2011 - The year in review

What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before? Where to start. There were so many firsts this year I'm bound to miss something out.

1. Went to Vancouver, Whistler and a tiny snippet of coastal British Columbia; that trip saw many firsts, like having a migraine while sea-kayaking, flying first class, encountering a baby bear, going shopping for maple syrup at 10pm with an old Kiwi friend in a suburban supermarket, and eating all sorts of amazing new foods like Arctic char, clamato juice and raw buffalo.

2. On the home front, I painted my own kitchen and made a blanket out of crochet.
3. Became a runner. I joined a women's running group, ran up hills I never thought were possible, entered a running race, got injured and had my first MRI.
4. Hung out with my cousins James and Morgan.

What countries did you visit? Canada; land of Mounties, salmon and maple syrup from the supermarket.

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? That elusive Canon award.
What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? February 22, 12.51pm. The day of the Christchurch Earthquake.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Writing the Elsa story.
What was your biggest failure? Not finishing my first 10km because of a pesky migraine.
Did you suffer illness or injury? I had nine migraines this year, which is more than I've had in the decade. They were often at inopportune times. I have learnt to get over my panic when a migraine comes on now. I also had the aforementioned running injury.
What was the best thing you bought? My mountie tin.
Whose behaviour merited celebration? Those volunteers who dug people out, patched them up, shared facilities, raised money, and donated anything they had.
Where did most of your money go? Gardening and secret brunches at Cafe Thyme next door to the garden centre.
What did you get really, really, really excited about? The final of the RWC. Running up Mt Vic. Snow in my front yard - for three days.

What song will always remind you of 2011? The national anthem, sung with an ever changing lineup of lyrics by H R Graham. Who knew "in the bonzo love" and "God of masons" were the words? And the rainbow song, which Harper learnt from his beloved Nana.

What do you wish you'd done more of? Had more haircuts. I'm wearing a blankie of hair on my head right now.

Did you fall in love in 2011? Neh. I thought I would love the chooks, but they're a pain in the butt.

What did you want and get? Chooks. Revising that decision.

What did you want and not get? A thriving raspberry patch. A Canon award. A medal for finishing a running race.

To see 2010's wrap up, see here.