In 2020, I completed 15 projects…

I’m not sure how long I will continue using Ravelry as once I am forced to give up the legacy design, I fear it will be unusable for me in its present format, but that aside, it is useful for keeping track of projects, yarn, patterns etc.

As for goals for 2021… I have 30 items on the needles if I include the test-kit sweater and socks I am casting on today. A few of these 30 will simply be frogged. Several are half-completed pairs of socks and I would like to finish them. 5 are projects I cast on in 2020 and I can see myself completing all of these. Ideally, I would like to have fewer items on the needles at the end of the year than at the start- that shouldn’t be that difficult to achieve, despite me being in a positive balance at the end of 2020!

For absolute goals, I’d like to complete a fingering colourwork sweater or at least one with short sleeves. I’d also like to spin more- I have the same bump of fibre on the wheel that was on for all of last year. It is hard with my back at times, but I will just need to break it down to manageable chunks. I’m starting the Desert Vista Dyeworks monthly sock challenge again and would like to complete at least 6 months. Perhaps this will also be the year I will start some of the items that have been in my queue for years and years!

So not that many goals, only to craft more. One can hope!

I have been filling this in for so many years now and I do wonder if it’s time is nearing an end, after all, it is the only post on fifikins.com this year. It has been a challenging year for many, including me, but I have endured and 2021 is literally just around the corner. Oh well, here goes nothing…

1. What did you do in 2020 that you’d never done before?

Woke up in ICU intubated- basically a tube was shoved down my throat that was breathing for me. This was after almost 14 hours of spinal surgery.

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

I honestly cn’t remember. Not making any.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Colleagues and friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My lovely father-in-law, Tony, adorable colleague, Alison and several people who succumbed to complications arising from SARS-CoV2.

5. What countries/states did you visit?

None! Not even before lockdowns and too scared to travel interstate now. I will not be able to sit for 2 weeks in hotel isolation because of my back.

I did spend a week on the Sunshine Coast with my mother in February and it was lovely to catch up with Tess.

6. What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020

Mobility, but with 13 fused vertebrae, this will probably be challenging. I am mobile in the sense I can walk (short distances still at present) but things like getting out of bed is really hard.

7. What dates from 2020 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Specific things happened on different days- return to work, deaths and further surgery.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Returning to work was huge, even though it was only for 3 days, 3 ours per day. I also completed my Grad Cert in Infection Prevention.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I still don’t think I believe in failures.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

You could say that!

11. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The way MIML™ has cared for me post accident has been beautiful and has really shown us both how much we mean to each other and what an amazing team we are. (Same goes for this year!)

22. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

The usual suspects…

13. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

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

Being able to walk the length of The Esplanade without stopping. It seems a long way off again now.

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

a) happier or sadder?
Happiness is a state of mind I’ve chosen for sometime now.

b)thinner or fatter?
I think I found some Coved kilos, but I am back to healthier eating patterns and hydrotherapy and physiotherapy as tolerated.

c) richer or poorer?
Compared to many I’ve been fortunate to have a guaranteed income through Workcover.

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

Cooking- it’s still hard, but I’m finding workarounds- preparing veggies early afternoon before a rest and the like.

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

Of all things- sleeping. Although I know my body needs it, I am still sleeping 10-12 hours/night.

18. How did you spend Christmas?

Just Crawford and I grazing on oysters and prawns. It was lovely!

19. What was your favourite TV program?

Just finished Bridgerton which I loved!

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

Probably

21. What was the best book you read?

I got multifocal and reading glasses this year so have been able to read more. The best book I read by far was Fourteen: My year of darkness and the light that followed, by the amazing Shannon Molloy.

22. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Hildegard von Blingin’ on YouTube!

23. What did you want and get?

A Grad Cert

24. What did you want and not get?

Not sure of this.

25. What was your favourite film of this year?

I saw Emma during my week on the Sunshine Coast and it’s still one of my favourite Austen’s!

