1 sleep

In part I've been dreading writing this one, for lots of reasons. The obvious being that although I'm beyond excited about going "home" I am not so excited about leaving behind my precious friends.

Yes there is email and skype and texts and phones and all of these modes of contact have served me and my Eastern states friendships well over the past seven years but dare I say what anybody who has ever left behind friendships would say, none of that is the same as meeting at Jacobs for some torture  followed up with a Jus or a maccas cheeseburger and a serious download... To share in person good news and bad and to be reminded albeit gently that sometimes you just have to let shit go.

Today's "will miss", number 1, has been mentioned in previous posts and I know that most of you who are reading already know who she is.

What you couldn't possibly know is how she has enhanced my life practically from the day she came into it. This "will miss" is "the admin girl" who influenced my decision to work at ICON. She is the one who shared Jacobs and running in Kings Park, laps in the Beatty Park pool. The one who would take the afternoon off work with me just to get drunk at the Shag and who no matter how much drama I faced in my life kept me grounded and reminded me in 5 words who I truly am.

Divorce can affect you in ways you never even imagine. When you leave a marriage and you're still deeply in love  it's very different to when you leave because you've fallen out of love. The reasons not everyone understands but you know in your heart have broken you to a point where you realise you can only save yourself and "each one must choose" at times seem invalid in your head and heart and you find yourself questioning your decisions. What else could I have done? Maybe I'm the one who has the real issues, maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut and not argued, maybe, what if and so on. Of course I know I could have done some things differently and I have my own demons in that respect but for the most part I think I did my fair share within my marriage.

To have support through times like this is undeniably the only way you come out the other side, the only way you can rise from the ashes and truly start over and my biggest support has been today's will miss.

Working together through the early days of my separation ensured that I was kept sane and reminded that I wasn't the shitty person I was being told I was for standing up for myself. Having her there day in and day out to just tell me I was going to be okay literally saved my life. To know that even when I was being crazy she had my back was some days the only reason I managed to function. It sounds so dramatic but the loss of my marriage was one of the most devastating experiences of my life and to think I caused it confused me beyond words. She helped me reconcile it in my own heart.

My number 1 will miss has the kindest soul I have ever known. Nothing malicious in her at all. A country girl with a big heart who I feel honoured to count among my besties, she guided me through the first months just by being in my life, and how do you even begin to thank someone for that? And not that she would ever expect thanks! She just shrugs her shoulders, sips her drink and says it's what friends do.

It hasn't always been doom and gloom - we were drinking buddies well before my life as I knew it fell apart and lunches in the kitchen and maccas and nandos runs were happy days! The famous fridge cleaning party where she had us cut off at the pub before we even ordered a drink...   Sky blues by the water, hidden vodka in our afternoon OJ and stealing the catering before it went into the boardroom, Australia Day where we decided to rename my youngest son "Bob" and Sunday sessions are all treasured memories!

But by now you're probably wondering what those 5 words she said were. I will finish with those words and tell you all that they have stopped me on many occasions from being a massive twat when my own self control had left me.

The words.... "San, you're not a hater"

Number 1 will miss - Jennine xxx

2 sleeps

In 1994ish "will miss" #2 Doc told us he was going to ask his girlfriend to uproot her life and move to Canberra to be with him. He forewarned us that "she wasn't really like us" meaning that she wasn't a binge drinker who would wake up after a night out and not be quite sure exactly what went on.  He continued saying she was shy, quiet and reserved (I couldn't understand how he thought we may not get on, she sounded just like me...)

Finally the day came and she arrived, I'm certain she would have felt overwhelmed, she was moving into a share house with three sailors whose best friends and closest neighbours (we just happened to live across the park!) were two  banging hot chicks who enjoyed a drink or three but you would never have known if she wasn't comfortable such is her warm nature she simply fitted in with us.

As I write this some 19 years later I prepare for my last nights here and I'm spending them with this"will miss".  So clearly, we got on! During this 19 years we have forged a bond and friendship that has seen us face the passing of friends, the breakdown of relationships, births of our children and the "loss" of Doc to his alcohol addiction.  She has always been there for me. Any time of day or night. When I needed somewhere to run to where I could regain my perspective and sit on my arse and do bugger all it was always her home. Saturday night girls nights with the kids and a few good movies were a favourite as were Halloween parties and her amazing fairy cakes!

Will miss 30 - Karen xx

3 sleeps

Once in a while someone comes along, that one in a million person who just stands out  and you can't quite put your finger on it but you just know they are meant to be a part of your life.

