1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Got a ministry license after 2 grueling years of classes and study. (Already had my 4 year degree)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?my resolution is usually not to make a resolution but this year I think I am going to make one.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?yes
4. Did anyone close to you die?no
5. What countries did you visit?none
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? more money, a vacation, and better health.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Summer, cus both my daughter and I had surgery.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting my ministry license.
9. What was your biggest failure? Utlizing my time better.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?yep
11. What was the best thing you bought?a new hard drive.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?Cara my 3 year old granddaughter, whom I now have custody over.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?my daughter for not being able to be a good mom.
14. Where did most of your money go?bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Cara
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?Praise you in this storm. (Casting Crowns.)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?happier
b) thinner or fatter?thinner
c) richer or poorer?poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?Spending time with my family.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? being ill
20. How did you spend Christmas?At home with all my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?nope
22. What was your favorite TV program?Saving Grace
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? unfortunately, but more like strongly dislike.
24. What was the best book you read? The Shack
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?I don’t know.
26. What did you want and get?my living room painted.
27. What did you want and not get?my master bathroom finished.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?Our House
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?42 and spent it in the hospital
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Feeling better
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Pink is the new black right?
32. What kept you sane? God and my faith in him.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Angelina Jolie ftw
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Gas prices
35. Who did you miss? My Grandmother
36. Who was the best new person you met?Dylan
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Pay attention, close attention to your childrens health complaints. My daughter almost died this summer and it just started with her complaining about headaches. Ended with her having her thyriod removed, almost dying from a heart rate over 200 at rest and now is bulemic.
38.Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.I don’t know.

Maybe you have a budding young musician on your hands!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Had the Gastric Laproscopic Band installed on August 7, 2008.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Sort of, and yes.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit? None!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More energy and less pain.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day I got banded, and the week before, when I got laid off from Microsoft!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Losing 55 lbs (so far).
9. What was your biggest failure? Getting laid off from MS.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Chronic pain in my back and hip for months and months, before and after hip surgery (which was a waste of time and effort).
11. What was the best thing you bought? New rack for my bicycle.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Mine!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Everyone who approved of killing someone, killed someone, or attempted to kill someone. Whether by action or inaction.
14. Where did most of your money go? Housing, clothing, KEXP.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Getting lap banded.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? The Editors – Smokers outside the hospital doors.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Probably happier, thanks to the weight loss.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner.
c) richer or poorer? Richer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Gone to see my mom, seen my brother and sister.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Fought with my other brother to the point of not having spoken to him since early Spring.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Stuck in Seattle, at the Inn at the Market. We were supposed to fly out to Mpls on the 22nd but couldn’t get on a flight until the day after we were supposed to return. Goddamn Alaska Airlines!
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Love my husband more and more all the time, but didn’t actually fall in love. It’s a constant state. 
22. What was your favorite TV program? Umm … Lost? Hard to say.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Definitely – the person who got me RIF’d from Microsoft.
24. What was the best book you read? Huh. I read so many books, so fast, that it’s hard to choose just one. I do love my local library!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The Dutchess and the Duke
26. What did you want and get? Lap Band Surgery.
27. What did you want and not get? Another job at MS.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Who knows. We saw lots, and nothing is sticking in my head.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Ate at Café Juanita in the middle of the first snowstorm of the holiday season, with only about 10 people in the restaurant. It was awesome. I turned 47 – holy crap!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Losing 100 lbs.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Sweaters and jeans.
32. What kept you sane? My husband.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? James MacAvoy
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The election.
35. Who did you miss? Still my family – wish we were all closer together.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Ha – my surgeon!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. That a hug from my husband and a snuggle with the dog will make any day seem brighter.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Uh …

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Oh, how I wish this wasn’t the first question on the list because the answer is…wait for it…nothing. I mean, short of finding a mascara that really, really works (for me). But 2009, different story, I swear.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I have never liked new year’s resolutions; however, I am making several this year. Can you tell I will be turning 30 soon? :)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Three of my most lovely, closest friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank heavens. My mom was about a day from death and received a liver transplant. Miracle, that.

5. What countries did you visit?
The good ol’ US of A. Yeah, I know, I live there.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Motivation, better health, increased tolerance and patience.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
All of the month of August – my mom was incredibly ill, almost died, and then received the gift of an organ transplant in Florida, which I visited for the first time after we got our miracle.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Learning to be a better person.

9. What was your biggest failure?
My use of time. Argh.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No – I am so lucky.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
An electric toothbrush.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My stepdad who helped my mother through an absolutely grueling time. And Mr. Barack Obama.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I’ll just say some of my fellow American citizens and leave it at that.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Eating out, unfortunately. That, and online shopping.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My mom being alive. (And, okay, football, but it pales in comparison.)

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
“Little Bit” by Lykke Li.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Pretty much the same
c) richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Appreciating every single day.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating restaurant food.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly, with my family and boyfriend.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I think I re-upped it, at least.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
It’s a tie between “The Office” and “Top Chef.”

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, I try to keep hate out of my vocabulary.

24. What was the best book you read?
“The Omnivore’s Dilemma.”

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Has to be Lykke Li or Bloc Party.

26. What did you want and get?
A new place to live.

27. What did you want and not get?
A trip to Europe.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
“Lars and the Real Girl.”

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Did two birthday dinners (boyfriend and friends) and celebrated with my family. I turned 29.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Working out on a regular basis.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same as before…classy and tasteful with hints of fun. (And NO pants tucked into boots, god.)

32. What kept you sane?
My family (see also: ‘insane’), boyfriend, and friends.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Probably Brett Favre.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage.

35. Who did you miss?
My mom and my friend Mattie.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
My friends’ children – Maxton and Harlie, as well as Elinor (who I’ve only seen – not yet met).

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
The most cliche of all life lessons – appreciate everyone and everything you love because you never know how what will happen tomorrow.

38.Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“I’ll be around
You were right about the stars
Each one is a setting sun.”
–Wilco, “Jesus, etc.”

P.S. Linda, your family is beautiful and you are always an inspiration. Thank you for letting us post our long-a** responses in your comments. :)

My son’s great aunt sent him battery-operated drumsticks from Restoration Hardware. They make the most annoying noises I have ever heard in my life, and all my friends in college were musicians, so that’s saying a lot. Jesus, I think she hates me. Here’s hoping that Riley will turn out to be a musical prodigy and thus you will not be tortured by the crazy synthesizer. However, for a 3 year old, that must be about the most awesome present ever. Good luck!

I just tried to log onto my website for the first time in…a while, and it doesn’t appear to be letting me. So um.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I joined swap-bot.com …it’s been a lot of fun!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never make new years resolutions…I kinda feel like if I’m not ready to give up something, right there and right then, no matter what day, I probably won’t just because it’s a new year. It’s funny I jumped straight to “give up something”…that give up something would be sugar.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but my boyfriend’s sister is pregnant for the first time and due next month :)

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Nan died a couple of months ago. Also one of my boyfriend’s ex-flatmates committed suicide earlier in the year.

5. What countries did you visit?
Um. New Zealand and Australia. Technically I didn’t “visit” New Zealand, but as it is foreign to most people here, I sound more cultured if I mention it.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A waistline?

