Reflection, Eventually

Perhaps it's a little late to be looking back on the year that was 2005. Call it New Year depression but wasn't it a great year? Aside from films of course. Firstly, let me tell you who I think were the women of the year, away from Hollywood:

3. Gwen Stefani

Achievements: Released a killer album, 'Love, Angel, Music, Baby' (my favourite of the year), as well as one of the greatest pop albums of the new millenium. Her four singles, and an excellent duet with Pharrell ensured she was never off the radio.

Bonus Points: Won an MTV Award. Got married. Fell pregnant.

Why I Like Her: She embraces being different, always sings live, brings vibrance, colour, and imagination to the stage. A true performer in her own right.

2. Kim Clijsters

Achievements: Recovered from a lengthy lay0ff with a foot injury to win her comeback tournament, Miami, and to win two other hard-court titles before her first Grand Slam victory at the US Open in September.

Bonus Points: A reputation for choking that she dismissed when making an astonishing comeback against Venus Williams before giving Maria Sharapova a third-set whitewash in the Semi Final. Did all this after breaking off her engagement from Aussie hotshot Lleyton Hewitt.

Why I Like Her: She hits the ball more cleanly than anyone else. She lost four Grand Slam finals before her victory at Flushing Meadows. Gets on with everybody - a truly delightful person gracious in victory and defeat.

1. Kate Moss

Achievements: Recovered from a horrific media onslaught after she was captured taking cocaine. In a tabloid frenzy,she was dropped from two major labels, but later gained deals with other brands.

Bonus Points: A junkie waste-of-space boyfriend that she dumped after doing a successful stint in Rehab.

Why I Like Her: Admitted that she made a mistake, and emerged victorious through media witch hunts and public disparagement. Brave, and extremely endearing.

Early Contenders for Women of 2006:

Martina Hingis - Coming back from retirement, Hingis reached the Quarter-Finals of the Australian Open -- an amazing feat. Still with limited power she remains one of the most skillful players the world has ever seen and is an inspiration to the youth of the game.

Chantelle Houghton - As a non-celebrity in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, a revelation. Who says people need talent to be a celebrity? This girl is a star. Good things come to those who wait.