Today's "will miss" is one of the most amazing women I have ever met, her strength, character, compassion and ability to get up and keep going no matter what is thrown her way has inspired me many times over this past 20 months to do the same. Her innate ability to say the "right" words to remind me that I too am a strong and capable person has made my life that little but easier and her open door policy to her home has kept me housed when I quite possibly could have found myself homeless.  Her friendship has been a firm reminder to me that life is precious and God takes care of me no matter what!  I will miss our late night chats and the discussions I seem to only be able to share with her, I will miss her smiling face and reassuring hugs!

Will miss 29 - Adrienne xxx

4 sleeps

Today's will miss has been a difficult one to think on let alone write about.

 As a family we used to go here a few times a year but our must do trip was Mothers Day. Every year we would book a room and stay the weekend. Indulging in leisurely bike rides, swimming at the private beaches, sipping bundy and diet by the waters edge (remember I had the boys with me hence the fact I was sipping the bundy not guzzling it) and treating ourselves in general to a relaxing weekend without a care in the world. Reality couldn't touch us here. There was no fighting, no sadness, no dark times, only bright sunny days and balmy nights that seemed like paradise.

Here it would seem our family could be the perfect unit that many thought we were all the time. The boys would try to push us in the water rather unsuccessfully of course and they would naturally end up in there themselves!  The smiles and laughter were like rainbows to be marveled at and the memories of our times here are treasures that I keep tucked away for the days when thinking about our life as a family isn't too heartbreaking.

The boys would say the only thing missing on these trips was the fat dog (aka Gromit) I would gently remind them no dogs are allowed and Isaac would then pipe in with "yes and Grommy does love to chew his toy quokka he might do it to a real one!"  The quokkas are friendly and don't mind being patted although one did mistake Isaac's chubby bubby finger for food when he was about three... There was a bit of a theme with me encouraging him to pat or get close to the wildlife over here, a black swan also took a snap at him!

Will miss 28 - Rottnest Island!

5 sleeps

A big shout out to my bestie Suey who has been a "have missed desperately" this past 7 years. She's been taking a few liberties with regards to the blog not so much inferring but out rightly stating that she hopes my new home has some great places to eat as my blog is all about food...

In light of this I will say that I'm done with my places to eat and so today's will miss although it really has only in the past 12 months featured more heavily  in my life, it has been a  place to walk, cycle, kayak and help repair my soul.

I would take the boys fishing and watch with delight as they caught a puffer fish and then touched it to make it "get puffy" only to be the one to have to remove the bloody thing from the hook to frantic cries of "hurry mumma he will die!!!"

Watching the sun come up on the water was spectacular and somehow watching the "new dawn" here made life seem that little bit easier at a time when there were days just getting out of bed was a challenge.  My  heart and soul were comforted by  the activities on  and around the water and it is a great place to let yourself  be reminded that truly, you are never alone.

Will miss 27 - The Swan River

6 sleeps

Being a big fan of hamburgers, and with the recent uprising of 'burger' joints popping up around town I was delighted to find today's 'will miss' and will happily admit that it was love at first bite!

The key to a good burger in my opinion: great pattie that isn't the perfect shape, fresh salad, lots of sauce, cheese and a super fresh toasted, soft in the middle bun.

Now given most of the burger joints do gourmet and blah blah burgers, it's good to know you can go and order a burger like the good old days. Beetroot. BBQ sauce. Cheese. Meat. Lettuce. Tomato. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a great chicken mozzarella burger too.

Many an evening I have sat with friends or the boys, soaking up the buzz of Subi and people watching whilst enjoying my delicious made to order burger and a side of fries.

Will miss 26 - Jus Burgers. And to set the record straight it's pronounced Jus as in Justin, the creators name.

7 sleeps

Today is a bad day. I'm just going to put that out there, a sort of 'disclaimer' of sorts just in case this post doesn't sound as though I'm in the 'missing' mood.

This little exercise has really made me take stock of what is truly important to me. I've never been a materialistic person, I like nice things, pretty things and I am fond of shopping but when it comes to possessions, to quote a recent sermon at mass, what doesn't fit in my coffin, I don't need. (Possession wise).

Services. There are certain services or people that perform these services that I will miss. So today's will miss is dedicated to the people and places that make my life better by way of beauty and relaxation!

Waxing - my waxer in Royal Street bless her, she is a recent find but brilliant. Opening your legs wide without underwear for a strange woman to apply hot wax to your most intimate parts isn't always a comfortable experience but Kelly made it seem second nature and I will miss that.

Hairdresser - although my hairdresser of 6 years ran back to the UK her salon is still here and the person who replaced her used my card to always get my colour right. I will miss Saturday mornings tucked up talking about my life with whoever happens to be doing my hair!

Massages - the folks at Shens do a fab massage and even if it's just a $5 neck massage so that I can feel human again, I always leave feeling better.