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I’m not sure that any will, really? Just the usual, birthdays, New Year, Christmas…

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I graduated with Honours in violin.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Ah, my biggest failure, as opposed to the many small failures culminating in a wonderful year. No, my biggest failure was probably my lack of control when it comes to food :(

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Minor twinges of pain

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I just bought a TV today so I’m pretty proud of that. woo! But otherwise…?

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Um, my cats? I don’t know…

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My boyfriend’s cousin’s husband. Get this – at my boyfriend’s sister’s wedding – he got drunk and poured hot wax over my boyfriend’s head. Which meant that I had to hit someone at a wedding. (although the groom watched the whole thing and cheered me)

14. Where did most of your money go?
I have no idea, so I’m going to have to guess food? What a sad guess. I don’t know.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Probably going to Australia…also seeing Poison.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Talk Dirty To Me – Poison

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? sadder
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Just…stuff. Making the most out of each day, instead of wishing time would fast forward.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating. I think I said that last year!

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with Mum and my boyfriend

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Not again

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost. Also loved Girls Next Door and Rock of Love

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No

24. What was the best book you read?
Nikki Sixx – the Heroin Diaries

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Bad4Good

26. What did you want and get?
An annual pass to Movieworld, and I don’t even live in Australia! The Scooby Doo ride is that good! Woo!

27. What did you want and not get?
Just now, and last night…pizza! I keep calling just after it closes. waa

Otherwise…my birthday was on a Friday night this year. Then my boyfriend’s sister’s wedding was the day after…so I ended up in smalltown NZ for my Friday night birthday :( It was still fun though – drove to Queenstown and had a party after. But we also missed out on a huge rock concert the night of the wedding – Kiss and Alice Cooper. My boyfriend’s sister really wanted to go too, but arranged the wedding before she knew about the concert. The wedding was great though!

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight…that movie in imax was INSANE, because it had those 4 scenes filmed in imax.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
24…it was a Friday night, but the night before the wedding…so my bf and I went to Queenstown for the day, played mini golf and had dinner. Then back to Alexandra for a small party :)

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being thin

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Whatever fits

Also pin up and ethnic

32. What kept you sane?
My boyfriend

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I would never say “fancy” but my favourite musician is Nikki Sixx and actor is Johnny Depp

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage

35. Who did you miss?
Nan

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Hmm…long story…one of my family friends when I was a kid, he was a couple of years younger than me. He doesn’t remember me from back then, but I met up with him and his bf this year and we hit it off…

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
nothing I can sum up in a pithy sentence

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“You gotta stick to your guns, what’s right for you ain’t right for everyone, it ain’t right for everyone” thanks Motley Crue…Stick to your Guns

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Worked on a contract for my union.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Made none so they were easy to keep.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No
4. Did anyone close to you die? No
5. What countries did you visit? Mexico
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More money, more time.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day we voted on the contract and it passed almost 4 to 1. With better benefits than we’d had and a better raise than we’d gotten in 10 years.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? See 7.
9. What was your biggest failure? Crashing the back end of my motorhome to the tune of several grand with a 1000 dollar deductable. Which may cause me to have to cancel my cancun trip in Feb. if i can’t come up with the money.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Just aches and pains from working in the yard.
11. What was the best thing you bought? An ipod.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My son, who has become the best dad ever.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My mom who is becoming more and more demented with age. She is now my kid.
14. Where did most of your money go? Travel, books and music.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to vegas to see my son.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Johnny we hardly knew ye.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Sadder because of my mom
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter but tougher.
c) richer or poorer? Poorer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Travel.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worked where I do.
20. How did you spend Christmas? At home with the family showing them my name in the snow thanks to JB!
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? No
22. What was your favorite TV program? I just discovered desperate housewives.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Same assholes.
24. What was the best book you read? Don’t know I read too many.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Songs of the Irish rebellion.
26. What did you want and get? An Ipod.
27. What did you want and not get? More travel.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Legend
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Went to Durango for 4 days, and had a really good spa treatment. Oh and 51? 52? I quit counting at 30 some.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing my grandkids more often.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Comfy.
32. What kept you sane? Travel. Books.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Matthew McConaghey.
34. What political issue stirred you the most? I could not decide who to vote for. It made me crazy.
35. Who did you miss? My grandkids.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Jake.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Don’t feed the squirrels. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. You can cry cry cry, cry a million tears, you can cry cry cry, cry for a hundred years, cry till your eyes dry up, cry till you go blind, but there’s no use in cryin.

Also I totally egged your mom and aunt on when they said they were getting an obnoxiously loud gift for the boys. LOL, my bad!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Moved to a new country
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Didn’t really make any, easier to keep them!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Scotland
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A few more future plans and direction
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
1st July-arrived in Ireland
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving country
9. What was your biggest failure?
Felt like a failure when it took me ages to get work but that was (thankfully) a temporary thing.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
A 3 week northern hemisphere cold/flu which I thought would never end
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Flights and tour to Scotland, loved it
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
I’m quite pleased with my own behaviour this year
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
One ‘friend’ in particular who made me feel miserable with a vicious email
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, food, bills, the pub (Dubin is expensive) and some saving for travel
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having an adventure
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
Kids – MGMT
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Happier
b) thinner or fatter?
Thinner
c) richer or poorer?
Bit poorer but richer in experiences (cliche!)
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spending time with friends & family before I left NZ
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wishing the days away
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With two of my best girlfriends, roasted a chicken & veges, made a pavlova, drank wine and relaxed – divine
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No but I’m quite enamoured with Ireland
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Greys was good before I left but haven’t watched much apart from the X Factor and now we have no tv which I think is a good thing
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
24. What was the best book you read?
Marley & Me
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
MGMT, new Snow Patrol CD – they just get better
26. What did you want and get?
A complete change of scenery
27. What did you want and not get?
A new laptop and ipod
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight and Mamma Mia
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 26. Had a meal with family and pondered the year ahead.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I’m pretty satisfied with how it’s been. More money would be nice, just for the security and the option to do more travel
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I’m in Ireland so it’s all about layers
32. What kept you sane?
Friends
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Oooh, it’s got to be Gerard Butler – drool.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Followed the American election, more interesting than our NZ one.
35. Who did you miss?
I miss my Mum cos she’s in NZ but I’ll see her in June :)
36. Who was the best new person you met?
We’re travelling so we’ve met lots of new people.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Everything happens for a reason
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
‘Well I left my happy home, to see what I could find out / I left my folk and friends with the aim to clear my mind out’, On the road to find out by Cat Stevens

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Visit NYC

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t make resolutions because I either forget them or just completely head the opposite way. I have plans for 2009 but they aren’t hard and fast.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank God.

5. What countries did you visit?
I kept my butt in the USA this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A panic attack free life and a firmer body

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
2/27/08 was my son’s first birthday and 10/23-27 I fell in love with NYC.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I started and kept up an exercise routine

9. What was your biggest failure?
I let that exercise routine slide in the past few months.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A membership to the YMCA

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My oldest son- he has worked really hard to overcome some pretty severe speech issues. I’d also like to brag on myself a bit because I finally made the decision to put myself back on medication (I had been avoiding it for years because I didn’t want to admit I was in a bad place emotionally). It was the best decision I have ever made.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some Americans during the election

14. Where did most of your money go?
Speech therapy, school tuition and trips

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
NYC!!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
The Internet is for Porn from Avenue Q.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? thinner
c) richer or poorer? about the same

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

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Slack off on exercise

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With family

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Not really, I always loved my husband and kids

22. What was your favorite TV program?
30 Rock and Ruby

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, but I was sad to see a friendship finally die away

24. What was the best book you read?
Tie between Middlesex and Water for Elephants

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Not really anything new, at least not that I can think of.

