So my last post on A Worldly Addiction was in December 2021… oops. The worst part is that I don’t really have a good reason. Life has been rolling on smoothly, gratefully, excitingly and pleasantly.
I was talking to a friend about writing recently and I mentioned my (neglected) blog. And I thought it’s been an embarrassingly long time, it’s time to get back into a routine.
So I guess the biggest update from the last year would be just how content and grateful I am. Canberra has grown on me in a special way. The friendships I’ve been creating and nourishing are special, my relationship with John is just so damn amazing, exciting and loving, work is fulfilling and rewarding, and I’ve been loving the gym, running and cooking. Yes you read that right – cooking!
So I thought I would give you a bit of an update of what I’ve been up to and what I’ve been loving.
Adventures to the snow
This winter I really made the most of being so close to the snow. With a season pass, you’ve got to make the most of it, so that meant a few day trips, and even a splurge to spend a few nights in Jindy (and a night where we definitely did not splurge on accommodation). It was such a fun season where I got to spend such great quality time with so many people including Mitchell Wilson, Nikki and Lewis, Matt and Charlie, Ciaran, Chloe, Jesse, Abdu and the gang, my Dad and of course, John, until he broke some of his ribs on a boys trip. Bring on winter 2023!
Gym and cooking
This year I joined a gym, I made a schedule and have stuck to it. I’ve been doing body pump classes, which if you’ve done it before, you know… and if you don’t, just know it is bloody hard. I’ve loved the journey of sticking to a schedule, developing my strength and stamina, and moving my body. Plus, my new party trick of flexing my guns at anyone who will give me the time of day.
On the cooking front, Nikki and Lewis bought me an incredible cookbook for my birthday, MEZCLA, and let me tell you it has CHANGED THE GAME. I would 100% recommend it, even for those who aren’t that into cooking. It’s inspired me to shake up my cooking routine and enjoy entertaining and wining and dining my friends.
work
This year has been an incredible work year and it’s only going to get better. I’ve been working at the Crawford School at ANU and had the absolute pleasure of producing Democracy Sausage and Policy Forum Pod, editing Policyforum.net, creating stories, organising events and working with some absolute legends. It’s been such a privilege to work in such a great place and be able to prioritise my growth, development and personal life.
And in exciting news on the work front, in two weeks I’ll be starting a new role as a Communications Consultant at a boutique agency called Akin. I am beyond excited to take a step up in my career and launch right into something new and exciting.
travel
Ah hello using my passport! 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year of travel and I honestly don’t think it will feel real until I’m on the plane. In January Elly and I are heading to New Caledonia for a week. I’m so looking forward to poolside cocktails, reading books, practising my French, going snorkelling and enjoying time with Elly in paradise.
And in May, John, Nikki, Lewis and I are heading to Vietnam! Vietnam has been top of my bucket list for so long and I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Stay tuned for all the travel updates as they come.
Friends and family
I’ve had some incredible experiences with my friends this year. From celebrating 10 years since school at a little high school reunion, dumpling dates in Sydney, Tour de Gong 3.0, parkrun’s and coffees galore, music festivals and gigs. I feel so lucky to have such beautiful friendships here in Canberra and all across the country. And it’s beautiful to know that no matter how long it’s been, I’m so lucky to have such caring, supportive and fun friends.
I’ve also been lucky to spend so much quality time with my family. As Dad embraces retirement and Mum is enticed towards it too, they’re travelling across the country in search of the best bakery and best place to wake up in the morning, though honestly, nothing quite compares to good ol Boaty. Elly has finished her Master of Teaching and somehow landed herself a permanent role in Newcastle. Isaac is on the cusp of finishing at RMC and will be spending the next few years up in Townsville. I’m so proud of my brother and sister for all that they’re accomplishing. Though I’m devastated Isaac is leaving me in cold Canberra for tropical Townsville, I’m looking forward to a winter escape. I can’t wait for some downtime over Christmas at home with the family and to soak up some sunshine.
