Oh, 2012. You're so soul-crushing.
It's that time again, folks.
|| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 ||
1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Moved to another state. Started a PhD program. Lost a significant amount of weight in a relatively healthy fashion (I get to eat, now! It's weird). Was a bridesmaid in someone's wedding. Lived in a hotel for months. Played D&D.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Huh. I actually did, for once. Sort of. I mean, I passed my classes, and I did lose weight. My goals for next year are to lose more weight, pass my classes with A's, and not fail Quals.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
The wife of a dude I grew up with (he went to our church) and went to high school with had a baby in January. I think a few LJ folks spawned this year, including ladyringo, but honestly I have been terrible about keeping up with the interwebs regularly, especially since school started.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not that I can remember? Oh god, I hope not. If so, I've mentally misplaced the time.
5. What countries did you visit?
Stayed in the US, but I actually left my hometown this year, which is something. Moved to another state! And not even one that borders Texas!
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
A clean, organized house, lacking in boxes. All of 2012 was boxes.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory?
August 13th, when I came to Hattiesburg. August 22nd, first day of classes. October 23rd, move-in day on the new house. October 27th, dreamchimes's wedding.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into a PhD program. Only one of the seven I applied to accepted me, but given that (a) I have an MLA and an MBA, not the MFA or MA that are the traditional routes to creative writing PhDs and (b) lots and lots of people don't get accepted anywhere their first or even second or third years of applying, I guess that's not so bad.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting into UH. It's a really good school, and it would have been nice to be able to keep my Houston friends close.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Started out the year with a cold that wouldn't go away. I periodically angered my knee; it seems to not enjoy it when I drive for 8+ hours between Hattiesburg and Houston.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A fucking HOUSE. Well, my parents bought it. My name's on the deed, and I pay part of the expenses. But yeah, that's far and away the most awesome thing.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Parents. HOUSE. My professors probably qualify for sainthood for (a) putting up with me and (b) not failing me horribly.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A couple of students, in a "HOW CAN I REACH THESE KEEEEEDS" sort of way, and a few in a "Really? How stupid do you think I am?" sort of way. Also discovering that one friend goes from nice guy to Nice Guy once he's had enough to drink; that was pretty unsettling.
14. Where did most of your money go?
House.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Nicole's wedding. Moving, though maybe fewer than three "reallys" for that, as it was mixed with terror.
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
First half of the year: Ellie Goulding's "Lights" album, second half, Fun.'s "Some Nights" album.
17. Compared to this time last year, you are:
Happier or sadder: Not sure. More stable, at least, I think. Usually.
Thinner or fatter: Thinner, actually. Turns out, my regular eating and exercise habits result in weight loss, as long as my thyroid is actually working. Took nearly ten goddamn years to figure that out.
Richer or poorer: Slightly richer, since I actually have an income now, though I've also got a mortgage, so I have debt, so I don't even know how to answer this anymore.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Studying. Writing.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being crazy. Spent the first couple months in Hattiesburg thinking I was going insane, and while it's not as bad anymore, it's... not always great.
20. How will you be spending/did you spend Christmas?
Went home for Houston right before Christmas, stayed for a while. We changed up the Christmas celebrations; usually any family in Houston gathers for Christmas Eve, then it's just parents/siblings on Christmas morning (where we often have a super-early breakfast/present-opening before Dad has to go to work). This year we swapped it; close family on Christmas Eve, big family gathering on Christmas morning. It was laid-back and nice.
21. What was your favorite month of 2012?
October was hectic, but interesting.
22. Did you fall in love in 2012?
No, though there were a lot of crushes. A lot.
23. How many one-night stands?
None. Well, one, sort of, but I tend to think of "one-night stands" as "sex with someone I don't know well" and I know this person pretty well.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Glee, Parks & Rec, Community, Modern Family.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
26. What was the best book you read?
Re-read Good Omens, which is always fun times.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ellie Goulding, Fun..
28. What did you want and get?
House? Admittance to grad school?
29. What did you want and not get?
Still waiting on that pony.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Avengers, hands down. Loved it.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28, and it was actually the day we set up the contract for the house.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The ability to sleep properly. The ability to focus for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Even the vaguest idea of what the hell I am doing.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
"Cover that shit up, no one wants to see it." Same as always. Also, once in Hattiesburg "Jesus fuck it's cold in here," as the building my office is in was almost always freezing.
34. What kept you sane?
Being too tired to go proper crazy. The other TAs.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I made the mistake of starting to watch Supernatural and damn if everyone in that series isn't so very pretty. Also, as it turns out, Jennifer Lawrence is so freakin' adorable that I can actually get past the "we have the same name and it's weird" thing.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election. Health care. Gay rights. The usual.
