rhythmandstrings

[rhythmandstrings]

2024

1. What did you do in 2024 that you’d never done before?

Move to Ireland, resign from a job I loved, visit several new places, do the Coromandel Pinnacles, snorkel between continents, take ADHD medication, walk on a glacier, go to the Paralympics, rent a campervan, go paddleboarding

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Nah, I don't really do resolutions, but my general theme for the Dublin move was "say yes to everything", which I'm sticking with for a bit longer.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not that I know of, but I've got a couple of preganant friends

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not very close, but a couple of family friends

5. What countries did you visit?

NZ, Australia, Ireland, England, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Wales, France, Scotland, Iceland

6. What would you like to have in 2025 that you lacked in 2024?

Access to ADHD medication in Ireland

7. What dates from 2024 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

All the travel: North Island roadtrip with Cydney, Australia trip for the National Folk Festival and Chrissie's wedding, Slovenia and the central Europe trip, Paralympics in Paris, music festivals in the UK, The Iceland trip, weekend away with friends before I moved to Ireland. A few shows get a mention, too. Especially Pink, Grace Petrie, and Jenny Mitchell.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Making the move to Ireland relatively seamlessly. I've been incredibly lucky to land on my feet here with an incredible job, fantastic house, and wonderful friends.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Probably selling (or not...) my car

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Covid like two weeks into living in Ireland, and then I've been sick a bunch more times since then. Apparently my immune system is still adjusting to a different set of bugs.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Flights to Dublin

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Most people at some point. Special mention goes to Hana-Raiwhiti Mapi-Clarke and everyone else who turned up en masse to protest the ridiculous bill the bigots in government are trying to push.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I wish I could say my answer here changes from last year, but unfortunately it remains as too many world leaders and the people who continue to give them a platform to spread their bigotry

14. Where did most of your money go?

Travel and rent by a mile

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

Living near Caitlin again, all the travel, the new season of Heartstopper, seing lots of my favourite artists live

16. What song will always remind you of 2024?

Serotonin - Angie McMahon, Driving Myself Home - Rose Betts

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? I think about the same? Which is still pretty happy

b) thinner or fatter? I might have lost weight this year, but I can't be sure. I only really bother weighing myself when they need to calculate how much blood I'm allowed to donate

c) richer or poorer? Definitely poorer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Writing - especially for my part time work

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Feeling guilty about resting

20. How did you spend Christmas?

My flatmate's family were kind enough to take me in. It was a bit strange, but still really lovely

21. Did you fall in love in 2024?

Not in a romantic sense, but I certainly have more people I love in my life

22. How many one-night stands?

0-1, depending on how you define it...

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Probably either Heartstopper or Taskmaster

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Still try very hard to not hate people, so nothing new

25. What was the best book you read?

Either Legendborn or Cinder, I think? I read a lot of good books this past year, though.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

El Pony Pisador

27. What did you want and get?

A job in Dublin that I love, am good at, makes a positive difference, and is working with people that I like and respect

28. What did you want and not get?

Access to ADHD medication in Ireland

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

Moana 2? I really don't think I've seen many films this year.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Turned 33. Was allowed out of isolation and played board games with friends

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Selling my car for a good price

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2022?

Clean clothes are good. I'm wearing earrings more often?

33. What kept you sane?

Friends, podcasts, music, getting outside, patting dogs, reading, medication

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Ben Moss?

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

The Treaty Principles Bill

36. Who did you miss?

Pretty much everyone at some point. Moving countries will do that

37. Who was the best new person you met?

I met most of my lovely Irish people last year, so maybe my great coworkers and the young people I get the privilege of working with?

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2024:

If you need to glue your shoes back together, do it more than 12 hours before leaving for another country

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I've got restless travelling bones - Jenny Mitchell

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Very chill one at the apartment with Cydney and Oisin. Played Wingspan, watched the Doctor Who Christmas Special, and saw the fireworks from the balcony.

[rhythmandstrings]

2024

Since the start of 2024 I have:

Gotten new piercing(s). Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Binge watched a series the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of work stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts).   Travelled out of my state/province or country.   Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital.   Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2023

1. What did you do in 2023 that you’d never done before?

Ride a camel, knit a cardigan, visit Morocco, make a board game.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Nope

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Someone reasonably close, yeah. A fair few accquaintances, too.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Nobody too close.