Pedicures - there are a couple of places, one in East Vic Park, Innaloo, the city, anywhere that is willing to scrub and file my feet, massage my legs and paint my toenails gets a shout out.

Dog groomer - Carlene is a great girl and does an excellent job of grooming the fat dog even when he's been left for months and almost ends up totally shaved without his schnauzer feathers. She is also a great person who went out of her way to fit us in even when she was uber busy.

Shopping centres - Karrinyup, the City, Innaloo - my local haunts and I'll miss them all.

Will miss 25 - Services in this fair city!

8 sleeps

Whether it's discussing heartache, children, work, love, family or shopping for Christmas pressies or new clothes, time with today's 'will miss' is always great fun and good for my soul.

We met in 2000 when I was pregnant with my first son. We worked together as site secretary's for the ammonia plant being built south of the city. She for the Technip team, myself for the CSBP team. We spent countless hours in one another's office and bonded over conversations about the various people we worked with whom we gave dedicated nicknames... The Count for example, one of the engineers laughed like The Count and looked a little like him too!

Hours of laughter between us has forged a bond that distance or time cannot break. We have gone years without seeing one another, the odd text and call and never forgetting each others birthdays has helped us stay in touch, but it wouldn't matter. We fall back into our friendship like an old pair of shoes. Comfy and well worn, beloved, never to be thrown away.

As one of my closest confidants there is nothing she doesn't know and nothing I can't share with her. Never one to judge, she barely raises her eyebrows when I tell her even the most crazy things I have been up to in my life. She giggles and tells me sternly there are certain things I'm never to do again. i.e. get married. I laugh at her and promise her 'never again' and we continue our conversation.

She has always had my best interests at heart, she used to drive 25 minutes out of her way every morning just to pick me up for work. She left me her car when she went to NZ so I wouldn't have to catch the bus to work. The kind of friend who thinks nothing of the enormous things she does for you, just because she can.

Will miss 24, amongst my favourite people in the world, Carmel.

9 sleeps

Finding really good Chinese food has always been a struggle for me. It's very much like a lucky dip! Being what some of my friends call "fussy" but what I consider to be discerning in the standard of meat I will eat, makes it difficult to enjoy random Chinese. You just never know what you're getting. There is a very good reason I don't do yum cha!

Leaving Canberra was hard for lots of reasons but one of the biggest holes left to fill was our weekly outing to Phoenix Garden, a random over sized Chinese restaurant in Phillip that did more take away than it did dine in but did the MOST amazing schezuan beef. With tender, no fat on it at all beef, and the right mix of heat and sweet, mmmm it makes my mouth water thinking about it. As you can imagine, I was keen to find a replacement, quickly.  But alas, every Chinese place near us was dodgy. It sounds so dramatic I know, but when you are a foodie, not being able to indulge in a favourite takes it's toll!

Cue Mon and Lisa, who also introduced me to the Prophet and I find myself in Chinese/Malaysian heaven in a dodgy looking restaurant on Albany Highway where the staff are far from polite and where the food is out in under 10 minutes just so they can rush you out the door. I was brave, I ordered the schezuan preparing myself for disappointment. To my utter delight although it wasn't exactly the same, it was very bloody close and I had, at last, found my Chinese replacement!

On the Albany Highway in East Vic Park, you will find the most fabulous honey chicken and schezuan beef. As a side, the staff liked us so much more after we took a visiting German friend who spoke fluent Chinese and ordered for us in Chinese! Will miss 23, TenTen Kitchen.

10 sleeps

Business end of it all now... 10 sleeps, limited opportunities to get one last "go" at things I will miss in this city. Naturally being the talented woman I am - I am able to multitask and roll a few things into one.

One example of this talent is the fact that I'm not the only one leaving this town, my boys are on the exit path with me!  They have made good friends in our 7 years here and a farewell was naturally in order for them too. With the weather a balmy 25 all weekend we planned a day at Hillary's.  For 20 bucks you get to ride the water slides, bounce on the giant trampolines (perfect for front flips), play mini golf, climb the rope towers and netted towers, not to mention a myriad of other kiddie rides. I for one enjoy the slides and tramps the most... Yes, it is about the kids...  Back to the things that make Hillary's great, not just the Great Escape park but Cold Rock, San Churros, beach with jetty and pontoon including slides, waterside bar, great hot chips and a real holiday feel!

We have had some of our best days at Hillary's and quite a few "firsts" were achieved here. First front flip, first waterslide, first Cold Rock, first jump off a jetty. And many a catch up with "will misses" have taken place out here too.

Will miss 22 - Hillary's Boat Harbour

11 sleeps

Cue the theme song to 'Cheers' (one of my favourite tv shows)

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same You wanna be where everybody knows Your name.

