Where our heroine clearly has no life...
A 2009 meme. From webmd.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
As I said on my show a few months back, "I have done three things this year that I never thought were ever possible: I moved in with my boyfriend, I took up running and I learned to knit on a circular needle." All good things, I think. ;P I also went out with the same bloke for an entire calendar year (it's was 18 months yesterday, in fact!) and got my own radio show. Not bad.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolutions for '09 are here. Managed to keep Resolutions 1, 6 and, eventually, 10. However, I wasn't overly kind to myself, was not at all tidy, didn't write nearly enough and was still a touch socially-retarded. For 2010...I'm not as much making resolutions, as I am making a list of stuff I'd quite *like* to do. Inspired by roadtomanderlay, of course.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep. buzzy_bee_nz had a wee boy, Daniel, in January. I made him this blanket. Aw, and tonnes of old Uni friends got pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope.
5. What countries did you visit?
Zilcho. *glares at her bank account* A trip to Melbourne was planned, but that fell through, due to commitments with the fam dam, and no leave.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A little bit more adventure. I felt as though a lot of my life revolved around working, sleeping, knitting and trying not to hit financial (and, at times, emotional) rock bottom. Next year could definitely do with a few more epic late-night adventures, rolling down hills, setting rubber ducks free in fountains all over Wellington, weaving hearts into fences, pushing friends around in shopping trollies, and sex in weird places. If The Boy is willing. ;P
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
30 March, unfortunately. The C Incident. An experience we all could have done well without.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hmmm. A few. My new job. Managing to last as long as I did in the completely poisonous environment of my old job, without getting myself committed. Reducing my consumption of energy drinks. Keeping a loving and committed relationship with my Matt going, despite us both going through tonnes of stress and difficulties with our mental health. Our kickass radio show! And, of course, all the knitting! Although, that could be a sign of a misspent youth more than anything. ;P
9. What was your biggest failure?
Ugh. Totally losing at Weight Watchers.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing life-threatening. I did, however, ride in an ambulance for the first time ever! Matt was having bad chest pains, so we called 111 and got taken to A & E. Didn't end up being anything too serious, but it was bloody terrifying at the time.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My adorable blue-grey frangipani-patterned wrap dress, which I just recently paid off. And much purty music. :D
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Matt's, without a doubt. He has made so many positive changes this year- he's quit smoking, cut out sugar, coffee and alcohol from his diet, has been doing regular meditation and heaps of exercise. And, as a result, his mental health has improved beyond belief. He's had to deal with a fair bit of stress this year- the C situation, moving house, financial pressures, a big health scare (see Question 10), starting a University paper, being made redundant, starting a new job and all the changes to his diet- all of which put a massive strain on his mental health, and definitely posed some challenges for our relationship. However, I am always humbled and amazed by his courage. :) And, despite everything, he's been a tower of strength and a massive support to me through all my crazy. Needless to say, I'm a big fan. ;P
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
C's. 'Nuff said.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Yarn, yarn and more yarn. Matt has started calling Knit World "the crack house". ;P
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finally getting my ass out of the toxic cesspool that was my old work. And getting a 13 grand pay rise with my new job! And the new job itself ain't so bad either. ;P
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Furr, by Blitzen Trapper. One of mine and Matt's favourites. :)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Hmmmm. I'm a touch on the depressed side at the moment, but overall I think I'm doing better. I think I'm mellowing out in my old age. ;P I've been feeling much more comfy in myself of late, and feel as though I'm taking myself less seriously than when I was a young 'un. I also feel like I'm more and more able to be myself around my close friends- which, for me, is no small victory. :)
b) thinner or fatter? See Question 9. We'll get there, eventually...
c) richer or poorer? Significantly richer, thanks to the new digs. However, I have managed to save three thirds of feck all. That next trip to New York will have to wait, by the looks of things.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Socialising. Making friends. Going on adventures with anord. Writing, and generally being creative. Spending time with my family. Exercising. Saving money. Etc.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Bickering. Fretting about money. Fretting about work. Job-hunting (necessary evil). Being shy. Doubting myself. Getting jealous. Eating crappy food. Feeling resentful. Etc.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
See my last post.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Every day. :)
22. How many one-night stands?
Very happy and relieved to put a big fat N/A for this question. ;P
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Futurama. Can't believe it took me almost a decade to realise how much I adore that show!
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
See questions 7 and 13.
25. What was the best book you read?
Candy, by Luke Davies, which I read after flailing madly over the movie version, with Heath Ledger. The book is very dark and scungy in places, and the narrator is a bit of an ass. Still, absolutely brilliant.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Neutral Milk Hotel's In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, which I finally got around to pinching off Matt. For what good is a boyfriend if you cannot raid his CD collection? ;P The album itself is pure genius and, to me, proof that angels exist.