5. What countries did you visit?

Morocco, UAE, Australia, Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and plenty of travel around NZ.

6. What would you like to have in 2024 that you lacked in 2023?

A job and apartmentin Dublin.

7. What dates from 2023 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

It's been a year of great travel, three weddings, and a ton of great concerts, so pretty much all of those.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I think getting the Wellbeing Better World published. Super stoked to be involved with creating resources that support young people to have better understanding of how to care for themselves and others.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I honestly can't think of anything major. Maybe killing my rosemary?

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Had covid at the start of the year, and a gastro bug while I was in Edinburgh. While the wisdom teeth removal and IUD replacement were deliberate, they both also wiped me out for quite some time.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Travel, concert tickets, and my travel bag.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Most people deserve celebration for something or other.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Many world leaders, and the people that continue to support them.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Travel, rent, the dentist.

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

Travel, weddings, concerts

16. What song will always remind you of 2023?

Oh boy, so many for different reasons: - Rescue - Yuna - Haul Away - Grace Petrie - Stick Season - Noah Kahan - Pretty much anything by Skerryvore, Gaz Brookfield, or Nati Dredd

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier

b) thinner or fatter? I think about the same?

c) richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Spending time outside, organising gatherings with friends

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Going back to sleep after waking up

20. How did you spend Christmas?

The usual combination of family and family friends. Lunch at my aunt and uncle's place, then an assortment of people over for dinner at my parents’ place.

21. Did you fall in love in 2022?

Nah

22. How many one-night stands?

None

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Heartstopper was a significant obession.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nah, hate is a strong word, and I'm fortunate enough to be able to largely ignore anyone that comes close to fitting that category.

25. What was the best book you read?

Art and Gwen Are Not In Love - Lex Croucher

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Either Nati Dredd or Grace Petrie. It's been an excellent year for music.

27. What did you want and get?

All the travel and concerts. A few nice clothes.

28. What did you want and not get?

Laid in Ireland?

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

Nimona

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Turned 32. Was taken out for a whiskey distilling tour in Dublin, and had a party thrown for me that weekend.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Having a tidier room, maybe?

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2022?

Same as ever. Jeans, shirt, whatever is mostly clean and has pockets.

33. What kept you sane?

Music, podcasts, friends, colleagues, monthly supervision sessions, naps, reading, taking time out.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Nati Dredd or the very attractive man in a kilt playing bagpipes in Skerryvore

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Way too many, sadly. Youth justice, various wars and civil rights movements, depressing election results.

36. Who did you miss?

Most people at some point or other. Caitlin is still top of the list due to most regularly being on the opposite side of the world.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

All my various travel friends. Cydney gets a special mention.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2022:

Don't always trust the rain to keep your outside plants well watered.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

"Send a postcard to my year eleven self, in her year eleven health, Saying everything's gonna be just fine, No you won't grow out of it, you will find the clothes that fit. And the images that fucked ya, were a partiarchal structure, And you never will surrender, to a narrow view of gender, And I swear there'll come a day, when it won't matter what they say, On the labels on the doors, you will figure out what's yours." - Black tie, Grace Petrie

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Up at the place we had just outside Jamboree with colleagues, a few gin and tonics, and some board games.

[rhythmandstrings]

2023

Since the start of 2023 I have:

Gotten new piercing(s). Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Binge watched a series the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of work stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating.   Seen a musical or play (opera counts).   Travelled out of my state/province or country.   Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital.   Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2022

Here we go again!

1. What did you do in 2022 that you’d never done before?

Paddle the Whanganui River, finish a degree, get Covid, keep plants alive for over a year, knit a sock, hire an employee.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Nah, still don’t really do those.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yep. One close friend, and one other friend, as well as several acquaintances. Living that early 30s life...

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Nobody close, but several friends lost parents this year.

5. What countries did you visit?

Just around NZ. Hopefully next year, now that the borders are open again!

6. What would you like to have in 2023 that you lacked in 2022?

I’m hoping by the end of the year to have a place of my own. Maybe even one where I’m paying my own mortgage, rather than someone else’s?

