My thanks go to

Today I will mostly be appreciating other people for making my life in general better

Laying the groundwork for a Sydney escape right now. I could go in any which direction but I think the first direction has got to be up, up, UP the East Coast of Australia. The peerless Andy Dennis is going to be giving me some cut price tours and for that I am eternally grateful; hope to quid pro quo things from a sales perspective in the coming weeks cause I want to feel like I've EARNT it. Will try and make another $5K for you this week!

A customer who became a good mate of mine just left to head up to Brisbane to plant Strawberrys - $50 every thousand seeds. Sitting in a pub with him discussing ways to abuse this system made me feel at ease in a way I haven't really felt since I've been here. For a guy who worked simultaneous day and night jobs to come travel, from a tiny little town in Scotland: too much respect. Getting pissed with you, Dan, was an absolute pleasure. Hanging about outside Scubar chatting to the dregs of traveller society at 4am could not have been fun without you so make sure to come and see me when I'm passing through and I'll do my best to think more and more only about the next two minutes!

I bought a new phone the other day. My $15 one isn't cutting the mustard and my Samsung Galaxy Ace fills me with techy, nerdy joy with every touchy swipe. I had a Galaxy Portal before that was fucking awful but I kept faith in the brand and I haven't been let down. I purchased it at 'cost price' aka at ~0% profit for vendor from my ex girlfriends phone shop so special credit goes to her. Names and prices will not be shared for security purposes (hahaha). Love for Melissa as well.

I chatted to my Nana for the first time in a month or so the other night and she did what only she can do - made me feel accepting and okay with my own flaws and difficulties while giving me sound advice on how to sort things out. I spent at least an hour talking about her and my family with Dan on his last night. Having Nana spend 5 hours cooking Christmas dinner for about 12 people (8 people + me, eating 4 servings) and then refuse to sit and eat with us until my uncle positively FORCES her into a chair was one ritual. The way I would ask for a small bowl of Jelly and then say no to her offers of  'ice cream? custard? a mince pie? trifle?' only to be given a bowl containing all of them.... that's my Nana and I love her a lot.

Special mention to Jack, heading to NZ on Friday! Tear it up my man, I'll be with you soon

Peace.