2017: a retrospective

Thursday, December 14, 2017 Permalink

I’m heading to the first of my Christmas celebrations tonight: a dinner with friends. And tomorrow night I have a work dinner (bizarrely, at the same place I’m going to tonight!). And then a break-up for my pilates class on Sunday. My work area closes between Christmas and New Year so we’re forced to take time off and I’m most certainly excited about the impending break. I may pop back in here for a #5before50 update before the end of the year but I’m thinking this might be my last post for a while so figured it was a good time to wrap-up my year.

Books and reading

Last week I shared with you my favourite books published in 2017. I thought I was pretty safe in making the call in early December as Christmas seems to offer a plethora of non-fiction options… cookbooks intermingled with those about dieting and health and a gazillion books about sporting heroes. Books perfect for gift-giving but not the kind of books I enjoy.

Again, I know the year isn’t finished yet so my ‘stats’ may improve; but with three weeks to go I’ve read 149 books.

2017

And I participated in two ‘challenges’. For the Australian Women’s Writers challenge I’d set myself a goal of equaling the 30 books I read in 2016 – which I felt was a bumper year for women’s fiction. And I read a total of 37 books this year!

And I knew I’d easily cruise through the Cloak & Dagger challenge – mysteries and novels of suspense being my reading bread and butter. My target was the highest level (Sherlock Holmes, reading 56+ books) and of the books I’ve read in 2017 to date, 119 were mystery / suspense / crime fiction.

You can find all of my book-related posts here, or click on the magnifying glass in the top right corner to find an author / book in particular. You can also check out my book reviews in Goodreads and I tend to post summaries there along with a link to the full review on my blog. (Although I am a little behind in adding those summaries!)

Work 

The last two years have been ones of major change. Though I guess I’d say the same of 2011 and 2012. My return to full-time work (just months ago) has been less fraught than I expected though I continue to struggle with the old ‘balance’ chestnut. Particularly in terms of my priorities and values. And the fact I even have time to consider that shit means I’m pretty bloody lucky either way.

My job is predominantly based in a neighbouring town (where my mother lives) so I’m spending a couple of nights with her to cut down on driving. It’s good as we get to catch up and she furnishes me with home-cooked meals and leftovers. The only bad thing is that the clothes I want to wear are often in the wrong house at the wrong time, and I tend to wake at night confused about where I am.

Health & happiness

I did get into a bit of a pattern in terms of incidental exercise and was able to hit my 8000 steps per day pretty consistently. Until I started full time work. A combination of different (more enclosed) workspace, less space at my mum’s house, wet weather, hot weather and new-job laziness has meant I’m currently lucky to get 5000 steps in each day. 🙁

I have – however – recently started twice-weekly pilates (small group) classes and am enjoying those.

Life

I’ve met some new local friends this past year and it’s been such a treat to have them in my life. I tend to err on the side of hermit-like living but even having them at the other end of Facebook messenger has been wonderful. And then of course there’s my bloggy buddies – some of whom I’ve finally met in real life and others who tend to just be ‘there’ when I need them.

2017 a retrospective

I’m heading for a milestone birthday before the end of the year and though I’ve not achieved all of my pre-fifty bucket-list / goals, I’ve been working on them (with my mini photo-shoot scheduled for Friday!). So that’s okay. I’ll soon be celebrating the milestone with old and new friends, though not making a HUGE deal of it, in recognition of the fact I’m heading on my long-awaited Italian trip in September 2018.

I’m not sure what the next year will hold. Shit, I’m not sure what the next two weeks will hold… but no doubt there will be adventures to be had by all.

You’ll note I’ve not commented on the good, bad and ugly of world events or politics of 2017. Cos it’s all about me me me!!!

How has 2017 been for you you you? 

The Lovin’ Life team includes:

50 Shades of Age | Seize the Day Project | And Anyways | Write of the Middle | Deep Fried Fruit.

30 Comments
  • Emma
    December 14, 2017

    I’m so behind on keeping Goodreads up to date I have no idea how many books I’ve read this year. It won’t be at your level though. I love that your posts show that life is all about change and trying things and thinking about how life works for you. Have a good break and see you in 2018 if this is it for now x

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Thanks Emma. I mark off books as I read them in Goodreads but am really slack about going back and pasting in my summaries or the reviews. (Same with Amazon.) Hope you have a lovely Christmas!

  • @Kanga_Rue
    December 14, 2017

    Are you going to do a 5 while you’re still 50 list? I have some suggestions… Rx

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Perhaps I’ll need to carry the unfinished items over! I still have the other bucket list book I bought but it only has 13 items in it!!!

  • Kooky Chic
    December 14, 2017

    As you know, I’m hanging out to read all about your trip to Italy and have thoroughly enjoyed reading all about you this year and am look forward to the next chapter. Wishing you and your Mum a blessed Christmas xx

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Thanks. And thanks for the reminder today – via your old post – of what Christmas is all about. I’ve been thinking of my Christmases in far west Queensland today (as a kid) as a result. xx

  • kathymarris
    December 14, 2017

    You’ve had an eventful year Deb. Wishing you all the best for 2018 and hope you have a merry Christmas. #TeamLovinLife

  • Jo
    December 14, 2017

    It’s been a pleasure having you in my life this year, Deb. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome of the photo shoot & suspect I’m almost as excited to hear about your Italian trip as you must be to be doing it.

