I failed : (

I'm still a Grad Dip in Advanced Tax student waiting to graduate. My result was emailed to my work account on Friday when I was away sick with the 'flu. It was the final subject in a 6-subject post-graduate coursework qualification.

This puts the brakes on me considering more study next year, but it's not the end of the world.

37%. This is terrible. Especially when I sat the same subject in 2005 and was graded 38%! How can I learn more, absorb issues to a greater depth, but be graded worse!? I have never failed a subject before in anything, ever (of course some quite mediocre grades but never anything to put my academic standing on 'Probation').

What's more, I arrogantly skipped going to see Judith Lucy's latest live stand-up gig, 'I failed!' about her broadcasting contract with Austereo being torn up. There would have been some choice life lessons I could have learned from that.

Oh it is depressing. I'm sick with flu as well which means I can't exercise at the gym or with my friends in Frontrunners. I really need a boost from endorphins released by exercise right now.

I'm so sick I can't drink either.

*Sigh*

Hello, I have a life again!

My graduate diploma in advanced taxation (gulp!) is complete with the final exam in the UNSW ATAX subject, 'Taxation of Property Transactions' over with at the end of last month. I've already had a go at this subject once, so I hope that this time I have passed.

Today I completed my first half-marathon in the Gold Coast event. Lucky I do not type with my feet because they're a bit sore right now. My time was 2 hours 32 minutes. Lots of older and fatter people crossed the line before me. The secret is stamina - it comes with age I am told.

A 79 year old retired geography professor who completed the run with me assured me I will be running full marathons before I reach my forties! Well, that is if I have ankle, knee and hip joints left intact to perform such a feat.

I am pleased to advise that I'm resuming my hectic social schedule. Those of you in Brisbane are most welcome to come along with me to these events:

+ singing with Roar community choir in Graceville, every Monday night 7-9
it's daggy and fun. Shower singers are welcome.
www.yaniworld.com

+ trivia at Sportsman's hotel, every Tuesday night 7:30 - late
it's daggy and fun. As of this week, now smokefree! My team 'Sunboys' have been on a winning streak lately - maybe because I have not been there!

+ trivia at Morningside Services Club, every Thursday night 7:30 - 9:30
it's daggy and fun. Can you see a pattern forming? Apparently doing okay in my absence as well - someone (not naming names, but I was surprised) picked a 'who am I?' question the other week which was answered with 'Doris Day'!

I've been practising meditation with an organisation, 'The Inner Energy Centre' every week for over a year now. It's a one-on-one process that has proved to be enormously beneficial.

I am keen to continue this in a group setting, as family members have expressed interest in learning more. Can anybody recommend an organisation or approach that would fit in with this?

I got an award for Norway you know