1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
I turned thirty. Does that make me a grown up now? Oooh, and I also helped to break a Guinness World Record. I have a certificate and everything!
With Naomi and Steph at Naomi's hen night, October 2010
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I kep some of them. I didn't keep some of them. I sort-of-kept others. I'd give myself a C for success on these this year.
With lovely Kaz, off to break a world record.... Aug 2010
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep - Maria welcomed Sophia and Nicole welcomed Eric and Cheryl welcomed Evey and Fiona welcomed Oliver and Anna welcomed Alice and Crystal welcomed Isaiah and many other acquaintances from school and college had babies too. Poor Matthew lives in fear of all the babies lurking around!
Giggling as I have my makeup done ahead of Laura's wedding, June 2010
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Luckily, all the people I love have remained healthy. Long may it continue (please).
5. What countries did you visit?
England, Scotland, Ireland.
With Katie Boo at Loverpool, May 2010
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
I’ve been so very blessed this year. I would hope to keep on this trajectory, in all its messy, fulfilling, silly, awesome wonder, if at all possible. Oh, and a *little* more time for naps is never a bad thing...
(I'm going to keep this answer from the last two years, and just say "ditto"!)
'Just Married', literally! In the church after signing the wedding certificate with team wedding, June 20107. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Oh, hard to say. Possibly 10/12/10....because turning 30 sounded like a pretty big deal!
With Anna, Phil and Zena at the BBS football in Nottingham, April 2010
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I don't think I can think of one! It feels like 2010 has been a year of little victories and achievements, to be honest.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Putting on far too much weight, making me the heaviest I've ever been.
Clubbing at GGF with Katie Boo and Tigger, April 201010. Did you suffer illness or injury?
A few twinges and sniffles, but nothing major, thank heavens.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Any gift which made someone smile.
Oooh, and goooood steaks from M&S. ;)
The K8 gang, by the Christmas tree in St Paul's, Dec 2010
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My friends, family, and my badger. I have such blessings in my life.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I felt disappointed by several politicians.
At Laura's hen weekend, getting ready for the "Party Bus!!11!!" with June, Laura and Gillian, May 2010
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent and bills!
With Steph at Naomi's hen night, Oct 2010
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Weddings, babies and engagements. Lots of happy times for friends and family! I was also very proud of Matthew for completing his CFA and Laura for becoming a GP!
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Anything by Lady Gaga!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
I'm about the same level of happy, quite a bit fatter, and a little richer.
Striking a pose with Laura, May 2010
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Napping, cuddling, reading, writing.
In Edinburgh with Debbie, Laura and June, June 2010
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying!
GGF Duck Race, April 2010
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With Matthew here at home, with presents, bad TV and good food and wine. :)
At Christmas II with Katie Boo, October 2010
21. Did you meet/date anyone special in 2009?
I continued to fall ever deeper in love with my badger :)
23. How many one-night stands?
Not a one.
Manning the lucky dip at K8 with the lovely Siobhán, December 2010
24. What was your favourite TV program?
Mad Men, Gilmore Girls, Toddlers and Tiaras, How I Met Your Mother, The Office
With Katie Boo and Eileen, October 2010
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don’t believe in hate.
With Debbie and June, June 201026. What was the best book you read?
'Nothing to Envy' was brilliant. 'The Happiness Project' inspired me. 'One Day' I found invigorating. 'Inside The Kingdom' was a masterpiece. 'The Return' moved me. 'Thank You For The Days' was excellent.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Lady Gaga (I came late to the party!).
Silly? Me? October 2010
28. What did you want and get?
A life full of happiness.
Lightsabers with Lou, May 2010
29. What did you want and not get?
Feet that don't fall apart at the slightest provocation!
Cocktails with Johnd at Boo's birthday bash, November 2010
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Toy Story 3.
Good heavens, I wept.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was thirty, and spent the weekend with many of my favourite people, doing many of my favourite things - drinks and dinner and panto and ballet and musical comedy.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having a major inspection.
But hey, it's all done now! :D
With Matthew in Nottingham, April 2010
Whatever fits :(
34. What kept you sane?
Matthew and my friends.
Singing carols (and cracking up) with the Joinees, December 2010
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
George Clooney, David Tennant, and Dave Grohl.
(no change!)
At Loverpool, May 2010
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election, and the coalition which was formed directly after it.
37. I have only just noticed that there is no 37....hmmmm....
Love, sunshine and champagne, June 2010
38. Who was the best new person you met?
As ever, probably my new class. Endlessly diverting!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Be happy. Choose to be happy.
(I get this right 80-90% of the time, I think. Am aiming for 95% next year :)).
"Rocking" the Singstar with Katie Boo, November 2010. This picture cracks me up because (amongst other things) of the teeshirts. Completely independent of one another, we both made shirts saying Katie (Boo) says RELAX. Heh. 80s tastic!
