2010 in Review
To keep with tradition, here's my year in review by way of questionnaire.
1. Where did you ring in 2010?
Smita and I went to an early show at Helium Comedy Club in Rittenhouse Square where we laughed at Ted Alexandro. We welcomed 2010 at The Café on Walnut Street.
2. What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Me, Myself and I. I spent Valentine's Day at General Grants w/ Smita, Bency, Chris and a bunch of Chris' friends.
3. Did your living situation/location change during the year?
I didn't move apartments, but I did change bedrooms in July when Fanny moved out and Helen moved in. I was a ghost roommate, though; I feel like I was never there. The new bedroom is great! Much bigger, personal bathroom and deck. Just poorly insulated.
4. How did you earn your keep?
I’m still working for Uncle Sam's Navy in Bethesda. In February/March, I was gearing up to start working at the Naval Observatory in DC, but everything changed in March. I was a ghost employee between January and April then November though December. Snow storms in January through February had the office closed. Dad had pneumonia in February, at which time I stayed in Philadelphia for the week. Then mid March through most of April I was in Philadelphia when Dad was diagnosed with cancer. I continued to commute back and forth for weekends in Philadelphia. I spent a week home in October. Then I went back home the week before Thanksgiving, where I pretty much stayed in Philadelphia through the end of the year. On December 17, I got a tentative job offer for a transfer to Philadelphia. That should go through in the first quarter of 2011.
5. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
-Went sledding down the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. (February)
-Hot Air ballooning in Albuquerque, NM. (March)
-Travel weekly between DC and Philly. (March-November)
-Playing tennis regularly. (July-November)
-Witness a death first hand. (December)
-Organize a funeral. (December)
-Buy a car in my own name. (December)
6. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions?
If I recall correctly, I resolved to have more fun, be more fit and get finances down.
Fun: Of the 6 trips I planned, I went on only one. I've also fallen out of all social networks, only talking to a handful of people on a one-on-one basis. I did make it to a handful of sports events (baseball and basketball) with these one-on-one friends.
Fit: I was on the fitness track until the last quarter when the whole thing belly-flopped.
Finances: Completely and totally under control. My credit score went up over 100 points. Cut my credit card debt more than half.
So, 45% good.
7. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one especially close, though couples I know have had babies.
8. Did you know anybody who got married?
I attended 6 weddings this year. There was a whole bunch of other people I know that got married, too.
9. Did anyone close to you die?
After a 9 month battle with lung cancer, Dad passed away on December 7.
10. What countries did you visit?
None, though I sometimes thought I was living in the Twilight Zone.
11. Where did you go on vacation?
I went to Albuquerque, NM in March with Smita and Allison.
I had 5 other trips scheduled for the year, all of which got canceled.
Oh, and I as I said before, I lived in the Twilight Zone for 9 months.
12. What sporting events did you go to?
I went to a couple Mystics (WNBA) games with Kanch, and a Phillies games with Princy. Didn’t make it to an NFL game. I’ve already seen to it that this problem gets fixed early in 2011.
13. What concerts did you go to?
I suppose the Beatles "Classical Mystery Tour" late June is a concert with Ajay.
14. Are you registered to vote?
Yes.
15. If so, did you do your patriotic duty on Election Day?
Election Day? When was that?
16. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 12 - the day Dad was diagnosed with cancer.
April 20 - the day Dad almost died.
December 7 - the day Dad died.
Yeah... the year revolved around Dad.
17. What from pop culture will you remember about 2010?
Pop culture fell off my personal radar this year.
Maybe the World Cup in South Africa.
Maybe the BP oil spill.
18. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making it through this year. Period.
19. What was your biggest failure?
I didn't really fail at anything. It was just a miserable year.
20. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I almost had a catastrophic car accident in April. I did a full 360 (or maybe 920?) utilizing all lanes of the beltway thanks to lightning storms and tornado winds. Miraculously, I survived.
I had a fever/cold/flu in October that totally sucked.
21. What was the best thing you bought?
Out of necessity (the Previa died - blown head gasket - the last week of the year), I bought a 2000 Nissan Maxima on the last day of the year. Never thought I’d own either a Nissan or a sedan. Just goes to show that you should never say never!
22. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Dad. Mom. Christopher. Raji Aunty. Smita. Bency. Ajay.
23. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I can't think of anyone. If anyone behaved appallingly, I was too preoccupied with life and didn’t notice it. Lucky for them.
24. Where did most of your money go?
To ze evil credit card companies. Gas for the car and car maintenance.
25. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I got excited for Albuquerque, NM.
I was excited about New Orleans (in October), but I canceled that.
I was also excited about Jamaica for my birthday, but that canceled.
Yeah... pretty miserable year. I realize I complain about my lack of travel this year, but I don't regret canceling my trips. That doesn't stop the feeling of disappointment. And anyway, I can't really complain about other things from the past year.
26. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. I doubt that song will stand the test of time, though.
27. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) sadder.
b) fatter
c) richer.
28. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Under the circumstances, I don't think I could've done anything much differently than I did. I don’t have any regrets.
29. What do you wish you’d done less of?
See Question 28.
30. How did you spend Christmas?
We didn't celebrate Christmas. We went to Church in the morning then went to Velacherry Uncle’s house for lunch. We spent the rest of the day at home.
31. Did you fall in love in 2010?
I think I fell in love in 2009, but didn't realize it until 2010. Half of the year was spent trying to figure out what to do about/with it. And then discovered it was unrequited. Yeah... talk about a miserable year.
32. How many one-night stands?
-
33. What was your favorite TV program?
I continued following Greys Anatomy and Private Practice. I'm now an avid fan of 30 Rock. And I started watching Outsourced and Parks and Recreation.
Otherwise, sitcom reruns. I watched alot of Golden Girls, Home Improvement, Friends and Two & a Half Men.
Yeah... I'm a sitcom gal.
34. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Life is too short to waste time hating. I admit, though, that there are some people towards whom I am now indifferent compared to last year. Cut out the negatives in your life as much as much as possible.
35. What was the best book you read?
I read so many books this year. Perhaps "The Power" by Rhonda Bynes? Or maybe "The Longest Trip Home" by John Grogan.
36. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn’t really discover anything new. I gained a new respect for Jim Reeves, Anne Murray, The Ventures and The Shadows.
37. What did you want and get?
Can't think of anything.
38. What did you want and not get?
Into physical shape.
39. What was your favorite film of this year?
Toy Story 3.
40. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29 this year. Dad's funeral was 2 days earlier. We went to church in the morning. Molly Memma, Varghese Peppan and Laly Memma came over with cake. Molly Memma and Varghese Peppan departed for home. Spent the rest of the day at home with Laly Mema.
The next day was Dad’s 7th day remembrance Mass, prayer and luncheon was the next day. We had about 15 people come home after Mass for lunch, at which time Happy Birthday was sung and cake was cut and shared.
41. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
This is not a good question this year.
42. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Comfortable, I suppose. Borderline frumpy. It was a tough year. Give me a break.
43. What kept you sane?
Divine providence? My guardian angel? Prayers from around the world? All of the above? I have no idea what kept me sane.
44. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
No clue.
45. What political issue stirred you the most?
Politi-what?
46. Who did you miss?
Dad. While he didn’t pass until the end of the year, he withdrew from daily life long before he passed away.
47. Who was the best new person you met?
The people at Fox Chase Cancer Center were all pretty nice. No ‘bests’ though.
Christina Brinkley - the older lady on the 42 bus is definitely a fascinating person.
The state trooper that pulled me over in early December is also an amazing story from the year.
48. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Life is short. And life is beautiful. Never take anyone or anything for granted.
49. How would you rate this year with a scale from 1 (worst) to 10 (the best)
2. I suppose it could have been worse. But it was definitely not a good year. But I/we got through it. Just goes to show, no matter what happens, you'll always get through it.
50. Are you making any resolutions for 2011?
I'll continue with my three resolutions from 2010: Finance, Fitness and Fun.
Finance: I'll annihilate my debt this year.
Fitness: I'll be in shape by my 30th Birthday. In shape = healthy weight for my height and age.
Fun: I'll have more fun this year - do more things that I want to do in my life.
In addition, I'm going to do better to follow my dreams. And say what I think. (Brace yourselves!)
51. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Normalcy, perhaps? A sense of roots? I need to get back to living life, not just surviving.
