All About ... The Year in Review

What did you do in 2017 that you’ve never done before? I tried Nordic walking for the first time and I also started exercising for at least thirty minutes every day, something I've definitely never done before!

Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?  I don't set the traditional type of resolutions for myself - instead I choose goals to achieve during the year. 2017 was clouded by bouts of depression so not all of my goals were completed but I did get the biggest one done, which was to get the hard landscaping finished in the back garden. Yes, I will set new goals for 2018. The biggest will be to get the house improvements finished and there will also be additional smaller, more personal, goals that I still need to decide on.

Did anyone close to you give birth? No.

Did anyone close to you die? No.  

What countries did you visit? Apart from a few day trips I didn't stray too far from home in 2017.

What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017? As with last year, I'm lucky enough to be able to write that I don't feel I lacked anything in 2017. I'd like to do some travelling in 2018 and also get back to concentrating on my photography.

What date from 2017 will remain etched in your memory and why? There isn't a particular date that stands out this year. Luckily there have been no tragedies or bad news to mark this year, neither have there been major celebrations or highlights. Looking back, 2017 has been a good year, despite the depression, as I haven't lost anyone close to me and I have been fortunate enough to add to my list of friends.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? That would definitely have to be completing the hard landscaping in the garden. It is so much easier to manage now. I still have most of the long term planting of shrubs and bulbs to decide on but that will evolve over the next few years

What was your biggest failure? I can't label anything as a 'failure' - it's way too negative when I'm trying my hardest to be positive. I didn't finish all the work in the house so it will get done this year instead. 

Did you suffer illness or injury? No injuries to report but it has been a year of health issues. The depression is nearly under control thank goodness, and I need to continue with the lose weight & exercise approach to life so that I can get my blood pressure back under control.

What was the best thing you bought?  A new car (Renault Twingo) and a new sewing machine. 

Where did most of your money go? On my new car, the garden landscaping, new laptop and printer, and gifts for Julie and her daughters.

What did you get really, really, really excited about? I never, ever thought I'd write this, but I'm excited about the new approach to exercising. Oh, and obviously the work in the garden.

Compared to this time last year are you:
  • Happier or sadder? About the same - there are more good days than bad!
  • Thinner or fatter? A little thinner!
  • Richer or poorer? Richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I'd got the decluttering finished as it's been hanging over me for so long. 

What do you wish you’d done less of? I wish I wasted less time being influenced by poor advice from people who didn't really have my best interests at heart.   

How did you spend Christmas? I spent Christmas day with Julie, her mum and her daughters. It was a lovely day and I'm glad that I changed my original plans to go away for the holiday. 

Did you fall in love in 2017? No.

What was your favourite TV show? I'm not sure that I actually had a 'favourite' TV show. I have watched quite a lot of TV but nothing really stands out as the high spot of the year. Lately I've been watching repeats of New Tricks, Death in Paradise, and DIY SOS. 

What was the best book you read? 'All The Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This was a book group choice which everyone loved and received a 10/10 vote.

What was your greatest musical discovery of 2017? I've been to see some tribute bands this year and, although I have always thought it would be a rubbish experience, I have actually thoroughly enjoyed them. I've seen Mercury (Queen), Keith James (Cat Stevens), and the Simon and Garfunkel Story. Through these evenings I have rediscovered the sheer joy of live music which has led to me seeing Steeleye Span, local singers at the Village Pump Folk Club in Trowbridge and some of the free lunchtime concerts organised by the local Rural Music School.

What did you want and get? I wanted to get the garden sorted and that is one thing I can tick off the list.

What did you want and not get? I also wanted the house finished but it didn't happen. 

What was your favourite film this year?  I've watched loads of films this year. I'd probably list Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle as the favourite, but I also enjoyed Hamstead, Snatched, and The Hitman's Bodyguard as well.

What did you do on your birthday? A trip to the Range and IKEA at Bristol with Julie, indulging in some retail therapy. Also in the week before and the week after, several celebratory meals with friends.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Obviously, that the depression had not been such a major factor influencing my year, but to be honest even with that, it has been a good year.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017? The same as always, anything comfortable. I have actually started looking at my wardrobe and am steadily buying new clothes as and when I see something I like.

What kept you sane? Close friends and family, and taking time to find pleasure in the little things in life.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? No, there hasn't been one. I don't really 'fancy' celebrities. 

What political issue stirred you the most? Brexit, the Syrian conflict, and the US president - interestingly, almost the same issues as last year.

Who did you miss? Ced. Always.  

Who was the best new person you met? I have made a couple of new friends this year but I can't really single anyone out. Everyone in my life, including online friendships through this blog, is important and equally valued.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017. Be kind!

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.  No, I don't think there is one! 

Comments

  1. Eileen what a wonderful recap of your 2017. I'd like to use the same questions to recap my 2017.

    Wishing you all the best in joy, health & adventures in 2018.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good for you Eileen. You definitely seem to be on the right track in so many ways. xx
    Funnily enough, I dug out my 2016 answers the other day, and started to consider the questions anew for 2017. I'll wait a few more days yet before completing and posting though. (Hope the suspense doesn't keep you up!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. A great resume of your year.

    ReplyDelete

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