2019 in review
What did I accomplish in 2019?
Cleaned out some old stuff, knit up some yarn, read 18 books, watched 143 movies, told some good people that I love them, one of my movies was shown at two different shows, and some of my photos were exhibited in a nearby movie theatre lobby.
What did I do in 2019 that I’d never done before?
I ate “Chicago Mix” popcorn. I tried some new record and book stores in New York City. I went to two Broadway shows in one day- oddly, both modern day adaptions of plays by Chekov. I baked lemon drop and cocoa snowball cookies using recipes I’d never tried before.
Did I keep my New Year’s Resolutions?
I had resolved to have a minimum of 25% of the movies I watch be directed by women, and at least 25% directed by black, indigenous, persons of colour, and I did keep that resolution. It was tough at times, but I guess the “less snacking” resolution was tougher, because I still snack all the time!
Did anyone close to me give birth?
No.
Did anyone close to me die?
Mercifully, no.
What countries did I visit?
The USA (NJ, NY, SC, CA, IL, PA, VA & Washington DC) and Canada (NS, ON)
What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
A steady income.
What date from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t know. This year was kind of a blur.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think it was that show of my photos. I had to pitch it for approval, and then do the install myself with my grandpop Harkins’ hammer. The show ended when the theatre went out of business & the manager had to help me get my photos out before they chained the doors shut, but it was up for six weeks, and it was still pretty special. I also had a short film I made in 2016 selected for a show that played in Halifax and Victoria, and that was a thrill. I should’ve added that to my accomplishments.
What was your biggest failure?
Staying in New Jersey
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a root canal. Bleah!
What was the best thing you bought?
A ticket to see a new musical interpretation of Cyrano, starring Peter Dinklage. It was beautiful, but so heartbreaking that I cried throughout the last 2/3rds of the show. I also bought tickets to see Austin Pendleton introduce The Muppet Movie, and also act in the Broadway show “Life Sucks”. That was a great choice, because he is awesome!
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
I made some fumbling attempts to reconnect with friends this year, and I am so appreciative and in awe of the ways that people keep me in their lives. The people who offer their friendship to me are so wonderful.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Pretty much everything connected with the White House.
Where did most of your money go?
Bills, food, entertainment.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I wanted to be really excited about the final season of Game of Thrones. I added HBO to my Amazon Prime account, so I could watch each new episode as it was released. Before the final episode, I bought “dragon’s breath” chicken wings, popcorn, chocolate covered raisins, and the ingredients to bake lemon cupcakes. That last episode was a rushed mess (much like most of the season), but I did get very excited about those fresh lemon cupcakes & having a feast of snacks.
What song will always remind you of 2019?
Rick White and Eiyn Sof’s “Space”
Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Sadder
thinner or fatter?
Fatter
richer or poorer?
Poorer
What do you wish you’d done more of?
travel (though I did travel a bit, which was great)
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spaced out. I fill so much time with nothing special.
How did you spend Christmas?
My mother came down to New Jersey, and together we prepared a feast of roast turkey, fresh cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, plus a mix of roasted carrots, sweet potatos & parsnips. The weather was surprisingly mild, so I talked her into going for a short neighborhood walk to look at some of the holiday lights on people’s houses. We also exchanged gifts, and I was pleased to receive Ganong Chicken Bones, Peace by Chocolate candy, and Laura Secord lollipops. (Also, new Timberland boots and underwear, so I’m ready for anything now.)
Did you fall in love in 2019?
Only with the YouTube series Cobra Kai.
How many one night stands?
None!
What was your favorite tv program?
Well, I mentioned Cobra Kai- is it still television if its on YouTube? I also LOVED Amazon Prime’s Good Omens mini-series. Did I feel a connection with anything on traditional tv? Oh, yeah! This year, I attended a taping of the Dr. Phil show, and I am not ashamed to say that was a thrill. They do 2 episodes a day, and we started with the 3000th episode extravaganza! It was like a greatest hits episode, with lots of returning guests, as well as many of the usual Dr. Phil experts sitting in the front row. We all got Dr. Phil t-shirts, too! Then, there was a troubled teen episode notable for some mild swearing that everyone applauded because we were so thrilled to hear it without a beep. Everyone in the audience had to sign a lengthy waiver, promising (among other things) that we were not expecting medical advice from anyone, and signing away rights to our image/voice for eternity.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
What was the best concert you attended?
