1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Cruised on the Thames twice (even if it was for work, still cool).

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolution for 2009 was to 'remember to see the big picture and keep working towards goals that might not be clearly in view just yet'. I think I did do that. It has been damn hard, feeling almost impossible at times, but I think I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. For 2010 my resolution could be to have the strength push towards taking the final steps into a more emancipated way of living, and once you get there, remember to enjoy what you've achieved, but never stop working towards being better/happier/closer to where you want to be.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, he probably didn't give birth per say, but Ride became a father in December.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. For which I'm grateful for. I don't think I could have handled that sort of things this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
France, Switzerland and Finland.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A HOLIDAY. One that lasted more than 2 days.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't know the exact date, the whole year is pretty blurry on dates. But there was one specific moment when it really hit me that hey, I'm a professional photographer - people pay me to take their picture. I know it sounds simple, but it's a pretty profound shift inside.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Taking my business to the level it is at now in such a short space of time. There's nothing big headed about that statement, I have worked fricking hard for it and I am proud of myself for it.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Sometimes losing sight of the goals and sinking into a funk. Not having time for anyone, least of all my loved ones or myself.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Funnily enough, I've been pretty ok this year. I've only gotten ill on the few days that I've had off. I guess the body sort of 'gets with the program' when it realises there are no other options but to push through and live on pure adrenalin. Probably can't go on forever though.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My tilt shift lens, hands down. Plus quite a lot of other photography-related things.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Susanna has proven to be an absolute star this year. Both on professional and personal front.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
There are some people that have disappointed me... by getting annoyed that I haven't been in touch (through lack of time), or by dropping all communication whatsoever. Phone lines for example work in both directions.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Camera gear.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Booking a shedload of exciting weddings.

16. What songs will always remind you of 2009?
Kings of Leon - Closer.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Both.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Sleeping, socialising, relaxing, loving life, exercising.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve at home with Stu. Christmas Day and Boxing Day with Stu's family.

21. How did you spend New Years?
Sitting in a sauna in very snowy Finland.

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
In some ways.

23. How many one night stands?
0.

24. What were your favourite TV programmes?
True Blood, err... nothing else comes to mind.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word, but certainly dislike.

26. What was the best book you read?
Hmm, maybe Audrey Niffenegger - The Time Traveler's Wife.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Crikey... haven't had much time for that. Damien Jurado, Citizen Cope, Tiny Vipers... oh and Kings of Leon, as I'm always late to the party. :P

28. What did you want and get?
To make a success of my business.

29. What did you want and not get?
To find and buy a flat.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Burn After Reading (although this was probably released in 2008).

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Shot Eleni & David's wedding. I turned 33. Jaysus.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having two full time jobs...

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
A complete meltdown.

34. What kept you sane?
Self belief.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Colin. (And also Robert Pattinson... just a little bit. Sorry Colin)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stirred? None.

37. Who did you miss?
Everyone.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
So many lovely clients, some of whom have become friends.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
You can do things you never thought capable of when you put your mind to it.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Not now but soon,
The most beautiful light
Will wake us to pillow fighting excitement

Not now but soon,
Bright into
Every corner,
Satellites manoeuvre in beams of change,

Standing by the best days of our lives,
Magnificent, the best days of our lives,
Big bang boom, the best days of our lives
They’re coming right up
If we can just get through this one.

Who said it was over?
It’s as good as it gets
Well we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves yet

If we swallow "it’s all over" and open wide on these make-to-believe
Sullen, chewed up, sodden soliloquies,
Oh, we’re sweet nothings anymore

Terrifying best, days of our lives
We’re hanging on the best days of our lives
No two ways about it, best days of our lives
They’re coming right up, if we can just get through this one.