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

I was 48. Ate cake and dined at C’est Bon!

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

Covid Vaccine!

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2020?

PJs and pants free days on the recliner

29. What kept you sane?

MIML™ and mindfulness..

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

I think the country fell for Victoria’s CHOttie!

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

Pandemic management

32. Who did you miss?

The kids- only saw Immy yesterday for the first time this year.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

A new psychologist has been helpful. I also did some psychometric testing which surprised me.

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2020.

It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen, probably…

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

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Monty Python

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best
And

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life

If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that’s the thing
And

Always look on the bright side of life
(Come on)
Always look on the right side of life

For life is quite absurd
And death’s the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin
Give the audience a grin
Enjoy it, it’s your last chance anyhow

So always look on the bright side of death
A just before you draw your terminal breath

Life’s a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true
You’ll see it’s all a show
Keep ’em laughin’ as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you
And

Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the right side of life
(C’mon Brian, cheer up)
Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the bright side of life

Always look on the bright side of life

I mean, what have you got to lose?
You know, you come from nothing
You’re going back to nothing
What have you lost? NothingAlways look on the right side of life

Nothing will come from nothing, ya know what they say
Cheer up ya old bugga c’mon give us a grin
(Always look on the right side of life)
There ya are, see
It’s the end of the film
Incidentally this record’s available in the foyer
(Always look on the right side of life)

Some of us got to live as well, you know
(Always look on the right side of life)
Who do you think pays for all this rubbish
(Always look on the right side of life)
They’re not gonna make their money back, you know
I told them, I said to him, Bernie, I said they’ll never make their money back
(Always look on the right side of life)

I’m not sure if this is the best way of chronicling the year that was. It was definitely a year in two halves- before and after accident. I look back on the videos I did daily whilst in hospital and can see how far I’ve come and yet I have a long way to go still. My brain is still experiencing Post Concussion Syndrome meaning I have issues finding words at times and I’m perhaps not as sharp as I used to be. I keep being assured this will heal give it time. Time. Sigh.

1. What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?

Spent two months in hospital as an impatient inpatient.

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

I will update the craftolusions after this. I’m not a big one for resolutions, preferring to take each day as a new day and am willing to start changes when I see they need to be made.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Colleagues and friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Aunt Esther, my last remaining close relation on my mother’s side. She was my Step-Great-Grandmother’s niece and my mother’s godmother. I was unable to get to the funeral and still ponder how the year would have been different if I had made it down as I would not have been travelling to work the following day…

5. What countries/states did you visit?

I went to Melbourne three times in the end- to settle Jasper into college in February, to go to the Dean’s Dinner in April and then for Imogen’s graduation in December. I’m still sad I missed Bendigo, but was totally spoilt by the ladies and still cry when I see my blanket!

6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?

More endurance so I can walk more than 100m without needing to sit down and can get back to work.

7. What dates from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June was a month of highs and lows- A and A’s wedding at the start and the accident at the end.

For those unaware, on 29 June I was travelling to work at a small Emergency Department in an Aboriginal Community near home. As I came around a bend, I lost control of my motorbike- it was slightly damp and I probably hit some oil or gravel, and I came a cropper- I fractured 7 vertebrae, my right radius and my left shoulder we think became dislocated and I tore ligaments and tendons requiring a lot of physiotherapy. My back has metal rods in two places and my wrist has pins and a plate.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Surviving. I literally came about 2mm from death. If I had rolled down the embankment after my accident I would almost certainly have severed my spinal cord either at my neck or lower end of my ribs.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I don’t believe in failures.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Just a bit! See above!

11. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The way MIML™ has cared for me post accident has been beautiful and has really shown us both how much we mean to each other and what an amazing team we are.

22. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

The usual suspects…

13. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

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

I really loved the varied nature of my job in the first half of the year. I adored working all around the local hospital and out at the Aboriginal Community.

