So after neglecting my blog for the last year or so, and with it being the new year in a few days, I thought I’d be out with the old blog and in with a new one.

I always try and see where I am at the end of a year. See what I’ve done, what I’ve accomplished, what I’ve learned, and where that leaves me moving forward.

This time last year, I was managing people in my job, I was living at my parents place, I was trying to save money (story of my life), and I was at a point of trying to reevaluate what was important to me.

A year later, where do I begin…

New Home

I moved into an area which is 15 minutes away from my job. I’ve discovered I’m just as anal about housekeeping as my own mother, I’m a crap cook, but an awesome baker!

New Job

I moved onto another job, which has no people managing, but more coding (A HUGE RELIEF!). Out of all the jobs I have left, leaving my previous employment was emotional. I’d made good friends, life friends in fact, and had a serious amount of laughter and stories to share. I spent my first 2 weeks of my new job in Austin, Texas. It was a challenge being the new girl again, especially in a different country. I got to meet some awesome people, so settling in hasn’t been too hard.  The company itself is incredibly good at looking after their staff, and are extremely generous with fundraising and charity work – thumbs up in my book.

Weddings

I saw friends get married. 4 of them in fact! Each of them being very different (Nigerian, Portuguese, English and Indian). Equally as fun and entertaining. Seeing people get married, in their traditional ways, with the outfits, the food, the dancing, the cultures. Brilliant.

Babies

I saw my best friend have a baby, and have 3 more friends due next year! Its always a wonderful thing hearing of people having children, but to hear when my best friend had a beautiful baby girl, was both very emotional and joyous. The party girl days are now a thing of the past girl!

Travel

I travelled. A LOT! For work, for fun, for seeing something new. I went to the Lonestar state in the US, as well as visiting friends and family in Chi-town. Visiting European cities (which is a rarity in my book) was also a nice addition, but the highlight of the travelling this year was to Tanzania. Waking up and seeing Mount Kilimanjaro every day, going on safari, seeing animals in the wild. The landscapes, the people. Truly amazing! Which brings me nicely onto the main highlight for this year…

Giving back

I volunteered in Tanzania, for an amazing NGO called Give a Heart to Africa (GHTA) which focuses on empowering and educating local women, by providing free education in English, basic computer skills, and business concepts.

I taught the computer class in the school, and was part of a group of volunteers who would stay up till late to plan lessons for the next day.  Sounds easy, but when you’re teaching people who haven’t studied for 10+ years, and have been taught in a “parrot fashion” style, it certainly is challenging.

The after school kids program was a safe haven for the local kids to play, learn and do what children do. It really is amazing to see how the little things that we take for granted is seen as something so special and fun for them. Example – skipping!

For a very long time, I’ve toyed with idea of doing voluntary work.  I’d done the charity running, I attempted the fundraising event, but to actually be amongst it, and help those on a daily basis. That to me was a truly humbling experience. To see the gratitude that people have for you taking the time to help them. To see them learn. It truly is rewarding.

What next?

So what have I learned from this year? I’ve learned that I’ve done more than I ever imagined I’d be able to do in one year alone. Some of it has been challenging; emotionally and physically; most of which has been life changing and educational for me.

Going into 2011, where do I start?

Slow down

As much as I’ve loved the changes in home, job, and travel, I feel that I should do one thing at a time to get a chance to soak it all up. Staying in one place for a while can’t be bad for me either.

I want to make sure I balance the time I spend doing stuff for myself as much as spending time with those that are close to me.

Charity

I know that I want to pursue my work in fundraising, and am currently still helping GHTA as much as I can. Giving back is so rewarding, and I want to continue with being a philanthropist.

I want to be more involved in helping others from what I do and learn…what that actually entails, I do not know right now, but I know the volunteering I’ve done this year is something which will carry me forward into what I want to do for 2011.

Read more

I want to take some time to read. I have an endless list of books I’ve bought, and just never make time to read them.

Photography

I’m determined to take my interest in photography further. Get on a course, take more pictures, be creative!

Cook better

I want to be a good cook (the 3 cookbooks for Xmas are a subtle hint I think!).

2010 – its been eventful. Lets see what 2011 has to throw at me!