Day 28: Butterfly domes

Today's earrings are no longer so pretty - the colours of butterfly imprint which sits under a dome of glass has faded and yellowed, making them much less attractive than they once were (I could riff on this theme but will resist!). However, they are very symbolic for me. Apparently, butterflies represent 'personal transformation, freedom from previous struggles, renewal and hope' which is apt given the circumstances under which I bought them, and how I'm feeling today. 

Future Fellowship announcement, Canberra 2009

I always search for a new pair of earrings to celebrate an important event in my life - these come from the Australian National Gallery in Canberra purchased the day my Future Fellowship was announced. For some unknown reason, I was one of the few Fellows invited by the Minister for Education to attend the inaugural launch of the Fellowship scheme - 4 year research-only positions, with project funding. In other words, Academic Nirvana! I remember being awestruck that day by Australian research talent on display - people working on nanotechnologies for chemo treatment (BRING IT ON!!); engineering feats for offshore gas exploration; alternative syringes for application in third world settings; breakthroughs in a Tasmanian devil disease that is driving them to extinction. With my project on Gender and the International Criminal Court, I felt very humbled to stand among these colleagues. It was so special to have Rob there too. As I've explained earlier, the fellowship was also personally important as it meant I was able to move institutions - from Sydney across to UNSW - a critical point in my career. 

Steph the great and Adam the Goodes!

I wore the butterflies today as I had meetings planned with two wonderful colleagues - Steph Manefield and Jan Breckenridge - who are part of my UNSW transformation. Not feeling up to the schlep across to campus meant I was only able to meet with Steph, who kindly came my way. (This means I must leave the amazing Jan for another day). Steph and I haven't known each other long, but from day one there was an instant click between us. She is such a clever thinker; she has an incredible skill set in business and strategic planning that I can only pretend to understand (but I always try to nod at what I guess are the appropriate moments). Steph is also incredibly thoughtful and kind, and has a wicked sense of humour to boot. (I can see a pattern emerging here: of the people who are in my golden web the ability to laugh is essential!). Together with Andy, Andrew, Di and from the UNSW Australian Human Rights Centre, and George Williams the Dean of Law, Steph is helping me plot exciting new developments in the Human rights field at UNSW. If it comes off as we've planned, I have a fabulous career trajectory to look forward to at the end of my treatment. Being able to still work on this initiative when the days allow, with such a patient and sympathetic colleague as Steph, shows just how fortunate I am to be at UNSW. 


As an important aside, Steph's also a key Sydney Swans mover and shaker. She's been so kind in providing Angus with all sorts of Swannies mementos.  Together, Steph and Angus - who plays for the Newton Swans Juniors - are educating me in all things AFL , and it turns out, I really enjoy it. Who would have thought! (Though NB the Kelleher branch of the family boast an amazing representative AFL player in Hughie who plays for Newcastle).  



Weather wise day 28 has been stunning. For the first time in months, there has been a hint of coolness in the air and a drop in the humidity. After the rain, everything is so bright and green and fresh. Bliss! Rob and I walked Molly around Sydney Park this morning, which is looking lush and green. The weather really lifted my mood at just the right moment. I'd become maudlin last night, processing what I've been through until now and what's still to come, and the impact its having on people around me. Things felt back in better perspective today but it was a reminder that the psychological aspects of this treatment are just as great, if not greater than the physical. A lovely message from Fiona in Edinburgh, a parcel from Lisa in Adelaide, dinner cooked by Cazy and calls from my family reminded me how supported I am. Now back to the puzzle...tulips...argh!