As we
draw to the end of one year into the next, I always like to put aside some time
to put my feet up with a cuppa (always time for that) and reflect on the 365
days that have come and gone. I just wanted to re-cap the year that's been and
share my appreciation for what has been the best year of my
life!! Here's four reasons why:
- Been there, done that, got
the tee-shirt
My new years resolution this year was to travel the world –
stoked I can give that one a big fat tick on the ol’ bucket list! This year
alone I’ve travelled to 16 countries which have given me the most unforgettable
memories and experiences anyone could ever have. I know in Lani terms this is
just a page in a book of travels that are yet to come, but that’s not bad for
the space of one year right? I’ve met some inspiring people during my travels,
made some life-long friends, and best of all I’ve managed to reconnect with my
loved ones and get to know Tom’s family in England.
- NZ won the Rugby World Cup
Probably
one of the proudest moments of my life to date, I have to say. I’ll never
forget the day we defeated France 8–7, oh the joy!! I have never really
considered myself patriot, but ever since the RWC I have a newfound sense of
national pride that brings me so much closer to the place I call home. Tom and
I still have our All Blacks flag hanging in the living room window…What’s
better than winning the world cup though?? Seeing Australia loose. BOOM!
August 28th 2011 marked the three year
anniversary with my most favourite person in the world; Tom. It seems like just
yesterday we were experiencing our first fleeting moments and here we are three
years down the track, still as mad for each other as the very first time we met.
Sure, its not all happy families EVERY single moment, no ones perfect, but
we’ve definitely learnt this year to accept each others flaws, weaknesses and
shortcomings and take all the highs and lows in our stride. I’m so blessed he’s
chosen me to share his life and as much as I’d like to say I don’t take that
for granted, I do, so here’s to another 3 years (hopefully much more). I love
you so much Tom – you are my rock!
People are so often thankful to see the end of one year and
the beginning of another, but 2011 has treated me great so I’m pretty bummed to
see the end of it. I guess I’ll just have a lot more to celebrate midnight
tonight! As with any year there’s been highs and lows, but I’ve found since living
in England I’ve gained a whole new perspective on the place I call home. I
honestly believe I wouldn’t have gained this appreciation for home had I not
have lived here. Let me just say, this goes beyond ‘missing home’. As I have
discovered, there is simply NO place in the world quite like New Zealand and I
promise I’ll never look at it the same way again - I can’t wait to get back
there.
So that’s about all I’m going to cover for now - I’m off to
get ready for my NYE celebrations at Tom’s cousins place. I hope that wherever
you are in the world right now you too are grateful for the year that’s been
and you celebrate accordingly whichever way you will. I’m amping to see what
2012 brings, the start of a new year always gets me going. There’s so much to
look forward to already – coming back to New Zealand, a new beginning, a new
job, car, house, my best friends nuptials ..the list goes on. I’ll leave you
with some of the new years resolutions I’ve set myself for this year. Hopefully
I’m as successful nest year as I was this year!!
- Get
a teaching job
- Learn
something new e.g. guitar/Spanish
- Go
overseas at least once (preferably China, South America, Thailand or
Bali…or ALL)
- Get
active and make use of the outdoors like I used to
- Drink
more water
...all pretty basic, but very achievable! That's what it's all about isn't it :)
Peace and Aroha
xoxo
