New Years Tag {2020}

Hello friends!

This tag has been going around for years, and I for one have always loved reading them. Ever since 2017, I've filled out this tag and enjoyed going back and comparing my answers and seeing how far I've come! 2020 being the year it was, I did try to get creative and keep the answers interesting as far as possible, since I obviously wasn't able to get up to as much as I'd hoped. I also cut out some questions for privacy reasons, in case you're wondering why some are missing. Enjoy! :)

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What did you do in 2020 that you've never done before?

I took tap dance lessons, I bought my own car, and I started working full time hours.

Did you keep your New Year Resolutions and will you make a new one?

In a manner of speaking, yes, but it was not how I envisioned it to be. My resolution for 2020 was to be brave and do all the things that I had previously been too scared/unable to do. I did do a few things that fit that bill (drive in the city, get a new job, be more independent), but I definitely did not get some of the opportunities I'd hoped for. My new resolution for 2021 is to just be more intentional with my time, especially in boundaries and making time for rest. (If I were to pick a word for the year, it'd be peace.)

Did anyone close to you give birth?

No one specifically close to me, no.

Did anyone close to you die?

A sweet friend of mine passed away from a freak accident. I was not particularly close to her, but it was a dreadful shock and I will miss her dearly.

What countries/states did you visit?

Haha. Ha. Alas, only New South Wales (Australia), but we can be thankful I even got that far. ;)

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What would you like in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?

A chance to join the community theatre, seeing musicals live, and way better decision making skills.

What date will remained etched upon your memory?

Um... maybe 02/09/2020 - the day I started my new job?

Did you move house?

Heck no. Didn't even rearrange my room. :P

Which was the best month?

Well, I can tell you which is WASN'T, ha! January and February were both lighthearted and lovely, and December also never disappoints (and I got more sleep, so that's a plus.)

What was your biggest achievement?

I guess getting my new job (and sticking at it while it was hard-going)? Also, honestly just making it through this year and still being able to smile because at one stage there I thought that was impossible to do either.

What was your biggest failure?

Falling into very negative thoughts during lockdown, not trusting God when I couldn't see a way, and terrible methods of handling conflict.

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Did you experience any illness of injury?

I bypassed most illnesses and injuries, but I also came a long way in my gut health and discovered I was lactose intolerant and also had silent reflux. What fun (but good to know). 

What was the best thing you bought?

Dance lessons! No regrets. Also my car, I guess.

Where did most of your money go?

Into savings! But also to my car and dance lessons.

What did you get really, really excited about?

Seeing Wicked live. (What did I get really, really sad about? Not being able to see Wicked live. Thanks, Covid.) I was REALLY excited for Christmas this year, because I was dying for some positivity and familiarity to lift my spirits.

What was the best concert you went to?

 *cries* I didn't get to go to any. But out of the virtual ones I attended - "The Hang (NY)'s Christmas concert" (which I found through Instagram... Corey Cott was a guest singer, and Laura Osnes gave a little speech too :)). Also, the play/musical  called "Robbery Gone Wrong" my little siblings and I put on (that I wrote) was pretty good too. ;D

Look at 'em cuties.
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What is a song/album the reminds you of 2020?

Hmm... maybe "Blessings" by Laura Story? It seemed to really fit with what I was going through during 2020. 

Are you happier or sadder?

I'd be lying if I said I was happier. There was a part of my crazy, carefree self that got lost when the harder times hit and it never came back. But God is still good, and there is still joy to be found.

Are you thinner or fatter?

Ahem. :P My, these questions don't hold back. I honestly think I'm exactly the same, although perhaps musclier, haha.

Richer or poorer?

Probably slightly richer, but the car took a nice chunk out, haha. ;)

What do you wish you had done more of?

Telling people I needed help, taking for photos of people for the memories, and encouraging others.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing, over-thinking, and wasting time on my phone. (Some days I want to chuck that thing.)

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What was your greatest musical discovery?

"For King and Country", "Lauren Daigle" and "Sleeping at Last". Also, the musical "Love Never Dies". I didn't listen to much new music, though, which is something I need to rectify!

How did you spend your Christmas?

