Happy New Year! Best wishes for 2017!!
Another year has flown by with triumphs and hardships. I said goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016 in Sydney sitting by the Opera House and enjoying the spectacular fireworks with my oldest bro Sam. We joined the masses of people on their way home shortly after midnight. After a few hours sleep spent new years day shopping in the city.
In January, I left the scorching heat of Australia and travelled to snowy Japan with my wonderful Mum. Our itinerary included visits to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagano and Myoko. There were plenty of giggles along the way including when Mum acted like a chicken when asking if the food was chicken and the lady replied it was chicken in perfect English. It was magical to wake up in Kyoto and open the curtain to see that snow had fallen overnight and settled on the surroundings. This was the first taste of snow before we hit the powder in Myoko. I had a great time in Myoko and was pleased with my achievement of tethering with Charlie.
Shortly after returning to Australia in February I had surgery on my wrist to solve ongoing pain. My Mum generously moved in with me for three months as I recovered and continued to study. We enjoyed a few mini road trips together including travelling back home for Easter and an overnight stay touring the beautiful Southern Highlands.
Mid year I graduated with a Diploma of Photo Imaging. It was challenging but I was proud of my effort and learnt a lot. My portfolio included photographs taken during my travels to Japan. It was lovely to celebrate my exhibition and graduation with my friends and family.
My Birthday was spent at the lovely and snowy Falls Creek, Victoria with excellent food, friendly people and great snow. My parents gifted me with the experience to try snow mobiling. I enjoyed riding behind expert guide Doug as the sun set on the snowy terrain. In Birthday tradition, tutus were worn by my ski instructor Charlie, my little bro Michael and myself as we rode the mountain. It was great to be pain free post-surgery and to be able to progress my sit skiing with help from Charlie.
The end part of the year has been difficult as I have tried just about everything to gain paid employment including pursuing extra study and volunteering. It’s difficult turning down opportunities due to lack of wheelchair access and knowing that I have been discriminated against. I am stilling looking for employment.
2016 was made easier by my friends and family. I have been lucky to have expanded my network and made new friends.
I have set myself goals for 2017 including to gain paid employment and further my career in the media industry, and further my sit skiing. I look forward to sharing my stories. Wish me luck!
Happy New Year with love and best wishes for 2017!
Kate Swain 