Now, onto my next 'will miss', this bar is my 'Cheers' moment in life. Truly. I could walk in alone, bound to find someone I know. Or to buy me a bundy, listen to me unload, make me laugh, give me a cig should the need arise, tell me a story to make me realise, actually my life isn't that bad or just sit at the table and people watch with.

Being regulars has it's perks too. Free birthday cocktails. Shots after cut off. Drinks in general after cut off. Not being cut off when you should be. You get the picture. But it was more than that. It was a place of real comfort. Not just for me. For our crew in general.

What a mixed bag. All professionals. Some functioning alcoholics. Some non functioning alcoholics and some who just needed to 'be' there. But together, somehow, we all fitted and we all had a place in one anothers lives. So it's not just the bar I will miss, but the friends I made there and who supported me even when they didn't know they were doing it.

'Will miss' 21 - Black Tom's (BT's)

12 sleeps

Some situations just can't be fixed with words or tears alone. For those tough times, when Haighs isn't available, we need to resort to something as close as possible that will offer us comfort. The kind of comfort that even the best of friends can't offer.

Yes, I'm talking about chocolate. It would be a few years ago now that I first discovered this little gem but I have been a regular ever since. 'Oh you want to meet for coffee, shall we go to San Churros?' and I will admit to not ever having been told 'no' to that particular suggestion.

And with good reason. Chocolate afterall, heals anything!

To quote Roal Dahl "Never mind about 1066 William the Conqueror, 1087 William the Second. Such things are not going to affect one’s life… but 1932 the Mars Bar and 1936 Maltesers and 1937 the Kit Kat – these dates are milestones in history and should be seared into the memory of every child in the country."

I'll miss the times shared with friends, the treats halved and the ones that weren't, the comfort of 'somewhere to go' when I needed to just be alone with my 'one great love'

'Will miss' number 20 - San Churros

13 sleeps

It’s always darkest before the dawn. I don’t know how many times I have said this to my friends in a time of crisis. Both literally and figuratively. I have often needed to remind myself of this in the past 20 months. To remember every cloud truly does have a silver lining and no matter how hard the hit, there is always someone to help me get back up on my feet again.

I have written about a few friends, near and dear who have willingly had their photos splashed over the blog and been happy to be named! And they have all played a part in picking me up over the years.

But this particular friend, the one who has helped me through some of the darkest days I have faced has asked to remain anonymous. Naturally I will abide with their wishes and say no more about names. But I will say that their support, unconditional love and never ending willingness to share song lyrics with me just to make me smile has meant the world to me.

‘Always a rainy day without you…’ We bonded over Queen. We cemented over Keane and we parted with Adele.

To my ‘will miss’ number 19 – ‘Watch how you go’ xx

14 sleeps

Job. a paid position of regular employment (As defined by oxford dictionaries)

No where in this description does it say 'when you take this "job" your world will open up on many levels". Friendship. Frustration. Joy. Sadness. Satisfaction. Anger. Angst. Love.

In mid 2010 I applied for a job that if I'm to be honest I don't really remember applying for. Oh the joys of Seek! But, none the less I was invited to interview. I received an email from a young lady who was the administration officer and if I'm to be blunt, it was her email that swayed me into actually turning up for the interview. In her email to me, amongst other things, I was informed in great detail of the buses that would take me from the city centre to the stop right out the front of the office. What times they would run and even how to get back after the interview. This email made such an impression that when I walked in I asked for her by name and thanked her because even though I hadn't caught the bus, just the fact that someone would go to such trouble, it made me think this was somewhere I wanted to work.

I met with the then HR representitive and the man who would be my boss. At 29 and newly promoted to his position within the company I was dubious as to how I would go as PA to someone who had never had a PA, never been a Manager at that level and who, quite frankly, looked like he was 12. I put this aside and discussed the role and expectations etc. From there I was invited to a second meeting with the then CEO and my would be boss again. I was offered the job, I accepted and I started a week later.

My boss was away for the first 6 weeks and to say that I felt a little like a fish out of water would be an understatement. Being a very male dominated workplace and industry for that matter I found the blokiness so refreshing after my stint in a very high profile government office where nobody said what they really meant. Here, right before my eyes I almost witnessed a punch up on my first day! I was giggling and looking at my keyboard pretending not to watch and be totally enthralled by it!

Fast forward a few weeks and we're at drinks and one of the 'blokes' says to me, 'do you know the rules Princess?' Stunned by the arrogance of his statement I replied 'go hard or go home'. He looked at me and we shared a knowing smile. Several hours later I put him in a taxi! I could share 100 stories of drunken nights with the crew from this company and they are nights that I may not completely remember but KNOW I had a great time!

