2013 was a good year for us. Most people I’ve spoken to said that 2013 was
a nightmare year, but for Squirrel and I, it was good. We got new jobs, started digging ourselves
out of the mountains of debt that the business left us in, and moved into a new
house.
What did
you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?
We went
on a long family holiday road trip around the country. It was awesome.
Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t remember what my new year’s resolutions were for last year! I think they were to get out of debt and to find a new job, etc, in which case, mission accomplished. This year, Squirrel and I have decided that we are going to buy a house.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I can think of.
Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank heavens.
What countries did you visit?
None, but we did see more of our own magnificent country.
What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
My career is really flying right now. I think I’d like more energy, less fat, and our own home.
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The first two weeks in December, when Nelson Mandela died and the entire country went into mourning.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I am working for Microsoft! I am not allowed to say who our client is, or what the project is, but I know that it has a HUGE impact on millions of people. I’m really proud of what we’ve done there.
What was your biggest failure?
I can’t think of any failures in 2013. Either I didn’t have any, or I’ve forgotten them amongst the many great things that have happened to me.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing serious.
What was the best thing you bought?
A new car for myself! This is the first time I’ve ever owned a new car. It’s bright red, and I totally love it.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My son. He really focussed on his school work this year, and has passed with flying colors.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My sister. She has, unfortunately, lived up (down) to what I expected her to do.
Where did most of your money go?
Into debt. But I’m almost free and clear.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My
career. Like I said, I’m doing
really well, and a lot of good with this project.
What
song(s) will always remind you of 2012?
Everything has changed – Taylor Swift ft Ed Sheeran (love it)
Everything has changed – Taylor Swift ft Ed Sheeran (love it)
Compared
to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Definitely happier
b) thinner or fatter? About the sam.
c) richer or poorer? Much richer.
a) happier or sadder? Definitely happier
b) thinner or fatter? About the sam.
c) richer or poorer? Much richer.
What do
you wish you'd done more of?
Nothing really – I’m pleased with my life
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Nothing really – I’m pleased with my life
Nothing really – I’m pleased with my life
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Nothing really – I’m pleased with my life
How will you be spending Christmas?
We had a very quiet Christmas, as my brother was in Johannesburg, and the rest of my entire family was overseas. We also spent the evening packing, as we started our road trip on the 26th.
Where did you begin the year; and where did you end it?
I began the New Year at home with my family. At 12, my hubby and I went onto the balcony to watch the fireworks.
I ended the New Year in Port
Elizabeth, fast asleep as we had to leave really early the next morning to
drive to Kimberley.
Did you fall in love in 2012?
I remain in love with my husband and family.
How many one-night stands?
None.
I remain in love with my husband and family.
How many one-night stands?
None.
What was
your favorite TV program?
I have too many to list, but as usual, Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Castle, The Mentalist, The Good Wife.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No
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. I have discovered another author, James Rollins, and have thoroughly enjoyed his books.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Nothing really this year
What did you want and get?
My new car.
I have too many to list, but as usual, Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Castle, The Mentalist, The Good Wife.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No
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. I have discovered another author, James Rollins, and have thoroughly enjoyed his books.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Nothing really this year
What did you want and get?
My new car.
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 Iron Man 3 was good fun.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 40, and I was very spoiled by my family as usual. I don’t do parties.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing really – like I said, it was a good year.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
I discovered a tiny little boutique in Long Street in Cape Town, where all the tops are handmade. They are absolutely gorgeous, and better yet, designed to cover up fat! I bought a whole new wardrobe from them.
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. Both of these women are elegant and poised.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I had my first (and only) rant on Facebook about the really unbelievably ugly things some of my family were saying about the death of Nelson Mandela.
Who did you miss?
I miss my family that is so far away.
Who was the best new person you met?
I met a lot of new people in 2013, I can’t really think of a “best”.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
I have changed a lot… I no longer “play the game”, and have become quite a pacifist.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Not a song, but something that
has led me through really tough times since I was a teenager:
Go placidly amid the noise and
haste
And remember what peace
There may be in silence
As far as possible without surrender
Be on good terms with all persons
Speak your truth quietly and clearly
And listen to others
Even the dull and ignorant
They too have their story
Avoid loud and aggressive persons
They are vexations to the spirit
If you compare yourself with others
You may become vain and bitter
For always there will be greater
And lesser persons than yourself
(CHORUS)
You are a child of the universe
No less than the trees and the stars
You have a right to be here
And whether or not
It is clear to you
No doubt the universe
Is unfolding as it should
Enjoy your achievements
As well as your plans
Keep interested in your own career
However humble, it is a real possession
In the changing fortunes of time
Exercise caution in your business affairs
For the world is full of trickery
But let this not blind you
To what virtue there is
Many persons strive for high ideals
And everywhere life is full of heroism
Be yourself
Especially do not feign affection
Neither be cynical about love
For in the face of all aridity
And disenchantment
It is as perenial as the grass
Take kindly the council of the years
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth
Nurture strength of spirit to
Shield you in sudden misfortune
But do not distress yourself
With imaginings
Many fears are borne of
Fatigue and loneliness
Beyond a wholesome discipline
Be gentle with yourself
(CHORUS)
And whether or not
It is clear to you
No doubt the universe
Is unfolding as it should
Therefore, be at peace with God
Whatever you conceive him to be
And whatever your labors and aspirations
In the noisy confusion of life
Keep peace with your soul
With all it's sham, drudgery
And broken dreams
It is still a beautiful world
Be careful, strive to be happy
Song: “Desiderata” – Les Crane
And remember what peace
There may be in silence
As far as possible without surrender
Be on good terms with all persons
Speak your truth quietly and clearly
And listen to others
Even the dull and ignorant
They too have their story
Avoid loud and aggressive persons
They are vexations to the spirit
If you compare yourself with others
You may become vain and bitter
For always there will be greater
And lesser persons than yourself
(CHORUS)
You are a child of the universe
No less than the trees and the stars
You have a right to be here
And whether or not
It is clear to you
No doubt the universe
Is unfolding as it should
Enjoy your achievements
As well as your plans
Keep interested in your own career
However humble, it is a real possession
In the changing fortunes of time
Exercise caution in your business affairs
For the world is full of trickery
But let this not blind you
To what virtue there is
Many persons strive for high ideals
And everywhere life is full of heroism
Be yourself
Especially do not feign affection
Neither be cynical about love
For in the face of all aridity
And disenchantment
It is as perenial as the grass
Take kindly the council of the years
Gracefully surrendering the things of youth
Nurture strength of spirit to
Shield you in sudden misfortune
But do not distress yourself
With imaginings
Many fears are borne of
Fatigue and loneliness
Beyond a wholesome discipline
Be gentle with yourself
(CHORUS)
And whether or not
It is clear to you
No doubt the universe
Is unfolding as it should
Therefore, be at peace with God
Whatever you conceive him to be
And whatever your labors and aspirations
In the noisy confusion of life
Keep peace with your soul
With all it's sham, drudgery
And broken dreams
It is still a beautiful world
Be careful, strive to be happy
Song: “Desiderata” – Les Crane
