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Should auld acquaintance be forgot, etc
1. What did you do in 2017 that you'd never done before?
Went to Bruges, where we met the very friendly and utterly bizarre surrealist artist David De Graef, who lives in a house with possibly the best view in the world by the Lovers Bridge, saw the largest tune-playing mechanism I've ever seen in the famous bell-tower and sauntered by various canals, where we came across the magnificent Rio Claro, which we both quite fancied...
Grew vegetables in pots which were actually edible! Cucumbers were easy and prolific, courgettes a little more finicky as planted too early. Peppers and tomatoes (grown from seeds from random supermarket veg) and Thai aubergine (random purchase from a couple of elderly Thai ladies at a car boot sale) surprisingly fruitful. My garden might actually resemble a garden rather than a blasted heath at some point in the future, due to lots of plantings of hardy shade-lovers like spurges, cyclamen and Tiarella. Thanks to the Swedish posse I will also be adding Aquilegia and I'll be trying monkshood and adding some more foxgloves come spring.
Trekked from Studland Bay to Worth Matravers around the Purbeck coast on possibly the most scorching day of the year.
The experience didn't put us off though, as we went back in November for my birthday and stayed a night at the Pig on the Beach in a pair of shepherd's huts on wheels in gale-force winds...
Went horse-racing, bet on a lot of horses that didn't win and were a shade too late to bet on our personal favourite with lime green and shocking pink silks, which obviously romped home at 25/1.
On the live music front, we saw Noel Hill (at a swanky arts club, front row!) and Jody Kruskal (in a friend's front room for a Foc's'le special) play concertinas of various kinds live - Noel is an absolute virtuoso showman and Jody played a style of blues/Americana concertina I have never seen before, with a bespoke puppet jigging along on a board. Also got to see Hibiki Ichikawa play tsugaru shamisen like some kind of thrash metal god at the British Museum on my birthday, completely by accident.
I finally got to meet my very sassy niece :)
PathSoc was in Belfast this year. I'd been once before a looooong time ago but never made it into the city as we were just passing through en route to I forget where. Anyway, Belfast is lovely if quite industrial. There are some cracking cranes, a quality port and some fabulous little passages which hide some stonking pubs, with the odd session popping up here and there. Got kidnapped by Latch and Tommo for boozing, as is now traditional, and made a lot of new contacts.
Joined the IBMS London Cellular Pathology Discussion Group Committee, which has been a lot of fun. Was invited speaker at the IBMS Congress, on tissue-based diagnosis of infectious diseases. Finally made it to lecture to the MSc Surgical Oncologists! I also started as volunteer collections/conservator assistance for the Grant Museum of Zoology, and probably will expand this to the Royal Free Museum of Pathology in the new year, following my first trip there with this year's Friends of The Grant field trip, which also went behind the scenes at the Petrie Museum of Egyptology
Had a fair crack at learning Swedish for a long-overdue visit to friends in Huskvarna, Jönköping. We went via Copenhagen where we stayed on the 23rd floor of the spectacular AC Bella Sky, ate some great fish in the slightly surreal Krog's, made an obligatory trip to the Natural History Museum, complete with a replica Kabinet of Olaus Wormius and took a decidedly sideways boat trip narrated/skippered by a double-act of handsome hipster lads who could have fallen out of Electric Six via Dagobert, which included singing the Imperial March under a very small bridge with Yoda graffiti underneath, shouting at a crowd admiring the (very) Little Mermaid and lampooning the passengers in 4 languages.
From there we took the train to Huskvarna via the Øresundsbroen, which whilst uncannily like skimming over the sea in a train, was somewhat more spectacular when we flew over it. Our friends live outside of Huskvarna, in a beautiful village overlooking the lake. We visited Gränna on it's glassy shores, famous for polkagris, and appearing bizarrely as if the whole town was painted on a wooden facade. After a raucous midsommar feast with VÄSTERBOTTENOSTPAJ and an oily red, and possibly toxic liquid called "Gubben", many board-games were played, we swam in a lake, like kids in a slasher film, and took a trip out to Göteborg (pronounced Yuttaborry, OBVIOUSLY - and don't get me started on Nasso...).
Went on holiday to Bembridge on the Isle of Wight with the old neighbours, which required two mammoth solo public transport journeys to and from London. Much walking of Dirty Dog on beaches, G&Ts and scampi baps. Had a quick jaunt to Ventnor and FINALLY managed to get hold of some of the fabled lobster and chips from the pier.
