Valentines crafts from Etsy ... Sssshhh don't show Traff incase I get creative and make one for him!

The valentines card:

Supplies You’ll Need:

A self-healing cutting mat
Steel ruler
A sharp cutting knife and spare 30 degrees angle blades
A4 cover weight paper of your choice; something thick and stiff that can still run through a printer.
Printer (optional)
Gold pen and glitter or a wallet-size photo of your choice (optional)

Directions:

1. Download the template.

2. Print out the template on your paper. If the paper is too thick for your home printer, print it at a local print shop.

3. Time to get down to business! Cut out the design on your self-healing cutting mat with your cutting knife, using a steel ruler when needed. Begin with the smaller shapes and work yourself to the bigger cuts that surround them. That way the paper won’t tear.

Tip: For an easier job, don’t use the standard blades that come with the scalpel knife. Instead buy a pack of the sharper 30 degree blades.

4. When you’re done with all that cutting, you can either write in your message at the center (I used a gold pen and glitter) or glue in a wallet size valentine photo instead.

That’s it, you’re done. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Lollipops:

Here’s my list of edible flowers that are accessible and tasty:
Basil
Chamomile
Johnny-jump-ups
Lavender
Marigolds
Pansies
Roses
Violas
Violets

Fresh flower heads can be used in lollipops, provided they are not large and bulky. Thin, flat flower heads, such as violas, violets and chamomile, are ideal. Marigold and rose heads are bulky and contain too much moisture, and will cause the hard candy to “weep.” Consider using their petals instead.

Be sure to use organically grown flowers. Eat only those flowers you are positive you can identify. Use pesticide-free plants from nurseries and herb gardens that offer organically grown flowers; pick them from a trusted friend’s organic garden or your own.

Hard Candy Notes: It’s a good idea to check the accuracy of your candy thermometer before you begin. You can do this by placing it in a saucepan of water and bringing the water to a boil. At boiling, the thermometer should read 212° F; if the reading is higher or lower, take the difference into account when testing the temperature of your candy mixture.

Your candy can take on a burned flavor if it is heated beyond the hard crack stage 310°F. You can remove the liquid candy from the heat once your thermometer registers 300°F. Allow the temperature to rise on its own for the last 10 degrees.

Bellini Petal Lollipops
Yield: 12-15

Materials:
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup
2/3 cup water
1 dram bottle peach candy flavoring oil
1 dram bottle champagne candy flavoring oil
1-2 drops red liquid food coloring
Organic rose petals
Organic mint sprigs
12-15 lollipop sticks
Cellophane wrappers
Twist-ties or ribbon

Step 1: Cover a heat-proof work surface with parchment paper. Two or more metal baking sheets can also be used.

Step 2: Stir together the sugar, corn syrup and water in a small saucepan. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.

Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue to heat without stirring until the bubbling mixture reaches the hard-crack stage (302-310°F). This will take approximately 25 minutes. Remove pan from heat.

Step 4: Stir in flavoring oils and one or two drops of food coloring. (Be extra careful because the mixture will steam with these additions.) Stir well. As you stir, the mixture will develop small bubbles.

Step 5: When most of the bubbles have disappeared, drop the liquid candy onto the parchment paper by the spoonful using a metal spoon. Allow the candy to stand for a few moments before placing the petal or mint leaf (or combination of the two) on the hot candy. If you place the petal on the hot candy too soon, it will wilt immediately.

Step 6: Place a petal or mint leaf face down on the candy round. Use a finger (carefully!) or the end of a lollipop stick to slightly press it into the candy. Pour just enough hot candy over the petal to cover the back side, encasing it completely in the candy. Place a lollipop stick in the candy and rotate 1/2 turn. Allow the candy to harden and then lift from the parchment paper. If the lollipop appears cloudy, you may quickly and gently rinse it under a thin stream of warm water. If you do this, allow the lollipops to air-dry overnight before packaging.

Step 7: Wrap lollipops in clear cellophane and tie-off with a ribbon or twist-tie. Display lollipops in sugar-filled glasses or jars. You can also use flower pots with Styrofoam inserts.

