1. my very first job
was at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Warrawong (Wollongong). This store was super busy, particularly every second Thursday night - steelworkers’ pay day and Sundays.
2. I had big hair
in the eighties. What can I say - it was the farshon!
3. I have renovated 3 houses
all in the inner-west of Sydney. I now live in a brand new apartment I bought off the plan - No more renovating for me.
4. I’m crafty
I love paper, stationery, typography, design.
5. I am an educator
I have an undergraduate degree, a graduate diploma in T.E.S.O.L, a Cert. in Special Education and a Masters Degree - all in education.
6. I didn’t speak English when I started school
Slovenian is my first language.
7. I became a primary school principal
when I was in my 30s. I was Principal in two schools. The job of Principal was a privilege and I absolutely loved my time at both schools.
8. I’m a self-taught photographer
photo editor, stop-motion creator and product stylist - with the help of online courses, lots of googling and reading.
9. I’m a DIY-er.
I restored the oak chest of drawers (left in the pic) with french polish in the traditional way. I also restored the fireplace, painted the chair and the dangling light fitting. I also painted the walls - several times.
10. My most awkward memory
is when my family in Slovenia dragged me to a nudist camp in Croatia for a week. No, I’m not showing you any pictures of my time there!
11. my deepest and most heartbreaking pain
and worst day of my life was when I had to give up on the idea of adoption.
12. I’m not a girly girl
despite what you see in the picture. I was never much into dolls - although clearly i played the part in my pre-school years. I’m very self-sufficient and independent and if I can do it myself, I do. I’m not much into the needy female role. But I don’t mind being spoilt every now and then.
13. I’ve had more than 50 birthdays
I know, I know you find that hard to believe - not!
14. Gary and I met online
more than 10 years ago and we’re still going strong. We like going out for breakfast, motorbike trips, playing cards, gazing into each others’ eyes - you get the picture.
15. I’ve been to 40 countries
and amongst the most memorable is Mongolia. I also highly recommend Norway, India and the Netherlands. When we can travel again, I have Lapland (Finland) and Bolivia in my sights.
16. I learnt to drive in the 70’s
in a Holden GTS Monaro. It had a three on the tree column shift and the black stripes made it go extra fast. I used to drive it to my job at KFC. It was cool, man.
17. I’m a trend setter
and farshon icon. Not everyone can carry this look and get away with this posture. I could have done something more with the hair. Refer to no. 2
18. I love adventure and a challenge and I give most things a try.
Refer to no. 8 above.