2018: the year that was

Nafisa has been doing these a lot more consistently than I have, but this year has been very different from so many in the past that I thought I couldn’t not do one this year.

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

  • I agreed to meet someone from Tinder in real life (and lived to tell the tale!)
  • I went to a gin and chocolate pairing event
  • I had a root canal done (not recommending that)

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I kind of promised myself I’d be more social. Start dating an extrovert and you’ll be more social than a Kardashian with a phone and internet connection!

3. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
Grant’s birthday is on 31 December. Maybe we’ll invite a few people over, maybe we’ll chill on the couch surrounded by animals, maybe we’ll go to bed at nine.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
A very good friend’s dad. 

5. What countries did you visit?
Still haven’t left the country.

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
For the first time in a very long time, I really kind of want a new car. And I had hoped that I could buy a house next year, but that’s becoming more unlikely as I get older. 

7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
16 March is the day Grant and I matched on Tinder; our “swipeversary”. And 7 April when we first met face-to-face.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRuv46lZSe/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I took the leap and changed jobs. It’s a big deal because I have trouble believing in my abilities, and didn’t think I’d offer other companies much value. Not only was I pursued by one company I sent an application to, but they were also willing to wait an extra month for me. The new job (and company) is very different to what I’m used to. I get to write a lot of copy and have had amazing feedback from both my manager and client. 

Probably more notable is that I’m in the best place, mentally, that I have been in a long time. I hardly ever take beta-blockers for anxiety anymore, I’m less socially awkward (mostly because Grant looks out for me), and I’m in a stable, long-term relationship with an incredible guy. Those are all pretty major things to me.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not sustaining my weight loss from last year. And paying for a gym membership I’m not using.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
So. Many. Dental procedures. One root canal, one extraction. The flu while we were in KZN and I tried not to die, or kill Grant before Amashova. And this stupid left shoulder of mine that’s been hurting for several months now, that has no clear origin and apparently no remedy. 

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My hair colour, every two months.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Medical expenses. 

13. What song will always remind you of 2018?

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Crafting.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry, naturally.

16. What was your favourite TV program?
I’m quite enjoying Castle Rock, and watching Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee while we’re having dinner has become kind of a tradition.

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Very, very strongly dislike. Resent. Displeased with.

18. What was the best book you read?
So many great books – all of them on audio. I loved Unmentionable by Therese Oneill and the narration was a big part of it. The girl who saved the king of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson was another favourite. We should totally be friends on Goodreads, OK?

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Not really new, but I discovered one song in particular by Sara Bareilles and started listening to more of her music.

20. What was your favourite film of this year?
Bohemian Rhapsody. All of the feels!

21. What did you do on your birthday?
I drank a lot of gin and spent time with some of the best people. And an amazing floof!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqhQBbZnyZd/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

22. What kept you sane?
Grant

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqwu2uVHMxS/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

23. Who did you miss?
My grandparents. Especially my grandfather. 

24. Who was the best new person you met?
Grant, obviously. But also all his friends and family, my new colleagues, they’re cool too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blsrx1NlXGX/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018:
Oudword is nie vir sissies nie (growing old isn’t for pansies).

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