2008: The Year in Review
Well, it's a fun little tradition to do this survey.
The Archives:
2005
2006
2007
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Well, I did my first lesbian. Oh, and I was raped for the first time. Best. Rape. Ever.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Technically, I didn't have any resolutions, because I never publicly declared them. I did have some in mind, which of course I did not keep. They will likely be renewed (and be made public) this year. Hopefully I'll post them at the end of this entry.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
We're not close, but Maureen Kelly gave birth. We're facebook pals, so I know this. Yay facebook!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Aunt Nancy died. My mom lived.
5. What countries or states did you visit?
Uh, I think just MA, NH, and RI, which is sort of amazing when you think about it.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Someone who makes me feel like I'm slowly bursting into light.
7. What date(s) from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 6th: A funeral, a birthday, a lesbian, "Oh crap!"
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Winning my $1000 bet with Jeff, regardless of what inside information I may have had.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Probably not reading those books for yet another year. And getting fatter.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope! Invincible!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Um, my Fortex? I'm going to be so buff one day.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nobody's!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I am appalled and depressed by mankind in general.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Um, to my house, I'm sure.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Potential. (Always.)
16. What songs will always remind you of 2008?
Arcade Fire's "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)"
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? The same.
thinner or fatter? Fatter. (And not just fatter, but fattest ever. Eep.)
richer or poorer? Richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. And working out!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watching time pass.
20. How will you be spending Christmas the Holidays?
I spent it driving around places to do gift-giving stuff. I think I spent the night alone.
I went to Portsmouth for New Years.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with in 2008?
I barely talk on the phone anymore. It's almost all texting at this point. I'm pretty sure it was my mom. Or maybe Paul Shea, if you count work.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Of course not. That doesn't happen anymore. Maybe it never did.
23. How many one-night stands?
Um, I slept with three people just one time each this year. But one of the people I had only slept with once during last year's survey became a recurring thing in 2008! So there!
24. What was your favorite TV program?
"30 Rock" is probably still my favorite but "Californication" made a big push this year and I'm excited that "24" is back. Oh, and I do like the new "90210," too!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope, I still hate everyone in a very general and wonderful way.
26. What was the best book you read?
I read Watchmen. Twice. It's good. I am getting rather fed up with myself for still not reading Siddhartha or The Sound and the Fury, though, so I think I've just decided to read Siddhartha before the month is over or... I'll give you your money back.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Brittany the Teenager really opened my eyes up to Arcade Fire, who I knew a little previously, but will probably be vying for the #2 spot in my favorite band study come March. She also introduced me to Okkervil River and Animal Collective.
I found The Veils on my own.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted a lesbian and I got her.
29. What did you want and not get?
Oh, you know, lesbians to ditch their wives, teenagers to be more ready to commit, and an HD TV!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The obvious answer is The Dark Knight but the truth is my favorite movie of the year was Mr. Brooks (which actually came out in 2007). I relate to it way more than I probably should admit, and the scene where Kevin Costner breaks down over his daughter touches on one of my biggest fears in life.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I'm pretty sure everyone ditched me on my birthday. Everyone bailed on trivia after my birthday killed T and Scarlette's cat, and then I think I picked up a check at my Dad's. I turned -- gulp -- 26.
EDIT: Also, Mikey Jones stole my birthday thunder by getting engaged on my birthday. Clearly, I'll have to steal his wedding thunder this September.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
For all my dreams to come true, of course. You know, except ones that involved Jess Tata having a beard. Oh, what the hell, even that one.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Uh, more t-shirts referencing 80's and 90's nostalgia! "From the movie, not the band."
34. What kept you sane?
Dave and Buster's.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Natalie Portman forever!
36. What political issue(s) stirred you the most?
Oh, the total disaster that was the presidential election. Huckabee in 2012!
37. Whom did you miss?
Oh, you know, those I shouldn't.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Countdown fashion, 'cause I feel like it.
3 -- Jess (the Redhead -- not Ginger) Campbell -- She offered one of my favorite drunken insights of the year when she was explaining how I can be pretty charming when I feel like it, but am also just as likely to be an ass. I get the feeling that I would have liked her a lot more if we didn't share so many friends.