26. What did you want and get?
Healthy family and friends

27. What did you want and not get?
To be completely panic attack free

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Zack and Miri Make a Porno

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was flying home after several days in NYC. I turned 34

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To finally hit my goal weight

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Jeans, t-shirts, capris, casual stuff

32. What kept you sane?
Celexa! And exercise. :)

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Seth Rogan and Terrance Howard. Yum!

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The economy and the bailout

35. Who did you miss?
My Nana

36. Who was the best new person you met? My Internet friend Diane

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Asking for help is not a crime and if your body really needs medication it isn’t giving up. Also, it is possible to pull the crap out of your groin muscle in Pilates. Man that hurt!

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
It’s only for now! from Avenue Q

HUGE noisey toy trick!!! Put scotch tape over the speaker!! The more layers of tape the quieter the toy gets!!! I have done this with everything from my daughters keyboard (from a Grandmother too) to the little wierd speakers on some freaky noise making Barbies.

She’s none the wiser because she can still hear it but my eardrumbs don’t shatter when plays with the same toy over and over again while sitting on the floor in front of me!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Swam in the Atlantic, Mediterranean & the Adriatic, played the triangle on stage with the Vienna residential orchestra in a room in which mozart once performed for the Queen!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Don’t make them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
two work mates, bubs were a boy named Ashton & girl named Emily.

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

5. What countries did you visit?
England, Norway, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands & I moved from Australia to Sweden!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Nothing of consequence.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Date I arrived in sweden to be with my love!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Quitting a job I loved, leaving my family & most of my friends & making a go of it in a new country. Best thing I’ve ever done. Also, getting my 62 y.o. mum to come overseas for the first time & visit me!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Thankfully nothing of consequence.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully again, no.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane ticket to Sweden.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Our Australian Prime Minister (Kevin Rudd) for apologising to the stolen generation of aborigines, My mum for coming overseas & americans who voted for Obama.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
George W. Bush

14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel & the usual (rent, food etc)

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being here with my bf, traveling europe & working a whole snow season here in Sweden.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Cut Copy – Hearts on Fire

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Bit thinner I think
c) richer or poorer? poorer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
nothing really

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
nothing really

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Snowboarding & talking to my family on skype.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Fall more in love with my bf every day. He’s my best friend. (sorry, I’ll get you a bucket)

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Mythbusters

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nah, honestly – who can be bothered wasting energy on hating someone? Life’s way too short.

24. What was the best book you read?
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell (geeky historical fiction)

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Cut Copy & MGMT

26. What did you want and get?
More time with my bf

27. What did you want and not get?
nothing much. I’m a pretty contented person.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Arn (swedish templar knight movie…such a good flick!)

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 26 & just has a regular day at work as a PE teacher.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to spend the entire year with my bf.

31.How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
My what? ahahahaha. Boardshorts & a singlet in summer. Trackies & a hoody in winter.

32. What kept you sane?
My boyfriend & friends.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Haven’t had much time for it this year but Hugh Jackman, George Clooney & Johnny Depp are always up there.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The possiblity that americans might vote for McCain & that horrible palin woman.

35. Who did you miss?
My bf when we were apart & my niece & nephew since I’ve been living in Sweden.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Too many to choose from.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life’s too short to work 5 days a week.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“There’s more to living than being alive” – Alexithymia by Anberlin.

The keyboard looks delightfully obnoxious. Gabriel got one that is shaped like a cat and meows. It also has a microphone. And did I mention he’s three. I sympathize.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Turned 34
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Never make any
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
None, sadly
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
TRAVEL
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 1st. Moved into our new (and first…maybe only!) new house
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving and starting a business
9. What was your biggest failure?
Ignoring my ever growing to do list
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing big
11. What was the best thing you bought?
iPod touch
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My son. Always
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My friend’s son. Always.
14. Where did most of your money go?
books
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
the election
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Mercy by Duffy
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
happier
b) thinner or fatter?
same
c) richer or poorer?
richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
travel, writing
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
lying on the couch eating chips
20. How did you spend Christmas?
with family, playing rock band
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
continued
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Chuck
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
24. What was the best book you read?
Sex, Drugs & Cocoa Puffs
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Duffy
26. What did you want and get?
iPod touch, a new house
27. What did you want and not get?
three seconds to myself in the bathroom
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Once
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 34. I’m thinking we went out to eat.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Publishing my book
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Fun & chic
32. What kept you sane?
My hubby. Always.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Obama
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election
35. Who did you miss?
My friends I left when I moved
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My new friends I found here
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I’m the mommy. I get to decide.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Probably something from Private Universe by Crowded House

I love your End-of-the-year questionnaire!! I’ve been filling it out every year since I found it here. Thanks for reposting so that I don’t have to search through my own files for it.
xoxo

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Shot a gun, then bought a gun

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No and yes

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Just a ton of co-workers

4. Did anyone close to you die?
One of my childhood friends was murdered in Florida

5. What countries did you visit?
None

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Ab muscles

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I’m not sure, there were a lot of dates that meant something to me

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Buying a shotgun and shooting trap with the old guys on Wednesday nights

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not changing much

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just the normal aches and pains

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My shotgun

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Son’s

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Sometimes mine

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A few things, I got a cute little Guinea Pig recently

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Sadly all the songs that remind me of 2008 probably suck, due to the radio station I have to listen to at work….out of my own music probably Blue October “Angel” Plus anything off of “American Doll Posse” by Tori Amos

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? same
b) thinner or fatter? fatter for sure
c) richer or poorer? same, poor

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Played 1 on 1 with my boy instead of fiddeling around the house

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry, dwell

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At the in-laws with my parents too

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
With my family more and more

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Just discovered “The Big Bang Theory” also love “Bizarre Foods”

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, I hate the same people

24. What was the best book you read?
“Lord of Snow and Shadows” I also finished my Elizabeth Kerner novels, best books I have ever read

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
A radio station that plays a lot of early 90’s obscure alternative type music, love it

26. What did you want and get?
A Guinea Pig

27. What did you want and not get?
A lot of things….

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Not sure

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
29 and I worked, but I did have a small party there

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A little more money

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
The same as it has always been, very casual, jeans/t-shirt

32. What kept you sane?
SANE????

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Of course THE election

35. Who did you miss?
My Aunt and Grandmother every day

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Jasmine

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
“Your life is the creation of your mind” got that from a fortune cookie, beat that!

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Geez, there would be too many

1) What did I do that I’ve never done before? Some yoga postures where I have my hands on the ground but my feet in the air.

2) New Year’s Resolutions – I guess I did. They were kind of vague: be more myself, be kinder, live in abundance. Yeah, I think I’ve done those.

3) Two of my dearest friends gave birth this year. In a way it’s like I’ve lost two of my best friends, but I’m very happy for them. And they’ll make wonderful people for this world of ours.

4) No one close to me died.

