2006

2006

what did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
-- Was content living where I am. Ever since I've been able to move anywhere I want for any reason I choose, I've daydreamed about the next place I would go. I'm actually happy right where I'm at now.

did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
--Probably about half of them. I did work on an awful lot of my goals so I'm pleased with the effort and whatnot. I will make more for next year, but probably like two or three big things that will take all year.

anyone close to you give birth?
-- Not this year. Everyone took the year off apparently.

did anyone close to you die?
--Three of my great-grandparents, my mom's aunt (so my great-aunt? I don't know how that works). No one that I talk to on a super regular basis, but I have a sense of loss through the death of my Grandma Rose. She's probably the coolest lady I've ever known. And I had such a fabulous little conversation with her when I saw her in June that it just makes my heart smile that I got to have her in my life for such a long time.

what countries did you visit?
-- None. Maybe someday I'll make it to Mexico.

what would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
--A job that pays all my bills, allows me to save every month, and makes it so I can go out to eat whenever I want.

what date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
--I don't have any specific dates. I had a lot of good days/events with Kiris. My favorite might be a very late night phone call in October when he told me he loved me. I already knew that he did but ever since that point, I've felt like we could take on the world and we'd be fine. Isabella started saying "Auntie" in the spring and that was pretty awesome. Now when she sees me, she tends to yell it over and over again while she runs to me so she can jump on me.

what was your biggest achievement of the year?
--Getting my own place again. Getting a new job.

what was your biggest failure?
--I honestly just don't want to talk about it.

did you suffer illness or injury?
--Nothing remarkable. I am getting over a particularly nasty cold that is only remarkable because I actually just stayed home from work. I'm going to take a hit on my paycheck, but it was nice to not have to fight through being miserable to be at work.

what was the best thing you bought?
--No really big purchases this year.

whose behavior merited celebration?
--My cousin Rachel got married. That's pretty awesome.

whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
--I experienced some pretty appalling behavior this year, but it's one of those things that will never quite be resolved but it's still better if I just don't say anything about it.

where did most of your money go?
-- Rent, bills, gas, etc. I spent a healthy chunk on my trip to California this summer.

what did you get really, really, really excited about?
-- Moving into my apartment and getting to unpack all of my belongings.

what song will always remind you of 2006?
--Stand in the Rain by Superchic[k]

compared to this time last year, are you
i. happier or sadder? -- happier
ii. thinner or fatter? -- about the same i guess
iii. richer or poorer? -- poorer

what do you wish you'd done more of?
--Saved more money. Laughed more. Made out with Kiris. :)

what do you wish you'd done less of?
--Procrastination

how will you be spending Christmas?
--I spent Christmas with Kiris and his family. Christmas Eve we baked a ridiculous amount of cookies and watched movies at my parent's house and were surprised to find Whataburger closed. One of the coolest parts of the day was when we went to leave and I glanced up and then realized we could see about a million stars. Christmas Day we went to his mom's house and hung out with everyone. I had a really good time and even got two presents, which I seriously was not expecting. I got to drink a glass of Dom Perignon too which was cool.

did you fall in love in 2006?
--I sure did.

how many one-night stands?
--None

what was your favorite TV program?
--The West Wing and The Office.

do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
--Not entirely. There are a couple of people I am really not fond of, but our interactions are sparse so it's really not so bad.

what was the best book you read?
-- I don't know. I read a lot of stuff. I'll have to think about it.

what was your greatest musical discovery?
--Pearl Jam. I've liked a song here and there before, but I listened to a few albums and saw some videos and I have to say, I would love to see them live.

what did you want and get?
--A sense of belonging.

what was your favorite film of this year?
--I saw a LOT of movies. I think Lady in the Water is at the top though. I know it got awful reviews, but I adored that movie.

what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
--I worked and then I went to London with a good little group of people. I didn't spend any money or even finish all the drinks that were bought for me, but I ended up sick drunk anyway. And ridiculously hung over the next day. I haven't had more than two drinks in one night since then...

what one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
--More confidence in my decisions.

how would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
--I got a lot of skirts to wear this spring/summer and that was a great decision. It's just as comfortable as wearing shorts, but you get a gazillion compliments.

what kept you sane?
-- Playing with the babies. Writing. Going someplace for the express purpose of journaling and not trying to explain everything or write the whole backstory but just writing out what was on my mind. But sitting with Isabella and letting her tell me a story or reading books with Phillip makes my heart calm regardless of what's going on in the rest of the world.

which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
--Brad Pitt is my latest fake crush.

what political issue stirred you the most?
--Environmental isues.

who did you miss?
--Kristi.

who was the best new person you met?
-- Kate as far as females go and Kiris as far as males go.

tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
--Taking a deep breath before even thinking about what I'm going to say next. Sometimes in that split second, anxiety can dissipate, rationality can return, and peace of mind will come out of hiding. Another lesson I learned is sometimes you have to make a decision and then tell someone about it and let them make a decision and then come together. You have to let them process it their way and you have to be ready to be confident in uncertainty.

quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
-- Oh I'll stay with you through the ups and the downs
Oh I'll stay with you when no one else is around
And when the dark clouds arrive
I will stay by your side
I know we'll be alright
I will stay with you --Stay With You by John Legend.