Best of 2015

I made grand plans for 2015. So how did it pan out?

My Writing Plans were shot to pieces. I still need to write my 52 Exercises book but I did write one blog post every single week herfe this year. So that’s a win!

The Business grew although I certainly didn’t have time for all the marketing ideas I had planned. Nevertheless, we got some lovely new clients for our digital marketing and web design business Mucho, including Daigle Tours in Tanzania, home care in Sydney and conveyancing services in Brisbane as well as local tourism businesses. I did copywriting jobs for all of them, allowing for plenty of diversity which I love.

Get In the Hot Spot blog design stayed the same but I’d still like to make the changes listed in my grand plans. Maybe in 2016.

The Travel Plans went well:

• We loved Rumba Resort in Caloundra for a family getaway on the Sunshine Coast.
• England for my mum’s 80th was brilliant, as was our Eurostar experience and 36 hours in Paris staying at the Mercure.
• I climbed Mount Barney! She’s a big one (see photo below) and it took all day but what an adventure, and what epic views. I’ll share my post about that soon.
• We’ve had family camping holidays including  family fun on a farmstay and our 17 year old went snowboarding in Queenstown, New Zealand which he loved.
• My what to wear on  a a long haul flight post came in handy when I flew to Spain to film a TV travel show, the Catalunya Experience.
• My Bali Intercontinental three night escape was fantastic.
• Spicers Retreats, Clovelly Estate in Montville gourmet getaway with dinner at The Long Apron restaurant with Rich was brilliant.

Spiritually I was quite good. Not perfect but not beating myself up for my imperfections. So that’s a big improvement! I meditated and practiced mindfulness regularly. It kept me sane during a very busy and potentially stressful year.

Healthwise I have been sensational. In March I discovered the free timed 5km parkrun events and set myself a challenge to run 5km (3 miles) in 25 minutes. I nearly achieved that in December coming in at 25 minutes 53 seconds. I’ve been running constantly and there’s no doubt I’m fitter than ever before in my life.

I’ve probably written that for the last few years now. But what’s really amazing is I’m not only fitter than I’ve ever been before in my life I’m fitter than I ever imagined I’d be. If you want to start running too check out my running for beginners guide.

My Friends & Family goals have been on track though not the way I planned them and I’ve been meeting with my writing group friends once a month which is great.

My Learning Goals have been going well. I never expected it but I am now enrolled fulltime at university studying a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. I’m hoping to parlay that into youth work, Aid work or youth counselling in the very distant future. It’s a long term goal but I’m on track.

I got two As and a B for my first three courses and successfully completed six weeks of teaching practice in two different high schools. It’s been a lot of hard work, lots of stress but I’m pleased I’m doing it.

Financial Earnings are interesting as I completed more copywriting work and earned more than ever before, while studying full-time. I seem to thrive on being busy and have been more productive because of all the demands on me.

My Financial Giving goals are good will stay the same this year: Support Sunwell, Fressey and their five children in Zimbabwe. See story about how I taught Sunwell in 1991 when he was 13 years old and photos of him and his beautiful family here.

Financial Saving – I just can’t see happening until my children leave home. I’ll have to live with that. It’s part of being self-employed.

Plans for 2016

I’m not making any grand plans for 2016. Except to:

• Travel as much as I can;
• Complete my Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning at the end of June;
• Keep running;
• Keep writing for my copywriting clients and here for you.

Popular Posts from 2015

In case you missed them:

• What Age-Bashing Can Teach us About Positive Ageing
• The Secret to Happiness for Anyone, Anywhere
• 47 Travel Tips Everyone Needs to Know (from a Seasoned Pro!)
• My Body Confidence Boosting Hive Bikini
• 21 Long Haul Flight Tips for Travel Virgins
• A Night at the Mercure Paris Gare du Nord
• All Aboard Eurostar from London to Paris
• My Mantra
• 11 Micro-Adventures Ideas to Make You Happy and Successful
• What it Feels Like to Challenge Yourself
• Do You Ever Want to Disappear?

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a very happy holiday wherever you may be and whatever you are doing and that all your travel dreams come true in 2016.

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