Of course, I’ve also loved being able to spend such lovely time with John’s family in Sydney too! Whether it be dinner at the restaurant that turns into several bottles of wine and staying out til 2am, trying to tame noisy doggos, entertaining the ever-energetic Jack, or getting ready to welcome two little bubs to the world, it’s always such a joy and great time spending time with the Chapples.
love
This year I’ve been lucky enough to attend four beautiful weddings. My Aunty Cheryl and Corinne, Sam and Cas, Hamish and Jess, Matt and Charlie. Weddings are gorgeous occasions to come together and celebrate people committing to their futures together, to supporting each other through all of life’s challenges and chances, and having a good ol party to pull it all together.
It’s also a chance to reflect on the relationships in your life, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have John in my life to share it all with. I know it’s cheesy but
Going to so many weddings this year has also inspired me to study to become a marriage celebrant. I love love, and getting the chance to contribute to the most special day of people’s lives would be such an honour and gift. I’m hoping to finish next year so watch this space for Celebrant Adelaide!
Flicks
The Sound of Metal
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this movie ever since I watched it. It follows the story of the drummer of a metal band experiencing sudden hearing loss. It is powerful, creative and simply gorgeous. I would absolutely add this to your list!
Belfast
Wow. I watched this movie with Mitchell Wilson after one of our day trips to the snow and it was the perfect way to end the day. A fun, creative, vibrant movie despite being in black and white. It explores the troubles of Northern Ireland in Belfast through the eyes of a young boy.
Beautiful Boy
Prepare your tissues because you’ll need them. With Timothee Chalamet and Stever Carrell, this movie follows the story of a father-son relationship as the song struggles with serious drug addiction. This movie really challenges my understanding and ideas of addiction. It is utterly heartbreaking and gorgeous.
Spencer
If you too can’t get enough of Princess Diana stories, this will certainly scratch your itch. I saw this in the cinema at the beginning of the year and was spoilt enough to have the cinema to myself. I thought it was so clever, the fashion is incredible and the cinematography is simply delightful. Yes it’s long and yes there’s nothing revolutionary but Kristen Stewart was so impressive and I absolutely loved it.
Books
28 Questions by Indyana Schneider.
I think this has been one of my favourite books I’ve read all year. It tells the story of two women who meet at Oxford and develop an intense friendship. As they experience love, heartbreak, and work, they also question their sexuality and the love they have for each other. I absolutely ripped through this book and thought it was delicate, sophisticated and exciting.
If I Had Your Face, by Frances Cha
This book follows the stories of four women in South Korea as they navigate the world, especially through the lens of beauty. I found it incredible to learn about the incredibly high rates of plastic surgery in South Korea. And not just minor beauty treatments but intense surgery that requires months of recovery and literally reshapes people’s faces. Against the backdrop of class, I would definitely add this to your list.
Before You Knew My Name, by Jacqueline Bublitz
Ooft this is a grim read but quite exquisite. A young woman moves to New York for a fresh start and on her morning run, discovers the body of a girl washed up by the river. In an interconnected story, it explores what it means to trust, to chase your dreams and to live in the world as a woman.
A gorgeous, gripping and terrifying story of family, love and relationships. At the end of the book, my mouth was on the floor, I was crying and in awe. I’ve been living for stories about family dynamics and this is a deeply raw one that I would absolutely add to your reading list.
A passage north, by Anuk Arudpragasam
Travelling the length of Sri Lanka to the north for a funeral, we’re taken on a journey of the main character’s family history and relationship to his war-torn country. I loved diving into this beautifully crafted, observant story and would absolutely recommend it.
So there we have it, just a brief update and overview of what the past few months have held for me. It’s been fun, exciting, filled with adventures, laughs and the best of times with the best of people. I promise to try and be a bit more consistent with my posts, even as things speed up and I shake things up.
Bye bye for now xx
A Worldly Addiction 