7. What dates from 2022 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Whanganui River, Pukawa trip, Vanessa and Alister’s wedding, Milford Trip, Caitlin’s visit, Rakuira trip, Wellyfest, probably other stuff. Basically all the lovely travel away with friends.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finishing a degree in Youth Development, definitely! With straight A+s to boot.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I don’t think I had any super major ones this year, which is really nice. Probably some work stuff around people management and communications of responsibilities.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Got Covid after the Milford trip. It was highly shit and I was down for two weeks, and still recovering for a further three months. 0/10, would not recommend.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Travel and rips away with friends. A new tramping pack. Some lovely artwork.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

I don’t know. I always find this question really hard. Most people deserve to be celebrated?

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I also always find this one hard. A few of our ex-volunteers, Putin, and the general awful that is alt-right assholes.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Food, rent, travel, and the dentist.

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

Caitlin visiting. Also travel stuff, friends’ wedding, Jenny Mitchell concerts, and Vanessa starting at work

16. What song will always remind you of 2022?

I’m really not sure this year. Maybe Tug of War, by Jenny Mitchell

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier

b) thinner or fatter? Oh, definitely fatter

c) richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Going for walks outside, reaching out to friends

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Buying takeaways

20. How did you spend Christmas?

The usual combination of family and family friends. Lunch at family friends’ place, then an assortment of people over for dinner at my parents’ place.

21. Did you fall in love in 2022?

Nah

22. How many one-night stands?

Technically none, but maybe kind of one.

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Buffy. Binge watched it all for the first time, and can’t believe it took me so long!

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Not really. I don’t really do hating people, and those that would otherwise fall into the category aren’t worth my brain space.

25. What was the best book you read?

Bonk - the curious coupling of sex and science, by Mary Roach

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I feel like I’ve done a lot of listening to new albums from artists I already know and like this year. Maddie Poppe?

27. What did you want and get?

A degree, a bit more free time, several good adventures.

28. What did you want and not get?

Jeans that fit right

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

I haven’t really watched many movies once again. Onward?

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Turned 31. Went to work and had dinner with my family.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Sorting out my stuff enough to be a bit further along the house buying journey? I think overall it’s been a pretty solid year for the most part, though.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2022?

Jeans, leggings, t-shirts, and a fair bit of plaid. Comfortable and clean clothes are still my go-to here, and really doesn’t change on a year-to-year basis.

33. What kept you sane?

Music, podcasts, friends, colleagues, monthly supervision sessions, naps.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I don’t think I can even name someone for this one...

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Probably the war in Ukraine.

36. Who did you miss?

Caitlin remains top of the list. Ireland is very far away.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Marlene and Udit, I think

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2022:

Trusting others’ assumptions about the priority level of different projects is not the same as confirming them with the whole team, and it’s really a lot better to be sure of this sooner, rather than at the last minute.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“It’s just the way that it goes // sometimes the world feels awful slow // and it’s just the way that it is // we all go fishing, ‘til we’re sick of fish // and it don’t make no sense // we all dream of the green over that fence // but it comforts me to know // that it’s just the way it goes.” - Lucy, Jenny Mitchell

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Board games, pot luck, spa, and friends down the road at my parents’ place.

[rhythmandstrings]

2022

Since the start of 2022 I have:

Gotten new piercing(s).   Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Binge watched a series the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week.   Cried as a result of work stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating.  Seen a musical or play (opera counts).  Travelled out of my state/province or country.  Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital.  Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2021

Since the start of 2021 I have:

Gotten new piercing(s).  Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Binge watched a series the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of work stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts). Travelled out of my state/province or country. Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital. Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2021

And we thought 2020 was a time...

1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?

Got a diploma, been to Rakiura, completed a Great Walk (two of them even!), taken on a manager role at work, got published in an academic journal.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Didn’t make any, and probably won’t this year either. (Same answer as last year)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Depends on your definition of close. My ex’s partner? A coworker? A few acquaintances and a close friend are currently pregnant.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Nobody close.

5. What countries did you visit?

Still no international travel, so I kept it within NZ again this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?

Maybe a house? Possibly a functioning love life? Both of those seem fairly unlikely though.