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did try to keep fit, again, mostly via my continuing relationship with 1/5 of a dog and many many walks round Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park and along the Thames to Hampton Court and Petersham. My resolution to get out and about and visit friends more was partially met, as we finally managed to go and see the Swedish/Austrian contingent (see above), and the Canadians came over to visit, when great fun and some very shonky rowing were perpetrated.
I still feel like my circle of friends is diminishing, everyone is just too far-flung to keep up with. This year this'll be the same resolution, but I predict it will be harder to keep.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Jme and Jen had possibly one of the cutest babies I have ever clapped eyes on, Greg and Flis added a daughter to their already pretty fine collection and Julia and Andy had a beautiful boy I have yet to meet but am determined to in 2018.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My wonderful Aunty Nelly (Marguerite). We miss you, Aunty Nelly, and your silly updates typed on loo-roll.
My much-loved evening class also collapsed due to the sheer greed of the college: I miss all the friends I made there dearly and rue that we never got to say goodbye.
5. What countries did you visit?
Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Ireland. No Epernay this year, but booked in for next... Also hoping to get to the Shetlands for the folk festival.
Otherwise my time was split mainly between Bloomsbury, Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common with occasional jaunts to Southampton, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
Although I love my current job I think I may have got to the point where I can't progress any further in post, so maybe a change of job.
Less tub round the middle, OMG.
Even more so this year, a world where people don't spout ignorance, hatred and bigotry just because someone voted for something or someone that they don't agree with. Discuss, don't dismiss.
7. What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Midsommar with the Swedes/Austrians - so much fun! Sweden is stunning, lake swimming was an experience and it was just a fabulous week with friends we hadn't seen in way too long.
David de Graef very kindly personalizing his book for Dave with an airbrushed painting, whilst having a chat overlooking the stunning cathedral in Bruges.
The worst interview of my life!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being invited speaker at the IBMS Congress and finally getting on the university lecture circuit. Bizarrely, being taught more than ever before to accept not being in control by a small, white, canine agent of chaos.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Again, not taking time to look after myself properly. Not being focussed and ambitious enough professionally. Spending too much time on social media and getting embroiled in other peoples' battles.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
GI issues now subsided. Balance still silly but actually better overall than it has been, despite another failed rehab course. I still seem to get everything that's going with added sinusitis every few weeks, and the tiny patch of dermatitis that developed just before I left Soton for London still hasn't gone away. So nothing serious, just irksome.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New bedding that doesn't clash with everything, including the other bedding. 400 thread count sheets, yaaaaaaasssss. I know this ain't exactly luxury territory but CRIKEY.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Enduring love for Professor Sir Nicholas Wright, and Ian Hislop, as always. I might not be popular for saying this, but Professor Adrienne Flanagan was extremely kind to me when I was in a very bad place and for that I will be forever grateful. Chuck Tingle: keeps on proving love is real <3.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Politicians. Graceless winners. Bigots. The willfully ignorant. Domald Tromp. GOP. Extreme right wingers, extreme left wingers, internet warriors.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Commuting. Saving for more house repairs. I R ADULT.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Really hit my growing stuff stride this year, grew ALLLLL THE THIIIIINGS. Trip to Sweden was probably the highlight of the year.
16. What song will always remind you of 2017?
GEESE IN THE FRIKKIN BOG, or possibly EEL IN THE COCKING SINK. Or maybe this which drove me summarily bonkers whilst playing Thimbleweed Park. Noel Hill played a spine-tingling rendition of Port Na bPucai when we saw him too.
I don't do a lot of music so honorable mention to some stand-out games: really enjoyed Resident Evil 7 even if it was silly in places, and What Remains of Edith Finch. We're now playing Lone Survivor.
17. Answer these for 2017:
a) happier or sadder? Contented on the whole, on a personal level.
b) thinner or fatter? Look, just don't go there, OK?
c) richer or poorer? About the same. Houses eat money, yo.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Same as last year: Travelling. Going outside. Walking the dog. Looking at the world through my eyeballs and not a screen. Seeing people face to face. Learning. I also wish I'd spent more time making things, but I've developed a horror of accumulating stuff and feel I've inflicted enough tat on folks who may feel the same.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being ill and tired. Time-wasting on the internet. Getting drawn into being emotionally manipulated by the media.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas just gone with the in-laws as usual. This year I also caught up with my sister, brother and mum, the Germans and a bunch of Sotonites, though sadly missed Kenny.
