2018 IN REVIEW
What did you do in 2018 that
you’d never done before?
Visited
a masseuse (I have mild spine problems due to sitting at a desk).
Had
an endoscopy done on me and had my gallbladder operated.
Encountered
death in hospital.
Started
using a Computer Aided Translation tool – Trados, a programme that helps you
translate documents. I needed it for my freelance translating business.
Saw
an Indian kathak dance performance by a female Indian dancer. This is her :-)
Visited
several Indian classical dance classes taught by this dancer, where I was the
only non-Indian person present 😊
Visited
a political discussion club with Slovak journalists.
Discovered
two American actors whom I find handsome (Jackson DeForest Kelley and Jerry
Orbach). Now that’s a first! Up till then, I hadn’t liked any American actors.
No idea why.
Visited
a church service in the Protestant Academy of Healthcare and Nursing in
Brno-Líšeň. It’s weird to listen to a sermon while surrounded by non-believers.
Crossed
the border to Austria on foot.
Successfully
communicated in German.
Co-operated
with an official court translator from Latvian on translation of legal
documents.
Visited
a musical church service – in a pub 😊
Eliminated
blue light from my life (and it’s helping me sleep better).
Bought
an air ventilator and placed it in my room in summer. I’d never needed that
before, but the summers are getting crazy hot.
Placed
a bowl with water in the garden for the birds to drink from. My sister said it’s
mostly lizards that use it. But that’s nice, too.
Prayed
for rain to come.
Went
some 9 months without going to church.
Visited
the house in Prague where I lived for the first 4 years of my life, with my
best friend.
Went
to cinema twice in one year. I actually used to do that when I was a kid, but
hadn’t done that for some 20 years now, so it felt like the first time 😊
Was
on a strict gallbladder- and stomach diet and therefore had a craving for a lot
of different meals – even meat! I’d never had much craving for food, I’m more
of a drinks (juice and Indian black tea 😊
) person. But now - I SO want fried cheese!
Visited the summer residence of the Czech presidents - chateau Lány.
Received
a consultation on a film script translation from one of Latvia’s most respected
directors and script writers (Laila Pakalniņa).
Discovered
and met my “successor and heir” – the only other person in the Brno area who
has discovered Latvia for himself and fallen in love with it and learned
Latvian by himself.
Have been trying to working effectively. I’d never done that in my life, I just worked
as I could, but this year, I started thinking about the effectivity of it all. Started
using an online planner called Notion and it’s actually very good.
Took
part in a sporting project and was actually fired from this volunteer work! The
boss somehow thought I wasn’t loyal enough – well, he works for a hockey team
where you need to have that extreme team spirit, while I’m a freelance
translator, so that doesn’t mix very well.
Worked
in the historical centre of Brno – guarded an exhibition for the Brno Zoo right
next to the mediaeval Old Town Hall! The building I worked in was built in the
14th century and it was great because the stone walls were so thick that
they protected me from the summer heat 😊
Did
a proofreading of an ornithological magazine.
Spent
two nights in a chateau during an ornithological conference.
Celebrated
100th anniversary of Czech (and Slovak) independence from Austria. Now
that’s a first – and a last 😊 Granted,
visiting Austria is a strange way to celebrate the independence from it, but
that wasn’t the only thing we did 😊 and it shows how the relationship between the
Czech Republic and Austria is good and we hold no grudges.
Took
part in the 100th anniversary of Latvian independence celebrations,
too.
Saw
an opera in the Czech National Theatre (Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka), and it was
beyond great. Simple yet symbolic stage setting, very dramatic and relatable
story.
Managed
to walk 15 kilometres in a hilly area after my operation and saw the effects of
drought on the forests. They were quiet, and it was eerie.
Visited
the Czech Nature and Landscape Protection Agency (Agentura ochrany přírody a
krajiny).
Uploaded
a picture in Wikimedia Commons.
