2018, in my measurements.
There’s
this little known song from a like, totally obscure musical you
probably haven’t heard of idk, that asks us, the audience, how we
measure a year. In daylights? In sunsets? In midnights? In cups of
coffee…?
I
had this wacky idea almost two years ago to actually keep track of
how many coffees I have each week. This was partly because people
kept joking that I must consume a lot of the stuff, more than the
average human, and I wanted to see if they were right (spoiler: they
may have been) but mostly because of this song. I thought, well,
yes. Cups of coffee is a perfect way to measure MY year!
I
keep a tally scribbled in my diary, and last year when I
did monthly updates (they kinda trailed off when I went Down
Under for Christmas, oops) I’d always put my cuppa stats at the
bottom of each post. And now, at 7:30pm on New Years Day 2019, I can
proudly announce that my past year consists of 470 cups
of coffee.
But
why stop there? What else can I measure this year in? I thought of a
few good units, now that you mention it…
2018
was a year of...
3 friends’
weddings,
4
holidays,
52
books,
30
shows and gigs,
13
photo shoots (approx 7 of which were with Erin, obvs),
1
award won,
1
new job,
3
trips to the Houses of Parliament,
2
nice first kisses,
4
fresh inkings,
20
blogger/book events.
But
also…
3
brain scans,
1
major surgery,
19 counselling sessions,
2
or 3 big disappointments,
4 drunken
confrontations,
3
nasty hangovers,
1
friend’s funeral.
And then, as well as all that, I…
Went
to my first murder mystery party (my character was a bratty, young European pop
star).
Attended
the Vegan Life Live festival in Ally Pally.
Checked
out a university I might want to go to for my MA.
Actually
competed in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament for the first time in
years.
Got
my head shaved, and raised over £4,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity
doing it – plus £500 for my local counselling charity.
Went
to my high school bestie’s baby shower – then a few months later,
met her perfect kid.
Went
to an old friend’s hen do.
Learned
some strip tease basics.
Attempted
meditation, and failed yet again.
Competed
in a marbles tournament, dressed as a giant inflatable dinosaur.
Got
invited to a special anniversary party for the Creative Writing
department at my alma mater.
Downloaded
Spotify, in an attempt to broaden my horizons and mix up my music
taste.
Got
scouted for a new TV show, and (perhaps luckily) didn’t make the
final cut.
Watched
my creative friends kick some ass, and screamed myself hoarse
cheering from the sidelines.
Posted
photos of myself on Instagram, in my pants.
Met
and befriended people I’ve followed online for what feels like
ages.
Saw
Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ show at Wembley, danced hard and
sang loud – and ugly-cried when she sang ‘Fifteen’.
Got
recognised from social media/my blog numerous times, and freaked out
every time.
Stopped
writing ‘just’, and cut down exclamation mark usage, in my
emails.
Watched
the World Cup and found myself burning with pride for England’s
team.
Got
tarot card sets given to me by friends, and began to delve deeper
into astrology.
Took
part in a Colour Walk, within a parade through Hastings.
Acted
in a film.
Walked
more.
Actually
declared my sexuality to the world (via a blog post, of course).
Joined
in a folk night sing-along at a new favourite pub.
Took
part in a body positive flash mob, and marched through Carnaby Street
in a bikini.
Threw
a party in London to celebrate my brain’s continued health.
Suddenly became an underwear model.
Walked
10k through Windsor for the 3rd year in a row.
Had
a delicious breakfast at Planet Organic.
Quit
a job that made me stupidly stressed.
Explored
new cities.
Made
endless game plans.
Dated
someone.
Lost
some friends, made new ones, and valued the oldest more than
ever.
Thanked
myself, yet again, for buying a diary at the beginning of the year
and filling it with my activities, because looking back at what I’ve
done is really quite something.
This is my favourite thing ever: "Competed in a marbles tournament, dressed as a giant inflatable dinosaur."
ReplyDeleteLegit happened. What is my life?
DeleteI miss you and can't wait to be back in England to book another trip to Hastings! xx
ReplyDeleteHell yes!!
DeleteAnd what was the song, can I ask? I'm a lyric lover!
ReplyDeleteI love Lisa Hannigan 'Ocean and a Rock' "I spoon you into my coffee cup, spin you through a delicate wash, I wear you all day .." ❤️
Happy New Year Grace this is wonderful life affirming stuff! X X X
'Seasons of Love' from Rent! It's a classic.
DeleteAnd that is a super cute lyric. Hope your 2019 is marvellous xo