The Annual End-of-Year Quiz
It's time friends, for the annual year-retrospective quiz. I've done it three years running now and it's a little weird to look back on. Try it, you just might like it.
1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Last year I was shamed that I had to check up on this using my blog. This year, I've given up on my memory and am thankful to have some sort of record to go off of. In the world of acting I pull out a respectable 4 shows, although 3 of them were in one Fringe Festival. One of said shows, "Jesus Christ, I'm Sorry" was a substantial hit, earning a Best of Fest spot and being especially rewarding since I wrote, directed, produced and acted in it. Woot! I also did a handful of short films, although nothing that spectacular. On the writing side however, I really stepped it up into high gear, having already totally figured out one of my next plays, something that could not be said about Coffee or JC,IS. I also won my first playwrighting contest, being the Carol Shields Festival of New Works InstaPlay. I taught a stage combat class since Rick and Jaquie were away. I went dancing at Desire for the first time, and on my second or third visit I ran into my sister- Us meeting at a bar randomly? That doesn't happen. I also had not only my first, but also my second (and almost a third!) bike stolen, all within the space of a month. On the subject of bikes, this was my year for biking. I started biking every day, and for long periods of time. Now that it's winter, I really miss it. I also graduated University, after which I went to New York for the first, but certainly not last time. I saw my first concert at the MTS center. I talked on Richard Cloutier's radio show. I saw The Trews and Billy Connolly in concert. I sung onstage with Ten Too Many. I got a haircut at a real hair salon.
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
From last year: "A)I'm going to graduate university B)I'm going to lose a bunch of the crap in my room."
I managed to do the first, which was helped by acing my Programming class. And looking at this post here, it appears I managed the second one as well. I rule! As for next year, I've got three resolutions: 1) To get cast in another professional show 2)To get in a relationship 3)To make good on my plans to move to Vancouver should the summer audition season not go well for me.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin Elizabeth and my cousin Jason both had kids this year. (Joan is adorable and I can't wait until she and Zoey are just beating the ever loving crap out of each other. Kids!) Also a couple of co-workers had kids as well. That all being said, no kids amongst my group of friends, which is good (we're too freaking young!). Any day now though...
4. Did anyone close to you die?
One of my classmates from highschool, Steve Vermiere, died in a car accident, but I didn't know him very well. Other then that, no deaths this year, although a couple of close calls. My uncle George had a stroke and hasn't been doing well, and my co-worker Vikram had a heart attack (in his 40s!).
5. What countries did you visit?
From last year: "This next year I'm going to Hawaii, skiing in Panorama and maybe even going to New York for a week." I did indeed do all that. It cost way too much freaking money. It was totally worth it. For next year, a possible return to New York in March, and probably not going to Los Vegas with Erinn in Feburary. Or ever. Stupid Erinn. ;P
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
I still don't have a 5 year plan, so I should work on that. I had a few relationships that fell apart, it would be nice to work on that. Also, I feel that I lost momentum career-wise (which was certainly to be expected considering the speedy clip I had been doing!) so I'd like to regain some of that. Also, a Nintendo Wii. I would like a Nintendo Wii.
7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Still no good with dates, but the feeling after performing my first one man show- That exhilleration will stay with me a long time. Also, June 30th.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The experience that was said one man show. It was a roller coaster ride that was both educational and amazingly rewarding. How do I top that?
9. What was your biggest failure?
I lost some focus, and I got caught up in a few unhealthy situations. I don't feel any of that was failure as I learned and grew from it, but I certainly need to remember the lessons I got from them.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, I was amazingly violently ill in Hawaii, but that might have been before the New Year even. Other then that, I rolled my ankle at Anita's birthday party and it STILL hasn't totally healed up. It is doing much better however and I expect it to be back to 100% by Feb.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new bike. It was 500$, but worth every penny. Probably why that mystery asshole stole it. It's alright, I got another one. This one isn't insured however... It's worth noting that my item last year was my iPod, which broke, was replaced and then the new one broke. What the hell? I just want to listen to music!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Matt and Mel worked their asses off to launch Theatre by the River. Erinn and Allison both seem to be doing quite well. My sister Jane is taking charge of her life. Athena is off in the deepest jungles of exotic Asia. Yay for everyone.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A couple of people, but we've sinced talked it out. We even "hugged it out, bitch". If you know what I mean. Which you probably don't.
