[MEME] 2021 IN REVIEW
The lateness. It creeps.
1. What did you do in 2021 that you'd never done before?
Get engaged (lol); visit Europe, and specifically Germany (and during a pandemic); eat a döner kebab; officiate a COVID wedding; pyrography; visit the Grand Canyon; play (and lose) money at roulette in Vegas; play (and win) money at slot machines in Vegas; buy fresh blueberries in Michigan; live through a 3-bathroom renovation; completely wipe out on an electric scooter; work with a career/life coach to figure out where I want to go with my job/professional aspirations (i.e., get motivated to fucking escape from pharma patent litigation).
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Recap:
- Figure out a new hobby (have been eyeing sculpting)
Succeeded, I think. I made a kiwi sculpture and baby yoda's head out of polymer clay! I also got into pyrography over the summer.
- Keep it up with the daily non-dominant hand journal
Success! Second year down. Third is well on its way.
- Read a book
Also a success, surprisingly. Fiancé gave me the first book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Furies of Calderon. Barreled through it in one sitting. Tried starting the second book, but didn't get far before other stuff pulled me away again.
For this year:
- Find/get a new job before I get married
- Be more active/work out more
- Draw one piece of artwork digitally
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. One of my co-workers who I'm pretty close to gave birth early in the year.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No... though Linda moved to New Zealand. Same same, but different. XD;;
5. What countries did you visit?
Deutschland.
6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
A new job. I'm so fucking tired and burned out from ANDA/Hatch-Waxman litigation. More often than not I find myself fantasizing about rage-quitting. Not good.
7. What date from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
2021-06-12. Engagement day/event.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Officiating Linda's wedding, I think. Worked on the speech for almost a week. Fastidiously kept it to be just about her and her husband, and feedback was positive from both sides of the attendees.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting a new job. Granted, I knew that escaping my niche practice would be difficult and take time.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Injury--wiped out on my scooter late summer/early fall. Got massive road burn on my ankle and elbow.
11. What were the best things you bought?
I'm quite satisfied with my pyrography set. Drew a little bumble bee on pine board--rather pleased with how it turned out even as a first attempt.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
No one comes to mind.
13. Whose behaviour appalled you?
Anti-vaxxers. There's absolutely no sympathy or empathy for anybody who refuses to get a vaccine for any reason other than a true medical exemption.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Renovations, travel.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Free Guy, Dune, and Netflix's Witcher 2... first two met/exceeded my expectations. Season 2 of the Witcher... gave me conflicting thoughts.
16. What song will always remind you of 2021?
Not a single song, but rather an entire 5hr long playlist of the prettiest/most atmospheric tracks from all Assassin's Creed games to date.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Content with my personal relationships. Maintaining same amount of "sadness"/disappointment with my job;
ii. thinner or fatter? I think I've stayed the same as last year--but really hoping to get back into pre-COVID shape for the wedding.
iii. richer or poorer? Probably richer. Would trade some of that wealth for better work/life balance though.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Hobby type things I guess. Most of my downtime has been spent on mobile phone games and reading webcomics.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Work that I am very much jaded about and no longer enjoy.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Germany with Thomas's extended family. They actually do most of the celebration on the 24th. Met a lot of people. There was a bit of a language barrier since I speak practically zero deutch. Dinner was very German--mostly meats and potatoes. There was a secret santa gift exchange, followed by a birthday celebration since one of the family member's birthday was on the 25th. All in all, very new, semi-exciting, and absolutely strenuous/not relaxing. ^^; On actual Xmas day, we slept in, had a sad hotel-provided Christmas brunch, finished watching Witcher S2 in bed, and then headed back to his sister's house for a Turkey Christmas dinner.
21. Where did you ring in 2021? How will you ring in 2022?
2021: First had Riley/Jack over, plus Riley's parents. They stayed for some apps, drinks, and conversation before leaving for their own dinner plans. Then invited Linda & Paul over--small gathering because social distancing, ha. Grace had bailed out last minute. Linda/Paul brought home-brewed ciders and dickbutt/cat butt cookies. We continued eating appetizers, tacos, salmon, gummy bears, and drank. Played "That's What She Said" and "Bears vs. Babies." Watched a few YT videos and the sad NYC performance. Counted down and watched as somewhere, way in the distance, someone set off fireworks.
2022: We drove an hour out to Sarah/Zach's house in one of the BuFu north Illinois suburbs. Super small gathering--originally was supposed to be bigger, but it got kneecapped due to COVID/non-COVID illnesses. So it was just us, the hosts, and two other couples. Ate some skewers, drank mulled cider, and just had a chill time catching up and petting their kitties. Found out belatedly that Chicago was putting on a massive fireworks display--which we would've gotten a really good view of had we stayed home, lol. Drank port and "sparkling red" that we'd brought in lieu of champagne.
