Time for a meme
I seriously need to get back to blogging about something in particular, not just idle ramblings about my life, so I borrowed this end-of-the-year report fromdr_brainwild, because I figure it's better late than never. So, here goes:
1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
I applied for a grant, and started studying economics by myself.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never make new year's resolutions, I like to make more short-term or
long-term goals, based on the situation I need to change.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, two dear friends of mine.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness.
5. What countries did you visit?
I stayed at home, no travelling last year.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Steady employment, or at least more freelance work.
7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I never remember dates very well, but there were some wonderful moments, and some stressful ones as well.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The move, because there were so many factors in it, and I was applying for a grant and doing translations at the time, as well.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I didn't get the grant, and I couldn't find a flat, but I think there are so many things involved in these failures, that I can't honestly take the blame on myself. I did spend too much money at some point, and I do regret that.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Oh dear... I had a cold which gave me fever cramps, my asthma got worse, I twisted my ankle, and I got a toothache bad enough to warrant a visit to the emergency clinic on Christmas Day. I do hope this year will be a little easier on my health...
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I bought some books, a board game and some nice clothes, but I think the one thing I enjoy most of it all is the Love Never Dies DVD. The music is wonderful and the performances are excellent. I also like my laptop a lot:).
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I've been really proud of my godchildren, who have encountered the big changes in their lives (moving to a new home and kindergarten, and having a baby in the family) with grace and good humour.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Getting on Pinterest has exposed me to the unpleasant side of politics, mainly in the U.S., since most people on Pinterest are based there. The things written and said about political opponents defy description. Mind you, I'm not saying we don't say and write these things in Finland, but I don't get exposed to it so much, because I don't visit the websites where these extremists congregate. I know they are in the minority, but it's such a vocal one...
14. Where did most of your money go?
I think it went towards normal living expenses, food and rent, stuff like that.
15. What did you look forward to most this year?
Probably the baby, who was born in late November.
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
I don't know that I notice songs all that much, but maybe Beneath the moonless sky from Love Never Dies. I also learned some new tunes to play on the keyboard. My Luve is Like a Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns has become a great favourite, and I also like Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
About the same.
ii. thinner or fatter?
Maybe a bit fatter.
iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer for the moment.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I could have had more work to do.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I should have held my tongue more, and not got into arguments about things that don't matter.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with my parents, having a toothache and being in a bad mood, to begin with, but it was a happy Christmas in the end.
22. Did you fall in love in 2012?
No.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which I watch on YouTube. He's awesome:).
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
26. What was the best book you read?
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. I also like David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, but it's been on a hiatus for a long time. I am going to finish it eventually.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I'd have to say Love Never Dies, but mainly because I so rarely listen to new music. I've also fallen in love with Kiss Me, Kate and Elisabeth. So yeah, it's pretty much musical theater with me...
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted some books and clothes, and I got them.
29. What did you want and not get?
I wanted a grant for translation, and my own flat, but that didn't work out so well.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Egyptian, which was quite unexpectedly rather awesome... I also liked Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32. I didn't do anything special, but I had a party the day before, and made a layered cake, which I've never made before.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting a full-time job would have been awesome, and also having my own flat. I don't dislike living with my family, but I do dislike having most of my stuff in storage, and not having a place of my very own.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
I don't do fashion, but I'd say I've got a slightly more daring style in the way of colours and patterns than before.
34. What kept you sane?
My friends and family, my faith, literature, playing the keyboard, knitting, blogging and surfing. Not to mention drinking tea. "If tea can't cure it, it's a serious problem".
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I think it's probably still Craig Ferguson, but I do like all sorts of actors.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I think I was most stirred about the way people don't care enough to vote. It's about our lives, you know?
37. Who did you miss?
I still miss my grandma, and my cat, although both have been gone for some time.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Both the babies born last year are awesome:).
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
I'm cheating, because I only read this column yesterday, but it's actually a very good wake-up call. We all have things in our lives that need changing, and there are many ways to do it. This should give you some incentive on why it's worth trying.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell sums up any year after you've reached adulthood, I think.
Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way
But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away
I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
Oh but now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day
I've looked at life from both sides now
From WIN and LOSE and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
I've looked at life from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
Congratulations on reaching the end of that... I'm still experiencing slight difficulties with my connection, but you'll hear from me sooner or later. Have a great week!