10 things you might not know about me

My wonderful friend, yoga teacher extraordinaire, Reiki Healer and fellow book lover Nichola Veitch tagged me to share 10 things you might not know about me so here goes…

ONE

I had my appendix out when I was 9 – they burst on the operating table and I have a larger than usual scar.

TWO

I’m into motor bikes and have been most of my life. My dad and uncle used to ride me around on their bikes when I was a little tacker. I’ve got my own bike now and I’ve ridden around the Phillip Island MotoGP track in Victoria.

THREE
I don’t like aniseed or anything liquorice flavoured. Even the smell makes me feel squeamish.

FOUR
When I was in High School I had a 2 page article published in Girlfriend Magazine. I still have a copy and it was the start of my love affair with sharing my writing.

FIVE
In a former life, I was in the Australian Army Reserves and drove trucks for a medical unit. I even marched in the ANZAC day parade in my hometown of Adelaide. My grandpa served in World War II and I can still see the look of pride on his face when he saw me in my uniform for the first time. What I didn’t tell him is that I joined for a boy! Not the greatest reason to join the armed forces but it’s the truth. My high school boyfriend signed up and I was trying to impress him. The relationship hit a rocky spot when I made it through the recruit course and he didn’t!

SIX
One of my favourite stress reducers is singing as loud as I can to 80’s and 90’s pop tunes. Some of my all-time faves are ‘When the Going Gets Tough’ by Billy Ocean and ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves. I love an upbeat, feel good tune to sing and dance to.

SEVEN
I was 26 the first time I tried avocado, eggplant or zucchini and it was around then that I finally learned to cook. I used to make an epic mess of cooking packet pasta (which is pretty hilarious since all you have to do is empty a packet into a container, add water and microwave it). I’m now a decent cook who makes a mean Osso Bucco and a pretty decent Pad Thai. I’m also really good at baking and my chocolate brownies with macadamias and dried cranberries are legendary (even if I do have to begrudgingly give credit to Jamie Oliver for the recipe!).

EIGHT
I’ve lived in London twice and absolutely loved it. I spent two years there on a working holiday visa from 2003 to 2005 and moved there again for a year with my partner at the time in 2011. I love everything about London – the people, the history, the art galleries (I’m a BIG art gallery buff), the Tube (the London Underground), and it’s such a brilliant, central hub for travelling to so many incredible places in Europe. It’s one of my all time favourite cities and I’d absolutely live there again.

NINE
I went skydiving for my 21st birthday but there are no photos or video because the camera guy had a hangover and called in sick. I’m still planning the do over and there WILL be photos and a video this time!

TEN
I LOVE to travel. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been cutting pictures out of travel brochures and making posters of all the places I’d like to visit. I’ve been to 34 countries so far and am currently (2024) travelling in Europe (I’ve set up a site to share my adventures). I particularly love train travel. Sitting on a train watching the countryside go by as I listen to music or an audiobook is one of life’s great pleasures.

Other random facts:
I love fresh sourdough with butter on it, I haven’t had any alcohol in over 7 years, I am addicted to stationery, and I feel totally at home in book stores.

I love cities with cobblestone streets, I’m a huge fan of old buildings, and I can stare at stained glass windows for hours.

I can scuba dive (but haven’t done it in almost 20 years – might be time to learn how to again!), I’ve been swimming with dolphins, and one day I want to bungee jump (they may have to push me, but I’m going to do it!).