Year in review in Hello.

What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?
Started yoga classes. I love it.

Became a tour guide, a job I’ve loved since day one! Bonus: it’s in a distillery, which is quite scientific, so I’m constantly learning stuff.

Went to Buxton.

Developed a sudden and inexplicable intolerance to white wine. I guess that’s good!

Did you stick to any resolutions? Are you making any for 2020?
I didn’t make any resolutions. The only one I’ve made for this year which I know I will definitely do, is to give wild swimming a go. Considering I live so close to many lakes, I don’t know why I haven’t tried it sooner. A couple of my colleagues love it!

Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

Did anyone close to you die?
No.

What countries did you visit?
Wales and Scotland.

What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
A bit less debt and a bit less belly!

What date(s) from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Can’t remember the exact date, but May I packed in a thankless job to do one I love.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Probably training for and competing in the sponsored walk, even though I injured my foot.

What was your biggest failure?
Stopped walking so much and stopped eating vegan. :( I’m hoping to get back on board with that once my Christmas junk has been eaten.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Plantar fascitis.

What was the best thing you bought?
Nothing amazing. But I bought a cordless Hoover the other day. Game changer!

Whose behaviour merited celebration?
John. He works long, unsociable hours and never whines.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Boris Johnson. :(

Where did most of your money go?
Food and petrol. I’m not used to commuting and driving Belle to college!

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A couple of days away with John at the beginning of the year. It was lush.

Compared to this time last year, are you…
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Definitely fatter. Can’t walk as far as I used to be able to until my foot is completely healed.
iii. richer or poorer? About the same.

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

What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating junk. Thinking ill of people. It does nothing for happiness.

Did you fall in love in 2019?
All over again.

What was your favourite TV program?
I don’t watch much telly! I’m enjoying Dracula right now.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.

What was the best book you read?
I’ve not read any fiction books that stuck out, but I’m enjoying reading about whisky and other spirit distillation.

What did you want and get?
A new job.

What did you want and not get?
To pay off my debts.

What was your favourite film of this year?
Again nothing stands out, but I did enjoy watching the Taiko drummers earlier this year.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old?
I was 47 and went to work. My colleague got my tour group to sing happy birthday to me, only they couldn’t remember my name! 😆

What would have made 2019 better?
If I’d done more walking.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
Fat pants and comfy shoes. I’m a fashion icon!

What kept you sane?
Yoga and meditation.

Who did you miss?
Shellie, Harrison.

Was 2019 a good year for you?
Yep!

What was your favourite moment of the year?
When Rob came home on the 31st December!

What was your least favourite moment of the year?
Rob going to uni.

Where were you when 2019 started?
At mam and dad’s.

Who were you with?
Just me and the girls I think.

Where will you be when 2019 ends?
In exactly the same place!

Who will you be with when 2019 ends?
Eleanor, mam and dad.

Did you break up with anyone in 2019?
No.

Did you make any new friends in 2019?
New job, new colleagues. They’re all lovely!

What was your favourite month of 2019?
May.

How many concerts did you see in 2019?
Only one big one, Rammstein. Went to see a local band that we love several times. One of those occasions was at a youth hostel on the side of a mountain. It was magic.

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2019?
Considering where I work, I actually drank less. My body suddenly deciding it didn’t like wine any more, I’m wondering if actually learning how to appreciate whisky and decent gin has turned my liver into a snob? 😅

Did you do a lot of drugs in 2019?
None at all.

How many people did you sleep with in 2019?
One

What was your proudest moment of 2019?
Getting a gold award from Visit England for my tour. I got 95%!

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2019?
I can’t think of anything.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2019 and change something, what would it be?
Listening when my foot started to grumble on the sponsored walk, and probably retire. It’s not worth the pain!

What songs will remind you of 2019?
I discovered an appreciation for Johnny Flynn, so probably anything by him.

What are your plans for 2020?
I’d like to get back into walking, maybe even running if my foot allows. Look more into my diet. Start practicing yoga at home.