I’ll hang on grab onto your feet
Someone else holds tied to my shoelaces
When their trouser leg tears, runs and stops at the seam to keep us
dangled together
Until help finds us here

I’ll hang on grab onto your feet
Someone else holds tied to my shoelaces
When their trouser leg tears, runs and stops at the seam to keep us
dangled together
Until help finds us here

Best days of our lives
Better be the best days of our lives
Bring on the best days of our lives
Coming right up, woah
Coming right up
If we can just get through this one.
Imogen Heap - Not Now But Soon

Labels: end of year survey, my life, surveys etc.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Hmm. I can't think of anything! Ack.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolution for 08 was 'try to be happy'. I think I failed dismally for most of the year, but there were some happy bits I suppose. For this year my resolution is to remember to see the big picture and keep working towards goals that might not be clearly in view just yet.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, there seems to be a baby boom around me again! Elisa gave birth to the gorgeous Hilla, Annis to Jules and, just before Christmas, Mirka had a little xmas princess. There's also more to come very soon.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. But I did miss people who have passed more than usual last year.

5. What countries did you visit?
What a washout. Just Finland and Sweden.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A plan.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
25th August. Standing on a cliff top in Cornwall with my two favourite boys in the world.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finally taking the plunge and starting to charge for my photography. Also, setting up DLB.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not having enough time for friends, family or myself.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, another bad year for illnesses. Seems like I'm down with something constantly. Also had a neck injury which was possibly the most pain I've ever been in.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Camera gear, especially my cute straps from PhatStraps. My darling Wind. Also, concert tickets.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Stu's! (as always :P) Also, couldn't have done half the things I've done without Paul.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I don't know if there's been a specific person this year. Well maybe, but I'm not mentioning any names.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Camera gear, concert tickets.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing Cat Power, Turin Brakes, Reverend and the Makers, David Gray, Sia, Matchbox Twenty, Joshua Radin, Alanis Morissette (!), Rufus Wainwright, R.E.M., Heather Nova (!), Antony & The Johnsons, Lisa Hannigan and Tracy Chapman play live in concerts. Also saw Simon Amstell and Bill Bailey live, both of whom were very very funny.

16. What songs will always remind you of 2008?
Weirdly, Apulanta - Koneeseen Kadonnut. Sign of an angsty year? :P


17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Sadder.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer.

Oh dear.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Socialising, relaxing, loving life, exercising.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time feeling angsty.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve at home with Stu. Christmas Day and Boxing Day with Stu's family.

21. How did you spend New Years?
Unfortunately, after our lofty Southbank plans with Sooz, I was feeling kind of rough during the day and ended up spending the evening at home with Stu.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Not really. Well, there were those fleeting moments when I was in love with music.

23. How many one night stands?
0.

24. What were your favourite TV programmes?
Heroes, Brothers and Sisters, QI.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't think so.

26. What was the best book you read?
This is going to be embarrassing. Sophie Kinsella - Remember Me? Ooh I read it in one go, was such lovely fluff! :D

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
It's been a very bad year for discovering new artists... just haven't had the time to listen and find as much music as I'd normally do. Lisa Hannigan, CALLmeKAT, Brand New, Santogold, Sophie Zelmani, Tanya Donelly...

28. What did you want and get?
A new job.

29. What did you want and not get?
A new job that would have felt a step forward...

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
The Savages.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Flew to Finland on the actual day and had a lovely BBQ with friends a few days later. I turned 32.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The economy not going into a complete meltdown.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I think with DLB my focus moved a bit away from myself and more towards fashion in general. Personally I still tried to make an effort most of the time, not always so successfully.

34. What kept you sane?
Susanna. Miikka. Music.

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

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The end of the world as we know it. Also, Obama, couldn't really avoid that one if you wanted to.

37. Who did you miss?
My nan. Certain people from my previous life.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Layla! What an inspiring ray of light you are.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
If you want to change the direction of your life you have to work hard, things don't just 'happen'.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Tiredness fuels empty thoughts
I find myself disposed
Brightness fills empty space
In search of inspiration
Harder now with higher speed
Washing in on top of me
So I look to my eskimo friend
I look to my eskimo friend
I look to my eskimo friend
When I'm down, down, down.