7. What dates from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Abel Tasman/Rakiura Trip, Easter Monday, Labour Weekend, and likely a few others.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Completing a 2-year Diploma of Youth Work in the space of a year on a whim while also working full time. It was less work than it sounds like, but still a fair bit.

Also being a rational and reasonable human and dealing with a highly shitty breakup in what was largely an incredibly mature way.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not going to the dentist when I should have...

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not really. Only thing I can think of is contracting chlamydia thanks to aforementioned cheating ex. 

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Food for friends, a spot of travel, and some nice experiences. I haven’t really had any major purchases this year that I can think of. Maybe a few good new clothes?

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

My friends were amazing this year. They always are, but it was a big year for me in a lot of ways and they were patient, kind, and helped to hold me accountable when I needed it.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Got to say the aforementioned ex. Cheating is one thing, but getting yourself an entirely different partner and neglecting to tell your existing partner about it for two full months is a really, really shitty move. Then giving her an STI because you didn’t use protection while cheating and following it up with accusing her of lying is next level bullshit.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Eating out, rent, bit of travel.

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

Travel things, my friends’ wedding, writing and releasing the Handbook of Youth Development, getting published.

16. What song will always remind you of 2020?

One Day - Jenny Mitchell

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? About the same? It’s been a lot of ups and downs, but I think I’m fairly content with where I am

b) thinner or fatter? Dunno, about the same? Maybe a little heavier, but I think also fitter, so I’m not sure.

c) richer or poorer? Richer. Less travel, fancier job.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercise (not necessarily going for runs or anything, but more walks and generally getting out and about would probably have been good for both my mental and physical health). Reaching out to friends when I was feeling isolated.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Ignoring my anger, self-isolating.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

The usual combination of family and family friends. Lunch at family friends’ place, then an assortment of people over for dinner at my parents’ place.

21. Did you fall in love in 2020?

Nope. Quite the opposite.

22. How many one-night stands?

One. Two if we count someone I ended up seeing again, but I don’t think we do count that.

23. What was your favourite TV program?

I feel like this is always just the last thing I watched. I’ve just finished Schitt’s Creek and absolutely adored it. Sex Education probably has to be top of the list though. Other notable mentions include Taskmaster, Bake-Off, Doctor Who, Bridgerton, New Amsterdam, Big Mouth, The Crown, and Derry Girls.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

My opinion of some people has definitely changed, but I still don’t think I’d go with hate. I think I more just don’t respect them any more.

25. What was the best book you read?

I honestly can’t say I’ve done much reading this year. I’m claiming it as a time thing, but I probably also just haven’t made enough of an effort. Been listening to a lot of podcasts instead, so I think instead what I’ll do is turn this question into a podcast space. My favourites there have been My Dad Wrote a Porno, No Such Thing as a Fish, and 99 Percent Invisible.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

We Mavericks? I already knew about them though, just found the new album. Brandi Carlisle?

27. What did you want and get?

A diploma in youth work with solidly good marks. Some new (to me) clothes that actually fit right. A move from contractor to a more permanent employee at work. Vaccination from COVID-19.

28. What did you want and not get?

A relationship with someone who treats me with respect? That might be a bit too on the nose though. Affordable dental healthcare?

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

I’m really not sure what I’ve even watched this year. Soul was at the very start of the year, so maybe that?

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

30! Booked out a campsite (bunk rooms) and went away for a weekend with friends. Cooked food, played board games, and had a generally lovely time.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I’m genuinely struggling to think of something, there’s been a lot to be pleased with on a personal level this year. Maybe something in that dating space, but in all honesty, I’ve been pretty busy with other stuff and probably wouldn’t have been in the right place for it this year anyway.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?

Jeans, leggings, t-shirts, and a fair bit of plaid. Comfortable and clean clothes are still my go-to here.

33. What kept you sane?

My antidepressants, flatmates and friends, music, podcasts, and letting go of things I have no control over (mostly).

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Still don’t really have an answer for this. I don’t know much about famous people.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

I feel like covid remains the obvious one here, much as we’d all hoped we’d mostly be moving away from it by now. It’s morphed a little, so I guess vaccinations have been a pretty big one, too.

