I'm back, weeeeeeee!
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Got Married!
I also became a boss, which doesn't compare but is still pretty cool for me professionally.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I sure did! I resolved to have the most kick-ass, memorable, and "us" wedding, I would say that we certainly succeeded. Our day was seriously about 1000 times more awesome than we had even imagined! It might sound cheesy, but the amount of love I felt in that room (and in the church) was immeasurable.
This year's resolutions are to save tons of cash so that we can have a 20% down-payment on a home by the end of the year (we created a budget this weekend that we are vowing to adhere to), keep up my healthy living (both with working out - yoga, walking to work, strength training and with eating well), and limiting my shopping (related to the first...also, no more retail...only discount stores like Filene's Basement, TJMaxx, etc, and second hand purchases and eBay and such).
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Just last week, my amazing sister gave birth to baby Curtis, who makes my heart melt. He's so adorable. My sis is a freaking rock star for the second time she gave birth WITHOUT drugs of any kind. Amanda is my hero.
Maire also had the adorable Desmond back in August...we just saw him last week, too...and he's a little cutie pie! There were also 3 babies born to a sister and daughter-in-law of co-workers...all boys. 08 was the year of the dude, apparently!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Some US travel (Miami, Chicago, NY, etc), Hungary, Austria, and the UK for a few hours!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I think we're ready for babies.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December was very eventful!
13 December - wedding!
29 December - Curtis!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Pulling off the most phenomenal wedding ever, while maintaining my sanity (mostly...there were some meltdowns in the final week, but I held it together and TOTALLY enjoyed the day!). I'm also pretty pleased to have returned to BU in my former boss's job. It's really awesome to be back!!!
9. What was your biggest failure?
I am incapable of failing ;)
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
happily, no!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
my wedding ring, diamond earrings for my sister (she deserved them!), a camera for my mom (those disposables were getting a little tired), my iPhone!, a few nice things in Europe (funky watch from Vienna, witch shoes from Budapest), and many smaller clothes for my shrinking bod. I also just scored a silver Betsey Johnson dress last week from the Second Time Around in Providence for only $27! It fits like a freaking glove, and I think I'll wear it to the party that Matt's parents are throwing for us next month in NJ...
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My friends, who are all so amazing and astounding and thoughtful and FUN!
Also, USA!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Eh, on a personal note, I was disappointed by the actions of some people who are close to me, but I've decided not to let those things bother me...on a bigger scale, the voting patterns of the residents of a few states (ahem, Cali) were totally depressing & appalling.
14. Where did most of your money go?
wedding (seriously ouch but still totally worth it), honeymoon, and I did manage to still sock a little more away into my savings...
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Wedding, The Election, Euro-Honeymoon, The Bachelorette Party, Angelika's visit, and a new niece or nephew!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" by the Ink Spots - our first dance
also, "Ça Plan Pour Moi," "Single Ladies," "Time to Pretend," "Start Wearing Purple," and "American Boy"
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier, if possible.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner, but more importantly, healthier!
iii. richer or poorer? Way poorer, but the 2009 savings spree has already begun!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it with my husband, and my family (mom's side) in Prov. My sister was still pregnant, which was awesome bc the baby clearly wanted to wait for me to return to the country!
21. What LJ users did you meet for the first time?
___?
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I seriously fell in love all over again.
23. How many one-night stands?
puh-lease
24. What was your favorite TV program?
30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Lost, The Office
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
nah. I hate hate.
26. What was the best book you read?
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Human Stain by Philip Roth, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, and of course...the Twilight Series!
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Ink Spots!!! From a VIDEO GAME!
28. What did you want and get?
A husband. A nephew! A lovely wedding. An amazing honeymoon...
29. What did you want and not get?
Absolutely nothing! I was incredibly blessed/lucky/whatever you want to call it this year!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Can I have a few? The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Wall-E, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Dark Knight, and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29, and had a little soiree at our new apartment! I am already planning big things for 09/09/09 when I turn 30. Mark your calendars!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I can't think of a single thing. My year was spectacular and even more amazing than I could have dreamed...
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
1930's Hollywood glamour!
34. What kept you sane?
Matt. Always Matt.
37. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Wiig
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
well, obviously the election...but also gay marriage and sustainable energy.
37. Who did you miss?
Dad.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Sarah - my wedding make-up artiste extraordinaire and Kat - Matt's cousin's ladyfriend. And some of my new employees!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Dream big and then MAKE IT HAPPEN!
40. BONUS YUPPIE QUESTION What were your best meals of the year?
Our first meal in Budapest at Arany Barany was pretty spectacular...I had lamb meatballs stuffed with ewe cheese, which was unbelievably good! Also, in Miami, my sister, niece, and I feasted on some incredible varieties of meat at Texas de Brazil (it's a chain, but a pretty incredible one). Locally, Ten Tables never disappoints and we took Mike & Kat there in Sept and I sampled from the vegetarian tasting menu, which was spectacular.