2013 Resolutions: Did They Happen And What's On The Cards For 2014?

I've mentioned many times how much I dislike going out on New Year's Eve, but I must admit that I like making New Year's resolutions. Not things that involve denying myself something of course, but a nice short achievable list of  things I'd like to do instead.

Saying that, it turns out that using the word 'achievable' is very different from actually achieving said thing. I just took a look back at all my old blog posts labelled New Year to see what some of my previous resolutions had been... not a good idea.

These were my 2012 resolutions and their outcomes:

1) To earn more than I've ever earned. KINDA DID. I earned more in 2013 as a freelancer than I did in 2012 but not as much as I did in f/t work. I earned even more than that this year however and it increases every year since I went freelance four years ago.

2) To visit my friend in Cornwall. FAILED TO DO. We have discussed me visiting her next year already though.

3) To lose a stone or more. FAILED TO DO. I'm on the 5:2 now so heading in the right direction I guess.

4) To not compromise or doubt myself when my thoughts and beliefs are questioned. DONE. I recovered my sense of self-belief just by leaving my boyfriend.

5) To simplify work and have more time for other fun things I like to do. KINDA DID. This one comes up every single year but I think I've simplified things as much as I can. I need to make a living, I run 2 businesses with different threads, but I still get to do other things I enjoy.


These were my 2013 resolutions and their outcomes:

1) Get some help with my sugar addiction. KINDA DONE. I pretty much sorted this one. I still love sugar but it's much more under control and I don't eat chocolate bars at all any more.

2) Go on a helicopter ride. FAILED TO DO

3) Go on the Brighton Wheel (costs just £8 and is located in the city where I live). FAILED TO DO

4) Make a quilt. (been on my resolutions list for two years and I've got the books, a sewing machine and lots of fabric already washed and ironed) FAILED TO DO

5) Continue learning Italian with the website Memrise. (been on resolutions list for ever) HALF DID. I sometimes go on and do the lessons (I moved to Duolingo recently which is much better) but overall this is a fail. The only way I'm going to learn Italian is to have lessons with a native I think.

So looking at these lists of semi failure I don't even need to have any new resolutions for 2014 as I still have a load of outstanding ones to be getting on with - and I would say that they were all achievable things wouldn't you? It's not like I wrote "marry heartthrob Ryan Gosling" or "walk on the moon" (one day for both perhaps).

There's something I really like about making plans though. I like setting goals, improving myself and having new experiences - plus half the fun for me is the actual planning part anyway. 

So for next year's resolutions I'm going to recycle some of the old ones, add a few new ones, but mainly just keep on doing all the things I'm doing such as building my businesses, saving, crocheting and enjoying this time rather than wishing it away. I think it's really important to focus on the here and now rather than ruminating on the past or always reaching for the future.

In 2014 I aim to:

1) Make a quilt
2) Hire a car to practice driving 
3) Go abroad on holiday - maybe Iceland
4) Go and see the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
5) Go and see the Mary Rose at Portsmouth
6) Go on the Brighton wheel
7) Visit my friend in Devon (she moved a tiny bit nearer!)

Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

2013 Has Been Awesome!

I know I'm tempting fate by saying this, but 2013 was fucking amazing... it was just as good as last year and that was one of my best years ever!

In a way it's been a long time coming as my life has been chaotic from the day I was born and, even though I know things will change (because this is the natural order of things) I'm very aware that things are going really well for me at the moment.

This year has been great for me work-wise and work makes me very happy as you know. I have my flat for at least another year and I have two amazing little furry-faced darlings who, even though they kept me awake all bloody night, make me very happy. 

I went to visit a friend in Provence in March and saw Verona in November, I'm healthy, I'm happily single, the 5:2 means the scales are slowly moving in the right direction, I have good friends and I have two successful businesses. I am very aware and grateful that things are good.

I've decided that I'm happy because of these four things:

1) I have interesting work that I enjoy

2) That work is bringing in money and my outgoings are low so I'm not worried about cash

3) I live by myself in a quiet, safe home in a way that I choose

4) I have pets to look after and stroke

I've had these things before individually or in various combinations, but I think I've achieved optimum happiness this year because I have all four things at the same time. There are other things that add to my sense of happiness of course, but these seem to be my personal core essentials.