5) I visited England, Italy and Austria this year. Woo ha!

6) In 2009 I would like to have more family time, and more sex. Lots more. GOOD sex.

7) Etched on my mind memories: moving into my new place, going over the line with a friend (in a good way), getting my ass handed to me in a sparring match, two amazing yoga immersions

8) Biggest acheivement – PAYING OFF MY STUDENT LOAN!!!!! And forming a good friendship with an ex.

9) Biggest failure – being wishy washy on the honesty thing, in general

10) Illness or injury – no sickness of which to speak, and the injuries have been learning experiences, but yes

11) Best thing I bought – the yoga immersions

12) Behavior that merited celebration – my roommates. She’s a paragon of living in the now and being honest and reaching for what you want.

13) Appalling behavior? W, of course. And Palin, though it made me laugh at the same time.

14) Most of my money went to yoga and travel. SWEET!!!

15) Excited about? The election, yeah. And the yoga stuff.

16) Song that will remind me most of this year? Persistence of Memory by AfroCelt Sound System, and also Paper Planes by MIA, and that Michael Franti song, is it Hey Now? Or something like that?

17) Happier than last year, for sure. About the same, thin-wise. Maybe a little thinner. About the same, rich-wise, but having that loan paid off, damn!

18) Wish I’d done more yoga

19) Wish I’d done less worrying

20) Spent Christmas with my mom in Tucson; she came to visit. It was… so awesome. So very very awesome.

21) Did I fall in love? Yes, I think I did. But interestingly enough, the person it was with kind of showed me the parts of me that I love, so it was almost like falling in love with myself. Crazy.

22) Favorite TV program? I fell in love with Firefly this year. Sigh.

23) I don’t hate anyone, no. But there are a few new people to avoid on my list.

24) Best book I read? Three Cups of Tea

25) Best musical discovery – damn, that’s hard. I’ve heard a lot of new world music this year that I love – I’ll get back to you on that one.

26) Want and get? My new AWESOME yoga mat

27) Want and not get? A new case for my Thai massage mat.

28) Fave film – I discovered Sunset Boulevard this year and loved it. The original

29) On my birthday, Feb 4th, I moved, went to a great lunch, met a new friend, and turned 33.

30) What one thing would’ve made my year immensely more satisfying? Either more time with my mom, or living near the guy I’m seeing.

31) Personal fashion concept of 08 – comfy but flattering, often sacrificing the second for the first.

32) What kept me sane – Yoga, but from the sound of this I’m teetering toward insane about it.

33) Celebrity I fancy the most? Hugh Jackman.

34) Political issue that stirred me the most – potentially having a backward ignorant opinionated PTA mom as a presidential backup.

35) Who did I miss? My grandmother, my mom, my family in general, my friends in Maine.

36) Best new person I met – Will. From Nebraska. He’s awesome.

37) Valuable life lesson – honesty. It’s vital.

38) Song lyrics to sum up my year – Om Nama Shivaya gurave, Saccidananda Murtaye, Nisprapanchaya Shantaya, Niralambaya Tejase.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Went to Paris!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Haven’t made a NYR since 1990 when I resolved no more NYR’s.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? New neighbor. He’s adorable.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, thank you God!

5. What countries did you visit? France

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More will power… for the love of god more will power

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? May 16th the day I took my 3 year old to the emergency room for stitches.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Keeping 2 kids healthy and happy

9. What was your biggest failure? Actually gaining back 5 pounds of the weight that I lost in 2007

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing major

11. What was the best thing you bought? Jean that actually fit well

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My husbands for finally leaving a company that had been making him miserable and taking a chance on a new adventure

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? George Bush and all the Californians who voted Yes on 8

14. Where did most of your money go? Childcare

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to Paris

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? poorer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Just hang with the kids instead of trying to avoid playing another game of (insert lame kids game here)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about my weight

20. How did you spend Christmas? With friends and family

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Just deeper with my kids and husband

22. What was your favorite TV program? Chuck

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Try not to hate

24. What was the best book you read? Pillars of the Earth

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Paramore

26. What did you want and get? A mini-whip whipped cream maker

27. What did you want and not get? A night off of making dinner a week (I’ve been asking for years I don’t think I’ll ever get him to cook once a week)

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Since I can’t remember what movies I’ve seen I’ll have to go with Australia because WOW 3 hours of Hugh Jackman actually using his native accent cue shorts creaming!

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Had a nice dinner with the family and I’m now 37

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If I had actually tried to lose the weight instead of just thinking about it and doing it half assed

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Casual

32. What kept you sane? I’m not trying to ass kiss but this blog has kept me sane

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Hugh Jackman he’s been on top of my list for years

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Prop 8 in California

35. Who did you miss? My dad

36. Who was the best new person you met? Brian my new co-worker… he keeps me sane at work with his non-PC flirting plus it doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’5″ and adorable (in a puppy dog kind of way)

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. My attitude effects the attitude of my children

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Well open up your mind and see like me, open up your plans and damn your free, look into your heart and you’ll find love, love, love, love

I’m posting here instead of my blog because, well, I don’t want to share all of my life with my grandma’s friends. :)

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Became a farmer and started combing cows, and also started a blog.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don’t ever remember, but I will make some for 2009, and hopefully stick to them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? An old friend, married for 11 years, gave birth to her first child on Dec. 13th! They live in NC, though, so I may not meet the kiddo until I’m 50.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year…2006 was the Year of Death.

5. What countries did you visit? In my mind, or in reality? I traveled no further than 200 miles from Tenino, WA in 2008. Yikes.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A baby. Please please please, can’t I just get knocked up??

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? April 15th – the day we closed on our dream property, a country home with land. And Nov. 20th, the day our first calf was born.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Does getting laid off count?

9. What was your biggest failure? Nothing comes to mind, so that’s probably a good thing.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing major, knock on wood.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Either our new home, or our new Scottish Highland cattle (bought with my hubby, not by myself).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My sister-in-law finally saw the light and got herself a new attitude and a job!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Niece and her boyfriend…he hit her and she went back, but I think that’s probably sadly normal for a 19-year old co-dependent and her alcoholic man.

14. Where did most of your money go? Various feed stores.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Our newly born calves, a first for us!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Probably a country song, God help me.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier!
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter (boo hoo)
c) richer or poorer? Technically probably poorer, but I feel I have a much richer life now.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Unpacking. Decorating. Exploring our new town.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Working. Bitching. Eating.

20. How did you spend Christmas? With my family in Snohomish County for Christmas Eve, then feeding hubby’s family at our place for a postponed Christmas Day on the 28th.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? With my new lifestyle and critters and home/town/view, yes. My love for my hubby hasn’t wavered. :)

22. What was your favorite TV program? My Name Is Earl

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t think so…

24. What was the best book you read? Given I only read a few this year, probably “Keeping a Family Cow” by Joann S. Grohman.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Am lame. No discoveries.

26. What did you want and get? Our home/land/farm. My dang busy-corner-lot-in-Tacoma-old-house SOLD!

27. What did you want and not get? Pregnant.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? Didn’t see many…but NOT “Burn After Reading.” Mental pictures that will never leave my mind.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? For my 34th birthday in March, I stuffed myself at the steakhouse at Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester, along with hubby’s family.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Getting pregnant. I’m probably jinxing myself every time I mention it.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Manure-splattered jeans and tee-shirts, and XTRATUF boots. :)

32. What kept you sane? Seeing my friends frequently.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Fancy? Sounds so British! Um…O-BA-MA!