Heart shaped cake topper:

Supplies:
yarn
pom pom maker (I prefer Clover brand, and used the 2.5″)
lollipop sticks
hot glue
scissors

Following the instructions on the pom pom maker, wrap the yarn around each side, thoroughly.

Carefully cut the loops in half, following the channel.

Using a piece of yarn, tie a knot around the yarn pieces, right around the center (where you just cut) and pull tight.

Pull the sides of the pom pom maker apart. Roll the finished pom pom in your hands to fluff.

To trim into a heart shape:

a.) Trim a diagonal line (about 45 degrees) around the bottom of the pom pom, like a cone shape.

b.) Trim a channel in the center across the top, front to back, like a reverse mohawk.

c.) Now your pom pom resembles a shaggy heart, continue to trim into a puffy heart shape.

Place a blob of hot glue on the end of a lollipop stick and insert into the bottom of the heart pom pom.

Enjoy! You could use these little heart poms at a placesetting or string together to make a garland!

Paper craft:

Materials Needed:

- cutting mat

- cutting knife

- paper doilies

- pencil

- permanent marker

Directions:

1. You’ll use one doily as your guide for the actual papercut. Use this to plot out the look of your valentine, and when it’s time to start cutting, it will be the first layer you cut through.

Decide what message you’d like for your valentine to say. Write out the words in your own handwriting on your doily guide. Then, take your pencil and bulk up your lettering. You can also start with bubbly letters, however I find this technique creates lettering that is truer to real handwriting.

2. Peel 3 doilies from your stack of dollar store doilies. Don’t separate them — keep them stuck together. This will make it easier to cut, as they won’t start sliding around. Color the top doily with a color of your choosing using a permanent marker. As you can see, I chose red, in keeping with classic Valentine’s Day colors. Since the ink will bleed through, you’ll end up with one fully colorful doily, one with a mottled effect, and one white. You can of

course decorate them in anyway you’d like!

3. Time to start cutting. Line up your doily guide on top of your stack of 3 doilies. Using a fresh sharp knife, start cutting out the most delicate interior shapes first. Start at the center and work your way out, cutting through all the layers at once. Take your time, and just cut out little bits at a time.

If the paper starts to slide around too much, you can tape the doilies right to your cutting mat with masking tape. When I do this, I usually will stick the tape to my shirt or pants before sticking to to the paper, so it’s a little less sticky and lessens the risk of tearing the paper when it is time to peel it off.

4. Once the cutting is complete, carefully peel away the layers of doilies. Ta da!

5. If you’d like, attach your papercut doily to an uncut doily, so your lettering pops out, using a glue stick or Glue Dots. 

6. Give it to your valentine with love!

Up-cycled spiked high heels from Bust.com

Start with a pump-style shoe with a 4" heel or higher; any lower, and you won’t be able to see the design underneath very well. To add spikes, first use a wipeable marker to mark dots on the back of the shoe where you want each spike to be. (Note that the spikes should be placed only in the shoe’s upper; you don’t want to drill into the actual heel.) You can use a variety of different screw-back spikes—ours ranged from 3/8" to 1"—which you can find at bead or trimming shops. Place your top mark at least 1/4" below the top edge of the shoe and drill the initial holes, using a drill bitslightly larger than the screw on the spike. Go slow and watch your fingers! Push the screw through the shoe so it sticks out the back, and screw on the spike. Use a screwdriver to tighten all the spikes, so the screws’ backs are as flush to the inside of the shoe as possible. Repeat all the above for the second shoe. 

Next you’ll paint under the heel’s arch. Put masking tape [A] on the shoe’s upper, all around the edge where it meets the sole. Clean the arch and the interior part of the heels with rubbing alcohol, then use a medium-sized brush to prime the areas to be painted with white acrylic paint [B] (we used Acryla, but any brand will work). You won’t need to prime the soles of the shoes (the part you walk on), but you can paint them a solid color for continuity’s sake. Let dry and apply another thin coat of primer. With a pencil, lightly draw a pattern or image that strikes your fancy; don’t forget the area under the heel. With a small paintbrush, apply one color of acrylic paint at a time to your design, letting each dry completely between colors. Work on one shoe as the other dries, and add the black outlines last [C]. Once completely dry, give the painted area two coats of Mod Podge with the medium brush (let it dry between coats). 