27. What did you want and get?
The new job. Thank feck.
28. What did you want and not get?
Another overseas jaunt would have been grand. But, with that yarn habit of mine, that was a no-go from the start. ;P
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Dunno. 500 Days Of Summer, maybe. If that makes me one of those girls who likes stupid Indie music, then so be it. ;P
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 25, which hit me like a tonne of bricks. My actual birthday was pretty lame. Matt was really struggling was his health, so we didn't end up doing much. I had breakfast and went shopping with Mum in the morning, and then met imaginary_men for coffee in the afternoon. The weather was hideous, so Matt, Den and I ordered yummy Indian from the place up the road. I went for a decidedly average lunch with my stepmum and the kids the next day, and my stepmum moaned about my Dad the whole time. Aaaaaand, a week later, I went for dessert at Strawberry Fare with a whole bunch of mates, which was much better. ;)
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmmmm. Fewer personal struggles, like those mentioned in Question 12. Slightly better mental health. More adventure and spontaneity. And, at the start of the year, more money!
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Accessories, all the way. The bigger, the better.
33. What kept you sane?
Matt. Most of the time. ;p And music.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ysolda Teague. Yes, a knitwear designer. ;P
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Meh.
36. Who did you miss?
cynima. albauk. screwthepast. ontherunaround (sorry I've been so bad at keeping in touch, Mirjam!). lalumena. fallbackschism. All my Christchurch girls. All my school friends, scattered around the country. Need I go on.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
My adorable and brilliant friend, Tal, who I met through my knitting group. I swear she gives better advice than my therapist at times! However, she'll be moving to Melbourne to study in the new year. *pout*
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
I've learned that it is vital for me to be able to stand up for myself, and call someone out, if I am unhappy with or feel hurt by something they said or did. Especially when it comes to defending those people I love the most. Otherwise...yeah. :(
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Be safe", you say.
Whatever the mess you are, you're mine, ok.
That is the custom
Come down.
- "Challengers", by the New Pornographers. Always reminds me of Matt and myself. Which is rather inappropriate and ironic, considering that song is about cheating. ;P But...hey.
40. Do you think 2010 will be a better year for you?
Yep. 2009 was a little trying, to be honest. It got better towards the end...but a better and happier 2010 would be grand.
Happy New Year, chickens. Will post resolutions etc. later.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
As I said on my show a few months back, "I have done three things this year that I never thought were ever possible: I moved in with my boyfriend, I took up running and I learned to knit on a circular needle." All good things, I think. ;P I also went out with the same bloke for an entire calendar year (it's was 18 months yesterday, in fact!) and got my own radio show. Not bad.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolutions for '09 are here. Managed to keep Resolutions 1, 6 and, eventually, 10. However, I wasn't overly kind to myself, was not at all tidy, didn't write nearly enough and was still a touch socially-retarded. For 2010...I'm not as much making resolutions, as I am making a list of stuff I'd quite *like* to do. Inspired by roadtomanderlay, of course.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep. buzzy_bee_nz had a wee boy, Daniel, in January. I made him this blanket. Aw, and tonnes of old Uni friends got pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope.
5. What countries did you visit?
Zilcho. *glares at her bank account* A trip to Melbourne was planned, but that fell through, due to commitments with the fam dam, and no leave.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A little bit more adventure. I felt as though a lot of my life revolved around working, sleeping, knitting and trying not to hit financial (and, at times, emotional) rock bottom. Next year could definitely do with a few more epic late-night adventures, rolling down hills, setting rubber ducks free in fountains all over Wellington, weaving hearts into fences, pushing friends around in shopping trollies, and sex in weird places. If The Boy is willing. ;P
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
30 March, unfortunately. The C Incident. An experience we all could have done well without.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hmmm. A few. My new job. Managing to last as long as I did in the completely poisonous environment of my old job, without getting myself committed. Reducing my consumption of energy drinks. Keeping a loving and committed relationship with my Matt going, despite us both going through tonnes of stress and difficulties with our mental health. Our kickass radio show! And, of course, all the knitting! Although, that could be a sign of a misspent youth more than anything. ;P
