Twenty 12 – a year in review

This time last year I reflected on 2011 by way of a meme - an idea that I copied from one of my favourite bloggers, Elizabeth of Scarlet Words (you can read about Elizabeth’s 2012 here).  I’m completing the meme again this year as it’s such a great way to reflect on the year that was.  Again, thanks to Elizabeth for sharing this brilliant idea and encouraging others to join in.

Okay, let’s get started…

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?

I’ve always loved photography but haven’t really done a lot of it other than happy snaps.  During 2012 I started participating in photographic challenges (mainly those by Chantelle of Fat Mum Slim) and started taking lots of photos with my iPhone and then editing them using the myriad Apps that are available.  I’ve loved it – the composition, the subjects and the editing.

 
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Mostly yes.  My intentions were to be fitter, healthier and lighter, and to blog more.  They all get a tick.  For 2013, it will be more of the same as I want to improve on all these things again as well as take lots of photos!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes.  Two very dear friends welcomed daughter number two in April.  I wrote about gorgeous little Marlo here.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Australia!  Does that really count?  We did have a wonderful week in a beach-front house on the New South Wales north coast – it was just what we both needed at the time.

 
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

More ‘us time’.  The lovely Wayne and I still battle with conflicting work schedules so I’d like more time together to just hang out.  Simple things like picnics, lazy afternoons, cooking, walks, movies – you get the idea.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

There’s the usuals (birthdays, anniversary, holiday up the coast) however 2012 had a few ‘biggies’.  There was my promotion and my recognition at work (see Q8 below), but the one that I guess really rocked me to my core was my dad’s diagnosis in July with a brain tumour.  Although it has affected me and made me rethink a lot of things, we were extremely fortunate that there was a wonderfully positive outcome in the end and my dear dad is now absolutely fine.  I blogged here about how thankful I was for the way this whole episode played out.

My dad, and the scar down the back of his head
which means he'll be around for a long time yet!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

My biggest achievements (yes there’s 2) this year were my promotion in August, and being awarded a prestigious award in December for my contribution to the organisation where I work.  You can read about my award here.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not ‘switching off’ when I left work.  I had a tendency to still be ‘thinking work’ even at home – I was known to leave myself voicemail messages at work at 3am on occasion!  I am slowly learning to switch off - I guess I’m a slow learner!  LOL.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Aside from a slight back strain during our recent house move, I consider myself very lucky to have enjoyed good health during 2012.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Probably my new laptop (the old one died) – well let’s face it, how on earth could I blog, etc without it?!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The lovely Wayne (aka The Boy Wonder!).  As mentioned in Q7, my dad needed urgent brain surgery during the year.  The lovely Wayne was just so wonderfully supportive at a time when all of us were really feeling scared, worried and upset.  Thanks babe. xx



The lovely Wayne (aka The Boy Wonder)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Three come to mind.  Those awful radio announcers who played that joke on that poor English nurse; Alan Jones for his vile comments about PM Julia Gillard’s father’s death; and the gunman who shot those innocent children in the USA leading up to Christmas.  Some people really are just oxygen thieves!

14. Where did most of your money go?

The usual stuff – household expenses, food, etc.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Our holiday in September.  Our week of staying in a beach-front house was wonderfully relaxing and we had been looking forward to it for months.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Dare I mention it?  Dare I let it rear its ugly head again?  I’m talking of Gangnam Style of course.  Yes I liked it initially, but then it became a little tiresome.  It is however the first tune I thought of when reading this question, so I guess it’s the one for 2012!  I won’t embed it here as I think we all know how it goes!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

a) Happier (still happy!)

b) Slightly thinner

c) About the same

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Relaxing, photography, reading, and spending time with the lovely Wayne.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Placing unrealistic expectations on myself and my time.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas was a quiet affair for us this year.  It all started on Christmas Eve with us again adhering to our tradition of watching Love Actually (I so love that movie).  Christmas Day started with a lovely breakfast for two at home – think poached eggs, smoked salmon, mushrooms, tomatoes and good coffee.  For lunch we popped up to the nursing home and spent time with the lovely Wayne’s mum.  Later in the afternoon, we made our way out to my mum and dad’s place.  Here we had a lovely casual evening with great food and lots of laughs.  As an aside, I had a bit of fun with the Elf Yourself iPhone App (thanks Elizabeth), so here's the lovely Wayne, our friend Tracy, and me...



