Here is an insanely long New Year's Survey I used to fill in every year. I don't think I've done it for a few... but now seems like a good time to give it a whirl again for shits and giggles. Let's reflect on this crazy year, shall we. ;)
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
I am very shocked to report I did quite a few things I've never done before this year. In no particular order: Went to Vegas with someone I could actually sleep with. Got an annual pass to Disneyland. I was a bridesmaid. Watched a Royal Wedding. Attended my first gay wedding. Actually thought about having a family in the future... I got weirdly maternal... it was bizarre. Went to my first live soccer match. Started liking and following rugby. Got rid of a bad friend and didn't piss and moan and over think it for once. Rented a house with my sister. Got a Christmas bonus from a job... first time for that one. Threw a housewarming party. Went on Tower of Terror at Disneyland... and almost fucking pissed myself haha. ... I'm sure there might be more.... but that list is pretty impressive. Yay!
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any really. Oh, wait... that's not true... I told myself I was gonna stop sleeping with every fucking guy that breathes... and actually did really, really well. Falling for a guy really helps me become less of a slut. haha.
This year... I will make some resolutions and actually try stick to them. Hopefully they will include losing weight... staying healthy and fit... learning to love myself... and writing more. etc.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, actually. My beloved trainer and friend, Noelle, gave birth to a super cute little boy named Nathan.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Well, I know it may sound really, really stupid... but Amy Winehouse. It's true I never met her and didn't really know her... and I sound like such a cliche fan to say how much it affected me... but it really did. I was beyond devastated and I honestly still am. I loved her and her music... and she was there for me more than most of my fucking friends. I felt a great connection with her and we had far too much in common. Two crazy, Jewish, daddy's girls with tattoos, silly senses of humor, addictions to alcohol and a tendency to get fucked up by love. I thank god I never tried heavy drugs like heroin... because I know my fate would have been very similar to hers. Well, minus the insane talent and legacy. I really thought I would run into her one day in a pub in Camden and end up taking the piss. As silly as it is to say.... she was very close to me... and I miss her so very much.
5. What countries did you visit?
I visited the UK and South Africa.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Real love. I'm really overdue for a proper relationship with someone who loves me.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't know... I feel as if the events are more memorable than the dates themselves, per say.... but the date of my cousin's wedding, the date of the Royal Wedding, the date I moved into my new home... hmm... that might be it. I'd say maybe the date I hung out with Nick for the first time... but that's slightly bitter-sweet.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I got two jobs and held down the more important one and worked hard at it.... despite it sucking out my soul. Also, graduating from UCB's 401 Level was pretty groovy too.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Love. Weight-loss. Staying emotionally stable. Writing. Becoming financially independent. I tend to fail more than I win. Go team!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
General depression.... oh, and a really horrific stomach bug thing... that left me crying and bed ridden.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I don't know. I bought some amazing shoes that have been put to a lot of good use. My new ipod is god-sent. Some pretty gorgeous Michael Kors dresses... that I hope to wear a lot of in the future in my hot new body. (a girl can dream.) Oh, I bought a lot of food... that was a good investment.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My father. He is always my rock and manages to accept me for who I am... despite how fucked up and useless I can be. I honestly don't think I could live in a world that he wasn't a part of.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Princess. Stephanie. Nick. Kimera. Myself.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food. Alcohol. Unnecessary shopping sprees. The dogs. Oh, and definitely lots went into the new house.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having a stable job and a regular paycheck. Being able to love again. Having a cute, British boyfriend. My new house!!! Kimmy moving to LA.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Tons of songs... but definitely anything off of Adele's newest album.... particularly "Someone Like You". Definitely Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know". Amy Winehouse's "Amy, Amy, Amy", "Fuck Me Pumps, her cover of "Cupid", and so many more. "Are You Satisfied?" By Marina and the Diamonds. "Bad Wine and Lemon Cake" and "In My Mind" by Amanda Palmer. "Crown of Love" by Arcade Fire. "Difficult" by Uffie. "Fucking Perfect" by Pink. "You Lost Me" by Christina Aguilera. "Stay Young, Go Dancing" by Death Cab For Cutie. I could go on foreverrrr.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. Happier or sadder?
