I did this recap in 2015 and decided it’s a good way to end a year. Encouraged, as always, by Nafisa.
Share your own review of 2017 in the comments below, on Twitter, or Facebook. I’d love to read it.
What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?
Two things that sort of stood out: I tried edamame beans (apparently, I’m the only person in the universe that doesn’t like them) and I did a DNA test to ensure that my doctors can prescribe the right kind of medication for me. The test mainly focuses on pain and psychiatric medications.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t make resolutions, but I was determined to lose some weight in 2017. I did lose a bit, but nowhere near as much as I’d hoped. To be fair, I didn’t make any major lifestyle changes. I have something in mind for 2018. You’ll have to check back this time next year to find out what it was and how it went?
How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
Most likely in bed watching series. Or listening to an audiobook while indulgently wasting time playing Homescapes/Gardenscapes!
Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, no.
What countries did you visit?
So many in my dreams. My (recently expired) passport remained unstamped.
What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
Resolution on my tax return. It’s been waiting for “manual intervention” since 6 July 2017. According to my tax practitioner, I should receive a rebate.
What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
There are quite a few. Mostly negative, so I won’t be listing them here, for obvious reasons.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being promoted to Head of Social Media at the digital agency I’ve been working at for three years. Our MD had hoped I’d have stepped up to the job late last year, but I didn’t feel ready. This is the first year I feel in control of my life.
Also receiving silver from the New Generations award for the best corporate community engagement management, for the client I’ve been working on for five years.
What was your biggest failure?
Not saving (not for a lack of trying).
Did you suffer illness or injury?
For the first time in a very long time, I took three days’ sick leave to get over the flu.
What was the best thing you bought?
The responsible answer is probably two tyres. But also cross stitch supplies, yarn, fairy lights, gin.
Where did most of your money go?
Life. Tyres, craft supplies, food. Not gin.
What song will always remind you of 2017?
Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. No special reason, just a lot of airplay.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
I suppose I should be more social.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Probably staying in bed. But not really. I love my bed. But I had wasted a lot of time doing nothing.
What was your favourite TV program?
I don’t watch a lot of series.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate, no. Strongly dislike? Same people as last year, with one new addition.
What was the best book you read?
A couple of books by Margaret Atwood – The heart goes last; Alias Grace. Also, Spire by Fiona Snyckers (yay for local authors) and Sleeping Beauties by Stephen and Owen King. Non-fiction: The Like Switch by Jack Schafer.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
No great discovery. I listen to podcasts and audiobooks rather than music. The Weakerthans from Heavyweight and Rhett Miller from The Hilarious World of Depression are the artists of two of my favourite songs.
What was your favourite film of this year?
IT. I haven’t watched many movies this year, but this was awesome. At the same time, The Dark Tower was the biggest disappointment in the history of movies. Related – if you have some time to kill, scroll through this Twitter profile.
What did you do on your birthday?
Cry because my back was so incredibly sore. The usual three-hour status meeting that takes place on Mondays. Received the unicorn cake my mom ordered the day before. Ate cake. Had dinner with Nafisa.
What kept you sane?
As always, medication. Depression is real and I’m not saying everyone needs to get meds, but everyone should have access to treatment. Also cake and gin.
Who did you miss?
My grandparents. My favourite person. And this wicked woman.
Who was the best new person you met?
I’ve met a blogger and a vlogger that I really admire and respect – they’re authentic, kind and great to hang out with. Read Loren’s blog and check out Shayne’s channel.
The person I met in 2017 who brightens up every day at the office and who I’ve had the amazing privilege to see grow in the craft of copywriting: Lee the Lemon (she’s not on social, but I can verify her existence. Will not direct you to her LinkedIn page, because she’s mine!)
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.
If you can’t change a situation, there’s no point getting upset about it. Let it go (easier said than done).
And there are about 100 locally crafted gins.
Marthatjie, your kind words warm my heart and make every effort i’ve put into bettering my craft well worth it. Thank you for being the best mentor, a friend and a shoulder to drench my salty tears on. You’re truly the most magical and so glad I met you too.
All the best, your lemon x