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

a) happier or sadder?
Happiness is a state of mind I’ve chosen for sometime now.

b)thinner or fatter?
After the accident I have focussed on becoming healthier and with a damaged back that has meant shedding some fat. I still have a bit to go, but am proud of how far I’ve come so far (over 42kg).

c) richer or poorer?
It’s been a challenge not getting penalty rates, however I am grateful for WorkCover and receiving at least part of my wage.

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

Knitting

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

I’m not sure on this one…

18. How did you spend Christmas?

Jasper was home and we ate very well out on the deck.

19. What was your favourite TV program?

Game of Thrones was slightly disappointing, but I still liked it!

Also found some gems on Netflix- Umbrella Academy, Brooklyn 99, The Good Place…

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

Lots of new colleagues and friends in special Facebook groups.

21. What was the best book you read?

I have not been able to read since the accident- I have trouble focussing on large portions of text. I have been enjoying Audible books though and loved ‘Embrace Yourself’ by Taryn Brumfitt and ‘Any Ordinary Day’ by Leigh Sales, especially in the light of my accident.

22. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Not sure really on this…

23. What did you want and get?

Discharged from hospital

24. What did you want and not get?

To return to work

25. What was your favourite film of this year?

I doI haven’t been to the cinema this year- I don’t know if I could physically sit through a movie, but have enjoyed watching all sorts of films on Netflix.

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

I was 47 and I was in hospital in excruciating pain from a pseudo-blockage in my intestine. Liquid diets meant no birthday cake!

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

I would love to have travelled more

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

Nighties and PJs

29. What kept you sane?

MIML™ and mindfulness and talking with friends.

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

I’ve still got a soft spot for Colin Firth!

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

So many! I am trying to sit back though and act in a way I would like others to act- practicing kindness.

32. Who did you miss?

It’s strange being empty nesters, but I still miss I&J!

33. Who was the best new person you met?

My back surgeon?

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.

You are not invincible!

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

Time, time time, see what’s become of me
While I looked around for my possibilities

I was so hard to please
Don’t look around
The leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter

Hear the Salvation Army band
Down by the riverside’s, there’s bound to be a better ride
Than what you’ve got planned

Carry your cup in your hand
And look around
Leaves are brown, now
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter

Hang on to your hopes, my friend
That’s an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend that you can build them again
Look around
The grass is high
The fields are ripe
It’s the springtime of my life

Seasons change with the scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won’t you stop and remember me
At any convenient time?
Funny how my memory skips while looking over manuscripts
Of unpublished rhyme
Drinking my vodka and lime
I look around
Leaves are brown, now
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Look around
Leaves are brown
There’s a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There’s a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There’s a patch of snow on the ground

– Paul Simon

I know this is late and I am going to leave some questions out this time round, but I have been doing it for like forever it seems

1. What did you do in 2018 that you’d never done before?

Graduated (not in absentia!) and gave a speech to a lot of people!

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

I’m about to address my craft-olusions from last year…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Colleagues and online friends, yes

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not close, close, but close enough.

5. What countries/states did you visit?

I went to Bendigo and had a ball and had a wonderful week near Mullumbimby!9

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

A cleaner house!

7. What dates from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Jasper’s formal and valedictory from school were great. 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Growing more and more into nursing

9. What was your biggest failure?

I don’t do failures anymore.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

A few sick days here and there and a night in hospital with shocking pain but not much else!

11. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

My kids are amazing, as is the wonderful MIML™

22. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

The usual suspects…

13. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

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

Work!

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

a) happier or sadder?
happier

b)thinner or fatter?
thinner I think, but I have ditched the scales!

c) richer or poorer?
About the same, but more secure

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

Taking days off

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

complain about things out of my control

18. How did you spend Christmas?

I worked an early shift and came home and spent time with the wonderful MIML™

19. What was your favourite TV program?

Game of Thrones! Also loving rewatching The West WIng along with The West Wing Weekly podcast!

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

So many amazing new colleagues!

21. What was the best book you read?

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. And yes, you do need to read it!

