2013 Roundup

So, before I really get into 2014 let's do the traditional roundup of the old year - that being 2013 of course.

What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?

In 2013 I participated in three Fun Runs - Run for the Kids in March, the Mother's Day Classic in May and the Colour Run in October.

Participated in Dancing Ground - a festival of dance and alternative culture. 

Ran 10km non-stop. Not once, but six times!

Did you keep your new years' resolutions? 

I make it a point not to make resolutions but I settle on a theme word for the year and try to live according to that word. The word for 2013 was simplicity. I feel as though I managed to live by this word in that I'm letting go of things that have held me back, enjoyed preparing and eating more simple, yet nutritious meals, enjoyed getting back to handicrafts such as knitting and crochet and sometimes just stood and breathed in the quiet and solitude of a moment. I would like to continue in this mindset during 2014 whilst living a life of action - the theme word for 2014.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my friend Carly and her husband Matt welcomed their precious Lucinda Hope. 

Did anyone close to you die? 

No. No one close.

What countries did you visit this year? 

I stayed firmly put in the land of Terra Australis.

What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013? 

I'd like a new job and know that this requires me to actively work towards getting one.

What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 

Thankfully, no dates from 2013 are etched on my memory and, given the fact that I already have etched dates from other years for all the wrong reasons, this is how I like it.

What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?

Hitting the 10km mark with my running.

Continuing to learn how to successfully self-soothe and manage my own emotions in healthier ways.

What was your biggest failure?

I don't believe in failures. I do however, believe in learning how things don't work or learning things from each experience.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had a cracking bout of bronchitis in either July or August - to the point where I stayed in bed for several days. If you know anything about me then you'd know that for me to stay in bed for several days must've meant that I was really sick!

What was the best thing you bought? 

My new Singer sewing machine.

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Chloe's. That young woman continues to be a shining light, a soothing balm to the soul. She made every single gift she gave at Christmas and each gift reflected how much she knew you and how much she loves you. 

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Our nation's leaders. All of them. Leadership challenges, question time...enough said. I hold grave fears for our country under Abbott.

The actions of particular football players and the attitudes of clubs and AFL hot-shots in general.

Dwarf entertainers who can't see the perpetuation of certain cultural misconceptions by agreeing to be entertainment to those who will never be educated.

Where did most of your money go?

Rent. Always and ever rent. 

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

The prospect of a new niece joining our family early in 2014. It's been a long time since we've had a babe to dote on.

What song will always remind you of 2013? 

Hmm...none really. I didn't really listen to mainstream radio. 

Compared to this time last year, are you: a) Happier or sadder?

Happier...because I choose to be.

b) Thinner or fatter?

Leaner

c) Richer or poorer?

Neither 

What do you wish you'd done more of? 

Reading, meditating, writing

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Always procrastinating and doubting myself.

How did you spend Christmas? 

We spent it here at home as a family for the first time in three years. I did all of the cooking and was surprised at how unstressed I was about it. Everything worked well, tasted lovely and it was simple.

Afterwards we had supper at Serrin and Leo's which was also wonderful and peaceful.

Did you fall in love in 2013? 

No. I just love.

How many one-night stands?

Zero. Honestly, I don't see the appeal and never have.

What was your favourite TV program? 

Fringe - although I watched it on DVD.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? 

I hate no one. 

What was the best book you read? 

According to Goodreads I only read three books this year. I did really enjoy The Timekeeper by Mitch Albom at the beginning of the year. He is becoming one of my favorite authors.

What was your greatest musical discovery? 

Hmm...I'm always discovering new and interesting artists by listening to Triple J these days. Too many to mention! Lots of indie, folk stuff I suppose.

What did you want and get? 

Peace.

What did you want and not get?

A new job.

What was your favourite film of this year? 

Again, I'm not sure. I watched so many! I'm becoming quite partial to futuristic, sci-Fi dramas lately.

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

I was 46 and I believe we went out to dinner!

What was one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 

Nothing. Honestly, I was content for myself. I wish my three older offspring secured employment. That would have been wonderful. 

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Comfortable, emerging hippy.

What kept you sane?

Running. Everything melts away. All things slot into place and the way forward becomes clearer.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? 

Tom Hiddleston (Loki)

Josh Jackson (Peter Bishop)

What political issue stirred you the most? 

The NDIS and the fact that it looks as though Mr Abbott's going to scrap it.

Who did you miss? 

No one. Everyone I love is still around.

Who was the best new person you met?

Samuel Johnson - whom I'd always admired on TV. Interviewing him for Take 5 was such a pleasure. Such a genuine, big-hearted Aussie bloke. The fact that he saw me in the crowd just before he took off on his ride and came down off the stage to hug me & suggest where to stand so I could see everything was a testament to his genuine, caring nature.

Carly Findlay - although we've only met a couple of times I consider her a friend. She conducts herself with grace, poise and tenacity. I'm honored to know her.

Lauren from Sparkling Adventures. I only met her briefly at Dancing Grounc and was touched by her grace and peace despite her circumstances.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013. 

I need to begin believing in myself as much as others do. I am actually talented in many areas, I just need to trust it.

God resides within me as love.

Next post - 2014 - One Word.