My niece, Kayleen started this a few years ago, and I have followed — I don’t know if hers is posted  yet, but this is her bloggy thing.

I know I could spend more time on this, but January 1, 2019 is here, and these are my answers. Happy New Year everyone!

The Year in Review in simple question and answer form.

What did you do in 2018 that you’ve never done before?
I swam a mile in our community pool. That was a pretty big deal and I was very proud of myself for doing it.

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I like having a motto, not resolutions to guide me each year. My motto for 2018 was, Look up, Everyday… there are reminders. For 2019 I’ve chosen – It’s all about the view. In many ways these are the same. I like looking at views.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
We aren’t close, but I know Ben and Andrea had Charlie. Kat and Kevin had Bridget, and Jerome and Bea became Julian’s Grandparents.

Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, our dear and wonderful dog Boze. Also friends, Mel Sameishima, Jeff Muiderman, and Jan Warner.

What countries did you visit?
Other than two trips to Las Vegas to see my brother Art, we stayed in Canada.

What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
I don’t feel I lack anything.

What events from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory?
The surgeries and trips to the ER.
Ken had surgery to remove a tumour from his bladder.
His brother Ron, had a tough time with the removal of a brain tumour.
My brother Art, had a kidney stone removed.
also, we launched Ken’s boat Cricket.
Company came!
The “incident” with Marian Bantjes and the ham sandwich.
The day Boze died.
The hike with Becky, where I could not keep up, and those when I did.
Ross hanging with me at the hospital, Sarah bringing us soup, and Lynn sending cookies!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I read over 60 books! (That’s a big deal for me!)
I swam a mile several times.
I raised money for our local food bank by selling the quilted shopping bags I made.
I found such joy sitting at the sewing machine playing with fabric while listening to audio books.
I got outside most days for a good hike.

What was your biggest failure?
I stopped going to the pool.
Sadly, I gave into this cell phone shit, and now I carry it everywhere with me.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
For the most part, all my bits are lined up well. The men in my life had a few problems though. At this writing, both Ken and I are well.

What was the best thing you bought?
I took the advice of my painting teacher and when it comes to fabric – I sew “like a millionaire.” The full face snorkel was probably the best money I spent. That thing made it possible for me to swim comfortably with my face in the water.

Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Ron Parker is one tough cookie. Kathy Parker is even tougher.
Anna Michael – Salute!
Ty Brackett, for taking a neighbours letter to heart.
The Canadian medical system.
I continually cheer the everyday actions of my husband Ken and best friend Sandie.

Whose behaviour appalled you?
I find ALL of the GOP disgusting, and I’m not impressed by most Democrats.
Doug Ford was elected in Ontario. Really?
I was disappointed BC didn’t vote for PR when they had the chance.
I’m appalled by people who still don’t think guns are a problem, and more so, by people who continue to think religion is a solution.

Where did most of your money go?
Probably on food, fabric, epoxy, gifts and postage.
We eat like kings, have supplies to create what we want, and we have enough to share. We almost bought a house — that would have been big!

What did you get really excited about?
Meeting Max – the cutest little doggy that lives down the street.
Learning about the art of Moy McKay.
The surprise painting from Lainey Benson.
The homemade chocolates Jess and Angelo made for Christmas.
Fabric sales and Bali Knots.

What song will always remind you of 2018?
I love Boze. (A little ditty I wrote for our sweet Boze dog.)

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?  Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter?  Fatter  (I still fit in the same pants, but since Christmas, they are a little tight)
iii. richer or poorer?  Richer

What do you wish you’d done more of?
I could say all kinds of things – but honestly, I do what I want.

What do  you wish you’d done less of?
Again, I do what I want.

Did you fall in love in 2018?
Ken still has my heart, and when I see the neighbours dog, Max walk by I get pretty excited!

What was your favourite TV program?
I still watch cooking and baking shows, Perry Mason, and This Hour has 22 Minutes. I like Endeavour, Vera, and Masterpiece. We now have Netfliks, and I’m open to suggestions of shows  that are not violent or about war.

Have you let go of any resentment or have a regret you cling to?
I regret losing sleep because of the hate in the states, and I regret losing sleep because of the love I have for someone I can’t help. — A silly resentment lingers and will be gone by the posting of this. The big and hurtful grudge I carried far too long, no longer bothers me.

What was the best book you read?
I read a lot. off the top of my head, I liked The Little Stranger, by Sarah Waters. I also liked The Signature of all Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I loved everything I read by Drew Hadyen-Taylor.

What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
Music is not a big part of my life, but playing music trivia games with my brother is great fun.
I hope to listen to more music this next year.

What did you want and get?
I got on Becky Wayte’s radar and she calls me fairly often to hike together. I also got a fancy set of glass dishes, I’ve had my eye on for a while.

What did you want and not get?
Besides once again not getting thinner, I usually get what I want. Oh wait, I didn’t get new eyeglasses.

What was your favourite film of this year?
Bohemian Rhapsody and Coco. (The animated one, not the one about the dress designer.)

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 63, and for the life of me, I cannot remember what I did. I’m sure I got attention.

What one thing would have made the year immeasurably more satisfying?
I worried about some people more than they worried about themselves. Not doing that would have been better.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
I continue to wear turtle necks, jeans and hiking boots. But, I did get my ears pierced and now wear different earrings each day. Also, Marsha made me several button up shirts, so fashion change is in the air!

What political issue stirred you the most?
Seriously? We all know tRump is a fucker, I continue to really hate Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell who are pure evil. The Brett Kavanaugh thing was and is fucked. The PR thing in BC disappointed me completely. On the good news side of politics, Sechelt elected a clean slate of politicians for mayor and council. We live in a rain forest and continue to have water restriction each summer, maybe this council will address that. My political head is not completely buried in the sand, but I need to spend more and more time at the beach.

Who and what did you miss?
Who I miss …I really, really miss Boze. I will probably always miss Kim, mom, and Peet.
I miss my brother Art and am grateful we text often.
What I miss… I miss the enthusiasm I had for swimming and watercolour painting.
And, I miss the freedom I had when I didn’t have a cell phone.

Who was the best new person you met?
Becky Wayte! She is bright, generous, talented, and so very adventurous.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.?
I hate everyone’s cell phone, but my own! 🙂