1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Started my Master's program, paid off debt, and lived without regret!
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
After graduating in Dec 2008 I gave the year 2009 a break of all pressure for resolutions and just did things that made me happy, didn't do things out of obligation, and slept ALOT! I have already set my goals for 2010 and I'm well on my way to accomplishing them. It's going to be a busy year but I'm excited!!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES YES YES! I know so many people that had a baby but no doubt - the arrival of Baby Edward made my world perfect!! Not only did I get to spend 3 weeks with my BFF but I got to spend 3 weeks taking in all the love of her three little boys. I have never waited so anxiously for something and have never been so devastated to have to leave. Check out these handsome little boys on Edward's blessing day.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. My Grandpa passed away the year before but we waited for his memorial service. It was in Newport Beach, CA on a boat in the ocean - just were he liked to be. It was beautiful!!
5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better body, a bigger savings account, and more time traveling to see people I love.
6. What countries did you visit?
The US of A!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why:
There were many experiences this year that I won't forget - Santa Barbara for our work "training" will definitely be something that will be remembered FOREVER! It was AWESOME!!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Truly living the life I wanted to live and doing the things that make me happy. Not to say that there weren't moments of tears, sadness, and stress but really, I think making it through without regret is pretty fabulous!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting into better shape.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes - but nothing that left me unable to live so I'm thankful.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My book collection!! I had either spent countless hours in a Barnes and Nobles or Borders reading books that I loved but couldn't afford to buy because I was SOOOOOOOOOOOO poor or books that I loved but sold to get money for food and gas throughout my very poor college years. Now, without struggle, I have them all on my bookshelf. I bought them all!! Sounds stupid, but for me, it was one of things that I promised myself that I would get back one day and now I have them back.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm sure that there is someone here that I should be recognizing but I can't really think of one - I'll let you know if it changes.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Probably the same ones that always do - random strangers that clearly appear to be horrible parents. It drives me crazy!!!!!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Taxes?? Haha! Probably to bills as it always does but I was also lucky enough to buy new clothes when I wanted to, an airplane ticket across the country, and to school tuition for the start of my Masters program. It was a great year!
15. What did you get really, really, really get excited about?
My trip to North Carolina and the Santa Barbara trip.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Don't laugh - but probably "This is my now" by Jordan Sparks. It just seemed to be what played at the right time in the right moments.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? HAPPIER for sure!
ii. thinner or fatter? THINNER (although NOT by much!)
iii. richer or poorer? RICHER (although NOT by much!)
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Play my clarinet.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Laundry.
20. Did you fall in love in 2009?
You could say that.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Teen Mom, Days of Our Lives, Grays Anatomy...the list can go on - I LOVE TV.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.
23. What was the best book you read?
I read so many!! Jodi Picoult came out with "Handle With Care" and she is my favorite author so I guess I will have to say that one.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't make one.
25. What did you want and get?
A job, a bigger tank for Goose, a new TV and the Wii. I got it all!!
26. What was your favorite film of this year?
mmmm...either "He's just not that into you" or "My Sister's Keeper" - I know, I'm a total GIRL!
27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. I remember going to dinner and going shopping for my gift :-) I also got the book I wanted.
28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
mmmm...winning the lottery...
29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
The same as always - as comfortable as possible.
30. What kept you sane?
My friends at work, sleep, and books.
31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I always fancy Ellen Degeneres and Pink. If I could combine Ellen's personality and generosity with Pink's body I would pretty damn amazing!
32. What political issue stirred you the most?
The fact that we are still waiting for the "John's Bill" to go through in Arizona. It didn't get passed last year but it is going up again this year. Branded and the community are trying to protect underage girls from being forced into prostitution.
33. Whom did you miss?
Lacy, Dan and the boys - Joyce and Luke - Courtney P - Jessica A - Taylor, Derek, and Steve - and my little sis Bob.
34. Who was the best new person you met?
Tina.
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Live without regret, don't carry other's guilt, and SLEEP when you are tired!
36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
There was a time I packed my dreams away
Living in a shell, hiding from myself
There was a time when I was so afraid
Thought I’d reached the end
Baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterday’s
This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
But I look around
I can’t believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.
