I find myself on the road again. This year has included three long distance driving trips, the first to Melbourne, the second to Sydney and now finally to Cairns. This one however is a little different, this one is with family.

To back up a few steps, Friday was my last day at work, and it ended with the firm Christmas party. The day saw me nostalgic of the filing room, the water tap and the friends that I had made. The night was characterised by way too much alcohol and left me with a feeling of dread for a few days. I have realised that it is possible to become attached to anything, but some things need to be left behind.

I’m feeling a lot better now and have just left Mackay on the way to Cairns. Dad is currently in the back singing along to Bill Callahan. He is trying to tease his voice but funnily enough he is doing quite well, at the singing, not the teasing.

He has been getting furious in that backseat, firstly with the music I have been playing and secondly with slow drivers. Yesterday there was a painful old man driving at 10 below the speed limit, so when we were stopped at some road works Dad decided that he would get out of the car and tell the guy what he thought. After a few minutes Dad returned to the car and Mum locked his window, because she was worried that he would carry through with his threat to throw the steering lock out the window when we passed the slow old man.

What a way to start the festive season.