21. Did you fall in love in 2012?

I stayed in love!

22. What was your favourite TV program?

In keeping with last year’s British TV theme, we have again loved predominantly British shows.  We NEVER miss Alan Carr Chatty Man – that man and his show are an absolute scream, you really need to check it (them) out.  There were also the usual suspects of QI, Graham Norton, Grand Designs and Top Gear.  A notable mention must also go to the Australian series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries which we thoroughly enjoyed.

23. What was the best book you read?

I haven’t read any books of note this year as most of my reading consisted of reading lots of amazing blogs.  I did however enjoy a couple of coffee table books I picked up during the year - Wine Dogs Australia and Why Dogs are better than Cats are both entertaining and contain gorgeous photos.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

There’s been several again this year including Lana Del Ray and Paloma Faith.  The one that stands out though is Of Monsters And Men.  This Icelandic group made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show and I just loved them.  I’ve already mentioned Lana here, so here’s a little something by Paloma and OMAM...

25. What did you want and get?

I wanted my dad to get good news after his brain surgery – it was the best news as he got the all clear and recovered completely.  I also wanted to get the job I’d acted in for 18 months, and I did!  I was finally promoted permanently to the position in August.

26. What did you want and not get?

Again, marriage equality.  Oh alright, and the winning lotto numbers!

27. What was your favourite film of the year?

Sadly this year we made it to the movies just once – one of the pitfalls of our lack of time together as we’d rather have a quiet night in!  Anyhoo the movie – we loved The Iron Lady with Meryl Streep.  We did however watch a number of great DVD’s during the year.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 46 years young on my birthday!  You can read all about my birthday here.  Suffice to say it involved a gourmet breakfast, lots of seafood, champagne, wine, ice cream, blood-letting, and a washing machine!

29. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Sharing it with the lovely Wayne, friends and family.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Corporate and casual – not at the same time though!  I also had a bit of a ‘thing’ going on with glasses (spectacles) this year – I bought four new pairs during the year.

31. What kept you sane?

The lovely Wayne of course, and keeping a good sense of humour at all times.  Oh yes, and wine!

This guy kept me sane (or is that insane?) during 2012

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

No one person comes to mind actually.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

It’s the same as last year.  Australia’s appalling policies and indecision regarding asylum seekers and marriage equality.  It amazes me that we are so behind the times with these two issues when we are leaders in so many other areas.

34. Who did you miss?

I miss my regular catch-ups with a dear friend Tracy in England but we’ve undertaken to have regular (& possibly long) skype sessions this year.  I’ve also missed two very dear friends at work who have both been on long term leave during the year.  Luckily for me they are both back during January.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Again this year there’s been a number of new people who I’ve met.  Some have been through work, some through other friends, and then there’s the online friends I’ve made this year through blogs and social media.  The stand out though would be a former colleague, and now great friend, Kerry.  We just kinda clicked.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.

Cherish those you care about – tell them you love them often and give them hugs often too!

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Motivation a powerful strength

Hesitation was my first instinct

I got the notion my weakness was

Total devotion it’s okay because

I will hold back tears

So I can move in the right direction

I have faced my fears

Now I can move in the right direction

Move in the right direction – Beth Ditto & Gossip

So there you have it dear reader, my 2012 year in review.  I’d love to read your 2012 in review so please feel free to leave your answers (or a link to them) in the comments if you feel so inclined.

 

G. xx

 

 

Twenty 11 – a year in review

One of my favourite bloggers, Elizabeth of Scarlet Words, fills out a meme on her blog at the end of each year as a way of reflecting on the past year. I loved the idea of it so am going to have a go at it myself (despite being 11 days late in doing so!). Thanks to Elizabeth for sharing this brilliant idea and encouraging others to join in. Make sure you have a read of Elizabeth’s 2011: year in review.

Ok, here goes...

