2014 - The year in review

Again, apologies for not blogging for weeks. I kind of lost myself there for a while....and I haven't had access to a computer on which to write! Since moving out I have relied on my phone for all things internet related and with the lack of wi-fi I've succeeded in using up 95% of my data allowance with seven days to go before it clicks over. Hence, the silence.

Since Stella's Memorial in December I have been quietly reflective about everything. The day after the memorial I went and purchased Clare Bowditch's CD and listened to her song Are You Ready Yet which she performed at the service. Reflecting on the words of that song strengthened my resolve to move on to a brighter future filled with hope. It's what Stella would want. The memorial, although sad, was such a celebration of the beauty that was our friend Stella. Afterwards, we all danced like wild things in Federation Square, proud to be who we are and proud and grateful to have known such a wonderful soul. Since then, every time I have heard Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson I've grinned like a silly thing remembering the shared love of all of Stella's friends that day and dancing without a care.

I could spend this whole post on what's been happening during my silence on here but I'm not going to. Instead, lets reflect upon 2014 with the traditional reflective questions, shall we?

What did you do in 2014 that you had never done before?

I ran a distance of 17km.

I interviewed TWO Hollywood stars!

I co-MC'd an event.

Did you keep your resolutions?

I don't make resolutions, instead I have a theme word for the year and try and keep to that theme. 2014's theme was ACTION - and I certainly actioned a lot of thoughts and plans! There was a lot of saying of the word, "YES"and just rolling with what happened afterwards. I found myself doing many new and exciting things - such as interviewing Peter Dinklage and Hugh Jackman, doing some public speaking and being co-MC for by workplaces 40th Anniversary celebrations. I met so many new and wonderful people whom I now count as friends and have developed so much more confidence. Putting things into ACTION certainly meant that my life has become more exciting and fulfilled!

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my sister and her husband gave birth to their beautiful daughter in January.
A friend and her husband also welcomed twin boys at the close of December.

Did anyone close to you die?

Our beautiful Stella.

What countries did you visit this year?

The kids and I took off to the USA and spent a week in Anaheim, CA to visit Disneyland for Chloe's birthday. We also took a bus tour of Hollywood, Venice Beach, Marina Del Ray.

What would you like to have in 2015 that you didn't have in 2014?

Honestly, I seemed to have everything I needed in 2014. I can't possibly think of anything more for 2015. I love simplicity, I love simple living and find that life is so much more fulfilling and meaningful when you reduce the clutter and concentrate on the important, the precious and the essentials.

What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

December 6 and December 8. The day we lost Stella and the day we found out.

What was your biggest achievement this year?

I think my biggest achievement was becoming proud....and I didn't fully realise it until the end after seeing Stella for the last time and then hearing Bryce Ives read out Stella's favorite piece of writing "You get proud by practicing". It was then that I realised that for the first time in 47 years I am content, happy and proud to be who I am in this physical form I inhabit. This has been an enormous breakthrough for me which has been quietly and gently facilitated by the company I keep - the many, many beautiful people I have gotten to know who identify with and actively celebrate difference and diversity.

What was your biggest failure?

I guess the pie-in-the-sky plan to run to Adelaide! Was this a failure though? No. I don't think so. Is it possible? Yes. Is it wise? Possibly not. The jury is still out, however I am still contemplating an active something that will serve to raise funds...

Did you suffer illness or injury?

2014 was my healthiest year in a long time. No colds, no flu's, no injuries.

What was the best thing you bought?

I can't think of anything! Books?

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

All my kids. They continue to develop into the most spectacular adults and I treasure the time I spend with them listening to their discoveries and developing wisdom.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

You know....I think I will delete this question for next year. Although there have been behaviours I have witnessed over the past year that have saddened me I am acutely aware that I am not the seer of all things and I can't begin to fully understand the inner motivations of people as to why they behave the way they do. I heard a saying once that we tend to judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions. In other words, we are quick to judge others on an action yet we cut ourselves slack because we know what our intent was. I'm working on trying to give people the benefit of the doubt.

......although our Prime Minister, Tony Abbott may be exempt from this benefit......

Where did most of your money go?

Rent and bills...and an overseas holiday!

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

My baby niece in January and the news of a new niece or nephew to arrive in June 2015!

What song will always remind you of 2014?

Cosby Sweater by the Hilltop Hoods
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson.

Compared to this time last year are you:

a) Happier or Sadder?

Happier

b) Thinner or fatter?

Thinner with more lean muscle.

c) Richer or poorer?

Poorer

What do you wish you had done more of?

Weights and full body workouts.
Catching up with friends.

What do you wish you had done less of?

Grieving.

How did you spend Christmas?

Family Christmas was at my brothers house on December 20.
Christmas Day was spent with my husband's family and my parents at our place. Although it was busy leading up to the day it was a lovely day seeing everyone again.

What was your favorite TV program?

Game of Thrones - Season 4, as downloaded on memory stick by Akash!

What was the best book you read?

The Alchemist by Paul Cohelo.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Lana Del Ray, particularly West Coast

Yeah, ok....I know there are people who think she's depressing. I love her.

What did you want and get?

Love, Joy, Peace.

What did you want and not get?

A new iPhone. (I got a Huawei instead)

What was your favorite film of the year?

I enjoyed Lucy and Interstellar.

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

I was 47 and I believe we went out for dinner.

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

Secure employment for all my children.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?

Confused hippy.

What kept you sane?

Running. Always running.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Benedict Cumberbatch. That voice!

What political issue stirred you the most?

We had a state election in 2014 and for the first time I cared deeply about who got in and the impact it would have on future federal elections.  Cuts to aid funding and social welfare are alarming, to say the least and I have grave concerns for our future.

Who did you miss?

No one.

Who was the best new person you met?

Oh gosh! That's so hard! I met a lot of people through sad circumstances and wish so much I had've known them before this. I've also met so many lovely people through work. I can't pick who is the best new person. They are all wonderful and my life is richer for having them in it!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014?

Love people and celebrate with them whenever you see them for there may not be a next meeting. Tell people you love them, let them know how much they are appreciated. I am so very, very grateful that this was what happened the last time I saw Stella.

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.