year-end meme: better late than never.
I started this a while ago and just decided to finish it....
Swiped from darsfebruary
~~~
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Moved out of my home state.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I honestly don't remember what they were, so I definitely didn't keep them. But yes, I will probably make some for 2010 anyway.
Did anyone close to you give birth this year?
A good friend from high school had her first baby in October!
Did anyone close to you die this year?
Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
I spent all of 2009 in the states.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Financial security? Ha.
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 29: arrived in Oregon, signed lease, moved in, was totally overwhelmed.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
2009 was a year of many achievements for me: got my Masters, got into and started a doctoral program, moved 2700 miles from home - I'm proud of all of these things!
What was your biggest failure?
Not attaining exercise and weight loss goals.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major.
What was the best thing you bought this year?
My iPod - I use it more than I ever thought I would.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My partner's. We made the move together and she's impressed me with how well she's handling being far from home and her level of support and acceptance of my time-sucking academics is just incredible. My brother, Matt's. He's schizophrenic and after over 20 years of ups and downs, he's better than ever. He's finally keeping up with treatment, staying healthy - it's the longest sustained period of wellness he's had. I'm so proud of him, happy for him, and so relieved.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
One of my new "friends" from my program. It's not the worst, just the most recently appalling. She's a self-centered, egotistical, mean girl! I have a feeling her behavior comes mostly from a place of insecurity, but she's an adult and I'm at a point in my life where I really don't have any tolerance for people like her. Don't put other people down to raise yourself up, don't call people ugly to their faces. Oh, and we don't care if you were salutatorian and a prom princess in HS! UGH.
Where did most of your money go?
To the move and monthly expenses. We're determined to get ahead in 2010!
What got you really, really, really excited this year?
Getting into a PhD program meant SO much to me. I'd been working toward this goal for 4 years and happened to apply during a recession that prevented some programs from even accepting applications, so it was an even iffier situation than usual. Just getting in meant that, a) I'm good enough, smart enough, and gosh darnit, people like me, b) I wouldn't have to try to find a job with my two English degrees, c) we could fulfill our dream of moving to the west coast, and d) we could throw an EPIC party!
What song(s) will always remind you of 2009?
"Distant Dreamer" - Duffy
"Steer" - Missy Higgins
And I'll forever associate Glee and Lady Gaga with this Fall.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. Not by much.
iii. richer or poorer? Believe it or not, richer! (but only if you count my gf and I as one entity - she's the main breadwinner)
What do you wish you'd done more?
Hiking and outdoorsy stuff in general
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sitting on my butt. Fighting with my partner.
What's your favorite 2009 TV program?
Glee and Grey's.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I can't remember if I "hated" her this time last year, but one of my partner's friends from grad school ended up being a huge bitch. So I hate her in the name of my gf.
What was the best book you read?
Octavia Butler's Kindred was really good, and one I actually read for pleasure. Others: Neuromancer (William Gibson), Oryx and Crake (Margaret Atwood), Hope Leslie (Catharine M. Sedgwick).
What was your 2009 greatest musical discovery?
Gaga. I'm obsessed with her and want her to be my bff. Well, second in command to Kelly Clarkson, but that's beside the point.
What did you want and get?
The program and the move. A new-to-me car. Lots of love and support.
What was your favorite film of 2009?
We saw a lot of movies before making friends... I liked Sunshine Cleaning and that Paul Rudd movie with whats-her-face...? "Slappa da bass, mon." I know there are others, but I'm drawing a blank.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
28. Not sure what we did on my actual birthday, but my mom took me on a shopping spree and out to dinner.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More visitors and more money!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Um. I'm generally a comfy-casual dresser, though I want to work on my wardrobe a bit since I got rid of so much to move and most of my pants don't fit me anymore.
What kept you sane?
Beth, my pets, and substance abuse. JK. Kinda. :)
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Sara Ramirez, Jessica Capshaw, Lady Gaga
What political issue stirred you the most?
Marriage Equality!! Climate Change!!
Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends every day.
Who was the best new person you met?
Between online friends and Oregon friends, I've met a lot of awesome people in 2009!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
I'm not sure if this is a life lesson necessarily, but moving so far from home for the first time has really made me value the relationships I have with people. And while I'll always hold my hometown in my heart, it's not the place I miss, it's the people. Homesickness hits at random and pretty forcefully sometimes, but I've been reminded repeatedly how many people I love and how many people love me... Going into a profession in which pretention and self-centeredness are quite prevalent and almost expected, remaining grounded and being true to who I am is very important to me. And it's my friends and family who will help keep my feet planted firmly on the ground.
