2011 has from far been the best year but with every hurdle comes new realisations.
I copied and pasted this from last year so feel free to do the same. x
1. What did you do in 2011 that you had never done before?
Realised just how important family really are. We have had the toughest time as a family this year but we've pulled through. The hard times make the good times better. I never realised just want an emotional person I was until this year. I swear I have cried more tears this year than any other. Sometimes through pain and sadness, other times through love and joy, occassionally through stress. But, yes, I have realised what an emotion woman I really am.
2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Weightloss. Yes I did do it and I will continue it.
To stop biting my nails. I did on several occassions but whilst we still have nappies within the household, long nails is not a good option.
Next year I will continue to lose weight, to be a better person and to do the very best for my husband, kids and family whatever life throws at us.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES!!! My sister in law had her first baby. My boys have a little cousin named Nelson. He's adorable!
Born on November 1st, he shares his birthday with my James, just 3 years apart.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Grandad. He passed away very suddenly. He had an aneurysm so it was rather quick and left us all in a state of shock. I can never say I saw him suffer. Hours before he collapsed he'd been having a normal morning with my nan. They tried to operate but couldn't save him. In a way, he went the best way possible. He went to sleep under anaesthetic for an op and never woke up. We saw him 2 days before his death as the man he always was so our memories of him will stay like that forever.
5. What countries did you visit?
We stayed in sunny old England all year round.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A big win on the lottery would be perfect to start the year.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 13th. The day we lost my Grandad.
March 11th. The day of his funeral and the day the tsunami hit Japan causing Fukushima nuclear leak. Quite a big day.
May 3rd. Waking up to the news Osama Bin Laden was dead. That came as a HUGE shock. Not so shocking was that he was in Pakistan as I always suspected and was probably protected by their people.
August 8th. On holiday we spent a night in front of the tv watching Britains anarchy! The London riots were unfolding and we watched with sheer horror of what Brits are capable of. The looting was attrocious and we saw on live tv a family business burn to the ground. It was shocking.
8.What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Driving. Who'd have thought I would let my guard down. Stop being so scared and just get out there and do it. I am getting better. I look forward to my lessons and I hope that I pass my test in the next few months.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Nothing, Failure is when you give up! I've given everything my best this year. Sometimes I could have probably done a little more but all in all, I've done what I can.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The common cold, tripping in the garden and getting a lovely 4 inch scar down my left leg.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Erm.... white goods. New washer dryer. New oven and we have just ordered this years Christmas present for the house. An American style fridge freezer. The BIG one. Yes!!! Now to find out how the heck this is going to get into the house.
12. Whose behaviour merits celebration?
My nan. None of us realised just how good she would be coping with the death of my grandad. She has her medication under control and she tries her best to enjoy life. I am very proud of the strength she's shown us all.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and upset?
My brothers ex. She was not what she seemed at all. Lots of lies were told and she eventually ran off with someone else before making false facebook profiles in my brothers name and stalking him for 6 months. She was a crazy.
14. Where did most of your money go?
The kids. Holidays. Bills. Same old same old.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Surprisingly, I was addicted to all the Royal Wedding stuff. I've never been much of a Royalist nor Traditionalist but it was great tv, entertaining and lovely to see something good. Wishing Kate and William all the very best along with a few million others was quite a feeling. I am super super excited that so many blog friends are expecting babies in 2012, That is just super exciting.
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Lego House - Ed Sheeran
Someone Like You - Adele
Labrinth - Earthquake
David Guetta and Usher - Without You
Life Is Life - Noah and The Whale
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? A little sadder.
ii. thinner or fatter? thinner
iii. richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Trusted my instincts. Realised that some people are not worth the effort.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wasted my time trying to befriend above person.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In our little house and visiting and being visited by family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
More so than ever. My little long awaited nephew, my life as it is and my big and little boys and their daddy.
22. How many one-night stands?
I don't think they are called that when you are married ;o)
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Spooks. The Biggest Loser. Man Vs Food. Sherlock Holmes. Eastenders.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word. I still severely dislike that one person but that is all. No-one new.
25. What was the best book you read?
This year I have read more books than I have in a very long time. Averaging 2 books a week though I have slowed down in the last couple of weeks. I would have to say Dorothy Koomson's "Ice Cream Girls" and "The Woman He Loved Before" are among my favourites. I also loved "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. Rosamund Uptons "Sister" and "Afterwards" were also memorable. I was also introduced to Harlan Coben and Sophie Hannah making crime my new favourite genre.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I'm getting old and boring. Nothing really seemed to strike a chord this year. It seemed to all be about Rihanna.
27. What did you want and get?
I wanted very little. I don't ask for much in life and I do appreciate the little things in life I do have.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I watched "Shutter Island" the other night. That was good.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 31 and hubby and I had a romantic meal for two in a very popular restaurant. We did a little more for his birthday as it was his 30th and had a night out with a stay in a hotel to celebrate in style.
30. What is one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not losing my Grandad would have been great. Not falling out with an old friend and losing touch for 6 months would have been too. But in all, I've lived as best as I can under certain circumstances.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
If I like it, I'll wear it.
32. What kept you sane?
Dates with my hubby. Overnight babysitting from family to give me and hubby a little time off for our wedding anniversary weekend.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Michael Buble. I am getting old! :0)
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
What didn't? The whole government has the world in a state. So much has changed in the UK this year, unemployment up, spending down, business closures everywhere to the handling of the London riots in August. It's all been so badly managed and dealt with.
35. Who did you miss?
My Grandad
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Pass. I don't think I met so many new people this year.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Family are precious. We don't know what we take for granted until it's gone or on the brink of going. Love everyone, tell them you love them and stick together. It makes us all stronger in the end.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
The day my grandad died was the day Adele got this song to number 1 in the UK, To this day I still can't listen to it:
"Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I begged, I remember you said
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"
I love these posts! I look forward to doing them and reading others every year. Mine will be up soon!
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