An atypical year, but aren't they all?
2012 in review. Compare and contrast with 2009, 2008, 2007 or 2006, if you really want to.
What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Published a paper. Went to Fontainebleau, group therapy, Jerusalem and psychoanalysis. Didn't spend more than seven consecutive days outside of London. Inadvertantly convinced people I work at a climbing wall. Read 100 new (non-comic) books in a year. Met members of the Houses of Commons and Lords. Moved in with one of the latter. Got a lot of rejection. Took part in LUBE. Started a second twitter account. Listened to podcasts. Maybe "Accepted the label 'feminist'"?
Did you keep new year's resolutions and will you make more next year?
I don't recall any resolutions. Will make some for 2013.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm. Nope. This actually surprises me. Not sure why.
Did anyone close to you die?
Marcin, someone from Clayponds, died shortly before it was due to close. I'd known him and laughed with him for four years, though we'd not spoken to each other for a few months. It was a bit of a surprise.
What countries did you visit?
England, Scotland, Wales, France, and Israel. (Including the Old City in East Jerusalem, so Palestine, arguably. I didn't want to get political here.) Oh, and a change in Zurich, but I think we all know that doesn't really count.
What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
To write a thesis. Get it finished.
To not get so much romantic and professional rejection. This will happen, in time.
Peace and happiness for my friends and loved ones.
It would be nice to see Eva again. I know it's not that likely. A trip to the states should be on the cards. As should a trip to Font, sans tendon injuries, if I've any luck at all.
Not to have so much fall away from me outwith my control. A lot of the year felt like that.
Maybe finally rent my own place?
Competent mental health dealings. Greater self-confidence and self-understanding. I'm partway there, but still working.
What dates from 2012 will remain etched in your memory and why?
Tenth of March, the biscuit opening. (And, roughly, the start of The Correspondence with Clare.)
First to fifth of June. Font.
Ninth of June, flying to Israel. Not least for my utter failure to navigate or distinguish London airports.
September 22nd. Moved out of Clayponds.
October 19th. Arch closing party, which was genuinely great.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting The Paper published. Making the target of reading 100 (conditions) books in a year. Committing to therapy. Even when I quit one for the other. Realising I'm kind. Building a good group of friends based around climbing. Including stitching a rag-tag team of people who didn't know each other at all into a team of neuroatypicals who mostly managed to holiday together in the peak district, and are now close friends.
What were your biggest failures this year?
Staying in touch. Not finishing (or, er, starting) my thesis. How things with The Complaint went.
Oh, and not shaving earlier. That was gratuitous.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Aside from the odd three-week cold, some headaches and sickness, various mental health problems, finger-tendon and shoulder tweaks, nothing.
At the start of that sentence I was honestly aiming for "I'm in good health". That went a bit wrong.
What was the best thing you bought?
Aside from travel? I loved the first Finder collection, my new anasazis, tweed flat cap, kettlebell, or laptop bag? Probably some book. Ooh! Or my faithful diamond crotch women's XS Moon climbing trousers.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Clare, (and, in fact, her parents), a lot of people I've known. More or less everyone I interacted with in December.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some people in group therapy, who it would be impossible to describe for confidentiality purposes. My psychiatrist for lying to me, the complaints board, and being a bit malpractice-y. Sarah, for the start of the year. How I was circa March.
What did you spend most of your spare cash on?
Comics, books, DVDs, Music. Takeaway food. A substantial chunk on cards and climbing shoes.
What did you get really, really excited about?
The arch climbing wall's new facility at the biscuit factory opening.
What song will always remind you of 2009?
Somebody that I used to Know -- Gotye ft Kimbra. Emotionally on point on a lot of levels, excellent, and omnipresent for a large portion of the year. So many lines to make one wince perfectly.
Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder?
I think I'm happier. I had a great hogmanay last year, which thend, er fell apart on new year's day. (Then it all fell away.) The last two or three weeks have been pretty good for me, and I've sort of got short-term direction.
Thinner or fatter?
Maybe a little fatter? I think I put on muscle at some point. Could always do with a touch more lean-ness for climbing, but I'm in decent-ish shape.
Richer or poorer?
Interesting question. I have no income, any more, but I have a sizable amount in my bank account and am living on free food and board in a very nice place in London, thanks to a friend's parents.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Try harder. Write words down in pretty ways. Try to work out social boundaries better to come off less weird. Worked on my thesis. Working, to the point where a job in academia was still a possibility. Though in my heart of hearts, I don't think I've ever believed in it. Even when it was possible.
(Maybe that means it still is?)
But mostly, just try. Concentratedly got myself into a place and just worked at something again and again getting better at it.
I've done that a little with climbing, but it's something I don't do enough of these days, preferring to bounce from place to place. (Partially, because I need to. Partially because I set myself up to need to.)
