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So 2004's over. It's been a strange kind of year - I turned 30 for a start, which everyone seems to think is a big fat hairy deal. For me it was a huge anti-climax. Cracking party though! 
I've spent a lot of 2004 doing a really sould-destroying and career destroying job, but at least by the end of it I've done something about it and taken steps towards my next move.
I took advantage of my landmark birthday to visit a place I'd always wanted to go - New Zealand. Saying the visit had a profound effect on me is the understatement of not just 2004, but potentially the century. I like to think of myself as something of a seasoned and at least mildly adventurous traveller, but everything I surrendered to that trip, it reapaid tenfold. I've never felt so instantly part of somewhere I've visited. After six months trying to talk myself out of it I have accepted a job there starting in March, and am currently going through the beaurocratic nightmare of moving to another country. How long I will stay is a question you can ask me this time next year, but in my heart I know I have to go, and if not now then when?
2004 saw the 20th anniversary of Band Aid. I remember (and stood in) the queues outside the shops to buy the record in '84, and although my memories of the resulting concert-of-a-lifetime are patchy at best, I do remember the mood of horror that the images from Africa brought to the nation, and the newfound confidence that we COULD make a difference. Sir Bob and friends' monumental achievements in Africa are always aknowledged, but I don't think enough people remember the effect Band and Live Aid had right here in the UK. Deep in the heart of a Thatcherite nightmare council estate, people stood up and shouted. And they were heard.
And yet, we have a whole new horror this year - the horror of the Asia tsunami. Normally I restrict my charity to local and national causes because I feel that they are neglected in favour of the "cool causes", but this is different. The news changed over the days after Christmas, from large tidal waves which have injured a few, to a force-nine earhquake with a death-toll approaching 150,000. It makes 9/11 look like a car-wreck. I've given what I can, it's just a shame it's only money.
2005 then. Things appear(!) to be generally stabilising with George Dubbya's global crusade of twisted Christianity and justice for all while he belatedly sorts out his own backyard. That should keep him off the streets for a while. Help seems to be pouring in for the areas torn apart by the aforementioned tsunami, which will surely spend the entire year putting their world back together, and I'm looking forward to the challenges of moving to the other side of the world and getting my career back to something I actually value as part of my life.
All the best everyone! Here's to peace, happiness and a whole lot of laughter in 2005.
Hmm- maybe I should check further back in my list of current conversations...I completely missed this one hunny! 
Nothing more constructive to say though...as I promised to quit nagging.
Zantic 
|   | Subject: The Long Strange Trip 2004
Posted Jan 12, 2005 by Big Red
This is a reply to this Posting.
| | Post: 3
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Well, I'm definitely not coming to your Christmas party if you're moving to ****ing New Zealand!
Seriously, I understand what you're saying. It's what my husband and I felt the first (and second and third) times we went to France.
I wish you all the best.
Strange - I think that's what everone else said! 
But you cannot get out of a trip to Glasgow BigRed. Hopefully I'll be back there for a bit this year and may take over the mantle (if I find a suitable place to hold it - mind I've only got 11 months left to get my act together!)
Zantic
| | Subject: The Long Strange Trip 2004
Posted Feb 1, 2005 by Big Red
This is a reply to this Posting.
| | Post: 5
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Fantastic! But I've been trying to parse the meaning of your message to TPC. Did he, uh, forget to tell you he was moving?
Nope - he did tell me.
What I meant was that I missed this thread entirely BigRed. and I've just done it again. Need to check and see if he's still on my freinds list (as in the h2g2 freinds list)
Zantic
Nobody loves me. I'm going to go and eat worms. 
I thought it was Red Snapper and fresh off the tree fruits? You ain't getting no sympathy from me bub.
Zantic
Mmm. Green lipped mussels..... 
Your thread  Right, you are for it! Green Lipped Mussels indeed! 
(I've got to get you now, as after the dentist I won't be feeling quite so silly)
Zantic
|  | Subject: The Long Strange Trip 2004
Posted Feb 9, 2005 by Big Red
This is a reply to this Posting.
| | Post: 11
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We DO love you, TPC, we're just trying to distract ourselves from the pain. Don't you know a cry for help when you see one?
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