I cried three times at concerts this year. I’m generally a soft touch, but that must be a record for me. I went to see “The Mike & Micky Show” of surviving Monkees, and cried over the beauty of “Last Train to Clarksville” like a maniac. Then, I saw X & Squeeze in September, and cried when X performed “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts”. Finally, in December, I went to see Julie Doiron & Mt. Eerie, and when she opened her set with “He Will Forget”, I felt so homesick I just started bawling. The other two concerts I saw this year were a spectacular variety show to celebrate 96 year old performer Larry Storch, which was super-sweet and heart warming, as well as a lovely jazz show by David Sanborn. Theatre shows I caught: The Lion King; Beautiful; Life Sucks; Moscow, Moscow, Moscow; My Very Own British Invasion; Thelma and Leweeze.
Other live events: Vogue Knitting live convention, a walking tour of NYC with Noah D., a talk on the history of glass with my friend Lisa, and a class on making summer remedies like bug repellant.
What was the best book you read?
I caught up on Steve Jones’ autobiography “Lonely Boy” and thought it was so moving. It has a very strong personal voice- very conversational! For 2019 released, my non-fiction pick is “Burnout: the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”, and my fiction pick is “Heated Rivalries” by Rachel Reid.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
The punk band X! I can’t believe I’d never heard them before this year. Also, the Larry Storch event was packed with his talented friends, like Louise Murray who sang with the Jaynetts and the Hearts, Tony Middleton who sang with The Willows, opera singer Frank Basile, crooner Charlie Romo, actor/singers Christine Pedi, Liane Curtis, Thomas G. Waites and more!
What did you want and get?
I did quite a lot of online shopping this year. As a general category, I need to dramatically cut back on “Things I can get if I type in my bank card number”.
What did you not want and get anyway?
Time passing quickly
What did you want and not get?
A bit more of a handle on everything
What was your favorite film of the year?
I thought The Last Black Man in San Francisco was beautiful.
What did you do on your birthday?
The day before my birthday, I went into New York City & saw the movie “Two Friends” with my friend Kolbe. Before I went home, I did some shopping, so that on my birthday morning, I woke up and had a little round palm-of-the-hand-sized strawberry hazelnut pie and cane sugar Coca Cola for breakfast. It was glorious!
I actually panicked about spending my birthday alone this year, so I kicked into a frenzy of contacting old friends. There were many dead ends, and a few friends that had time to reconnect later in the summer, but Kolbe really came through. I didn’t tell anyone it was my birthday weekend, but I did tell Kolbe how much I enjoyed seeing him.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The unfailing ability to sleep 8 hours every night.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
Colourful accessories.
What kept you sane?
Oh, I wouldn’t say I was entirely sane.
What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
On Father’s Day, June 16th, I went into New York City to see Chris Stein (of Blondie) and John Doe (of X) talk about their recent books. It was super inspiring, and made me excited about independent thinking + making things. I can’t exaggerate how energized I felt by their talk. I bought their books, too, and they were great!
What political issue stirred you the most?
Kids in cages at the USA/Mexico border. It makes me sick.
Whom did you miss?
My dad.
Who was the best new person you met?
My answer to this question is often dominated by toddlers, and this year is no exception. My new friend Lily, who will be 3 in January, is tremendously fun. Although he is not a person, I also bonded with a cat named Howell & now I miss him terribly.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.
It’s generally a good idea to get out and do things that you’ve planned. You will rarely regret leaving the house. However, if you do let something slide, then let yourself off the hook and forget about it.
What were your best meals of the year?
I had some good slices at Joe’s Pizza in the west village of New York City. I made some good Fall soups with lots of vegetables. A sweet clerk at Pastosa Ravioli in Cranford, NJ, recommended a brown butter sage sauce that really does elevate ravioli to new heights of flavour. Also in Cranford, the soup at Ramen Noodle is my favourite restaurant meal in NJ.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
Moving onward and upward. I hope! Spending more time doing, and less time daydreaming.