14. Where did most of your money go?
My trip to New York cost me thousands of dollars, but I don't feel to bad about it. I had a hell of a time and got to really celebrate my graduation. Still... it was a lot of money. Other then that I've plunked money in most the essentials- Food, clothes, video games. Guitar Hero doesn't pay for itself you know. I... I wish it did.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Graduation. Going to New York. Doing three shows in the Fringe. Teaching Stage Combat.
16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Two songs in particular: "Twentysomething" by Jamie Cullum, my anthem, and "Fleeting Trust" by the Trews because IT'S SO FREAKING CATCHY.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? A little sadder, but I'm on the road away from that.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner! By far! I have gained a bit of weight since I stopped biking everywhere, but I'm doing all right. Apparently I'm going to start hitting the gym with Matt and Mel- We shall see!
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, but mostly because I discovered I have money left over after school.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Prioritizing. Also, more sex would have been nice.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Blaming myself for things.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my family. It's a small one this year. I'm kind of looking forward to it. That being said, it's coming up super ass quick!
I'm adding a 21, because for some reason it is missing
21. How will you be spending New Years?
I'll be attending a theatre get-together, and then partying with Ten Too Many at Dylan O'Connors. There's talk to holing up at a local hotel afterwards. That would be cool.
22. Did you fall in love in 2006?
No, but realized a lot of things about the people I already love.
23. How many one-night stands?
I actually had one this year. It’s become an in-joke between the two of us.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
While I still love Lost, it has been joined by Heroes and Battlestar Galactica in my must-watch list. Also, the Office. And while it’s been cancelled and there isn’t very much of it, I also want to shout out my new-found love of Slings and Arrows. So freaking good.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I’m happy to say that I don’t hate anyone at the moment, which is apparently good for my karma or something. Which is not to say that I approve of everyone and everyone’s actions, but nothing has brought me to the point of actively hating. Maybe I’m just lazy.
26. What was the best book you read?
I’ve continued reading Douglas Coupland, who is uniformly excellent. Neil Gaimen’s book Anansi Boys was fun. Catch Me If You Can (which the movie was based off of) and Micheal J. Fox’s memoirs were good reads. Also Everything Bad Is Good For You was a fun non-fiction read. Best book? I really can’t say. Although I have to say I enjoyed Brian Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim graphic novels more then should be legal.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
No huge discoveries this year, although I came to really appreciate the Trews after seeing them live. I spent a lot of time listening to Ten Too Many as well, but some of that is from the realization that the band doesn’t have much time left.
28. What did you want and get?
My diploma. Wild stories. Really good at urban biking.
29. What did you want and not get?
A lot of shows. A normal relationship. Critical respect. Direction.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I’m having a hard time remembering all the movies I’ve seen this year. Favorites off the top of my head are Thank You For Smoking, An Inconvenient Truth and Borat. Borat in particular gets high points for both being hilarious and a biting social satire. My only worry is that many people won’t see beyond the humor and get the harsh denunciation of ignorance.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 23, and I believe I did so while I was away on a skiing trip. Perhaps even on the day we spent driving back. I managed to have a huge house party a couple of weeks after. I’m planning on having another one this year, which will definitely be my last birthday at my parents house.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Landing another professional gig would have been really nice. Sadly, it didn’t happen and it left me wondering what the hell I’m doing- Which actually wasn’t that bad as it gave me a lot of time to figure out what my life will be like in the future during my downtimes.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
I became significantly more fashion conscious this year, some of which was brought on by my having to change clothes a lot due to my bike riding everywhere. I bought a bunch of new jeans, t-shirts from Threadless and some hoodies that I absolutely love. I’ve also been through quite a few leather bracers, which I’ve had a hard time holding on to. I feel like I dress my age, so that’s good.
34. What kept you sane?
Writing. Having people to talk to. Acting. People letting me know that they think I can do it.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
No new or crazy celeb crushes. The girl in Slings and Arrows is adorable.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The conservatives taking over. The king is dead, long live the worse king.
37. Who did you miss?
I missed Veronica, but then I started seeing her again. Eliot hasn’t been gone long, but it’s weird that I can’t call him anymore.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
The cast of my current play Arcadia are all awesome, but I am especially enjoying hanging out with Keeley.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
Interesting times make for good art.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
”Don’t make me live for my Friday nights, drinking down pints and getting in fights…”
Well, there you go. Another year gone. You, my lj companions, seriously try this one out.