36. Who did you miss?

Most people at some point or another. Caitlin remains top of the list, I think. Elspeth’s up there too.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Zi. Followed by some of my lovely classmates.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021:

A faulty washing machine that leaves laundry powder on your clothes + tramping in torrential rain = foaming at the crotch. A rather awkward look when there’s a group of school children...

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

When I'm eighty years old and alone in my chair Will I look back at safety and be glad I didn't care? No! I can hear her screaming "Love, break, and learn! What else are you young for? Fuck it, hurt whilst you can"

- Dodie, Life Lesson

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Away with friends for a week in National Park. Delicious dinner, great chill times, and a spontaneous dance party at midnight where we missed the countdown a little.

[rhythmandstrings]

2020

It really has been one hell of a year, hasn’t it?

1. What did you do in 2020 that you’d never done before?

Live through a pandemic, spend time in lockdown, go paragliding.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Didn’t make any, and probably won’t this year either.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Can’t think of anyone who I’d call especially close

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My grandmother and a family friend at the very start of the year. An ex-coworker at the very end of it.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. International travel hasn’t really been a thing this year, what with the pandemic and all.

6. What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?

A working, effective, and accessible COVID-19 vaccine for the world, especially those who are most in need of it.

7. What dates from 2020 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Jamboree, the day lockdown was announced, MOTI, various tramps and trips away.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finishing the Programme Manual and other youth programme collateral. Compiling, writing, editing, and proofing a nearly 100,000 word document is no mean feat!

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not being as productive as I’d have liked over lockdown? To be honest, I can’t think of anything particularly major this year, and I’m more than okay with that.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing major that I can think of, no.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Travel, copious quantities of wine, and a new laptop.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

All the people that did good stuff during the pandemic, being it stay home, work in essential services, or lead others in constructive and inspiring ways.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Basically all the people that did the opposite of this and made the whole thing far worse than it already was.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Travel and wine. (Plus the usual combo of rent and eating out far more than is sensible)

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

Various trips away, especially Phase One, and the two big trips I took with David. Seeing friends again after lockdown.

16. What song will always remind you of 2020?

The Fleas - Frank Turner and Jon Snodgrass

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier

b) thinner or fatter? Those extra lockdown kilos...

c) richer or poorer? Slightly richer, I think.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Cooking for myself, going for walks.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating lunch out of the office.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With family. Went to my Aunt and Uncle’s for lunch, and had people over to ours for dinner. Had all of my Dad’s side of the family together, which was nice.

21. Did you fall in love in 2020?

Probably, yeah.

22. How many one-night stands?

None, I’m pretty sure.

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Just binged watched all of Bridgerton and I do believe it’s my new obsession. If we’re counting youtube, Marble League.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Still don’t do hating people. A few frustrated or disappointed me a fair bit, but I don’t think I’d go as far as hate.

25. What was the best book you read?

Stuff I Forgot to Tell my Daughter, by Michèle A'Court.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Kelsea Ballerini is my current new jam.

27. What did you want and get?

Time away with friends, some time off to travel the country, a reasonable amount of control over my depression/whatever it is.

28. What did you want and not get?

Some jeans that actually fucking fit right.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

Maybe Parasite? I don’t think I actually saw that many movies.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

29 this year. Had friends over for board games and food.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Better resourcing at work?

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2020?

Clothes that are comfortable and clean. A fair amount of leggings, jeans, and shirts.

33. What kept you sane?

Antidepressants, calls with friends, music, podcasts, Netflix, gardening, and taking time to myself.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I feel like the appropriate 2020 answer is Ashley Bloomfield. I still don’t pay enough attention to be able to give a proper answer to this.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Oh boy. Covid, obviously. Elections both here and in the US. The housing crisis, the climate crisis, Black Lives Matter, our fucked up prison system. There’s a lot of shit going on, and it can be hard to not be sucked into a spiral of sadness and anger about it all.

36. Who did you miss?

Basically everyone during lockdown. Caitlin gets a particular mention, being still overseas.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

I suppose I’d better give this one to David.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2020:

There’s always going to be more things to do. It’s okay to take some time out to look after yourself.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“In a world that has decided that it’s going to lose its mind, be more kind my friends, try to be more kind.”

