf loving girl.

Phew…what a day! Moving house on a 40 degree day wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’m now trying to get used to the hussle and bussle of Sydney city life. I go from a quite, suburban neighbourhood in Newcastle to downtown Sydney madness. I tell you what though, I’m so damn tired, I think I’ll sleep like a baby tonight regardless of the Boeing 747s that seem to fly over our apartment every half an hour….I’ll get used to that right?

New Year’s Eve 2011 already…what a year this has been. It was a year that possessed some of the worst natural disasters our modern world has ever seen. It was a year of protest and rebellion, joy and sadness, fear and hope. 2011 for me became a pivotal moment in my life. It was the year I finished my degree (finally!), the year I was offered a new job and a new opportunity and a year I left a job that I loved and left a great team 

What does 2012 hold for me? – a new job, a new home in a new city and a totally different outlook on life. A new direction with new beginnings. Wishing you all a happy new year and if you are one to make a new year resolution – here’s hoping you stick to it