Nathan's Insights

World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas


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  • That high feeling

    Yesterday I played and lost in a tennis semi-final but in an important way felt a winner.   We played the top team in B Special 3 Men’s tennis (we finished 4th).   This team had not let anyone get within 15 games during the season (out of 48 maximum, 6 sets of 8 games) and beat us 48-24 in the last home and away match (we played well). We switched the playing order and I moved from my number 3 spot up to number 2.   I said going  into the match if we won 1 set that was good, 2 sets was out perform and 3 sets was fantastic.   We won 3 sets in an incredible hard fought match.   In my last set I actually had one point on my swerve to win 8-4 and tie the overall match (a tie breaker would have been played next). I’ve never felt so pumped, or emotional, during a match as I did at the end.   We played our hearts out against a much better team (who could be in A grade) and for 3 of us, including myself, this was our highest ever grade played.   I didn’t think at 33 I’d feel that way playing sport.

    I played 43 of a possible 45 games (6-8, 6-8 & 8-7) and 20 minutes afterwards I felt very sore in my right leg but at the time I had no idea.   During my last set with my nephew Andrew we played some incredible points.   There was one where I was run off the court into the next one, Andrew covered for me I run behind him and eventually hit a running winner from the opposite side. Yes we lost on the scoreboard but in reality we won.   If we had of won the match it would have been more incredible than Ireland beating Pakistan in the cricket.   I would have said we were $5.00 outsiders (against $1.01).   An incredible emotional high of knowing we did everything possible and enjoyed ourselves.

  • Being a Godfather

    Yesterday I had the pleasure of becoming my niece’s godfather.   The christening event itself while a religious tradition is these days more about family and friends as a group meeting a beautiful baby girl and celebrating.

    I have to admit I love nursing Erin to sleep.   She seems to like it when I cry with her and it puts her to sleep or at least gets her to be more peaceful.   She can then just lie on my chest and we just listen to each other breath.   Despite it meaning nothing legally in this country I will take the task seriously.   Gives me a reason to be a better person, so I can be a role model.   All in all a good day with a beautiful girl.

  • Tennis Update

    Well my progress (such as it is) for the Easter Myrtleford Tennis Tournament continues.   I’m currently a member of the Wednesday night Mixed Tennis team in B Reserve 2.   After this week we now have 4 wins and 1 loss and I’m feeling like I’m hitting the ball very well.

    The match prior to this one I played only 3 hours after being knocked out at a hospital so they could do a gastroscopy.   I played as I felt well and I need the practise.   We had an interesting ‘incident’ during last night’s match.

    My partner Sue become very upset the opposition would not replay what turned out to be the 2nd last point of our set.   While Sue was I believe correct after the match she didn’t shake hands and swear about the other female player (but not at her, it was a private conversation).

    An opposition male player got upset about this and threatened to report her for the language.   I think that would have been a first, a male reporting a female for bad language, all the time I was thinking you should come down to the Men’s Comp!!   Anyway we won on a close night.

    Now if only I could lose the festival spirit weight I gained 🙂

  • Myrtleford Tennis 2007

    Each and every year since 1998 every Easter I go up to Myrtleford to play in their local tennis tournament but far more importantly to relax and catch up with friends.   Last year was an exception as I was in South Africa making a new friend in Inge.

    The four days spent up there are usually a highlight of the year.   The first night (Thursday) people start arriving and usually we have a quick hit on the courts and say hi to the locals (they somehow remember you each year).   The first night people from my tennis club usually build a fire at our campsite and enjoy the night catch up and drinking a few beers.   The fire outside at that time of the year is great, with the weather just starting to get cold. The Friday is Single Matches day (a few Doubles matches late in the day).

    At night being Good Friday all the families get together and have a big Fish ‘n’ Chips night.   Kids running everywhere, parents/adults enjoying themselves as we tell stories of our close and heroic losses 🙂

    Saturday is when we get serious (well not really) as we start to get into our Double matches.   Some of our group go bike riding or hiking.   That night will usually have a BBQ and watch the Footy.   The younger ones in the group head out to the town looking for some parties.  Jacqueline Damien is famous for this!!

    Sunday is Easter.   Some years we have hidden Easter Eggs for the kids.  One year bunny feet somehow were found around the campsite.   Some years a few adults join in the Easter Egg hunt and are seen with chocolate mouths later 🙂   Sunday is also the day when the fun Mixed Doubles start and we has a group have a formal night out for dinner somewhere.   Usually this is the best day.

    Monday is the end, all the finals are played and for most of us who go knocked out we still get one Mixed match.   Trophies are handed out late in the day and most of us head back home talking all the way home about great matches, great times and great friends.

    The clean air, wonderful locals and timeout from life make for a beautiful time.   I’m looking forward to it again.   So many people to see, so many stories to tell.   This is life! BTW My teammates (aka those who carry me) this years are: ‘D’ Singles – Me (so and early exit) ‘D’ Doubles – My brother Reagan ‘C’ Doubles – My nephew Andrew and ‘D’ Mixed – My good friend Catherine Coutts Watch out for photos and stories this year now that I have blog!!!

  • Friendship

    It’s been a while since I last posted and heaps has occurred in my life.   I’m been readmitted into hospital (it was just to be safe I was out later in the day) and lately I’ve found some direction and strangely relaxation.

    I went to see Australia Vs England at the MCG on 12 January with the beautiful Natalie.   The game wasn’t much but the company was great, got to check out the new dining room and visit the museum.   It was good to just talk about everything and anything.

