This review is becoming something of a yearly tradition....you can find the reviews for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 , 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 by clicking through. It's always nice to take stock at the end of a year and see what's happened over the last 12 months.
All sorts of little things - visited new places, met new people, but on the whole it's been quite a steady, serene year, life wise. There's plenty that I'm working on.
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
For the most part, yes. I kept things remarkably simple, and bar a backslide on the iPhone in bed sitch over Christmas, I've built some good habits this year!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I'm a woman in her mid-thirties, so, yes! Oodles of babies.
5. What countries did you visit?
Scotland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Germany.
6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
A little more confidence in my own abilities and a dash more get-up-and-go. Mine sort of got-up-and-went at points various!
7. What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
None in particular. It's been a pleasant, steady year for the most part!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Working hard. Shrinking a little.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I let my blogging and writing slide a lot from October or so. I really want to fix this! I'm happier when I write.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Presents for people I love. And theatre/travel tickets.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
The kind, the warm, the friendly, the clever.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I'm not in charge. But some people's ability to judge others has made me a little sad at points. We are all just trying our best, right?
14. Where did most of your money go?
Books, travel, wine, cheese.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hamilton.
16. What song will always remind you of 2017?
Probably Shape of You by Ed Sheeran. as we travelled around Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Germany this summer it was everywhere.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
A little happier, about 25 pounds thinner, and a little richer.
Sleeping. Spending time with friends. Reading.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying. Procrastinating. Comparing.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with Matthew and the kits, days full of food and rest and laughter.
21. Did you meet anyone special in 2017?
My new colleagues are lovely, and Smudge-cat is the sweetest (and entirely unexpected) member of our household.
22. What was your favourite TV program?
Ooooh, tough call. I loved The Marvelous Mrs Maizel. I'm still a massive fan of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. And Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is my catnip.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not really. Hate is a poison, I try to avoid it.
24. What was the best book you read?
It's been an odd year for reading - I've only read about a dozen books. Of those The Power and The Underground Railroad were the two frontrunners - both excellent!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
90s playlists on spotify.
26. What did you want and get?
Hugs, love, a new kitten.
27. What did you want and not get?
Eh, I'm not sure now I think of it! I'm a pretty lucky girl.
28. What was your favourite film of this year?
Probably Girls Trip. Funny, filthy, refreshing good fun.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 37, was granted a snowy birthday (pretty rare in London!) and celebrated with southern comfort food and karaoke at Lucky Voice with Matthew and two of my besties. Perfection.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More sleep, more travel.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?
Lots of blue, lots of stripes, lots of Boden!
32. What kept you sane?
Friends, cats, husband.
(I've retired question 33 too!)
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Poverty. Something needs to happen.
35. Who was the best new person you met?
My little work crew. And Smudge (cats count, right?).
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.
Same as last year: be kind. But also, keep growing, make time for what's important, dream big, and be the best cheerleader you can be for the people and things you love.
37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
None of the songs I've liked this year have lyrics that sum up my year - I'm not perfect, I can come to the phone, and my shoes aren't bloody.
