Photo Friday "Best of 2004"

I chose this photo, not because it's the greatest one I took last year (oh... and there were many..) but because I love what the subjects are expressing - genuine camaraderie, which overwhelmed my 2004. I felt that a lot in China, where this photo was taken.

And to kickstart my NYR - "Thou Shalt Look at the Positive, even in the valley of the shadow of Blatant Negativity, Thou Shalt Look at the Positive and will. not. fear", let me bestow upon you a righteous Top 10 (except there are 11) BRILL experiences I had in 2004:

11. Our mini-break in Miyajima. Sugoi special place. Ne?

10. Winning $150 at Derby Day. Fiscal windfalls are pretty good, actually.

9. Our Victorian camping trips - to the Upper Yarra and Cathedral Ranges. 'Cos you can't get camping like Aussies get camping.

8. Hanami Party in Inokashira Park, Tokyo. We miss youse guys (you know who the damn hell you are)!

7. Meeting all the newborns: Tessa, Will, Georgia, Blake and soon to be-released-Baby-Davies. All great vintages. Will mature in cool and dry place.

6. Passing my Yon-kyu exam. I was proud. I was cocky. And everything I learnt went straight out the window.

5. Our NiJiKai in Melbourne. All 400 profiteroles of it.

4. Exploring Beijing. Nikon 5700 felt. the. love.

3. Reunions with family and friends in Palm Cove and Melbourne.

2. Traipsing the Great Wall here and here. Just because I've always wanted to do it.

1. The Marriage. Because being Mrs. McG is fucking A1.

And in keeping with NYR, shalt not burden you with a Bottom 10 Miserable Epithets. Happy now?