Pick of my posts and the year in review - 2024

I normally do this as 2 posts but this year, just one. It's been a great year, but I don't feel I've been writing as much as I normally do.

So straight into it - 2024 has been a great year despite health issues and a steady physical decline. Or what feels like that. More tests in the new year. Good times.

In January we took what I thought would be our last holiday with our son, but thankfully he's coming to Japan again next year. Very happy to have two kids in tow for that. The eldest moves back home to look after our fur baby. Travel posts on Japan included one on Otagu Nenbutsu-ji , Bunraku and eating Fugu

I wrote the Road Less Travelled about our life choices and Money and Happiness about the privileged thinking people use when considering money, forgetting the ease it affords them. I also wrote about making the most of your years as you age. 

One of the absolute highlights was dining on top of the Harbour Bridge at Luke's Table. It really is a magical experience. We also had a pretty spectacular weekend with friends at Currawong.

I wrote about the importance of play and friends, and making new friends. I wrote about the antiquated shame with women's health. That has absolutely got to change.

In April we returned to the Banyan Tree in Bintan, where we went for part of our honeymoon 25 years before. It was really lovely. It was fun to compare the then and now, seeing it quarter of a century later.

I had a blast at Ultra, and am super stoked to be going again! Especially as I'm missing Timmy Trumpet and now Kygo and Cyril due to weddings etc. I wrote about my faulty memory and the joy of dancing.

I went to the book launch of my friend's novel that was published posthumously. A very bitter sweet experience. A great gift for Puccini lovers.

I was back in Singapore for the F1 Grand Prix. I am not booked for next year and have to say I'm quite disappointed. Hopefully something happens and I get to one somewhere....

We had the most amazing time swimming with whales in Moorea.

I used points to fly to Auckland to see Grace Petrie. While there, I ticked off a bucket list excursion to Gibbs Farm. It was well worth it. As was the detour to Piha Beach. A sensational 46 hours. I'm planning to go back and walk coast to coast when I can....

There was another getaway to Currawong with different friends & I loved getting out on my new stand up paddleboard (a birthday present earlier in the year).

So when I look back, it's actually been a pretty fantastic year, despite the woes. Plenty of good times and dancing with friends. A lot of travel. Plays and concerts. Activities and fun. It's funny how the negatives can cloud our vision a bit.

The green ones are 3D Xmas trees - so cute!

Best wishes for the New Year. May we all step up and do better for the planet and future generations.

Linking with #WWWhimsy #WednesdayAroundtheWorld #MCoW #SundayBest #WeekendCoffeeShare #TrafficJamReboot