December 2025 Update
December brought some small health challenges, but also great family milestones, a new design for https://spiros.kotsialos.com and the launch of a new passion project.
The Health
The month started with positives. My scope was all clear, and the immunotherapy went well. However, on the 5th, I was hit by a flu or virus that knocked me off my feet. It put me in bed for about a week and took a further two weeks to get back to any sort of normality and leading into Christmas I wasn't feeling 100%.
It served as a wake-up call regarding how quickly my health can go downhill. Being sick put a lot of strain on my throat, so I have my fingers crossed that it won't affect my check-up in January.
The Personal
Because I wasn't well, I kept things relatively quiet, but I did manage to get out for a few highlights.
I went to see Marty Sheargold, who was hilarious. He really makes you think about how crazy this world is getting. I actually put together an article on the topic, which you can read here: The Death of the Larrikin.
I also saw Garbage at the Opera House. The gig was awesome, and it is always good to be reminded of how beautiful our city is. Watching the sunset while standing at the Opera House, looking out at the amazing Harbour Bridge is always a special moment.
Family Milestones
School wrapped up for the year, and it was a big one for the girls.
Zoe graduated primary school and picked up some fantastic prizes. She received the UNSW School of Civil and Environment Engineering Prize for Mathematics, but the one that brought the biggest smile to her face was the School Performing Arts Award for displaying outstanding talent in all areas of performing arts.
The end of primary school seems to be a much bigger deal now than when I was a kid. It included a graduation dance complete with a limo, a "clap out" of school, and a jump from a pier!
Lexi also had her prize giving, receiving the Excellence in English Award and the Maths Explorer Certificate. More importantly to Lexi, she had her cheerleading awards where she won the Coaches Award for the year.
Christmas
The lead-up to Christmas involved three events at our house, catching up with friends from near and far before slowing down for the holidays.
Christmas Day was, of course, all about the kids. We were woken up early and had a great time opening presents followed by family coming over for breakfast. For the afternoon, the family went to a friend's place while I took the time to rest and recover.
Resting is what I continued to do until New Year's Eve. We went to a party nearby where our friends went above and beyond to put on a fantastic celebration that was enjoyed by the kids just as much as the parents.
A New Project
I also started a project this month, or rather, reignited an old idea. I have started a website called GenXToday.
It is currently in its early days and is still in Beta and there is a huge amount of work to-do before it is release worthy, but I would love for people to check it out at https://genxtoday.com. Please give me some initial feedback.
With 2026 ahead, it is time to focus on what is important and live life to the fullest.