Here is the quiz that I've been doing for a few year's from Linda's website. I have to say, this year seems to be a bit of a blur. I knew it would be - I've been saying for months that I am going to look back at this year while Mike was in Detroit for work and think I was in a sort of fog. I'm not 100% without him, and I'm sorry if some of my answers suck because of that.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Went to Italy. Installed a tile backsplash in our condo kitchen. Painted all the trim. Housebroke dog (mostly!). Was my sister's matron of honor at her wedding.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My new year's resolutions were: to keep a journal (I gave up, I freaking HATED documented what I did daily. With a red hot fiery passion. At least I gave it a go and now I know that I hate it!), attend Digital Photo 2 (I ended up not doing this yet because I saved up for and just purchased a new camera. I want to do that class in the spring once I'm a bit more acquainted with the new camera), no caffeine (I do pretty good at this. I'll take a nip off Mike's diet coke every once and again but largely stick to my low-caf tea and water), buy paper shredder (done!), website and cart for name frames (website is done, cart notsomuch. It's harder than I thought and I have no idea how to finish it), quit candy (this one was woefully incomplete. I gave up pretty early in the year), and finish scarf (done! and I get many compliments on it!)
I am not sure what my 2010 resolutions are going to be.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmmm... our friends Andy and Michelle had their daughter Sam. A friend's wife had a baby, and a coworker had a cute little guy as well. Plus our neighbors had a baby on my Dad's birthday - they live the closest to us of anyone!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope
5. What countries did you visit?
Italy (2 weeks with the parents and Mike - best vacation EVER), Australia (for work. 2 weeks there as well which ROCKED.. we were there for that wild crazy sandstorm!), Mexico (for my friend Dora's wedding.... nachos eaten at every meal)
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I'll call this one unspoken request #1
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 1 and 20 (keeping reasons to myself). On November 10 I turned 30 which was really actually quite nice contrary to everything I thought it would be.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I painted our entire condo, trim and all walls. Hubs and I installed a tile backsplash and we had new carpet put in. All the internal improvements to the condo resulted in a 12% increase in value of our condo and allowed us to FINALLY refinance!! We finally put a focus on saving money which I am very proud of us for.
I also feel that this past year with Hubs working in Detroit has really forced us to make our relationship a priority. And I think it's a great accomplishment that I feel that our relationship is stronger for the distance and the strife.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Lack of patience and a bit of jealousy. But the jealous thing is alot better right now, for some odd reason I have been content with me. Patience is something I still need ALOT more of.10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not too much really. My colds are far fewer and farther between than when you could smoke in public places and before my acid reflux was diagnosed.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New Camera!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Hubs for being my rock. My girlfriends, who prove no matter what happens that they are there for me. My Mom and Dad for always listening to everything I say and making it all better.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Politicians because they just seem to like to argue rather than actually do their jobs.. Other than that, not really anyone.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage. Bills. Savings. I did save a ton of my allowance and birthday money to buy the new Nikon D300S. It's tha bomb dot com fo shiz.
15. What did you get really excited about?
My birthday. Any festivity in the summer. St Patty's day. Basically I had a good year celebrating with friends and having fun! Beating the dog to the door to be the first one to greet Hubs when he gets back every Friday.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus (so freaking sue me it is catchy). Best I ever had by Drake.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? happier
– thinner or fatter? about the same. if you'd asked me a few months ago I would have had to say fatter!
– richer or poorer? richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
exercise and eat well
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
eat junky food. counting chickens before they are hatched.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Evansville with my family. Laughing at my niece Gracie who loves to chuck stuff on the floor and at people, and say "oooooohhhhh" and point. She also points at Milly and barks, but it sounds like a monkey "oof, oof!"
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Even more with Hubs. I feel like I fell a bit out of love with the city this year. I guess it's harder to manage city-living without Hubs around all the time.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother. Top Chef (normal season and Masters). Glee (oh how I love Glee!!)
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. I can't say I really hate anyone. More like I really pity some people, people who do my loved ones wrong. Because they don't get to have the awesomeness that is my loved ones in their lives.
24. What was the best book you read?
Is it sad I can't remember what books I read this year? I read so many books that they kind of blur together. But I did get a library card finally!! I really liked Kite Runner and A Thousand Shining Suns, but can't remember if I read those this year or the year before.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I really love the Glee soundtracks and Glee in general.
26. What did you want and get?
A refinance!! New carpet! A tile backsplash! A beagle who doesn't regularly douse the hardwood floors.
27. What did you want and not get?
Unspoken request #1.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I really liked the Time Traveller's wife. And the Hangover still makes me laugh. Not you, Fat Jesus.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
It was a pretty normal day. I went to work. My coworkers and I went to Venice for lunch. After I came home, Hubs and I went to Flemings for dinner. It was my second Flemings birthday, and I would gladly spend every bday dinner there. A glass of Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, Flemings potatoes, a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, surf and turf, topped off with chocolate lava cake. I am making myself hungry talking about it all! Plus I got to have Hubs at home for my actual bday, which was the best present ever.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Unspoken request #1. More exercising. Hubs being around more.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
My personal fashion concept is still cheap tops and expensive jeans. Although I did get some knockoff Sevens. I did finally give into the jeans tucked into slouchy boots trend, in addition to big fun belts and not-matchy outfit colors (brown boots with black shirts... how did I not get the memo sooner?).
32. What kept you sane?
Painting our condo (keeping myself busy). Really great girlfriends. Having my boss to chat at over the cubicle wall. I don't know if he even listens to me but it's nice to think someone is there to listen to my chatter.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Oh mah goodness, Ryan Reynolds is so pretty. Me likey.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Healthcare. No one should have to go broke because they get sick. I'm not sure what the solution is, but it's not what we have now.
35. Who did you miss?
Hubs!! Every week, Monday through Friday.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Andy and Michelle's daughter Sam. She's such a well-mannered little gal.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Happiness is a choice. I hope to learn in 2010 that dreams can come true. I bought a necklace that says that and everything.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
This is the question I like the least. I have no idea!!
Every year I think of the Green Day (maybe?) song "I hope you had the time of your life"... and I like to think that I make every year count. I have had the time of my life, every year.
