2005 - The Year In Review!

Well I’m back in the real world and back online and I've been tagged by Bevis for another meme.

I tried doing it yesterday but Blogger crashed on me (grrrrr) and so I decided to go and buy a Christmas tree instead. Pics of that will be posted in the near future as I’m very proud of it.

But you’re not interested in my Christmas tree preparation; I bet you’re just interested in my meme. Or not.

Here you go.


1. What did you do in 2005 that you hadn't done before?

Started a blog. Initially it was just so I could post a comment on Someone Else’s blog, but then I got addicted. And people actually read it! Even if some of them (you know who you are) don’t comment.


2. Did anyone close to you give birth?

I think the question should be “Did anyone close to you NOT give birth?”. Would make for a shorter answer that way.

So far this year, five of my friends have had babies. I say ‘so far’, because my bestie is only about five weeks away from giving birth so could well pop one out before the Dec 31 deadline.

At least another five friends are pregnant and due early in 2006, so I think when/if I do this next year, I’ll just be able to cut and paste the same answer.


3. Did anyone close to you die?

My GAGL died this year. Great Aunt Granny Lil. She was 98.

The reason she’s GAGL, is because technically she was my great aunt (my father’s mother’s sister). But when my dad and his sister were orphaned (at age 12 & 9), she took them in and raised them. On a crappy school teacher’s wage. And I suspect she gave up quite a lot (in terms of relationships – she never married) along the way. But she doted on them, and in turn their families.

I know my dad was eternally grateful to her for all she did. Not sure about his sister – selfish, self-centered cow that she is. But that’s a whole other can of worms in our family…

Anyway, GAGL was a top bird and I miss her heaps.


4. Did you travel? Where did you go? Best holiday memory?

I define ‘travel’ as going overseas to fun, exotic and mind-broadening destinations. So, in my imagination, yes I travelled.

In reality, my trips this year were limited to Melbourne (for GAGL’s funeral), Adelaide (to visit the family) and Thredbo.

Naturally Thredbo wins out – best memory would have to be that rush of joy you get when you go down the first slope on the first day.


5. Best thing you bought?

Books. I love books. And thanks to the wonder of ebay, I’ve been able to purchase some old books that I’d almost given up on ever finding.

Oh and yesterday’s Christmas tree was a great purchase too.


6. Where did most of your money go?

Rent, eBay and having fun. In that order.


7. What do you wish you had done more of?

Paid acting work. Although I can’t complain, because compared to some of my actor friends, I’ve had a really good year on the acting front.


8. What do you wish you had done less of?

Procrastinating. I’m the world’s best procrastinator.


9. What kept you sane?

Music. Music always keeps me sane.


10. What drove you mad?

John Howard.


11. What made you celebrate?

Lots of things – but there were big celebrations with each acting gig I got!


12. What made you sad?

All the terrible things that happened in the world this year, GAGL’s death.


13. How was your birthday this year?

Not terribly memorable… I’m hoping next year will be better.


14. What political issue stirred you the most this year?

Does John Howard’s stupidity count as a political issue? His IR reforms, anti-terror legislation… the mention of that man’s name makes me want to revoke my citizenship and move to a tiny deserted island somewhere with my nearest and dearest.


15. Were you in love in 2005?

Sadly, no. There were a couple of flash-in-the-pan’s, but nothing worked out.


16. What would you like to have in 2006 that you didn't have this year?

Love.


17. What date from 2005 will be etched in your memory and why?

I’m useless with dates. The only dates that are etched in my memory are my family’s birthdays and the date that my dad died.


18. What song will remind you of 2005?

The OC theme song. Its driven me nuts all year.

And 'Catch My Disease' by Ben Lee. Who is known in our household as “The Hobbit”, thanks to ex-flatmate Kate.


19. Compared to this time last year are you happier?

I think so. I’m never really happy with my life, but that’s because I’m afraid that if I’m totally happy and satisfied I’ll get lazy and not strive for anything.


20. Biggest achievement this year?

Signing with my agent.


21. Biggest disappointment this year?

My love life.


22. What is the one thing that would have made you more satisfied?

Trainer Bob from The Biggest Loser.


23. Best new person you met this year?

I know it sounds a tad cheesy, but all the wonderful people I've met blogging. And if Lulu’s dad comes through with the plan* for meeting Trainer Bob, then we can add him to the list too!


24. A valuable life lesson you learnt this year?

Roxette were right.**


25. A question you made up yourself?

Bevis made that one up. And I don’t think I can make up a better one.


-----

Well that’s it bar the tagging. Hmmmm. Who to choose.

I'm tempted to say that this time, RocKat is out – she’s all talk and no action. But if she's willing to step up to the plate...

I’m not sure if anyone has tagged the lovely sublime-ation so we’ll give her a go. And the divine dstah, who I’m sure will have a crack at it. Um, I need a third one. Hmmmm… OK. How about Charlotte. Want to give it a go?
.
.
.
.






*Thanks to Lulu’s dad’s contacts, there is a plan in place (which may or may not pan out) to put me within a tiny distance of Trainer Bob. Of course knowing me I’ll get shy and hide away in the corner.

** Listen To Your Heart. Can also be termed “trust your instincts when it comes to men and how they treat you”.