Now before you ask “are you on holidays again?”, with the raised eyebrow, the slow exhale, and the tone that suggests my suitcase personally offends you… let me offer a little context.

I’ve had a wonderful life. A full one. At times a pay‑to‑pay one. For years, every spare dollar, every plan, every decision was shaped around raising kids, keeping a household afloat, and making sure everyone else had what they needed. I wasn’t island‑hopping. I wasn’t sipping cocktails in swim‑up bars. I was doing school fees, rent stress, rego renewals, and the weekly “how can I stretch my $20 to feed my kids for the next few meals?” meltdown.

And I did it for some time on my own. I don’t need to spell out the past – let’s just say my previous chapter wasn’t exactly a masterclass in partnership. It was survival, improvisation, and a lot of “just keep going.”

But life shifted.

The kids grew up. The pressure eased. And somewhere along the way, I found myself with a partner who is… well, the opposite of all that. Matthew is steady, generous in spirit, quietly ambitious, and the kind of man who doesn’t just share a life – he contributes to it. Not in a flashy way. Not in a “look at me” way. In the way that makes everything feel lighter. Easier. Possible.

And when you’re no longer carrying everything alone, life opens up.

So yes – this is holiday number three for 2026.

Yes – I’m off to Bali.

Yes – I’m excited.

And no – it’s not because I’ve suddenly become bougie or discovered a secret inheritance. It’s because after decades of doing the hard yards, I finally get to enjoy the chapter I worked so damn hard to reach… with someone who actually walks beside me.

This isn’t indulgence. It’s restoration. It’s joy. It’s making memories in the years where I finally have the freedom to make them.

So when you see the sunshine, the cocktails, the poolside grin – don’t roll your eyes. Smile with me. Because this isn’t “another holiday.” This is what it looks like when a woman who spent years holding everything together behind closed doors finally gets to exhale… and do it with someone who makes the exhale feel safe (and insanely FUN).

And honestly? I’m making up for lost time.

So yes, I’m off again – because life finally lets me. And Bali’s not going to enjoy itself.

Now – to wrap up work, pack and get ready for an alarm time only acceptable when a holiday flight awaits!