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Away with friends in Taumaranui. I cooked a massive feast, we played games, hung out, and had a dance party. It was a truly lovely time.

[rhythmandstrings]

2020

Since the start of 2020 I have:

Gotten new piercing(s).  Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Binge watched a series the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week.  Cried as a result of work stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts). Travelled out of my state/province or country. Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital. Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2019

Since the start of 2019, I have:

Gotten new piercing(s). Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Bought a DVD the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of exam stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts). Travelled out of my state/province or country. Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital. Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2019

I guess we’ll keep doing this here for now

1. What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?

Travel for work, have a career-style job, buy a newish car, learn NZSL

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Don’t think I made any, probably won’t either this year, although I’ll probably keep trying to actively reflect on things semi-regularly

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A couple of friends did, yeah.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

A coworker in April, and my grandmother 6 days in to 2020. A few family friends, too, but none especially close.

5. What countries did you visit?

Australia

6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?

A bit more routine and a few more free evenings

7. What dates from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Venture, Moot and the travel after, the Sydney trip, Wellyfest, Jamboree, Zac’s Hut Tramp, and probably a few other things in there

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Moving into a great flat, writing most of a youth development programme

9. What was your biggest failure?

Eating too much crap food? It’s been a solidly good year as a whole, actually!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

The usual coughs, colds, and bruises. Nothing serious springs to mind, though

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Probably the new car

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Still hate this question. (Same as last year)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Ditto this one.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Rent, the new car, and eating out

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

Travel with friends, launching the youth programme I’ve been writing

16. What song will always remind you of 2019?

Blessing song, Victoria Vigenser

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier

b) thinner or fatter? Oh, I’ve gained a significant amount of weight

c) richer or poorer? Significantly richer, too

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Spending time with friends

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating crappy food

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With family. Had a couple of extras join us, too. Visited family friends for lunch, stopped past a friends’ place on the way home, and then had dinner with immediate family and played board games

21. Did you fall in love in 2019?

Nah. Was predominantly single all year!

22. How many one-night stands?

Depends on your definition? Possibly one, but I’m not sure I’d quite classify it as such

23. What was your favourite TV program?

Sex Education and The Good Place

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I try very hard to not hate people. There are a few that frustrate me an awful lot, but I wouldn’t say I hate any of them

25. What was the best book you read?

I really need to read more new books. I’m honestly not sure if I’ve finished anything new this past year

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Jenny Mitchell

27. What did you want and get?

A wonderful flat, full time careery work, a new car

28. What did you want and not get?

Free evenings

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

Was The Hate U Give this year? If so, then definitely that. I also quite enjoyed Frozen 2 and On the Basis of Sex

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 28 and went to Caitlin’s leaving/birthday thing and had a lovely time catching up with friends

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I can’t think of anything major. Having my breadmaker properly fixed?

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

Still predominantly jeans and jumpers. I did branch out and get a floaty top!

33. What kept you sane?

Antidepressants, good friends, music, podcasts, alone time, and puppy cuddles

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I always really struggle to think of someone for this. I don’t think I follow along with enough celebrity type stuff to really know.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

The world currently feels like a clusterfuck, and currently I try to focus my attention on issues I actually have some semblance of influence over, which is not many of them. With that said, I’m probably going to go with climate change, and the influence our amazing young people are having and contributing to that space.

36. Who did you miss?

Different people at different times. Caitlin a lot, Tom for a bit, Sammy, and many others that I didn’t get the chance to see as often as I’d have liked.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

My lovely flatmates

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019:

It’s okay to be comfortable with knowing your strengths as well as your weaknesses

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“I don’t want to spend the whole of my life inside I want to step out and face the next storm”

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Jamboree with many small people. And then chilling around the tents with some friends and a couple of quiets doing year reflections and stuff. Was very lovely

[rhythmandstrings]

2018

I suppose I’ll stick with this trend.