37. Who did you miss?
Houston folks. I got to see a few of them when I visited, but it's still so weird not being at Open Mic on Tuesdays.
38. Who were the best new people you met?
The other grad students are pretty damn rad.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
I have no idea what I am doing. And I don't think I want to be a teacher. Like, at all. It's a job, and I'll certainly do the best I can, but if I have another option? I'm going to take it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Several this year.
Less than Jake, I Swear It's the Last Time:
And I swear it's the last time and I swear it's my last try
And we'll walk in circles around this whole block
Walk on the cracks of the same old sidewalks
Then we'll talk about leaving town, yeah, we'll talk about leaving
I swear it's the last time and I swear it's my last try....
Fun., Some Nights:
Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle
Some nights, I wish they'd just fall off
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for oh
What do I stand for? What do I stand for?
Most nights, I don't know anymore...
[...]
Well, some nights, I wish that this all would end
Cause I could use some friends for a change
And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again
Some nights, I always win, I always win...
[...]
So this is it? I sold my soul for this?
Washed my hands of that for this?
I miss my mom and dad for this?
[...]
Well, that is it guys, that is all - five minutes in and I'm bored again
Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands
This one is not for the folks at home; Sorry to leave, mom, I had to go
Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?
[...]
The other night, you wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me
I called you up, but we'd both agree
It's for the best you didn't listen
It's for the best we get our distance... oh...
It's for the best you didn't listen
It's for the best we get our distance... oh...
Fun., One Foot:
Maybe I should learn to shut my mouth.
I am over twenty-five and I can’t make a name for myself some nights I break down and cry
I’m lucky that my father’s still alive he’s been fighting all his life and if this is all I’ve ever known then may his soul live on forever in my song.
I put one foot in front of the other one.
I don’t need a new love or a new life just a better place to die.
I put one foot in front of the other one.
I don’t need a new love or a new life just a better place to die.
This entry was originally posted at http://jenni-the-odd.dreamwidth.org/18822.html. You can comment here or there; it matters only that you comment PLEASE I NEED THE ATTENTION OH GOD PLEASE LOVE ME *SOB*.
|| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 ||
1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Moved to another state. Started a PhD program. Lost a significant amount of weight in a relatively healthy fashion (I get to eat, now! It's weird). Was a bridesmaid in someone's wedding. Lived in a hotel for months. Played D&D.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Huh. I actually did, for once. Sort of. I mean, I passed my classes, and I did lose weight. My goals for next year are to lose more weight, pass my classes with A's, and not fail Quals.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
The wife of a dude I grew up with (he went to our church) and went to high school with had a baby in January. I think a few LJ folks spawned this year, including ladyringo, but honestly I have been terrible about keeping up with the interwebs regularly, especially since school started.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not that I can remember? Oh god, I hope not. If so, I've mentally misplaced the time.
5. What countries did you visit?
Stayed in the US, but I actually left my hometown this year, which is something. Moved to another state! And not even one that borders Texas!
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
A clean, organized house, lacking in boxes. All of 2012 was boxes.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory?
August 13th, when I came to Hattiesburg. August 22nd, first day of classes. October 23rd, move-in day on the new house. October 27th, dreamchimes's wedding.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into a PhD program. Only one of the seven I applied to accepted me, but given that (a) I have an MLA and an MBA, not the MFA or MA that are the traditional routes to creative writing PhDs and (b) lots and lots of people don't get accepted anywhere their first or even second or third years of applying, I guess that's not so bad.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting into UH. It's a really good school, and it would have been nice to be able to keep my Houston friends close.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Started out the year with a cold that wouldn't go away. I periodically angered my knee; it seems to not enjoy it when I drive for 8+ hours between Hattiesburg and Houston.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A fucking HOUSE. Well, my parents bought it. My name's on the deed, and I pay part of the expenses. But yeah, that's far and away the most awesome thing.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Parents. HOUSE. My professors probably qualify for sainthood for (a) putting up with me and (b) not failing me horribly.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A couple of students, in a "HOW CAN I REACH THESE KEEEEEDS" sort of way, and a few in a "Really? How stupid do you think I am?" sort of way. Also discovering that one friend goes from nice guy to Nice Guy once he's had enough to drink; that was pretty unsettling.
14. Where did most of your money go?
House.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Nicole's wedding. Moving, though maybe fewer than three "reallys" for that, as it was mixed with terror.
