2008 began with the depature of Kuba, dumplings-eating partner in crime, followed by a holiday in China. A lack of edible food and altitude sickness in Tibet led to significant weight loss after which I heartily enjoyed prancing around in jeans and skirts that I hadn't been able to wear in several years. Upun return to Sydney I quickly found a new job at "oysee", as the French sometimes call it, and flew to Taiwan and South Korea, an event which I scarcely believe I was lucky enough to enjoy. I so wish I had gone with the experience and knowledge that I have now. Over the year I did another four subjects (one third) of my silly Masters degree/Australia export cash cow, including two in Advanced Business Chinese, a bludge subject for native and background speakers of Chinese, and a confidence-destroying nightmare for the white Mandarin-learning nerds which numbered four or five. It was the first time, however, we were allowed to bring in our computers and connect to the uni's wireless system in an exam. 'No dictionaries allowed', however. After getting to know M through our group assignment on Marketing Communications, I realised how strong an influence the media is on the average person's perceptions of Muslims and the Middle East. As the year comes to an end, we have squeezed ourselves (and our stuff) into my little bedsit in Summer Hill, and he is considering staying in Sydney until I finish my degree.

New Year's Resolutions/Revolutions for 2009:

1. Finish all the books I have started reading, including:

The Female Eunuch (LOVE IT so far. Wish I had written it myself.)

100 Years of Solitude 

Arabian Nights, and 

Al Quran

In fact, I think I only completed one book this year. White Teeth.

2. Quit smoking 5-6 times

3. Finish this goddam pain-in-the-arse degree and fly away. Places I will live include:

Dubai

London

Anywhere in the Carribbean

France

4. Become a more confident person especially when networking.

5. That's about it. No major goals except finishing. 

M hates it when I get drunk because apparently I become a different person. It's true I unintentionally pick little arguments with him about things like

Women in Islam

Western women and their lack of morals ;-)

Our relationship

Oh by the way I had my staff xmas party on Friday night and we had tapas in the Rocks. We all got drunk (at least, I did) and I laughed so much my abs hurt later. We were in hysterics right up until the end of the night when we got the bill.