34. What political issue stirred you the most? The idea of weasly John McCain representing the US on the world theatre. And Sarah Palin in general…and not in a good way.

35. Who did you miss? My grandpa, who passed away 11/17/06.

36. Who was the best new person you met? My new Highland breeder buddy, Amy.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Slow down and breathe! Life doesn’t have to be about working…and I for one don’t want to be remembered for my professional achievements. (Thus my bliss at being laid of in three days…WHEE!!)

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. “Oh, I so suck at lyrics…”, sung to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner.

Lot 152: From the Ground Up.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Unfortunately, I can’t think of anything ‘new’ I did. Damn.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I am still working on getting rid of all debt – slowly but surely.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes!

4. Did anyone close to you die? My aunt died but I was not particularly close with her – made me sad for my dad.

5. What countries did you visit? None.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A job I love.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Sept 2o, my wedding day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting through another year with my children healthy and happy.

9. What was your biggest failure? Not giving myself the time to find out what I really want to do.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Thankfully no.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My shuffle – running is so much more fun now.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Obama

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Bush, Palin.
14. Where did most of your money go? Tuition.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My wedding.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
So many – too hard to chose.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Same
c) richer or poorer? Same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent time with my friends, family.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Keep falling in love with my husband.
22. What was your favorite TV program? 30 Rock, Top Chef, Biggest Loser.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Don’t hate anyone – waste of energy.
24. What was the best book you read?
‘Eat Pray Love’ and ‘Same Kind of Different As Me’.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sound Tribe Sector Nine

26. What did you want and get? Married

27. What did you want and not get? A trip to Italy – with economy in the crapper we honeymooned instead in – get this – Seattle and Portland! We now want to live in either city!! Had so much fun!

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Didn’t see many but loved “Secret Lives of Bees”.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Turned 46 and went out to dinner.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being able to do something I love for work.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Split personality between athletic lifestyle look and city chic look.

32. What kept you sane? My husband.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Obama

34. What political issue stirred you the most? The election and all that entailed.

35. Who did you miss? I miss my sister who lives in another city – I wish we could live in the same place.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Sometimes your ‘history’ can stand in the way of what is really happening or possible in your life without you even realizing it.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Hmmm….

Hey! I posted mine yesterday:)
http://www.dillier.net/2008/12/2008-in-review.html

My 3yr old started addressing me as MOM a few months ago. I HATED IT! It made me feel so OLD! Shamefully, I kinda ingorned him when he called me that till he called me Mommy again, a few seconds later, hehe. NO! Call me MOMMY! *sighs*

Ask and you shall receive.
http://thatsnotgreat.typepad.com/bethany/2008/12/two-times-makes-something-a-tradition-right.html

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Hosted a GIANT party
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don’t remember and I think I will.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not really close.
5. What countries did you visit? Nevis and Grand Cayman
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Less financial turmoil
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? April 12, 2008, my son’s Bar Mitzvah
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Pulling off said Bar Mitzvah
9. What was your biggest failure? Not for me to say…
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Does my husband’s VERY serious pneumonia and my doctor recommended elective surgery count?
11. What was the best thing you bought? A gold pendant that says “I AM HEALED”
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My son who is the only teenaged gentleman I have had the pleasure to know.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The Republican party.
14. Where did most of your money go? You’d have to ask my husband….
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Barack Obama
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Bonified Lovin’ by Chromeo
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? About even
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? Poorer…am I not alone in that?
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Spontaneous laughter
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying.
20. How did you spend Christmas? As a Jew, I sorta didn’t notice it. But I was on vacation so that’s good.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? I am always in love with my husband.
22. What was your favorite TV program? How I Met Your Mother
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Anyone who, at the moment is being cruel to one of my children.
24. What was the best book you read? A FINE BALANCE by Rohinton Mistry. I HIGHLY recommend it.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Umm….I’m too old to have musical discoveries…
26. What did you want and get? An Hermes bag, not yet received as its a (wait for it….) custom order!
27. What did you want and not get? A new watch.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Milk
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I don’t remember and I’m 44. Maybe those two things are linked…
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A better stock market.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Self-confident, colorful and self-expressive.
32. What kept you sane? My beautiful children and my wonderful friends. My AMAZING sister. Oh, yeah, and my husband’s pretty cool too.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? None, really.
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Sarah Palin saying that her daughter ‘chose’ to give birth. OK, then can everyone else ‘choose’ their response in the same situation?
35. Who did you miss? My mother, every day since I lost her 26 years ago.
36. Who was the best new person you met? I can’t really recall….
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Laughing until it hurts is always good.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. See answer to question #25…

Linda – how fun!!! Now I have even more things to distract me from actually working! Seriously I love these things – and I’m all for starting a new tradition. Thanks for sharing this – I plan to post it on my blog in a couple of days and will email you when I do.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Camped on an island in the middle of a lake in northern Wisconsin. It was awesome! Well except for the toilet situation.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Didn’t make any last year. If I did, can’t remember. I will be making two. Lose weight and stop procrastinating (especially about the losing weight thing).
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A better job. A real vacation.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? October 23rd when my sister in law told me she was three months pregnant. A couple of months prior to that she told me she was going to divorce my brother.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Keeping my GPA up.
9. What was your biggest failure? Letting my house cleaning get away from me and letting my weight get out of control.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My anniversary ring.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Not sure.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My sister in law. See above. I guess I only remember the bad things.
14. Where did most of your money go? Bills and our basement since we are finishing it.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Finally getting my anniversary band.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? That Kid Rock song.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Sadder, hate my current job. Every effing day.
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Probably poorer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Spent more time away from work.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worked
20. How did you spend Christmas? With my family in Wisconsin. It was enjoyable with my dad’s side, but not so much with my mother’s side.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? I fall in love every day with my husband.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Desperate Housewives.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Yes.
24. What was the best book you read? I like the Stephanie Plum Series. (Janet Evanovich)
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? None.
26. What did you want and get? My 10-year anniversary ring. It is just beautiful!!!
27. What did you want and not get? A baby.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? I really liked Burn After Reading and just went and saw Marley and Me.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Nothing. 32.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Finally getting pregnant.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Anything that fits.
32. What kept you sane? My loving husband.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ryan Grant. (Packers football player)
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Not really the right person to comment on politics, so I don’t.
35. Who did you miss? My grandmother.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Karen.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Keep your nose out of other peoples’ lives/business.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. “I’m just lookin’ for a good time” Lady Antebellum

