I think that it’s fair to say that both globally and nationally, 2014 has been an absolute boil on the arse of existence. Granted, there have been worse years when you consider history as a whole, but 2014 has been astonishing in its array of awfulness.

It almost makes me feel bad for having had such an awesome year.

…almost.

The holiday year at work runs from the 1st of April, and this year I bought myself an extra 5 days of leave…which I had subsequently beasted by the end of November. I have gone all guns blazing into life and done many wonderful things.

I have been to 19 gigs this years (that I can remember), including 3 all day music events; Barclaycard BST, Strawberry Fields and Ouch! My Generator. It would have been more but I bowed out of three due to, in no particular order;

• Being unable to face taking the train into London
• Being utterly exhausted
• Realising that I no longer have easy access to the amphetamines that would have been required to stay the distance

I have seen at least 50 live bands, including Killswitch Engage, Soulfly, Korn, Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Arnocorps, Scumface, Catharsis, Soil, American Head Charge, Alestorm, Rise Against, Seether, Machine Head, and bands I never ever thought I would get see like Faith No More, Soundgarden and Inspiral Carpets. On top of this, I managed to see my beloved TrollfesT three times, and also joined their Street Team which has perhaps been one of my proudest achievements.

I spent the week of my 36th birthday trying to pretend I wasn’t whining and complaining at Brother’s Bootcamp.

I started writing this blog, and sharing the whirlwind of Ridiculous that is my life these days.

I drank many times my own body weight in beer, and even had a go at brewing my own.

I learned how to drive a tank.

I learned how to not die as quickly in the event of being stranded outdoors in an emergency situation.

I went Segway riding again, and discovered all sorts of wonderful new body armor that I need to get, because reasons.

I bought my first weapon, in preparation for any impending apocalypses, zombie or otherwise.

I have travelled a lot – significantly to Bergen, Copenhagen, Oslo and Minneapolis – my first venture across the pond.

I have made my skin that little bit more awesome.

 

I have finally decided on a plan for what I actually want to do with my life.

I have laughed. A lot. On more than one occasion, I laughed so much that beer came out of my nose.

I met many new people, and reconnected with friends who through my own stupid choices I had lost touch with.

I created my first cosplay/halloween costume from scratch.

At Christmas, I did a Good Thing, and knitted a load of scarves for a local homeless charity, proving that I am not entirely self-absorbed.

Regardless of where I have been and what I have done, above all else in 2014 I have been joyfully, gleefully, unapologetically ME and I have loved it.

Here’s to seeing what 2015 has in store for me! Cheers everyone!