I know I need to save money as I won't have this flat forever, but when I look back at this year there isn't anything I really want to change or improve upon. A few tweaks here or there I guess, but actually I seem to have the formula just right - which is about bloody time!

How was 2013 for you?

I Resolve to Have Another Great Year

My New Years Companion

Happy New Year blog followers! I hope you had a good one. As I've mentioned before, I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve - and all that forced joviality and people desperately trying to have fun while they get drunker and drunker then start the New Year with a hangover. 

Not for me; I spent it with Wilson and Dotty while their owner went out for the night. I watched some TV, crocheted some squares for a blanket, drank cava, cuddled the dog, and counted my blessings. Not because I'm an old lady but because these are the things that make me happy. The London fireworks were incredible and actually brought a tear to my eye - which is somewhat of a rarity! Britain done good this year what with the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee. It was a very good year for the UK.

Spot The Dog

2012 has been an absolutely stonking year for me too as it goes. This year I learned to drive in 7 weeks then passed my test first time, I went to Vegas, stayed at The Mirage, and had dinner at Bellagio's; I went to the Amalfi Coast for my birthday and visited Pompeii for the third time, I got to be a surrogate owner to my neighbours dog Wilson who brings joy to every day I spend with him, I acquired my own flat that I pay peanuts for, and both my businesses have been more successful than any year since I went freelance 3 years ago. Not bad going I would say.

Of course I also split up with my boyfriend and left my darling cat Dillinger with him when I moved out. But I see it that thickie kitty is happy and I took care of his needs above my own, and I left a relationship that wasn't working before we both ended up hating each other.

This morning, after a lovely night with the furry freaks curled up together next to me on the bed, I woke up early and was walking Wilson in the park before 9am. I must say I have never seen that many joggers in the park before! Only a handful of dog walkers but a tonne of (I'm guessing New Year's resolution) people puffing their way around the park. After the wettest British summer since records began, this morning was bright, fresh, sunny and a really nice start to the year.

Brighton Wheel

Not many people like to start New Year's resolutions but I do. I think it's good to improve yourself so I always aim for a few things that I think I might be able to manage. These are my resolutions for this year:

1. Get some help with my sugar addiction. I'm overweight and can't stop eating sweet things. I'm planning on doing a skills swap in the next couple of weeks with a hypnotherapist as I gave up smoking 10 years ago with the Alan Carr book so hopefully It'll work with sugar as well
2. I've never been in a helicopter so I intend on changing that
3. I've never been on the Brighton Wheel which is crap seeing as it's been here a while now and only costs £8
4. I'd like to finally get around to making that damned quilt. I've got the books, a sewing machine, and lots of fabric, so it's just getting my arse in gear and doing it!
5. I'd like to continue learning Italian with the website Memrise. It's brilliant and is working - I just need to keep it up now... then go back to Italy to practice!

All achievable goals I reckon. So how did you all spend Christmas and New Year's Eve, and do you have any resolutions for this year?

New Year = Changes?

Isn't it strange how Christmas almost looks a bit grubby as soon as it's over? It's all sparkles and a warm glow in the run up and on the day itself, but as soon as we're done with it, it all seems a bit tired and old. 

New Year elbows it aside and dreamy nostalgic Christmas has to move over for new shiny resolutions and sweeping plans for the coming year. New Year's Eve was brilliant for me - BBF went out with his mate to get drunk whilst I stayed in my new fantastic black spotted ladybird pajama bottoms on the sofa, watching crap TV, drinking snowballs and crocheting squares for a friends new baby blanket. Dull I  know, but I was as happy as a sandboy. 

The other 2 came rolling in about 1am and both promptly fell asleep. I however, stayed up doing a massive killer Sudoku until half 3. I sure know how to live it up! What a pair of lightweights though; they spent loads of money I'm sure and the night was not much different than any other Saturday. 

Drinking doesn't suit either of them either. BBF's friend wants to give up drinking and smoking as much next year because he wants to progress and get on with things. This is a good step for him as he's almost defined by being a drinker, but bad for BBF who loves nothing more than drinking and talking nonsense all night! His poor mate doesn't have a chance with BBF as his friend...

