Happy Wandering – Page 2 – The adventures of two pals across the planet

September 5, 2017

IRL

The lay of the land in the dating world is one filled with interesting twists and turns. It’s a constant learning process. I have been on enough coffee meet ups to nail any job interview I undergo ever again. How to be calm when you’re excited; how to remain composed when you can see how much fun you’re going to have within this role; how to be construct sentences when you’re nervous system is sparking all over the place; how to close out an interview when you can see you’re not suited for the position. The background work is pretty robust. It’s come to light that the part that gets…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Relationships

March 27, 2017

The ‘Darcy’ conundrum

“We need more gentleman in our lives.” This comment came whilst discussing the ending to a book a girlfriend and I had both recently read. Granted, 1921 was a different time, yet the thought of ‘gentleman’ draws women back to reading books like this and continually re-watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth is a big part of my early teen memories, Mum would happily stare at him or Matt Damon all day – the lady’s got taste). Whilst I’m not a huge fan of the lack of communication that comes with the era, I am a big fan of the chivalry. This point seems to be…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Brisbane, Relationships, Single ladies

March 21, 2017

Flawed

People are just so fallible. I came face to face with gut wrenching disappointment after someone fell from the pedestal I had placed them upon. It was the combination of realising that they were human and flawed, as we all are, alongside the understanding that I had held them there completely of my own volition without their consent or knowledge. How dare they disappointment me in a manner that goes against the grain of how I’ve painted them! Them, simply living their life in the manner they see fit, unaware of the platform I’ve placed them on. The hardest pill to swallow is the one that is pointed out to…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Relationships

February 21, 2017

Palpable Shift

It’s a point of contention, a gripe you may say. I am a person – one who is chock full of feelings, thoughts, emotions, and ideas. I am a single gal who has previously taken a proactive approach to the dating scene. In life I am the type of person who has a friendly face that you’d ask directions from if you’re lost. My friends have said I’m warm and approachable, somewhere between ‘Alex the Lion’ and a Golden Retriever. I like people; I like to give them the benefit of the doubt far more often than they typically deserve. This is mostly due to the security I have in…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Relationships

January 22, 2017

Dating in a fast paced manner

Last week I tried something I’ve never, ever done before. Speed dating. It was terrifyingly awesome! I spent the afternoon mentally revising all the ways I felt kinda gross and listing the reasons I didn’t want to meet any new people. One shower, my favourite dress, eye liner, and a pair of golden flats (being amazonian, it was a team decision to avoid additional height with heels), I left the house feeling a little more upbeat about 20 or so strangers. I am pretty good with meeting new people. I’m not sure why I was nervous. It’s the unknown, ‘will they like me?’ ‘what will they think of me?’ ‘Baaaaaaahhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa!!’…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Relationships

December 1, 2016

Happy Gas

It’s been a rough week this week. There have been a lot of things weighing on my mind, a sense of disconnection, and being ‘low’. Those who have met me know this is not how I operate. I run on some serious happy gas most of the time. I’m very fortunate to be programmed to see the bright side of life in 98% of instances. I also choose to. This is not a ‘positivity’ thing specifically, it’s more the choice in taking on the lesson you’re faced with and growing with it. I have noticed recently too that if I have more than 2 drinks, ie at a BBQ,…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Balance, Grateful

November 11, 2016

Remembrance Day

Today was a magical day. Sitting in a lodge in Kinloch, I was reflecting on how thankful I am on this Remembrance Day. My Pop fought in WW2, he is the person I usually think about most when I’m giving thanks on this day. Today, I was thinking about my wonderful friend Carla who is in the service, the friends and family of those who are absent, reflecting on ANZAC day spent in Villers-Bretonneax last year, and the uncertainty of times. I am grateful. The life I lead is full of love, full of joy, challenges, overwhelming chaos, and fun. I thank those who gained meters in the mud in…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Travel

November 10, 2016

From Beaches to Canyons

I woke up in a panic about three times last night. I did NOT want to miss the sunrise over the Remarkables. I have a pretty room in Queenstown where I look out over the lake towards the East. At 5:30am I saw the light start to peek over the peaks, scattered clouds tinged pink. Birds started singing. I got up, took some photos, left the door strewn open and jumped back into my warm bed. I did have a moment where I thought ‘this would be a magical place to wake up and snuggle in next to someone for an hour or so before starting the day.” Then I…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Travel

November 7, 2016

….Parents.

I had a realisation the other day. I want to be friends with my Mum. I have spent the last 12 months fighting with my Mum about her health. As someone who has worked within the vague realm of medical appointments, being proactive and understanding the process is where I was coming from. I couldn’t quite reconcile that my Mother was the patient. The ability to explain things would come across as quite blunt, cold even. As much as I wanted to help and to a certain level, protect her, being bossy is my coping mechanism. I prefer to think of it as being ‘direct’. I have since recruited two…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Relationships

November 6, 2016

Mind Trolls

I has a situation last week where I didn’t want to make a phone call. It’s one of those times when you are labouring under the misconception that you’re doing everything to move towards a common goal, then in the blink of an email you realise that is simply not the case. I was sitting at the airport stressing over a phone call. I once read something along the lines of “eat the frog first” as a way of approaching big important tasks first, then the hard stuff is done. A google search indicates that is a line from Mark Twain. I’m pretty sure I read it at Kikki K…

written by Happywanderer - Posted in Insight