Rain it wets muddy roads
I find myself exposed
Tapping doors, but irritate
In search of destination
Harder now with higher speed
Washing in on top of me
So I look to my eskimo friend
I look to my eskimo friend
I look to my eskimo friend
When I'm down, down, down.

When I'm down, down, down.
When I'm down, down, down.
Damien Rice - Eskimo

Labels: end of year survey, my life, surveys etc.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Hmm. I can't think of anything... how boring. I'd never seen Sally Mann live in front of me before. :D

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I made any... if I did I probably didn't keep them. Didn't make any other than 'try to be happy' for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don't think anyone did last year, how unusual. Lots of people got pregnant though!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, but people close to me had someone close to them die.

5. What countries did you visit?
UK, Finland, Italy. Oulu - might as well be a country. :P

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Peace of mind.

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
20.07.2007. Wedding day.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Is getting married an achievement? Organising a move to another country can certainly be called an achievement, still wondering how I got through it all in the end.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not having enough time for friends and family.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I can't remember a year when I've had a cold as often! The end of the year was just a flu nightmare.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmm. I think I've sold more stuff than bought last year. Perhaps some cute fabric off eBay. And tickets for concerts.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Stu's!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
John's.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Wedding, travelling and moving.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My hen night. :P Seeing Damien Rice, Regina Spektor, Jacob Golden, Catherine Feeny, Tori Amos, Joshua Radin, Johnossi, Antony & The Johnsons, Maija Vilkkumaa and Goo Goo Dolls play live in concerts.

16. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
Damien Rice - Rootless Tree

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Socialising, exercising.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve at home with Stu. Christmas Day and Boxing Day with Stu's family.

21. How did you spend New Years?
At home with Stu and Sooz, getting over a nasty flu.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I guess back into love a couple of times. There were definite highlighted moments.

23. How many one night stands?
0.

24. What were your favourite TV programmes?
Heroes.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a bit strong word. I think you have to love in order to be able to hate. I certainly despise certain people more now than I did this time last year.

26. What was the best book you read?
The Bride Stripped Bare.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Tiger Lou, Basia Bulat, Catherine Feeny...

28. What did you want and get?
Honeymoon in Rome (even if it was 2nd choice :P).

29. What did you want and not get?
A new fancy job by the end of the year.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Babel.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went bowling and for a meal out with Stu, Nikki, Ian, Johanna, Pasi and Sooz. I turned 31, yikes.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having that million-dollar business idea. Or a new job at least.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
I think I made more of an effort last year. Still quite casual.

34. What kept you sane?
Susanna. Well, good friends in general.

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

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Climate change and the over-hyping of it.

37. Who did you miss?
I especially missed my nan on several occasions last year. This was the second wedding of mine that she didn't see. :(

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Crikey, did I meet any new people?? Oh, Markku! :D

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
You can't fight change.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I'm sick and tired of staring into the wall
I wanna do something fucking special and extraordinary
Put your thoughts in a fucking car.....
hit full speed and open your eyes
don't close your eyes
there's a lot of things to do before you die"
Johnossi - A lot of things to do before you die

Labels: end of year survey, my life, surveys etc.

1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Got past the 7-year itch in a relationship.
Saw Tracy Chapman live.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I made any resolutions last year.. so yeah, I kept them! Yay. :D

I've made a few quiet ones for 2007. I don't want to put pressure on myself, but research shows that people who make resolutions are apparently more likely to achieve more. So yeah, I've made a few – but I'm keeping them to myself.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, Johanna (practically at my birthday do).

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes.

5. What countries did you visit?
Sweden, England and Italy.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Health, money, sanity, ispiration.

