2009 Survey

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I was a bridesmaid, got hit (in my car) by a hit-and-run driver, and wrote and illustrated a children’s book (as yet unsubmitted).

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Well, I made my list of 101 things in 1001 days. One of my goals was to eliminate unnecessary spending, but after being so completely broke for so long, it’s been nice being able to indulge a bit now.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Two of my coworkers had babies, but I’m not especially close to them.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My cousin Robert died of bipolar disorder (yes, it is a potentially lethal disease)

 

5. What countries did you visit?
None, unfortunately. I expect that to change in 2010.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Financial stability, smaller jeans (that fit)

7. What date from 2009 will be etched upon your memory forever and why?
November 2 was the day Alan left for Basic Training, but I doubt I’ll remember that forever.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving the summer and managing to stay in our apartment despite being completely broke. I will not boomerang!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Still working in child care (but as pretty much everyone will point out, at least I’m working)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No injuries, the bipolar disorder is pretty much a constant, and I’ve had a couple colds. Also whatever it is I’m suffering through right now.

11.What was the best thing you bought?
Food and a lower level of debt.

12. Who’s behavior merits celebration?
Alan’s. We got through a very rough time and he stepped up and did something that was good for him and for our future.

13. Who’s behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Elin Woods’. I mean really? You’re married to a public figure and you go all white-trash crazy and chase him with a golf club when you find out he’s having an affair? I don’t think his behavior was great, but he did what most men with fame and power end up doing at some point. She should’ve taken a lesson from Hilary Clinton.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Food and survival

15. What did you get really, really excited about?
Being in Lisette’s wedding and starting a new job.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Maybe something by Taylor Swift. It really has been her year.

Compared to this time last year, are you:

17. Happier or sadder?
Happier I suppose (yay!)

 

18. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner (yay!)

 

19. Richer or poorer?
Richer (yay!)

20. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Saving of money

21. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stressing out about money

22. How did you spend Christmas?
At Lisa’s house with Alan and my mom and Alan’s extended family.

23. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
Either at Lisa’s house or Sgt. Freeman’s, although the way I’m feeling now may merit a night of movies and an early bedtime.

24. Did you fall in love in 2009?
With a few wonderful little kids.

25. How many one-night stands?
None. That part of my life is over and done with.

 

26. What was your favorite TV program?
I have no TV, but I still love Monk and House. I also quite enjoy Dexter.

27. Do you hate anyone that you didn’t hate this time last year?
My former employers and the mother of one of my kids. Actually, she’s just really annoying. I don’t really hate her.

28. What did you want and get?
I wanted a steady double income and now we have it. And thank goodness Alan will have it for at least the next four years, and probably more.

 

29. What did you want and not get?
I had wanted to buy a house, but then there was joblessness and a new career in the Army, so no house for me.

 

30. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I quite like Owl City, but it’s not exactly life-altering.

31. What was the best book you read?
Impossible question. I can’t remember all those books!

32. What were your favorite films this year?
Didn’t see very many movies. I loved Little Dorrit but that was technically a TV series.

33. How old did you turn on your birthday?
I was 26 and in a couple months I’ll be 27. One step closer to 30, as Alan would have it.

34. What is one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the lottery. LOL!

35. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Casual boho perhaps. Some mixture of preppy, bohemian, and comfortable.

36. What kept you sane?
100 mg/day of lamotrigine, thanks very much.

 

37. Which celebrity/public figure do you fancy most?
Love Christian Bale and Johnny Depp.

38. What political issue stirred you the most?
Healthcare

39. Who did (do) you miss?
Jen

40. Who was the best person (people) you met?
Sarah the Temp is awesome and I can’t help but love Gina simply because she’s taken the stress out my work situation.

41. What was a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009?
Save save save! Because you never know when you’ll need something to fall back on.

42. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "Ch-ch-ch-changes!" – David Bowie