2 -- Brittany (the Teenager) Carey -- No longer a teenager (and technically met for the first time in 2007), and probably the closest thing I've ever had to a fuck-buddy. We never had a great conversation, but she was clearly intelligent and I thought she was great in bed (though she likely found me to be boring). Also, I adored her taste in music. Despite not feeling an uncontrollable urge to be with her (as I prefer), these all seemed good reasons to try seriously dating her (since it seemed like shit or get off the pot time to me), but I made the terrible mistake of trying to explain all this while I was drunk off my ass and in bed with her. Based on her reaction the next day, this didn't go over very well. Whatever. Lesson learned.
(Though I still believe I should have gotten a pass on this night considering how obviously drunk I was.)
1 -- Elizabeth (the Lesbian) Billings -- We clicked right away. Great gal, fun to be around, terrible speller. We don't much talk/hang out anymore, but we'll always have our rock candy.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Uh, I guess, never try to have too meaningful a conversation while drunk and naked?
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does"
(Bonus points for whoever knows what song that is without using Google.)
New Year's Resolutions:
In 2009, I will:
- Work out regularly. I'm not going to set any specific goals about body fat percentage this time, but I want to just keep at it and hopefully look good (or at least much improved) come swimsuit season. Yeah!
- Find a passion and pursue it, uh... passionately. Consider learning to play a musical instrument such as the piano. If attaining passion proves impossible, continue to syphon the thrill other people get from pursuing their passions like the emotional parasite I am.
- Find something/someone that can and is willing to challenge me on a regular basis in that way I like. If a person, trick them into having relations.
- Read at least three books. And I have to read Siddhartha before month's end. That's the deal!
- Swear in front of my family. This was supposed to be one last year, but I never wrote it down so I didn't consider it "official," so I'm writing it down now. I'm not much of a swearer anyway, but for a long time I've censored myself in front of family (the more immediate, the more censoring). I did take some strides toward swearing in front of my cousins this year, but for '09, no censorship. Wahoo!
The Archives:
2005
2006
2007
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Well, I did my first lesbian. Oh, and I was raped for the first time. Best. Rape. Ever.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Technically, I didn't have any resolutions, because I never publicly declared them. I did have some in mind, which of course I did not keep. They will likely be renewed (and be made public) this year. Hopefully I'll post them at the end of this entry.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
We're not close, but Maureen Kelly gave birth. We're facebook pals, so I know this. Yay facebook!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Aunt Nancy died. My mom lived.
5. What countries or states did you visit?
Uh, I think just MA, NH, and RI, which is sort of amazing when you think about it.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Someone who makes me feel like I'm slowly bursting into light.
7. What date(s) from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 6th: A funeral, a birthday, a lesbian, "Oh crap!"
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Winning my $1000 bet with Jeff, regardless of what inside information I may have had.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Probably not reading those books for yet another year. And getting fatter.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope! Invincible!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Um, my Fortex? I'm going to be so buff one day.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nobody's!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I am appalled and depressed by mankind in general.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Um, to my house, I'm sure.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Potential. (Always.)
16. What songs will always remind you of 2008?
Arcade Fire's "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)"
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? The same.
thinner or fatter? Fatter. (And not just fatter, but fattest ever. Eep.)
richer or poorer? Richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. And working out!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watching time pass.
20. How will you be spending Christmas the Holidays?
I spent it driving around places to do gift-giving stuff. I think I spent the night alone.
I went to Portsmouth for New Years.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with in 2008?
I barely talk on the phone anymore. It's almost all texting at this point. I'm pretty sure it was my mom. Or maybe Paul Shea, if you count work.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Of course not. That doesn't happen anymore. Maybe it never did.
23. How many one-night stands?
Um, I slept with three people just one time each this year. But one of the people I had only slept with once during last year's survey became a recurring thing in 2008! So there!
24. What was your favorite TV program?
"30 Rock" is probably still my favorite but "Californication" made a big push this year and I'm excited that "24" is back. Oh, and I do like the new "90210," too!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope, I still hate everyone in a very general and wonderful way.