First at home with immediate family, exchanging gifts, then at my great aunt's with the extended family, playing games, swimming in the neighbours' pool (or in my case, swinging in the hammock), eating lots of food, playing carols and at night, watching "White Christmas" while eating dinner.

How did you spend New Years?

On New Year's Eve I went to a friend's house with another friend and my sisters for a relaxed night of games and food, and on New Years Day I did Laserforce with a big group of friends and then went back to their house to chill and learn some modern Jive dancing!

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

Centrelink, when I was on hold for 14 hours. Grr.

What was the best book you read?

"Love Does" by Bob Goff, "Heartless" by Marissa Meyer, "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebekah Lyons, "Live" by Sadie Robertson Huff and "Bread and Wine" by Shauna Niequist... to name a few. :D

Did you fall in love?

Let's just say my answer would disappoint all the romantics out there.

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What was your favourite TV show?

Still "Gilmore Girls" and "White Collar", but you can also add "Ambulance" and "Paramedics" to the list. "The Mandalorian" was pretty good, too.

What did you want and get?

Did I mention dance lessons? ;) Tap dance, specifically. Also a new job outside of Hospitality, more savings, more independence (too much, at times) and a strong desire and dedication for reading the Bible.

What did you want and not get?

An opportunity to be part of a theatre production other than my own, mainly. Also, to see a show or musical live, and to travel.

What was your favourite film?

"Jumunji" (2017), "Love Never Dies" (filmed on stage for the Melbourne cast with Anna O'Bryne), "Hamilton" (2020), "Mamma Mia", "Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again", "Tenet", "Enchanted", "The Grinch" (2018)... again, really need better decision making skills. ;)

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What did you do for your birthday and how old were you?

I turned twenty, and, like the mature adult that I am, I played games with my family and ate pizza and cheesecake and watched "Newsies: the Musical" (filmed on stage).

Describe your personal fashion concept?

Ehh? Practical, pretty and probably three years behind the current fashion trend.

What kept you sane?

Prayer and surrendering everything to God over and over. Endless podcasts, and talking to people about my worries and having them listen.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Um... maybe Jonathon Crombie as Gilbert Blythe? ;)

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Which political issue stirred you the most?

DON'T GET ME STARTED ON POLITICS FOR 2020. To keep it national, the state elections and handling of our Covid restrictions by our premier.

Who did you miss?

Basically everyone during isolation. I missed seeing my family when working really long days.

What was a valuable life lesson you learnt?

No matter what you will walk through in life, God is ALWAYS there beside you and He is enough and He will always be enough.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I would point you back to Laura Story's "Blessings":

"What if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

And what if trials in this life are Your mercies in disguise"

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What were 5 personally significant events of 2020?

1. Working with my cousin for his accountancy business as his personal assistant for a few days. It meant a lot that he asked me, we had quality time together, and having it on my resume was part of what got me a job!
2. The whole Covid ordeal - I did a LOT of heartwork during some of the loneliest, darkest months of my life. It really changed a lot of things for me.
3. Performing "Robbery Gone Wrong" and also completing a 30 Day Singing Challenge on my Instagram, back in March, where I publicly shared my singing online and got so much kind feedback!
4. Getting my new job was very significant as it was something I've been working towards for years and I couldn't believe I actually got the position! Also, getting my own car was pretty cool.
5. Seeing my three other cousins all get married this year was significant to me as I won't see them as much and it also made me feel how very... single... I am. :P

What are 5 things that you want to do in 2020?

1. Be part of my community theatre! Whether that be as part of the cast or even working backstage.
2. See more shows/productions live!
3. Become better at saying no and creating boundaries for myself, even if it means letting opportunities go by in order to take up another.
4. Hold a handstand and do the splits.
5. Take great care of my health, including physical and mental wellbeing.

Who are some people you'd like to know better in 2021?

I'd like to know other theatre fanatics in my local area so that we can have that in common. I'd like to know whoever it is that God puts in my path to know. But above all, Abba, Father, I want to know you in deeper, richer, more intimate ways.

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Let's dive into this year with peace that God is in control of our today and bright hope for tomorrow! 