Cleaned out some old stuff, knit up some yarn, read 18 books, watched 143 movies, told some good people that I love them, one of my movies was shown at two different shows, and some of my photos were exhibited in a nearby movie theatre lobby.
What did I do in 2019 that I’d never done before?
I ate “Chicago Mix” popcorn. I tried some new record and book stores in New York City. I went to two Broadway shows in one day- oddly, both modern day adaptions of plays by Chekov. I baked lemon drop and cocoa snowball cookies using recipes I’d never tried before.
Did I keep my New Year’s Resolutions?
I had resolved to have a minimum of 25% of the movies I watch be directed by women, and at least 25% directed by black, indigenous, persons of colour, and I did keep that resolution. It was tough at times, but I guess the “less snacking” resolution was tougher, because I still snack all the time!
Did anyone close to me give birth?
No.
Did anyone close to me die?
Mercifully, no.
What countries did I visit?
The USA (NJ, NY, SC, CA, IL, PA, VA & Washington DC) and Canada (NS, ON)
What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
A steady income.
What date from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t know. This year was kind of a blur.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think it was that show of my photos. I had to pitch it for approval, and then do the install myself with my grandpop Harkins’ hammer. The show ended when the theatre went out of business & the manager had to help me get my photos out before they chained the doors shut, but it was up for six weeks, and it was still pretty special. I also had a short film I made in 2016 selected for a show that played in Halifax and Victoria, and that was a thrill. I should’ve added that to my accomplishments.
What was your biggest failure?
Staying in New Jersey
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a root canal. Bleah!
What was the best thing you bought?
A ticket to see a new musical interpretation of Cyrano, starring Peter Dinklage. It was beautiful, but so heartbreaking that I cried throughout the last 2/3rds of the show. I also bought tickets to see Austin Pendleton introduce The Muppet Movie, and also act in the Broadway show “Life Sucks”. That was a great choice, because he is awesome!
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
I made some fumbling attempts to reconnect with friends this year, and I am so appreciative and in awe of the ways that people keep me in their lives. The people who offer their friendship to me are so wonderful.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Pretty much everything connected with the White House.
Where did most of your money go?
Bills, food, entertainment.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I wanted to be really excited about the final season of Game of Thrones. I added HBO to my Amazon Prime account, so I could watch each new episode as it was released. Before the final episode, I bought “dragon’s breath” chicken wings, popcorn, chocolate covered raisins, and the ingredients to bake lemon cupcakes. That last episode was a rushed mess (much like most of the season), but I did get very excited about those fresh lemon cupcakes & having a feast of snacks.
What song will always remind you of 2019?
Rick White and Eiyn Sof’s “Space”
Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
Sadder
thinner or fatter?
Fatter
richer or poorer?
Poorer
What do you wish you’d done more of?
travel (though I did travel a bit, which was great)
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spaced out. I fill so much time with nothing special.
How did you spend Christmas?
My mother came down to New Jersey, and together we prepared a feast of roast turkey, fresh cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, plus a mix of roasted carrots, sweet potatos & parsnips. The weather was surprisingly mild, so I talked her into going for a short neighborhood walk to look at some of the holiday lights on people’s houses. We also exchanged gifts, and I was pleased to receive Ganong Chicken Bones, Peace by Chocolate candy, and Laura Secord lollipops. (Also, new Timberland boots and underwear, so I’m ready for anything now.)
Did you fall in love in 2019?
Only with the YouTube series Cobra Kai.
How many one night stands?
None!
What was your favorite tv program?
Well, I mentioned Cobra Kai- is it still television if its on YouTube? I also LOVED Amazon Prime’s Good Omens mini-series. Did I feel a connection with anything on traditional tv? Oh, yeah! This year, I attended a taping of the Dr. Phil show, and I am not ashamed to say that was a thrill. They do 2 episodes a day, and we started with the 3000th episode extravaganza! It was like a greatest hits episode, with lots of returning guests, as well as many of the usual Dr. Phil experts sitting in the front row. We all got Dr. Phil t-shirts, too! Then, there was a troubled teen episode notable for some mild swearing that everyone applauded because we were so thrilled to hear it without a beep. Everyone in the audience had to sign a lengthy waiver, promising (among other things) that we were not expecting medical advice from anyone, and signing away rights to our image/voice for eternity.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
What was the best concert you attended?