22. What was your greatest musical discovery?

My dear friend Calvin Bowman’s Art Song CD ‘Real and Right and True.’ Do yourselves a favour…

23. What did you want and get?

A substantive position with Queensland Health and a partner visa for MIML™

24. What did you want and not get?

Full time hours, but I’m getting close!

25. What was your favourite film of this year?

I don’t think I went to the cinema at all this year, but I did binge on several Netflix movies and new to me movies. May have evaluated a couple of Marvel films from the comfort of the living room…

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

I was 46. I worked!

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

Travel!

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

Scrubs and uniforms!

29. What kept you sane?

Knitting and spinning and mindfulness

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

It used to always be Ewan, but he’s not so nice anymore… Jason Momoa is hot and Justin Trudeau is a dish!

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

Growing inequality hurts me deeply. I am trying to ignore US politics and don’t get me started on Brexit!

32. Who did you miss?

I miss Immy being in Melbourne but am so proud of her heading to the States this week on scholarship!

33. Who was the best new person you met?

Buffy would tell me it has to be her

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.

It is what it is, even if what it is is shit!

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

It’s back! I have neglected my blog in 2017, but I can’t give this meme up! 2017 has been a challenging year, but I am glad with the way I have handled things. Here’s to 2018 and beyond!

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

Held the S8 keys for a shift!

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

I made craftolusions that I failed miserably in! I can recognise over the last few years I have totally changed my mindset and that has assisted me in dealing with setbacks however.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes- online friends who have been friends for over 10 years now!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not close, close, but close enough.

5. What countries/states did you visit?

My only trip was to Melbourne for Immy’s birthday, but the less said about that the better.

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

A steady income (but that actually looks like happening!)

7. What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Finishing my degree- handing in that last assignment, release of grades and certification were all great days! As was the day I found out I have a grad position at the hospital and the day I found out I had a permanent job at an aged care facility!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finishing my degree and getting jobs!

9. What was your biggest failure?

I can’t think of any that stand out to be honest.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not really, no!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I managed to put food on the table every night, even if a lot of the time it was 2 minute noodles and baked beans!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

The way MIML™ has handled this year has been great.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

The usual suspects…

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

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

Graduating

16. What song will always remind you of 2017?

I think I have reached an age where I could not tell you any song that was released this year!

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

a) happier or sadder?
happier

b)thinner or fatter?
probably fatter

c) richer or poorer?
poorer

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

Exercise

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

Procrastinating

20. How did you spend Christmas?

I worked a late shift Christmas Eve, had the kids home, ate seafood (and walnut and mushroom paté for the vegan) then was called into work for 5 hours (other job!) then came home and slept!

21. Did you fall in love in 2017?

Over and over again with the gorgeous MIML™

22. How many one-night stands?

This question needs to go!

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Game of Thrones! Also loving rewatching The West WIng along with The West Wing Weekly podcast!

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

I’ve met so many amazing people this year!

25. What was the best book you read?

I loved being part of an online book club this year. Adored both Their Brilliant Careers for it’s satirical look at Australian literature and Lincoln in the Bardo for its experimental amazingness!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

That I can listen to such an eclectic range of music and find satisfaction from so many different genres.

27. What did you want and get?

A grad position and a RN job!

28. What did you want and not get?

A partner visa for MIML™- well it is on the way and he is now on a bridging visa! Now to get him work rights…

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

I don’t think I went to the cinema at all this year (lack of disposable income) however I enjoyed Wonder Woman.

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

I was 45. I think we went out for dinner, but I can’t remember!

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

Travel!

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?

Scrubs and uniforms!

33. What kept you sane?

Knitting and spinning

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

I have always said Ewan, but he appears to be a bit of a cad these days!

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Penalty rates. US politics

36. Who did you miss?

I miss contact with the US group of friends from several years ago.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

I can’t single any one person out.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

Never, never, never give up.

