I have filled in this meme many times over the years way back to 2005 I think. Most have been lost with teh great server crash, but I found the questions and decided to go again…

I find this one of the easiest ways for me to reflect on the year that was.2012 was, well, it was. It actually seems like a rather vanilla year, especially considering some of my recent years! There was no money spent on lawyers which was a huge plus!

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

I started a podcast (only just… see the post below!)

Perhaps it is also a year of what I didn’t do. For the first year since I was about 8 years old that I have not been on a plane.

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

I believe every day is a new start, likewise every hour, minute second. I try and reflect on my decisions all the time (perhaps too much some of the time!)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not that I can think of. I know people who have had babies, but no one really close. A close friend is due to spawn in May though :-)

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Again, no. I have known people who have died and known of others, but no one especially close.

5. What countries/states did you visit?

:( I have hardly left Cairns unfortunately.

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

A secure job and more secure finances.

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

The total solar eclipse in November was a great experience. My 40th happened!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Surviving! I also completed some large knitting projects which really gave me a sense of satisfaction.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Failure is a big word… There are always aspects of things that I would prefer to have done differently and other areas I constantly want to improve upon.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not really! I had a bad case of sinusitis in Winter combined with a horror ear infection, but apart from that, nothing really.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I find satisfaction in knowing my house is safe. There has not been a lot of money spent on other things apart from the occasional hank of yarn :-)

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

I loved the way Julia Gillard spoke in parliament. And yes, I’m talking about that speech!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I think I’ve learnt to live with some people’s behaviour and it no longer surprises me. Political stances such as the way we treat those seeking asylum in this country still depressed me.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills.

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

I actually can’t think of that much…

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Don’t hate me…

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:?

a) happier or sadder?
happier

b)thinner or fatter?
fatter

c) richer or poorer?
Poorer. Another change of job, another pay cut :(

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

Cooking new things

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

Procrastinating.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

MIML™ worked in the morning so I chilled with teh kittehs. We then had seafood for lunch and the kids came home Boxing Day where we had turkey.

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?

Over and over again with the gorgeous MIML™

22. How many one-night stands?

None!

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Downton Abbey

24. Did you make a friend with anyone that you didn’t know this time last year?

I have met so many lovely people in the knitting community it makes my heart sing!

25. What was the best book you read?

I love Nigella’s new cookbook- Nigellissima!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I’m not sure I made any this year. I am listening to less and less radio and often miss new songs.

27. What did you want and get?

A new job when the old one ceased to be!

28. What did you want and not get?

My thesis is still not finished…

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

Les Miserables.

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

I was 40. I was sick as a dog but we still went out to dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant.

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

A bit more moula!

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

Comfortable.

33. What kept you sane?

Knitting!

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

Colin Firth still does it for me!

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Asylum Seekers

36. Who did you miss?

Friends who live too far away.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

I can’t single any individual out.

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

This too shall pass.

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

I get knocked down
But I get up again
You’re never going to keep me down!

Here’s to a great 2013!