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Same and so lovely to finally meet in person. Am looking forward to more catch-ups next year.

      Oh and I must feel nervous about the photo thing as I had a weird nightmare about it last night. Not about the photo part but about the hair and makeup part. (And being in a city and forgetting my car and not being able to get there etc…) *sigh*

  • Vanessa
    December 14, 2017

    2017 has been mostly tiring! Though now all I care about is my 14 days off over the holidays haha. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Can I go home yet? That’s pretty much my head right now 🙂
    You read such an impressive amount of books. It has been a year (SOMEHOW) since I finished uni (again) and I’m only just starting to be able to read again. Though some of that might have been the being sick stuff this year. Who knows.

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Hate that you’ve had another year of illness Vanessa. But hopefully 2018 will bring new things. I’m really looking forward to the break between Xmas and New Year. It’s really just over a week but I AM SO EXCITED!

  • Makeesha Byl
    December 14, 2017

    Thank you Deb for all your hard work sharing your book reviews! I absolutely love them and you have guided my reading for 2017 and there has been some rippers! Have yourself a most wonderful Christmas xo

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Oh thank you so much, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the reviews. I’m looking forward to more time for reading over my week off at Christmas! xx

  • Anne Downing
    December 14, 2017

    Happy birthday, I turn 40 this year!

    • Debbish
      December 14, 2017

      Sigh… 40 doesn’t seem like that long ago. Am sure time gets faster as we get older!

  • Denyse Whelan Blogs
    December 14, 2017

    That was a lovely catch up with you. I am so pleased you are making new friends and getting out and about. And the pilates class sounds good too. I wondered how full-time work was going for you and I sense that it is OK as long as you are OK about it. The book reading always blows my mind! I think this year I managed to finish 3. I have so many started. My concentration is partly the problem, the other is relevance. Reading My Husband and I – 70 years of marriage of the Queen and Prince Philip and keeping it at the same pace as the Crown 2 which MY husband and I are watching in 30 min increments around the cricket. I am good with that! Thanks for your care and support in my year that I never imagined! It IS good to know I have bloggy friends who care! Merry Christmas to you and Mum. Denyse xx

    • Debbish
      December 15, 2017

      Thanks so much Denyse and you’ve had a tumultuous year but hopefully it’s ending positively. I’m yet to start watching The Crown 2 but I think it’s something I’ll do when I’ve got my week off at Christmas! xx

  • Sydney Shop Girl
    December 14, 2017

    Lovely post! 2017 has been a good year for me. I’m reflecting on it now for a future blog post. The daily steps idea has been a revelation for me as well. It’s really obvious when I’m not at work.. my steps and stairs climbed fall precipitously on those days.

    SSG xxx

    • Debbish
      December 15, 2017

      Yes it’s interesting isn’t it. Today for example I’m wearing my normal watch as I went out last night and am going out tonight – so wanted to wear something prettier than my Fitbit. But there’s this thing in the back of my mind about my steps: thinking it’s a waste I’ve not got my Fitbit on when I’m traipsing backwards and forwards; and a reminder that I SHOULD be aiming for more incidental exercise whether I’m measuring it or not!

  • leannelc
    December 14, 2017

    I’m glad you left out politics and world events – because “me,me,me” is so much more interesting! You sound like 2017 was pretty good all in all and I hope the birthday celebrations go well and tick all your boxes!

    • Debbish
      December 15, 2017

      Thanks Leanne. I think it’s starting to feel like Christmas (or at least time for celebration). I’m not a big Xmas fan and mine will be low-key but there’s something festive and relaxed about this time of year…. even if everyone does get stressed out making it so!

  • Kate W
    December 14, 2017

    Enjoy the birthday celebrations Deb – and we’ll look forward to seeing the results of the photoshoot 😉

    • Debbish
      December 15, 2017

      Eek, I’m really nervous about the photo thing – well as much about the makeup for the photo thing which is weird. I had a nightmare about it Wednesday night! I’ve actually got the day off work (recreation leave) and was too embarrassed to tell people why!

  • Jodie
    December 15, 2017

    And it should be all about you Deborah!!!
    It’s great to look back and be proud of the accomplishments!! Because life is too short to not enjoy what we’ve done!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Debbish
      December 15, 2017

      True Jodie. I often talk about reminding myself of what I have done and do have rather than what I haven’t or don’t! I need to work on that.

  • Natalie
    December 15, 2017

    Thanks, Deborah, for sharing more about you. Wishing you fun-filled birthday celebrations, a merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy New Year 2018! I plan to do my 2017 review post on Dec. 31, saving the best for last LOL.

    • Debbish
      December 17, 2017

      Thanks so much Natalie, and you’re very welcome.

  • Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
    December 18, 2017

    So many books Deb!
    Love that photo of us. Can’t wait to do it again one day soon xoxo

    • Debbish
      December 18, 2017

      Yes, was such a lovely catch up!

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