Let me just start by saying that I am unbelievably glad to see the back of 2012, and it has nothing to do with the fact that we have survived an apocolypse (yet again). Here is the questionnaire that I filled out last year, changed for 2012.
What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Professionally, the entire year until November was pretty much a year of things I’d never done before, running our own business. Unfortunately, there was absolutely no time or money to do anything unusual personally.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not make new year’s resolutions last year, but I do have a number this year, for the first time in a long time. And I’m taking them seriously.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes – a very close friend couple had a little boy last year.
Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank heavens.
What countries did you visit?
None, but that will soon change.
What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Freedom, money, security, safety... at least I had a lot of love.
What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Mmm... probably the 30 November 2012, when we closed Silkstream (THANK HEAVENS)...
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
My relationship with my husband is better than it’s ever been. Also, I kicked an addiction to codeine.
What was your biggest failure?
We had to close the company due to a number of factors. I took this as a really huge personal failure.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing serious.
What was the best thing you bought?
I was unable to buy ANYTHING due to the fact that I was totally broke the entire year.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My hubby – he had some issues, and he finally dealt with them, making our lives fantastic. BUT... I was given an iPad for my birthday – I LOVE IT.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Every single other person on this planet.
Where did most of your money go?
Into the business... I lost everything I had.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
We decided, at the end of 2012, to move to New Zealand. I am incredibly excited about this.
What song(s) will always remind you of 2012?
Carly Rae Jepson – Call Me Maybe (such a catchy song – and have you SEEN the video they’ve made with all those yummy men?)
Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
And of course... let’s not forget (ugh)
Psy – Gangnam Style
Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Definitely happier now that the business is over
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter :( I need to work on it.
c) richer or poorer? As poor for now, but as soon as I start working, things will change.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise and fun. No time or money.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Work. We rang in the New Year by working over 40 hours on the New Year’s weekend :(
How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family. It was fantastic. (Photos to follow)
Where did you begin the year; and where did you end it?
I began the New Year at home, in front of my PC working, totally zombie-fied because of working so many hours straight (which we did NOT get paid for, at the end of the day). I ended the New Year at home with my family. I will never make the mistake of working over weekends like that again – it’s not worth it.
Did you fall in love in 2012?
I remain in love with my husband and family. I am no longer in love with my city or country, unfortunately.
How many one-night stands?
None.
What was your favorite TV program?
My favourites remain (as last post), but I’ve since discovered Elementary, Criminal Minds, The Vampire Diaries (excellent!), Body of Proof, Revenge... I collect series, and have terabytes of them.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Um. I try not to hate, but I am feeling incredibly cynical and bitter about a lot of people.
What was the best book you read?
This answer remains the same as it has since I was about 13... The Belgariad by David Eddings, followed by The Mallorean. I re-read them every couple of years. But I have read a number of really good books in 2012. I think I’m going to start keeping a database of them.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Someone introduced me to The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow. It is an amazing song, just two voices and a guitar. The rest of their album is pretty good, but all along the same sound, so it does get repetitive.
What did you want and get?
I got an iPad for my birthday – my prized possession!
What did you want and not get?
I have everything I need.
What was your favorite film of this year?
I don’t really watch movies, although The Avengers was good fun.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 39, and I was very spoiled by my family (iPad, as mentioned).
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting on a plane and getting the heck out of Dodge.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
I always dress for comfort, but in 2012, I tended to go more towards flow-y tops and cardigans.
What kept you sane?
My family, my iPad, my computer, and my books. I tend to hide away when I get really stressed.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Still Duchess Kate, as well as Katie Holmes. Good for Katie for getting away from Tom! Both of these women are elegant and poised.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I don’t even want to really address this. South Africa is worse than it was 10 years ago. This year, the first “free” generation matriculated (i.e. those born in 1994), and the pass rate is worse than it has ever been. Take that, along with the riots, protests, killings, crime sprees... I can’t WAIT to leave this dump. There is absolutely no hope right now, and this country is going to go even further down before there will even be an inkling that they’re going to go up.
Who did you miss?
I miss my mom, and other members of my family that probably don’t even remember me. I have been thinking a lot of my past, the fun times I had in my childhood with my cousins.
Who was the best new person you met?
My psychologist, Elmer (lol). He is an incredible man, very well read and intelligent, and he taught me a lot of good things.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
I learned that it’s okay to be 99%. I am a perfectionist, and this tends to paralyse me. While it’s good to be picky about the quality of work that leaves one’s desk, if one spends too much time making sure it’s perfect, nothing ends up being done. This was something Elmer taught me, and while I totally understand the concept, I am still working really hard to put this into practice.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved
Song: “You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)” – Josh Groban
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