Triona Trog's Blog: Saying Farewell to 2012 (last installment)

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

I would have to say The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

I also liked Skyfall, and Brave.

27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Double threes!

The birthday itself was pretty low-key. I opened some presents, visited with my parents, and went skating. A couple of days later we went to Banff and enjoyed the incredible winter scenery, including a gondola ride, and the hot springs.

28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

"Immeasurably?" that's a tall order. I'm satisfied. No call for angst here!

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

I like practical, comfortable, and flattering. Most days I spend hours on my feet: standing, walking, doing physical tasks, and then I'm outside, whatever the weather is doing, walking and/or using public transit to get to the next destination. So, nothing flimsy or fussy for me. But I also crave variety and novelty so I enjoy wearing pieces that can be used to create lots of different looks.

My wardrobe go-to items are:

FDJ jeans (I have pairs for work and pairs for off-work)

Leggings

Tops that make the best of the assets

Many beautiful sweaters for winter

Shoes that I can walk or stand in all day with no pain

Warm, awesome boots in a variety of styles.

30. What kept you sane?

Taking time to think things through, both “feeling” and logically understanding the direction to take.

All the ways I use to redirect my thoughts: music, knitting, reading, walking, talking.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Natalie MacMaster, if you want to call her a celebrity. The term doesn’t do her justice at all.

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

I’m a small-c conservative, mainly because I’ve lived long enough to figure out which ideas give me mileage and which don’t. But usually my energy goes into trying to apply those ideas in my own life. I’m not into the ranting, sign-waving stuff. Also (call this a political issue, if you like) I think a lot of the “issues” that get press are distorted, muddied versions of whatever reality might actually need to be attended to. So my first reaction usually disgust at the manipulative nature of it all. Not that merely being disgusted is helpful to anyone.

But perhaps I will discover my passionate, political voice. Or at least try to filter past the BS. I think that’s the part that makes me tired just thinking about it.

33. Who did you miss?

All the people I didn't get around to hanging out with more.

34. Who was the best new person you met?

My new colleague at work.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.

Hmmm.

We tend to think of certain things as oppositions: logic/intuition, thinking/feeling, working hard/taking time for self, compassion/judgment, teamwork/independence, leading/following, analyzing/acting etc. But being fully engaged in reality and making the most of everything life throws at you, requires all of those “opposites,” often simultaneously. Don’t limit the tools at your disposal to cope with, and/or expand the human condition.

Here’s the poem for this year. I picked this one because it talks about warm hours spent with loved companions, and celebrates the moment even as each moment vanishes.

A Song for New Year's Eve
by William Cullen Bryant

Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay— Stay till the good old year, So long companion of our way, Shakes hands, and leaves us here. Oh stay, oh stay, One little hour, and then away. The year, whose hopes were high and strong, Has now no hopes to wake; Yet one hour more of jest and song For his familiar sake. Oh stay, oh stay, One mirthful hour, and then away. The kindly year, his liberal hands Have lavished all his store. And shall we turn from where he stands, Because he gives no more? Oh stay, oh stay, One grateful hour, and then away. Days brightly came and calmly went, While yet he was our guest; How cheerfully the week was spent! How sweet the seventh day's rest! Oh stay, oh stay, One golden hour, and then away. Dear friends were with us, some who sleep Beneath the coffin-lid: What pleasant memories we keep Of all they said and did! Oh stay, oh stay, One tender hour, and then away. Even while we sing, he smiles his last, And leaves our sphere behind. The good old year is with the past; Oh be the new as kind! Oh stay, oh stay, One parting strain, and then away. Goodbye 2012, all the best to everyone in 2013. "All I can say is live your life and enjoy it." (Emily Gillen)