Last year I completed this same set of questions...
1.What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Have a baby. Become a mother.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I wanted to "try not to let it fly past too fast, and to find some enjoyment in the soon-to-begin chaos". I think I managed this, particularly in the first six months. Although having said that, I did go back to work when Ave was two months old. That made it go a little quicker.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A bunch of women I didn't know this time last year, but whom I now rely on for support and sanity. I was so scared of going to a mothers group, but it has turned out to be a wonderful gift.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
None. I hope to remedy that this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More planned time with friends (it's my own disorganisation that meant I didn't manage that this year), more direction in my work.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 20, 2010. It's hard to forget your only child's birthday.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being a mother. Getting through the daily grind of caring for a little person, plus learning how I wanted to parent. Not giving up on shared parenting. Striving for equality in the way that Himself and I take care of Avery.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Staying well. I loved how alive I felt during Avery's first six months. I cannot describe how devastated I am to be back feeling as unwell as I did two years ago. It is sucking the joy from my life.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. My CFS has returned in all its glory and I hate it.
11. What was the best thing you bought? (was bought for you)
Best thing I bought was a Jolly Jumper. It enabled me to get dressed, eat or even look at my emails some days. Best thing bought for me was my brand new computer (a 30th birthday present from my darling mother). I didn't realise how slow and dysfunctional my old one was until I started using this one. It has made my life so much easier.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Steve, as always, this time for taking to the role of non-god parent with such joy. Holly and Clare for being the first to babysit Avery, and for being such an important part of our little family (okay, most importantly for their decision to move to Melbourne in 2011). Both my mother and my mother-in-law for the never ending support they have given us this year.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I won't go into it here, but a member of my family's attitude to Avery cut very deeply. I don't think I'll ever get over it.
14. Where did most of your money go?
The midget. Although having said that, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected. I suppose just the cost of having Himself home with us for the first few months.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Meeting my son.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2010?
Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby - O Brother, Whereart Thou Soundtrack. It's the song I sing Avery to sleep with every nap time and every night. I can't believe I don't hate it yet.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i) …happier or sadder?
Happier.
ii) thinner or fatter?
Fatter. I lost an astounding amount of weight while pregnant and in the month following Avery's birth. I've now put it all back on in a stunningly short time. Did I mention I hate CFS?
iii) richer or poorer?
Poorer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Connected with other mothers. Spent more baby-free time.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Taking on the stresses of my family situation.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas morning at home introducing Avery to the concept of Christmas. Late morning at my great aunt's house with some family, the rest of the day with Himself's family eating a beautiful feast and trying to survive a very cranky child.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Yes.
23. How many one night stands?
None.
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
My love affair with Midsomer Murders continues unabated, as always. Also Friday Night Lights (thanks Ebony), Toddlers and Tiaras, True Blood, Tangle, Glee and so many more. It was the year we returned to Foxtel, so television has kept us sane during all the late night feedings.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
My dislike for some has grown, but hate is a pretty strong word.
26. What was the best book you read?
That's tough. Probably Jasper Jones.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
It was a year of returning to old favourites. I listened to a lot of classical, trying to keep Avery calm or asleep (especially in the car). I did love Jordie Lane's albums, which I finally got around to buying all of.
28. What did you want and get?
Avery.
29. What did you want and not get?
A stronger connection with Himself. A return to good health.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I haven't been struck by anything in particular, which is more to do with how few movies I've seen than anything else.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent my 30th birthday in hospital with my two-day-old baby.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Freedom from the stress that accompanies my family dynamics.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Nothing fits. For a while it was all waaay too big, then just when I got myself together to purchase new clothes for my much smaller body, I started putting weight back on again. Therefore making my wardrobe waaay too small.
34. What kept you sane?
My mum.
35.Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Lauren Graham. I love her.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Asylum seekers. Our lack of compassion, even in the face of such tragic and awful happenings, makes me ashamed.
37. Who did you miss?
Everybody, I suppose. As is to be expected, the first year of motherhood doesn't leave much time/room for people as you would like. Although, having said that, the first six months were damn sociable. It was only once the CFS stuff started raising its head again that I had to retreat back to home.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Avery.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010
I'm not sure I really have perspective on the enormity of change that has happened and what I have learned from that. Certainly that it's worth fighting for equal parenting, that it's hard and sometimes it feels easier to just give up and do it yourself in that moment, but in the long run both of you reap the benefits of persevering.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Looking out on the morning rainI used to feel uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But your love was the key to peace my mind
Having Avery woke me up, gave me a new perspective, made me happy.
41. What was your favorite moment of the year?
The first time Avery smiled at me.
42. What was your least favourite moment of the year?
The first morning I woke up and realised that my tiredness wasn't due to the lack of sleep and the baby, it was CFS.
57. If you could go back in time to any moment of 2010 and change what?
Nothing.
58. What are your plans for 2011?
Get healthier, enjoy Avery, aim for balance, don't be harsh on myself if/when I don't achieve it.
