freedom to dither

i have had a bit of a hard time evaluating 2011.  this is because while i can’t really look back at 2011 and point to any major life goals having been achieved, it has nonetheless been a really good year.  in fact, i’d have to say 2011 has been one of the best years in my life so far.  there are a few reasons for this.

first, 2011 has been a year of consolidation at work.  after a few turbulent years at qut, i feel in 2011 i managed to re-establish myself with my colleagues and with the leadership at qut.  while not everything went my way, i nonetheless feel i am valued by both my peers and the leadership at qut.  it was also one of my best years as far as my teaching is concerned.  i also feel i am finally beginning to find my research niche - regulation of politics and government on the internet.

second, i have a really great group of friends - both old and new.  however, it is probably some of my newer friends that have resulted in 2011 being without a doubt the most social and fun year of my life.  so i guess i should say a big thank you to all the twitter gays who have enriched my life in so many ways.  and a special thanks to marcus - a really wonderful man i met in 2011.  i’m sorry it didn’t work out.

third, i have two of the best flatmates in the world in ryder and mel.

fourth, 2011 was another sober year.  my life has been so much better since i gave up alcohol three and a half years ago.

fifth, 2011 saw my media profile continue to grow.  i am so grateful for all the media opportunities i have had this year.  in particular, a big thank you to spencer howson, andrew bartlett and lisa whitby and steve cannane from the drum for continuing to support me this year.

finally, my family.  i have such loving and supportive parents, and two of the best sisters a brother could ask for in suzi and kat.  and it was so nice to have suzi back from london for christmas, and to finally meet her partner kosta.

anyway so although i can’t look back and point to any particular events and achievements to say 2011 was a great year, i really have loved every minute of it.  i hope i have as much fun in 2012.