My mate Mrs D plus 3 put together a little list to wrap up her year. I loved her list so much I thought I'd sit down and answer it while the kids hid from the heat on the lounge yesterday afternoon. You can read Robyn's answers and get a black copy of her list here.
First memory:
Lucy bunting me in the vajayjay on New Year’s Day.
Biggest regret:
Taking the Little Sister to the toilet right as the Big Sister’s class went on stage to sing at this year’s Christmas carols. I’ll never let on that I missed the performance and I was lucky enough that other mums had videos I could watch.
Funniest thing:
In June some mates and I headed to Orchid Beach on Fraser Island for a girls' weekend. After a few piña coladas we thought it would be funny to slide our bikini straps off our shoulders, take a pic and tell our husbands we were sun baking nude. We thought we were hilarious.
Favourite photo I took:
Favourite photo by someone else:
Emma Ruddle has been taking our family photos for a few years now. We celebrated Bearhands’ 40th and his Dad’s 70th birthdays in January, and Emma came to the farm the following day and snapped this one of the bar we’d set up for the night.
Proudest moment:
Back in March (can it possibly just have been March), I had my first freelance article published in a print magazine called Out and About With Kids.
One day, when Bearhands says we’re finished farming I’m going to pay our away camping around Australia with writing work. Seeing my first byline seemed like a step in the right direction.
Best purchase:
A couple of nights at the Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast with the kids. I hope I remember the look on their faces when we pulled back the curtains for the rest of my days.
Favourite outfit:
This frock I wore to Anthony and Felicitie’s wedding.
Anthony’s mate David snapped this one of us outside the church at Ant and Flic’s wedding - it’s another favourite photo taken by someone else.
Best month:
September was a cracker month for me. It started on the Gold Coast where I was staying for a big blogging conference. Then along with my new friends Claire and JJ, we were whisked away by Tourism Queensland to explore Southern Country Queensland. While we were away, blogging glitterati and nice bird Mrs Woog allowed me to guest post about toasters.
Later we spent a week of the school holidays camping at Poona with my sister-wife and the Poona CWA.
Biggest achievement:
This year has been filled with lots of little wins, picking one is tough. Let me think about it.
Favourite Movie/TV series:
I don’t see many movies and I let Bearhands have the remote at night. My favourite movie is Charlotte’s Web. Sure it was made in 2006, but we only saw it this week. The Big Sister cried; she understood the undertones. I doubt she would have appreciated it last year. There’s something bitter sweet about watching her grow up.
Most memorable News headline:
Peter Cowan being convicted of Daniel Morcombe's abduction and murder. I spent several years working with the team looking for Daniel. I hope next year will see Cowan's appeal quashed and justice served.
What made you belly laugh:
Sliding down and falling off things.
Biggest decision:
I’d had high hopes for my digital magazine and it was a tough decision to stop producing it. I was grateful to Beth from BabyMac who was generous with her counsel when I bailed her up at the Voices of 2014 launch party. I wanted to continue Flossie in some form, so I turned it into a digital eCookbook which launched earlier this month. You can download your free copy here.
A lesson learnt:
I’m not much of a dancer, but in August Bearhands and I learned how to do the Queensland Backstep. There’s a part that involves kissing your partner, and I had to split my share with the Little Sister who was backstepping on my hip.
What made you cry:
Missing David always makes me cry. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by fabulous family and friends, but there is a David-sized hole in my life and there’s no filling it.
Most random thing you did:
I woke up one morning with a harebrained idea that bloggers reading mean comments written about them, would be as funny as celebrities reading mean tweets. I was overwhelmed at how many lovely people joined in. The day I published it was the busiest day on the blog ever. Pretty cool!
And that my friends, is my last post for 2014. I know not all of you have had an easy 2014. I wish you all a safe and happy new year. See you in 2015!
Slapdash Mama says
Love your work Floss. I might even do this too! Roll on 2015 it's gunna be a cracker xx
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
2015 - the year that Slapdash moves closer to the farm! 🙂
mumabulous says
All the best to you and your gorgeous family in 2015. I hope Flossie will continue in one way or another because you're very talented. Despite the Flossie magazine not being all you hoped think of all the skills, knowledge and experience you've gained through the process. Its a great thing to have on a resume. BTW: The dress you wore to your brothers wedding is FABULOUS - the cougar approves!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Mumabs. Launching an app was a very steep learning curve. I think Flossie will continue as the cookbook - perhaps even an iBook in the future?
Glad the cougar approves of the dress. Happy NYE - hope we finally get to meet in person in 2015! xx
Kate says
Love it Amanda!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
What a fab family photo! My greatest achievement for 2014...hard...but I might have to be lame and say getting knocked up. Though sitting here in a crop-top and elastic waisted shorts, sweating my heavily pregnant ass off may tell a different story. 2014 was a busy year for us and I am sure 2015 will be filled with its own adventures.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all the possibilities and happiness in 2015! 🙂
MrsDplus3 says
Love it!! Love the photos - especially the sisters watching the Gruffalo. If only we could slow life down a bit sometimes. Great year you've had chick, I think you should be very proud and I can so see you caravanning around Australia whilst writing a blog. Here's to 2015 xx
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages) says
What an utterly fabulous year you have had. I hope your 2015 is even better! xx
Rae Hilhorst says
I've loved reading your year and am looking forward to the next one x
Maxabella says
Happy new year, Floss! I hope you pack as much in next year as you managed in 2014. So glad you had such a good one. I agree with your 'neked' gang - you are hilarious. x
Bec @ The Plumbette says
Love all your answers and what an amazing year you've had! The Daniel Morcombe case and conviction of Ciwan is also a headline I'll never forget. Here's to you having another wonderful year next year! Xx
Robyna says
What a great year! Congratulations for achieving so many wins - they might seem small to you but I think they are pretty fabulous.
Mandy BarbieBieberBeyond says
What a great year, and what a great pic of two sisters, I hope 2015 is a pretty fab one for you too!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
What a year you've had - so many highlights to help get you through some of the tough times. I can't wait to make some great memories with you in 2015 x
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
I can hardly wait! xx
bakeplaysmile says
So many great moments! I've loved your blog and Flossie was absolutely beautiful!! Cant wait to see what 2015 has in store for you!
claireyhewitt01 says
I love this 2014 review. It makes a lovely summary of your year.
That black hole part that was left by David. I know it doesn't go away, but with time, the pain of having a black hole in your heart seems to lessen. I hope with 2015, the physical pain is a little less for you.