A

B

C

Use a moleskin shoe pad (find at any drugstore), or a similar self-adhesive shoe pad, to cover the screws on the inside of the heel. Then slip these babies on and wait for the compliments to roll in. 

Snow day- at the tattoo parlour

Today I had the day off because of the snow- which is pretty cool!

I had a nice lie in and the plan was to go to Russel park with Si and Karl and build some snow iguanas- then to watch the batman trilogy and then to go with Traff to get his new tattoo.

That plan was shattered when tattoo place rang Traff just after 10 to ask if he could come in a 12 for his tattoo because they'd had a cancellation and didn't want to hang about all day- so I ended up rushing about like a crazy person to get ready and go out.. no nice lazy morning for me.

I met Traff in town and got breakfast in debenhams cafe (black tea and I highly recommend their fruit toast because it has cherries in and is yummmyyyy).

Then we walked to Kempston for his tattoo at Julia's tattoo parlour. its only 2.5 miles to Kempston from our house- but in the snow it just took forever! It's so slippy and the snow is quite deep and starting to freeze so I feel like I've had a real workout on my 5 mile round trip!

Traff managed to get electrocuted by a crossing- the one over cauldwell street as you come from town- I laughed at him really hard but I'm so grateful it wasn't me- we rang the council and told them to hopefully they sent someone out to fix it (we walked back on the other side of the road just in case).it's lucky is reaction are so quick.

He'd been fussing about how much getting a tattoo on his belly would hurt- apparently getting electrocuted dulls the pain of a tattoo by comparison.



This was the 1/2 way point- all the outlines and shading were done - just the colour to do- the tattoo artists was really lovely- she'd been tattooing since the 1990s so she was telling us about all the daft tattoos she's done and how she thinks tattoos have changed over the last 23 years- which was probably quite nice for Traff- took his mind off things!

She was saying that she likes to have challenging and complex tattoos to do - so when she saw traff's chosen Tank Girl image she wanted to do it- so she was glad he picked her in the end!





Ta-dah! the finished article!

Very much like Tank girl. If a bit red and swollen.

We walked back from Kempston and stopped off in spoons for some lunch- It didn't feel like we'd been out all that long but we left the house at 10 am and got home at 4! all that trudging through the snow! and the 1 hr 45 min tattoo.

So now its an evening of crappy TV- starting with count down (Which I love but suck at and Traff's amazing at- we know who the clever one is in our relationship) and it'll finish up with Celebrity Big Brother. as standard.

Traffs made himself a "nest" on the living room floor out of the summer Duvet, fabric frog and the pillows off the sofa. he's feeling a bit sorry for himself but is too manly to admit it!

On a side note- I'm slightly annoyed that the shops have easter stuff out already! it's January! we just had christmas. However, my annoyance is countered by the arrival of the "malteaster" chocolate bars. which may be my favourite.

Craft number 1 - snowflake microscope slides

Yesterday I attempted this at work- I'm not quite convinced about it yet there were two influences which I hadn't considered:

1) that the temperature outside was quite warm.
2) that superglue takes AGES to set in the freezer.

I put the slides into the freezer to start with to hopefully get the snowflakes to last long enough to superglue them.

We caught the snowflakes directly onto the slides although the snow was falling quite thick so I doubt that even if we have made any slides the images will be clear.

Once the show was on the slide I glued it and put the glued slide straight onto ice- then transported them to the freezer.

After about an hour I went to check on them and took one out- I didn't realise the glue wasn't set and got it all over my hand- then when I shut the freezer door I glued my hand to it.
not so awesome.

If they do work I'll try and get some photos to post (with Traff's camera since mines bitten the dust).


These are some that other people have made online- so it is possible- maybe I need to refine my technique!

how to make lemon curd

I'm a bit obsessed with lemon curd at the moment- yesterday I had a lemon curd yogurt (it turned out the main ingredient was whipping cream though so I doubt the validity of the name "yogurt") and Today and Jess's she made a really amazing lemon drizzle cake with lemon curd on the top.