12 Delights of Christmas Tag

 Hello friends!

Today I have a scrumptious Christmas tag courtesy of Heidi (thank you for both creating it and tagging me!). I am SO excited to put forth a post filled with Christmas celebrations and glitter. Let's get to it!

from Heidi's blog :)

1. A favourite Christmas tradition?

Ohh, so many! But ONE of my favourites is that every year, we decorate our Christmas tree as a family, and Mummy and Daddy buy each of us children a new individual ornament for the tree and wrap it up for us to open, so we then have a special ornament to remember each year by... we have a lot of unique ones (no two are the same!) and we also have quite a compilation now! But I think it looks beautiful.

2. Say it snowed at your domicile, would you prefer to go out or stay curled up inside? 

Oh my, wouldn't that be a sight?! Snow in the middle of summer?! xD I'm sure many Australians wouldn't be averse to experiencing a white Christmas! I for one would probably choose to go outside for a short amount of time to squeal and throw snowballs at sibling-sized-targets, but spend most of the day cozily curled up inside. ;)

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3. Tea or hot chocolate?

Is coffee not an option???! Haha. Hot chocolate all the way! (But also... coffee. :D)

4. Favourite Christmas colours (i.e. white, blue, silver, gold, red and green etc)?

Ooohh, that's a tough one! I will go with white and gold. It's so beautiful and elegant.

5. Favourite kind of Christmas cookie?

HOMEMADE GINGERBREAD!!! Also, coffee shortbread. Absolutely incredible. (And I just realized... I'm not sure if you would count these as cookies?? But we don't really *do* cookies per se at Christmas time if you don't count these haha.)

6. How soon before Christmas do you decorate (more specifically, when does your tree go up)?

It has changed several times over the years - it used to be 1st December, then the passionate Christmas lovers bumped it up to mid November, and gradually it's been pushed even further back... but now I'd say, roughly mid November? We don't have Thanksgiving in Australia (at least, most of us don't) so there's not much to hold us back! ;)

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7. Three favourite traditional Christmas carols?

"The First Noel", "O Holy Night" and "Mary Did You Know?" (if you count that last one as traditional). There are so many glorious carols out there though!

8. A Favourite Christmas song (i.e. something you might hear on the radio)?

Ok guys, don't kill me for this one but Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is so fuuun! xD I love singing along to it! Granted, it IS overplayed, but it's still fun. A close second would be Michael Buble's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas" and Celine Dion's "Feliz Navidad". 

9. A favourite Christmas movie?

I honestly haven't seen a huge heap of Christmas movies, and a lot of the modern ones really aren't my thing, but "The Nativity Story" does have a special place in my heart. :) <3 

10. Have you ever gone caroling?

Unofficially, yes! I remember one Christmas our extended family (who are all very musical) decided to walk out on my grandparent's road where they had a huge Christmas light display that people would drive to look at, and we walked around and sang a few carols in a couple places, some with backing music and others acapella. I distinctly remember (this all being completely impromptu) that we spontaneously did a four or five part harmony on the final note of one of the carols (I think it was "The First Noel") and it was so exciting! Definitely one of my favourite Christmas memories.

11. Ice skating, sledding, skiing or snow boarding?

Hahaha.... ha... ahem... well, let's just say I've only done one of those four things, and that would be ice skating, and I am quite dreadful at it. I think perhaps in Australia it would be more accurate to say surfing, body boarding, swimming or cricketing? ;) But in a make-believe, dreamy snow world, I would choose sledding, please.

12. Favourite Christmas feast dish?

Hands-down the fancy Christmas dinner my mother makes every year with roast pork wrapped in bacon, and maple syrup marinate over the roast and the veggies. It's simply divine.

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Thank you so much for this tag, Heidi - it was so much fun! I'm tagging:

Katie

Eva

Miss March

... and whoever else would like to fill it out! :)

Have a fabulous day all, and blast those Christmas tunes! ;)

My Favourite Christmas Memories

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I love Christmas.

I love everything about Christmas. 

