2012 Year End Meme
2012: A Year of Triumph
Doing this a little early, just coz.
2004; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Went hiking in the mountains of Beijing. Tried kettlebell training. Took a spin class. Actively tried to lose weight.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year's was vague, but I said I wanted to "try to go to the gym," and I think I did myself one better on that. For next year, I just want to continue being as happy with myself as I am, and to keep myself open and willing to try new things throughout the year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Finally, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just Australia this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Last year I said a love life, and I would still really like that. I'd also like... less stuff. I need to de-clutter my life.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm terrible with dates lol, but I will remember my first City Weekend awards ceremony, because I was so petrified of being on stage, and also my birthday this year because it was awesome and filled with friends who are important to me.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Regaining control of my body and confidence in myself.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not updating my stupid LJ enough! haha I have no way of looking back and reading over my memories like previous years!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major. There were some pretty amazing days where muscle soreness after working out had me getting out of a chair like an old lady, but they're good sores to have sometimes. Oh, I also found out I have a tendency towards plantar fasciitis, which blows. It didn't hurt too bad, but it was enough to make walking painful for a couple months before I bothered fixing it.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My bike. Like, five times. (It was stolen, then lost, then I stole it back lol)
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Steve Kamb. He's my new favorite person, and he runs a website called Nerd Fitness. I'm pretty sure he should always be celebrated, as should everyone on the forums there, but this year I found the website and that's enough cause for celebration for me!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Ugh, the US Congress. Screw those guys.
14. Where did most of your money go?
As always, travel. But with my nice expense account (uh, even though it shrunk), most of my drinking and concert-going is taken care of these days. So travel's the big one. Food probably comes next.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My upcoming trip home and to Tokyo with my sister. I don't remember how it came about but it was the best idea ever. I think we made the decision in August or something so it's been a long time coming but I am still really excited.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2012?
"Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye because it's EVERYWHERE, anything Chapelier Fou because I couldn't stop listening to him for like a month, and of course, Gangnam Style.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i) ...happier or sadder?
SO MUCH HAPPIER.
ii) thinner or fatter?
Thinner. I am the thinnest, lightest, strongest Alex I have ever been as an adult. It's awesome.
iii) richer or poorer?
ahahaha oh man! I had 7200RMB in the bank this time last year. Now... well, I haven't checked my account but I would say I have about 25,000RMB??? However, I have been saving money hardcore for the last three months for the aforementioned trip to Australia and Japan, so it won't hang around for much longer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Kettlebells!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Beating myself up and waiting to fix my plantar fasciitis.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
It's tomorrow! I'll Skype with my family in the morning, then probably spend the rest of the day coming up with plans to make food for the evening. I hope to spend it with Sam and Garth watching Christmas movies. They both have to work :(
22. Did you fall in love in 2012?
No.
23. How many one night stands?
Zero.
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
There's only a couple of additions from last year: Suits and Scandal.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate's a big word! I don't hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
I don't even know if I've read a book all year, dear god please tell me I have. I think a couple of big "turning point" reads were New Rules of Lifting for Women and Convict Conditioning, but you don't really read those cover to cover. I still haven't finished Stephen Fry's autobiography lol, nor the Steve Jobs biography, nor anything else I've started reading. Jeez.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Chapelier Fou, easily.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted to lose weight, and I did it!
29. What did you want and not get?
A boyfriend :/ lol that has been an answer way too many times. <-- that is exactly what I wrote last year, crying alone forever
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I really enjoyed the Batman movie. Of course. Nolan. ♥
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28 this year, and I had dinner at a Japanese restaurant followed by cocktails followed by KTV. I spent dinner with Garth, Sam, Ami, Iris, Jo, Pride and Natalie, and I made sure that they all knew they are my favorite people and best friends. It's taken a while to get to the point where I felt like I could enjoy a birthday party, and I really did. Cocktails at Mai were perfect, as was a great night of KTV afterwards.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing, I had a great year.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Fashion concept, lol. Jeans and a tshirt.