See you in another year.
1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Last year I was shamed that I had to check up on this using my blog. This year, I've given up on my memory and am thankful to have some sort of record to go off of. In the world of acting I pull out a respectable 4 shows, although 3 of them were in one Fringe Festival. One of said shows, "Jesus Christ, I'm Sorry" was a substantial hit, earning a Best of Fest spot and being especially rewarding since I wrote, directed, produced and acted in it. Woot! I also did a handful of short films, although nothing that spectacular. On the writing side however, I really stepped it up into high gear, having already totally figured out one of my next plays, something that could not be said about Coffee or JC,IS. I also won my first playwrighting contest, being the Carol Shields Festival of New Works InstaPlay. I taught a stage combat class since Rick and Jaquie were away. I went dancing at Desire for the first time, and on my second or third visit I ran into my sister- Us meeting at a bar randomly? That doesn't happen. I also had not only my first, but also my second (and almost a third!) bike stolen, all within the space of a month. On the subject of bikes, this was my year for biking. I started biking every day, and for long periods of time. Now that it's winter, I really miss it. I also graduated University, after which I went to New York for the first, but certainly not last time. I saw my first concert at the MTS center. I talked on Richard Cloutier's radio show. I saw The Trews and Billy Connolly in concert. I sung onstage with Ten Too Many. I got a haircut at a real hair salon.
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
From last year: "A)I'm going to graduate university B)I'm going to lose a bunch of the crap in my room."
I managed to do the first, which was helped by acing my Programming class. And looking at this post here, it appears I managed the second one as well. I rule! As for next year, I've got three resolutions: 1) To get cast in another professional show 2)To get in a relationship 3)To make good on my plans to move to Vancouver should the summer audition season not go well for me.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin Elizabeth and my cousin Jason both had kids this year. (Joan is adorable and I can't wait until she and Zoey are just beating the ever loving crap out of each other. Kids!) Also a couple of co-workers had kids as well. That all being said, no kids amongst my group of friends, which is good (we're too freaking young!). Any day now though...
4. Did anyone close to you die?
One of my classmates from highschool, Steve Vermiere, died in a car accident, but I didn't know him very well. Other then that, no deaths this year, although a couple of close calls. My uncle George had a stroke and hasn't been doing well, and my co-worker Vikram had a heart attack (in his 40s!).
5. What countries did you visit?
From last year: "This next year I'm going to Hawaii, skiing in Panorama and maybe even going to New York for a week." I did indeed do all that. It cost way too much freaking money. It was totally worth it. For next year, a possible return to New York in March, and probably not going to Los Vegas with Erinn in Feburary. Or ever. Stupid Erinn. ;P
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
I still don't have a 5 year plan, so I should work on that. I had a few relationships that fell apart, it would be nice to work on that. Also, I feel that I lost momentum career-wise (which was certainly to be expected considering the speedy clip I had been doing!) so I'd like to regain some of that. Also, a Nintendo Wii. I would like a Nintendo Wii.
7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Still no good with dates, but the feeling after performing my first one man show- That exhilleration will stay with me a long time. Also, June 30th.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The experience that was said one man show. It was a roller coaster ride that was both educational and amazingly rewarding. How do I top that?
9. What was your biggest failure?
I lost some focus, and I got caught up in a few unhealthy situations. I don't feel any of that was failure as I learned and grew from it, but I certainly need to remember the lessons I got from them.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, I was amazingly violently ill in Hawaii, but that might have been before the New Year even. Other then that, I rolled my ankle at Anita's birthday party and it STILL hasn't totally healed up. It is doing much better however and I expect it to be back to 100% by Feb.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new bike. It was 500$, but worth every penny. Probably why that mystery asshole stole it. It's alright, I got another one. This one isn't insured however... It's worth noting that my item last year was my iPod, which broke, was replaced and then the new one broke. What the hell? I just want to listen to music!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Matt and Mel worked their asses off to launch Theatre by the River. Erinn and Allison both seem to be doing quite well. My sister Jane is taking charge of her life. Athena is off in the deepest jungles of exotic Asia. Yay for everyone.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A couple of people, but we've sinced talked it out. We even "hugged it out, bitch". If you know what I mean. Which you probably don't.