Ate
British custard cream biscuits and Scottish shortbread.
Participated in a translation seminar with the actual author of the Lithuanian story we were translating.
Did you keep your New Year’s
resolutions, and will you make one this year?
I didn't make any.
But
I’d like to make three New Year’s resolutions in 2019:
2) Only
visit Facebook twice a week
3) Work
on my Exploring Czechia website
4
Did anyone close to you give
birth?
No.
Did anyone close to you die?
No,
thank God.
What would you like to have in
2019 that you lacked in 2018?
Health.
A Protestant congregation to belong to. Faith. Free time, free time, free time! Opportunity to do something fun, preferably with a nice bloke 😊
What countries/states did you
visit?
I
actually went abroad after 7 years of being stuck in the Czech Republic. It was
just a day in Austria, i.e. not far from my home because I live close to the
border with Austria, but it was great!
What date from 2018 will
remain etched upon your memory?
Hopefully,
none 😊 my head is too full as it is :-D
Did you move anywhere?
No.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I
finished a course on legal terminology for translators and passed the final
exam, in spite of poor health and the incredible amount of information I had to
learn.
I
also translated a book and two films 😊
What was your biggest failure?
I
lost my faith. Partly. I’m sort of taking a break and re-discovering God. I’ve
never been such a weird mixture of a non-believer and an earnest Christian in
my life.
I
didn’t manage to finish all the translation projects from 2017 (that I didn't finish in 2017 due to
my disease).
I
also didn’t have time to write to a nice lady I’d met in hospital. Have written to her now, though 😊
Did you suffer illness or injury?
The
chain of diseases from 2017 continued – first, post-operative problems with the
non-existent gallbladder, then stomach problems, then esophagitis... I also had
a lot of health problems that scared me and required investigation, but it always
turned out they are side effects of the stomach medication I take and can be
solved easily by taking mineral supplements.
I
also went to a musical worship where the music was so loud that my ears started
to hurt and I had to run out, covering them.
It
turned out I have hyperacusis (an untreatable ear condition that makes loud
noises hurt in your ears) and it limits my possibilities and social life a lot.
What was the best thing you
bought?
I didn’t buy much this year,
but the new computer keyboard and the notepad for my dance classes are nice. Plus I bought The Sims 3 for my
new computer (couldn’t transfer it from the old one). I LOVE that game, but I
don’t play it in the usual way – I mostly create towns and houses. Don’t have
much time to play it, though.
And I’ve always dreamed of a
box with many drawers and compartments for my handicraft tools and materials,
but never had the money to buy it. So, I’ve started making it myself this year.
Whose behaviour merited
celebration?
My
mom's and my sister Hanka’s, who somehow managed to survive my diseases and horrible moods caused
by them. My sister has also
started to organize and tidy up her room for the first time in her life and I’m
incredibly happy about that.
Robert
Vlach’s – he’s the most famous Czech freelance consultant and his Facebook page
posts very useful advice. Some of the best changes in my life I mention
here are down to him.
My
aunt’s and godmother’s who have helped me a lot with my spiritual life and
health, respectively (they’re a pastor and a nurse, respectively 😊 )
A fellow translator's from Latvian who he gave me motivation to keep my
professional activities going when I was struggling to find a purpose in life
after my disease. It’s nice to have someone express confidence in your abilities
when you’ve been worried you might be handicapped for the rest of your life.
The European Union's, because it paid for my Latvian friend's mother's treatment of a serious disease. The medication is very expensive and she couldn't afford it. But she got it from the EU for free and that saved her life.
The European Union's, because it paid for my Latvian friend's mother's treatment of a serious disease. The medication is very expensive and she couldn't afford it. But she got it from the EU for free and that saved her life.
The
people at the Brno Zoo’s because they were very nice to me when I was working
the summer job there.
The
girls’ who shared the room with me during the ornithological conference because
I got a panic attack due to exhaustion but they handled it brilliantly.
