Anna Turner- A very long year | Canterbury Opinion | Local Voices from Canterbury, New Zealand

Leaving aside discussions of EQC's efficiency and Tony Marryatt's pay rise, I think there is one thing everyone in Christchurch can agree on right now- it's been a long year. 

I remember having a conversation with a friend at about this time last year. We were saying how it had been quite a year-what with the September quake and constant aftershocks-and we were looking forward to a new year.  

"Earthquakes definitely aren't invited into 2011," I recall her saying.  

How wrong we were.  

February 22. June 13. Over 7000 aftershocks. No-one would deny we've had it tough. Lives have been lost, houses ruined, nerves frayed, and morale has been at an all time low. For many it's probably been the worst year of their lives.  

For me, it's been a huge mixture. I lost my friend, I lost my flat, The Star lost its building.

We operated out of the Cricket Club Rooms in Hagley Park for six months after our Tuam St building was wrecked. Every day, we'd trudge in through mud, snow- or a sludgy mixture of both- to an office with no landlines and minimal heating.

What kept us going (besides the sausage rolls that would often appear out of the staff kitchen) was that the people we were  writing about were in much worse situations. It was very humbling.  

There have been some upsides to this year too. I feel privileged to have been part of the earthquake coverage- from the direct aftermath, right through to the Royal Commission inquiries this month.

Some of my best friends have moved away to other regions, but I've also met some amazing people and I've become closer to the people I already knew here through the shared experiences we've had.  

And after all that has passed, I have to say, I'm exhausted.  

Lately, no matter how early I go to bed, or how much sugar free V I consume (prompting some to call me an addict), I feel run down.  

I'm sure many Cantabrians feel the same.  

I've been noticing tempers flaring more than usual this holiday season. Tooting cars, pushing and shoving in the malls- it seems t'is the season to be irritable.   

Basically, I think we're all in desperate need of a break.  

Personally, I'm lucky enough to have some time off work and will be spending it down the Marlborough Sounds. All I want for Christmas is a good book and some sunshine.

I hope everyone in Christchurch, no matter what their situation, gets some time out to relax with friends and family.  

As it strikes midnight on December 31, a year that I will never forget will draw to a close.  

Now, I don't want to jinx it (again), but I think 2012 will be a fresh start. I believe we've been through the worst and are ready to move on and start rebuilding the city, and our lives.  

Cheesy, I know, but true.  

* Anna Turner's column will resume on January 13.