14. Where did most of your money go?
My trip to New York cost me thousands of dollars, but I don't feel to bad about it. I had a hell of a time and got to really celebrate my graduation. Still... it was a lot of money. Other then that I've plunked money in most the essentials- Food, clothes, video games. Guitar Hero doesn't pay for itself you know. I... I wish it did.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Graduation. Going to New York. Doing three shows in the Fringe. Teaching Stage Combat.
16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Two songs in particular: "Twentysomething" by Jamie Cullum, my anthem, and "Fleeting Trust" by the Trews because IT'S SO FREAKING CATCHY.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? A little sadder, but I'm on the road away from that.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner! By far! I have gained a bit of weight since I stopped biking everywhere, but I'm doing all right. Apparently I'm going to start hitting the gym with Matt and Mel- We shall see!
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, but mostly because I discovered I have money left over after school.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Prioritizing. Also, more sex would have been nice.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Blaming myself for things.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my family. It's a small one this year. I'm kind of looking forward to it. That being said, it's coming up super ass quick!
I'm adding a 21, because for some reason it is missing
21. How will you be spending New Years?
I'll be attending a theatre get-together, and then partying with Ten Too Many at Dylan O'Connors. There's talk to holing up at a local hotel afterwards. That would be cool.
22. Did you fall in love in 2006?
No, but realized a lot of things about the people I already love.
23. How many one-night stands?
I actually had one this year. It’s become an in-joke between the two of us.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
While I still love Lost, it has been joined by Heroes and Battlestar Galactica in my must-watch list. Also, the Office. And while it’s been cancelled and there isn’t very much of it, I also want to shout out my new-found love of Slings and Arrows. So freaking good.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I’m happy to say that I don’t hate anyone at the moment, which is apparently good for my karma or something. Which is not to say that I approve of everyone and everyone’s actions, but nothing has brought me to the point of actively hating. Maybe I’m just lazy.
26. What was the best book you read?
I’ve continued reading Douglas Coupland, who is uniformly excellent. Neil Gaimen’s book Anansi Boys was fun. Catch Me If You Can (which the movie was based off of) and Micheal J. Fox’s memoirs were good reads. Also Everything Bad Is Good For You was a fun non-fiction read. Best book? I really can’t say. Although I have to say I enjoyed Brian Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim graphic novels more then should be legal.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
No huge discoveries this year, although I came to really appreciate the Trews after seeing them live. I spent a lot of time listening to Ten Too Many as well, but some of that is from the realization that the band doesn’t have much time left.
28. What did you want and get?
My diploma. Wild stories. Really good at urban biking.
29. What did you want and not get?
A lot of shows. A normal relationship. Critical respect. Direction.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I’m having a hard time remembering all the movies I’ve seen this year. Favorites off the top of my head are Thank You For Smoking, An Inconvenient Truth and Borat. Borat in particular gets high points for both being hilarious and a biting social satire. My only worry is that many people won’t see beyond the humor and get the harsh denunciation of ignorance.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 23, and I believe I did so while I was away on a skiing trip. Perhaps even on the day we spent driving back. I managed to have a huge house party a couple of weeks after. I’m planning on having another one this year, which will definitely be my last birthday at my parents house.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Landing another professional gig would have been really nice. Sadly, it didn’t happen and it left me wondering what the hell I’m doing- Which actually wasn’t that bad as it gave me a lot of time to figure out what my life will be like in the future during my downtimes.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
I became significantly more fashion conscious this year, some of which was brought on by my having to change clothes a lot due to my bike riding everywhere. I bought a bunch of new jeans, t-shirts from Threadless and some hoodies that I absolutely love. I’ve also been through quite a few leather bracers, which I’ve had a hard time holding on to. I feel like I dress my age, so that’s good.
34. What kept you sane?
Writing. Having people to talk to. Acting. People letting me know that they think I can do it.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
No new or crazy celeb crushes. The girl in Slings and Arrows is adorable.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The conservatives taking over. The king is dead, long live the worse king.
37. Who did you miss?
I missed Veronica, but then I started seeing her again. Eliot hasn’t been gone long, but it’s weird that I can’t call him anymore.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
The cast of my current play Arcadia are all awesome, but I am especially enjoying hanging out with Keeley.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
Interesting times make for good art.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
”Don’t make me live for my Friday nights, drinking down pints and getting in fights…”
Well, there you go. Another year gone. You, my lj companions, seriously try this one out.
See you in another year.