This is my second New Year’s Quiz. Here’s my first one. Thank you, again, to Linda from All & Sundry for the inspiration. She’s right, it is cool to look back.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I got paid for essays. I got a colored tattoo. I started seeing a therapist. I sustained myself with freelance work for an entire year. I started designing Twitter backgrounds.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I probably wanted to write more fiction. I didn’t do it this year. Again. I’m trying to keep it in mind for 2010 but I’m not making “resolutions” anymore.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister-in-law had a baby early in the summer. My cousin had a baby a few months ago. Several bloggy friends had babies.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Grandpa died in March.
5. What countries did you visit?
None!
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better understanding of my physical health and well-being.
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 26th, 2009. My Grandpa died in my mother’s arms while we were driving home from a nostalgic trip to Gainesville. My dad called my cell to tell me.
April 7th, 2009. Madeline Spohr passed away.
April 11th, 2009. My son turned three.
Michael Jackson’s Memorial. Not because of the Michael Jackson part, but because my mom called me while I was watching it and told me that the doctor had finally gotten her biopsy and that she needed to go to an onconlogist and start radiation in the morning. My heart shattered that afternoon. Two days later we learned that her doctor had completely misread and misunderstood her lab reports and given her a false diagnosis. She’s fine now.
November 18th, 2009. My baby turned one.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Continuing to edge my way into the online community I respect and admire has been a struggle and joy for me this year. Also, these twenty things.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Getting too wrapped up in negativity stemming from online relationships and online shit. Especially that online shit that doesn’t even directly affect me. Sometimes I hear this crazy boss I had yelling “I AM SO TIRED OF YOUR OPINIONS.” (True story.) Ha.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a mole surgically removed in July. It was kind of a minor surgery type thing. Other than that, just a few little colds. My vagina has finally recovered from childbirth. I think.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New underwear. Boots. Puzzles for my three-year-old. A bunch of Haribo Bears off Amazon.com. Swim lessons.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My children. Even when they’re bad a handful, I need to remember to celebrate them. Cause they’re pretty awesome. And they teach me so much.
I’m really proud of Chipmunk for making it through his swimming lessons. He’s now a vaguely proficient swimmer.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A handful of folks on the Internet.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, food.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
BlogHer! In fact, I got so excited I probably worked myself up into a bit too much of a frenzy. Starting with NOT SLEEPING AT ALL before flying to Chicago. Oops. But man, I was excited. I was also very excited about our trip to Disney, and I’m so happy it went really well.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Mylie Cyrus, Party in the USA. Good lord, that’s embarrassing.
Three Little Birds. (The version on Noggin.)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Much happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner.
c) richer or poorer? Financially, about the same. Emotionally, richer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Read books. The paper kind. And exercised.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Devoted energy to arguments, wank and drama on the Internet.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
We opened presents here under the tree. Chipmunk wasn’t too sure about his new scooter. Then we headed to my moms to open stockings and gifts with them and my siblings. Then we took a break a home while I packed. Then we went to my Aunt’s for Christmas dinner. Then we drove presents back here, dropped them off, drove four hours to Miami, and opened more presents with my inlaws in Coral Gables. In conclusion, holy crap toys.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I stayed in love, does that count? Also I may have fallen in love with Robert Downey Jr. again.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Community, Gossip Girl, Top Chef, Project Runway, 30 Rock, the Office, Dollhouse, Modern Family.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope. I no longer respect a few people but I don’t hate anyone.
24. What was the best book you read?
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Lady Gaga.
26. What did you want and get?
A stress-free awesome family vacation.
27. What did you want and not get?
A sorrow-free year for the people I love.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Sherlock Holmes came in right under the wire. I also really enjoyed Up.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to dinner with my friend Andi and her family. I turned 29. George and I also threw a Rock Star Karaoke Party for ourselves since our birthdays are two weeks apart. He also turned 29.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Peaceful sleep. Still.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
“What are the kids wearing these days?”
32. What kept you sane?
Phone calls with Lauren, Awesome Pasta, tandem naps, both kids sleeping through the night, proscuitto ham, chips and salsa, when my husband does the dishes, spontaneous hugs and kisses, my ladyfriends, Twitter, naps, my Tassimo machine.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Robert Downey Jr.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Several states failing to provide gay marriage rights.
35. Who did you miss?
I miss Grandpa at the strangest times. When I see a silhouette that reminds me of him. When I hear an outboard motor. When I think about wind on the bay. On Christmas Eve. When I smell sunscreen.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I met Laurin Evans on the Internet, found out she lived nearby, stalked her, and flew to BlogHer with her. She totally saved my life on the plane and in Chicago and she has since then become one of my best friends. I adore her.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Shit can change very quickly. Be present. Give yourself love and affection. Breathe.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“When you’re in my heart, you’re in my family.”
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