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

Professionally, I really stepped outside my comfort zone at work and took on an additional role that really challenged me – and I loved it despite the stress and sleepless nights. Personally, I started this blog and started using Instagram – both of which were done to make me take more notice of the world around me and those that are in that world. To see the real beauty that is so easily overlooked. And I have to say it has been great and I’m loving the discoveries I’m making. Oh yes, I also caught public transport (train) all the way from Newcastle to Sydney and back! I don't do public transport as a rule.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t remember making any new year’s resolutions for 2011 however this year is going to be more of what I’ve done in Q1 and I’d like to be fitter, healthier and lighter by the end of the year. I also intend to blog more.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but 2 very dear friends have made a baby in 2011 and little Bubble (as he/she is affectionately known) will arrive in the first half of 2012.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?

The only travel I did this year was with work – the furthest I ventured with work was Canberra - hmmm. The lovely Wayne and I didn’t even undertake our annual Melbourne sojourn this year – we were just too busy. We only ventured to Sydney on a few occasions this year too. Those that know us will know that that is sooo not us.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Time! And I guess fitness (see Q2).

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I guess our respective birthdays. The lovely Wayne’s because it was a milestone birthday (his 50th) and I was able to give him something he had always wanted – a helicopter pilot’s lesson (which he couldn’t stop talking about). My birthday is covered later on at Q29.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Challenging myself on a number of levels (both professionally and personally), but most of all, learning a lot about myself (some of it was hard to face/learn too!).

9. What was your biggest failure?

Letting some friendships slip a little – not in a bad way, just a consequence of being very time poor during the year and not blocking out enough time to make sure I spent time with friends.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

During the first half of the year I had a nasty bout of sinus that led to middle ear infections in both ears. These 2 ear infections turned nasty and resulted in me having 2 burst ear drums. Annoying to say the least.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The lovely Wayne’s pilot’s lesson (see Q7). Those that know the lovely Wayne know that he doesn’t say a lot and keeps things to himself but he couldn’t stop talking about piloting a helicopter – it was like listening to a kid that had just been granted a wish of going to Disneyland.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The lovely Wayne. He was definitely my rock this year and I couldn’t have achieved what I have this year without his love, support, patience and occasional reality check!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

OMG where do you start? I guess the political leaders (and I use that term loosely) in Australia and their appalling decisions and policies regarding asylum seekers and marriage equality. For the first time in my life I felt embarrassed to be part of a society that was so backward in its thinking. There was also that woman who threw a puppy out of a high-rise because it messed on the carpet – I absolutely abhor cruelty to animals.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, bills, food, iTunes and Nespresso Pods.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Being given the opportunity to really extend myself at work and actually make a difference.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

This song appeals on a number of levels however at the end of the day it’s the self esteem, acceptance and equality that it makes one think about.  Not to mention the attention that it received!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

a) Happier.

b) I may or may not be a wee bit umm, fuller figured shall we say!

c) Definitely not poorer – I’d like to say more enriched.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I wish I’d told those that I care about that I care about them a lot more often than I did.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Procrastinate.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

I won’t bore you with this again, however we spent lunch with the lovely Wayne’s mum and dinner with my mum and dad. You can read all about it here.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?

I stayed in love – does that count? As I’ve said before, he’s my rock and I know he puts up with A LOT!

The lovely Wayne in the driver's seat ready for his lesson.

22. What was your favourite TV program?

We aren’t big TV heads however we have a few faves. The Graham Norton Show is an absolute scream, I can’t resist that domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, I love the wit of QI with Stephen Fry, and of course a just lurve Grand Designs with Kevin McLeod. Hmmm, just realised they’re all British shows. The lovely Wayne has insisted I also list Family Guy and Futurama!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don’t like the word hate when talking about people. There’s probably 1 or 2 people that I dislike more than I did last year so we’ll just leave it at that.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas. A fantastic book that I couldn’t put down.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

There’s been a several this year (Adele, Katie Melua, Florence & the Machine to name a few), but the one that struck a chord with me was a song by Mindy Gledhill. It’s a beautiful song and it sums up my feelings towards the lovely Wayne. Yes I know, pathetic romantic alert!! LOL.

26. What did you want and get?

A better understanding of myself (inner peace if you like).

27. What did you want and not get?

Marriage.