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself?
One of my new friends recently told me how happy he is that we met, that I'm his favorite new buddy, that I'm genuine, kind, and adorable. The feeling is mutual. :)
The most touching experience you've had this year?
Hmm. This might sound odd, but telling my parents I love and miss them, and hearing it in reply. We're a close family, but not an emotional one. We never really said I Love You, but now we do, and I'm getting a little choked up about it now...
What did you like most about yourself this year?
I've gained an immeasurable degree of confidence. I don't know where it came from, but I'm suddenly outgoing both socially and academically.
What did you hate most about yourself this year?
I still have trouble talking about the really important things, even with my partner of 5.5 years. Oh, and my muffin top!!! I reeeeally hate my muffin top.
Was 2009 a good year for you?
Absolutely.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
Our going away party was frickin' fantastic. We were funneling and playing beer pong by 4PM. And it was a rare opportunity to be able to see how lucky we are to have so many people who care about us.
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Saying goodbye. Not the first time, though. It was harder to say goodbye before coming back to OR after my brother's wedding.... And it didn't get any easier at the holidays.
Where were you when 2009 began?
Sarah & Katie's (they're sisters, not lovers, and we heart them!). Beth worked until 11, so we were there for the ball drop.
Where will you be when 2009 ends?
Since it has passed, I can tell you - I was at Sarah & Katie's house again, pretty messed up, with a great group of people.
Do you have a new years resolution for 2010?
Improve my time management, continue to reduce my impact on the environment, and sever some ties with technology (we already got rid of cable!!!).
What was your favorite month of 2009?
April-May
How many concerts did you see in 2009?
The only one I can think of is Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey's band) at Portland Pride.
Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009?
Not a big drinker.
You do anything you are ashamed of this year?
I don't think so...
How much money did you spend in 2009?
You really don't want to know how much it cost us to move out here.
What are your plans for 2010?
Keep working really hard, travel and explore more, lose weight, and be happy.
How are you different now that the year has ended?
I'm more confident and I feel like I've reached an entirely new level of maturity and fulfillment.
Swiped from darsfebruary
~~~
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Moved out of my home state.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I honestly don't remember what they were, so I definitely didn't keep them. But yes, I will probably make some for 2010 anyway.
Did anyone close to you give birth this year?
A good friend from high school had her first baby in October!
Did anyone close to you die this year?
Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
I spent all of 2009 in the states.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Financial security? Ha.
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 29: arrived in Oregon, signed lease, moved in, was totally overwhelmed.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
2009 was a year of many achievements for me: got my Masters, got into and started a doctoral program, moved 2700 miles from home - I'm proud of all of these things!
What was your biggest failure?
Not attaining exercise and weight loss goals.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major.
What was the best thing you bought this year?
My iPod - I use it more than I ever thought I would.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My partner's. We made the move together and she's impressed me with how well she's handling being far from home and her level of support and acceptance of my time-sucking academics is just incredible. My brother, Matt's. He's schizophrenic and after over 20 years of ups and downs, he's better than ever. He's finally keeping up with treatment, staying healthy - it's the longest sustained period of wellness he's had. I'm so proud of him, happy for him, and so relieved.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
One of my new "friends" from my program. It's not the worst, just the most recently appalling. She's a self-centered, egotistical, mean girl! I have a feeling her behavior comes mostly from a place of insecurity, but she's an adult and I'm at a point in my life where I really don't have any tolerance for people like her. Don't put other people down to raise yourself up, don't call people ugly to their faces. Oh, and we don't care if you were salutatorian and a prom princess in HS! UGH.
Where did most of your money go?
To the move and monthly expenses. We're determined to get ahead in 2010!
What got you really, really, really excited this year?
Getting into a PhD program meant SO much to me. I'd been working toward this goal for 4 years and happened to apply during a recession that prevented some programs from even accepting applications, so it was an even iffier situation than usual. Just getting in meant that, a) I'm good enough, smart enough, and gosh darnit, people like me, b) I wouldn't have to try to find a job with my two English degrees, c) we could fulfill our dream of moving to the west coast, and d) we could throw an EPIC party!
What song(s) will always remind you of 2009?
