2019 Year in Review

Of all the years I've been reflecting and writing on as they pass by, I've only really had one year before that was pretty miserable so perhaps I was due for another... 2019 was unfortunately another annus horribilis. 

Adjusting to the isolation of living in Melbourne, missing my old life and friends in London, and with a serious dash of FOMO thrown in too was a bigger struggle than I ever could have imagined. The dark cloud of depression hit, but its slowly getting easier to cope with.

There were some things to be grateful for regardless...

• I really enjoy my South Melbourne neighbourhood with pilates and the South Melb market on my doorstep
• Living on my own (unbelievably) for the first time
• Spending time with Rob while I stayed with him for several weeks before moving south
• Reconnecting with old friends - Alana & Jules, Lou & AJ, Belinda, Pauline & Stephen
• Having visitors in town - Belinda, Kristy, Mum and from London Stu & Kris, and Mailie & Milt
• Laughing to tears at Schitt's Creek and absorbing episode after episode of the High Low podcast

I've been out exploring some of the inner 'burbs in Melbourne, tasting wine on day trips to the Yarra Valley and the Macedon Ranges with friends, and hiking in the Grampians with Kristy.

I had less holidays this year but still only worked for 8 months this year care of 3 months relocating and a 6 month probation period. Noosa was the perfect way to start and end the year and in between was an extravagant stay at Longitude 131 hotel at Uluru with Mum. And I loved my much-anticipated trip back to the UK to see everyone, go to the Christmas markets in Germany and meet Lisa and the kids for a weekend in Paris.

As much as I could, I kept up with my monthly cultural pursuits. My picks were:
- Fleetwood Mac
- Australian Ballet's Sylvia
- Fleabag, the one woman comedy show (via NT Live)
- Terracotta Warriors at the NGV

I was lucky to land a job at TBWA, a top notch agency, leading their CX projects and building that part of the business up and I've worked on a few good projects. It's the quietest job I've ever had and I leave on time nearly every day which weirdly took getting used to.

From here I think the only way must be up. I desperately want to be back in London so am deciding what to do next but I might stay in Melbourne for another year yet.

I have to move out of my place as the owner is selling so house hunting is underway again if I'm staying, and I'm ready for new role already so job hunting too. I need some holidays to look forward to in 2020 so holiday planning is taking priority.