This company seemed to attract a certain type of person. Talented. Bright. Tenacious. Hard working. A group of fantastic people all in the same company. Yes, there were those who didn't fit and usually didn't last but for the core group, they fitted. They worked. They were a great reason for getting up. For facing even the toughest days. There are so many people I will miss, there are so many things about the company I do miss (I no longer work there) but as a collective, number 18 'will miss' is ICON.

15 sleeps

Some of you may know this but this isn't my first attempt to live in this city. Back in 1999 I came here to "see what it was like.". I faired just as well that time round and lasted only 8 months before moving back East, only to return 6 months later and stay for another 18 months. It was during this stint that I met today's "will miss".

Being a serial temp since leaving the RAAF I tend to change jobs often or at least get shuffled around a department a lot and have therefore worked in a few different organisations. When I got the call asking if I'd be willing to work at ECU in Churchlands I had no idea where that even was. My first time round this fair city I was South of the river (SOR) second time round I am North (NOR).  NOR is better, for example when I first lived here only NOR had a train line. I still can't fathom how a city has a train line on only one side of it... I'm completely off subject now!!

Back to ECU - I took the job on offer working with the International students team and this was when I met JoJo. At 20 she was the sweetest girl I had ever met and in fact to date she holds that title. Gentle, kind, caring, funny and literally just a sweetheart! She is a teacher and I have always felt the children in her classes are blessed. In fact I have said to her several times how I wish she had been my own sons teacher. JoJo is a mum now and I know her beautiful son will be miles ahead of his peers by the time he hits school because his mum is not only loving and caring but smart and she teaches him, even now.

In the time we have been friends we have shared a great deal. Marriages, babies, divorce, the loss of her beloved Dad and through it all there were birthday cards and texts -  early morning breakfasts, spasmodic calls and emails, never once has distance or lack of contact threatened this friendship. There is an unwritten rule with the best of friendships that says "sometimes life gets in the way" and that is OK. (Especially when your life is as drama filled as mine!)   Her patience and ability to simply listen and let me vent never trying to fix me or my issues has been a great gift. I'm grateful for her friendship and will miss her dearly!

Will miss number 17 - my JoJo xx

16 sleeps

This 'will miss' is a two for one. A package deal that has been that way since 2007/2008 when these two amazing women and I connected in the office and then over several bottles of white wine, minus the dinner we were supposed to have. (I know, by now you will all be thinking, is there a running theme with this woman's life. Alcohol? I'm not actually the alcoholic I would appear but I do love a drink. Especially with good company.)

How do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
Not quite, but there have been times the lessons learnt have been hard and I naturally tend to make them harder for myself, why do things the easy way after all?? Whilst learning some valuable lessons these two have been by my side. Every. Step. Every. Fall. Every. High. Every. Low.

We have shared many things. Heartache. Heartbreak. Love. Loss. Happiness. My favourite memories are of the laughter. Amongst the many tears, there have been laughs that literally took our breath away. Usually shared over a good meal and with some bubbles we would open up about the 'real stuff'. The things you don't say to most people because you fear their reaction let alone their response.

Friendships that stand the test of time, the frankness of 'calling' each other on things that others perhaps wouldn't, house sharing, not seeing each other as often as you would like because life simply gets in the way are the kind of friendships that need to be clung to. Even when there are days it all seems too hard. When I first left our office I am sure I suffered separation anxiety. We had spent every day together for nearly a year and lunch wasn't really the same unless we ate it together. Thankfully we have managed to keep a running email conversation going that keeps us connected.

For their understanding, patience, support, love and advice I'll be forever grateful.

Will miss number 16, Mon & Lisa xx

17 sleeps

Given where we live and the glaring fact that even on a Friday night you are hard pressed to find anywhere decent to drink and dance especially after 10pm.  Finding a good spot for a Sunday session would seem the impossible... And to say I've always found this a "good spot" would be a bold lie.  I often refused to return due to the lack of bar service and long queues for the toilet. But alas Joanna would gently remind me that there is literally nowhere else to go and trust me, we did the rounds trying to find somewhere else!

You could be forgiven for thinking you had somehow ended up at the high school disco and don't get me started on the fake tans, hair extensions and dresses so short there is nothing left to the imagination ... Obviously the crowd tends to be on the young side with a smattering of oldies (I include myself in this) so it's not exactly my scene. The music can be a bit "housie" after dark but it does make for a good dance session especially after a bottle or two of bubbles! 

Joanna and I have shared many laughs here and our running joke is the live band - the lead singer happens to look a lot like our priest so we have named him Father Jo and he plays the same songs in the same order every week. He also tends to  play 3 songs then have a very long break and come back for a similar second set. Ok I may be exaggerating  (and giggling as I write this) but it is how it seems at times.  His love of Crowded House is always appreciated!  

