Once again inspired by Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Non-Conformity I look back over my experience of 2013. It was a really difficult and challenging year for me.
Here is what didn’t go well:
- On 23 January my mother passed away after a four year battle with cancer.
- Dad was alone for the first time in his life and grieved and this sat heavily on my mind.
- Dad was diagnosed with Mesothelioma at the end of July just prior to his 77 birthday.
- With family members I shared care responsibilities for Dad which meant a lot of organisation and travel to and fro.
- We sold our house and most of our possessions.
- We resigned from great jobs.
- We moved and left some great new-found friends.
- I went from being a fully employed professional to being a full time carer with no wage.
- Dad passed away on 16 December.
- The funeral for Dad was held on 20 December.
- Our annual family Christmas get-together was held on 22 December and was a horrible out-pouring of grief.
Here is what went well:
- I successfully completed the Master of Information Studies.
- I felt very appreciated, valued, and useful at work; able to put my skills and knowledge to good use in practical applications.
- I had a good time snow skiing at Mount Hotham in August.
- Our house sold extremely quickly – even before the Real Estate Agents had a chance to sign us up.
- Our move back to our old location was well supported by friends.
- I enjoyed listening to some great podcasts here, and elsewhere, that provided me with some important information and inspired me to keep on track with my efforts.
- I read some interesting books (here are the ones I rated 4 star):
Sues Bent 