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time. I didn't do it much, but my time management remains poor and, while I enjoy imbibing an eclectic media stream, I do need to prioritise things more. Not throwing myself at things which are pointless. There's a lot to be said on the need for failing to be able to do things. But there's a fine line.
What was your favorite TV programme?
Community, Breaking Bad, Louie? Probably the first, though the last two are excellent. Actually, maybe just Breaking Bad.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. I don't.
What was the last book you read?
Machine of Death, which is a great little kickstarted crowd-sourced short story collection.
Prior to that, Moby Dick, then Tristram Shandy. I never have to read them again. That's something of a relief. Expect a full book list soon.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Factory Records? LCD Soundsystem? I need to get more up-to-date, I know.
Here, have a Parenthetical Girls Christmas song. I described it earlier as a haunting little ice-sculpture collage of Christmas songs. I stand by that description, and it's pretty great.
What did you want and get?
To be published. Therapy. Friendship. Well-read.*
What did you want and not get?
A job. A completed thesis. A good relationship with somebody that I used to know.
What was your favourite film this year?
It's a toss-up between You've Been Trumped a documentary on walking anti-Libertarianism-argument Donald Trump and his destruction of a beautiful ecologically protected environment a stone's throw from my parent's home, and Seven Psychopaths. (Honourable mention: Looper.) Really, it has to be the documentary.
(Last year's was definitely NEDS, incidentally.)
What did you do on your birthday and how old are you?
I'm 26. They grow up so fast, you know?
I went for a nice Indian meal with a group of friends. And JT.
What one thing would've made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having things in certain places fall apart. Especially me. Written in 2009, but still accurate.
Getting a flat would've been good, though living here is a nice experience. Getting a job would've been good.
I'm not sure there's anything that could make my 'perfect' life any better. Being on better terms with Eva. (Or Sophie. But mainly Eva.)
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Diamond crotch climbing shorts and black vests.
What kept you sane?
Friends, (especially Clare), climbing, therapy.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None, really.
What political issue has stirred you the most?
The Leveson Inquiry into Media Ethics. Which reminds me of the best video from the whole year.
Who did you miss?
No one too much. Except, well, the obvious.
Who was the best new person you met this year?
If Clare doesn't count, Will certainly does. As does Patrick, who is certainly a mensch. And Fran, who I met, immediately slightly helped to get sponsorship, and who's now the world para-climbing champion.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is confusing. Therapy and understanding is hard, but self-compassion is important. Also, seriously, Jonny, write your thesis.
*Yes, I got well-read.
What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Published a paper. Went to Fontainebleau, group therapy, Jerusalem and psychoanalysis. Didn't spend more than seven consecutive days outside of London. Inadvertantly convinced people I work at a climbing wall. Read 100 new (non-comic) books in a year. Met members of the Houses of Commons and Lords. Moved in with one of the latter. Got a lot of rejection. Took part in LUBE. Started a second twitter account. Listened to podcasts. Maybe "Accepted the label 'feminist'"?
Did you keep new year's resolutions and will you make more next year?
I don't recall any resolutions. Will make some for 2013.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm. Nope. This actually surprises me. Not sure why.
Did anyone close to you die?
Marcin, someone from Clayponds, died shortly before it was due to close. I'd known him and laughed with him for four years, though we'd not spoken to each other for a few months. It was a bit of a surprise.
What countries did you visit?
England, Scotland, Wales, France, and Israel. (Including the Old City in East Jerusalem, so Palestine, arguably. I didn't want to get political here.) Oh, and a change in Zurich, but I think we all know that doesn't really count.
What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
To write a thesis. Get it finished.
To not get so much romantic and professional rejection. This will happen, in time.
Peace and happiness for my friends and loved ones.
It would be nice to see Eva again. I know it's not that likely. A trip to the states should be on the cards. As should a trip to Font, sans tendon injuries, if I've any luck at all.
Not to have so much fall away from me outwith my control. A lot of the year felt like that.
Maybe finally rent my own place?
Competent mental health dealings. Greater self-confidence and self-understanding. I'm partway there, but still working.
What dates from 2012 will remain etched in your memory and why?
Tenth of March, the biscuit opening. (And, roughly, the start of The Correspondence with Clare.)
First to fifth of June. Font.
Ninth of June, flying to Israel. Not least for my utter failure to navigate or distinguish London airports.
September 22nd. Moved out of Clayponds.
October 19th. Arch closing party, which was genuinely great.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting The Paper published. Making the target of reading 100 (conditions) books in a year. Committing to therapy. Even when I quit one for the other. Realising I'm kind. Building a good group of friends based around climbing. Including stitching a rag-tag team of people who didn't know each other at all into a team of neuroatypicals who mostly managed to holiday together in the peak district, and are now close friends.
What were your biggest failures this year?
Staying in touch. Not finishing (or, er, starting) my thesis. How things with The Complaint went.
