Just as the Queen takes the time at Christmas to reflect on the year that was, I too will use New Years eve to contemplate what has passed.

2006, like 2000, is a year that went less well than expected for me, but I will not let that taint how 2007 will turn out for me.

My conflict at my old job has affected me more deeply than I would like, and the wounds will take some time to heal.  Especially as I’m angry with myself for letting it go on for so long.  However moving jobs has been a very positive thing for me.  I am working with people I like and trust and whose success depends on my succeeding and being given as many opportunities as possible.  Here’s to big US multinationals.

Between work and visiting friends I’ve done a lot of travel.  I’ve been to Melbourne twice, Canberra for the first time, Sydney twice and Perth three times.  I’ve also had a couple of trips to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.  Next year will bring further travels, with trips to Philadelphia and Perth definite and trips to Sydney and Beijing likely.  But I’ll also be working in Toowoomba and Ipswich, which will challenge me I know.  Additionally if I can afford it I’d love to go to Queenstown in July to finally go skiing.

I’ve struggled with my finances, and had to move home after moving out for two months, having to pack in my credit cards (which is still in dispute) and also having to fend off a number of organisations that have mistakenly think that I owe them money.  I’ve learned that there must be a lot of people out there paying for things they don’t need to, but it’s for amounts so small and threats so harsh (I’m still facing at least a license suspension thanks to QUT), they probably don’t think it’s worth pursuing.  Fortunately I’ve also started building my investments, so long term I will come out on top.  2007 will see doing my best to be able to afford entering the property market some time in 2008.

Romantically I don’t think I rate a mention, especially with all the couples I’ve seen recently unite, it’s that time of year, isn’t it?  I’ve dated three or four people, two of them I should have known better than to waste my time with, one was cut short thanks to the tyranny of distance and the other was blissful whilst it happened and will leave me disappointed in myself for some time to come.  But I’ve gained two friends at least, so I shouldn't consider anything lost.  I think work will leave this area of my life fairly uneventful in 2007.

I’ve made a fair few friends in 2006, and unlike in the past I’ve lost a fair few as well.  My state of mind whilst I was deciding whether to leave my old job has probably left me less than pleasant.  And also I know over time I change, my ideas, my preferences and my lifestyle.  This may have meant I’ve lost some people.  But as always I’m sure that longstanding friends will remain close and new found friends will be a source of joy.  But additionally there have been people that I have befriended against my better judgement, which have turned out for the worst.  I can only pray that I will be more sensible next year.

My studies are almost at a close.  I will soon have a new series of letters after my name.  I’m not quite sure what they are for a Masters of Finance, but we’ll see.  It’s totally dependent on me writing 8,000 words over the next few months, as well, which I hope happens...  My grades dipped in the last half of last year and the first half of this one which led me to do some soul searching.  It meant that I stopped cutting class to participate in other activities, which has put me on the outer with some people, and also lead me to wonder why I was spending so much time at work over such a low level job.  People will always demand my time and be offended if I don’t give it, however my Masters will be three short years in the long term, that will lead me on to better things than skipping class to debate environmental problems, go out drinking, re-learning my tennis skills or fight the good fight to get people into government.

As the year closes my health is improving.  2000 was the first year when I was beset by a number of minor ailments that interfered with my life. This has plagued me for some years, even though the underlying condition I had no longer affects me.  Since October, the only problem I’ve had is a bad reaction to a vaccine, previously I’d struggled with migraines (often a symptom of my poor vision), constant colds, flus, earaches etc.  I’m still struggling with my weight, which I’ve managed to keep down to some degree (I know I’m not thin by any stretch of the imagination, but I use to be 121kgs) but it has fluctuated.  I’ve also had various bouts of health kicks – going for daily walks etc, which I’m determined to resume and carry on not just in the new year but indefinitely.  For a while I made my walk a not-negotiable, which I had to do no matter what time I got home, however it’s been a bit intimidating just walking around in strange cities the last few months.

This coming year I also want to spend some more time improving my mind, unpacking my hundreds of books in boxes and also perhaps branching out into some new disciplines.

I’m proud of my mother who has graduated this year from her psych degree and I look forward to my little brothers getting their degrees soon.

I’ve had one long term friend return from overseas and will have at least one more back in 2007 as well, which will be fantastic.  2007 will also hold my 10 year high-school reunion.  And I think I want to go to both schools.  I know that there will be lots of people with children and husbands and better jobs.  I’m not competitive enough to care, I just want to see how we all turned out.  I hope the go ahead as on of my schools was looking at holding a 5 year reunion that was cancelled due to lack of interest.  But these days 5 years after school most of us are still studying!

So I hope you’ve all had a much better year than my mediocre one and that you can reflect and perhaps learn and improve your situation.  May 2007 bring you more blessing and joy.  I hope you experience good health and the love of those who are dear to you.  I hope you see yourself grow in experince, wisdom and knowlege and that you find deep soulful rest.