26. What was the best book you read?
I read Watchmen. Twice. It's good. I am getting rather fed up with myself for still not reading Siddhartha or The Sound and the Fury, though, so I think I've just decided to read Siddhartha before the month is over or... I'll give you your money back.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Brittany the Teenager really opened my eyes up to Arcade Fire, who I knew a little previously, but will probably be vying for the #2 spot in my favorite band study come March. She also introduced me to Okkervil River and Animal Collective.
I found The Veils on my own.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted a lesbian and I got her.
29. What did you want and not get?
Oh, you know, lesbians to ditch their wives, teenagers to be more ready to commit, and an HD TV!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The obvious answer is The Dark Knight but the truth is my favorite movie of the year was Mr. Brooks (which actually came out in 2007). I relate to it way more than I probably should admit, and the scene where Kevin Costner breaks down over his daughter touches on one of my biggest fears in life.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I'm pretty sure everyone ditched me on my birthday. Everyone bailed on trivia after my birthday killed T and Scarlette's cat, and then I think I picked up a check at my Dad's. I turned -- gulp -- 26.
EDIT: Also, Mikey Jones stole my birthday thunder by getting engaged on my birthday. Clearly, I'll have to steal his wedding thunder this September.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
For all my dreams to come true, of course. You know, except ones that involved Jess Tata having a beard. Oh, what the hell, even that one.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Uh, more t-shirts referencing 80's and 90's nostalgia! "From the movie, not the band."
34. What kept you sane?
Dave and Buster's.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Natalie Portman forever!
36. What political issue(s) stirred you the most?
Oh, the total disaster that was the presidential election. Huckabee in 2012!
37. Whom did you miss?
Oh, you know, those I shouldn't.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Countdown fashion, 'cause I feel like it.
3 -- Jess (the Redhead -- not Ginger) Campbell -- She offered one of my favorite drunken insights of the year when she was explaining how I can be pretty charming when I feel like it, but am also just as likely to be an ass. I get the feeling that I would have liked her a lot more if we didn't share so many friends.
2 -- Brittany (the Teenager) Carey -- No longer a teenager (and technically met for the first time in 2007), and probably the closest thing I've ever had to a fuck-buddy. We never had a great conversation, but she was clearly intelligent and I thought she was great in bed (though she likely found me to be boring). Also, I adored her taste in music. Despite not feeling an uncontrollable urge to be with her (as I prefer), these all seemed good reasons to try seriously dating her (since it seemed like shit or get off the pot time to me), but I made the terrible mistake of trying to explain all this while I was drunk off my ass and in bed with her. Based on her reaction the next day, this didn't go over very well. Whatever. Lesson learned.
(Though I still believe I should have gotten a pass on this night considering how obviously drunk I was.)
1 -- Elizabeth (the Lesbian) Billings -- We clicked right away. Great gal, fun to be around, terrible speller. We don't much talk/hang out anymore, but we'll always have our rock candy.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Uh, I guess, never try to have too meaningful a conversation while drunk and naked?
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does"
(Bonus points for whoever knows what song that is without using Google.)
New Year's Resolutions:
In 2009, I will:
- Work out regularly. I'm not going to set any specific goals about body fat percentage this time, but I want to just keep at it and hopefully look good (or at least much improved) come swimsuit season. Yeah!
- Find a passion and pursue it, uh... passionately. Consider learning to play a musical instrument such as the piano. If attaining passion proves impossible, continue to syphon the thrill other people get from pursuing their passions like the emotional parasite I am.
- Find something/someone that can and is willing to challenge me on a regular basis in that way I like. If a person, trick them into having relations.
- Read at least three books. And I have to read Siddhartha before month's end. That's the deal!
- Swear in front of my family. This was supposed to be one last year, but I never wrote it down so I didn't consider it "official," so I'm writing it down now. I'm not much of a swearer anyway, but for a long time I've censored myself in front of family (the more immediate, the more censoring). I did take some strides toward swearing in front of my cousins this year, but for '09, no censorship. Wahoo!