It’s that time of year again! I try to do this every year on the first day of the New Year. This year, I couldn’t be bothered, I felt like a bit of a rest before it’s gone up.
Did you enjoy this year?
On the whole, yes. Did a fair few new things.
What did you do in 2013 you’d never done before?
Been to a games tournament, won a games tournament, driven to Cardiff (almost one whole year after starting work there!), gone to a Roller Derby game, kept the blog updated regularly.
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any resolutions this year, but I did have a secret resolution to update the blog regularly. I’ve managed to put up a new post every two weeks all year long, only being late by a day or two a few times, normally due to illness. And I have managed to be early on at least two occasions, by more than five days, so overall I’m still ahead.
In 2014, I’m going to try and keep that up – blogging is fun. I’m also going to try and get my painting table cleared, and get running (again). If I put my updates on the blog, I’ll be more motivated to actually keep it all going. Watch this space.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some of our friends did, yes!
Did anyone close to you die?
What a morbid question this is. Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
I visited Wales – I normally just work there. I also visited Nottingham, and while it’s not another country I’ll count it. I am not a globetrotter.
What would you like to have in 2014 you lacked in 2013?
Some calm.
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 8th – I won the Cardiff Regional Championship! September 3rd – Freddy started school!
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Today’s meme is brought to you by the ‘winning the Cardiff DreadBall Regional’ dead horse, pre-flogged for your convenience.
What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to play in the Ultimate Regional. Not running.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
A few times, normal minor illness things. Nothing horrific.
Did you have to go to the hospital?
Nope, I am a healthy person. We went to hospital for Fred to have grommets put in, and again not long after for a biopsy.
What was the best thing you bought?
I didn’t buy anything this year, I think. Certainly nothing too big. I suppose the new printer will have to count by default.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Freddy’s behaviour improved a lot over the first two terms in school. His reading is shooting ahead, writing is catching up, and his silliness and outbursts are getting rarer and milder.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Freddy’s behaviour in the first term in school. It felt like there was no reason for it, and nothing we could do while he was at school to calm him down. About the only explanations we can think of is hospital visits or end-of-term tiredness. He sorted himself out though.
Where did most of your money go?
Into the mortgage, we didn’t really put anything anywhere else.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Freddy starting school. The Welsh Regional, and both of the Mantic Open Days. Getting my last DreadBall Kickstarter package.
What song will always remind you of 2013?
Lithuania’s awesome Eurovision entry, ‘We are the winners’.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? About the same.
ii. richer or poorer? About the same.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
More games! More games nights!
What do you wish you’d done less of?
I can’t really think of anything.
How did you spend Christmas?
Visiting family in Portsmouth.
Where did you ring in 2013?
At home, in bed, sleeping. We have two young kids and had to get to work after the new year!
What was your favourite TV programme?
We mostly watched Stargate SG-1 this year. Xena took a back seat because it was getting a little bit annoying with the Mongolian Amazons (and we had to sit around the computer, and the chairs aren’t good for Jen’s back).
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope. Well, Chris Grayling confounds me completely but I wouldn’t say I hate him.
What was the best book you read?
I don’t think I read a single book all year. It’s been a hard year to find time to read.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
I just don’t get any new music this year. My friends started a band, their last one was awesome, but I haven’t heard any of it yet. Check them out and tell me what you think, they are called The Disfavoured Party.
What did you want and get?
A tournament win!
What did you want and not get?
A proper National tournament, as was planned for the middle of November. The venue flubbed and we didn’t get it.
How did you earn your keep?
Writing software for a law firm.
What was your favourite film of this year?
The World’s End. Hands down the best.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent the day before at the Welsh Regional, and the day of my birthday just chilling out at home with my mum visiting. I was twenty-nine.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning another tournament. I’m getting to be a bit of a junkie… Never being late with the blog, not even the once.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
Too many holes, best buy something new. Get the same as what I just threw out.
What kept you sane?
As in previous years, this question makes an assumption.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Privatisation of the probation service. When the keynote address at a conference discussing it declares that it’s a terrible idea, and the minister in charge hides an MOJ report about it while repeating “I believe it will work so I’m going to do it” (a direct quote) and the companies trying to get the government contracts are already being investigated for fraud while carrying out other government contracts in the same area… You have to wonder, is this really a good idea?
Who was the best new person you met?
I met a lot of new people at tournaments, and in the Vanguard club leagues. All of them are awesome people. Some of these people I expect I’ll only see in Nottingham at Mantic Open Days!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013:
Stay cool.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
WEEEEEEEE are the CHAMpyuns, my freeeeeeeeeeeee-ends…
What is the best thing that you were given?
My awesome metal pitch. It’s so pretty…
What is the best thing you have given someone?
I am not a generous person. I don’t think I gave anyone anything. I gave a bit to charity this year… but nothing personal that I remember. Ah well.