At the end of the year it is usually pretty easy to look back on the past twelve months with fondness, this year however...
Galactically, 2014 was about the amazing Philae spacecraft landing on that comet, but internationally the year was a very mixed bag.
We had wars, skirmishes and the rise and rise of stateless terrorism. Then there was Ebola, G20, Malaysia Airlines, the Ukraine, the rise and fall of democracy in Hong Kong, Libya, Syria and Egypt, the gun-toting blade runner, the murderous Taliban, kidnapped African children and a belligerent Russia with the associated infamous, but non-existent, shirtfront.
At home, the main themes were the terrible events in Sydney with that criminal fool with a gun and hostages, institutionalised paedophilia investigations, an unfair federal budget, disappearing mining and carbon taxes, PUP, a dodgy state budget, moving from the road toll to toll roads, Buswell, Nalder and sharks, sharks and more sharks.
With so much strife and pessimism around, it is hard to keep in mind we have never had it so good. This doesn't mean that there aren't problems, however, no other time in history has ever produced the life expectancy, health, wealth, education and wellbeing of those of us alive now and sometimes we forget that.
This advancement can only happen during times of economic growth and peace. Countries consumed by war cannot progress because fighting drains their intellect, finances and energy.
Not having any religious beliefs, I often wonder why the world's three big religions don't just get their gods to stop the fighting.
After a couple of thousand years of slaughter being carried out in their name - surely that couldn't be too much to ask of an omnipotent deity?
Back home again, that despicable mining boom has nearly ended. Remember the good old days with the green whingers shouting from the rooftops that the boom never helped anyone?
Well, dark greenfolk... how does that all look now?
Two of the most touching and cathartic events of the year had to be the public responses to the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes and the Sydney Lindt Café hostage drama.
Both these utterly shocking but completely different events brought out the good side of our country.
No one would choose these circumstances as a demonstration of our hidden national traits but it was wonderful to see the bats put out for Hughes. It was also good that people were thinking of and supporting Sean Abbott, the bowler.
If anything could ever cut through the haters' rants it was the #iwillridewithyou response aimed at countering possible retributive action against innocent people after the Sydney hostage drama.
These public responses were timely and pleasing reminders that in the midst of tragedies there are a lot more good people around than there are dickheads and bigots.
Politics was big this year again and for once I feel sorry (not really) for the Federal Treasurer. After years of the public telling pollies to stop spending, Smokin' Joe gives it a crack and now it seems the nation will collapse if he slashes anything.
There must be somewhere that serious cuts can be made because if there is not, more pain will be imminent.
However, while targeting cuts is everything, there cannot be any at the ABC.
Why?
Simply as the PM promised there wouldn't be any.
Election promises are the lifeblood of elections and form a social compact between electors and the elected. If promises are retracted, the election result should also be retracted.
The ABC has every right to be upset, but I suspect it's the ex-Fairfax workers and journalists that are shouting – welcome to the real world folks!
As a regular user and watcher, I happen to agree with the ABC but I cannot figure how ABC journos are able to use your ABC to argue their case is impartial and independent journalism.
Personally, this has been the best year for a long time.
Our family has been blessed with another gorgeous grandchild to join the other three gems and it doesn't get any better for an old grandpa than that, so I am off for Christmas cuddles.
This will be my last column for the year. I hope we all survive and are able to link up again in the future.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
