Best of 2015

Australian travel blogger

I made grand plans for 2015. So how did it pan out?

My Writing Plans were shot to pieces. I still need to write my 52 Exercises book but I did write one blog post every single week herfe this year. So that’s a win!

The Business grew although I certainly didn’t have time for all the marketing ideas I had planned. Nevertheless, we got some lovely new clients for our digital marketing and web design business Mucho, including Daigle Tours in Tanzania, home care in Sydney and conveyancing services in Brisbane as well as local tourism businesses. I did copywriting jobs for all of them, allowing for plenty of diversity which I love.

Get In the Hot Spot blog design stayed the same but I’d still like to make the changes listed in my grand plans. Maybe in 2016.

rumah desa ploughing rice paddy

The Travel Plans went well:

mount barney annabel candy

Spiritually I was quite good. Not perfect but not beating myself up for my imperfections. So that’s a big improvement! I meditated and practiced mindfulness regularly. It kept me sane during a very busy and potentially stressful year.

Healthwise I have been sensational. In March I discovered the free timed 5km parkrun events and set myself a challenge to run 5km (3 miles) in 25 minutes. I nearly achieved that in December coming in at 25 minutes 53 seconds. I’ve been running constantly and there’s no doubt I’m fitter than ever before in my life.

I’ve probably written that for the last few years now. But what’s really amazing is I’m not only fitter than I’ve ever been before in my life I’m fitter than I ever imagined I’d be. If you want to start running too check out my running for beginners guide.

My Friends & Family goals have been on track though not the way I planned them and I’ve been meeting with my writing group friends once a month which is great.

My Learning Goals have been going well. I never expected it but I am now enrolled fulltime at university studying a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. I’m hoping to parlay that into youth work, Aid work or youth counselling in the very distant future. It’s a long term goal but I’m on track.

I got two As and a B for my first three courses and successfully completed six weeks of teaching practice in two different high schools. It’s been a lot of hard work, lots of stress but I’m pleased I’m doing it.

Financial Earnings are interesting as I completed more copywriting work and earned more than ever before, while studying full-time. I seem to thrive on being busy and have been more productive because of all the demands on me.

My Financial Giving goals are good will stay the same this year: Support Sunwell, Fressey and their five children in Zimbabwe. See story about how I taught Sunwell in 1991 when he was 13 years old and photos of him and his beautiful family here.

Financial Saving – I just can’t see happening until my children leave home. I’ll have to live with that. It’s part of being self-employed.

lockbridge2

Plans for 2016

I’m not making any grand plans for 2016. Except to:

  • Travel as much as I can;
  • Complete my Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning at the end of June;
  • Keep running;
  • Keep writing for my copywriting clients and here for you.

Popular Posts from 2015

In case you missed them:

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a very happy holiday wherever you may be and whatever you are doing and that all your travel dreams come true in 2016.

me jumping

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10 Comments

  1. Fran December 21, 2015 at 11:28 pm - Reply

    Another year is nearly at its end. Enjoyed your summary. I’ve been busy all year, like usual and it’s times like this that makes you look back at what you have achieved throughout the year. Have a happy and safe festive season. Fran. Xx

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2015 at 4:44 pm - Reply

      Hi Fran,

      It is good to look back on what we’ve achieved and not worry so much about what we haven’t :)

  2. Red Nomad OZ December 22, 2015 at 11:22 am - Reply

    Wow! I got tired just reading it :D We visited the sensational Scenic Rim for the first (but not the last!) time in 2014 – next time the Mt Barney summit is SO on the agenda! I’ve only seen Mt Lindesay from ground level!!!

    Your thoughts about thriving on ‘busyness’ resonated with me too – the less I have to do, the less I WANT to do! How does that work?? Adding a few extras certainly hasn’t hurt my productivity or my confidence.

    Looking forward to seeing your adventures continue in 2016! Have a great Xmas & holiday season :D

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2015 at 4:45 pm - Reply

      That’s great to hear Red – hope you get to climb many mountains in 2106 :)

  3. Anne Sutherland-Smith December 22, 2015 at 3:38 pm - Reply

    Annabel, it sounds like you have had a great year so congratulations and all the best for 2016!

  4. Seana December 22, 2015 at 4:59 pm - Reply

    Great to read this and remember some of your stories I’ve enjoyed through the year. Well done on managing so much. And all that running too. Enjoy the holidays and New Year.

    • Annabel Candy December 23, 2015 at 4:46 pm - Reply

      Hi Seana,

      More running still ahead no doubt but looking forward to a break now :) Hope you get one too!

  5. Jo December 22, 2015 at 9:01 pm - Reply

    Wow you’ve had such a busy and hectic year. Well done on all your achievements. Can’t wait to read more of your stories next year and keep in touch x

  6. Sally December 25, 2015 at 12:16 am - Reply

    You had a great year, congrats! Don’t know how you do all of what you do! Though I totally agree with the financial situation- would love long term travel, but kids, school & school activities- will have to wait on that myself!
    Can’t wait to hear about your adventures 2016. Have a fantastic Christmas!

  7. Toni | 2 Aussie Travellers January 4, 2016 at 10:00 pm - Reply

    Happy New Year! Lots of good things achieved in 2015 and some good direction of what you want out of 2016, will look forward to reading more about your travels.

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