Day 46: Graduation Pearls

The original genome project

When I graduated with my PhD in 1998, my gorgeous family brought me a set of pearl earrings and a pink pearl ring. I wear them both often, and they have a very special place in my jewellery collection. Big sister Ree selected them from Jason Moss, a jeweller in Darlinghurst. I frequently walk past his shop  - usually heading off to St Vincent's clinic for one check up or another - and always think about these earrings and how spoilt I've been by my family. I love this photo of the 5 Chappell women after the graduation ceremony, taken in the Sydney University Quad in front of the famous Jacaranda tree (which sadly collapsed last year). I remember at the time Jennifer Westacott called us the original genome project, and based on this shot I see she may have a point!

I selected these earrings today as I was heading out for a morning walk at Centennial Park with my dear friend Jen Fleming. I met Jen around the time I graduated - she was linked into the golden web via Lizzie and then connected me to friends Bretty, Anthony and Jason. Over the years we've spent many happy hours together at dinners, parties and away on holidays but try as I might, I can't find a single photo of us together, but lots of nice ones of her and Rob.

Rob and Jen 2002

Jen and Jeff, 2015

I'm a great admirer Jen's openness to life and taking on new challenges. Not content with being one of the best radio producers in the business - currently producing James Valentine on ABC 702 - she is also an accomplished radio presenter and has become a blockbuster author with a series of books, starting with the Spotless series, on to body posture with the Feel Good Body and now with an exciting new book on nutrition and eating well about to be published. It sounds like it will be the perfect handbook for me once I've finished this toxic regime.

Looking absolutely stunning, it was a happy day for all her family and friends when Jen married the lovely Jeff at a beautiful ceremony and reception at Watson's Bay in 2015.

Jen's a wonderful, wise and steadfast friend, and it was a tonic to see her today.

Aside from my enjoyable morning walk with Jen and a good visit to the lymphedema specialist, Day 46 was another rather ordinary day. I'm feel I'm in a state of toxic overload which I'm sure will lift over the next few days. A quiet night at home with James while Angus and Rob are out having fun with their mates is the perfect place to be.