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
First half of the year: Ellie Goulding's "Lights" album, second half, Fun.'s "Some Nights" album.
17. Compared to this time last year, you are:
Happier or sadder: Not sure. More stable, at least, I think. Usually.
Thinner or fatter: Thinner, actually. Turns out, my regular eating and exercise habits result in weight loss, as long as my thyroid is actually working. Took nearly ten goddamn years to figure that out.
Richer or poorer: Slightly richer, since I actually have an income now, though I've also got a mortgage, so I have debt, so I don't even know how to answer this anymore.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Studying. Writing.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being crazy. Spent the first couple months in Hattiesburg thinking I was going insane, and while it's not as bad anymore, it's... not always great.
20. How will you be spending/did you spend Christmas?
Went home for Houston right before Christmas, stayed for a while. We changed up the Christmas celebrations; usually any family in Houston gathers for Christmas Eve, then it's just parents/siblings on Christmas morning (where we often have a super-early breakfast/present-opening before Dad has to go to work). This year we swapped it; close family on Christmas Eve, big family gathering on Christmas morning. It was laid-back and nice.
21. What was your favorite month of 2012?
October was hectic, but interesting.
22. Did you fall in love in 2012?
No, though there were a lot of crushes. A lot.
23. How many one-night stands?
None. Well, one, sort of, but I tend to think of "one-night stands" as "sex with someone I don't know well" and I know this person pretty well.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Glee, Parks & Rec, Community, Modern Family.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
26. What was the best book you read?
Re-read Good Omens, which is always fun times.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ellie Goulding, Fun..
28. What did you want and get?
House? Admittance to grad school?
29. What did you want and not get?
Still waiting on that pony.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Avengers, hands down. Loved it.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28, and it was actually the day we set up the contract for the house.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The ability to sleep properly. The ability to focus for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Even the vaguest idea of what the hell I am doing.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
"Cover that shit up, no one wants to see it." Same as always. Also, once in Hattiesburg "Jesus fuck it's cold in here," as the building my office is in was almost always freezing.
34. What kept you sane?
Being too tired to go proper crazy. The other TAs.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I made the mistake of starting to watch Supernatural and damn if everyone in that series isn't so very pretty. Also, as it turns out, Jennifer Lawrence is so freakin' adorable that I can actually get past the "we have the same name and it's weird" thing.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election. Health care. Gay rights. The usual.
37. Who did you miss?
Houston folks. I got to see a few of them when I visited, but it's still so weird not being at Open Mic on Tuesdays.
38. Who were the best new people you met?
The other grad students are pretty damn rad.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
I have no idea what I am doing. And I don't think I want to be a teacher. Like, at all. It's a job, and I'll certainly do the best I can, but if I have another option? I'm going to take it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Several this year.
Less than Jake, I Swear It's the Last Time:
And I swear it's the last time and I swear it's my last try
And we'll walk in circles around this whole block
Walk on the cracks of the same old sidewalks
Then we'll talk about leaving town, yeah, we'll talk about leaving
I swear it's the last time and I swear it's my last try....
Fun., Some Nights:
Some nights, I wish that my lips could build a castle
Some nights, I wish they'd just fall off
But I still wake up, I still see your ghost
Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for oh
What do I stand for? What do I stand for?
Most nights, I don't know anymore...
[...]
Well, some nights, I wish that this all would end
Cause I could use some friends for a change
And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again
Some nights, I always win, I always win...
[...]
So this is it? I sold my soul for this?
Washed my hands of that for this?
I miss my mom and dad for this?
[...]
Well, that is it guys, that is all - five minutes in and I'm bored again
Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands
This one is not for the folks at home; Sorry to leave, mom, I had to go
Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?
[...]
The other night, you wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me
I called you up, but we'd both agree
It's for the best you didn't listen
It's for the best we get our distance... oh...
It's for the best you didn't listen
It's for the best we get our distance... oh...
Fun., One Foot:
Maybe I should learn to shut my mouth.
I am over twenty-five and I can’t make a name for myself some nights I break down and cry
I’m lucky that my father’s still alive he’s been fighting all his life and if this is all I’ve ever known then may his soul live on forever in my song.
I put one foot in front of the other one.
I don’t need a new love or a new life just a better place to die.
I put one foot in front of the other one.
I don’t need a new love or a new life just a better place to die.
This entry was originally posted at http://jenni-the-odd.dreamwidth.org/18822.html. You can comment here or there; it matters only that you comment PLEASE I NEED THE ATTENTION OH GOD PLEASE LOVE ME *SOB*.