Comment on Discussion Thread đź Monday 22 December 2025
LowExperience2368@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
What are some of the best things youâve experienced this year?
1. Meeting so many new people in all the different settings Iâve been in, from uni to work to my meetup group! Joining the meetup group has been one of the best things Iâve done all year. I went into it feeling nervous but now Iâve kind of blossomed a bit, and aim to talk to everyone at each event when theyâre small. 2. Started listening to jazz music. I had dabbled in it, but I just didnât get the fuss. Then some YouTube video I found talked about why people find jazz hard to listen to, and gave album recommendations. I was hooked after that. Also listened to a lot more classical, ambient and soundtrack music! 3. Watching way more movies. I thought I wasnât a movie person, but then a couple of years ago, I watched quite a few. Then this year, I made a goal to watch a movie a week for eight weeks, and have now watched 56 movies this year. Movies are a wonderful way to switch off for a couple of hours and be immersed in a story. Disney Pixar movies were probably the ones I rated the highest overall. 4. Starting my uni course and going on placements. I have learnt so much from watching my classmates and experienced teachers teach. Iâve gotten great advice from mentors and have also realised I might be better doing something in small groups or one-on-one in the education setting. Iâm still going to get this degree because I have ~10 months left, and then Iâll figure out what I want to do after. 5. Continuing playing music. I donât practise nearly enough, but I love picking up an instrument for relaxation purposes.
Watching my daughter become a more confident independent young lady, getting more out there and experiencing life like young people should thanks to her getting her licence.
As a consequence husband and I having a lot more alone time.
We were a happy family before but now itâs more different kinda happy.
There has been so much happen this year itâs hard to believe it hasnât been longer. Iâm never any good at picking out a âbestâ thing though, too many variables!
Iâve bought a new (to me) van to replace my aging car. Iâve moved to Ballarat, which was easier than I expected it to be (but still a lot of work!). Iâve done most of the hard work in establishing new gardens. My mother has moved into aged care and is doing well. Iâve finished my Diploma.
Probably the best thing to me is just seeing a lot of hard work making changes in my life over the last five or so years start to pay off. Iâm still not drinking. My budgeting is working well and Iâm seeing my savings continue to grow instead of my debt. My meal planning system is working well and I am mostly eating good healthy food. The decluttering and attention to good tidying/cleaning habits mean my house is generally tidy and welcoming instead of chaos.
Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones
Getting off suboxone and feeling life properly
The cats
Making music from genuine feeling again
Getting through some really difficult moments sober
Moved to the beach
staying with the young seagoons for 3 weeks in NZ ( i love them so much )
all the beaches in NZ/hobbiton
reading art books
watching tv and movies with mr seagoon ( luv him so much )
the UnKAOS continues
I have so many jazz recommendations for you
Yes please!
Some questions firstâŚ
What have you tried that youâve liked? Is there an instrument or sound you particularly want highlighted?
For example, if youâve been enjoying jazz vocalists (Dinah Washington, I love you) then thatâs quite different to sitting you down with the Miles Davis back catalog for maximum trumpet all the time. If youâre vibing with the classic Basie big band sound (1930s and early 40s) then I donât want to send you looking 40 years later.
Whatâs your vibe so far?
I think Iâm more into jazz piano and guitar at the moment, more cool jazz. I am also partial to big band and vocal stuff. I love a good double bass too. Think Oscar Peterson Trio, the other famous jazz people, Art Blakeley etc
Have probably listened to vocal jazz the least but am open to recs!
Trip to Japan at the start of the year. Having a supportive workplace. Playing Exp33.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone â¨3⊠â¨weeks⊠ago
Mineâs simple.
Remaining sane (ish) lol.
Hopefully it lasts.