I really should emphasize that I'm not a meme person. You tag me? I'm really unlikely to get around to it. It feels like homework, and I always put that off to the last minute. Actually, if possible, to after the last minute by asking for an extension. Such is my life. However, if I stumble upon something and feel a need to unload a few thoughts I might just do it. This is a long one, and I apologize. You'll see my sentiments about our President-Elect, and you may find a few tidbits about what has been going on in my life. If you have questions feel free to ask them. If you feel like sharing or have done this already, would you post it here, or link to it? I'm feeling empathetic and curious, as well as a bit pulled-back from life, and would love to be drawn out a bit. Or join me on facebook here.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Cried tears of happiness over election results. Considered filing for unemployment.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I am not a believer in resolutions. Proclamations are fine, but resolutions are beyond my grasp or desire.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Second-degree people did and it still hurts, but not like hydrochloric acid. More like vinegar in a wound.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmother. I was very conflicted about her death. I felt like I lost her 13 years ago when my grandfather died. This death was less palpable. And that infuriated me.
5. What countries did you visit?
Sorry. Not this year. Unless you consider El Paso to be another country.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Boundless joy. A checking account that I don't fret over. Sleep. A child.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
11.04.08 to hear my most accomplished friend say this was beyond her life's dreams of possibilities was beyond my comprehension. We officially shifted to a new paradigm. It was amazing to do it together, over the phone, thousands of miles separating us, but our joy uniting us with possibilities for this and future generations.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The launch of an industry's newest project. One that industry experts called akin to being the "google of [our industry]." Being compared to google is both invigorating and terrifying.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not reverting to the kind of granddaughter I'd been years ago. I am better than the way I handled myself in this relationship.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not in a way that invaded my life the way it has in the past.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A BlackBerry.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
That of my husband, hands down.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
That of a group of people we were previously associated with, but that is why we have lawyers to help bring resolution.
14. Where did most of your money go?
To fund our life's living expenses, the start-up, un and underemployment.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Watching people in line on election day, the returns coming in, an email from a huge governmental agency, and, I suppose, an excellent job offer for two people I love.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Most likely, Kid Rock's All Summer Long, because it is such a throw back to my 70-80's southern rock soul.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? - happier
b) thinner or fatter? - thinner
c) richer or poorer? = poorer overall
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Smiled, laughed, had more sex, had more wine, traveled more.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about finances, impressions, felt anger about our treatment.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Happily, then in tears. But authentic, then liberated.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fall in love whenever my husband comes home each night.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met your Mother. (I'm totally a "Woooooooo!" girl.)
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope. They are the same players. I'd love them to be gone from my life forever in 2009. I'm hopeful this will be the case.
24. What was the best book you read?
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, Barack Obama
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
A speaker for my ipod, which gave me, back the gift of music as a background to my life.
26. What did you want and get?
Employment for my family. A visit to a beloved friend.
27. What did you want and not get?
A camera. 2009 will be the year I select the camera I'd truly like to be using.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
A documentary we watched recently from 1999 called, "A Century of Living," in which people born prior to 1900 were interviewed about the experiences of their lives. Truly inspirational.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
In a pool, my favorite place if I can't be on an island or near a beach. Too old to absorb.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A settlement, financial security, continued success with our project, the sound of a child in our home, travel to meet the friends I have who make my life so much more rich.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Lather, rinse, repeat. I hope next will be: Burn.Shop.Wear.Enjoy.
32. What kept you sane?
My husband's sense of humor, and the love of friends.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I cannot choose. Barack Obama is a given. Barney Stinson is genius. Ellen DeGeneres is sweet, and I need that. Kathy Griffin is razor sharp. I adore that. Mr. Clooney is lovely in a tuxedo or swim trunks. I’m enjoying Daniel Craig on the beach in Saint Barths.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The fight against prejudice in gay marriage, and a woman's right to choose.
35. Who did you miss?
The child I thought I'd have had by now.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
2 re-acquaintances: Navy Blue Elephant as she battled for her daughter Azure's health. and a glorious woman I knew in a professional capacity that became a true-life friend.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is about the up and downs. Both give you perspective. Each day counts. Putting things off rarely winds up being a good thing.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Sometimes all it takes is just a smile
To change somebody's weather
Chase the clouds out of their sky
Sometimes you gotta give and not receive
Sometimes you gotta live what you believe
Open your arms cause that's where it starts
Right here with you and with me
Wynonna Judd, “What The World Needs Now.” Lyrics by: Brett James / Holly Lamar
This is nice. I like a good update, even an enigmatic one.
Posted by: Julie | Saturday, January 03, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Happy New Year, sweetie.
Posted by: Pamplemousse | Saturday, January 03, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Sweet and sad and hopeful...v nice.
May 2009 be the year that you add to your family!
Posted by: Paz | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Happy New Year! Here's to 2009 and hope and change.
Posted by: millie | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 08:58 PM
happy new year, boulder -- i loved reading this.
here's to '09. truly.
xxoo
Posted by: Anna H. | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 02:52 PM
what a great read, oprah. this should be on your book list. xo
Posted by: tess | Friday, January 09, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Oh I ate this post right up! Love all the tidbits of info. I love how you "fall in love all over again" when hubbie comes home. That gave me a wonderful "Ahhhhh" moment.
And Kid Rock's All Summer Long - great way to sum up that season. Johnny Paycheck's "Take This Job & Shove It" would probably be the pick to summarize my season - but Kid Rock is much easier on the ears.
Love you.
Posted by: Super B's Mom | Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 12:33 PM