Thought for the Week

"A hug is a perfect gift - one size fits all and nobody minds if you give it back."
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2007 Overview

I did this last year, looking back at 2006, hell, that seems like such a long time ago! Anyway, I thought it would be good to do it this year too and see how my life and my outlook on it has changed.



What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
I met a blog friend that I had known online for about 2 years. Began an AS Course. Obtained an A* grade for a GCSE. Dedicated a lot of time and energy to an incredible voluntary organisation.

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and have you made more for this year?
Last year I promised not to be so hard on myself, and looking back, I think I did pretty well at keeping it. I have found acceptance this year in an event in my life that scarred me terribly and have successfully moved a long way forward. This year I was too knackered to make one..lol

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yet another nephew became a father making me a great aunt for the second time. The first time was last year and both babies were born on the very same day of the year... spooky!

Did anyone close to you die?
No, finally a year without loss.

What countries did you visit?
Spain. Had a lovely weeks break in sunny Spain with my sister and both my daughters.

What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Better health I guess has to be at the top of my list, it's not that I mind being ill, but it sure doesn't pay the bills. On second thoughts, I do mind being ill, it has become VERY boring!

What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The three days I spent in London during the first week of October meeting Laney. We had become good friends online and those first few minutes of actually meeting in the flesh seemed like the most natural thing in the world. We talked, and then talked some more. We went into the city, still talking like there was no tomorrow, even when we climbed into bed at night we didn't shut up and chatted away contentedly til 2:30 in the morning. It was fantastic. Laney is fantastic, and I cant wait to meet up with her again soon.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my A* was a pretty big deal for me, but the part I'm most proud of is the time I gave freely to training and attending call outs to search for missing people in my voluntary work, most often at obscene times of the night. I have missed being able to be a part of this whilst I have been off work.

What was your biggest failure?
You know, I don't consider I had any failures last year. A few minor mishaps perhaps but not failures. For those few of you that know about the last 12 years of my life, you will know that is a huge advance for me.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Oh God, the dreaded question again. I would list them all but I would sound like a hypocondriac!!!! No seriously, the only one that had a lasting effect was the ME which I am still fighting.

What was the best thing you bought?
A new car. Well it was 3 years old, but that's NEW to me. It had no rust, all the doors closed without creaking, it starts every time you turn the key even when its frosty and I can crank the CD player up to full volume without taking my hand off the steering wheel. What more could a girl want?

Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My sons, for dealing with a split from his long term girlfriend with so much dignity, and as always, my husbands just for being himself and completing the other half of me.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
My boss for the inexcusable pressure he put on me at our meeting in December to return to work in the new year.

Where did most of your money go?
Money?? What money?

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Meeting Laney, see above. Getting my results for the GCSE and gaining my first 20/20 mark for a competition at the camera club.

What song will always remind you of 2007?
Damn, if only I had a memory, I would be able to tell you.

Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
A lot happier with life in general and with the inner me definitely. A lot fatter due to having to give up ALL my hobbies, pass times and exercise, but am already working at getting rid of that. Much poorer, again because I have been unable to work since the beginning of September.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Everything. Life is too short

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sitting on my arse wasting time watching TV and sleeping the days away

How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas was pretty much cancelled in my house this year. No energy. No money. No organisational ability. We did however have a lovely dinner with all the kids and my mother-in-law

Did you fall in love in 2006?
Not with anything/anyone new, but continue to be grateful for all the love I share with my nearest and dearest.

How many one-night stands?
None.

What was your favourite TV program?
I don't watch a lot of TV really. As always, I do get drawn into the reality shows like I'm a celebrity and Dancing on Ice

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I try not to waste precious time and energy hating, it's very destructive.

What was the best book you read?
Didn't devote much time to reading books last year, most of my reading material involved photography. I did finally read Dave Pelzer's trilogy beginning with 'A Boy Called It'. Very moving.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
I heard of lot of things I liked, mostly through the ceiling courtesy of one or the other of my daughters, but I couldn't tell you the name of the bands!!

What did you want and get?
A wide angle lens for my camera.

What did you want and not get?
A home studio to set my business up with! One day, one day.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 41, and again, I was too knackered to do anything. Being 2 days before Christmas I was dreading Christmas too much to care. Health willing, I'll make up for it this year!

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

What kept you sane?
My family and the few really good, close friends I have. I have to say that my sanity level increased 100 fold from 2006, so it's not all bad.

Who was the best new person you met in 2007?
Last year I said it was Miss U, even though I had not met her in the flesh. This year it has to be Miss U, now that I have met her in the flesh.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007?
That sometimes a 'good friend' is actually the most selfish, uncaring, power hungry ********** on the planet, and I really shouldn't take people at face value ALL the time.

6 comments:

Elaine Denning said...

You actually made me have itsy bitsy little tears in the corner of my eyes when I read that, Ali.

We definitely have to meet up again this year. Without a doubt. London, my place, your place, any place. I just want to spend some more time with you...I wish you lived closer. I have to say I've been completely CRAP at staying in touch these past couple of months, and I feel terrible. But...I also know that it's ok, cos real friends understand all the other shit going on.

We need to talk! I want to say so much (and ask so much) about HIM and his selfish ways. I hope it's going ok for you . x

To end, I really have noticed a huge difference in you this past year, and that's just fantastic. I'm so proud of you. And I love you to bits. xxx

Akelamalu said...

Sounds like 2007 was better than 2006 for you Ali. I hope 2008 sees you reaching new heights in everything, especially your health. x

Ali said...

Laney ~ You'll have me in tears too if you carry on like that. Definitely, absolutely have to meet up again this year.

Please don't feel terrible about staying in touch, contact between two friends is a two way thing, and I'm no better... and you're right, it is OK, and do you know why? Cos even without regular contact, you always know a real friend will be there for you if you need someone to reach out to.

Reply to email coming just as soon as I can find some time I don't have to fill with college.

Love you too Laney, you're a very special lady. x

Akelamalu ~ It most definitely was a better year, I was almost 'normal', whatever that is!!!! lol. x

Mike said...

Errr, is there something going on here I should know about?

Ali said...

Mike ~ LOL, nosey!

Unknown said...

You may have been disappointed by the behaviour of one friend but it looks like you've cemented your friendship with Laney. As one door closes another door opens. Keep on fighting the ME and don't go back to work until you feel ready...I'm sure I don't need to tell you that!
Have a great 2008 Ali.