Happy 2007

Adding a post to my blogspot is now an annual event - once again here I am at work rubbing the stubble on my chin wishing I was still on Summer holidays... I think that mid/late January is the most reflective time for most people. I've heard it's the busiest time of year for seeking a new job, initiating a divorce, and booking a holiday.

Interesting experience last week: I went with a friend to "Overeaters Anonymous" who was too shy to go by himself. I expected to walk into a room full of obese middle aged ladies anxiously fingering their pearl necklaces (the meeting was in a posh area of town) but nothing of the sort - they were all different sizes and ages, and a 50/50 mix of men & women.

And boy did they let rip with what was going on their lives - there was no holding back when sharing their past experiences (taking the phone off the hook, pulling down the blinds, and gorging on food they had been planning on all week) and their hope for the future (everyone shares how long they've "abstained" for, with appluase from the rest of the group). It was refreshing to see & hear so much honesty.

The 12 steps they follow (it's the same 12 steps as Alchoholics Anonymous) require the belief in a "higher power" which I perceive as simply being your good side, which everyone has. Why people need to preceive this as an external force which lives up in the clouds I don't know - is it such a scary concept to realise you control your own destiny? I say - own it! work it! shake it!

I liked the sense of community which the meeting provided - after walking out I started a mental checklist of any possible compulsive disorders I had so I could join my own anonymous group. All I can think of is one - Procrastinators Anonymous, which explains why I'm at work typing on my blogspot, rather than doing work. I've come into the office on a Saturday to get some urgent work done, and I'm still craving distraction! I think it's time for me to turn to my "higher power"... I've just got to find where I put it...

Photo of me & my partner

This was taken a couple of days after we bought our apartment (in 2004). Being part of an auction is a fairly scary experience, but the price ended up being within our budget which was a relief. That's me on the right.

Hi - and welcome

2006 has pressed the doorbell and we've let it in. Here's hoping it's a good guest and doesn't throw food around or drink too much and throw up on the cat. As part of my "things to do this year" I'm ticking off the 2nd item on the list = "create a blog, see what it's about".

So, here's my first entry to get the ball rolling. I guess this will be an opportunity to record insights and thoughts, and if anyone happens to read them and give feedback, that'll be a bonus. My thought at the moment is I can't believe the holidays are over and I'm back at work (I work for an accounting firm). People around me are asking the normal inane questions of how their break was. Don't feel like talking at the moment, and am stroking the bristles on my chin which I refused to shave off this morning so I can still "feel" like I'm on holiday.

Well, until tomorrow (unless I get restless and post another this afternoon)