Dec
29
It’s that time of year again, for revisiting and rehashing and looking ahead and if you’re me, cursing your terrible memory and reconsidering a ginkgo biloba supplement.
I’ve been doing this New Year’s quiz for many years now (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004), and while it takes some time to work through, it’s a neat way to look back on things.
I’ve changed the questions a tiny bit to get rid of a few things that always annoyed me, but it’s essentially the same as years past. Please feel free to copy/paste for yourself! If you do post this on your own blog, will you link to your entry in the comments here? I’d love to see what you have to say about your 2010.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Ran a half marathon and visited New Orleans. Ran a FULL MARATHON, all 26.2 motherfucking miles, yo. Took two college classes for the first time in a decade, got two As. Went camping as a family of four. Hiked the Rogue River. Went to BlogHer in New York. Endured our first ER visit. QUIT MY JOB (!!!) and became a freelancer. Put our house on the market (then took it off). Floundered with being a stay-at-home, work-at-home, whatever-you-call-it-at-home mom. Took the kids out of daycare, started homeschool. Did a little scrapbooking, bitches. Started CrossFit. Saw one of my children turn two, and the other turn five.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Here’s what I wrote last year, with my updates beneath.
Resolutions for 2010:
• Complete at least 4 physical events that are extremely challenging to me (ie, a 5K no longer counts)
Well, not exactly, but sort of. I did the half, then the full marathon, and that was about it for big race events in 2010. I want to count CrossFit, though, because it’s extremely challenging each and every time I go.
• Have at least 16 school credits under my belt
No, I only finished 10 credits this year.
• Teach Riley to swim
Shit. No. We did some lessons, but we didn’t keep it up.
• Be home in time for dinner at least 4 days a week
Hell to the yes on this one.
• Incorporate more whole foods into our diet, and less processed junk
Yes and no. Yes for JB and I, since I make all our dinners, but not so much with the picky-eater children.
• Make some kind of headway on a novel
Fail.
• Go on an overnight trip with JB
Gah. No. Jeez. Lame.
• Grow at least one vegetable this summer that doesn’t die, DAMN
Yes! Kind of. A little. Well . . . okay, listen, it was a really bad year for gardening, okay? It rained, like, all summer long, I am not even lying. Washington farmers had terrible crops this year. So fine, our tomatoes were pretty awful, but it doesn’t mean we can’t self-sustain if we HAD to.
Oh god we kill everything we plant.
Hmm, re-visiting those resolutions wasn’t quite as satisfying as I thought it would be, for some reason. Okay, looking ahead to 2011:
• Take both the kids to swimming lessons, I mean it this time
• Continue going to CrossFit 3-4 times a week
• Start doing local race events again
• Get a really good photo of the four of us
• Grow out my hair
• Do a better job of staying in touch with friends
• Peel off those extra five pounds I seem to be having so much trouble losing
• Pay off our credit card
These aren’t all particularly lofty goals, but man, our lives are in such flux these days. It’s so hard to say what our situation will be—and what it’ll support in terms of time and/or money—a few weeks, months, or years from now.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Same answer as last year: not outside of the internets.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. I also want to take the opportunity to confess that I stupidly said “no” to this question last year, instead of acknowledging my uncle’s passing. That omission caused my aunt a lot of pain and messed up our relationship for a while, and I’m so sorry for that. I guess I was thinking of the question in terms of whether it was my loss, when I think of it as her loss. At any rate, it was a crappy and foolish thing to do, and I’m sorry.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A little more clarity for JB on his future, not exactly for me, but because I know it would greatly ease his mind.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I think I’d say February for the NOLA trip, May for the marathon, September for saying goodbye to Workplace.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Although it is not fresh in my mind, I’ll go with the marathon, because it took so much time and determination to train for it. Also, I managed not to shit my pants while running it, despite what I can only describe as an Increasingly Horrible Situation Starting At Mile 17.
Secondly would be landing my new job. I worked hard for the opportunity, and while it’s not my dream career, it’s perfect for my life right now.
9. What was your biggest failure?
As always, my biggest failures have to do with my sub-par parenting moments. It also feels like a failure that we weren’t able to achieve our goal of moving to Oregon.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Stress injuries during the marathon training, and some lower back bullshit from CrossFit, but that’s about it. Hardly a single cold all year long, same as last year.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The best things I paid for were experiences more than objects. The trips to New Orleans and NYC. My monthly gym membership.
12. Where did most of your money go?
During most of the year our money went to the mortgage and daycare. More recently, it’s been the credit card.
13. What did you get really excited about?
The last two weeks before I turned in my notice at Workplace were fairly epic in terms of excitement/nerves.
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Right this minute I’m going to have to say this goddamned earworm, because the kids are singing it all day long.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier.
– thinner or fatter? Stronger, but probably fatter at the moment.