Whose behaviour made you
appalled and depressed?
My
father’s, because he didn’t come to see me once during my six-month disease
that included an operation. “I can’t leave the house for more than one day, my
central heating would go out.”
A
pastor in Třebíč, a town about 40 kilometres from where I live. I’d known and
admired her when I was a kid, and wanted badly to visit her church all those 6
months when I was ill and unable to travel. When I finally got better and earned
the money to go there, I could only stay in that church for 10 minutes because the speakers were very loud, her voice was shrill and my ears started
to hurt again. Apart from that, in those 10 minutes, she sounded like someone
who watches TV news more than reads the Bible. So it left me feeling betrayed.
The
ornithologists’ who participated in the three-day conference in the chateau
because they were noisy all night, even though I asked them to be quiet. I was
finishing the translation of a film script at the time so I needed sleep. Don’t ornithologists
EVER go to sleep? Perhaps they’re related to owls… 😊
Where did most of your money
go?
Into
rent and food, as usual. I also spent a lot of money on medicine and stuff for
my translating business.
What did you get really,
really, really excited about?
Nothing, which is a first for me. But I got the possibility to exhibit my
embroidered works in the chateau museum in Strážnice in 2020, so I’m looking
forward to that.
What was the
best concert you’ve been to this year?
I’ve only been to one - a traditional Indian music concert.
What song/album will always
remind you of 2018?
Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. For lyrics, see the end of this article.
Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd, featuring DeForest Kelley from Star Trek
Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd, featuring DeForest Kelley from Star Trek
And
the piano music from Winnie the Pooh audiobook I listened to a lot.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
1.
happier or sadder?
Much, much happier. And healthier.
I was in such a horrible state at the end of 2017, not being able to eat or sleep and mourning the death of a friend and thinking I was going to die as well – so it’s very easy to be happier now :-D
I was in such a horrible state at the end of 2017, not being able to eat or sleep and mourning the death of a friend and thinking I was going to die as well – so it’s very easy to be happier now :-D
2.
thinner or fatter?
Much, much thinner. I lost 13 kilograms during 2017 and 2018 due to the disease
and gallbladder operation.
3.
richer or poorer?
About the same.
What do you wish you’d done
more of?
Talking
to people.
What do you wish you’d done
less of?
Visiting
Facebook. I took a couple days off Facebook during Christmas and realized what
a waste of time it is. Trouble is, it’s not always waste of time... it's great for talking to people about
interesting stuff, and they contact me on FB about professional matters, too. But it's too overwhelming.
What was your greatest musical
discovery?
Run
Boy Run by Woodkid. It’s a great song to do intuitive dancing to 😊
How did you spend Christmas?
Alone
at home, but unlike last year, I wasn’t ill, so it was much better 😊
Who did you spend the most
time on the phone with?
My
mom, grandmother and sister, probably. This year, I spent more time chatting with my other sister and am very happy about that.
What was the best book you
read?
Kārlis Dziļleja – Garlībs
Merķelis – a biography of an 18th-19th century German –
Latvian philosopher and journalist. “A philosopher’s biography” doesn’t sound
like exciting reading - but it is! He travelled a lot. He was a total failure
at first and it took him a long time to find his place and purpose in life but
when he did, he became a huge asset to his country. I sort of saw myself in him.
Amálie Kutinová – Gabra a
Málinka. The exploits of two little girls in the early 20th century
Wallachia – the Eastern part of the Czech Republic, recorded by the younger of
the girls later in her life. Incredibly funny. Wallachia is where my surname comes
from and it’s a great way to learn what this wild but honest and friendly
country was like 110 years ago.
C.S. Lewis – Perelandra. Symbolic,
philosophical, Christian sci-fi. Very good and very hard to understand. I don’t
know what it is about sci-fi that’s helped me so much this year 😊 C.S. Lewis was an unbelievable person. I know
several people with the same scope of education and intelligence, but none of
them has his earnest excitement about stories and ability to describe
sensations vividly. It feels like his brain and heart and soul must have been
the size of a mountain range.
