So here goes. In 2011 I...
- Learned to use chopsticks.
2. Gone to scary London 3 times.
When opportunities arise I have been doing my best to take them, no matter how scary they are. This has resulted in going 'where the scary opportunities are' - London. While I'd ideally move there to be with my boyfriend and set up a social enterprise and take writing classes and direct West End musicals and take the BBC by storm I'm not there yet but these trips are a start. I can use the underground by myself and have even managed to navigate around in a hurry without getting lost.
3. Won a pub quiz (twice)
Or perhaps more times but I don't remember. Pub quizzes always seemed to me to be the type of everyday success that I could not do. I have always found trivia somewhat trivial unless it is of the amusing sort. The pub quiz I go to with my panto crowd has a creative round which is essentially a grown up Blue Peter make so I can actually contribute even though I thought Jimmy Hendrix was a snooker player!
4. Became a volunteer co-ordinator
I've been promoted as a volunteer at Sophie's Wish (a brain tumour research charity I volunteer for) from being a general committee and ideas person to their volunteer co-ordintor. This essentially means lots of being pinickity about making databases and meeting new people for tea and cake!
5. 2 long courses.
I went down to London for a really exciting leadership course with Common Purpose. Loads of disabled students were there and I made an amazing network of inspiring friends and got to go to some fancy London buildings. It was like a friendly, disabled version of 'The Apprentice'. I also did a 4 day business course with the Prince's Trust - pity I don't have a decent business idea.
6. Bulk catering
My Mum and Dad retired this summer and Dad organised a surprise party for my Mum with her child-minded children and their families from the last 30 years. Somehow I got left doing the catering - for 110 people, for £120, with 3 hours preparation time. Sometimes it turns out I am actually superwoman, the rest of the time I manage to burn pasta.
7. Moved to a nicer (though more expensive) house
I've moved house 8 times in 7 years now. It's really unsettling. This time, despite finding somewhere with only 48 hours to spare and paying a little more than I intended I have found a house where I feel at home. Those extra few hundred pounds are definitely worthwhile when I consider the effect feeling safe, being warm and having my best friend/carer close at hand have on my life.
8. Worked in a shop
More volunteering. This time in a shop/community centre. I learned how to use the till and deal with difficult customers. Also, it turns out I'm quite good at window displays. It's an odd achievement to put down as I didn't achieve much really but it allowed me to get out of the house and learn about the people in my city. Different cultures, different perspectives and different needs - a good learning experience.
9. Finished my MA
With hindsight I would not do this course again. I'd find one that was more recognised and led to a vocational qualification. At the same time over half of my class dropped out so I'm glad I stuck at it and finished. Perhaps 2012 will be the year of the PhD applications.
10. Started going to a writing group
I have always written but now I'm making a formal weekly slot for it, complete with trusted and talented friends to edit my work and people for me to teach my ideas. I actually sent my Nano to a friend to be edited - poor sod.
11. Kept a blog
And it is an achievement I intend to continue.
Au revoir pour 2011.
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