For some unexplained reason, it never gets old or boring. And I love hearing about everyone else’s Christmases, because they’re all so delightfully unique. Some people have it surrounded by snow, snuggled under blankets, gripping a hot drink. Others (like myself), experience it in air conditioning, or at the beach, with a barbecue sizzling nearby, and a game of cricket playing on TV. (Okay, I think that latter part is strictly Australian. :P)

Many people may think that since I am Australian, I must spend every Christmas at the beach surfing, right? Well, uh, wrong. I’ve never surfed in my life (a fact I am rather sad about), and I can only remember one Christmas spent at the beach. (Shocking!) For the most part, we always preferred being in the comfort of our own homes, enjoying it in our own little way.

So anyhow, being in the festive spirit, I thought I would give you all a taste of what Christmas has looked like for me, over the years.

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For the first fifteen or so years of my life, we would always keep a tradition in our extended family celebrations: a performance of the Christmas play.
It was originally adapted by the two aunties (one being my Mum), and was faithfully performed every year by all the grandchildren. The older kids got the speaking parts (such as the angel, or the narrator), the lucky kids got the main parts (such as Mary and Joseph), and the little kids got the smaller parts (such as the shepherd). If you were REALLY little, you were liable to be dressed up as a sheep, but we won't go there.

Over the years, we found ways to keep it interesting – adding in new songs, solos, and funny lines to entertain. Naturally, our parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles all thought us extremely funny, and so did we. ;) Once the grandkids started getting married, however, and New People were being added to the family, the idea of exposing our play to outside families was a little intimidating. Not to mention, many of the grandkids thought themselves rather old to be playing an acting part. So, sadly, that tradition has come to an end, but it did create a lot of fun memories while it lasted.

Once or twice we even took our set of carols from the play and sung them as a spur-of-the-moment choir while we walked up and down our grandparents' street, where award-winning fairy lights attracted many strangers. Having a musical family is such a blessing, and it really is quite thrilling when you can go into three part harmony without a single rehearsal!

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I distinctly remember one Christmas, we were celebrating with our extended family at our grandparents’ house and it was a particularly hot day. Over twenty people were squished into one air-conditioned room, with wrapping paper in crumpled up balls mingled throughout. The house was buzzing with people. We’d just had lunch (cold meat with salad, fresh fruit platters, pavlova, trifle and plum pudding), and were finishing opening presents. Everyone was getting a bit stiff and sticky. Outside, the temperature had just passed its peak. The blue sky was clear, and the green grass was beckoning.

To this day, I’m still not sure from where they appeared, but out of somewhere, a giant bottle of water balloons was brought forth. Jubilant shouts sounded, and all the grand kids (several of which were passed the age of twenty, might I add ;)) trooped outside with glee on their faces. We filled every single balloon and loaded them into buckets. I don’t even remember if we split into teams, or if pure chaos ensued immediately. All I remember is shrieking and throwing water balloons at anybody within my radius. Everyone was laughing and squealing and running around the tiny backyard, climbing over the garden stones and hiding behind rubbish bins and sheds. The water balloons ran out way too quickly, and no one wanted to stop the fun, so people started getting creative. One of my cousins picked up a watering can and, being exceptionally tall, would find a good hiding place and water anyone who went past.  (I suspect I was an easy target.) One of our cousins (the in-law, of course XD) even went so far as to bring out the garden hose and use it!

I remember the pure joy bubbling inside of me that day. I was full of that light-hearted joy that rarely appears outside of Christmas day. To close the memory, we took a picture – one of my favourites ever –of all the grandchildren huddled together, beaming, with our festive clothes thoroughly soaked through. I’ll never forget that day.

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I’ll end the memories here, but I would love to hear from you – what are some of YOUR favourite Christmas memories? 

Is there anything that reminds you of a particular Christmastime? (For example, whenever I hear the Michael Buble Christmas album, I ALWAYS think of that one time we were on a family holiday at a resort, playing billiards while blaring our Christmas music in the games room... xD) 

... Pssst! Five more days till Christmas!!!

P.S. Rest assured, the follow-up 'about me' post is still coming, but Christmas has priority over that. ;)

P.P.S. Also, as a random note, I went to see "The Rise of Skywalker" last night and I have MANY FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS. Have any of you seen it? If so, tell me your thoughts!!