- CANDY HEARTS -

Make your own candy hearts with Crytogram's heart generator or use their 'goth' mode if you're hating on Valentine's Day!

- 24 BEFORE 24: AN UPDATE -

So the progress on my 24 tasks had come to a grinding halt around Christmas (see previous entry), and with less than two weeks til me birthday I have to say it's looking dismay. While I'd like to imagine that there will be some type of magical turn of events (such as not having to work) and I'll be able to get the list done, I doubt it.

At least I am better prepared for my list of 25 BEFORE 25 (and will have a whole 365 days to complete it)!

1. Make onion jam
2. Post once a week (or more!) on - Syrup & Honey -
3. Make a gingerbread house for Christmas
4. Name and organise all the photos on my computer
5. Make my own pasta
6. Sing karaoke solo
7. Make a matching set of oven mitts
8. Do a wine tour of Margaret River or the Swan Valley
9. Bake a gruyere souffle
10. Visit the WA Museum
11. Watch all three LOTR extended editions back to back
12. Paint the spare room
13. Make praline ice cream from scratch
14. Learn how to use a lighter
15. Roll my four superannuation accounts into one
16. Go skinny dipping
17. Get my CV and portfolio up to date
18. Upload all my CDs onto my computer
19. Go to the beach (it's been 5+ years)
20. Go to see a movie by myself
21. Learn/start learning how to use Adobe Illustrator
22. Watch both seasons of Heston's Feasts
23. Read the last Harry Potter book
24. Order a degustation menu - with matching wines!


Here's a picture of my handmade gnocchi with homemade pesto (#5):

- AU REVOIR CASPER -

At the beginning of December last year, I somewhat ambitiously set myself 24 tasks to complete before turning 24 (on the 24th February). Everything got off to a good start, began watching Heston's Feasts and made some ice-cream. Then there was the madness of Christmas, New Year's and returning to work, which would have all been manageable, apart from during this time I had to put down my utterly lovely cat called Casper. Two days before Christmas. 

He was the first pet I've ever lost and I was completely devastated. My Mum tried to convince me to wait til after Christmas, but I knew he was unhappy. This cat had purred for 13 years straight. Not just when he was happy, but when he was grumpy, angry and all the other dwarves as well. Then he stopped. 

Just liked everyone reassured me, it has gotten easier with time. While I miss him sleeping on my bed (left hand, bottom corner only), the things that make me remember him the most are things that we no longer have to do because of him. Like hide freshly cooked muffins (he's been known to sample up to six at a time and leave them on the floor) and any type of meat and the fact that our house doesn't constantly smell of disinfectant (he loved to eat lots biscuits and then drink water - causing them to swell, which then lead to him throwing up. So charming). Luckily I have another cat, who is putting up with 'two cats worth of love' quite well, which is remarkable considering he is the cat verison of a grumpy old man who pokes people with his walking stick.  

I imagine Casper is now spending his days lying on freshly washed clothes and occasionally getting up for a sneaky blueberry muffin and roast chicken. And not throwing up. 

Images available here.