fuchsia fragments

I got through last week. And I'm managing to get through this week. And if i can get through next week, I can definitely get through till the end of the year. I think starting Monday will be the challenge. Early mornings and late nights will ensue.

Looking forward to the year end like never before. I always seem to get myself into a frenzy this time of year work-wise, baking-wise, and trying to catch up with everyone before the year's out. It's stressful and tiring. But so worth it...

~ we thought we were going to be the last to arrive. turns out one of liane's cousins from NZ arrived literally with just over an hour before the ceremony.

~ we were at dinner where I was only 1 of 2 aussies on the table. and where the girls all sad on one half of the table and watched the other half where the guys were drinking beer and eating tons. lols.

~ it was called the "kids" table. but everyone bar me was over 30. this is how far our family connections go back. i think one of the guys called it the "limbo" table. because back in NZ, they have the 'adults' table, the 'still single' table and the 'grandkids' table.

~ we all ended up renting white cars and aunty mary's car is white too so made the procession easier to recognise

~ we all ended up staying AT THE SAME HOTEL. that is freaky coincidence considering that there were so many to choose from.

 ~ michael (liane's brother) seems to think i will deliver baked goods free to brisbane just cause i brought some to cairns. nice try, come visit me in sydney and we'll talk. and don't steal all the peanut butter cookies i made for your mum!!!

~ Michael trying to teach his 10 year old to eat on a paleo diet. "Does a duck grow on a tree?"

~ perhaps NZ on the cards next year...?

It sometimes heartbreaking see a grown man cry. And even harder for a cousin / brother to say goodbye to the youngest in their generation. So many tears shed yet so many laughs as well.

Sad times and happy times bring extended families together. And got to witness that today as well as (finally, after hearing so many stories) meeting people who have touched my life in ways I can't even start to imagine. If only it were under happier circumstances.

A beautiful ceremony and thoughtful and loving memories. Thankful to have had to chance to be here and say goodbye.

Gone too soon... rip liane xx

Psychologists call it classical conditioning when one associates a noise or a smell with a certain type of reaction or behavior from an individual. And whilst not completely in sync here, I will forever remember Liane as a fighter and inspiration to those who have battled cancer their whole life, just like the fighter in Katy Perry's Roar.

WHERE IS THE TIME GOING...
WHERE IS THIS YEAR GOING...
WHAT HAVE I ACHIEVED?!?!?!

okay, the year is nearing its end (some may say peak, i won't argue with that). And i feel that i've achieved... enough. some things turned out really well, some were placed on the back burner a few too many times.

 off the top of my head... awesomes included USA. NEW JOB. FSS. GOING TO THE HILLS MORE THAN 3 TIMES...

not so great... putting markets on hold, not as much BD as i would have liked, BEING SICK @ HIGH TEA! 

But still a long way till the end of the year and finding it a bit hard to jam pack everything in!

Been another mega busy week at work, and with the weeknights filled with catching up with people, makes a pretty tiring week. Chill time catching up with tv shows... so excited SUITS is back!!!!