Party Like It's 2007

In the spirit of New Year and inspired by my good friends, Chica and Heather, I bring you the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the past year - and my New Year's aspirations (we don't use the word resolution round my way) for 2007:

Here goes...

The Good

• I packed in my soul-sucking job - on good terms and without having to be escorted from the building by security.
• I travelled to 6 different countries (Germany, Holland, Qatar, Thailand, Laos and Burma) and got 13 stamps in my passport - 7 of which were just souvenir stamps, and three of those countries were just for an hour or so...
• I fell in love with an island (Koh Phangan).
• I fell in love with photography.
• I visited a garden party at Buckingham Palace and saw the Queen with Wondy Mum.
• I became a published 'author' - one review was printed on the back of a sex toy box and another set was praised by an American brand of 'erotic' lipstick.
• I made some cracking new friends - and re-ignited my passions for some old ones, too.
• I had four tattoos - and I love each and every one.
• And I met the most interesting man on the face of the earth - Mr Ood.

The Bad

• I had to work two jobs to stay afloat - and almost still didn't manage.
• I watched some of my friends go through hell - though they are all getting better...
• The stress from selling the house nearly killed Rocker and I, but we are doing OK now...

The Ugly

• Erm...
• Bangkok is pretty ugly after the first few days, as it exposes itself for what it really is: a smelly, seedy city full of con-artists
• (Sorry, was the best I could do)

2007's Aspirations:

• Take photographs of absolutely everything. And save for a new SLR camera by next year.
• Travel as much as is humanly possible.
• Keep off the weight I lost in Thailand (boring, I know): = No snacks + fruit - chocolate divided by excercise = a happier Wondy.
• Be better to my friends and make more of an effort with them - I sometimes allow my friendships to flounder and I really shouldn't.

And the big one for me:

• Do something about my writing. This may involve a clever 're-imagining' of my CV and a truckload of eloquent begging letters to several publications - Horse & Hound, anyone?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!