f4f3 | Mememe (End of year version)

Was 2013 a good year for you?

No, I can’t really say it was. I started it as I finished it, single, and not very happy. I guess you could say I was happier now than I was at the start of the year, but most of it seems to have been spent reviewing past mistakes, or making new ones.

What did you do in 2013 that you have never done before?

Visited some places in Ireland I hadn’t been to before. Learned to dance Ceroc style, cycled through the middle of Mull instead of just round the side.

Did you keep all of last year's resolutions?

I don’t think I made any.

Have you any resolutions for next year?

Make some more mistakes.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not this year.

Did anyone close to you die?

My ex-wife’s brother and sister. And Anna, my cat, and last connection to that marriage.

What countries did you visit?

England, Ireland.

What would you like to have in 2014 that you didn't have in 2013?

I do not want what I cannot have.

What date in 2013 will remain etched in your memory?

The day when I had to agree that Anna shouldn't wake up from her sleep.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finally agreeing to take a permanent job, and making a success of it (to date). Staying out of contact with two people, one through my choice and one through hers, and not breaking that (though fate may have other ideas for next year).

What was your biggest failure?

Not realising earlier that sometimes it’s just better to be by yourself.

Did you suffer any illness or injury?

My diabetes is still here, and the blood sugar is staying at a reasonable level. The sore throat I’ve had for the last week seems to have been here forever.

What was the best thing you bought?

My new racing bike – I can’t wait to get back out on it.

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Andy Murray – well, I certainly celebrated it.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Grace’s.

Where did most of your money go?

Rent, mortagage, other bills. Far too much on meals out, probably, but I had my reasons.

What did you get really excited about?

Grace.

What songs will always remind you of 2013?

Waiting On A Sunny Day and Thunder Road, from Springsteen’s concert at Hampden this year. There was just too much to feel.

Compared to this time last year are you:

[A] Happier or sadder? As previously mentioned, happier. Though I was coming from a pretty low base.
[B] Richer or poorer? Probably poorer in terms of liquid assets – though I do have a pension and a company car now. Swings. Roundabouts.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Laughing. Time to get that in gear.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Making excuses for the behaviour of other people.

Did you fall in love in 2012?

I gave it the good old college try, but it was wrong on so many levels that I can’t even list them. On the other hand, I did recognise, finally, the love that’s always been there, and that’s got to be a good thing.

How many one night stands?

Same as last year (none).

What was your favourite TV show?

The third season of Justified, probably. I’ve also watched a season of Dexter, tried, and failed, to get into Breaking Bad and consistently enjoyed Castle. I’m still rooting for SHIELD, and when Doctor Who is on I cry.

What was/were the best books you read/listened to?

My highbrow adores Clive James’ translation of the Divine Comedy. The rest of me read 18 Jack Reacher books in six weeks, and is on book nine of the Harry Dresden Files.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Chvrches, Admiral Fallow – two Glasgow Bands who have humour and great songs.

What did you want and get?

Grace, for a while.

What did you want and not get?

Someone who met my revised bar for a relationship.

What was/were your favourite film/s this year?

I enjoyed Discombobulation of Smaug, Django Django, Blue Lavender, Filth, Paris Manhattan, and Mud. Probably a lot of others, too.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I was 49. I didn’t do much for my birthday, but the following weekend was pretty good.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Sharp suits and coats, Doc Marten’s, Ted Baker shirts, and no slogan t-shirts.

Who and what kept you sane?

Friends. In particular Marie, Eric, Linsay, Paul, brother Paul and Kiz.

What political issue(s) stirred you the most?

Independence for Scotland, if only so that we can make our own minds up on things like the Bedroom Tax, NHS Privatisation, Nuclear Weapons on my doorstep and having a reasonable chance that I’ll get a government I vote for.

What have been your favourite moments?

Showing someone bits of Scotland I love, driving further north than Alness for a change, and taking the Pictish Trail. Watching Andy Murray win Wimbledon on the big outdoor screen in Edinburgh, taking Blue, my new car, on a drive around Scotland.

What was your best month?

Hard to say. May?

Have you made any new friends?

Yes – one of the joys of this year.

What are you looking forward to most in 2014?

My birthday – I think I might make a big thing of the round number.