34. What kept you sane?
Same as the last two years: "Family, friends, Arashi. Possibly not in that order."
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Outside of Arashi it's a safe bet that it's Joseph Gordon Levitt.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Though it would be tempting to say the US Election, the one that hit closest to home was the flare-up in tensions over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. There was some seriously nasty shit going down in Beijing, and it was not a fun time.
37. Who did you miss?
I still miss my little sister! I miss having Hannah time all the time.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Easily this kid named Alex. I met him through work and he's just the most wonderful thing ever.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
Get off your ass and do it. Whatever it is, just do it. Stop making excuses, don't throw up road blocks, there's no reason you can't do whatever it is. Just. Fucking. Do it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
巡り 巡る 季節の 途中で 何色の / In the midst of the changing seasons
明日を 描きますか / What color will we paint tomorrow?
強く 強く 信じ 合えた なら / If we can strongly, strongly believe in each other
何色の 未来が 待っていますか / What color future will be waiting?
(Arashi, "Ashita no Kioku")
Fourth year in a row, hells yeah! I just love this song a lot okay. :(
41. What was your favorite moment of the year?
You know, it's weird. It's been a year of personal struggle. And I know there have been awesome moments, and great nights out and stuff like that, but my favorite thing about this year was the plot arc. I had some really low lows, but I got through them, busted past my laziness, and conquered my own ass, literally.
42. What was your least favourite moment of the year?
As mentioned, I had some really low lows, and they're pretty memorable. One of them was definitely the night that Garth, Sam and Julian went running and I met them for beer and chuanr at the Muslim restaurant. Another was some random night at home, I was drunk, and I just broke down crying about my stupid situation. Those were pretty horrible nights.
43. Where were you when 2012 began?
At Mao Mao Chong's.
44. Who were you with?
Garth, Rico and Jo.
45. Where will you be when 2012 ends?
We still haven't planned it out!
46. Who will you be with when 2012 ends?
I hope I'm with Garth, Sam, Natalie and Pride.
47. What was your favourite month of 2012?
September was pretty damned good. I hit my first weight goal, I had a fantastic birthday, and I started my first 6-week challenge on Nerd Fitness.
48. Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2012?
I probably drank a lot in the first few months, but I really made a conscious effort to not drink as much this year. Mostly because of weight reasons, not "health" reasons lol
49. Did you do a lot of drugs in 2012?
Aw yeah, pseudoephedrine in my cold & flu meds, woo!
50. How many people did you sleep with in 2012?
Zero. :'(
51. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
No, you know what? Since 2008 I have been saying that I've done things I've been embarrassed about, but I haven't done that this year. I've been pretty conscious of all the decisions I've been making and how they impact my life, so I have really tried not to do stupid shit this year.
52. What was the worst lie someone told you in 2012?
I don't know...
53. Did you treat somebody badly in 2012?
I always feel I could be a little less selfish sometimes, but I don't think I have treated anyone badly.
54. Did somebody treat you badly in 2012?
I haven't felt slighted, no.
56. How much money did you spend in 2012?
Even though I've done a great job at saving over the last few months, I really don't want to do that calculation...
57. If you could go back in time to any moment of 2012 and change something, what would it be and why?
I'm tempted to say that I would like to cut out the plantar fasciitis debacle, but I also feel like it made me rethink exercise and fitness and weight loss. It forced me not to be a dumbass about those things, and educating myself has given me a lot more power and freedom and ability to accomplish my goals this year. So, no, I wouldn't even do that.
58. What are your plans for 2013?
I'm always going to say "read more and write more," so let's say something different. I'd love to get involved in some sort of sport, solo (rock climbing) or opponent-style (boxing) or team (tennis, maybe?) I want to keep making fitness goals for myself and at least try out weight lifting if I can find a good place. I want to work on the stuff I'm shitty at at work (procrastinating, keeping in contact with people). And I want to meet new people and open myself up to relationships, because while it does "just happen," it happens because you're ready for it. Basically: read more, write more, kick more ass.
Originally posted at Dreamwidth.