– richer or poorer? Financially poorer, most definitely.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveled, even just around Washington. Written for fun rather than for deadline. Taken more photos. Turned off all electronics.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Gotten spun up about a house sale that never happened. Embarked upon junk food binges that lasted for days.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
At the grandparents’ house in Coos Bay, same as last year.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
No question about it: Breaking Bad.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Impossible to remember what all I read, but these stand out at the moment: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Room by Emma Donoghue, Half Baked by Alexa Stevenson.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Kanye’s new album, Jule Brown, Broken Bells, Ratatatat, Sleigh Bells, Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire, Phantogram, Eminem’s Recovery, the Crazy Heart soundtrack.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
The Fighter, True Grit, The Social Network, Inception, Monsters, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 127 Hours, How to Train Your Dragon . . . and I’m probably forgetting a bunch.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
JB took me to the Salish Lodge for an amazing dinner, and we celebrated with the kids at home. I was 36.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Last year I wrote “a shorter commute.”
DONE.
I don’t know what I’d say for this year, really. Part of me wants to say money, but the truth is, part of what’s been so valuable about this year is learning to get by on less. It’s been a tumultuous, challenging year, but I don’t think anything could have made it more satisfying that it already was.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Ahhhh ha ha ha ha haaaaaa. “Fashion concept.” *slaps knee*
26. What kept you sane?
Exercise. My little family. Social media. 5-Hour energy drinks.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
A lesson I’ve re-learned over and over: Movement is a medicine for creating change.
Comments
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What a lovely photo of you! Wishing you and your family all the very best in 2011.
I’m glad you’ve moved forward in your life, and hope that I’ll manage to do the same in 2011… I’ve posted my answers to this (the full version, in fact, copied from last year) at this post:
http://magical27.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-years-questionnaire-re-re.html
But be prepared – 2010 sucked big time for me, so this is not a happy, laugh-a-minute post…
Happy 2011 to you and your family, and best wishes for the future!
Hells to the yeah Linda!
Great post! Here’s mine:
http://themerrylittlebreezes.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-in-review.html
I always love reading this post of yours. Here’s mine: http://www.shelikespurple.com/shelikespurple/2010/12/2010.html
I love that you’ve been doing this same survey for so long…definitely look forward to reading it every year.
here’s mine: http://tipsysociety.com/2010/12/new-years-survey-ak-2010/
1. beautiful picture!
2. I like the deletion of the “falling in love” one. Good call.
3. Breaking Bad – GOOD CALL! I totally forgot about how I was obsessed with that, too.
My survey:
http://becomingjolie.com/2010/12/29/2010-end-of-the-year-survey/
What a lovely picture, Linda. Happy new year to you and your family.
I do this wrap-up every year, riding your coattails, & I’ll link to it when I do, but I just wanted to tell you that I took my orals for my PhD in September (for the 2nd time: long story), and I TOTALLY took Ginkgo Biloba for the 6 weeks leading up to the exam. I have no idea if they helped or not, though, so…
BUT I passed.
Fun! I had no idea the first year I copied this survey from you (the first year I had a blog) that it would become an annual tradition for me too. Here’s mine: http://duwaxloolu.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-favorite-blogging-tradition.html
Mine’s nowhere near as inspiring as yours, but here it is:
http://www.gnomograms.com/2010/12/2010-in-38-questions.html
By the way, I look forward to doing this questionnaire every year (and reading other people’s answers).
I truly always enjoy reading your year end recaps. Thank you for sharing once again and I gotta say on that picture… HUMMANA HUMMANA!!!
Super cute. And I LIKE the bangs!
I like reading the survey as well, and thanks to others who are posting their links in the comments!
p.s. this wasn’t a bad year for Washington crops! Our farmers market had the best stuff all summer, especially strawberries and raspberries. I think you should try growing something other than tomatoes, which need a long season. How about cucumbers? radishes? beets? :)
Happy New Year! and thanks for writing, it’s always fun to read.
I had thought of writing my recap here, but after a couple answers I realized how incredibly boring (in a sort of good way) this year was. Minimal drama, the baby is finally off The Dole, the ex-con is still Ex and hanging in there, and I was able to pay (with appropriate weeping and gnashing of teeth) a federal tax bill that was literally 10x my gross income the first year I worked full time. (Fortunately it was a special case, if it were to happen again I would have to shoot myself!)
And, good luck to JB work-wise. The start-up thing is always stressful (been there twice, not much to show for it) but at least he still owns his soul!
Hey, is this the part where we discuss your hair?
I loved reading along with your 2010. You should be proud… You did the hard stuff, ran the M, changed your workplace. Your willingness to take chances and work hard will get you where you want to be…
As another homewiththekids mom of a two and five year old, thank you for sharing the truth and being frigging hilarious about it. Happy new Year.
You’ve had an amazing year! Way to go with all your accomplishments. I’ve been working on my questionnaire all week. Some of the questions are just hard to remember the answers to them!
http://mytwo.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/2010-recap/
http://athleticmonkey.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/2010-in-review/
Just did my recap yesterday!
