NY Resolutions by Audrey Kitching

To be nothing other than myself.

To be my own savior

Anger is weakness, 'impossible' doesn't exist.
To prove my strength when the odds are against me.
To stop worrying about the past. Its already done.
To stop stressing about the future. You're missing the RIGHT NOW.
...and to look fabulous doing it.

-Audrey Kitching

2009: The Year That Was

So, 2009 was all about experience, learning, and growing for me. Below, I've done a quick recap off the top of my mind to sum up the year was was 'OH NINE!' In my opinion, the pros are far outweighing the cons... thanks, in large part, to one particular Con! (I'm talking about Connor in case that pun went over your head).

2010 will be henceforth deemed as the year of change, and I dare it to be better than '09.

THE GOOD

• Writing for my first magazine. An upcoming blog showcasing HINT Magazine will be here shortly.
• Meeting Connor in my Media and Culture lecture - it was a story of fate.
• My first date with Connor at C'est Si Bon. Stealing the reserved sign and our first kiss.
• Many dates with Connor- fish and chips and Juliette's gelato on the Strand.
• Moving in together- Connor and I sharing a tiny room and loving every minute of it.
• Starting University- loving Journalism
• Making new friends- meeting some of the coolest kids Tville has to offer
• eQUIP Christmas party- Pancake shots, free drinks, free VIP room...
• My shopping holiday in Sydney in October
• Getting an awesome GPA and a handful of HD's
• Connor building me a new computer- I learnt so much during that experience
• Tye-Dying for Groovin' The Moo
• Many memorable moment with Triple J while driving
• Frisbee
• Magnetic Island (the latest trip)
• Freshwater Drive - FR3SH20 Kr3w
• Connor suiting up to go to McDonald's at midnight
• Tradies, Puppies and Pranks
• Changing banks
• New music, new movies, DC++
• Connor cooking for me
• Tea and Toast ritual
• Coming back to Cairns
• Cheyenne's Wedding in September
• New beginnings
• President Obamma
• Deciding to move to Brisbane
• KRudd's stimulus package
• Learning how to use a DSLR camera
• Enviro bags & Greener living
• Clothes swap party
• Doing my first interviews

THE BAD

• Hitting a BMW. Oops. (If you see them, don't tell them, okay?)
• Long drives from Mareeba to Townsville
• Moving to Townsville in the rain
• JCU- their lack of resources and motivation has prompted me to change universities for 2010
• Being away from family
• In uncertain territory with my best friend
• My Frankie magazine subscription ending
• Hospital
• Stress and other things derived from being an adult
• Seeing a documentary on McDonald's- haven't eaten it since May. This could actually be a good thing...
• Walking to Vote in the middle of the day... on a very hot day...
• Getting hit in the head at Groovin' The Moo and missing out on seeing most of the Hilltop Hoods set
• Eating a giant clove of garlic that I thought was a potato on my first date with Connor
• House mate conflict
• Not having a job until the end of the year
• Using MAC Computers - unreliable ones at that
• Printing problems
• Bills and money disappearing
• Funerals- RIP Poppy Chillemi and Aunt Maud
• Getting fined for parking in a permit zone at JCU. Getting a permit and having to park in the dirt
• Getting kicked out of the Uni Club- Connor throwing up in my bed
• Twilight phenomenon getting out of hand
• RIP Farrah Fawcett, Brittany Murphy, Patrick Swayze, Michael Jackson
• Big, scary decisions and responsibilities

Fairy Godmother

For the first time in 20 years, my family has been blessed with another member to dote upon. Dante John (but you can call him DJ) was welcomed into the family 7 months ago, and welcomed into the Church on Sunday, 27th December 2009.

I'm going to be honest with you, the waterworks started when I was asked to be a Godparent.

My family are very close. We currently have 4 generations going strong, and between us there are only 3 males and 7 females. I have been the baby of the family since 1990 and, now, Dante John has some big shoes to fill ;) I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, DJ! You're in for 20+ years of some hardcore love.

Technically, DJ is my 3rd cousin.... My Grandmother's Sister's Daughter's Son. My Great Aunt's Grandson. My Great Grandmother's Great Grandson... Yeah, it can get a little complicated if we go into the logistics of it. So, you may call me Fairy Godmother. It has a ring to it, don't you think?

The role of the Godmother/Godparents has changed quite a bit since it's creation. Traditionally speaking, the Godparents are responsible for taking care of the child's religious education. Basically, that their morals, beliefs and fundamentals are all in order. They were also the next-in-line to take care of the little one should anything happen to the parents.

In modern society, however, the relationship between Godparent and Godchild can be anything you want it to be. Personally, I see my Godparents as confidants and sources of advice, support and love. My Godparents are as much a part of my family as any other relative.

Basically, I now have a little person (who may be a very big person by the time, if and when, he reads this) whom I will always be there for.

So, dearest DJ, this is my message to you:

I may not always be around- I could be travelling the world having crazy adventures, or still in Australia living the life we all know and love- but I promise to always be there whenever you need me. Whatever you need, be it advice with the ladies, a place to stay, help with your homework, or someone to listen to you- I will always be here for you.

Until next time,

Yours in magic fairy dust,

Your fairy Godmother,

Ashton xx

Movember!

As another month draws to a close, we look back and think of what we have accomplished in these few, short weeks. One of the great hilights of this year's annual 'Movember' was watching the hair spring forth from the faces of men everywhere like wine from a Greek god's chalice.

The dudes are finally standing up and grabbing this cause by the handlebars (moustache pun intended). Since 1999 when some Adelaide blokes decided to go all "anti-shave-for-a-cure" and start their own trend, men have proudly put down their razors in support. The Movember Foundation supports many men's health issues including prostate cancer and depression. I guess it's really all about raising awareness; not just raising money, these days. At any rate, it's funny to see them all furry-faced. Grow 'em long and strong, fellas!

Roomie

I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people in the world. Not only do I have the basic needs of my life met, I have someone who meets them both for me and with me. We have a roof over our heads, food in the pantry, water at the ready and luxuries that a large number of people will never see in their lives (and I'm not just talking about our underprivileged Uni students). Over the month or so I've been sharing an abode with a person who means more to me than all of our affluence combined. There is no value I could place over our relationship, or over the importance of this step that we have taken together.

Living together, for some, can make or break a couple. We share a room that is barely big enough for one person and somehow manage not to drive each other up the wall (not that there is enough wall to drive oneself up). To access our clothes, we have to climb onto the bed and reach into the cupboard. Our computers share a one-man desk that means our legs can never stretch out comfortably. The door doesn't open fully because my chair is in it's path. And I love it.

Somehow we have managed to turn a cramped situation into a cosy den of love and laughter. We sleep, eat, work and play within mere meters of each other for a good majority of the week. And I just can't get enough. Regardless of whether we live in a penthouse or a shoe-box, I'll be eternally comfortable in our arrangement. I can only hope (and know in my heart) that next year and the many years that are to come will bring more adventures, crazy living situations and priceless memories.

Until next time,

Yours in de facto-ness,

Ashton xx