52. Quote a song lyric that sums up your 2010.
Daddy’s Hands by Holly Dunn.
“I remember Daddy’s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy’s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back for something done right.
There are things that I’ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I’ll always remember the love in Daddy’s hands.
Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’.
Dadd’ys hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong.
Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle,
But I’ve come to understand
There was always love in Daddy’s hands.”
-=*=- -=*=- -=*=- -=*=- -=*=-
Family and Dad defined this year.
Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on March 12, 2010. His cancer was classified as "stage 4 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC),adenocarcinoma, EGFR positive", which had metastasized to his spine, hips, bladder, kidney, brain and retina (eyes), predominantly on his right side. He went through radiation and multiple rounds of radiation over the course of 9 months. He was winning the battle with the illness through September. Then with a chemo change in September started a decline out of which he never came. He had 5 hospital admissions - February for pneumonia for a week; March through April when he was first diagnosed. He came home for a week and then went back in April, when he almost died. He came home in May. Then he went back in September, for his birthday. And the last time was in November for a week. They sent him home the day before Thanksgiving on hospice, and he passed 10 days later on December 7. His funeral was on December 10.
The whole journey is chronicled at the CaringBridge website I maintained to keep family and friends informed.
The cause of his cancer was never determined. Dad never smoked and there is no family history of cancer, lung or otherwise. His family is known to live well into their mid/late 80s. We strongly believe he got it from working in the buildings at the IRS, pulling wires above the ceilings.
In the midst of this, Mom had medical problems. Another blessing in this was that she was given 6 months of family medical leave where she was able to stay home and get her full paycheck and health coverage. Just one among the multitude of blessings showered upon my family and me over the past year.
While this was a devastating year, it was also a blessed year and I have SO much for which to be thankful. I learned so much on so many different levels. I learned about myself - physically, spiritually, emotionally, professionally, financially, etc. My faith grew in leaps and bounds. I witnessed Divine Providence in action in so many areas of my life. I learned life lessons, many things I already knew intellectually, but this year ground these things through living it.
Most importantly, I was given the opportunity to learn about my Dad, spend time with him, take care of him, thank him for everything he's done for me and tell him I love him. I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the entire world.
1. Where did you ring in 2010?
Smita and I went to an early show at Helium Comedy Club in Rittenhouse Square where we laughed at Ted Alexandro. We welcomed 2010 at The Café on Walnut Street.
2. What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Me, Myself and I. I spent Valentine's Day at General Grants w/ Smita, Bency, Chris and a bunch of Chris' friends.
3. Did your living situation/location change during the year?
I didn't move apartments, but I did change bedrooms in July when Fanny moved out and Helen moved in. I was a ghost roommate, though; I feel like I was never there. The new bedroom is great! Much bigger, personal bathroom and deck. Just poorly insulated.
4. How did you earn your keep?
I’m still working for Uncle Sam's Navy in Bethesda. In February/March, I was gearing up to start working at the Naval Observatory in DC, but everything changed in March. I was a ghost employee between January and April then November though December. Snow storms in January through February had the office closed. Dad had pneumonia in February, at which time I stayed in Philadelphia for the week. Then mid March through most of April I was in Philadelphia when Dad was diagnosed with cancer. I continued to commute back and forth for weekends in Philadelphia. I spent a week home in October. Then I went back home the week before Thanksgiving, where I pretty much stayed in Philadelphia through the end of the year. On December 17, I got a tentative job offer for a transfer to Philadelphia. That should go through in the first quarter of 2011.
5. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
-Went sledding down the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. (February)
-Hot Air ballooning in Albuquerque, NM. (March)
-Travel weekly between DC and Philly. (March-November)
-Playing tennis regularly. (July-November)
-Witness a death first hand. (December)
-Organize a funeral. (December)
-Buy a car in my own name. (December)
6. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions?
If I recall correctly, I resolved to have more fun, be more fit and get finances down.
Fun: Of the 6 trips I planned, I went on only one. I've also fallen out of all social networks, only talking to a handful of people on a one-on-one basis. I did make it to a handful of sports events (baseball and basketball) with these one-on-one friends.
Fit: I was on the fitness track until the last quarter when the whole thing belly-flopped.
Finances: Completely and totally under control. My credit score went up over 100 points. Cut my credit card debt more than half.