I cried three times at concerts this year. I’m generally a soft touch, but that must be a record for me. I went to see “The Mike & Micky Show” of surviving Monkees, and cried over the beauty of “Last Train to Clarksville” like a maniac. Then, I saw X & Squeeze in September, and cried when X performed “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts”. Finally, in December, I went to see Julie Doiron & Mt. Eerie, and when she opened her set with “He Will Forget”, I felt so homesick I just started bawling. The other two concerts I saw this year were a spectacular variety show to celebrate 96 year old performer Larry Storch, which was super-sweet and heart warming, as well as a lovely jazz show by David Sanborn. Theatre shows I caught: The Lion King; Beautiful; Life Sucks; Moscow, Moscow, Moscow; My Very Own British Invasion; Thelma and Leweeze.
Other live events: Vogue Knitting live convention, a walking tour of NYC with Noah D., a talk on the history of glass with my friend Lisa, and a class on making summer remedies like bug repellant.
What was the best book you read?
I caught up on Steve Jones’ autobiography “Lonely Boy” and thought it was so moving. It has a very strong personal voice- very conversational! For 2019 released, my non-fiction pick is “Burnout: the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”, and my fiction pick is “Heated Rivalries” by Rachel Reid.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
The punk band X! I can’t believe I’d never heard them before this year. Also, the Larry Storch event was packed with his talented friends, like Louise Murray who sang with the Jaynetts and the Hearts, Tony Middleton who sang with The Willows, opera singer Frank Basile, crooner Charlie Romo, actor/singers Christine Pedi, Liane Curtis, Thomas G. Waites and more!
What did you want and get?
I did quite a lot of online shopping this year. As a general category, I need to dramatically cut back on “Things I can get if I type in my bank card number”.
What did you not want and get anyway?
Time passing quickly
What did you want and not get?
A bit more of a handle on everything
What was your favorite film of the year?
I thought The Last Black Man in San Francisco was beautiful.
What did you do on your birthday?
The day before my birthday, I went into New York City & saw the movie “Two Friends” with my friend Kolbe. Before I went home, I did some shopping, so that on my birthday morning, I woke up and had a little round palm-of-the-hand-sized strawberry hazelnut pie and cane sugar Coca Cola for breakfast. It was glorious!
I actually panicked about spending my birthday alone this year, so I kicked into a frenzy of contacting old friends. There were many dead ends, and a few friends that had time to reconnect later in the summer, but Kolbe really came through. I didn’t tell anyone it was my birthday weekend, but I did tell Kolbe how much I enjoyed seeing him.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The unfailing ability to sleep 8 hours every night.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
Colourful accessories.
What kept you sane?
Oh, I wouldn’t say I was entirely sane.
What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
On Father’s Day, June 16th, I went into New York City to see Chris Stein (of Blondie) and John Doe (of X) talk about their recent books. It was super inspiring, and made me excited about independent thinking + making things. I can’t exaggerate how energized I felt by their talk. I bought their books, too, and they were great!
What political issue stirred you the most?
Kids in cages at the USA/Mexico border. It makes me sick.
Whom did you miss?
My dad.
Who was the best new person you met?
My answer to this question is often dominated by toddlers, and this year is no exception. My new friend Lily, who will be 3 in January, is tremendously fun. Although he is not a person, I also bonded with a cat named Howell & now I miss him terribly.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.
It’s generally a good idea to get out and do things that you’ve planned. You will rarely regret leaving the house. However, if you do let something slide, then let yourself off the hook and forget about it.
What were your best meals of the year?
I had some good slices at Joe’s Pizza in the west village of New York City. I made some good Fall soups with lots of vegetables. A sweet clerk at Pastosa Ravioli in Cranford, NJ, recommended a brown butter sage sauce that really does elevate ravioli to new heights of flavour. Also in Cranford, the soup at Ramen Noodle is my favourite restaurant meal in NJ.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
Moving onward and upward. I hope! Spending more time doing, and less time daydreaming.