Best and Worst: What were your high and low lights of 2013?

We’re almost there everyone. It’s just those last desperate, stumbling steps to the finish line of 2013. You can put it behind you, move on and forget it ever happened. Look forward to a brighter and easier and more relaxing year ahead. Yadda yadda yadda.

I know it’s the done thing to complain at the end of the year about all the crappy things that happened to you and recommit to do better. But I’ve actually had a pretty wonderful 2013.

As for everyone, there’ve been some high and low points in my year. But on the whole 2013 was pretty bloody fabulous. So before I get to my Best and Worst of the year (for the newcomers – this is a weekly Mamamia tradition where we share a little about our lives) I want to say this:

Let’s look forward with optimism, sure, but let’s also look back with a bit of grace and be thankful for what we’ve had. In an uncertain, unsteady and often scary world it’s easy to get caught up in our first world problem. It might sound a bit naff but if you’ve got enough food to eat, water to drink, a roof over your head and people in your life who love you – then you’re doing okay.

Best: I’ve got two ‘bests’ for 2013. Because I am Extremely Greedy.

The first is the wonderful blokes who made my 2013 what it was. My partner Jeremy, who is completely and utterly supportive of everything I do (except for cleaning the wok incorrectly) and my best friend in the world. My dad, who isn’t much of a talker but continues to pick up the phone and stay in touch now that we don’t live in the same city. He has also given me some remarkably accurate and impressive advice this year. And my housemates, who I rave about on Mamamia all the time; they are brilliant blokes who have become far more like family than friends.

And next? You guessed it. The women who were part of my life in 2013. In particular my amazing team at Mamamia who – just when you think they couldn’t be any better – step it up another notch. I think Nat Hawk put it best, when I was discussing the most popular websites in the world and mentioned Facebook. She looked straight at me and then around to the rest of the group and said “We should aim for that. Let’s be Facebook”. Success comes to those who fight for it and the success of the Mamamia team was much deserved this year.

Mia Freedman has been the most wonderful, kind and always-bloody-brilliant mentor and boss. Seriously, I won the employer lottery last year and it continues to pay dividends. My sister has kept her good humour and irreverence through series of set backs this year but has come out on top and seeing her so excited about what 2014 will bring leaves me in a good mood all the time. And for my mum it’s been a terribly tough year but she has remained the rock of our family; steady, generous and loving. I don’t know how she does it.

Worst: And that, I suppose, leads me to my worst. My mother’s mother – my Nan – passed away in August this year. It’s strange how the expected can still hurt so much and hit so very hard. While I’m relieved that her illness has come to an end, it’s hard to accept that a formidable woman who has been a constant presence in my life, is no longer here.

What’s on my mind: 2014 is on my mind. I am an eternal optimist and am ready for the holidays to be over so I can sink my teeth into the challenges of next year. We’ve got big plans for Mamamia and sister website iVillage, so please stay tuned as we bring you the best of the internet for yet another twelve months.

What was your highlight of 2013? How about your lowlight? What’s on your mind today?