1. What did you do in 2018 that you’d never done before?

Download Tinder and do the casual dating thing, got an IUD, resigned from Rovers, enjoyed running

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Pretty sure I didn’t make any. Haven’t really again this year, although I did a bunch of little changes type things part way through the year

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Depends on your definition of close. A few less close friends did

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Nobody immensely close, but I did go to one funeral

5. What countries did you visit?

Australia

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

A working car

7. What dates from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The Australia trip, Frank Turner concert, beginning of Venture (seeing as the second half was 2019, Moot, probably a couple others

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finally finding work that pays well and makes me happy

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not getting my car fixed

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

A few coughs and colds, spider bite (I think) on my boob, been slightly sick since August, which has been all manner of frustrating

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Tickets to Melbourne

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Still hate this question. (Same as last year)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Ditto this one.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Paying off last year’s travel

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

Frank Turner, going to Melbourne

16. What song will always remind you of 2018?

Little Changes - Frank Turner, and Work This Body - WALK THE MOON

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier, I think

b) thinner or fatter? I've definitely gained weight over the past year

c) richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Using my time wisely

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Procrastination is always the thing, isn’t it? Sleeping in more than necessary, avoiding life, all that good stuff

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Family time. Went to my aunt and uncle’s place for lunch, then they came to ours for dinner

21. Did you fall in love in 2018?

Not in a romantic sense, no

22. How many one-night stands?

Depends how you define it. Two people I slept with only once, but both of them were technically second dates. One I slept with on the first date, but I’m sill sort of dating him, so...

23. What was your favourite TV program?

The Good Place

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Not really. Still try to avoid hating people

25. What was the best book you read?

I don’t think I actually read much this year, aside from re-reading Harry Potter. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing?

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Delta Rae, perhaps?

27. What did you want and get?

Two jobs that I love, that make a difference to people and complement each other in really great ways

28. What did you want and not get?

My car fixed

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

The Incredibles 2

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 27. I think I went into the office and then to Venturers?

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Again with the car. Also moving back out of home a bit sooner

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?

Still predominantly jeans and jumpers

33. What kept you sane?

Music, Podcasts, Friends, Antidepressants, Running

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Let’s go with Jameela Jamil, shall we?

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

So much of the global political situation made me completely furious and hopeless this year. Probably the US immigration situation hit me hardest, but there were a lot of truly disheartening things 

36. Who did you miss?

Various people at different times. Friends that live overseas or in different cities especially

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Laura, Janette, and Ben

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018:

Comprehensive insurance is often worth it

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“So far from okay Tongue-tied and afraid The big things stay the same Until we make Little changes”

- Frank Turner

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

Camping up in Kaiwaka with 900 teenagers and 300 volunteers

[rhythmandstrings]

2018

Since the start of 2018, I have:

Gotten new piercing(s). Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. (Kinda? Dunno really yet) Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Bought a DVD the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of exam stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts). Travelled out of my state/province or country. Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital. Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

The Year In Review

Since the start of 2017, I have:

Gotten new piercing(s). Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. (Kind of?) Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Travelled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Bought a DVD the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of exam stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts). Travelled out of my state/province or country. Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital. Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.

[rhythmandstrings]

2017

I guess this is where I keep these.

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

Attend an international scouting event, get a house with just a partner, get a tattoo

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t think I made any. May attempt some goals for this year, but no promises.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Nobody especially close, but several friends who are less close had kids.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, and I’d very much like to keep it that way for the foreseeable future.

5. What countries did you visit?

Canada, Spain, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, England, Greece, and the USA. Lots of travel this year, and I am stupidly lucky.

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

Stability in both work and finances (often those tow go hand in hand...)

7. What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The entirety of my travels, especially world moot and the amazing people I met there. February 4th, Moot, and a few other weekends away at various points.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Making it around the world without any majorly serious mishaps, and still being close with the people I was travelling with at the end of it.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Finding work once I got back home.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

The usual coughs, colds, messed up back, but nothing too major. My knee gave out on me while travelling and is still giving me grief.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Travel. All the travel.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Still hate this question. (Same as last year)

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Ditto this one.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Flights are kinda expensive...

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

Going to Iceland. And all the other travel. Nerding out over ancient Greek stuff. Coming home.