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

I did it! I finished 12 self-striping projects in 2016. I am starting 2017 with 16 WIPs and hope to end with fewer than that- we’ll see!

Here’s a self-striping retrospective…

 

5 projects for others, 7 for me. Not a bad effort!

In years past I sent out Christmas Cards, usually with a ‘newsy letter’ included. One of the joys of the digital age is the ease at which I can produce an epistle, and put it up for those who want to read it to read it and those who don’t can skim over it or ignore it altogether!

Overall 2016 has been a great year and this is the first year in a while I can actually say this. I am not sure how much is me choosing or being able to ignore the not so pleasant parts or if I deal with them in a different way, but the good seems to certainly outweigh the bad. My studies are going really well and I am achieving great grades. I know it is not all about the grades so it is also great to have amazing placements and to receive some very positive feedback from this work based practice. In April I started working as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) for Queensland Health. Usually I sit with high acuity patients who need someone with them to ensure they are safe. I have met some amazing people in this work and I really love it. I think that one of the things I will miss as a Registered Nurse is being able to sit with the same patients for 8 hours and listen to them.

In February the four of us travelled to Melbourne to celebrate Mum’s 70th birthday. Only three of us returned home! Miss 18 stayed in Melbourne as she was accepted into Melbourne Uni to study Arts. She is majoring in Communication and Japanese and would like to become a journalist. She has had an amazing year. She received a scholarship to the same residential college her parents attended and has taken to college life like a duck to water.

Mr 15 has also had a great year. He has just finished year 10 and is ready to start his senior years. He will be glad to be rid of science subjects and taking Maths A which is the life application maths stream that looks at interest and budgets and has more practical application in his life. He is yet to look for a part-time job but had an amazing week’s work experience at a local web design company. He fluctuates in his ambitions, however he is determined to head to uni. Whilst he loves his drama still he is not sure he wants to pursue an acting career and is now wavering on game design instead looking at following his sister to Melbourne to study Arts majoring in creative writing. He is yet to secure a part-time job, however has had some acting/entertaining gigs that have boosted his bank account a little! In September he went with school to the USA for a fortnight for Space Camp at NASA. He had a wonderful time, despite his so called disinterest in science. Go figure!

MIML™ has spent a great deal of this year restoring an old 1970s Landrover Series II. I keep being told about it and I nod, but really am none the wiser about the diff and the gaskets! After joking that I would prefer it to have power steering and air-con, he has found a wreck that has some form of power steering which he is going to try and fit. Air-con is a fair way off I think!

Ninja the black lab is getting older but still acting like a puppy. She enjoys her evening walks with MIML™ and I and every so often we think she has stopped digging. Alas I don’t think she has yet to extinguish this trait! Max and Leo the ragdolls still lounge around the house and occasionally disgrace themselves believing someone’s bed is the litter tray. Bad kitties!

Both spawn are home for the holidays this year which will be lovely. I am not sure if I am working yet so will see if we have Christmas lunch or dinner! Miss 18 has a job at a local hotel in the food and beverage department so she may be working Christmas Day too.

So there you have it. A brief update on where we are at and so much easier than printing things out, stuffing envelopes, finding addresses and mailing them! Wishing you and yours a happy and safe Christmas and an awesome 2017!

What an awesome idea by the amazing Donna to put 2016 craft-olutions in writing.

So perhaps I should add my goals for 2016…

• Finish or frog 10 current WIPs
• Have a negative stash balance at the end of 2016 (more used than purchased!)
• Spin and knit some 3 ply socks for me
• 12 self-striping projects completed (can include current WIPs)
• Knit a Baa-ble hat
• Knit 6 projects out of handspun
• 1 washcloth a month for Women’s Shelter (ABC Christmas appeal)
• Podcast every fortnight

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!

[display_podcast]

The delay is kinda explained in this week’s (month’s!) episode… It’s also on YouTube…

No shownotes I’m sorry- ask if there’s anything you want to know!

 

PS- I have missed you all! xxx