I'm not a huge resolutions person but just before I went to bed I spontaneously wrote in my little "the best 3 things that happened today were:" book five things that I wanted to do next year:

• To earn more than I have ever earned
• To visit my friend in Cornwall 
• To lose a stone or more
• To not compromise or doubt myself when my thoughts and beliefs are questioned 
• To simplify work and have time for the other fun things I like to do

The last one is the key I think. I'm so busy with my business and setting up a new one, I wish I had a more simple line of work and could focus on one thing to bring in the money and have my spare time just for fun. Although a contradiction, I think I can still be successful and have more time for hobbies and things. 

When I was at my last place of work, before I set up my business,  I used to write in this blog a lot more; I had the time to sometimes help out with Galaxy Zoo, I had free time to crochet, and I could spend whole evenings just sorting out my photos if I wanted to. I recently turned down being in a book group because I knew I couldn't fit the reading in and I thought that was a shame.

With my freelance business, I'm constantly marketing, writing business blog posts, researching and reading up on new things, and networking as well as actually doing the work. I know I'll still have to do these things, but I'm hoping to simplify the whole thing. Whether that's just by managing my time better or by shifting my focus I don't know yet. I like doing all of those things but I need a better balance. 

So what did you guys do on New Years Eve and do you have any resolutions or new plans for next year?

Star Trek Girl Post - How Christmas Went Down

Hi Star Trek Girl. I hope you had a brilliant Christmas over in Muscat. I'm sure I'll speak to you soon on Skype but here is a run down of how the weekend went for us. I know I've mentioned it before but I do so love Christmas. For me it's not about religion or presents but twinkly lights, candlelight, sentimental TV, and chocolate! 

I think it should be what you make it and want it to be rather than what you think you should be doing or always do - which is over-eating (ahem!) over-buying, spending time with people you don't want to, eating turkey even if you hate it (I am officially the only person left that likes turkey) and stressing out about the whole thing.

Personally I had a brilliant time this year. I think BBF did too - well he seemed to even though he said "every time you tell me why you love Christmas, I'm going to tell  you why I hate it". On Christmas Eve we drove up to Stevenage to see one of his cousins. We were warmly received and stayed for a lovely lunch, then chatted with their 3 year old daughter on her pretend mobile. 

It turned out she had a direct line to Santa but ended up on hold anyway ("press 1 if you would like to talk to Santa, Press 2 if you would like the Elves workshop, press 3 if you think you have been placed on the naughty list in error...") we then left to drive to Nichola's in Milton Keynes where we would be spending Christmas day.

The day itself was really lovely, we opened presents, had a fantastic perfectly cooked dinner that could not have been any better, then we sat around and watched crap Christmas telly which was actually pretty poor this year although it was mostly aimed at children strangely enough. 

Later her family left except for one of her sisters and we watched the worst Doctor Who episode in living memory. It felt like they'd cobbled it together at a lunchtime brainstorming session and had left out anything that resembled tension. It really was noticeably shonky.Then 2 hours of Downton Abbey which again seemed like it was made lazily with them relying on their reputation rather than clever writing. It was all very predictable and tidy but enjoyable anyway.

BBF obviously was not into this section of the evening as he hates that kind of thing but he had a couple of books and was able to busy himself that way. Next we watched the Kick Ass DVD I got from BBF and then the day was over.

On Boxing Day (which is the best day as the pressure is taken off, nobody has to cook, and you can laze around watching TV, eating Quality Street and reading new books) BBF and I drove over to my folks for a spot of lunch and to give them some presents. My bro gave me the most hideous picture frame/clock - I never actually knew that such a thing existed and suspect it was randomly bought last minute from a charity shop which is where it will be returning! 

It was the only duff present I got which was good. Even though everyone says it's not about the presents, it kind of is. If you're going to get a present then it might as well be something useful or something you like. I wasn't expecting anything from him so I thought it was quite funny.

We found out Boxing day morning that one of BBF's friends had finally had their baby after 25 hours in labour. (crosses legs) He was born at 11.59pm on Christmas day - her waters had broken on Wednesday so they were literally trying to drag the kid out kicking and screaming so that everyone could go home and get one with their lives. A Christmas baby is a lovely thing even if you're not that keen on kids though I reckon.

After seeing my folks we drove across to Cambridge to see one of BBF's friends. His sister was also visiting and arrived seconds after we did. The friend has just qualified as a doctor and told us a story of a dying old couple in love that was so sad I actually sat and cried round the table. Somewhat embarrassing but it was one the saddest thing I've ever heard. I think you should face a steep fine for making someone cry at Christmas - it would help with the national deficit no end.

