Standing apart

It's quite late, 11pm to be exact. I'm exhausted. Dan was just commenting the other day that even though we are on the other side of the world and most of our friends are in Melbourne, we are still incredibly busy in the lead up to Christmas. Christmas plans have been settled. We are hosting Christmas dinner on the 24th with Lee-ean and Kum. The lounge room has been decorated, and the menu prepared. I've been put in charge of the roast beef and I can proudly say that last weekend's test run was successful. Looking forward to dinner with those I call family here. Then on Christmas Day, we'll be travelling to Islington to enjoy Christmas lunch with Amanda and friends. It should be good big group affair. It's nice to celebrate the festive seasons with those who have made London feel so homely. It softens the blow of being away from family at this time of year. It seems everyone is writing about 2011. About the highs and lows of events from the past twelve months. I am loathe to do so, as this year is not yet done. In fact the best is yet to come. I'll be seeing lots of familiar faces who I miss dearly in the next two weeks and I cannot wait. I've gotten to know my art director (whose kitchen was featured on Design*Sponge) at work quite well and recently she sent me an email saying that this quote reminded her of me: “Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” -Alan Keightley

It was really nice to receive this. And it works as a good reminder as to how there is no set formula for how to live your life. Everyone approaches things in their own way, just like the way people tackle a problem. There are infinite ways to solve it. I use to think that my life plan would be to meet someone in Melbourne and settle down in Melbourne. Travel was merely a tool to enable a destination holiday, a fact highlighted by how little I travelled before. But now I think I could see myself living overseas for a while and traveling the globe. I saw Gary Hustwit's film Urbanized, which talked about the ever changing urban landscape. It showcased various projects and initiatives from around the world. While I sat there watching, I just felt so ready to go explore the world and see everything. I really do like it here in London. The constant buzz, the never ending events, activities and places to discover. The last few weeks have been a mix of dinners at home, Christmas markets, social hang outs and Christmas shopping. Weekends are even busier with road trips, more shopping and meals out. I grumble at not seeing more of Europe since I've been here, but the reality is that I've seen alot of London. And I'm glad I have. I'm going to make the best design-orientated guide in London when people come visit. And today I received the best compliment from a friend who said that their friend thinks I dress quite well. My life is complete now.