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Took care of a circumcision
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Didn’t make any. I am vowing to eat better and exercise (I am using you as inspiration)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. Me.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My MIL passed away and it has been hard.
5. What countries did you visit?
None
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Self Control
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 11 (son born), March 6 (MIL dies)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Giving birth
9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing all the baby weight, then gaining it all back plus some.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope
11. What was the best thing you bought?
HD Tivo
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Husband
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
George W Bush
14. Where did most of your money go?
Medical Bills (Giving birth is expensive even with insurance)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Barack Obama winning the election
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Stronger by Kanye
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Middle of the road
b) thinner or fatter? Technically thinner since I was 9 months pregnant but fatter
c) richer or poorer? Same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Told my MIL how much she meant to me
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating junk food
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With family
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Oh so many. CSI (las vegas), Heroes, The Office
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
24. What was the best book you read?
Pillars of the Earth
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
None
26. What did you want and get?
HD Tivo
27. What did you want and not get?
A spa day
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Didn’t really watch many movies
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Nothing just dinner at home with the family. 31.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not losing my MIL.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Mommy shabby.
32. What kept you sane?
My Husband, coffee and ice cream
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop. 8 in CA (even though I live in Seattle)
35. Who did you miss?
My MIL
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I know this sounds bad, but I didn’t meet anyone new in 2008
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is short enjoy the ones you love while they are still here and let them know how much you love and appreciate them every time you see them.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Time to say goodbye
paesi che non ho mai
veduto e vissuto con te
adesso si li vivro.
Con te partiro
su navi per mari
che io lo so
no no non esistono piu
It’s time to say goodbye.
(In English but the song sounds much more beautiful in Italian)
Time to say goodbye,
to countries I never
saw and shared with you,
now, yes, I shall experience them,
I’ll go with you
on ships across seas
which, I know,
no, no, exist no longer;
with you I shall experience them.
(by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman)

Happy 2009 to you and your family!

I responded to the quiz on my blog. Thanks for putting it up :)

I should just copy Trina’s because, aside from the MIL, it’s almsot exactly the same :-)

I can’t wait to fill mine out. I’ve been looking forward to reading everyone’s (yours especially) answers. Yeah for 2009!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Tore my Rottory cuff
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? No did not make any
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My son and daughter-in-law had a son in febuary
4. Did anyone close to you die? not this year
5. What countries did you visit? ony stayed in the USA
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A fixed arm
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Feb 25th became granda for 2nd time
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? still at the same job for 10.5 years
9. What was your biggest failure? Still at the same job for 10.5 years
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes hurt arm (torn rottory cuff)
11. What was the best thing you bought? A blazer
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Husband he tried to over do it for christmas with my presents but can that really be done?
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My Daughter and I do not want to talk about it
14. Where did most of your money go? to other people bills mostly
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? my grandson
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Kid Rock All summer long
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? some
b) thinner or fatter? same
c) richer or poorer? same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? diet
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? baking
20. How did you spend Christmas? the whole family (34 people) at my house
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? well still in love with the husband
22. What was your favorite TV program? “HOUSE”
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Well I do not nhate my ex best friend but I sure hate what he did.
24. What was the best book you read? Stephen King Duma key
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
a Nickleback concert
26. What did you want and get?
Ralph Luaren perfum
27. What did you want and not get? peace on earth
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Wall-E or Fools Gold
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I worked and too old remembver I am a grandma
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? For my friend not to do what he did.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? business like
32. What kept you sane? my husband
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? none really
34. What political issue stirred you the most? the new president Elect
35. Who did you miss? my Freind he don’t talk to me much anymore
36. Who was the best new person you met? Wanda
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. That if you have an affair and get caught it messes up more then your own life ask my friend
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Here come old flattop he come grooving up slowly
He got joo-joo eyeball he one holy roller
He got hair down to his knee
Got to be a joker he just do what he please
Come together, right now, over me

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Took a CRUISE!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Didn’t make any. Might make some in 09
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? yes
4. Did anyone close to you die? no
5. What countries did you visit? Canada
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? mo money, energy and drive to do things.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Sept 20 – cruise launch, March 17 – promotion at work, Nov 18 one of my most difficult employees retired.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Promoting and surviving the first 6 months of it.
9. What was your biggest failure? I dunno. I guess failing to take better care of me.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? frequent transient maladies.
11. What was the best thing you bought? umm my new iPod (purple)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Delta- grandaughter mastered potty training by 22 months :) (Sorry Linda)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Some co-workers who shall remain nameless, some family who shall remain nameless.
14. Where did most of your money go? bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My CRUISE
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? My cruise
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? sadder
b) thinner or fatter? a tad fatter
c) richer or poorer? a lot poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? just enjoy life
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? worring
20. How did you spend Christmas? here with hubby
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? yes, with my new grandbaby Hailey
22. What was your favorite TV program? DirtySexyMoney
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? yes
24. What was the best book you read? Grace, or Eat Love Pray
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Evanesence (Ok, I am slowwww…)
26. What did you want and get? a new iPod
27. What did you want and not get? an iPhone, or simply anything for Xmas from hubby…sigh
28. What was your favorite film of this year? stepbrothers
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I don’t remember, 42
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? if I conquered my depression
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? business casual bordering on slovenly
32. What kept you sane? the thought of the next cruise
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? oh IDK – Britney I guess, give the girl a chance
34. What political issue stirred you the most? well our sad presidential election, even more so the shit going on with my asshole governor (AHNOLD)
35. Who did you miss? My daddy, always!
36. Who was the best new person you met? Nicole
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Enjoy it while it’s here, it’s all too short
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I look to the sea, reflections in the waves spark my memory
Some happy, some sad
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had
We live happily forever, so the story goes
But somehow we missed out on that pot of gold
But we’ll try best that we can to carry on

A gathering of angels appeared above my head
They sang to me this song of hope, and this is what they said
They said come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

name- harper
blog- vsmphotography.blogspot.com

Cool post!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? I quit my job!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Don’t make them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Not real close, friend had a daughter.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Again, not real close, former chum from school died from allergic reaction. He was only 29.
5. What countries did you visit? Cuba! (I’m Canadian, so it’s allowed).
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More self-confidence.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? August 10, my brother’s 29th birthday, when he fell and scared the living shit out of my entire family. He’s recovered now, but we weren’t sure if he was going to make it.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Finished my human resources and volunteer program management certificates at local college.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not doing much of anything when I wasn’t working.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not really.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Xbox 360 with Rock Band.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Can’t think of anyone specifically.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My brother, my aunt, Stephen Harper, the voters in my region…
14. Where did most of your money go? Mortgage and taxes.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Approval for a not-for-profit merger that came through over a year after the application was put in.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? The one I think of is Timbaland’s The Way I Are, even though it’s from 2007. I had it as my ringtone.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier
b) fatter
c) richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Reading for pleasure.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Doubting myself.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Eating sushi with my in-laws.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? No.
22. What was your favorite TV program? True Blood.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Not that I can think of.
24. What was the best book you read? Watchmen
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Didn’t really have one.
26. What did you want and get? Watchmen and Outliers.
27. What did you want and not get? A new pokemon game.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Dark Knight.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? We had three couples over for BBQ, and I turned 31.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Enjoyable paid work.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Denim casual.
32. What kept you sane? Effexor and then Celexa.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Elizabeth May and Obama.
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Stupid proroguement of Parliament, oh, and sneaky conservatives trying to grant person hood to fetuses.
35. Who did you miss? My sister-in-law at my xmas eve party.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Joanne from my volunteer course.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. I’m green and gold, a thinker then an organizer (did my True Colours).
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“I don’t give a damn about my reputation!” Joan Jett, Bad Reputation.

