What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I finished a 5K "fun run" with my dear friend, Peggy. I never thought I'd be able to run comfortably in public again, let alone for 3.2 miles. But I did it -- I finished.
I also shot a handgun (under supervision, at a shooting range). It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be, and I was pretty good at it. I couldn't get past the fact that the thing in my hand was specifically designed to end a life, though. *shudder*
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think the only resolution I made last year was to take better care of my teeth. I did that, for the most part -- still working on the flossing.
This year, I'm setting specific, measurable goals with deadlines. One of them? To take the damn NCE and be done with my massage certification once and for all. Another is to resolve all of my seemingly never-ending medical issues (hernia, knee, facial cyst, and now gall bladder). I'll probably write more about these in a separate post.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not this year, but there's a very special baby scheduled to appear in the next couple of weeks!
Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, thank goodness.
What countries did you visit?
I'm a regular in Lala Land.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I'd like to have a little more patience, and make more time for friends. Also, five or ten extra mortgage payments would be nice.
What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
It's been a fairly uneventful year, to be honest. If I had to pick, I'd say Austin's first birthday, my 5K, and DC Pride.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think, other than my 5K, I'm most proud of my vegetable garden. 2009 was the first year I had a full-blown vegetable patch, and actually managed to keep the plants alive AND generate edible produce.
What was your biggest failure?
I didn't take my NCE. I wanted to get it done in 2009, and I didn't.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAA! Oh man...this has definitely been the year of body-fail for me. Incisional hernia, stomach viruses, suspected repeat hernia which turned out to be nothing despite excruciating pain, blown knee, and now (dun dun DAHHH) a faulty gall bladder.
What was the best thing you bought?
A brand-spankin' new kitchen. BEST. INVESTMENT. EVER.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
I vote for my friend Peggy. Like every year that I've known her, in 2009, she was selfless, generous, caring, and essentially the kind of person I aspire to be.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I have a couple of family members who hurt me very badly this year, and whose behavior not only puzzles me but deeply, deeply disturbs me. 'Nuff said.
Where did most of your money go?
Debt, debt, and more debt. *sigh*
What did you get really excited about?
Traveling to DC with my friends, the TikiHulaLuau Fest (aka Felicia's birthday party), concerts at the amphitheater, Lauren's pregnancy, the success of my friends Jason H (amazing fine art photographer) and Jason J (amazing wedding photographer), the Hubs's decision to pursue a nursing degree after completing his MBA.
Compared to this time last year, are you...
...happier or sadder? Happier, fo' shizzle.
...thinner or fatter? Thinner, I'm pretty sure.
...richer or poorer? Poor in money, but rich in love & friendship.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I'd done more writing. Less talking, more listening.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating. Spending. CONSUMING.
How did you spend Christmas?
I was surrounded by friends and family, cooked a ton of food, ate bunches, and enjoyed every minute of it.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
I'm very much in love with my little guy (not so little anymore!). And like every year, I found new reasons to love my Charlie (even when he was driving me batshit crazy).
What was your favorite television program?
LOST, with Heroes coming in a close second.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone, period. Life's too short to waste emotional energy on hate.
What was the best book you read?
I dug out my Madeline L'Engle books -- A Wrinkle In Time, A Wind In The Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet -- and re-read them. They're just as amazing as they were when I was 12.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
I rediscovered the Beach Boys, "Pet Sounds" in particular. So good, so very, very good. Thank you, Brian Wilson.
What did you want and get?
A Blackberry! And now I never put it down...bwahahahaha.
What did you want and not get?
I really wanted Austin to start talking, and he hasn't yet.
What was your favorite film of this year?
I know it didn't come out this year, but I watched "The Departed" about six thousand times. It's just the best.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen with my mom, went out for Indian food with the hubs, and had a smallish party at my house. I was 31.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
An honest-to-goodness vacation, to someplace tropical.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
"I hope these still fit." See also: Old Navy clearance rack.
What kept you sane?
Writing. Running. Friends. My mom. My kiddo.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ohhhhh...Matty MacFadyen, fo' reals. Hot MI-5 agent, Mr. Darcy, WHATEVER. Just give me some of that British hotness.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Gay marriage. To steal Mona's line, "Let them marry, bish!"
Who did you miss?
I miss my father-in-law. Chuck, if you're watching, I used extra butter just for you.
Who was the best new person you met?
Well, technically I met them in 2008, but Lauren and Jack are my two favorite peeps of '09.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
You can make your own family. And family is what you make of it.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I feel so broke up, I wanna go home." (Beach Boys, "Sloop John B")
Awesome list, Jenny. I couldn't shoot a gun because I'm sure I'd break a wrist, or I'd recoil myself into a hospital. Also, I can't believe I forgot about the British hotness! I'm with you, lady. Sooo with you on that. And my word verification is "dominate" which I know you will do in 2010!
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