2008 at a Glance

This is a New Year's survey I enjoyed doing LAST year! So why not try it again?

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I went on vacation with just my girlfriends. (best.idea.ever!)

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never made one last year. This year I'd like to learn how to drive a stick-shift (Andy said he'd teach me :) )

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
CJ and Mitch welcomed Jackson into the world!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?
The Grand Cayman Islands!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Money. (preferably lots of it)

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Well, I got Imovie for Christmas and had way too much time on my hands, so check out my memories here. (I couldn't get it on YouTube because of the music so sorry for the small screen!)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Speaking about effective communication with doctors at the NMF Conference.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not making it to the Olympics.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Does mental anguish count?

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A writing class.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My teaching assistant from last year who didn't quit (like the other 3 did) and returned this year for more fun!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There is someone our group discusses that we're not "really" friends with but know a lot about. I can't publish the details of her behavior, but you know who I'm talking about. It is the definition of appalling.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Just staying alive (okay, a little towards style)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My Bose ear buds!! I am obsessed with them.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Winter Eddie Vedder: Hard Sun
Spring Estelle: American Boy
Summer Katy Perry: Hot and Cold
Fall Lady Gaga: Just Dance

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
(A) Happier in many ways, content in others
(B) Leaner, as I am a "worker outer" now
(C) I lead a rich life :)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wasting my time. Literally and figuratively

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the family in New York.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes, with my life!

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Well, hate is a strong word. Let's say I've acquired a distaste.

24. What was the best book you read?
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I am always listening to something new. this year I really loved the Once soundtrack and have been grooving to Lisa Hannigan.

26. What did you want and get?
Someone who can really talk music. (.. you did NOT say "Cake" first!)

27. What did you want and not get?
A new car.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Baby Mama. JK. I'm not a huge movie person, nothing stands out to me.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was taken out for a very lovely dinner that later made me very ill. I turned 25

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Seeing Radiohead Live! And my writing class at Harvard.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I gave in to the world of skinny jeans.

32. What kept you sane?
Friends who will listen to my rants and raves, while bringing over wine and flowers!

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm still holding a flame for Adam Brody

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
My own classroom and the red tape to get children the things they need to be successful.

35. Who did you miss?
Agnes when I'm back in Boston.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
I didn't really "meet" anyone new per se (I meant I hung out with my neighbors more!)

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
You can't always get what you want...you get what you need.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I think I just did that in 37.

And I'm adding a question of my own:
39. What slang did you overuse this year?
Girlfriend, please.
I Heart....