So That Was 2014…

Hey there!

You still alive and well?  I am too!  Busy enjoying the holidays to the max and taking a much needed break from all things internet.  I’m not going to lie, it’s been fantastic!  I hope that you have also had a chance to take a break and recover from it all.

Since it’s basically the end of the year, I thought I would do a little reflecting on what happened.  I stole this from the inspiring Tanya who also stole it from another lovely blogger.  It’s a pretty sweet way to wrap up the year don’tcha think?

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

Why was this so hard to answer?  Everything that I could think of was negative until I realised that this was the year that I got my first colour tattoo and that was pretty awesome.  It was also featured on a couple of Buzzfeed things which has never happened to me before either.

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

I don’t make any resolutions – it’s basically a death sentence to any of my goals if I do.  But I do feel like I have accomplished a lot this year and I’m pretty chuffed with it.  The only vague thing that I have set myself for next year is to slot in time for myself to look after my body.  Not sure when, what or how but where there’s a will there’s a way right?!

3. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?

We’re hosting a little party at our place with some dear friends.  It’s basically a tradition as we’ve done it a few years in a row now and I am so looking forward to it!  I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than with people we love.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes.  My Dad passed away after struggling with pneumonia.  I have been thinking a lot about him recently.  Not even sure how I feel about it all, or if I feel anything at all yet.  It’s all so weird.

5. What countries did you visit?

Um….  None.  Ever.  This needs to change soon but probably won’t, because kids.  Not complaining though, our time will come and then the World won’t know what hit it ha ha.

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

More time.

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

I can’t think of anything besides my Dad – 24 May 2014.  A pretty defining date in the year.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Surviving it.  Ha ha.  Being featured in the Living and Loving as an “A-List” Blogger was really a defining moment for me.  It’s rather nice to have all the time and effort that I put into this space recognized by someone other than my family!  On that note voting for the Parenting Blogger Awards closes at 12pm on 31 December.  If you haven’t already voted, please do!  (It’s that red circle on your right!)

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not dedicating time to looking after my body with physical activity.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Only a messed up face that I fixed with Roaccutane.  Other than that, it’s just been the regular coughs and colds.  Thankfully nothing hectic!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Paint.

We’ve changed up so many spaces by just changing the wall colour.  When we bought the house it was a revolting yellowy orange colour (pictured below) and now nearly the whole thing is a nice neutral brown.  Love it.  We also just painted the wall a lovely charcoal colour and the whole garden instantly looked more lush.  Which is amazing considering how much the grass is needing a good dousing.

12. Where did most of your money go?

Our housie and school fees.  Flipping school fees.  Most effective birth control…

13. What song will always remind you of 2014?

Anything Sam Smith.  Listened to that CD on repeat a million times.

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

Relaxed.  I have this need to fill my time with things, but actually I just need a break every now and then.  Included in this should be reading.  Taking a break to read good novels instead of immersing myself in social media.

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

Worry/stress about things that don’t require it.

16. What were your favourite TV shows?

The Black List, Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, New Girl.  Trying hard to find a new series that we love as much to see us into 2015.

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I’ve become aware of the real side of a few people, but I wouldn’t say I hate them.  Who has time to hold such a heavy grudge.  Life is too short to be so hung up on someone/something.

18. What was the best book you read?

Can it be that I haven’t read anything all year?  How disgusting.  I need to change this in 2015.

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Sam Smith

20. What was your favourite film of this year?

I enjoyed the Mocking Jay but maybe that’s because it’s the last one that I watched.

21. What did you do on your birthday

Celebrated with my favourite birthday present – Knox who was born on my 26th birthday.  We shared our birthday celebrations with family – it was lovely!

22. What kept you sane?

Seth.  I can always always count on him to reign me in when I start losing control.

23. Who did you miss?

My friends.  I feel like I don’t see them often enough.

24. Who was the best new person you met?

I met a whole lot of amazing people at the CT Meet Up, some that have turned into real friends.  Love things like this and I look forward to the few that we have planned in the new year.

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014

We’ve had this saying on our living room wall for ages and I really took it to heart this year…

“The best things in life aren’t things”

When you read it, it’s kind of like “no duh”.  But it’s easy to get sucked into things that don’t matter.  There are so many things that we accumulate in life, but I never want to lose sight of the fact that my family and friends and strong relationships with them are more important than anything that you could buy in a store.