It's been an interesting few weeks. Not the most pleasant, and sort of unexpected, but I guess that's the joy of life. Not only have I experienced the loss of someone close to me, I have been under a bit of pressure at work and I had my car broken into on Friday night. You would think that it would be easier to start 2008 with a fresh slate, but unfortunately something is in the air.

Despite these things though, I am doing my best to keep my chin up. I finally turned 23 on the 24th of January, and I had an awesome surprise pot-luck birthday dinner with obligatory icecream cake. It was a really nice surprise, and I was very spoilt by the end of the day.

Along with the birthday came some awesome birthday gifts, and I will be able to prompt myself to use one in particular - being an artists easel. I've been trying my best to get into the habit of doing a few paintings, and my boyfriend is trying to prompt that habit for me.. Eventually I will do something about that, and hopefully the outcomes will be posted on this website.

Last weekend also gave us a a new tenant at our flat for an indefinate period of time. We helped shift Lana into our place as her lease had run out, and she unfortunately hadn't found a place that wanted her - so she is crashing at our place, and if things work out, might live here for a while.

Apart from that - life is slowly coming along. It's just weird how things turn out. Next year, instead of giving me happy wishes for next year, give me a fuel voucher or something instead!

So, while things were going to a swimmingly fine start, I get some news. The shock-how/what/why-sort of news, which has left my headspace in a less desirable place than I would like it to be.

My close friend and co-worker died yesterday. Her, and her husband were trying to cross a river, which had risen due to the rain from the previous day. They were forced to construct a make-shift shelter as they waited for the current to die down. Unfortunately, as she tried to cross the river, she was swept away. Her body was discovered this morning.

I am feeling somewhat numb, and a little lost for words. This death is the first I have ever had that has been someone significantly close to me, and I suspect once I am back at work, it will be very hard for the first few weeks, if not more.

I am thinking of you, Annie. May you rest in peace. You touched my life in a fantastic way. You will be dearly missed.