I have ummed and ahhed over publishing this this year. Yes, 2014 had some highlights, but I have been in a shocking headspace for several months and it is hard to see the good bits. Perhaps in going through this I will be able to reflect myself so that I try not to make the same mistakes in 2015.

1. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?

I visited Minnesota to meet up with some amazing people and attend the Zombie Knitpocalypse.

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

I don’t tend to make resolutions as such. I looked to improve my fitness throughout the year and managed to shed over 15kg, however I then managed to find some of that again. In 2015 I plan to be kinder to myself, to undertake more psychotherapy and find joy in each day.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A work colleague and several other friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

It has been a bad year for death. Our nextdoor neighbour died of cancer in February, another young friend had a terrible accident, An older friend whose wisdom I miss so much and a friend from uni who also lost his battle with cancer. Three people younger than me.

5. What countries/states did you visit?

I went to Minnesota, popped over the border to Wisconsin and visited airports in LA and Dallas. I also went to the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show and was fortunate enough to attend the Labor Women’s Network Conference in Brisbane.

6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

A more stable mental health.

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

Apart from the deaths mentioned above, the ZK in June was such a thrill.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I won a trophy and award at the Cairns Show in the Fibrecraft section. I also managed to sort things out with the bank so I can keep my house.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I have stuffed up in so many ways and will need to spend the first part of 2015 sorting them out. I have stuck my head in the sand and not communicated as I should have.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Apart from a nervous breakdown…

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I haven’t had a lot of disposable income, but some of the skeins of yarn I have purchased along the way have great sentimental value.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

My kids. They are pretty awesome. Also the amazing MIML™. The way we can communicate and talk through things still amazes me. Pretty thrilled that we are shacking up together too!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

My own.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills.

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

The Zombie Knitpocalypse and Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show. I have also enjoyed campaigning for upcoming elections, even if it is really challenging at times.

16. What song will always remind you of 2014?

I really can’t think of any off the top of my head.

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

a) happier or sadder?
hmmm…

b)thinner or fatter?
thinner

c) richer or poorer?
poorer.

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

I stopped knitting and spinning for a few months at the end of the year because of my stress. I really missed it and am only just starting to get back into it now.

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

Worry.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

MIML™ and I spent the day together- long sleep in, brunch then a late lunch of seafood! It was delightful!

21. Did you fall in love in 2013?

Over and over again with the gorgeous MIML™

22. How many one-night stands?

None!

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Game of Thrones, Vikings, Scandal, Outlander…

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

I met so many wonderful people at the ZK and Bendigo and also locally through campaigning.

25. What was the best book you read?

The Outlander Series!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I have been rediscovering classical music, especially violin music.

27. What did you want and get?

A part time job with a guaranteed income.

28. What did you want and not get?

Self satisfaction.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

The Lego Movie

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

I was 42. I discovered the meaning of life… oh wait- no I didn’t!

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

A lot less anxiety and depression.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?

Comfortable.

33. What kept you sane?

Nothing :(

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

Ewan McGregor still does it for me!

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Asylum Seekers, cuts to jobs and services.

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 2014.

It is what it is.

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

I’m sure I’ve had this song in years past, but again, it is apt…

When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you’re sure you’ve had enough
Of this life, well hang on

Don’t let yourself go
‘Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it’s time to sing along
When your day is night alone (Hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (Hold on)
If you think you’ve had too much
Of this life, well hang on

Everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don’t throw your hand, oh no

Don’t throw your hand
If you feel like you’re alone
No, no, no, you are not alone

If you’re on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you’ve had too much of this life to hang on

Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes

So hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts

Here’s to an awesome 2015!