Thanks for prodding me to do this, and for being honest, hilarious, and inspirational year-round. Here’s mine:
http://insignificantdetail.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-in-review-triathlon-cleaning.html
Oh I just love reading everyone’s year-end wrap ups. Thanks for posting yours, and for inspiring everyone else to do theirs. Mine’s at: http://missris.blogspot.com/2010/12/year-end-wrap-up.html
I have read your list every year since you started…I’m glad I finally have my own to contribute! What a great way to mark the passing of the year.
http://hilarity-in-shoes.com/2010/12/29/2010-quiz-year-in-review/
I loved reading yours last year and this year as well. I really enjoy your blog. You’re one hilarious chick!
Here’s my first one, I’m going to do this every year now.
http://springersspot.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-reflection.html
Nicole S.
Fairview, Oregon.
Linda,
I joined crossift because of you and you’re right AMRAP does mean craziness-but I LOVE it-thanks for helping me take the plunge to work hard- and like it!
Ok, I lied. I didn’t do this last year. But I just did it for 2010.
Here: http://liamthedude.typepad.com/myblog/2010/12/2010-wrap-up.html
You’ve had a great year!
I like the change to the “musical discovery” question. If I hadn’t already done mine I would copy your revised version. Anyway, here’s my survey: http://www.kateo.org/2010/12/year-in-review-2010/
How come your favorite music is my favorite new music of 2010? Oh yeah right…you told me about it.
You are so pretty. :)
Because you are my friend, I feel I should participate, but because I am your friend, I think I can bow out because, well. December has kicked my ass.
:)
Happy New Year, Linda.
hooray! i love reading the year in review surveys.
here’s mine: http://longlostpenpal.com/2010/12/2010/
You don’t credit yourself enough Linda. You really are inspiring. And beautiful. Wishing you a very happy 2011.
Oh, MAN: Thanks for sharing that Baby Monkey video. Lordy. It’s ALREADY in my head and I only watched it ONE TIME. ;) Funny.
I thought your 2010 was incredible. Loved being able to read about it, so thank you. Happy New Year!
I think my title speaks for the both of us… http://mouth-foot.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-year-of-stomach-churning-carnival.html
Here’s mine! http://independentter.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/yearly-recap/
http://workingonanotherbennett.blogspot.com/2010/12/goodbye-to-2010-hello-2011.html
Thanks for another great blog year!
Wow. You had an incredible year! I’m in awe. What’s left for 2011?
Here’s my list: http://bessieviola.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/recap-of-2010/
Happy New Year to Team Sharps! Looking forward to hearing more adventures in the new year.
What a beautiful picture of you! You look lovely and very happy.
You inspired me to do crossfit too! I’ve completed my beginner classes and start the real thing 4x a week in January. I’m genuinely scared.
Thank you for letting us into your life for another year, Linda. I love your writing, and I aspire to tell my version of Workplace to shove it one of these days, so I will continue to look to you for inspiration (no pressure! You inspire simply by living fully).
Quick question: What was that conditioner you had listed as a “Loving, lately” item? I was just talking about it and came to remember its name, and I noticed you had removed the link. Thanks!
Lovely. And a beautiful scarf to boot.
This mostly reminds me of how terrible of a memory I have!
http://chillaker.tumblr.com/post/2529527378/meme
I put up my wrap-up. I have been meaning to play along for a few years but have been too lazy. This time I did it. Yay for me.
http://hopefullyhome.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-wrap-up.html
Love this! Can’t wait to revisit in 2011.
http://zachinson-themagicnumber.blogspot.com/2010/12/yearly-recap-2010.html
I think I have you to thank for Breaking Bad! Freaking love it.
Here’s mine: http://www.loveisblonde.com/2010/12/30/2010-i-wont-miss-you/
I loved reading this, that is a great picture of you, and your #6 made me tear up. You guys are so in love. I used to read a million blogs a day and now I’m down to just a few, and yours is one. Happy New Year.
[…] talk about 2010 It’s time once again for the All & Sundry Yearly Recap, which is a thing that I did in ‘06, ‘07 and ‘08 but apparently skipped last […]
I love these yearly recaps. Here’s mine. (I also love the ridiculous and “bad” pictures of your family.)
Thanks for being an inspiration. And not just for bangs. Happy new year to you and your cute family.
http://littlegirlbigglasses.blogspot.com/2010/12/yearly-recap-2010.html
http://life-imagined.blogspot.com/2010/12/20102011.html
Here’s mine!
I always look forward to your answers, Linda. You have had an amazing year and accomplished so much, all while keeping the throngs us readers laughing and commiserating with you. Happy 2011 to you!!
[…] again! This is my third year completing the New Year’s quiz (links for 2008 and 2009). Linda at All & Sundry already has hers up, and this year she changed around the questions a little bit. The ones that […]
Present!
http://authenticalex.blogspot.com/2010/12/like-you-didnt-know-it-was-coming.html
This is my third year, and it’s always fun! I was a little worried about this one though, because frankly I had a crappy year. I guess if anything it gives me focus for what I need to make better.
http://mom-et-al.com/2010/12/new-years-quiz-2010/