21. Did you fall in love in 2017?
14? years and counting. Our relationship continues to evolve in surprising ways. Two years I <3 Ridiculous Small Dog, who is currently evolving into a merciless squirrel murderer, thwarted only by her own doziness. I don't think squirrelkind needs to worry much yet.
22. How many of your friends moved away? How many of them did you go and see or have to visit you?
This is all kinda moot since really, *we've* moved away. The rest are about as flung as ever. "Away" is getting to be an increasingly metaphysical concept. Maybe I should change this to something else.
23. What was your favourite TV program?
Haha ooooh dear, am I a creature of a habit: Masterchef - The Professionals. Didn't really watch much else to be honest, although Riverdale was highly amusing (TEAM CHERYL BLOSSOM). I've even stopped watching films for the most part.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope, I don't do hatred very well, which is fine by me.
25. What's the best book you read?
Ben Aaronovitch: The Hanging Tree and Charlotte Booth's Horemheb: The Forgotten Pharoah were I think the only books I finished this year. I've been appalling at reading probably due to the sheer volume of scientific papers I read and lack of free time.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Tsugaru shamisen (see above) - kind of heavy metal rhythm-heavy traditional Japanese folk music.
27. What did you want and get?
At least some professional development, and recognition from some surprising places. A decent amount of dog-walking time, getting to know my way around Wimbledon Common. A bit less panicky about not being in control.
28. What did you want and not get?
Thinner. A world with more tolerance, not less. More professional direction.
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Honestly, I don't remember any.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to Bubbledogs, a tiny bar in Bloomsbury which specializes in champagne and hotdogs with a whole miscellany of folks, after a jaunt round the British Museum. On the whole a fairly sedate night, except for the large number of bosoms that appeared on my camera roll when I went outside for a cigar with Jason and Steve. 45.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Seeing my friends and relatives more often.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?
Practical things. Skinny trousers/leggings, long jumpers, waterproof coat, wellies, hiking boots, copious mud. I had to buy some new dresses* because lecturing and actually quite like them. *well, more like jumpers/tunics but a bit smarter than usual. Stopped dyeing my hair a while back so now it is long and grey and I look a bit like the wild witch of Wookey Hole that my mother was always scared of turning into.
EXHIBIT A
33. What kept you sane?
The hairy half, Fisherman Dave and Horrible Doggo, too many friends to mention, but especially Steve, Faye, Caroline, Jme and my sister (even though I have probably driven them halfway insane in return, again), pathology, having lots of awesome museums within lunchtime walking distance, Private Eye and growing things.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Sigh... William Sitwell, although I am also developing a thing for Tracey MacLeod which just proves that I should probably not subsist entirely on a diet of Masterchef. New entry at Number 2 though: CHERYL BLOSSOM/MADALEINE PETSCH REPRAZENT. She is one fine actress, I just love that she can segue seamlessly from sympathetic victim to ice-queen and back in one fleeting look, that flashes like a venomous fish behind the eyes.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I was going to say identical to the last two years, only worsening, and I fear yet worse to come: All of the bait-and-switch to cover that the country is a mess of its own making thanks to the fat, born rich, snobbish louts in power. However, this year there was added climate change/evidence-based decision-making denial and nuclear brinkmanship asshattery.
36. Who did you miss?
So many friends, as always, Karim, Caroline. Guys, we need to catch up more. I might have been a bit better this year but I wouldn't swear on it.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Professor Amadeu Borges Ferro and Dr Yinyin Yu: both a personal and professional inspiration! Also really lovely to catch back up with Bianca after who-knows-how-many years.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016:
Sometimes you just have to go with the white, hairy, muddy flow.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
Nazi punks, Nazi punks, Nazi punks, FUCK. OFF.
Here's last year's, 2015 (I seem to have missed 2014 somehow), 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. TL;DR: slightly better at travel and keeping in touch with folks but a way to go, I am apparently permanently bonded to HORRIBLE DOG and still could do with getting my act together career-wise, though progress has been made. Potential nuclear conflicts/resurrection of labour camps for liberals aside, it'll be interesting to see what the year holds.
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Book to the demise of the evening class. What was the topic? If it wasn't something that needs special equipment or such, can it be resurrected in a cafe, at least as a social group?
I've developed a horror of accumulating stuff
Me and you both :(
Happy New Year, m'dear, and thank you for an interesting read. Also, may I add: 45 is many bosoms.
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I am so ready for a clear-out. Hope all is going dandy in Vancouver <3
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