2011 In Review

At the end of each year I like to reflect on the past 12 months. As it came to a close, I was thinking 2011 wasn't particularly exceptional but as I look back I realise I had forgotten so many of the things I've done - in fact, my 6th year will be one to top!

Travel-wise, I thoroughly enjoyed all my trips, going to three places I was very excited about: 

Istanbul, Tuscany & the Greek Islands.

There were also weekend breaks to Paris, Cologne, Wales, Ludlow, Dorset, Devon, the Lake District and the Cotswolds. Not to mention a brilliant 3 week trip to Australia!

Culturally, I've managed to see something each month as planned, or it works out that way anyway! Of everything I've seen, these are my picks:

Best theatre - Grief (closely followed by Clybourne Park and Jerusalem)

Best exhibition - Stein works of Cezanne, Matisse & Picasso (closely followed by Da Vinci)

Best gig - The Head & The Heart at Latitude

I was thrilled to be a part of 3 gorgeous weddings, especially being bridesmaid for Laura. I particularly liked the personal touches each couple made to their day. Best wishes to Rebecca & Jon, Laura & Barry and Louise & Andrew!

Of all the fun things I've done this year, a couple of stand-out moments and firsts for my time in London (even after 6 years) were:

• Pulling apart a wild pigeon while foraging on Laura's hen weekend
• Going to Latitude Festival (picks were The Head & The Heart, Grouplove, and the butterfly talk!) with Stu & Kris
• Watching the Royal Wedding over a champagne brunch
• Spending the day at the Chelsea Flower Show
• Marking winter with the Guy Fawkes Fireworks & Bonfire
• Watching a match at Lords Cricket Ground & watching the Polo
• Visiting Windsor Castle
• An incredible jam-packed week of fun with Dunja when she visited London in March

Needless to say, I've eaten some fantastic meals this. These are just some of my favourites:

• The Ledbury and Pollen Street Social both with David were the best meals of the year
• Ricotta hotcakes at Granger & Co (aka Bill's) with Ana
• Chowpatty Beach's tasty indian snacks for being a cool, cheap pop up shop
• Fresh fish, salads & yoghurt in Greece 
• Spuntino with Laleh for the cool vibe and the unexpected tastes
• Petersham's Nursery summer supper for the setting of this place
• Poached eggs on lightly battered onion rings for Easter Sunday lunch in Sienna with Natalie for being such a unique combination that completely surprised me
• Rum & raisin ice cream with Pedro X sherry at Morito with Dunja, and again with Jaimee, for very obvious reasons!

At the beginning of this year Jaimee and Damian told us about the 'Walne' objectives; several goals listed under a range of categories that Damian scores himself against. I decided this was much better for me than yet another new year resolution I wasn't going to follow so I set mine at the outset of the year and have kept track since then.

So to sum up this review, here's what I am proud to say I accomplished from my Walne Objectives!

Finance - I stayed out of credit card debt all year long - a giant first for me.

Career - I switched from old school direct marketing on the Nissan account to the social world of Pimm's.

Travel - see above! Didn't make it to Norway but that's bound to happen this year.

Mind - I started french classes again, and went to three classes at The School of Life

Health & Well Being - I went to pilates nearly every Saturday I was in London.

Leisure - London and culture. Need I say more!

Image - I wanted some more polished accessories, so Mum bought me some pearl earrings and I bought myself a new watch.

Home - Added some greenery to our Balham abode, and lovingly tended two new pot plants.

The categories of Love and Family & Friends were the hardest to set objectives for, but I put a lot of effort into them regardless.  I do my utmost to stay in touch with the lives of my treasured family and friends at home - at the very least via Facebook or a Christmas card!

Ultimately the best part of London life, life anywhere I suppose, are the friends I share all these amazing experiences with and they've become my surrogate family while I'm here - so thanks especially to each of you for making this another year to remember. 

Now it's off to plan 2012!