16. What song will always remind you of 2017?

I Saw the Sign - Ace of Base (Topdeck callback song), and the horrendous but fantastic Moot song.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Happier in some aspects, and struggling in others? Happiness is hard to quantify.

b) thinner or fatter? I think I’ve gained weight this year? It’s not really something I track.

c) richer or poorer? Financially? Way poorer. Much richer in experience, though.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Reaching out to friends I don’t see as often as I’d like.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Getting involved in lengthy bitching sessions and politics. I also made a point of seriously cutting back on drinking this year.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Family time. Went to my aunt and uncle’s place for lunch, then they cam to ours for dinner. Went up and spent time with my partner’s family on Boxing Day.

21. Did you fall in love in 2017?

Yep. Quite unexpectedly, but I’m rather enjoying it.

22. How many one-night stands?

Sort of one, but also not really? At the time I thought it was, but eleven months later I’m still dating him, so...

23. What was your favourite TV program?

I don’t think I watched any TV series outside the latest season of Orange is the New Black this year. We’ve just got Netflix working today, though, so there might be more in 2018...

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nah. Hate is a strong word, and I generally try to avoid it wherever possible.

25. What was the best book you read?

I really didn’t read huge amounts for most of this year. I really enjoyed Turtles All The Way Down by John Green. I also finally plucked up the courage to read Wild Rover No More, the last book in a series that was hugely important in my teenage years, and whose author died a few years back.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

The Misbehavin’ Maidens

27. What did you want and get?

All the travel.

28. What did you want and not get?

Financial stability.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?

I think I only saw like three movies in theatres this year. The Last Jedi? But that’s possibly largely because I recently saw it and can remember it.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Turned 26. Spent the day exploring Vancouver.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Getting that Youth Educator job with SAPN.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

Clothes that fit and don’t itch? I’m still mostly a jeans and flannel shirt kind of person.

33. What kept you sane?

Friends, my partner, spending weekends out of town, finding little pockets of alone time and familiarity wile travelling at times.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Oh god, this involves naming a celebrity/public figure.... I’m sure there are many that if you showed me them I would be all “Yes. That one. I like them very much.” but I’m drawing a blank right now.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

I guess I should say our election. There were a few things our incompetent previous government did that made me exceptionally frustrated, too.

36. Who did you miss?

My partner while I was overseas. My wonderful World Moot tribe. Katie. 

37. Who was the best new person you met?

All of my amazing and incredible World Moot people.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017:

Never trust Australians to help you lead a G rated version of a rover song. Always make sure you have the bond from any new flatmates before they move in.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Be Prepared, for all that is coming and Don’t be scared, of all things belonging, I’ll see you there, dancing and singing, We won’t forget, that we will always...

- World Moot Song

40. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?

With a few friends and my partner, camping up at Scoutlands. Was a bit quieter than my normal New Years, but very enjoyable.

[rhythmandstrings]

And another...

The Year In Review

Since the start of 2016, I have:

Gotten new piercing(s). Dyed my hair. Ended a relationship. Started a new relationship. Been on a long car journey. Passed an exam. Cried on someone’s shoulder. Had a massive fight with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Received flowers. Had a Valentine. Written a letter using pen and paper. Gone to see a therapist. Been prescribed medication by a doctor. Read a really good book. Gone to the zoo. Spent too much money on unnecessary things. Traveled by train. Cried over someone. Spent a day out in the sun getting a tan. Slammed a door out of frustration. Had an anxiety/panic attack. Had a BBQ. Gone to the fair. Gone bowling. Seen a film at the cinema in 3D. Gone on a date. Helped someone home after they’d had too much to drink. Stayed up all night. Talked on the phone for over 2 hours. Supported someone who’d received bad news. Watched some kind of live sporting event. Read an entire book in one day. Bought a DVD the day it was released. Eaten McDonald’s more than four times in a single week. Cried as a result of exam stress. Met some incredible new people. Fallen backwards off a chair. Broken your glasses. Cried over someone in your past. Spent hours aimlessly browsing the internet. Thrown up. Cried over a film. Gone out of your way to avoid an ex-significant other. Been in a relationship for a year or longer. (I had been at times in 2016?) Been ice skating. Seen a musical or play (opera counts). Travelled out of my state/province or country. Swum (in a pool). Swum (in the ocean). Been in a hospital. Fallen down the stairs. Discovered something new about myself.