So, 45% good.
7. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one especially close, though couples I know have had babies.
8. Did you know anybody who got married?
I attended 6 weddings this year. There was a whole bunch of other people I know that got married, too.
9. Did anyone close to you die?
After a 9 month battle with lung cancer, Dad passed away on December 7.
10. What countries did you visit?
None, though I sometimes thought I was living in the Twilight Zone.
11. Where did you go on vacation?
I went to Albuquerque, NM in March with Smita and Allison.
I had 5 other trips scheduled for the year, all of which got canceled.
Oh, and I as I said before, I lived in the Twilight Zone for 9 months.
12. What sporting events did you go to?
I went to a couple Mystics (WNBA) games with Kanch, and a Phillies games with Princy. Didn’t make it to an NFL game. I’ve already seen to it that this problem gets fixed early in 2011.
13. What concerts did you go to?
I suppose the Beatles "Classical Mystery Tour" late June is a concert with Ajay.
14. Are you registered to vote?
Yes.
15. If so, did you do your patriotic duty on Election Day?
Election Day? When was that?
16. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 12 - the day Dad was diagnosed with cancer.
April 20 - the day Dad almost died.
December 7 - the day Dad died.
Yeah... the year revolved around Dad.
17. What from pop culture will you remember about 2010?
Pop culture fell off my personal radar this year.
Maybe the World Cup in South Africa.
Maybe the BP oil spill.
18. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making it through this year. Period.
19. What was your biggest failure?
I didn't really fail at anything. It was just a miserable year.
20. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I almost had a catastrophic car accident in April. I did a full 360 (or maybe 920?) utilizing all lanes of the beltway thanks to lightning storms and tornado winds. Miraculously, I survived.
I had a fever/cold/flu in October that totally sucked.
21. What was the best thing you bought?
Out of necessity (the Previa died - blown head gasket - the last week of the year), I bought a 2000 Nissan Maxima on the last day of the year. Never thought I’d own either a Nissan or a sedan. Just goes to show that you should never say never!
22. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Dad. Mom. Christopher. Raji Aunty. Smita. Bency. Ajay.
23. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I can't think of anyone. If anyone behaved appallingly, I was too preoccupied with life and didn’t notice it. Lucky for them.
24. Where did most of your money go?
To ze evil credit card companies. Gas for the car and car maintenance.
25. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I got excited for Albuquerque, NM.
I was excited about New Orleans (in October), but I canceled that.
I was also excited about Jamaica for my birthday, but that canceled.
Yeah... pretty miserable year. I realize I complain about my lack of travel this year, but I don't regret canceling my trips. That doesn't stop the feeling of disappointment. And anyway, I can't really complain about other things from the past year.
26. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. I doubt that song will stand the test of time, though.
27. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) sadder.
b) fatter
c) richer.
28. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Under the circumstances, I don't think I could've done anything much differently than I did. I don’t have any regrets.
29. What do you wish you’d done less of?
See Question 28.
30. How did you spend Christmas?
We didn't celebrate Christmas. We went to Church in the morning then went to Velacherry Uncle’s house for lunch. We spent the rest of the day at home.
31. Did you fall in love in 2010?
I think I fell in love in 2009, but didn't realize it until 2010. Half of the year was spent trying to figure out what to do about/with it. And then discovered it was unrequited. Yeah... talk about a miserable year.
32. How many one-night stands?
-
33. What was your favorite TV program?
I continued following Greys Anatomy and Private Practice. I'm now an avid fan of 30 Rock. And I started watching Outsourced and Parks and Recreation.
Otherwise, sitcom reruns. I watched alot of Golden Girls, Home Improvement, Friends and Two & a Half Men.
Yeah... I'm a sitcom gal.
34. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Life is too short to waste time hating. I admit, though, that there are some people towards whom I am now indifferent compared to last year. Cut out the negatives in your life as much as much as possible.
35. What was the best book you read?
I read so many books this year. Perhaps "The Power" by Rhonda Bynes? Or maybe "The Longest Trip Home" by John Grogan.
36. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn’t really discover anything new. I gained a new respect for Jim Reeves, Anne Murray, The Ventures and The Shadows.
37. What did you want and get?
Can't think of anything.
