I’m always a little shocked when it comes to writing dates in the new year. I get into a habit of writing the last years dates, and end up frustrating myself and getting startled when I once again realise that it is no longer December, 2007, but in fact, January 2008. To be honest, I have been known to write the last years date up until about June. Needless to say, it’s quite embarrassing.

Regardless, It’s good to be in 2008. I’m not sure how easy it will be to top 2007 in the awesomeness scale, but so far 2008 is looking pretty good. Aside from a hiccup at work which almost made me quit, I’ve now scored myself a payrise, a few more hours work during the uni semester week and i’m enjoying the time I have to myself a lot more. I’m getting really into my photography as of late, and have plenty of plans for photography trips, which I will explain later in the post.

My holiday was fantastic. Bali was just … Unbelievable. Such a culture shock. There were about 20 motorbikes on the road to every car, and crossing the road was almost a kamikaze mission in itself. Locals would follow you, begging for you to shop at their stalls, and kids went to their school on a Saturday morning to clean the place. The way of life itself was just completely different to the way we live. Slums aside, it was a gorgeous place to visit. Beautiful beaches, beautiful rivers, bush… Beautiful people, too.

It was great to be back in Sydney too. I didn’t realise how much I missed my family until I got back. Leaving was hard this time, because I was there for so long. It felt like I was back living there again. Saying goodbye to my brother nearly made me burst into tears. He’s such an awesome guy, and has really grown up in the past six months. I can’t wait until he finishes high school later this year just so we can see each other more. It was great to see my friends again too. Even though I didn’t have much time to catch up with them, we had a great time on New Years Eve. We all got shitfaced and ended up on my friend’s front lawn singing awesome, awesome music.

New Years Day I decided to drive down to my cousins’ place in Vincentia, down the coast of NSW. It was great seeing my cousins, aunt and uncle again too. I’ve spent almost every school holiday with them since I was 7, and so it’s always great to head back there. It’s like home to me too.

Anyway, so what does 2008 have to bring?

-I’m starting my second year of uni (Holy crap!)
-My brother’s doing his HSC (Holy Crap x 100! Poor kid :( )
-I will have been working at PF for a year come March!
-More photography! I’ve been talking to James, and we’re thinking of just visiting places this year for the day. I really want to head down to the South Island of New Zealand at some stage and visit places like Milford Sound. I’m also planning on visiting the Botanic Gardens a LOT, which is near James’s house so it’s always helpful.
-Getting my New Zealand drivers license. I may even buy a car with James.
-Weight loss. I plan on losing about 15-17kgs. Come next summer, I hope to have dropped a few dress sizes and toned up.

I’ll leave you with some photos! They’re under the cut!