A highlights tour:
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Got Married!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My brother’s wife had their twin girls three weeks before my wedding.
4. Did anyone close to you die? My new husband’s Grandfather, and my parents’ young and much beloved cat.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A career! (I’m currently between jobs…)
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day I got married, 10/18.
9. What was your biggest failure? Getting fired (second time in one year) from that job I REALLY really thought I was a great match for.
11. What was the best thing you bought? BRAND New bedroom furniture.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? two words: PAY-LIN
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The wedding! The Election!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Gogol Bordello’s Start Wearing Purple
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The Dresden Dolls, Coin Operated Boy.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I honestly don’t remember my birthday, but I turned 32.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Getting hired as a technical trainer for some laid back hippie-style company with big tech dreams and fat wallets.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? “myeh, at least my hooters don’t look porny today”
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Electing Obama.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Life, no matter how robust or youthful, is so fragile. Like a whisper of sunlight in the bedroom – it’s warm and wonderful, and in no time at all, it’s gone.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. “There were never any good old days. They are today! They are tomorrow! It’s a stupid thing we say, cursing tomorrow with sorrow!” gogol bordello

My mom bought a keyboard a few years back. Ours has a volume control, so it isn’t too bad. The kids love it, and my son calling it the “panyo” was pretty cute. I will have to think about my answers to the quiz.

I always read your blog and LOVE it. Im a mother of 3 all under the age of 4 so I can totally relate to everything you blog about. Ill be posting my quiz answers at my blog.

OMG, so many questions and words here…been lurking for quite some time, never posted before. Been thinking about asking you about how the Ferberizing went…cuz I got problems with my 11 month old….here goes:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Had a second baby and stayed home with my 3 year old and new baby.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, and no.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Just me.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
None, unfortunately. I would like a one way ticket to somewhere though.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A boob job and lots of cash-money. Oh, and a better, high paying job.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Taking the kids to Disney for our 5th anniversary.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having my new baby and staying home with her thus far.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting her to sleep on her own EVER~

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thank goodness.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I dunno.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom’s at the holidays.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My in-laws, as ALWAYS.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, bills, bills.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Staying home and being happy not having to work.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
The theme from Blue’s Clues.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? HAPPIER
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? POORER

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

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spending.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the family and the children.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Not really.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
The real Housewives of NYC, and The Haunting.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Not really.

24. What was the best book you read?
The Decameron.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
XM

26. What did you want and get?
A make-over

27. What did you want and not get?
A Make-over

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Running with Scissors, was that this year?

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to a great seafood resturant on Bokeelia without the kids. 32.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
You don’t wanna know. Trust me.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Flat iron, all the time, anti-hummidity spray.

32. What kept you sane?
Coffee and Los Primos

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don’t think I have had too much time to fancy anyone.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Sarah Palin’s issues…

35. Who did you miss?
My hubs.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Melanie Sabine.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
The reason why some people are so miserable,is because they’ve always been miserable.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
….Que Sera, Sera…whatever will be, will be….

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ooh I did it :)

http://www.missdisgrace.com/2008/12/surveying-08.html

[…] Found via iCiNG and All & Sundry Filed under: Uncategorized   |   […]

[…] New Years Quiz December 30, 2008 — V-Lo Linda at All & Sundry put up this quiz the last couple years and although I had a lot of fun reading other peoples answers  I did not fill it out.  However for lack of any blog topic I am filling it out now.  Feel free to add yours  into comments or add link to comments to  your blog.  You can copy the questions from here without my answers if that makes it easier. […]

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Took a riverboat cruise. Climbed Huashan. Had stock options that were worth more (!!!) than the paper they were printed on.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I’m not into new year’s resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my mother-in-law at just short of 93.

5. What countries did you visit?
Germany, France, China, Barbados. The last was work, not play.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Gee, nothing obvious occurs to me.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably December 24th, when we had all 4 kids at dinner together for the first time in 10 years. I don’t care to get into specifics here, but at one point it seemed unlikely that it would ever happen. Also May 17th, landing in China.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting invited to lecture in China.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Didn’t have any major ones this year.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Arrgh, hyper-extension on the left knee in February that is STILL not 100% healed.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A Nikon D-40.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
#2 child’s, see question #7.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Nobody, thankfully.

14. Where did most of your money go?
The insanely over-budget kitchen remodel. Worth it though!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The new kitchen (actually, new kitchen, dining room, and living room). And, going to China.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I guess I don’t listen to music that way.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
happier (slightly), the same, and richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I’m afraid that the answer that leapt to mind was “more sex”. Which is funny because it’s hardly like there was a drought.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Nothing occurs to me.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home, with ALL (!!) of the family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Stayed in love, didn’t fall in love.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
I’m not much for TV, but I watched True Blood a couple times, so I guess that counts.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.

24. What was the best book you read?
Hmm, very hard to pick one. Probably John Clark’s “Ignition!”, which has to be the funniest technical book I’ve ever read. (It was the devil to find, but worth it.)

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Huh?

26. What did you want and get?
An espresso machine!

27. What did you want and not get?
New hardwood floors that were both attractive and invulnerable to scratching. We got one out of two.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Sorry, they were all pretty forgettable.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don’t remember. The reason I don’t remember is because I turned 52. :-)

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
“Immeasurably?” nothing. A million bucks would have been useful, but not essential.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I’m sorry, the words all seem to be English, but they don’t make any sense together…

32. What kept you sane?
Work.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
???

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The economy, I guess.

35. Who did you miss?
My mother-in-law, which I know sounds strange, but she was undemanding and fun.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
XieJiong, our Chinese contact and new friend.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
No answer occurs to me…

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I hardly ever pay attention to lyrics.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Will and I got engaged in February and then proceeded to hate each other for the rest of the year.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Resolutions, schmesolutions. I’m not good at things like that, but my res for this year is to keep my priorities straight. Like, heat before cable, that kind of thing.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No babies, but I’d like one. Specially if he’s as cute as yours.
4. Did anyone close to you die? My neighbor Bill died of cancer in September. The day after he was buried, his wife found out she has metastatic lung cancer.
5. What countries did you visit? Canadia, eh.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A straight answer from my fiance.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? December 3. The day my dad got in his accident. He’s better now; raising hell at the rehab hospital.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Starting Weight Watchers and sticking with it for more than a week.
9. What was your biggest failure? Seemingly my relationship with my fiance
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Sinus infections? Do they count?
11. What was the best thing you bought? Our house. I suppose we technically didn’t buy it yet, but we renovated and moved in and whatnot. Its my parents house and the one I grew up in.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My mom and dad, for being generous enough to let me and my fella live rent free in our soon-to-be house for the next year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My fiance. I know I might be the cause of his angst, but the boy doesn’t need to hold a grudge the way he does. (And no, I didn’t cheat on him.)
14. Where did most of your money go? Who the hell knows! The house I guess. Carpet, a fridge, paint, some furniture, etc.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Planning my wedding. But its sorta off now.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? I’m never any good at song questions. I could sing it to you, but I guess that doesn’t work here.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? sadder
b) thinner or fatter? thinner, I think. I’ve lost 20+ pounds since Sept, but I could have gained that between Feb and June.
c) richer or poorer? both. poorer financially, richer in knowledge and experiences
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? spend time with my fiance when it was needed the most
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? work at my crappy second job
20. How did you spend Christmas? at Helen Hayes Rehab Hospital with my dad
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? with my pup FionaBionaBiona (as my 4yo niece calls her. Fiona is her name-name)
22. What was your favorite TV program? True Blood, anyone?
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Larry, Will’s best friend, for being a wuss about being will’s best man
24. What was the best book you read? my nursing text book. yay.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? she’s getting crappy reviews, but I’ve been digging Duffy. I’m relatively easy to please in the musical department though. No depth here.
26. What did you want and get? A nice engagement ring.
27. What did you want and not get? for Will and I to talk out our crap, get over it, and work on “us”
28. What was your favorite film of this year? I don’t even know what came out this year.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Will and I went to Niagara Falls for my 26th, and thats where we got engaged.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? winning the lotto, not having bills
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? I wear scrubs, all day and all night.
32. What kept you sane? knowing that I’m done with school in less that 6 months, and then I can make some real MONEY
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Hugh Laurie. Just because he’s cute.
34. What political issue stirred you the most? gay marriage. love is love. they should have the same right to mess it up that us straight people have.
35. Who did you miss? my friend michelle still, who I haven’t been able to find for four years.
36. Who was the best new person you met? matt, at work. he’s pretty cool. i shouldn’t say that though, because I have a teensy work crush on him.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. nothing matters if you don’t have family. we all work too hard to let it all slip away. never leave someone you love without telling them so. You never know when it will be the last time you can do it.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. see, this whole song thing throws me off. I’m really no good at this at all.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

