I do enjoy me a lovely, weird year. This one’s been at times a peach, and at others a bastard, although generally I’m quite happy with it. At any rate, I figured it was worth giving it a good meme. They’re fun and cathartic to do, but please don’t feel obliged to read if you couldn’t give a flying fig.
What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?
Swam with dolphins. It really is one of those experiences that everyone bangs on about for a reason.
Where did you begin 2014?
With the usual crew in Bovingdon.
Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
None made, none broken. A few ‘to dos’ before I’m 30 though…
What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
Smug couple as standard. We went to Bill’s, also as standard.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
No babies please.
Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank God.
Were you in school?
Still no. It’s been nearly a decade since I left now…should probably delete this question.
What countries did you visit?
Japan, France (twice), Wales and Mexico.
What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
A house I own.
What moments from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Hydrotherapy birthday spa, my brother’s wedding and my granny telling me she has a boyfriend.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Setting granny up to find said boyfriend. Losing 2 stone.
What was your biggest failure?
Struggling to think of one…don’t think I ‘failed’ at much.
Did you have to go to the hospital?
No.
What was the best thing you bought?
New wardrobe of smaller clothes.
Where did most of your money go?
Clothes. And savings! I’m getting better…
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Running for half an hour without stopping. Hello life goal.
What song(s) will always remind you of 2014?
Our Love (Sharon Van Etten), True Love (Coldplay), All About That Bass (Meghan Trainor). Diverse.
What concerts/shows did you go to?
Festival of the Spoken Nerd, Knightmare, Rebel Bingo. I’ve been a shade rubbish on that front.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. happier or sadder? Happier. Love, wealth and health have all got better.
II. thinner or fatter? Thinner. In fact, thinnest I’ve ever been.
III. richer or poorer? Richer. Thanks job.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Go to the theatre and generally go out more in London.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Commute to Basingstoke. I love my job but MAN Basingstoke is FAR. Also, I probably way over-planned my outfit for my bro’s wedding.
How will you be spending Christmas?
Already spent with the boyf’s wonderful family in France. We did French things like cheese and wine and donkeys.
What was your favourite TV programme?
I’ve been loving Enlightened and Girls. And then the standard reality fare of Essex/Chelsea/weddings/weight loss (sorry).
What was the best book you read?
I had a woefully inactive reading year (if you don’t count wading your way through the Game of Thrones series as proper reading), but I went nuts on holiday, powering my way through many novels. I really enjoyed chick lit Me Before You: basically the girly version of amazing French film Intouchables.
What were your greatest musical discoveries?
Relying on Graham’s Soundtrack, as always. Nobody I could name off-hand.
What did you want and get?
Healthier, fitter and thinner.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Birthday spa in the New Forest for my 29th. Big one next year in Ireland. Seriously, how did 30 happen?
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
For my teeth bleaching to have properly worked.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?
Just massive jewellery. That is all.
What kept you sane?
A big bag o’ Graham and Pepe.
Who did you miss?
My Grandpa.
Who was the best new person you met?
Can’t remember meeting too many new people this year. Getting to know my new sister and her family better has been nice.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014:
You can change your life through dieting and exercise.
Did you move anywhere?
No, stayed in lovely Ealing.
What’s something you thought you would never do but did in 2014?
Joined a writing group with a goal to have a first-draft novel before my 30th birthday. Crumbs.
What was your best month?
October is always holiday/anniversary month, which is nice. And Mexico/anniversary really were nice, with a free hotel upgrade and everyone calling G by my surname.
Any regrets?
Actually none.
Overall, how would you rate this year?
A solid 7. Good, but not extra spicy.
What did you like most about 2014?
Feeling like a proper grown up in my job. Contentment at home. Peace with my body.
Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Basingstoke. Oh, Stokey.
Change your hairstyle?
I will use my exact answer from 3 years ago: Still doing the same half-up, half-down look that suits my beastly hair, but at least I’ve got rid of the strange dip-dye effect due to overgrown roots.
Get a new job?
No; perfectly happy at Sony. Best job ever.
Do anything embarrassing?
Probably.
Get married or divorced?
I just watched wedding dress programmes on TLC and that was quite enough.
Did you get sick this year?
Weirdly, not really. Think my new diet/healthy regime has prevented me from catching colds…
Start a new hobby?
Writing a novel. Probably why I’m blogging less: I’m running out of words. All the words.
Are you happy to see 2014 go?
Yes, mainly because next year is set to bring much excitement.
What are you wishing for in 2015?
Luck.
Very enjoyable read ☺️