Did you fall in love in 2018?
Nope.
Fancied two blokes platonically, but that was out of loneliness.
Met two blokes on a Christian lonely hearts website but it didn't go very well.
What was your favourite TV
show?
Star Dance – the
live TV show where celebrities learn how to dance ballroom dances. The Czech
version is very old-world and dignified, especially this season that was in
honour of the 1918 independence proclamation. I’m not into ballroom dances myself,
but still like the dancing part of it. I also loved the charity episode this year
– they treated the wheelchair-bound dancers as equals this year, and told their
fascinating life stories.
Star Trek (1966-1969). My
sister recommended it to me when I was recovering from a long disease and it
was like water of life to me. The philosophical and sociological issues, the
values, the imagination, the science, the literature aspect of it. And first
and foremost, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy. They were to me what they were to
Captain Kirk – their calm demeanour, intelligence and humour kept me going in
the most troubling times. It turned out that Star Trek was exactly what I
needed to... well, to go back to myself, to find myself again.
Frankie Drake
Mysteries – a new
Canadian period whodunnit
Murder, She Wrote - I watched that a lot, it's a nice series but not my favourite
and of course Murdoch Mysteries, another Canadian period whodunnit and my favourite TV show of them all :-)
Murder, She Wrote - I watched that a lot, it's a nice series but not my favourite
and of course Murdoch Mysteries, another Canadian period whodunnit and my favourite TV show of them all :-)
Do you hate anyone now that
you didn’t hate this time last year?
I somehow get angry more easily, but
no, I don’t hate anyone specifically, except for some politicians.
What did you want and get?
A new computer – it’s a huge contraption put together
from spare parts by my father, but it works perfectly and I like it.
Several pieces of clothing: for example, two
blouses sewn by my sister and a shawl knitted by my mom.
What did you want
and not get?
My
folk costume finished – me and my sister, we bought all the materials and shoes
and everything, but she hasn’t finished sewing it yet. I can’t sew myself.
What didn’t you
want and get?
A stylish rucksack from my
aunt for my birthday.
Classical Indian dance
(kathak) classes with a great Indian teacher.
DVD - Frozen, the Disney
fairy-tale that I like.
What were your favourite films
of this year?
Just Like Heaven,
Decoy Bride. Two brilliant and witty romantic comedies. My sister has great taste in
romantic comedies. And David Tennant is literally the only romantic hero in an English-speaking romantic comedy whom I like.
I also saw Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald
in cinema and loved it. Granted, I’m a huge Wizarding World fan so I’m not
exactly impartial 😊
Planeta Česko. That was the second film I
saw in a cinema – the first Czech feature film on Czech nature. It was a big
deal here this year, and it’s great.
What kept you sane?
On reflection, I would say sci-fi 😊
Which celebrity/public
figure did you fancy the most?
Jan Bubák. That wasn’t
really fancying a public figure, as I’ve known him since childhood and was baptized
with him, but I’ve learned he has become an opera conductor with the Czech
National Theatre – a very prestigious position. I don’t know anyone who
deserves it more, as he’s not only a good conductor but also a good person. I’m
also proud that the National Theatre now has someone who studied in Lithuania,
just like I did.
Jackson DeForest
Kelley. I discovered him in Star Trek where he played Dr.
McCoy and fell in love with him. I thought “He must have been such a nice bloke!”
And sure enough, everything I read about him said he was level-headed and kind and had a way of making everyone feel at ease.
Wunmi Mosaku, a Nigerian-British
actress. Me and my sister were watching Fantastic Beasts and in the end credits,
I noticed her name and said “Wow, that sounds familiar!” Then I remembered hers
was the family that accommodated me in 1997 when my children’s choir was
visiting Manchester. She was the youngest of three daughters and the family
were very nice and great fun. So, I actually met an accomplished British
film actress when she was 11! It’s so surreal, considering the Iron Curtain had
barely fallen by then.