Then after that we drove home. I navigated for the whole trip so I was feeling very pleased with myself. I mentioned to my Dad that I was only a good map reader as he made me navigate when we went away when I was small. He then shattered my memories by informing me that he already knew the way. I had not thought of that. Can you imagine being 40 and not having considered that? I was gutted. I thought he had been relying on my skills the whole way. How gullible am I?

Dillinger was pleased to see us when we got back and I did miss him a bit - noisy little dimbo. He's obsessed with water and enjoys nothing more than sitting under a running tap. This morning I found cat paw marks all over the toilet seat and actually in the toilet basin as well. What a freak. 

So that's Christmas done with and we only have the horror that is New Year's Eve to get through now. I hate New Year'S Eve like BBF despises Xmas. Lots of really drunk people desperate to have a good time - it's always a disappointment and everyone feels crap the next day. I think we're inviting people over but I'm not too sure yet. Christmas to me is lazy and New Year always feels a bit frantic somehow.

And that was it. Today is nice and quiet and I will be spending it watching Jane Austen programmes on catch-up, reading copywriting books, and catching up with craft blogs I imagine. I may even get dressed and leave the house at some point! 

I hope you also had a good Christmas even though you're in a place hotter than the sun. Speak soon my friend! 

Happy New Year Virtual Friends!

Blimey, another year over already. I've just looked back at last year's New Year blog post and although I didn't get the lottery win, I did get a semblance of stability and am one step nearer to a kitten so that's something at least!  

Resolution-wise, I kept one of my resolutions; which was to click on The Hunger Site every day, but I've been doing this for 2 years now so it's pretty easy. My other resolution was to learn Italian; I signed up for the BBC free email lessons but only managed to keep up with it for a short while, so I'm going to have another go at this one.

Some people don't like resolutions but I quite enjoy them. I like to improve myself, and unless I decide what I'd like to achieve and then work towards it, it'll never happen - opportunities don't always magic themselves out of thin air and, although I like to see what life throws at me, I also want to have plans so I can achieve things myself.

I get quite reflective around my birthday and New Year actually; I think about the year that's passed and let things go so I can move into another year with as many things mentally resolved as possible.  I think about the things I'd like to do and kind of have a mini audit of where I'm heading; it sounds quite staid but I don't consciously decide to do this, it just happens - although I do quite enjoy the planning!

It's been a very good year for me as it goes; last year was pretty shit with Dexter dying and me moving from pillar to post constantly - frankly I couldn't wait to see the back of 2010. This year I met BBF (after a LOT of searching), finally have somewhere I can call home, taught myself how to sew and crochet, will be getting a kitten soon, and left Europe for the first time when I went to Jordan. I'd have to say I'm in a very happy place at the moment.

Tonight I'm very glad that BBF and I are having people over instead of going out; he's much more sociable than I am and would happily attend the opening of an envelope, but I've never cared for New Year personally.  Anyway, wherever you are and whatever you do, I hope you have a great time doing it and I'll see you all next year!

Felice Anno Nuovo. Baby

So back in Brighton after 6 days with my folks; it turned into a traditional Christmas after all when my Mother and I got into a blazing row on Boxing Day - when you're shouting at your Mum to stop being such a drama queen after she's just yelled "thank you very much for ruining Christmas!" you know you've come home. It was fine eventually as we just ignored each other until it blew over, which took about half an hour.

Although I love my family dearly, I'm very glad to be back in la-la land and sleeping in my own bed. I have to sleep on the sofa when I visit as they don't live in the house I grew up in; I don't get a minute to myself and as I like to spend a great deal of time alone it was nice to get back. In fact, I've never understood how some people don't like their own company - I think if you don't like spending time alone then you can't really know yourself very well. Luckily I'm brilliant company haha!

I've been thinking about New Years resolutions; I like to make them but try to ensure they are achievable. Last year I intended to click on The Hunger Site every day as their sponsors give money to charity for you - I've posted about it a couple of times and think it's a fantastic way to give something even if you have no money to spare. I am proud to report that I only missed a handful of days when I was camping in fields and intend to continue clicking away.

Actually, I started writing this post earlier today; I wrote a VERY long post about my 2 resolutions but then decided to delete the entry and keep one of them to myself - it's a bit too dark now. 

