Another Year Over...

It's time to say goodbye to 2008 and look forward to 2009. Looking back on my 2008 posts, I found the Year-End Meme that I completed last year, prompted by sognatrice over at bleeding espresso (who is continuing the tradition, as well), and decided to give it another go. As for 2009? Stop back later this week for my 2009 goals.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

Went to Dave & Buster's, ate at Benihana, read a personal essay in public, joined a CSA, started my own flower garden

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

As usual, I didn't make resolutions last year, per se, but I did create a Thursday Thirteen list of goals to accomplish in 2008. Without relisting them here, let's just say that (as usual) I did well with some of them and not so well with others.

I've decided to something a little different this year. I'll post about that tomorrow.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Two friends had a baby girls.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

None

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Last year I said, "More focus on the things that I'm passionate about." I'd say this year I could stand more focus again. I would also like to have more time with my family and friends.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

August 23rd - they day I held New Lines in my hand and flipped to my very first printed essay.
November 4th - Yes, we can!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting my essay published in New Lines from the Old Line State.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not getting myself into a regular exercise routine again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing more than a cold or two.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A new laptop and docking station

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The presidential candidates

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Too many politicians to name

14. Where did most of your money go?

Into my house

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Planning a trip to visit my sister; having my essay published, reading that essay in front of real live people, and then reading it on the radio for everyone to hear.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

(a) happier; (b) I prefer to call it "thicker"; (c) richer...I got a promotion!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Being present no matter what I was doing...also reading, writing, submitting my work, and exercising

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Watching television (this seems to be a theme); eating; wishing I was doing something else

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With most of my family in my hometown

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Still in love with My Love...and there was that stray kitty that stole (and then broke) my heart.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Lost

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No hate here.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Alanis Morissette's "Flavors of Entanglement"

26. What did you want and get?

A great new haircut, new windows for my house, a kinder attitude toward myself, new writing projects and an essay published in a book

27. What did you want and not get?

An engagement ring (again), a healthier (thinner) body, a book deal

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

The Dark Knight

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 32 and spent the day doing mundane tasks.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I had a really great year, but I think there are two things that would have made it more satisfying: 1) having been more dedicating to making healthy choices; and 2) having finished the book proposal project I've been working on.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

I think I've become a bit more trendy over the last year, while still being relatively casual and professional. (Is that a concept?)

32. What kept you sane?

Cuddles with my kitty; time with My Love, my friends and my family; mini-vacations; blogging/writing; and lots of reading.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Paul Rudd

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The Presidential election obviously

35. Who did you miss?

Several friends and my entire family. I felt very separated from important people this year. It wasn't the first year away from them all, but for some reason the distance seemed especially far.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

I met several wonderful new people in 2007, but there were four women in particular that had some major impacts on my writing, thinking and/or living: Ann Bracken, Lisa Spahr, Marion Winik and Amanda Moxley.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

That gratitude is a powerful tool.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I have been running so sweaty my whole life urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever incomplete.
(Incomplete - Alanis Morissette)

How do you feel about 2008? Did you do all that you wanted to do? Was it a good year? Are you ready for 2009?