2011 debrief

Better late than never, here's my annual debrief:

(and here's last year's, and the year before in case you're interested)

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

Had a hysterical breakdown in the Board room with snot and tears flying everywhere; went skiing; rode a bike in London; watched (half of) the Superbowl; campaigned for a political party; went to proper European Christmas markets (not the phony British variety).

2. What countries did you visit?

New Zealand (for pleasure), Austria (for cake and Christmas markets), France (for a marathon), Spain (to learn Spanish) and Germany (for work and sausages).

3. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

A masters, a life.

4. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Being one of thousands of people squashed into Westminster Cathedral to remember those in Christchurch. Then being one of thousands of people squashed into Hyde Park a couple of months later to watch Kate and Will tie the knot.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Surviving a hellish year at work with (most of) my mental health and self-respect still intact. That was definitely tougher than running 42kms in the blazing Paris sunshine.

6. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Once again, illness-free. Aside from the week I lost my voice and had to squeak my way through days of interviewing.

7. What was the best thing you bought?

Flights with Korean Airlines all the way to New Zealand.

8. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

My housemates, as per usual, for being voices of reason, the bearer of calm and soothing words, and making cups of tea when necessary. My wonderful auntie for both helping me through a terrible research methods assignment and making the New Years Honours List, all in one year. And all those in my life who suffered heartache and trauma but just kept on going.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Once again, ever-more expensive university fees; paying off considerable portions of my student loan; too many books from Amazon; and a long trip to New Zealand.

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Surprising my parents on Christmas Eve and being in New Zealand for Christmas. Sometimes I thought I might pop a kidney I was so excited.

11. What do you wish you'd done more of?

My masters research; actually finishing my book club reading (rather than consistently skimming the last 50 pages as I'm on my way there); going to the dentist; writing letters.

12. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Working, stressing, moaning to my housemates.

13. What did you want and get?

Another marathon medal; a new job; a royal wedding; and visits from my family.

14. What did you want and not get?

A masters (curse you employer); any good at Spanish.

15. Did you keep your new year's resolutions and did you make any for 2012?

2011's resolutions were: even more studying (done, although not enough), learn Spanish (see above), write more letters (big fail), improve my tennis serve (again, big fail), pay off more student loan (success), and save some (well....some). Oh, and be with my family for Christmas (this I did do. And I even surprised a couple of them too).

2012's resolutions are: do an Olympic distance triathlon (gulp); finish my masters (finally); pay off my student loan; work less, live more.