The other resolution was to continue with my free Italian lessons on the BBC website; I love Italy but always seem to forget my meagre Italian because I don't use it enough. I'm hoping that if I continually expose myself to the language then at some point it will surely go in!

I didn't go out this evening as I've never been too fussed about New Year, I like to go for a walk by the sea early on New Years Day and have a think instead. If I recall you have to buy something new, spend loads of money, queue for ages for an overly expensive drink, get drunk, feel a bit awkward when the clock strikes 12, try to get home on foot in the cold or pay £250 for a taxi (if you're lucky enough to find one) pick your way through vomit, then wake up the next day feeling rough as a badgers arse... I haven't missed anything out have I?

You won't believe this but I had a call from an ex-landlord today, he's in South America until May and wants to know if I'd like my old room back at £70 per week including bills - so it looks like I may be moving again! I'm getting pretty used to it now and don't feel hassled and despairing as I did last time - I will now have moved 3 times in 4 months and 17 times in 15 years! 

It also means that I will be able to save for my own flat quicker and I could possibly have another cat, so I'm going to take it. I liked living there before and interestingly, it's next door to another house that I've lived in no less than 3 times!

So here's to 2010 my fantastic Blogger friends - may it bring you health, wealth and happiness and my it bring me the same plus a semblance of stability, a kitten and a lottery win! x

It Was The Day Before Christmas...

So I'm at my folks for Christmas now; the train journey up was amazing - the snow had melted in Brighton, but just a few miles out everything was still completely white and magical. The London to Buckinghamshire leg was fantastic, everyone just sat and silently stared out at this beautiful white landscape, it was a lovely start to my visit.

There is still a lot of snow on the ground at my parents, I went out to the garden today to sit where my cats are buried and the whole area is still untouched. It's also very Christmassy here; I haven't spent Christmas with my family for quite some time but we've all mellowed and I'm hoping to be able to manage a whole week! (I once left on Boxing Day) I had my first snowball of the season last night and I'm sure it won't be my last - actually what time is it?!

At the moment we're watching the Greatest Christmas Films of all Time on TV, their 2 golden retrievers are crashed out in front of the fire, my Dad is reading The Daily Mail (yeah really) but has bought me a copy of The Independant bless him and we're already snacking on chocolatey minty things and nuts. I'm hoping not to put on any weight but I may just have to focus on damage limitation instead.

I'm quite looking forward to tomorrow as I want to see if my family like their presents - my Dad and Brother were quite difficult to buy for: we write lists but my Dad is very particular (his list should just have said 'the moon on a stick' please) and my brother didn't write a list at all! I ended up buying him the first 2 seasons of Dexter so if he doesn't like it then I'm disowning him! 

So I'm hoping that this is going to be a good all-round Christmas; my folks are not getting any younger and with 9 years between us, I don't know my Brother very well and like spending time with him. He's moved on from being Kevin the Teenager to someone else - I just have to find out who!

So I hope you all have a lovely Christmas whatever you do and I'll look forward to hearing all about it! In the meantime, here's some Christmas cheer for you.

Bringing In The New

Doesn't Christmas seem a long time ago now? I took my cards down this morning as they seem so old and tired already. 

So just New Year’s Eve to go now; I’m not a massive fan as it goes – the streets are always full of drunken idiots and vomit, you have to buy a new outfit, pay a fortune to get in somewhere, queue for ever to get served at the bar, lose half the liquid on your way back to your table (if you were lucky enough to get a seat) worry about getting a kiss at the stroke of midnight, and risk hypothermia on the long walk home or pay half a month’s wages for a taxi back.

I prefer to avoid the whole thing altogether; I just see it as another year closer to my death and who wants to celebrate that? I prefer to just go round a friends house for a drink or two, then get to awaken daisy-fresh on New Year’s Day and go for a bracing stroll along the seafront and have a think about the coming year and what I would like to achieve – an emotional audit if you like. I think winter is a natural time to bed-in; to make things, snuggle up, take stock on the past year and prepare for the new one.

I think a lot of Brits are a bit worried about what the new year will bring; unemployment levels are set to rise to 3 million, homes are being repossessed, people are really tightening their belts and everyone is a bit anxious as to what 2009 will be like.

Me? I know that 2009 will be my best year ever – my new business will be extremely successful so I will become profitably self-employed by March, I will find true love and happiness, and I will continue to endeavour to be the best version of myself that I can be. And I can say these things because I know them to be true.