The food here is hit and miss, the bar staff tend to always look like they are stoned and the head of security thinks he is Arnie... But The Saint has some redeeming features, ie it's open after 8pm on a Sunday and there is more than 5 people there... Right, now I'll try to be serious.  They always have sport on the big screens - big plus! The pizza is really good most of the time, the outdoor area is gorgeous in Summer and buzzing with the crowd mostly Irish and English happy to share some craic. The bouncers are always polite when they escort us out (Joanna's fault) and it's become our local so much so that we tend to nod and say hi to most of the crowd these days. 

Without further ado "will miss" 15 - The Saint! 

18 sleeps

When life gives you lemons it's always good to know there are those around you who will order you a bottle of tequila and some salt and happily sit at the bar next to you drinking shots and being your sounding board!

I've always been a believer that people come into your life for a reason when you need them most.  Standing in the photocopying room cursing the damn machine for not doing what I wanted it to do, in breezed my next "will miss".  I first noticed her a few days earlier as she occupied a desk down the hall from me and she seemed to spend a lot of time looking at her mobile - I remember thinking to myself she must be in love.  (How right I was)

A few days later she stopped me as I walked past and I'm not sure how she raised it but she asked me about my impending divorce. The rest as they say is history.  We have, since that very day, had a running email conversation dotted with lunches and the odd dinner about life and all it's ups and downs.  Freely speaking to someone about a love you shared that is no longer a good thing for your heart is hard to do, people who don't know you well tend not to understand  how you can say you love someone so intensely but walk away from them. Every now and then you are surprised by the special ones who have been blessed enough to experience such love so they "get it."

Which brings me back to being right, which I often am... (Yes I'm also incredibly modest...) My new friend is deeply in love and one of the highlights of being her friend is the way her face lights up when she talks about her partner. It warms my heart to see this type of love as I understand it so intimately. 

Without the support, friendship and love this "will miss" has given me over the time we have been friends my days would have much harder to face and my life would not feel quite so full. 

My will miss number 14 - Debbie xxx

19 sleeps

For my friends, this 'will miss' needs no introduction. Can't say I've ever picked up here as the name may suggest but I have definitely had some HUGE sessions here and even when I have had the odd quiet afternoon, it has been very enjoyable.

For the non locals, here is a run down as per 'what to do in Perth' sites

"Who doesn't love a good shag? I'm certainly not one to complain. The Lucky Shag will cater to all your wants and needs. Alcohol? Check. Good food? Check. Fun crowd? Check. Aesthetically pleasing? Double check. A bad day can be instantly rectified by ordering a glass of wine, pulling up a chair overlooking the river and soaking up some vitamin D at The Lucky Shag. I kid you not. The Lucky Shag is definitely one of my favorite bars in Perth."

I'll share one little story of ours.  'Will miss' soon to be featured and I took an afternoon off work and decided The Shag would be our spot for some lunch and maybe a few quiet bevvies.  We'd been enjoying the view below when a very expensive boat full of older gents decided they were going to dock, right there. In front of our perfect view. To say the least we weren't happy and given we were on our 5th or so round we weren't shy in letting them know.  For our trouble we scored a round of drinks and the offer of sharing their massive seafood platters.  We naturally accepted the token gesture of a free drink and declined the seafood. One doesn't require food when there is bundy on hand... Moving forward 5 or so hours and I'm watching 'will miss' soon to be featured holding onto the edge of the table with her eyes closed saying she couldn't see and should probably go home I thought perhaps we should have eaten.  I still giggle to myself at the vision of her holding onto the table.

Will miss, lucky number 13, the Lucky Shag!  

20 sleeps

The stairs that bind. For locals, Jacobs Ladder needs no introduction. For the non locals, I'll give you a little insight courtesy of wiki, cause I can!

"Jacob's Ladder is a set of stairs located at the end of Cliff Street, which marks the boundary of Kings Park. It has 242 steps and leads down to Mounts Bay Road. The Ladder is a popular site for Perth residents to exercise, with many people using it in the mornings and on lunch breaks. The staircase was closed after being damaged by a landslide during a storm on 22 March 2010,and re-opened on 21 June 2010, after repairs..."

We don't use it at lunch time, no way would I be going back to work with a face as red as mine gets after a few trips up and down JL.  We have however managed morning sessions on a Sunday but tend to normally do it of an afternoon. 

It's always crowded and the faces become familiar as you become more of a regular.  The diversity and dedication of the people making this trek is amazing. Shoeless (this includes my youngest son), shirtless (trust me, not always a good thing), business attire, young and old. Looking down from the top of the stairs is almost a spiritual experience, although when you're heart is racing and you're trying to catch your breath it doesn't always feel that way!  