Visited Rome.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Yes. Yes.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

Italy. Canada.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Serenity.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Christmas, because we spent it in Rome.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Winning a First Amendment case, with very little help from any other lawyer.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Pettiness.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. I had pretty severe, and chronic pain for about 5 months from a bulging disc in my back; the pain did not respond to steroid injections. My ortho was trying to talk my into surgery when it magically disappeared.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Veterinary care for my dog, who seemed just a little bit off, not really sick, when I took him to the vet in August, but who we discovered after some blood work has a serious illness (autoimmune hepatitis) that should be treatable because we caught it early.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband, who is a kind, patient, smart, funny, smart, intellectually curious gem of a man.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My own, when I am petty and unforgiving.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Travel.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Being able to communicate in Italian for the first time on this trip, after years of study and several previous trips to Italy.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Any of Freddy Mercury’s later work (don’t ask).

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?

Happier.

b) thinner or fatter?

Much thinner.

c) richer or poorer?

Poorer.

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

Spend time with friends.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Indulging in negative, judgmental thoughts about others and myself.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Walking around Rome.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

I fell more in love with my husband of 12 years.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Project Runway (Netflix).

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No.

24. What was the best book you read?

Amy Bloom, “Away.”

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Elastica. (Hey, I’m 43, what do you want.)

26. What did you want and get?

A trip to Rome.

27. What did you want and not get?

Serenity.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Atonement.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

We went to Napa Valley. 43.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Serenity.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Monochromatic, fitted clothing.

32. What kept you sane?

My dog.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Barack Obama.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The war in Iraq.

35. Who did you miss?

My mother.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My dog’s new veterinarian, who is curing him.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

Take your dog to the vet if he skips breakfast.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Don’t let the days go by.

I loved this quiz last year… I’ve actually been thinking about my answers throughout the year, like when we bought a new mattress I was all “This is totally the best thing I bought this year”, and then I thought the same thing when I bought the perfect wedding dress, and again when I bought an SLR camera, and I guess now I know for sure what the answer to 17c is!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Installed landscape lighting. Visited Orcas Island after 18 years in Seattle – and loved it.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No. Yes.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, several friends. I’m the honorary aunt.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
None outside the U.S.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Improved job satisfaction.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
New Years Eve/Day: Stood my ground and didn’t compromise my integrity, which cost me a relationship, but ultimately was the right choice.
February 10th: Obama announces his candidacy for the President of the United States.
April 30th: Mom hits bottom, and the path to sobriety begins.
August 28th: Obama accepts the Democratic nomination for President.
November 4th: Obama wins the Presidential election.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Was the catalyst and support to get my mom to stop drinking and start her recovery process.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not always putting my best foot forward at work.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Started the year with a badly twisted ankle, followed by a bad sinus infection, then got the flu.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My kitchen (see #14).
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom’s for embracing sobriety. My best friend’s dad for the way he’s currently handling his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The last person I dated – he became unbelievably selfish and inconsiderate, so game over. Also a coworker who should not be managing people, as he sucks at it.
14. Where did most of your money go?
My house; did a kitchen update to replace the floor, countertops, and appliances.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Presidential Campaign and election of Barack Obama. It still thrills me to no end.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
“Yes We Can” – will.i.am.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) about the same, not vastly happier or sadder
b) about the same, perhaps a few pounds heavier, but not by much
c) poorer in the sense that I have a bigger HELOC now after my house expenses
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Travel
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Let stress control me more than normal.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With family in the Seattle area.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
CNN during the campaign, otherwise I enjoyed The Office, Samantha Who?, and am a closet fan of The Biggest Loser because all the contestants always amaze and inspire me.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Although it’s not a desired emotion, yes.
24. What was the best book you read?
Eat, Pray, Love
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
David Cook. I know, a bit cliché, but come on, the boy can sing. Also finally discovered the talent of Pink, and also enjoyed Brett Dennen and Damien Rice this year.
26. What did you want and get?
An updated kitchen, from porcelain tile floors, granite slab countertops, and all stainless steel appliances. Love it.
27. What did you want and not get?
A new home computer. Next year.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I didn’t see many new films released this year, so I’ll just mention the last one, which was Marley & Me. I loved the book, and the film was like cinema crack for a yellow lab lover.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent it with friends. Turned 37 in March.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A more satisfying work life.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
501s, layered tops, and staying warm during a cold spring and winter.
32. What kept you sane?
Good friends; Remembering what’s important; Taking time to re-center myself.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Fancy in a “come hither” way: George Clooney (still). Fancy in an “amazing person” way: Barack Obama.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The campaign and general election. It is and will likely always be the most inspiring and important political event of my generation.
35. Who did you miss?
Friends in other cities that I don’t get to see often enough.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My friends’ newest born children. Meeting a new life is humbling.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
An oldie, but goodie, not learned for the first time, just re-learned: That you may not always get what you want, but if you take time to reflect, you always get what you need.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
And you asked me what I want this year
and I try to make this kind and clear
just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days
’cause I don’t need boxes wrapped in strings
and designer love and empty things
just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days
— “Better Days” – Goo Goo Dolls

Oh, I love it when you do this questionnaire! This year I actually get to respond on my own blog!

That keyboard looks WAY obnoxious – leave it to the relatives! My mom bought my kids identical keyboards that look remarkably similar to yours. Just think, jazzy Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in stereo!!! Time to turn on the iPod!

[…] I have decided to finish the year with a meme that I have seen of a few of regularly visited sites, Chatabox and All and Sundry… […]

LOVE THIS and I’m e-mailing you my info! :)

[…] Okay! So before I start crying, instead, I will just tell you that I am jumping on one of my favorite blogger’s bandwagons, and doing her New Year’s meme. Probably the only meme you will ever witness here in Lumpdom so get out your Sharpie and mark up your brandie-new Puppy of the Day calender. Also, I may add or delete questions as I see fit. Because it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to. Now go see Linda at Sundry Mourning and let her know if you’re doing it, too. […]