Doing this a little early, just coz.
2004; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Went hiking in the mountains of Beijing. Tried kettlebell training. Took a spin class. Actively tried to lose weight.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year's was vague, but I said I wanted to "try to go to the gym," and I think I did myself one better on that. For next year, I just want to continue being as happy with myself as I am, and to keep myself open and willing to try new things throughout the year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Finally, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just Australia this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Last year I said a love life, and I would still really like that. I'd also like... less stuff. I need to de-clutter my life.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm terrible with dates lol, but I will remember my first City Weekend awards ceremony, because I was so petrified of being on stage, and also my birthday this year because it was awesome and filled with friends who are important to me.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Regaining control of my body and confidence in myself.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not updating my stupid LJ enough! haha I have no way of looking back and reading over my memories like previous years!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major. There were some pretty amazing days where muscle soreness after working out had me getting out of a chair like an old lady, but they're good sores to have sometimes. Oh, I also found out I have a tendency towards plantar fasciitis, which blows. It didn't hurt too bad, but it was enough to make walking painful for a couple months before I bothered fixing it.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My bike. Like, five times. (It was stolen, then lost, then I stole it back lol)
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Steve Kamb. He's my new favorite person, and he runs a website called Nerd Fitness. I'm pretty sure he should always be celebrated, as should everyone on the forums there, but this year I found the website and that's enough cause for celebration for me!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Ugh, the US Congress. Screw those guys.
14. Where did most of your money go?
As always, travel. But with my nice expense account (uh, even though it shrunk), most of my drinking and concert-going is taken care of these days. So travel's the big one. Food probably comes next.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My upcoming trip home and to Tokyo with my sister. I don't remember how it came about but it was the best idea ever. I think we made the decision in August or something so it's been a long time coming but I am still really excited.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2012?
"Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye because it's EVERYWHERE, anything Chapelier Fou because I couldn't stop listening to him for like a month, and of course, Gangnam Style.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i) ...happier or sadder?
SO MUCH HAPPIER.
ii) thinner or fatter?
Thinner. I am the thinnest, lightest, strongest Alex I have ever been as an adult. It's awesome.
iii) richer or poorer?
ahahaha oh man! I had 7200RMB in the bank this time last year. Now... well, I haven't checked my account but I would say I have about 25,000RMB??? However, I have been saving money hardcore for the last three months for the aforementioned trip to Australia and Japan, so it won't hang around for much longer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Kettlebells!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Beating myself up and waiting to fix my plantar fasciitis.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
It's tomorrow! I'll Skype with my family in the morning, then probably spend the rest of the day coming up with plans to make food for the evening. I hope to spend it with Sam and Garth watching Christmas movies. They both have to work :(
22. Did you fall in love in 2012?
No.
23. How many one night stands?
Zero.
24. What were your favourite TV programs?
There's only a couple of additions from last year: Suits and Scandal.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate's a big word! I don't hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
I don't even know if I've read a book all year, dear god please tell me I have. I think a couple of big "turning point" reads were New Rules of Lifting for Women and Convict Conditioning, but you don't really read those cover to cover. I still haven't finished Stephen Fry's autobiography lol, nor the Steve Jobs biography, nor anything else I've started reading. Jeez.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Chapelier Fou, easily.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted to lose weight, and I did it!
29. What did you want and not get?
A boyfriend :/ lol that has been an answer way too many times. <-- that is exactly what I wrote last year, crying alone forever
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I really enjoyed the Batman movie. Of course. Nolan. ♥
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28 this year, and I had dinner at a Japanese restaurant followed by cocktails followed by KTV. I spent dinner with Garth, Sam, Ami, Iris, Jo, Pride and Natalie, and I made sure that they all knew they are my favorite people and best friends. It's taken a while to get to the point where I felt like I could enjoy a birthday party, and I really did. Cocktails at Mai were perfect, as was a great night of KTV afterwards.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing, I had a great year.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Fashion concept, lol. Jeans and a tshirt.
