This is time last year I blonde, crazy in love with my boyfriend, spending money like it was going out of fashion and living in a two-bedroom apartment. Now I'm a brunette (with a new fringe), single and not looking, saving half my pay check for my big OE next year and living in the middle of town with two fab people. This year I got a pay rise, a nephew, stronger lenses on my glasses and my heart broken.

I've already decided that 2010 is MY year. So excited.

Aw my ovaries! He is so cute Jane - hope development is going well.

This year has seen a few changes for me too, namely becoming a homeowner in Feb and getting engaged in May. I also lost my beloved Nana and myself have had a few health issues so 2009 has been a year of real ups and downs. My brother's wife is pregnant with their first child together, my little sister is moving out of home at the tender age of 18 and Mum & Dad have moved into their newly-build home. Quite a crazy year when I think about it. Next looks to be just as mad with birth of aforementioned niece/nephew, our wedding and a full-time year of psych study to finish my degree. Phew!

CF question: If you could give one massive gift to one person to improve their lives, who and what would it be? Maybe this could extend beyond the reach of human capabilities Jane?

Don't forget to get an airbed pump.. unless you want to blow it up the old fashioned way.

2009 has been a mixed bag. I got bullied into starting back at uni as well as trying to fit two jobs into one working day and only being paid for one (the cheapest one). I discovered the stuff blogs. yay blogs. My sister got engaged and now I have to start seriously shedding some weight so I look ok in photos of the wedding. Its been another year spent single much to the horror of friends and family and this is the first christmas where none of my siblings will be home at all. I have also been told by work that I must take my annual leave (christmas/new year doesn't count) before the end of the next financial year (June) at which point I will have about 8 weeks owing.

CFF Q: Would you appreciate a reindeer poo necklace for Christmas? http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/3095070/Reindeer-dung-necklaces-for-sale

Aw Riley is so tiny!

Don't forget a chilly bin with your camp packing as well. Or just find a spot next to the river, create a tall circle with rocks and put all your milk etc in the river - a good old scout trick from way back.

Next year with the arrival of my first (and damn bloody last) kid I am anticipating the start of the rest of my life. 2009 has been the "settled year". I wish I had appreciated all this back in 2008 when I still rented, had money and could drink!

You forgot to say you also paid off your student loan, which is a pretty big achievement!

A year ago I was overweight, unfit (although good at pretending otherwise), generally unhealthy and not all that cheerful about it. A year on I am fit, healthy, a healthy weight and a whole lot more cheerful. We're nearly out from under the debt we somehow managed to let slip up on us (although it will be another 5 or so years before the student loan's done and dusted) even though hubby has taken a new job, paid half what he was paid before. Plus side, he's heaps happier (and hence I am too!). Oh and I died my hair for the first time in my life to an Auburn colour (needs to be re-done, actually!). I'm also feeling very tired, but I think that's just the pre-Christmas rush where everyone wants everything done before Christmas (for no particular reason).

Casual Friday Five:

What's the best decision you made in the past year? What about the worst?

This time last year I was broke, in a terrible relationship, depressed and in debt up to my eyeballs with no real ambition.

In twelve months, I'm now with an amazing person who I regard as my best friend (gush), off anti-depressants, 10kg lighter, out of debt (with a little to go) and living with some people that are totally kick arse. I also just got into Broadcasting school for next year..... I wonder what another year will bring...

Ps. Jane! Back from Sydney, it was amazing. Thanks for the tips!

2008 saw me living with my parents again following having the time of my life in the UK. 2009 saw me moving in with the boyfriend and two mates, and learning that we are capable of living together without going crazy, it's more our other flatmates that do that to us! Also saw us get a little kitten, which is making for some interesting times.

2009 was uni focussed, and 2010 is already shaping up to be the year where I concentrate on making serious inroads into my career of choice. Scary beyond belief but oh so exciting!

Best of luck to everyone for the year ahead :-)

This time last year I was preparing to spend my first christmas with my new boyfriends family after not knowing them the year prior, living in a dingy little flat with him and his best mate, living the same day in and out and gaining weight like there was no tomorrow.

This year I am living in Sydney in an apartment in the city, same boyfriend only a better job more things to do and a lot more money to buy my house when i come back home in January!

daily life this year has been good but there has been many ups and downs to depressing to mention.

@Elsie, 2010 is my year too so best of luck to the both of us!

@Jane, another thing i was doing was reading this blog, your christmas specials are awesome! cant wait to hear how xmas at the Yees goes this year.

30 Days to go everyone. Good luck with your xmas shopping!

This year I got a nephew, a puppy, got fitter due to early morning dog walks and changed jobs.

@ Elsie - big ups to you girl!

This time last year I had returned from the States without my partner of 4 years, heart broken and jobless.

Fast forward 12 months and I spent this year making sure I surrounded myself with my family almost every day, I've become a very giving person to those that matter the most to me, I rarely get angry or upset and I've met the man I'm going to marry (who I use to date 10 years ago awwww)! I feel like I've grown up somewhat and I do really love it. Oh and I have a fantastic job :D