I don’t know what it is with me and Nigerian-British
actors, because my favourite actor is Tony Osoba, a Scottish actor with a
Nigerian father.
Veronika Lálová
and Alice Stodůlková and Dalibor Gondík. Two of the female
dancers of the Star Dance TV show whose choreographies I like, and one of the
celebrities that competed there. I don’t know anything about him but I liked how
excited he was about learning the technique and physics of dancing.
What one thing would have
made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Health. Free time. Opportunities to meet people. Going
to church.
What political issue
stirred you the most?
This whole year was politically stirring. The first
murder of a journalist in the history of Slovakia, our prime minister governing
with the support of Communists (ugh), municipal elections (the results of which
I actually liked 😊 ), the Russia-Ukraine
conflict, Parliament elections in Latvia, teacher strikes in Lithuania etc. etc. I do proofreading for TV and radio news monitoring, so
being stirred by political issues is an everyday thing now.
The Kavanaugh hearing and the MeToo movement.
The Kavanaugh hearing and the MeToo movement.
I most actively participated in the reaction to the Czech president's claim that almost no gypsy (Roma) people in the Czech Republic work. It's nonsense. I gained a gypsy Facebook friend in the process.
I also took part in a protest against the Communist support for the new, mildly leftist government.
Who did you miss?
My best friend who moved back to Latvia in 2017 and
remained there. My grandmother whom I wasn’t able to visit much. People who
specialize in Baltic Studies.
Tell us a valuable life
lesson you learned in 2018.
Facebook
makes you not miss talking to people, and that’s not good.
Leisure
time is very important. You become sort of more yourself when you have free
time and use it creatively.
Sometimes
God doesn’t talk to you simply because your brain is too full and there’s no
space there for Him.
Quote a song lyric that
sums up your year.
Pink Floyd: Comfortably
Numb
Hello? Hello? Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me
Is there anyone at home?
Just nod if you can hear me
Is there anyone at home?
Come on now
I hear you're feeling down
Well I can ease your pain
I hear you're feeling down
Well I can ease your pain
Get you on your feet again
Relax
I'll need some information first
Just the basic facts
Can you show me where it hurts?
There is no pain you are
receding
A distant ship smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
A distant ship smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
When I was a child I had a fever
My hands felt just like two balloons
Now I've got that feeling once again
I can't explain you would not understand
This is not how I am
I have become comfortably numb
Okay
Just a little pinprick
There'll be no more, ah
Just a little pinprick
There'll be no more, ah
But you may feel a little
sick
Can you stand up?
I do believe it's working, good
That'll keep you going through the show
Come on it's time to go
There is no pain you are
receding
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
When I was a child
I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my
eye
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
The child is grown
The dream is gone
I have become comfortably numb
The dream is gone
I have become comfortably numb
My
horrible 6-month illness (October 2017-March 2018) had a purpose, after all! I
learned a lot about the human body and later, I was able to tell that my sister
Anna Marie is suffering from the same disease.
So
at least SHE avoided six months of ill health, suffering and financial
problems. It would have been far worse in her case because I’m single and work
from home, while she’s married and works with people.
I
never realized how important having fun was! I’ve been doing what I enjoy all
my life, all sorts of interesting projects and hobbies – but I haven’t had
proper fun for a long time! I don’t even know what makes me happy, happy as in
– just relaxed, playful, having fun. I’d been living too intensely, wanting my life
to have not one, but about a hundred purposes. And it nearly killed me
(literally).
So
I became “comfortably numb” – working happily but mechanically, no dreams, no plans, no
creativity, being secretly glad I have so much to do that I don’t have time to ring
my mom or to go out and meet people. I’d never been so exhausted in my life.
But
now, I’m rising like a phoenix from the ashes. And my mission for the next
year: find out how to have fun!