34. What kept you sane?
Same as the last two years: "Family, friends, Arashi. Possibly not in that order."
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Outside of Arashi it's a safe bet that it's Joseph Gordon Levitt.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Though it would be tempting to say the US Election, the one that hit closest to home was the flare-up in tensions over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. There was some seriously nasty shit going down in Beijing, and it was not a fun time.
37. Who did you miss?
I still miss my little sister! I miss having Hannah time all the time.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Easily this kid named Alex. I met him through work and he's just the most wonderful thing ever.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
Get off your ass and do it. Whatever it is, just do it. Stop making excuses, don't throw up road blocks, there's no reason you can't do whatever it is. Just. Fucking. Do it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
巡り 巡る 季節の 途中で 何色の / In the midst of the changing seasons
明日を 描きますか / What color will we paint tomorrow?
強く 強く 信じ 合えた なら / If we can strongly, strongly believe in each other
何色の 未来が 待っていますか / What color future will be waiting?
(Arashi, "Ashita no Kioku")
Fourth year in a row, hells yeah! I just love this song a lot okay. :(
41. What was your favorite moment of the year?
You know, it's weird. It's been a year of personal struggle. And I know there have been awesome moments, and great nights out and stuff like that, but my favorite thing about this year was the plot arc. I had some really low lows, but I got through them, busted past my laziness, and conquered my own ass, literally.
42. What was your least favourite moment of the year?
As mentioned, I had some really low lows, and they're pretty memorable. One of them was definitely the night that Garth, Sam and Julian went running and I met them for beer and chuanr at the Muslim restaurant. Another was some random night at home, I was drunk, and I just broke down crying about my stupid situation. Those were pretty horrible nights.
43. Where were you when 2012 began?
At Mao Mao Chong's.
44. Who were you with?
Garth, Rico and Jo.
45. Where will you be when 2012 ends?
We still haven't planned it out!
46. Who will you be with when 2012 ends?
I hope I'm with Garth, Sam, Natalie and Pride.
47. What was your favourite month of 2012?
September was pretty damned good. I hit my first weight goal, I had a fantastic birthday, and I started my first 6-week challenge on Nerd Fitness.
48. Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2012?
I probably drank a lot in the first few months, but I really made a conscious effort to not drink as much this year. Mostly because of weight reasons, not "health" reasons lol
49. Did you do a lot of drugs in 2012?
Aw yeah, pseudoephedrine in my cold & flu meds, woo!
50. How many people did you sleep with in 2012?
Zero. :'(
51. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
No, you know what? Since 2008 I have been saying that I've done things I've been embarrassed about, but I haven't done that this year. I've been pretty conscious of all the decisions I've been making and how they impact my life, so I have really tried not to do stupid shit this year.
52. What was the worst lie someone told you in 2012?
I don't know...
53. Did you treat somebody badly in 2012?
I always feel I could be a little less selfish sometimes, but I don't think I have treated anyone badly.
54. Did somebody treat you badly in 2012?
I haven't felt slighted, no.
56. How much money did you spend in 2012?
Even though I've done a great job at saving over the last few months, I really don't want to do that calculation...
57. If you could go back in time to any moment of 2012 and change something, what would it be and why?
I'm tempted to say that I would like to cut out the plantar fasciitis debacle, but I also feel like it made me rethink exercise and fitness and weight loss. It forced me not to be a dumbass about those things, and educating myself has given me a lot more power and freedom and ability to accomplish my goals this year. So, no, I wouldn't even do that.
58. What are your plans for 2013?
I'm always going to say "read more and write more," so let's say something different. I'd love to get involved in some sort of sport, solo (rock climbing) or opponent-style (boxing) or team (tennis, maybe?) I want to keep making fitness goals for myself and at least try out weight lifting if I can find a good place. I want to work on the stuff I'm shitty at at work (procrastinating, keeping in contact with people). And I want to meet new people and open myself up to relationships, because while it does "just happen," it happens because you're ready for it. Basically: read more, write more, kick more ass.
Originally posted at Dreamwidth.