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"So if you want to be with me
With these things there’s no telling
We just have to wait and see
But I’d rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides maybe this time is different
I mean I really think you like me"
With Jude at K8, December 2010
Posts
22 comments:
I really want to meditate on #12.
In responding to your comment on my blog I expressed interest in what questions you asked yourself--now I know! Great set of questions. What an important year for you: turning 30! (Yes, I do remember that, even though I'm past that decade now.) I really like that you included your disappointments in here as well as your successes--some people are afraid to admit those.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
You seem to have had a wonderful year over all. I hope that 2011 finds you even better.
Rachel Lavern
http://www.rachellavern.com
Personal Transformation, Enlightenment and Development
What a great way to look back over the past year!
Connecting Lives... One Card at a Time.
http://www.connectingliveswithcards.com/how-to-build-an-online-presence-2/how-do-you-do-it/
There are a lot of lists and reviews going around this time of year, and I really like yours. It seems more realistic for me, more achievable to fill out, a good mix of good, bad, fun, etc.
May I use it to create my own year end list?
It was fun to read, which says a lot considering I don't know you. :-)
Lisa Vitale
www.lisawifemom.wordpress.com
That was a fun post, I really enjoyed the questions and your selection of photos that told a story of your year.
Lovely to turn 30, to be working on happiness. In the end it is all about attitude, and I say yours sparkles!
Jennifer Duchene
Home Makeover Mixtress
http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/
Yikes, that is a lot of questions! Love the last picture especially. As I think I have mentioned before, things just get better after 30. Don't let anyone tell you differently :)
Happy New Year, Claire!
I enjoyed reading your 2010 review and it sounds as though you have had a memorable and blessed year. I think that when we take the time to think back on our experiences it just adds so much richness and meaning and strengthens our memories. You have started a wonderful tradition with asking these questions, and what a treasure these reviews will be to you in the future!
It sounds like a great year you had. May 2011 be the same or better.
So how old are you? (Just joking) - 30 is a great age. Enjoy it!
what a fun list! i love when pics are incorporated. I am going to try to do that more often.
I love how you celebrate babies, wedding, etc of those around you! what a warm feeling!
Hi Claire,
Thanks for this wonderful blog. I enjoyed being surprised by the novelty of each question, and enjoyed even more the humor and insight in each of your answers. Very expressive and a joy to read. But what's the "country mouse" about? Maybe I'll find out when I read more of your posts. Talk with you again.
Great year end review!
I love all the pictures - you look gorgeous in all of them!
Cheers to fabulous bloggers who turned 30 this year! May we never age another day!
This was really great fun Claire. It put a big smile on my face. You've given me lots of ideas for bringing my year to a close. Hope the coming year is fabulous for you~!.
Fiona Stolze
http://fionastolze.wordpress.com
What a rich and full life you're leading, Chica! I love this post and all the photos!!!
Btw, I cannot believe you were one of so many Spidermen! Those pictures are priceless. :)
PS - It's me, Ily, btw...with a new name/blog popping in to say "Hola" and Happy New Year. I found you again on Riot Kitty's blogroll! :D
A really fun post to read as I write my own review! I will not change my format now though (as I have a tendency to do - oh look - another shiny new thing, lol). Turning 30 seems quite a long time ago to me now but it was a big turning point in my life (one of many). So, do you live in Nottingham? We used to - but live in Utah now.
Louise Edington
Facing Fears and Frontiers For Freedom
http://louiseedington.com
What a wonderful list and lovely pics! As many others have said: everything DOES get even better after 30 (not that you have to be a grown up about it).
The Happiness Project really hit me this year too. Amazing how much choice is involved. Have a great 2011.
What a wonderful review of your year! May 2011 by happy and healthy for you and your loved ones!
What a wonderful list of questions to reflect on your year...and it seems like you had a fabulous year. Thanks for sharing a bit our your life with us!
Darcie Newton
Providing Alternative Assets to Smart Investors
http://www.mywealthspa.com
Lovely, fun complete list. Mad Men, George Clooney, turning 30, and the fact that no one close to you died this year are sticking in my mind: Love it! Love him! You're just a baby! Yay! What a great way to commemorate your year.
Pat Zahn, Photo Solutions Superhero
http://www.patzahn.com
What a wonderful kaleidoscope of activities and such a wonderful year for you. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and what great questions to think about.
I wish you a fabulous 2011.
What a fun post. You are going to be so glad to have these to look back on. I bet you already are. I was stopping by because I wanted to wish you a happy new year and thank you for being a follower of my blog. It means a lot to me. Thank you. May your new year be filled with laughter, more joy than sorrow, peace, and wisdom. Blessings to you. Happy new year!
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