Will miss number 12, Jacobs Ladder!  

21 sleeps

When does a house become a home? Is it when you have spent an entire night ripping up the carpet you want to replace with floorboards. Is it when you design your new kitchen and oversee the upgrade. Or is it when you select the new tiles for the bathroom and decide on what colour bench top and how big you want your shower? Is it when your father invests his entire holiday in sorting out the backyard and installing those fantastic little mist spray thingies that make summer tolerable and keep the flies away?

Perhaps the question should be, when does your home become just a house again? When the love that thrived there so wonderfully begins to die? When the spare room becomes the place you spend most nights?

When you no longer talk about it as somewhere to grow old together but how much money your share of it will give you?

At the end of the day, it's just bricks and mortar. Home is where your heart is, no matter how bruised your heart is.

7 years ago we bought this house together, made it a home and now it's 'sold' and is simply a house again.

It's perfect location, great size, fantastic neighbours and general perfection no longer matters. It's dollars in the bank.

But for what it's worth, it's number 11 will miss for me.

22 sleeps

Kings Park has always been a favourite spot of mine to visit. Picnics, walks, tourist visits, afternoon tennis with the boys and a bbq dinner, dawn service on ANZAC day and Australia Day fireworks to mention a few.

It has spectacular views, but it's more than that, there is a certain serenity about it that is hard to define. I have spent many special times at Kings Park but in recent months, I have been running there of an afternoon with a soon to feature 'will miss' and now it holds an even more special place in my heart. As we run we muse over the challenges and blessings life is giving us daily and I'm certain we look equally hot and perplexing as we giggle or gasp in horror at the stories we share whilst we run our arses off down the path only to turn and walk back up! 

Will miss number 10 - Kings Park. 

  

23 sleeps

The Royal Show - what more needs to be said... Ok for most of you probably a great deal more. For me, the show is one of my most favourite times of the year.  Luckily I have two little boys who totally agree with me and are more than willing to join me not only in my general excitment but on the scary rides too!

Every year with the exception of last year when I was on the 'right' side of the country for a besties wedding I have been at the show.  One year in fact, we went twice...

There is a feel about the show here. I love the animals. The farmers. The rides. The showbags. The overpriced food. The halls filled with household wares and things you won't ever use but seem like such a great idea at the show. (I must admit to never really buying anything along those lines), but I can see why people do.

Although it's only once a year, will miss number 9, The Royal Show.

24 sleeps

It would seem if it's not my friends I will miss desperately it's the food... It took me a long time to find the culinary treasures that are rating a mention here and I clearly remember when I first moved here crying about the fact that I no longer had access to Woodstock Pizza (Canberra) so when I was introduced to Chelsea pizza here it was also a tear worthy moment!

Not only is the pizza exceptional, the times I have shared there with friends will keep it close to my heart!

Will miss number 8 - yum!

25 sleeps

It's strange to think of how emotionally traumatic the end of a marriage can be. It's like a death without a physical body.  If there was a body there would be closure. You would say goodbye, grieve and people would understand.  We have all experienced heartbreak and although I knew I was not alone it was still my journey and only I could walk it.  When I first realised that I wasn't really coping with the gaping wound in my heart I started to swim. The comfort of slipping into the water feeling it envelop me saved my life. In the water I could let forth all the crazy and heartbreaking thoughts that I fought to push away. Somehow it was easier to face them if my body was moving and the water was surrounding me like a blanket.  When I was stronger, fitter I decided to utilise the gym I had joined for swimming and took up running. I've always had a love hate relationship with running and this time round  was no different. I started running on the treadmill at my gym and set my goal to reduce the time it took to run 1km. Every day I go to the gym, I get on the treadmill and I run. Some days are so easy, others are just hard work but like Lorna would say - "don't stop when you're tired stop when you're done" and that's what I do.  I started taking photos of the workout times to mark my progress.  Some days I don't try to beat my time I just do my regular run and enjoy the feeling that I can!  The gym is literally my home away from home. There were nights I would stretch for 30 mins or sit and watch the water aerobics just so I wasn't alone.

I will miss the morning chats with Kimmy as I collect my spa band. I will miss the familiar  faces  I nod to every morning and the adorable Chinese ladies who never fail to tell me how amazing I'm looking. I will miss praying and crying in the steam room under the safety of the steam. 

In general I will miss my gym. Number 7 will miss. 

26 sleeps

To continue my running theme of the friends who have changed my life whilst living in this fair city, I give you Hannah.  I've never been one to concern myself with age when it comes to friends, younger or older, to me, friends are friends. I tend to just think we're the same age. Afterall, it's not as if I've ever really progressed from being 18...