22. Did you fall in love in 2021?
Still in love. No need for a reset? Ha.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
"WandaVision," hands down. So clever and engaging.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Got no energy for hate. Only bone-deep disappointment.
26. What was the best book you read?
Considering how Furies of Calderon was the only book I'd read, that one wins by default.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The curated playlist of beautiful AssCreed songs that I linked above.
28. What did you want and get?
Two trips away from home--i.e., "vacations." While they weren't relaxing per se, they were a much needed change in scenery.
29. What did you want and not get?
New job.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
"Free Guy" had no right to be that hilarious, but it was. "Dune" was also just chef's kiss in terms of directing, vision, sound mixing, aesthetic. I also really enjoyed "Shang-Chi"--so rare kudos to Disney and Marvel for not fucking that one up completely.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Still mid-30s. Then-boyfriend made me breakfast while I got started on the LJ 2020 year in review meme. Received a 9min cringe-y audio message/recording from my mother--things best left alone. Told Thomas to pick up an ube cake and that I'd be fine listening to the recording alone. I wasn't. Became equal parts enraged and hurt at the contents of the recording. Vented at my sibling in the aftermath. Learned from dad that this "birthday" message had been recorded on the 26th--i.e., right after I had that last big tiff with my mother. So most signs point to some emotional warfare, augh. Sulked and mourned a bit on the SO. Received gifts a little later--two Jim Butcher books, a rubber chicken, and tickets to a musical for later in the year. We had sushi for dinner and we both spent the evening in comfortable silence/company reading our respective books.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More interviews for more non-litigation related jobs.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
Fluffy potato sack.
34. What kept you sane?
Webcomics, interesting TV series, and good music.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Henry Cavill's Geralt continues to be spot-on.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
COVID vaccines. It shouldn't be a fucking political issue, and yet here we are. Also the sad reality of what will likely happen to Roe v. Wade given the current make-up of the Supreme Court.
37. Who did you miss?
Linda after she moved to NZ. LJ folks as a result of a short-lived renaissance on discord.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
One of Thomas's best friends in Germany and his wife. Definitely my fave new people of 2021.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021.
The sooner you can get out and get on to bigger/brighter things, the better.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Hey, how you doing? Well I'm doing just fine
I lied I'm dying inside
Bonus. What was your favorite moment of the year?
Random moment: Trying out Irvin's brand spicy salted duck egg yolk flavored chips for the first time. A+++ flavorful and fragrant. Too bad they're imported from Singapore and expensive AF LMAO
1. What did you do in 2021 that you'd never done before?
Get engaged (lol); visit Europe, and specifically Germany (and during a pandemic); eat a döner kebab; officiate a COVID wedding; pyrography; visit the Grand Canyon; play (and lose) money at roulette in Vegas; play (and win) money at slot machines in Vegas; buy fresh blueberries in Michigan; live through a 3-bathroom renovation; completely wipe out on an electric scooter; work with a career/life coach to figure out where I want to go with my job/professional aspirations (i.e., get motivated to fucking escape from pharma patent litigation).
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Recap:
- Figure out a new hobby (have been eyeing sculpting)
Succeeded, I think. I made a kiwi sculpture and baby yoda's head out of polymer clay! I also got into pyrography over the summer.
- Keep it up with the daily non-dominant hand journal
Success! Second year down. Third is well on its way.
- Read a book
Also a success, surprisingly. Fiancé gave me the first book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, Furies of Calderon. Barreled through it in one sitting. Tried starting the second book, but didn't get far before other stuff pulled me away again.
For this year:
- Find/get a new job before I get married
- Be more active/work out more
- Draw one piece of artwork digitally
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. One of my co-workers who I'm pretty close to gave birth early in the year.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No... though Linda moved to New Zealand. Same same, but different. XD;;
5. What countries did you visit?
Deutschland.
6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
A new job. I'm so fucking tired and burned out from ANDA/Hatch-Waxman litigation. More often than not I find myself fantasizing about rage-quitting. Not good.
7. What date from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
2021-06-12. Engagement day/event.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Officiating Linda's wedding, I think. Worked on the speech for almost a week. Fastidiously kept it to be just about her and her husband, and feedback was positive from both sides of the attendees.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting a new job. Granted, I knew that escaping my niche practice would be difficult and take time.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Injury--wiped out on my scooter late summer/early fall. Got massive road burn on my ankle and elbow.
11. What were the best things you bought?
I'm quite satisfied with my pyrography set. Drew a little bumble bee on pine board--rather pleased with how it turned out even as a first attempt.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
No one comes to mind.
13. Whose behaviour appalled you?
Anti-vaxxers. There's absolutely no sympathy or empathy for anybody who refuses to get a vaccine for any reason other than a true medical exemption.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Renovations, travel.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Free Guy, Dune, and Netflix's Witcher 2... first two met/exceeded my expectations. Season 2 of the Witcher... gave me conflicting thoughts.
