2023 Recap

Yes, here we are, another bloody year has passed again and the crippling reality of the fact that you are now a year older is upon us. Jokes thats a bit morbid. I'm coming at you guys from a more positive tone today, recapping the year that was 2023. To keep a long story short, this year was a bit of a rollercoaster. I've completed a lot of things that I'm proud of; high school, driving, exams, getting a new job etc. So today, I'm going to recap my top 5 moments [plus some extras] of 2023!

1. &Juliet [x2] Theatre

I am seriously OBSESSED with this show, song-line, cast, costumes, stage props and everything in between! It definitely makes me list for the top 5 things of this year! Me and mum won lottery $30 tickets to the show the first time and had some amazing stalls seats, we were singing along, laughing til our jaws hurt and at the end got to enjoy a bloody confetti display! This cast was so talented featuring the likes of Rob Mills and Amy Lehpahmer! Such a laugh and was so good... we went again on mothers day! Thanks to the amazing show for making some amazing memories and nights I wont forget this year!

2. Byron Bay and GC

Now I've already expressed my undeniable love for QLD so I thought my cheeky August trip should get a mention. I decided to embark on this trip out of my absolute hatred for school and just pure burnout. Nothing can really prepare you for the level of work Year 12 is. Anyway, I spontaneously booked tickets for about 6 days from when I booked, accomodation and all was sorted. It was an awesome trip, even extended it by 4 more days to stay in Byron Bay longer! I loved watching the sunset at the beach every night, and found BB to be such a fun, vibey place to be! Would definitley return to Burleigh heads and of course to the GC any day.

3. Working at Starbies!

Shoutout to my fellow Starbucks girlies!! Seriously this was a massive highlight of this year, I loved this job so much and feel like I learnt so much about all sorts of coffees and drinks and definitely had so many laughs that made this year that much easier to get through! All those early mornings and late nights spent with the girls [and the guys] were just so much fun and I'll never forget the memories we all made. I also thoroughly appreciate and MISS the free matchas every shift. RIP Starbs. Love you.

4. Daz Games

@daz_black

LINDA! Our absolute gem of a man, Daz, decided to grace Australia with his hilarious prescence and I was ECSTATIC to get tickets to his show at Memo Music Hall!! Seriously I thought about it every night until November 9 and it was literally the night before my final exam but I would not have changed a thing. Anything for our king daz. All seriousness Daz was the most naturally funny person and such a kind hearted human being with some of the nicest fans! Meeting him was just the best experience ever and hearing his HILARIOUS laugh in real life just made my year! This was a night me [and mum] will never forget!

5. Christmas Buffet at the Novotel

What better than a home cooked meal for christmas and christmas eve? A BUFFET meal for Christmas Eve; and with a view! This was our second time staying at the novotel and we were lucky enough to get a spot at their Christmas Eve Buffet. This was an absolute BANQUET of seafood, roast meat and vegetables, a dessert bar to absolutely die for, and a huge array of side dishes. I seriously could have not eaten for the rest of the week it was that good! The novotel always has an amazing vibe and hospitality and this was no exception. I highly recommend if in Sydney! [Thanks mum for blessing us!]

Special Mentions:

-Ice Skating

Nothing better than going to a FREEZING ass room in the peak of summer. I haven't been ice-skating for years since Eastland had their mini pop-up ice skating rink so me and Iz decided to head to Obrien Icehouse with our long overdue ice-skating voucher we had! Off we trekked and after a 2 hour trip we made it! Safe to say we stayed almost 5 hours! Only Iz ate shit though thank the lord, a nice bruise developed shortly afterwards. I love this place and it was so much fun just zooming and dodging between people, also bopping out to some Beyonce "Crazy In Love" and Cindy Laupers "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" A great way to close out the year!

-Surfing

Despite Sydneys persistent rain, my family and our family friends decided to head out to North Shellharbour Beach for a try at catching a few waves! I really wanted to be good at surfing but hey we can't win em all right? No joke these waves were like 3m high and were just knocking me left right and centre. I came away with probably 3 caught waves, a hell of a lot of salt water in my system and multiple bruises! It was one hell of a day though, I loved it and would absolutely go out for a surf again! [Thanks Alan!]

And thats a wrap! Thanks for joining me in this recap edition of The Poppy Field. While 2023 has certainly not been an easy year at all for me, and I have struggled with a lot of mental health issues and the stress of completing Year 12, these moments and my family and friends have made this year all the more bearable. Cheers to another year gone, huge achievements and an even bigger year in 2024! See you in the next post and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry fielding,

-Poppy