. : 26 : . And so, as the year draws to a close, as the sounds of merriment surrounds us, as people kick-back and prepare for a time of love, peace..and goodwill to all perhaps?, I once again take a step back and remember the most important ingredient to the festive season is missing from our life - family. At the risk of sounding blue - seasons of festivity and celebrations are the most poignant because the abscence of blood-ties resonate even more acutely than ever before. Sometimes during the day, I take short pauses and look at my life from outside-in; if that makes sense. And most times, it feels so surreal - that this is where I am. In a text message to mum the other day, I made mention that it still feels hardly tangible that I am married, away from home (and have been away for so long), working..as a doctor (with lives in my hands) and doing the grown up things of mortgages, bills (although I must admit, Del does more if it..heh) and all the rest that comes with growing up. I would never have imagined to be where I am today - of course, as a little girl, I always knew I wanted the whole marriage, family, kids thing..(and no, no little Berries on the way yet - just to make things clear), but it feels like just yesterday that the girls and I were at sleep-overs at each other's houses, doing girly things and trying to get permission to 'hang out' during the weekends! Im not a child anymore - but yet, my heart still dreams. I have ideals, I have dreams, I have wishes...perhaps, there is still room for 'a grown up Christmas wish list?'. This year has been a flurry of activity and somewhere along the way, I havent really given much time to my thoughts, my journalling and to the development of my mind and soul! Anyhoo, in keeping to tradition of lists during my birthday (as reminded by a certain Jelly)..here is my top 26 events of the year - 1) Del surprising me with a birthday trip to Melbourne to watch Billy Elliot- The Musical 2) Meeting with the 'Dream Team' for Internationals at church 3) Brisbane - and Abergee's graduation & first family holiday with the in-laws 4) Returning to Brunei - this time, married and..living with the in-laws for a week. 5) Baby Cayley... 6) Our weekend getaway in the Adelaide Hills - for no particular reason, except to use the voucher and spend quality time together 7) Having the entire family over for a week - ALTOGETHER...which is a rarity nowadays. And seeing Pops washing dishes!! 8) Moving into our own home 9) The first dinner in our own home 10) Surprising mum and pops with a trip back home 11) Organising the sister's 18th surprise birthday at McDonald's! 12) Convention 2008 - as convy parents?? 13) Celebrating the husband's birthday as his..wife.heh. 14) Ahemm...i just thought of something, but prolly not too wise to put it up here. 15) Doing my first CPR of the year on a little old man and breaking his ribs 16) Manually disimpacting (no details needed) a little old lady - and subsequently, she went into an arrest! 17) 12 yr old kid in ED who REEKED of ETOH and a blood alcohol level to match 18) Have someone call me Dr Foo for the first time - and how I learnt very quickly that giggling is not a good response 19) Telling a 14 yr old lass that she was pregnant 20) Seeing Popo on Skype..and then tearinglaughing when she tried to 'stroke' my cheek 21) Having the sister in Adelaide 22) Having another body in bed with me every night. 23) Seeing the brother in S'pore 24) Having breakfast with Ps J & wife 25) Sitting in Del's Jeep for the first time 26) Walking the 6km Advertiser thing.. *pager beeps* So yes, I am writing this from work - hopefully, the next post will be picture-ful. For now, the pager beckons! | 