    For some reason I find it easy to talk to females on a different level them males. For a few reasons Natalie’s husband Adrian moved in temporarily while they searched for a new home.   While Adrian only stayed for a very short while and has just moved out it was good to have his company.

    Adrian can be intense but his heart is in the right place and his always searching for answers to life and his place.   Bottom line he’s looking to be happy and make sure those around him are in the same place.   Sometimes being aware of life and what is happening in the world can be a burden but I’m thinking he has a great future ahead.

    My nephew Andrew stayed over during the Australia Day weekend.   We played one set which went for about an hour, he won in a tie break 7-6 (8-6).   We then went bowling at Crown Casino and actually had a draw, 2 games 1 each and total score were equal really hard to believe. I’m starting to think that the holiday period is not a great time for me.   Too much time alone without someone special I suppose does that.   However once you (aka me) get out of your (my) room and starting connecting again with people you see that you are connected more than you realised. This last week I was in Brisbane and Canberra interviewing for promotions inside the Australian Taxation Office.   For the first time I actually felt like the older guy in the organisation.   I’m only 33, still very young, but I saw the next generation of younger officers during to make a career.   I saw something of myself a few years ago.   I realised I’ve come ago way and I’ve achieved a lot of things and that I don’t need to feel inadequate or like I don’t belong.   I actually started feeling calmer and more relaxed each day.   I’m no longer the up and comer, I can relax a little and maybe help others. The applicants for the most part had the energy but only a few the achievements.   I don’t need to prove anything anymore to anyone else.   Sure I’ll still push myself and try to learn (it’s me after all) but in the end only my opinion of myself matters.   Hopefully this transfers to other matters in life.

  • Christmas 2006

    Christmas day can be about a lot of things, sometimes stressful and sometimes very peaceful.   Now that my family has a new generation of children with Harry, Darby & Erin it is definitely fun again. Hopefully I’ll manage to lose some of the weight I’m sure I put on during this big traditional Christmas lunch my mum put on once again! I hope everyone had a peaceful and happy Christmas day.   I find this day of year very refreshing, and the spirit of people can be very uplifting this time of year.   If only we could be this nice to each other all the time.   I for one am going to enjoy the spirit of happiness & friendship I have been feeling this week.

  • A Wonderful Day

    Two days before Christmas I was reminded about why life can be so great. Recently a good friend called me on my negative attitude and a colleague commented on me being so cynical lately.   It was a wakeup call I can tell you.   That is what friends are really for, not just to agree with you but to also tell you things you need to know but probably don’t want to hear. So why was this a great day?   I got to send a few hours with some close friends and despite all not being well in their lives we all left with a smile on our faces and some love in our hearts.   There is nothing like a hug from close friends to help you feel connected. For the rest of the day I celebrated my brother-in-law Jason’s birthday.   It gave me a chance to see family and some family friends.   But the highlight was getting to nurse and hold my new niece Erin.   Not even one month old she is starting to learn to use her lungs.   The experience of having a baby resting on your chest and you hearing her heart beat is very close to total bliss 🙂

  • The last year & returning home

    Life isn’t always easy or even clear.   It’s been close to 2 1/2 months since I got back from my big overseas trip.   Anyone who has gone away for such a big adventure knows that there is always a little post trip depression.   This has been no different for me. The last 12 months I’ve had experiences that I never thought I’d have.   I’ve tried things that got me to experience different kinds of highs (spiritual, emotional & physical).   At one point I actually feared for my life.   I faced a fear and jumped 216 metres (bungy jump) and got closer to some people than I thought possible. The past month or some however has been a bit disappointing.   From the high of becoming an uncle again, to the fear of being in hospital, to the let down of plans not coming together like I wanted.

    My big goals for the future have fallen away.   Some people have really disappointed me.   In tennis we lost in a semi-final after only losing once during the year. At work I wasn’t given a release to work on a project wanted to be on full time, and more recently I’ve realised other people have pasted me by or are given opportunities I used to get.   On the other hand I’m going to be on a recruitment panel deciding others futures. So who am I and what am I trying to achieve?   Right now I have no idea.   I have friends and family but I seem to be falling into a hole filled with depression.   I’ve lost my drive and focus.   I’m not even enjoying some time alone anymore.   Hopefully this is just temporarily; I don’t want to feel like this in 12 months time.   Maybe the problem is once you realise what the world can offer and what others have which you don’t it is hard to be happy again.

  • Darby’s Birthday & Family

    Today I got the chance to visit my 1 year old niece Darby.   On the hottest December day in Melbourne in 50 years (42.5) I got the joy of watching Darby and her brother having fun opening presents and in the case of Harry running around like crazy. Darby got to enjoy her first taste of ice cream (I’m sure it won’t be the last!).

    Erin was born 3 weeks early and has for the most part been sleeping which meant she has not been eating enough (they needed a tube).   Now however it looks like she is ready to join the rest of us.   I added a few photos from her actual birthday (Essendon jumper included).

  • New family member, the beautiful Erin

    At 2.10 am on Tuesday 28 November I became an Uncle for the 4th time when my sister Kara and her husband Jason welcome into the world Erin Helena Gauci.

    Weighing in at a small 4.14 pounds Erin is a very beautiful girl who was eager to join us all.   I met her for the first time today.   I predicted a while ago that Kara’s new baby would be a daughter, that’s 4 right predictions in a row, if only I was that good at the casino 🙂   Erin will be surrounded by love, Kara & Jason had wanted her for some time.   Wanted babies are very lucky.   Congratulations to the Gauci family!!