2003 went so fast didn’t it ! I feel like I achieved nothing compared to my big holiday year of 2002. But when I look back I realize that in fact 2003 was a year of major decision making for me. When I woke on New Years Day I decided my resolution was to spend my birthday in a new home. I figured that gave me ten months to make up my mind or talk myself out of it. I came to realize that to realize my dream of moving into an inner city apartment, I needed to own a lot less “stuff”. I have always owned too much “stuff” - it’s a family trait that we never throw anything out that may be useful again in the next 20 years ! So began the 6 month decluttering and minimizing project.
So what else was happening during these few months ? In January NSW and Vic were decimated by some of the worst bush fires in Australia’s history. Knowing I had friends and family in Canberra and the Snowy Mountains made it even scarier to watch from a distance on TV.
Also in January, following a 2 day stretch on the computer resizing photos, I developed a severe repetitive strain injury in my right arm. I had to rethink the amount of time I spent on the puter each week. The injury remains with me and reminds me painfully when I have overdone my time online. I have fallen behind in my usually extremely regular email correspondence and I am sorry to those who have not heard from me for a while. That is why I have created a photo album and diary online so I can share everything with everyone, but I can spend less time typing etc.
In Feb I was ecstatic to finally leave the call centre environment I had unwillingly been in at work for 18 months. I returned to the specialized debt collection job I had been trained in and joined a new friendly team who I have enjoyed getting to know.
This year it has been a true joy to witness my friend Gina’s blossoming jazz career. From her CD launch in March during quite possibly the most savage storm I have ever seen hit Perth, to her various indoor and outdoor gigs thru the year, I have enjoyed listening to her inspired story telling via smooth perfect pitched notes.
In April my enormous ancient argave plant commenced its once in a life time flowering. I felt that it was a sign. it had never flowered in the 11 years I lived there and now in the year I am thinking of moving, it produces the most awesome display I have ever seen. I felt like it was farewelling me, as argaves die after the effort of such a flower.
In May I took time off work to catch up with Sydney visitors Keith and Shane, and continued the decluttering project. I also got my house valued and interviewed some estate agents.
In June I finally felt I was ready to make the big decision to put my house on the market. It sold in 5 hours ! I hadn't even started looking for a new home so I started to feel stressed ! I spent the rest of the month frantically looking at every apartment in the centre of the city, and continued the packing and throwing out of all my possessions.
At the beginning of July, to prepare for the coming months of packing and moving and unpacking, and to thank Mum in advance for her help, she and I went on a 3 day cruise to nowhere on the huge Superstar Virgo. We picked quite possibly the roughest weekend ever, with force 6 gales battering the ship among massive movie style waves. I thought it just made it all the more interesting !! Later in July friend Chris took me to a home open and I knew I had found my new home. Situated on the outskirts of the CBD, with Chinatown just 30 seconds away and my office just a ten minute stroll down the road. One side has a view of Hyde Park, filled with blooming jacarandas today, while the balcony has the perfect CBD & sunset view. It was small enough to care for, but big enough to fit all my furniture and not feel cluttered and close.
So with the new home found and settlement underway what better time to get away from it all with 2 weeks in Melbourne. I was able to catch up with old school friends and new net friends, browse the Melbourne streets, and catch up with Sydney folk Keith, Shane and Mim who flew down to join me. I played tourist and did a big day trip along the famous Great Ocean Road and went on a chopper flight over the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
The main reason for the holiday was to see the huge new Ben Elton/Queen musical We Will Rock You. But even before we got to see the show Mim and I gatecrashed the opening night after party thanks to the talented Curry Brothers. There we found ourselves surrounded by everyone from Ben, Brian from Queen, Barry Humphries, Mark Holden & Molly Meldrum. We were entertained by Vanessa Amorosi & many of the cast & we danced & enjoyed ourselves till the wee small hours. The next night we enjoyed our centre front row seats to what would have to be the greatest rock musical I have ever seen. I had so much fun I went & saw it again two days later.
I returned home and within days my apartment was officially mine on August 20. Mum came down to
“purpelise” it all and to help me pack. Then moving day was August 30. It was sad to farewell my old home
that was filled with 11 years of memories, but I look forward to collecting new ones in a new home.
Other shows I saw this year were Cabaret. The leads, considering they are a real life couple, had no chemistry at all but the support actors Nadine Gardner and Todd McKenney stole every scene they were in. Also enjoyed front row seats to Mamma Mia which had finally made its way to Perth. It lacked the original spark of Rhonda Burchmore but was still a great story with great songs.
Movies I enjoyed this year were: Chicago—which deserved each and every Oscar it won. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, sweet sexy little comedy. Identity, the thriller of the year with the twist of the decade. Freaky Friday, fun teen remake. Intolerable Cruelty, finally a grown up seriously sexy comedy. Fantastic chemistry between the Clooner and the Zeta !!
We lost some talented people this year, starting with Bee Gee Maurice Gibb. In June, within 3 weeks of each other we lost the two greatest of them all Katherine Hepburn and Gregory Peck. And September was kept busy with the loss of Johnny Cash, John Ritter, Slim Dusty and Donald O’Conner. And just recently Australia lost the quintessential Australian in RM Williams.
So what is on the cards for 2004 ? Well I am off back to Melbourne to see WWRY again. Then Meat Loaf hits town in March as part of his big Final world tour. In April its back to Melbourne to see Tom Burlinson return the stage in the record breaking Mel Brooks musical The Producers. Then WWRY hits Perth so that will be an expensive month !!
I wish you all the best for the coming year, I hope you have fun, live happily, and achieve dreams.
With big hugs from me Karina xxx
PS, anything written in green means you
can find photos in my photo album here
