"We're Going on an Adventure"
These were the words a primary school teacher said to her young class as I was walking the Tan last week.
And in some ways I have felt my life overseas for 20 years has been just that. When we had the opportunity to move to Singapore from London I was very positive and keen for a new adventure. I have worked most of that time, retiring from corporate marketing 3 years ago to start another adventure of life beyond work and if all goes well we are due back in Melbourne in June 09 for another adventure.
It's a strange word "retirement". It has its challenges. As the year ends I am starting to think about what the shape of my life could look like when I am permanently back. I am starting to jot down my goals and ambitions for next year. That's the kind of person I am. I like structure, I am very task oriented and I like to have project goals and challenges to work towards. I like to commit to things. And I love to keep learning.
I have found Singapore a challenge these past few years. Partly we have been there too long, nearly 8 years, I dont feel challenged or fulfilled there, my husband is constantly travelling and my heart is homesick. Its definitely time to return. The upside of not working has allowed me to travel more frequently home but the downside is you don't really settle anywhere..........but that's the price I pay to be in Melbourne. So although I have wanted to sell my jewellery through Etsy my constant to and fro doesn't really allow it.
So as I arrive back in Singapore I want to be positive and look to the future and start working toward's next years goals. I am a list maker and like to write these things down.
So some of my goals I am beginning to commit to for 2009 include:
A book submission- I am working on that now (Branding and marketing and business planning for the Craft community)
My Etsy store - doing all the prep work ready to begin next June
Research other selling opportunities that I can do before I open Etsy including my Custom orders.
Investigate project and part time work opportunites in areas that I am interested in
Investigate NGV voluntary guides
Commit to Great Connections voluntary and mentoring opportunites.
Keep my blogging in perspective and allow me enought time to craft.
Read a book again! .....this is suffering since my Blogging began (A Thousand Splendid Suns)
Learn Felting
Hand Quilt my "Diamonds are Forever" Quilt
Make a Sewing Box
So I leave you with a wonderful shot of Singapore orchids to ponder over what your goals are for 2009?
Sharon