28. What was your favourite film of this year?

I can (sadly) only recall going to the cinema once last year. We saw Money Ball late last year and enjoyed it.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 45 in November and was itching to do the public transport thing (yes I know, ever the adventurer!). We had the day off work together and travelled by train to Sydney where the lovely Wayne took me to the Picasso Exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW and then to a favourite Spanish restaurant for dinner. Simple pleasures but I had the best day.

30. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Recognition and personal thanks from quite senior staff at work for my achievements and contributions throughout the year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Extremes I guess. It was either suit and tie or shorts/jeans and t-shirt!

32. What kept you sane?

Being able to download to a few special people. Namely Michelle, Geraldine, and the lovely Wayne. You 3 have no idea just much your listening and encouraging words did for me. Oh yes, and there was Semillon Sauvignon Blanc too!

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Hmmm, no one person in particular comes to mind.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

That would be pretty much a tie between Australia’s shyte policies and decisions regarding asylum seekers and marriage equality (see Q13).

35. Who did you miss?

2011 has been an unusual year in this regard. The lovely Wayne and I lost our beautiful little girl Sophie three and a half years ago after 12 wonderful years. Our little Jack Russell cross was the child we could never have and although it’s been 3 and a half years, I’ve really missed her this last year - painfully so. She has been in my thoughts pretty much every day.

The lovely Wayne and our Sophie

36. Who was the best new person you met?

This is a tough one as I made a number of new friends at work that have helped me heaps in my new role. I guess our neighbour Helen would be pretty close to the top of the list too – we are very lucky to have such a great neighbour. She’s definitely a kindred spirit.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

I learnt not to underestimate or doubt my abilities.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

On the radio, on every TV show

for each and every reason, each and every season.

Music when we love for the moon above,

music for the show of life that never ends.

Music on a plane, music on a train,

sailing in the ocean, music in the motion.

Music in your car, at your local bar.

There's music when you look at a star.

Can’t Stop the Music – Village People

And so there you have it dear reader, my 2011 year in review. I’d love to read your 2011 in review so please feel free to leave your answers (or a link to them) in the comments if you feel so inclined.

Twenty Twelve

It has begun....2012 that is :-)  And it is known as twenty twelve, not two thousand and twelve.  Here's a little something for you to ponder.  It was posted by my dear cousin Linz on facebook and I have to say I agree entirely....

"OK. Let's clear this up. It's 2012 - twenty-twelve, NOT two thousand and twelve. Precedent is the Battle of Hastings 1066 - ten sixty-six, NOT one thousand and sixty-six."

Anyhoo, courtesy of cousin Linz, we've now established the correct pronunciation for this year so I urge you dear reader to go forth and share this info.

How did you see in the new year?  The lovely Wayne and I had a quiet night at home that started with Barramundi fillets cooked on the barbeque accompanied with salad and a bottle of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - delish!  Throughout the evening we grazed on all manner of fare including stuffed olives, stuffed peppers, duck pate and brie.  This was consumed with assorted accompaniments and washed down with a steady flow of good wine whilst listening to music.  It doesn't get any better than this ;-)  The only downside was that we had to keep ourselves nice as the lovely Wayne had to work on new years day.

I guess our new year celebrations have set the tone of the year so far.  After the lovely Wayne arrived home from work on new years day, we put the top down on the Jeep and headed off for a drive around the lake.  We organised to meet my parents on the waterfront reserve at Swansea where we all sat under a tree in the late afternoon sun whilst enjoying prawns, champagne and various other nibblies - great food, great wine, great view and most of all, great company.

 

Our view while enjoying prawns and champas



Day 2 of twenty twelve saw us chilling out at home - it was a lazy kinda day that still ended in the same kind of manner as the previous two days.  Late afternoon found us driving around the waterfront with the top down to buy pizza.  We then headed to a favourite spot not far from home where we sat on the grass at the water's edge indulging in pizza and beers - I had a light beer as driver and the lovely Wayne enjoyed one the chocolate stout beers he received for christmas.  Again a lovely way to end the day taking in the great view that is so close by. 



The beer & pizza view



Topless @ the waterfront

 

Today is day 3 - I wonder what it will bring...

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012...

From me and the lovely Wayne.  xx