In May I started a new job, I'd had a few months of doing bugger all but being paid well for it but my free ride, as I like to call it came to an end and I had to find a new job. This one although not quite as free a ride was pleasant and it brought with it the opportunity of new friendships.  When Hannah turned up at my desk one morning to drop off some papers for my boss I was dazzled by her smile. It went all the way to her eyes and I thought, yes, I like this girl.  We chatted easily and the next thing you know we're shooting the breeze over cheeseburgers and doing our grocery shopping together.  Fast forward 6 months and this 21 one year old, who is mature beyond her years has been a rock for me. With a simple 'I miss you' text she can transform what could have been a bad day into a day full of possibilities. Such is her ability to make you feel good about life in even the darkest of hours. Afterall, no matter how great you are at picking yourself up, sometimes you just end up in a pity party! We all need a bouncer to call last drinks at times.

Without further ado, number 6 will miss - Hannah and accompanying her in this picture is her beautiful offspring Eva (EB) xx

27 sleeps

Being a bit of a foodie, I tend to fall in love with a particular dish and never stray from it, no matter how often I eat at the restaurant...  In a suburb not too far from the city, close to one of my previous places of employment there is an amazing cafe called The Prophet. It is run by Jihad, an adorable man who makes his regulars feel very special by always having a table for them, going out of his way to spoil their children with free dessert and by simply stopping to ask how their meal  was and say hello. His son Christian is the chef and I will tell you now, you will NEVER find a better satay chicken!  Around 6 years ago I was introduced to it by another "will miss" yet to be featured and The Prophet has become my favourite place to eat  on this side of the country. It's the one place I take all visitors  and insist on shoving my satay chicken down their throat if they fail to order it themselves.

Number five will miss - satay chicken at The Prophet

28 sleeps

I've never been much of a treasure hunter but God has always managed to find for me his most rare and precious gifts and give them to me in the way of friends. (I want to remind you all that only my friends on this side of the country will be mentioned here given they will be my misses so friends on the East you are equally as treasured!) When I started at DTF I was not in a particularly good place in my life. This city had handed me a few disappointments in the career sense and my marriage was literally beginning to crumble.

Enter my Irish treasure! When I meet someone who literally takes my breath away with their physical appearance I actually assume someone so attractive could never be good on the inside as well, twice in my life this assumption has failed me. Not only is Joanna beautiful, she is kind, generous, funny, loving and no matter what - she's there for you! We have a long history of drinking and dancing up a storm, unfortunately we never seem to last longer than 1 drink at the Hippy Club before we are asked to ermmmm go and have some pizza and find somewhere else to dance...   

In recent months, with the chaos and turmoil in my life Joanna has been my Sunday saviour. We go to mass and then we go to "mass". Which entails a few quiet bevvies (cough cough) and a dance.  Our bar of choice is somewhat more tolerant than the Hippy so we usually make it to stumps which we all know in this city is about 10pm (and people wonder why I'm leaving!!!)

Without further ado - my number 4 will miss - my Irish treasure Joanna xx

29 sleeps

They say it's the simple things... Well, when you walk your dog and kids along the west coast highway path there is a real feeling of togetherness. I find this perplexing because in general, I don't find the people of this city welcoming or tolerant of the flocks of outsiders who have come here to make their "fortune". Not unlike the gold rush really... I  digress,  the views along this path are beautiful and can heal even the most wounded of souls, if only you let them.

I give you my number three will miss.

30 sleeps

There are those friendships in your life that are not dissimilar to the energiser bunny - they just keep on going, in spite of what life throws at them.

My friendship with Doc is one of them. We met when I was 17 and there hasn't been a day that's passed since where he hasn't been a part of my life even when I am throwing tantrums about varying things.

Yesterday we went to the local near his home and shared a bottle of red and I listened to him plead with me not to leave - to please reconsider my decision.

I fought back the tears that threatened to spill over and stood, rather sat firmly with him telling him that leaving was no longer a choice. My sanity depended on it.

As he always does he sighed and said "I understand"

number 2 will miss - Doccy

31 sleeps

There are always times of change, for everyone. We either embrace and accept the inevitable or we fight kicking and screaming and end up exactly where we are meant to be anyway.

After 7 years in a city I have never connected with. With the breakdown of my marriage and the loss of closest of close friendships behind me - I am finding it difficult to not be jumping for joy that in 31 sleeps I will be leaving and unless it's to see one of my "crew" here get married I will more than likely never return.

But in the midst of my jumping for joy I have forced myself to take note of the people, the places, the routine that I know I will sorely miss.

And so it begins. The chronicle of my last 31 sleeps here and the 31 things I will miss the most!

In no particular order - I give you number one.

Beatty Park swimming pool - my saviour in recent months!