7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
20 July – when Stu proposed on San Marco's square.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being interviewed for a photography magazine.
Finally getting a full driver's license.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting a grip on various things.
Not being a good enough friend to some people.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, and finally found out what it is.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A trip to Italy.
A new car.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
A friend who was there throughout the year, regardless of how I was feeling/acting.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Hmm. I can't really think of anyone in particular.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Living, dentist, travelling.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing Tracy Chapman live.
Singstar.
Feeling like a human again.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Ane Brun – To Let Myself Go.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter?
Not much different AT ALL. Damnit.
iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise. Going to the movies. Reading. Sleeping. Photographing something meaningful.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Feeling exhausted and lost.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
2007? Hopefully at home with a big tree and lovely warm atmosphere.

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
In a way. Again.

22. How many one night stands?
Err. None.

23. What was your favourite TV programme?
Six Feet Under. Farewell… :(

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a very strong word. I don't think I hate anyone.

25. What was the best book you read?
Marian Keys – Anybody Out There? :P Well it was!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ane Brun, Bertine Zetlitz, Brandi Carlile, Guillemots, I Am Kloot, Laura Veirs...

27. What did you want and get?
Love.
A new lense.
A new car.
A bunny clock!

28. What did you want and not get?
A ten million pound lottery win.
A new flash.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Brokeback Mountain.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Ohh ohh see what number this question is!! Yeah, so I turned 30. :D I flew back from Italy on the night. I had a tiny little do the following Friday. Lots of Singstar, which put Johanna into labour.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Finding out what was wrong with me a lot earlier.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Pyjama chic.

33. What kept you sane?
Ha. Medication, eventually. :P Friends.

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

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stirred? Seriously? Umm.

36. Who did you miss?
Helmi.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
Hmm. Did I meet any new people in 2006… I can't think. Oh, Aleksi! <3>

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
Do onto others as you would want them to do onto you. Treat your friends and loved ones well and they will return the favour!

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
for a minute there
I lost myself
- Radiohead

Labels: end of year survey, my life, surveys etc.

Once more we're at the start of a new year. They seem to come around a lot faster with each passing year.... Strange that. While I start this year with optimism, the festive spirit is somewhat dampened by the horrible catastrophe and the way it effects so many people around the world. Just in Finland, there are around 300 people missing and presumed dead, which in the big scale of things isn't a lot, but in a country with as small a population as this, is a massive amount. Many empty desks at schools. Many people trying to make sense of what happened. I can only image how devastating things must be at the heart of the devastation. :(

One thing that these current events provide is the sense of perspective. I feel so lucky to be alive and adamant to appreciate everything I have in life. Sometimes it's easy to forget how lucky most of us actually are. Even if worries and problems can't be measured on any scale, in the big picture of things I should be quite happy with my life.

Last night we celebrated New Year's Eve with Stu, Eve and Teuxi. Eve and I were mainly taking pictures of the fireworks on the balcony, while the boys drank themselves silly. Stu managed to get bitten by Nippu and is now complaining that he's missing a finger, although I reckon that's a bit of an exaggeration (it does look pretty nasty however). Anyways, the Eve was quite low-key, which was perfect by me. Feeling very dizzy now for some reason, even though I didn't really drink that much or anything.

OMG Colin Farrell on telly. Drool. Without a shirt. <3 Who knew the Dicovery Channel could be this entertaining...

In 2004
- I got my first digital SLR
- I painted the bedroom wall purple
- I went cruising to Stockholm 3 times
- My best friend had her first baby
- Another close friend got pregnant (can we see a pattern here?)
- I spent my birthday week in Italy
- I celebrated my 5-year anniversary with Stu
- I traveled to England for work 11 times
- A close friend moved back to Finland after 5 years abroad
- I shot a lot of pictures

In 2005
- I will shoot a lot more, with the aid of my new flashes
- I'll hopefully decide whether to leave my job or not
- I can't wait to see my friend's baby in six months time
- I hope my life moves forward somehow
- I wish I'll manage to live healthier
- I hope to travel less for work and more for pleasure

I'm not doing resolutions this year, just wishes... They seem somehow gentler. :D

Happy 2005 everyone!

Labels: end of year survey, my life, surveys etc.