Hmm... I don't know. About the same. I am always on a constant emotional roller coaster... although I only tend to report the down parts here on livejournal. I think I was more positive and hopeful last year, to be honest. This year I'm scared.
II. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner. I weigh at least 15 lbs. less than I did this time last year.... but it really depends on the day. I'm still working on it :)
III. Richer or poorer?
Technically the same since my father still helps me get by. But I suppose I could say richer since I have a job that helps pay for a majority of things.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Laughing. Spending time outside. Writing more. Time managing. Reading. Working Out. Taking the dogs for walks. Earning money. Traveling.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Crying. Complaining. Working. Eating. Trusting the wrong people. Wishing. Feeling sorry for myself.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Spent it eating lots of Chinese food with Kimmy, being insanely lazy, and watching old "Friends" episodes.
21. How did you spend New Years?
At a ridorkulously douchey Hollywood party at Grauman's Chinese Theatre with Kimmy and Liz. It ended up being quite fun... but I am definitely wiser.
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I think so. Yes, I did. I really did love him... against reason and logic.
23. How many one-night stands?
None. Wow... that might be a first for some time... haha.
24. What was your favourite TV program?
"Spy", "Community", and "Happy Endings". Oh, and maybe "American Horror Story" because it was ridorkulous and crazy.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Yes. Although hate is a strong word. it depends on the day. And I definitely hate things about myself... does that count?
26. What was the best book you read?
I really enjoyed The Hunger Games and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I know I am way behind on reading them... and everyone else in the world read them ages ago.... but I read them both fairly recently... and now I get the hype. :)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I rediscovered A LOT of artists. That was fun. But if I had to name a few... I'd say Gotye, Marina and the Diamonds, Christina Perri, Grouplove, Lana Del Rey, Tennis, Coconut Records, Agnes Obel, and Phantogram. (I don't know why some names stayed bold.)
28. What did you want and get?
A job. Kimmy to move out here. A boyfriend. New friends.
29. What was your favorite album of this year?
Adele's album, 21.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Bridesmaids. Harry Potter 7, Part 2. Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went wine tasting with friends in Santa Barbara. I turned 26.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
True Love. Or a career I loved.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I definitely got less lazy and shlumpy looking. I added in a bit more posh, fun things. It was kind of like I wasn't trying to look cute and comfy... but I was.... sometimes. haha. I tried harder this year to wear more than just jeans and baggy t-shirts every day. Perhaps, I even added a bit of hipster to my wardrobe. haha :)
34. What kept you sane?
Music. Movies. TV. My father. My dogs.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Adele. She is truly amazing in so many ways.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The death of Osama Bin Laden.
37. Who do you miss?
Darcy. Weston. Meg. The old On and Theo. Ojay. Jeff. Some fucking things never change. I kinda miss the old me... I used to be stronger. I think.
38. Who was the best new person that you met?
Katie from working at The Middle and Tara from working at Gold Class.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
I don't really know. Don't give up on yourself, I suppose? Always look on the bright side of life? ;)
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I've got a few: (Note: they sound more depresing than intended.... they are meant to be hopeful, for the most part.)
"The world is full of bastards and I've dated every one." - Mary Prankster
"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead." - Adele
"Cause it's my problem if I want to pack up and run away! It's my business if I feel the need to smoke and drink and sway!" - Marina and the Diamonds
"And I ask myself again, 'What is it about men?'" - Amy Winehouse
"Stay young, go dancing." - Death Cab For Cutie
"Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood, Miss 'No way, it's all good'
It didn't slow me down.
Mistaken, always second guessing.
Underestimated, look I'm still around!" - Pink
"Don't make me sad, don't make me cry.
Sometimes love is not enough and the road gets tough.
I don't know why.
Keep making me laugh,
Let's go get high.
The road is long, we carry on
Try to have fun in the meantime." - Lana Del Rey
Well that was interesting. I'm so deep. haha. Mwah!!