"Distant Dreamer" - Duffy
"Steer" - Missy Higgins
And I'll forever associate Glee and Lady Gaga with this Fall.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. Not by much.
iii. richer or poorer? Believe it or not, richer! (but only if you count my gf and I as one entity - she's the main breadwinner)
What do you wish you'd done more?
Hiking and outdoorsy stuff in general
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sitting on my butt. Fighting with my partner.
What's your favorite 2009 TV program?
Glee and Grey's.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I can't remember if I "hated" her this time last year, but one of my partner's friends from grad school ended up being a huge bitch. So I hate her in the name of my gf.
What was the best book you read?
Octavia Butler's Kindred was really good, and one I actually read for pleasure. Others: Neuromancer (William Gibson), Oryx and Crake (Margaret Atwood), Hope Leslie (Catharine M. Sedgwick).
What was your 2009 greatest musical discovery?
Gaga. I'm obsessed with her and want her to be my bff. Well, second in command to Kelly Clarkson, but that's beside the point.
What did you want and get?
The program and the move. A new-to-me car. Lots of love and support.
What was your favorite film of 2009?
We saw a lot of movies before making friends... I liked Sunshine Cleaning and that Paul Rudd movie with whats-her-face...? "Slappa da bass, mon." I know there are others, but I'm drawing a blank.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
28. Not sure what we did on my actual birthday, but my mom took me on a shopping spree and out to dinner.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More visitors and more money!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Um. I'm generally a comfy-casual dresser, though I want to work on my wardrobe a bit since I got rid of so much to move and most of my pants don't fit me anymore.
What kept you sane?
Beth, my pets, and substance abuse. JK. Kinda. :)
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Sara Ramirez, Jessica Capshaw, Lady Gaga
What political issue stirred you the most?
Marriage Equality!! Climate Change!!
Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends every day.
Who was the best new person you met?
Between online friends and Oregon friends, I've met a lot of awesome people in 2009!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
I'm not sure if this is a life lesson necessarily, but moving so far from home for the first time has really made me value the relationships I have with people. And while I'll always hold my hometown in my heart, it's not the place I miss, it's the people. Homesickness hits at random and pretty forcefully sometimes, but I've been reminded repeatedly how many people I love and how many people love me... Going into a profession in which pretention and self-centeredness are quite prevalent and almost expected, remaining grounded and being true to who I am is very important to me. And it's my friends and family who will help keep my feet planted firmly on the ground.
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself?
One of my new friends recently told me how happy he is that we met, that I'm his favorite new buddy, that I'm genuine, kind, and adorable. The feeling is mutual. :)
The most touching experience you've had this year?
Hmm. This might sound odd, but telling my parents I love and miss them, and hearing it in reply. We're a close family, but not an emotional one. We never really said I Love You, but now we do, and I'm getting a little choked up about it now...
What did you like most about yourself this year?
I've gained an immeasurable degree of confidence. I don't know where it came from, but I'm suddenly outgoing both socially and academically.
What did you hate most about yourself this year?
I still have trouble talking about the really important things, even with my partner of 5.5 years. Oh, and my muffin top!!! I reeeeally hate my muffin top.
Was 2009 a good year for you?
Absolutely.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
Our going away party was frickin' fantastic. We were funneling and playing beer pong by 4PM. And it was a rare opportunity to be able to see how lucky we are to have so many people who care about us.
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Saying goodbye. Not the first time, though. It was harder to say goodbye before coming back to OR after my brother's wedding.... And it didn't get any easier at the holidays.
Where were you when 2009 began?
Sarah & Katie's (they're sisters, not lovers, and we heart them!). Beth worked until 11, so we were there for the ball drop.
Where will you be when 2009 ends?
Since it has passed, I can tell you - I was at Sarah & Katie's house again, pretty messed up, with a great group of people.
Do you have a new years resolution for 2010?
Improve my time management, continue to reduce my impact on the environment, and sever some ties with technology (we already got rid of cable!!!).
What was your favorite month of 2009?
April-May
How many concerts did you see in 2009?
The only one I can think of is Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey's band) at Portland Pride.
Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009?
Not a big drinker.
You do anything you are ashamed of this year?
I don't think so...
How much money did you spend in 2009?
You really don't want to know how much it cost us to move out here.
What are your plans for 2010?
Keep working really hard, travel and explore more, lose weight, and be happy.
How are you different now that the year has ended?
I'm more confident and I feel like I've reached an entirely new level of maturity and fulfillment.