Oh, and not shaving earlier. That was gratuitous.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Aside from the odd three-week cold, some headaches and sickness, various mental health problems, finger-tendon and shoulder tweaks, nothing.
At the start of that sentence I was honestly aiming for "I'm in good health". That went a bit wrong.
What was the best thing you bought?
Aside from travel? I loved the first Finder collection, my new anasazis, tweed flat cap, kettlebell, or laptop bag? Probably some book. Ooh! Or my faithful diamond crotch women's XS Moon climbing trousers.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Clare, (and, in fact, her parents), a lot of people I've known. More or less everyone I interacted with in December.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some people in group therapy, who it would be impossible to describe for confidentiality purposes. My psychiatrist for lying to me, the complaints board, and being a bit malpractice-y. Sarah, for the start of the year. How I was circa March.
What did you spend most of your spare cash on?
Comics, books, DVDs, Music. Takeaway food. A substantial chunk on cards and climbing shoes.
What did you get really, really excited about?
The arch climbing wall's new facility at the biscuit factory opening.
What song will always remind you of 2009?
Somebody that I used to Know -- Gotye ft Kimbra. Emotionally on point on a lot of levels, excellent, and omnipresent for a large portion of the year. So many lines to make one wince perfectly.
Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder?
I think I'm happier. I had a great hogmanay last year, which thend, er fell apart on new year's day. (Then it all fell away.) The last two or three weeks have been pretty good for me, and I've sort of got short-term direction.
Thinner or fatter?
Maybe a little fatter? I think I put on muscle at some point. Could always do with a touch more lean-ness for climbing, but I'm in decent-ish shape.
Richer or poorer?
Interesting question. I have no income, any more, but I have a sizable amount in my bank account and am living on free food and board in a very nice place in London, thanks to a friend's parents.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Try harder. Write words down in pretty ways. Try to work out social boundaries better to come off less weird. Worked on my thesis. Working, to the point where a job in academia was still a possibility. Though in my heart of hearts, I don't think I've ever believed in it. Even when it was possible.
(Maybe that means it still is?)
But mostly, just try. Concentratedly got myself into a place and just worked at something again and again getting better at it.
I've done that a little with climbing, but it's something I don't do enough of these days, preferring to bounce from place to place. (Partially, because I need to. Partially because I set myself up to need to.)
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time. I didn't do it much, but my time management remains poor and, while I enjoy imbibing an eclectic media stream, I do need to prioritise things more. Not throwing myself at things which are pointless. There's a lot to be said on the need for failing to be able to do things. But there's a fine line.
What was your favorite TV programme?
Community, Breaking Bad, Louie? Probably the first, though the last two are excellent. Actually, maybe just Breaking Bad.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. I don't.
What was the last book you read?
Machine of Death, which is a great little kickstarted crowd-sourced short story collection.
Prior to that, Moby Dick, then Tristram Shandy. I never have to read them again. That's something of a relief. Expect a full book list soon.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Factory Records? LCD Soundsystem? I need to get more up-to-date, I know.
Here, have a Parenthetical Girls Christmas song. I described it earlier as a haunting little ice-sculpture collage of Christmas songs. I stand by that description, and it's pretty great.
What did you want and get?
To be published. Therapy. Friendship. Well-read.*
What did you want and not get?
A job. A completed thesis. A good relationship with somebody that I used to know.
What was your favourite film this year?
It's a toss-up between You've Been Trumped a documentary on walking anti-Libertarianism-argument Donald Trump and his destruction of a beautiful ecologically protected environment a stone's throw from my parent's home, and Seven Psychopaths. (Honourable mention: Looper.) Really, it has to be the documentary.
(Last year's was definitely NEDS, incidentally.)
What did you do on your birthday and how old are you?
I'm 26. They grow up so fast, you know?
I went for a nice Indian meal with a group of friends. And JT.
What one thing would've made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having things in certain places fall apart. Especially me. Written in 2009, but still accurate.
Getting a flat would've been good, though living here is a nice experience. Getting a job would've been good.
I'm not sure there's anything that could make my 'perfect' life any better. Being on better terms with Eva. (Or Sophie. But mainly Eva.)
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Diamond crotch climbing shorts and black vests.
What kept you sane?
Friends, (especially Clare), climbing, therapy.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None, really.
What political issue has stirred you the most?
The Leveson Inquiry into Media Ethics. Which reminds me of the best video from the whole year.
Who did you miss?
No one too much. Except, well, the obvious.
Who was the best new person you met this year?
If Clare doesn't count, Will certainly does. As does Patrick, who is certainly a mensch. And Fran, who I met, immediately slightly helped to get sponsorship, and who's now the world para-climbing champion.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is confusing. Therapy and understanding is hard, but self-compassion is important. Also, seriously, Jonny, write your thesis.
*Yes, I got well-read.