Well, in the words of the Arctic Monkeys, “it’s two thousand and thirteen all across the galaxy” but not for much longer. What has the year given me, what have I taken form the year? The birth of this for a start. The monologue that is a universal dialogue. My therapy, my vent your insight into the surface of a fragment of my reality. You may say “he’s an egotist,” “pretentious” and you may be right but all I want to do is make the historians lives easier when they piece together the evidence for my great biography.

January, Biffy Clyro released their double album which all in all I have to say was impressive. It is a bit of a regret that I didn’t go to see them in April when they were in Aberdeen but, there is still time. I suppose they were a sparking point for the start of the blog, I had originally planned to review a lot of things; I have done so partially, more in the odd opinion than direct critiques. I’ve tried to make comment more than make judgement, or make comment and infer judgement. Vagueness is a characteristic I have noticed in myself this year, avoiding being direct is cripplingly easy.

Academically, I swung my legs over the standard grade hurdle and chose my highers. As I have to repeat many a time these are as follows: Maths, English, History, German and Chemistry. I am asked what I want to do after school, depending on how comfortable I am, I will answer, “I don’t really know” or, “I definitely want to go to university but I’m not really sure what I’m going to do.” Historically, as a throwaway answer to fill a box I’ve said journalism. Now, I see that most are not credible and are employed to have a particular bias. One cannot be to critical of journalists though as I am, technically, an amateur journalist.

An ethical career. That’s what I would like, a job where I feel by working I am making the world a better place. That’s what I’ve discovered about myself this year, I am idealistic but I’m a skeptic. However I am an optimist and never a cynic. As The Cribs song says, “I’m a realist, I’m a romantic, I am indecisive and that’s about it.”

With my work I’ve made some real friends. In particular a certain head chef who fled these islands for a new future in Edinburgh. He, more than anyone, has had the greatest impact on my life. I realised, in his company, that maybe I wasn’t so weird after all and there was hope that maybe someday I could meet someone who could really understand me, perhaps more than I understand myself. He shared with me his wonderful lore of indie music and life advice for which I am a richer person today.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition, I have to say despite blisters that stayed with me for weeks afterwards, was a highlight of the year. I have decided that however mad it seems, considering the appalling conditions by day 3, that just wandering around in the middle of nowhere with your friends, an oppressively heavy backpack and a compass is actually great fun.  My volunteering with the Pier Arts Centre has given me more confidence and general skills and was very privileged to receive a Summit Saltire Award from them.

This Christmas I joined the choir at school, I claimed I was press-ganged but I suppose you could say it was tolerable. I’ve jumped ship in the wind band and now align myself with the rhythm section playing bass guitar (a worthwhile new addition to the growing rig.) Christmas well and truly lost its magic this year, with all presents in full view in the living room. The day was tainted with some humbling news, but it was merry nonetheless.

What does 2014 hold for me? Well I turn 17 in February so I’ll be on the road soon enough. I’ve already had an introductory lurch forward in the driveway (I didn’t stall.) Sitting highers…university applications :O The Commonwealth Games I suppose. The Referendum…and what else, who knows?