Now I want to eat Lemon curd with everything- it would be lush for breakfast on tortillas.
yummmyyyyyyy
or as tarts.. or in lemon meringue pie.
Or just out of the jar with a spoon.

Apparently you can even make this into a lemon curd rolly polly for anyone stuck in the 1950s (like my dad).

I've been told that this isn't too difficult to make- and quite difficult to bugger up (unless you manage to turn it into zesty scrambled eggs I suppose...) Although mine will probably not look this amazing:



Anyways- heres the recipe

you will require:

• 4 unwaxed lemons, zest and juice
• 200g/7oz unrefined caster sugar

• 100g/3½oz unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3 free-range eggs, plus 1 free-range egg yolk
  
  

   method

  1. Put the lemon zest and juice, the sugar and the butter into a heatproof bowl. Sit the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the water is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Stir the mixture every now and again until all of the butter has melted.
  2. Lightly whisk the eggs and egg yolk and stir them into the lemon mixture. Whisk until all of the ingredients are well combined, then leave to cook for 10-13 minutes, stirring every now and again, until the mixture is creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Remove the lemon curd from the heat and set aside to cool, stirring occasionally as it cools. Once cooled, spoon the lemon curd into sterilised jars and seal. Keep in the fridge until ready to use.
     
     
     
     

OTBC

Today Traff and I went to peterborough- We had lunch with Andy, Ellie and Tor at the college arms- We even got there in time for Traff to have a full breakfast. For lunch. yeah, I can't figure that out. its wrong! WRONG!

We then went for a pint in Charters and onwards to the stadium.

We got to the turnstile and Traff handed me my ticket - and I was like "theres no seat number on my ticket"
Traff "yeah, its a cup game so its a terraced game"



So as we enter the stadium it looks like a time warp- 

We get into the stands and...



Actually, Initially it looked like the backs of lots of taller peoples heads- we had to stand on the steps to enter 


The terrace because it was so packed out.




The atmosphere was awesome- Except when some pissed bloke started on an old guy who'd been really nice to 


us. so that was sad. I like going to see Norwich play as the fans are really awesome.


They always sing throughout the game- even when the team are doing badly- but especially when they're doing


well- Like today! Winners!




At the end of the game we headed to Tony and Jo's for pizza dinner which was yummy.



All in all it was a very good day out.

Camden with Tony & Marissa :)

Today Traff and I headed to london to meet Tony and Marissa (who is over from Minneapolis - this is her first visit to london).
We had a really lovely day :)

We went to Camden- and we had yummy camden street food! (I really wanted thai but they have a new moroccan stall so I had that instead and discovered buttered chicken! - yeah, its probably really really bad for me but its yummy!).

Traff spent all his money as soon as we got there! he got a skull face mask to wear to keep his face warm on his bike and he got a bib for sarah and Dan's Baby Alice (she's super spoilt as we sent her a parcel of goodies yesterday- a buggie blanket, little outfit (leggings, Tunic top, red velvet jacket) and a proper pink coat with fur around the hood from monsoon).

I got a new jumper- its really cool with a screen print of houses and trees on the front (yeah, it doesn't sound like much but you'll be well jelly when I post a picture!) I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately and I think that was to blame for stopping me spending total fortune.
I know I'm not supposed to be buying jumpers as they've become a bit of a personal obsession - but this one isn't knitted. so it's different. so thats ok.
I've been wearing my blue dotty one to death and its gon a bit bobbly (yeah, ok ray you can say it: Bobbleoff -from JML)

We also went to Cyberdog- which always makes me sad I'm not a size 0 and living an ecstasy fuelled 90s existence.
They now has a weird fetish sex shop under the stairs that wasn't there last time.

On the way home I got a Lemon meringue cupcake from peyton and Byrne at kings cross station

(I haven't had a cake since I went to cardiff on the 21st December- and before that I hadn't had a cake for about a month and a half- I know, I'm like a different person! I'm ok- I just realise that normal people don't eat cake every day, so I've cut down).