9. What was your biggest failure?
Ugh. Totally losing at Weight Watchers.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing life-threatening. I did, however, ride in an ambulance for the first time ever! Matt was having bad chest pains, so we called 111 and got taken to A & E. Didn't end up being anything too serious, but it was bloody terrifying at the time.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My adorable blue-grey frangipani-patterned wrap dress, which I just recently paid off. And much purty music. :D
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Matt's, without a doubt. He has made so many positive changes this year- he's quit smoking, cut out sugar, coffee and alcohol from his diet, has been doing regular meditation and heaps of exercise. And, as a result, his mental health has improved beyond belief. He's had to deal with a fair bit of stress this year- the C situation, moving house, financial pressures, a big health scare (see Question 10), starting a University paper, being made redundant, starting a new job and all the changes to his diet- all of which put a massive strain on his mental health, and definitely posed some challenges for our relationship. However, I am always humbled and amazed by his courage. :) And, despite everything, he's been a tower of strength and a massive support to me through all my crazy. Needless to say, I'm a big fan. ;P
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
C's. 'Nuff said.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Yarn, yarn and more yarn. Matt has started calling Knit World "the crack house". ;P
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finally getting my ass out of the toxic cesspool that was my old work. And getting a 13 grand pay rise with my new job! And the new job itself ain't so bad either. ;P
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Furr, by Blitzen Trapper. One of mine and Matt's favourites. :)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Hmmmm. I'm a touch on the depressed side at the moment, but overall I think I'm doing better. I think I'm mellowing out in my old age. ;P I've been feeling much more comfy in myself of late, and feel as though I'm taking myself less seriously than when I was a young 'un. I also feel like I'm more and more able to be myself around my close friends- which, for me, is no small victory. :)
b) thinner or fatter? See Question 9. We'll get there, eventually...
c) richer or poorer? Significantly richer, thanks to the new digs. However, I have managed to save three thirds of feck all. That next trip to New York will have to wait, by the looks of things.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Socialising. Making friends. Going on adventures with anord. Writing, and generally being creative. Spending time with my family. Exercising. Saving money. Etc.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Bickering. Fretting about money. Fretting about work. Job-hunting (necessary evil). Being shy. Doubting myself. Getting jealous. Eating crappy food. Feeling resentful. Etc.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
See my last post.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Every day. :)
22. How many one-night stands?
Very happy and relieved to put a big fat N/A for this question. ;P
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Futurama. Can't believe it took me almost a decade to realise how much I adore that show!
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
See questions 7 and 13.
25. What was the best book you read?
Candy, by Luke Davies, which I read after flailing madly over the movie version, with Heath Ledger. The book is very dark and scungy in places, and the narrator is a bit of an ass. Still, absolutely brilliant.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Neutral Milk Hotel's In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, which I finally got around to pinching off Matt. For what good is a boyfriend if you cannot raid his CD collection? ;P The album itself is pure genius and, to me, proof that angels exist.
27. What did you want and get?
The new job. Thank feck.
28. What did you want and not get?
Another overseas jaunt would have been grand. But, with that yarn habit of mine, that was a no-go from the start. ;P
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Dunno. 500 Days Of Summer, maybe. If that makes me one of those girls who likes stupid Indie music, then so be it. ;P
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 25, which hit me like a tonne of bricks. My actual birthday was pretty lame. Matt was really struggling was his health, so we didn't end up doing much. I had breakfast and went shopping with Mum in the morning, and then met imaginary_men for coffee in the afternoon. The weather was hideous, so Matt, Den and I ordered yummy Indian from the place up the road. I went for a decidedly average lunch with my stepmum and the kids the next day, and my stepmum moaned about my Dad the whole time. Aaaaaand, a week later, I went for dessert at Strawberry Fare with a whole bunch of mates, which was much better. ;)
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmmmm. Fewer personal struggles, like those mentioned in Question 12. Slightly better mental health. More adventure and spontaneity. And, at the start of the year, more money!
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Accessories, all the way. The bigger, the better.
33. What kept you sane?
Matt. Most of the time. ;p And music.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ysolda Teague. Yes, a knitwear designer. ;P
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Meh.
36. Who did you miss?
cynima. albauk. screwthepast. ontherunaround (sorry I've been so bad at keeping in touch, Mirjam!). lalumena. fallbackschism. All my Christchurch girls. All my school friends, scattered around the country. Need I go on.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
My adorable and brilliant friend, Tal, who I met through my knitting group. I swear she gives better advice than my therapist at times! However, she'll be moving to Melbourne to study in the new year. *pout*
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
I've learned that it is vital for me to be able to stand up for myself, and call someone out, if I am unhappy with or feel hurt by something they said or did. Especially when it comes to defending those people I love the most. Otherwise...yeah. :(
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Be safe", you say.
Whatever the mess you are, you're mine, ok.
That is the custom
Come down.
- "Challengers", by the New Pornographers. Always reminds me of Matt and myself. Which is rather inappropriate and ironic, considering that song is about cheating. ;P But...hey.
40. Do you think 2010 will be a better year for you?
Yep. 2009 was a little trying, to be honest. It got better towards the end...but a better and happier 2010 would be grand.
Happy New Year, chickens. Will post resolutions etc. later.