What's new?

My blog is supposed to be about a year full of new experiences but what defines a new experience? In the last two days I've done two things that feel new to me but some might argue that an experience has to be unfamiliar to be new.  Blogger's perogative! Yesterday I had lunch at the Noosa Surf Club with old and dear friends. First time at that venue but cetainly not the first time I've had lunch with friends. The view was extraordinary and would have been fantastic on a clear day. Today I went to Mt Omaney shopping centre. It was the first time I've ever set foot in that suburb of Brisbane even though it's not that far away. I have a challenge to find shopping centres that have at least two supermarkets and one cheap shop (like Crazy Clarks). I've done the Hyperdome, Sunnybank Hills, Mt Omaney, Carindale and Garden City.  Any suggestions?

Stop and smell the roses

Today, my friend Peter (who is full of ideas for unusual places to go) took me to a place that sells nothing but artificial flowers. Who would have thought that there are enough people in Brisbane who buy fake plants to make it worthwhile opening a store full of them. I loved it, even though a lot of the plants could be found cheaper in Crazy Clarks, and have proudly carried home something to liven up my courtyard. I wonder how many people will notice the fake among the real. If you stop to smell my roses you'll be disapointed.

Don't feel defeated

My first post to my very new year blog had limited success as only two people were able to comment. Why those two people and no one else? Computers are bloody minded objects that sense fear but I'm ploughing on regardless. Hopefully I've fixed the settings so anyone can respond, not just the chosen two.
On a brighter note, I can report on a new experience which is the purpose of my blog. Today I found myself doing a few hours work as a volunteer at the University of the third age. (Where? I hear you asking - courses for old people, run by old people). I only turned up to talk about the possibility but was given a job immediately. So, three hours work for no pay - a new experience! Until next time ...

In the beginning

 People are often defined by the job they do. I used to say 'I'm a teacher' or  'I'm a curriculum writer'. But when you stop working that part of you disappears. Now I say, 'I used to be a teacher. I used to be a curriculum writer'. Now I don't know what I am. Retired! So, this year is a brand new year and I have the opportunity to be whoever I want to be. I want to make it a year of firsts, a year of new things and new beginnings - a reinvention of myself. 
My plan is to do something new every week and I have created this blog in the hope that my readers, should there be any, will keep me on task, hold me accountable and give me some good ideas when the well runs dry.
My first new thing is creating this blog.