16. What song will always remind you of 2021?
Not a single song, but rather an entire 5hr long playlist of the prettiest/most atmospheric tracks from all Assassin's Creed games to date.
Click to view17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Content with my personal relationships. Maintaining same amount of "sadness"/disappointment with my job;
ii. thinner or fatter? I think I've stayed the same as last year--but really hoping to get back into pre-COVID shape for the wedding.
iii. richer or poorer? Probably richer. Would trade some of that wealth for better work/life balance though.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Hobby type things I guess. Most of my downtime has been spent on mobile phone games and reading webcomics.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Work that I am very much jaded about and no longer enjoy.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Germany with Thomas's extended family. They actually do most of the celebration on the 24th. Met a lot of people. There was a bit of a language barrier since I speak practically zero deutch. Dinner was very German--mostly meats and potatoes. There was a secret santa gift exchange, followed by a birthday celebration since one of the family member's birthday was on the 25th. All in all, very new, semi-exciting, and absolutely strenuous/not relaxing. ^^; On actual Xmas day, we slept in, had a sad hotel-provided Christmas brunch, finished watching Witcher S2 in bed, and then headed back to his sister's house for a Turkey Christmas dinner.
21. Where did you ring in 2021? How will you ring in 2022?
2021: First had Riley/Jack over, plus Riley's parents. They stayed for some apps, drinks, and conversation before leaving for their own dinner plans. Then invited Linda & Paul over--small gathering because social distancing, ha. Grace had bailed out last minute. Linda/Paul brought home-brewed ciders and dickbutt/cat butt cookies. We continued eating appetizers, tacos, salmon, gummy bears, and drank. Played "That's What She Said" and "Bears vs. Babies." Watched a few YT videos and the sad NYC performance. Counted down and watched as somewhere, way in the distance, someone set off fireworks.
2022: We drove an hour out to Sarah/Zach's house in one of the BuFu north Illinois suburbs. Super small gathering--originally was supposed to be bigger, but it got kneecapped due to COVID/non-COVID illnesses. So it was just us, the hosts, and two other couples. Ate some skewers, drank mulled cider, and just had a chill time catching up and petting their kitties. Found out belatedly that Chicago was putting on a massive fireworks display--which we would've gotten a really good view of had we stayed home, lol. Drank port and "sparkling red" that we'd brought in lieu of champagne.
22. Did you fall in love in 2021?
Still in love. No need for a reset? Ha.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
"WandaVision," hands down. So clever and engaging.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Got no energy for hate. Only bone-deep disappointment.
26. What was the best book you read?
Considering how Furies of Calderon was the only book I'd read, that one wins by default.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The curated playlist of beautiful AssCreed songs that I linked above.
28. What did you want and get?
Two trips away from home--i.e., "vacations." While they weren't relaxing per se, they were a much needed change in scenery.
29. What did you want and not get?
New job.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
"Free Guy" had no right to be that hilarious, but it was. "Dune" was also just chef's kiss in terms of directing, vision, sound mixing, aesthetic. I also really enjoyed "Shang-Chi"--so rare kudos to Disney and Marvel for not fucking that one up completely.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Still mid-30s. Then-boyfriend made me breakfast while I got started on the LJ 2020 year in review meme. Received a 9min cringe-y audio message/recording from my mother--things best left alone. Told Thomas to pick up an ube cake and that I'd be fine listening to the recording alone. I wasn't. Became equal parts enraged and hurt at the contents of the recording. Vented at my sibling in the aftermath. Learned from dad that this "birthday" message had been recorded on the 26th--i.e., right after I had that last big tiff with my mother. So most signs point to some emotional warfare, augh. Sulked and mourned a bit on the SO. Received gifts a little later--two Jim Butcher books, a rubber chicken, and tickets to a musical for later in the year. We had sushi for dinner and we both spent the evening in comfortable silence/company reading our respective books.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More interviews for more non-litigation related jobs.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?
Fluffy potato sack.
34. What kept you sane?
Webcomics, interesting TV series, and good music.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Henry Cavill's Geralt continues to be spot-on.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
COVID vaccines. It shouldn't be a fucking political issue, and yet here we are. Also the sad reality of what will likely happen to Roe v. Wade given the current make-up of the Supreme Court.
37. Who did you miss?
Linda after she moved to NZ. LJ folks as a result of a short-lived renaissance on discord.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
One of Thomas's best friends in Germany and his wife. Definitely my fave new people of 2021.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021.
The sooner you can get out and get on to bigger/brighter things, the better.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Hey, how you doing? Well I'm doing just fine
I lied I'm dying inside
Bonus. What was your favorite moment of the year?
Random moment: Trying out Irvin's brand spicy salted duck egg yolk flavored chips for the first time. A+++ flavorful and fragrant. Too bad they're imported from Singapore and expensive AF LMAO