So farewell then 2012...

...or otherwise known as the obligatory end of year post.

I think it's fair to say I haven't been the most diligent blogger this year. I could cite many reasons/excuses, but I think it generally comes down to a touch of laziness on my part. As with many things in life, I love them when I'm actually doing them, it's just the getting there that's a bit of an effort, and in the last few months, I've been trying to concentrate on work and writing my book, so blogging has had to take a bit of a back seat. But this will change in 2013, I promise you! I will strive to become slightly more organised with my time (ha!) and fit in regular posts on a fortnightly basis. I'm also going to continue my Shorts on Shorts feature, which I enjoyed immensely and suits my low attention span.

If memory serves, I think in the post I wrote at the start of 2012, I stated I was going to have a YA Classics month. Yeah, that didn't happen. So instead, I'm going to make it a regular feature next year! I don't think my working habits suit themed months too well....So anyway, in true NYE stylee, here's my round up of the things I've enjoyed in the past 12 months...


Books...

I've read some beautiful books this year, some old, some new, but one that really sticks in my memory was Code Name Verity. Gosh, this was a stunning read - so clever, so intriguing, so different. I bought a copy for my best mate for Christmas (those of you who have read it will know why), and she sent sent me a text on Christmas Eve to say she couldn't wait, opened it early, read in on the beach in Morocco in a couple of hours (alright for some) and promptly sobbed her eyes out for another two hours. You're welcome.




TV...

Ok, top highlights...

Skins - I know many have slagged it off in recent years, but I still love it. It's what made me start writing YA and for that I shall remain forever grateful. And the second episode of this series made me sob heaps, which is always a good sign.

Downton Abbey - There are so many things wrong with this programme (miracle recoveries from paralysis, anyone?), but luckily, I got hooked on the first series, before it went a bit weird. I adore Sybil and Branson, which is why it pains me to mention THAT episode. But yeah, still essential fangirl viewing for me.

Britains Got Talent - one word - PUDSEY. Oh, and Loveable Rogues too.

I didn't really watch a huge amount of telly this year, but also mentions to the latest series of Peep Show and Sherlock, which kept me riveted despite me not being able to concentrate or most TV for more than ten minutes these days. Oh, and James Arthur. The only reason I watched the X Factor this year.

And I can't not mention those other big events that you might remember over the summer. Yes, I'm talking about Grace Jones hula-hooping at the Jubilee concert. And who didn't cry when Jess Ennis collected her gold medal? If you didn't, you have a heart of stone and are dead to me.


Blogging Bits...

A peacock. Yikes.

One of my blogging highlights of this year didn't occur on this blog, it occurred here. Writing these was so much fun. Jo, when are we going to do some more please???

But I'd also like to mention all the lovely blogging friends I've made in the last year. You all make me LOL on a regular basis. You know who you are.


So onto 2013. I don't know about you, but I'm excited...