Like last years Q&A, here is the 2005 edition:
What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?Looked at a map, found somewhere I've never been to before, and drove there. I discovered Ponga. It's going to be a sought after suburb of Auckland within the next 10-15 years. Mark my words.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?Sure did. Improved my game this year in regards to friends and socialising.
Did anyone close to you give birth?No. Lets wait till next year. I'm certain two friends will become Mums by this time next year.
Did anyone close to you die?One of my Uncles. Mike Francis.
What countries did you visit?None sadly. Nearly went to Rarotonga.
What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?A partner to share some interesting journeys I plan to undertake in the next year.
Closer friends.
What dates from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?Mostly deaths knock me back a bit, and as there's hardly any good news in the world, we'll start with the bottom at the top:
Jan 20: George Bushs inauguration. Why America why?
February 6: Channel Z closes down. A sad day in NZ radio history.
April 2: Pope John Paul II dies. A great loss. Even sadder news, Prince Charles marries Camilla. yuk.
April 8: Mike Francis died of spinal cancer.
June 13: Michael Jackson was aquitted of all charges. I knew he was innocent!
July 2: Live 8 begins. Go Geldof, you crazy hippy!
July 7: The London Bombings. Complete unneccesary mindlessness.
August 7: Peter Jennings dies. A great and honest man, and great loss. A week later, David Lange passes away. Where are all the good guys going?!?!?
August 29: Hurrican Katrinae wipes out New Orleans. Makes George Bush look like a racist. Oil prices rise dramatically.
October 1: The second Bali Bombings. Complete unneccesary mindlessness.
October 11: The Aardman Animation Studios had burnt to the ground, destroying three floors of plasticine including my dear childhood mate, Morph.
October 19: Saddam Hussein's trial begins. I say execute the bastard.
October 31: John Haynes dies in Melbourne. A technical mastermind that leaves a radio legacy behind.
November 13: Wrestler Eddie Guerrero dies unexpectedly.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?Becoming a boss of 3 people, and being responsible for a key business department, and hearing recognition of my work at the end of the year by my awesome boss.
What was your biggest failure?Missing some important dates in my sisters itinerary.
Not exercising enough (although deliberate to gain a bit of weight).
Did you suffer illness or injury?Just my sniffles in June.
What was the best thing you bought?My new car (yes another one), clothes and comfy shoes.
Whose behaviour merited celebration?Two best friends announcing their engagement!
Bob Geldof organising Live 8
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?All the terrorist activity is concerning.
Where did most of your money go?Out of my account. Not into it.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?Moving into my current home. I love it here. It's just right.
What song will always remind you of 2005?I have my top 10 lists coming shortly.
Compared to this time last year, are you:i. Happier or sadder?
happierii. Thinner or fatter?
same as last yeariii. Richer or poorer?
richer (thank goodness)
What do you wish you’'d done more of?Time management. Still haven't got that completely licked yet.
Try new activities, although I did a lot of road trips this year.
Delegating - although Im getting better at this.
What do you wish you’d done less of?Doing all the work for everyone else.
How did you spend Christmas?I spend christmas with my family, like every year.
Did you fall in love in 2005?No. I only found one person I liked this year, but shes not right for me.
How many one-night stands?A couple, dare I say.
What was your favorite TV program?24 without a doubt. Enjoying Desperate Housewives, Eyes and Boston Legal as well.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?Not hate, but dislike Brent Impey (CEO of Canwest NZ) for deciding to close Channel Z, replacing it with possibly New Zealands worst radio format.
What was the best book you read?The Davinci Code and Survey 2/2005.
What was your greatest musical discovery?Soul Chocolate: Kanye West, Common, John Legend, Alicia Keys - the modern versions of Lionel Richie, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye. Modern r&b really hit home with me this year. On a lesser but significant enough scale, early 70s Genesis and Hall & Oates. Have they been inducted or honoured in any way?
What did you want and get?A new car. A new home.
What did you want and not get?I'm grateful for eveything I get, and keep trying for what I haven't got.
What was your favorite film of this year?Still haven't seen King Kong, but Star Wars Ep III, War Of The Worlds, Batman Begins and of course Madagascar were all great fun.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?I turned 27 and spent it with my family, like every year. We have a summer BBQ and drink a few bottles of bubbly.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?If I had the opportunities to action the many ideas I have floating around in my head. They are doozies too.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?Pasifikation of the Palagi. Funkier, a lot more street, but also a strong improvement in formal wear. I bought two suits and 5 or 6 pairs of formal pants and tops (& jackets). A lot of money went on clothes in 2005.
What kept you sane?Keeping a clear vision of my future, and constant understanding that to move forward, one must overcome hurdles.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?Leisha Ward-Knox
What political issue stirred you the most?Taxes. I agreed with both Labour and National this year on the taxes issue. And fuck, dirty politics let the issue become a nation divider. Kinda glad that the Greens are one boat short of a fishing trip, and Winston scraped in on a dinghy.
Who did you miss?On the rifle range? At the 17th? Where?
Who was the best new person you met?Hayden Beetar of RCS (and proud Springbok). Next time loser!! haha.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:Obstacles are lifes path to learning.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:In regards to the world: "Everythings Ruined" (Faith No More)
In regards to my life: 'Looking back, I know I was walking around in disguise' "Lolas Theme" (Shapeshifters)
I enjoy giving my opinion, when it comes to customer surveys. Especially when I get something for it, be it a discount off my bill or a gift from that company.
Anyhoo. I'm pleased to pass on the good news to all you Scrubs fans out there that they are half way through making the next series. TV2 in New Zealand have the contract I believe, so YAY!
Acts such as Fat Freddys Drop and the Black Seeds really hit the mainstream big time this year, Katchafire continued their ride alongside Breaks Co-Op and Rhombus. Che Fu and The Feelstyle morphed hip hop with roots as well this year.
Oh what a great night. Digging around a few more archives and I found a track called 'Serious' by Duran Duran. It was the second single from the album Liberty in 1990 and because it flopped, the label canned the next two singles from the album. Oh choice. Way to let a band down. Thanks EMI. (Ordinary World would be the next single around 3 years later)
As I pilfer through my archives this Sunday, I find a song that Milla Jovovich (Lelu from The Fifth Element), and an early Jamiroquai release from 1993.