Anyways, the cupcake was amazing. if you're in kings cross and have to wait for your train you should get one!


We got home and the nice man from the letting agency had been and fixed the oven and the fan in the bathroom!
We don't have to eat cous cous anymore! because we have a working oven so we can cook stuff. AWESOME.
I'll admit that after 4 days of cous cous I'm glad I don't have to eat any more. We had sandwiches for dinner anyway as we'd expected this to take longer to fix.
I can't wait to have a hot dinner tomorrow! I'm so excited!

I've also done another couple of squares on my patchwork blanket tho I doubt it'll count as my "new years resolution once per month craft" much before the summer!
I'm very jealous that Jen is already planning to make another dress for Hednas and I can't even finish a damn patchwork blanket! I've been truly outcrafted. I need craft lessons or something.

We're gonna watch celebrity BB now- normally we shun such crappy TV- but Traff and I are curious.
I imagine 4 min into it we'll remember why we normally don't bother- I never even liked it when it was cool and it was the early 00s.
We used to have drama lessons and have to act out bits of big brother. I always hated drama anyway. having no idea what was going on only compounded my feelings towards the subject!
yeah, I've got a bit off topic now.

Traffs Just turned himself into that bloke from the prodigy fire started video with the reverse mohawk so I'm gonna go find out what he's doing.
or at least force him to shave the rest of his damn head.

The WHOLE 2012 survey. feast your eyes on 40 questions regarding successes, disasters and bad taste.

I didn't realise that the version of this I did before was only half a survey dammit! so, if you're feeling bored and hungover, here is the whole 40 questions for your enjoyment and perusal.

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?

I visited Croatia, I started circuit training, I got a vintage bike, I went to Hednas vintage night club, cooked dinner for 12..  I’ve done lots of new things this year but these we’re my favs.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Yes, I’ve exercised more and been more healthy, had some more “me” time, and visited a non EU country.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, Sarah Had her baby on newyears eve eve! All very exciting for aunty Lau and Uncle Traff.

Becky and Sarah C also had their babies so lots of cute photos and visits.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Wales, Croatia, and brugge

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

More Adventures!

I always have a list in my mind of 1000s of places I’d like to go and things I’d like to do- we do some of them, but I’d love to do more.

I love to go to new places and try new things! I like it even better when I can do that with my friends.

7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I’m not sure- too much stuff has happened to have any truly year-defining moments- lots of exciting news (engagements, babies, weddings, courses passed etc for our friends) and lots of things that we have done and loved. I will always remember Hednas- It was so much fun and we really did have a flatful of people!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

New job! I’m so happy in my job right now and I’m so pleased that they chose to have me.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Trying to organize a trip to CERN that fell through (Although I’m going in march now so maybe not such a big diasater) but in terms of man hours lost this was a bit of a bummer!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I did my back in! oops.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Hednas tickets. I really love experiences and I always think that money spent on tickets or holidays is well spent.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Ooh.. too many people to celebrate! Thank you Kirstie for all our adventuring! Thanks to Abi, Hayley, Jen and Helen for their letters- nothing is nicer than a letter full of good news when you come home from work- and sometimes I get teabags and dinosaurs! Thank you to everyone who has let us share in their happiness- new jobs, new finacees, new babies- even though we’re so far away we do appreciate that you always call us to tell us!

Thank you to everyone who has made the several hour trip to see us from London, cornwall, Oxfordshire or wales- We love to see you and have you to stay- and thank you to everyone who has put us up when we've been off on a nomadic tour of the country.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

I don’t think anyone’s been awful! Maybe the weather! WHY do you always rain when we’re trying to have fun?!

14. Where did most of your money go?

Car repairs. Rent.

And now we’re saving for a house, so that’s where ALLLLL our money goes.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Hednas, Cardiff, Croatia, London, Christmas, everyones birthdays, snow.

I get excited about lots of things.

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?

Lana del rey – Born to Die

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Happier- this has been a good year.

ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter… oops.

iii. richer or poorer? Financially I feel poorer as all my money is kinda tied up but I am richer in other, more important ways.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Travelling and adventures, this year my most spoken line has been “I’m sorry, I have too much work to do and I can’t”.

I also wish I’d taken more “me” time- reading books and watching films- I’ve always got a backlog of stuff to read and watch.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Watching pointless TV. So distracting.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I was at my parents house. My Nan came and stayed with my sister and we all have a family Christmas. My aunt, uncle and cousin came to see us on Xmas eve too. I know I’m old fashioned but I really love a good family Christmas- Traff’s parents rang and said it was so hot in spain that they were having a bbq- and that was cool too.

I drank too much pink wine. It was awesome.

So basicly, I spent christmas drunk, in the conservatory talking bollocks to all my close family. winner.

22. Did you fall in love in 2011?

Yes, with rose flavoured tea and pistachio and cardamon cake.

And I love my beautiful wife more than ever, of course.

23. How many one-night stands?

None

24. What was your favourite TV programme?

Coast. I may have a bit of a geek crush on the Scottish guy.. maybe.. sshhhhhh I also love call the midwife.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, I don’t hate anyone.

26. What was the best book you read?

My sister lives on the mantle piece.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Lana del ray and Mark Lanegan- especially his stuff with Isobel campbel.

28. What did you want and get

little luxuries like fancy hair stuff and perfume and my favourite moisturizer from the bodyshop. Fancy tea. yes yes.

I also got tickets (to the football, but still, its an experience, right?)

30. What was your favourite film of this year?

I’m not sure- I’m not very current with films. I’ve been watching some film adaptations of some books I’ve enjoyed.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

25. hednas. Awesome. Again please! How will I top this next year?!

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

More sleep. More time with my boyfriend. More time with my friends and family- hey, how about I go part time and get paid the same so that I can fit in all this sleeping and visiting?!

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

One of my students asked me:

“miss, do you just fall into your warderobe and wear whatever sticks?”

so perhaps that’s something to work on…

34. What kept you sane?

Traff, Friends, Family, good music, work colleagues, cups of tea (gin when tea won't do), riding my bike, vintage shopping, mr Kipling. It takes an awful lot to keep me sane now I look at it.

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

I only fancy the coast man.

Please don’t laugh too much.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Planned changes to my pay and pension, planned changes to my working hours and conditions. Planned changes to the curriculum which we teach to give our students less choice and less support for those who struggle, the systematic culling of the NHS, hike in tuition fees.

I hate this government.

37. Who did you miss?

I miss all my friends when I don’t see them for a while. they're awesome though- and when I do see them its like we never left off. which is really lovely. 

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Randi!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:

Take it one stage at a time! Life does not have to be lived at 100mph. sometimes you just have to be patient.

I have no idea what the year 2012 will bring but I hope that with a positive attitude and determination it will be a great year. I am excited for the future

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“there’s caterpillars in Bristol”

Resolutions

My resolutions for 2013:

1) Complete one craft per month- This can be a craft at home or a craft at a meeting or club- just anything to keep me creative and give me some time away from working!

2) Gym once per week - not gym binges like last year followed by months of not doing much!

3) See the Blackpool illuminations

4) Healthy eating- no more studenty eating. just because you only add hot water to it does not mean it is nutritionally balanced!

5) play the violin once per month.



My resolutions for 2012 were:
1) Exercise at least once a week.

2) Save some pennies.

3) Say "yes" more often.

4) Call my friends more often.

So, Did I meet them? I think so! for number 1) I've done more-or-less but i've really enjoyed being more healthy and I'm deffo going to keep it up. number 2) we have deffo done- we're £4000 towards our house deposit- which I know is quite a long way from the £30,000 minimum we'll need, but its a good start and not to be sniffed at (we had saved more but I spent it on getting my car fixed when it caught fire...) 3) I could have done better but I did try- I've seen more people, travelled more and been less obstinate in general. 4) I'll be honest- I sucked at this but everyone else seems to be better at it so I haven't turned myself into a hermit recluse- and I've had lots of letters- you guys are so clever figuring out I can't ignore a letter. 

So, I hope I am this successful in 2013.