38. What did you want and not get?
Into physical shape.
39. What was your favorite film of this year?
Toy Story 3.
40. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29 this year. Dad's funeral was 2 days earlier. We went to church in the morning. Molly Memma, Varghese Peppan and Laly Memma came over with cake. Molly Memma and Varghese Peppan departed for home. Spent the rest of the day at home with Laly Mema.
The next day was Dad’s 7th day remembrance Mass, prayer and luncheon was the next day. We had about 15 people come home after Mass for lunch, at which time Happy Birthday was sung and cake was cut and shared.
41. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
This is not a good question this year.
42. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Comfortable, I suppose. Borderline frumpy. It was a tough year. Give me a break.
43. What kept you sane?
Divine providence? My guardian angel? Prayers from around the world? All of the above? I have no idea what kept me sane.
44. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
No clue.
45. What political issue stirred you the most?
Politi-what?
46. Who did you miss?
Dad. While he didn’t pass until the end of the year, he withdrew from daily life long before he passed away.
47. Who was the best new person you met?
The people at Fox Chase Cancer Center were all pretty nice. No ‘bests’ though.
Christina Brinkley - the older lady on the 42 bus is definitely a fascinating person.
The state trooper that pulled me over in early December is also an amazing story from the year.
48. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Life is short. And life is beautiful. Never take anyone or anything for granted.
49. How would you rate this year with a scale from 1 (worst) to 10 (the best)
2. I suppose it could have been worse. But it was definitely not a good year. But I/we got through it. Just goes to show, no matter what happens, you'll always get through it.
50. Are you making any resolutions for 2011?
I'll continue with my three resolutions from 2010: Finance, Fitness and Fun.
Finance: I'll annihilate my debt this year.
Fitness: I'll be in shape by my 30th Birthday. In shape = healthy weight for my height and age.
Fun: I'll have more fun this year - do more things that I want to do in my life.
In addition, I'm going to do better to follow my dreams. And say what I think. (Brace yourselves!)
51. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Normalcy, perhaps? A sense of roots? I need to get back to living life, not just surviving.
52. Quote a song lyric that sums up your 2010.
Daddy’s Hands by Holly Dunn.
“I remember Daddy’s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy’s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back for something done right.
There are things that I’ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I’ll always remember the love in Daddy’s hands.
Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’.
Dadd’ys hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong.
Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle,
But I’ve come to understand
There was always love in Daddy’s hands.”
-=*=- -=*=- -=*=- -=*=- -=*=-
Family and Dad defined this year.
Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer on March 12, 2010. His cancer was classified as "stage 4 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC),adenocarcinoma, EGFR positive", which had metastasized to his spine, hips, bladder, kidney, brain and retina (eyes), predominantly on his right side. He went through radiation and multiple rounds of radiation over the course of 9 months. He was winning the battle with the illness through September. Then with a chemo change in September started a decline out of which he never came. He had 5 hospital admissions - February for pneumonia for a week; March through April when he was first diagnosed. He came home for a week and then went back in April, when he almost died. He came home in May. Then he went back in September, for his birthday. And the last time was in November for a week. They sent him home the day before Thanksgiving on hospice, and he passed 10 days later on December 7. His funeral was on December 10.
The whole journey is chronicled at the CaringBridge website I maintained to keep family and friends informed.
The cause of his cancer was never determined. Dad never smoked and there is no family history of cancer, lung or otherwise. His family is known to live well into their mid/late 80s. We strongly believe he got it from working in the buildings at the IRS, pulling wires above the ceilings.
In the midst of this, Mom had medical problems. Another blessing in this was that she was given 6 months of family medical leave where she was able to stay home and get her full paycheck and health coverage. Just one among the multitude of blessings showered upon my family and me over the past year.
While this was a devastating year, it was also a blessed year and I have SO much for which to be thankful. I learned so much on so many different levels. I learned about myself - physically, spiritually, emotionally, professionally, financially, etc. My faith grew in leaps and bounds. I witnessed Divine Providence in action in so many areas of my life. I learned life lessons, many things I already knew intellectually, but this year ground these things through living it.
Most importantly, I was given the opportunity to learn about my Dad, spend time with him, take care of him, thank him for everything he's done for me and tell him I love him. I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the entire world.