I love looking back at these reflective surveys each each and seeing what I was thinking, feeling, and experiencing at the time. Some things never change, and some things do, radically. Here are ones from New Year's Eve 2012, 2011.
1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
I went to Washington DC, started writing for the Free Times, got to judge food in a big contest, and saw three new classic rock bands: Steve Miller Band, KISS, and ZZ Top. I also saw Foreigner again, because they seriously put on a GREAT show.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I made any other than to stay fit. I did pretty good until about November, then I got sick from allergies, then the holidays, parties and other commitments started getting in the way.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, several of my friends had babies. Like, three or four. It was truly the year of babies. I survived.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Luckily no.
5. What countries did you visit?
New England.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
More money. I'm serious. 2014 will be my year to feel good about my salary and not just accept what I have, because I have the power to change my circumstances.
7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
You know, none in particular.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Meeting my deadlines for every writing assignment I had.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising an adequate amount, and giving in to sour cream and cheddar Ruffles.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a three day hangover in February. DAMN YOU HOPSLAM. I still am wary of mango flavored things.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A daybed for our guest room, along with a few hundred dollars worth of accessories and organization tools to make the most of that space for both Patrick and myself. As you can see, it's still in progress, but it's coming along!
12. Where did most of your money go?
In my mouth. On eating out, groceries, coffee runs, fro-yo cravings, beer, everything! (Still the same for 2013 as it was for 2012 and 2011!)
13. What did you get really excited about?
Organizing events like blogger meet ups, a food photography class; and going on trips.
14. What song will always remind you of 2013?
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen. It's been my anthem of the year.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier, because I sought it out as much as possible.
– thinner or fatter? Fatter, but I don't even care. I bought jeans in a size bigger in September and feel great.
– richer or poorer? About the same. But not for long. I'm serious.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Weightlifting. Yoga.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being ADD. I need to focus better on one thing at a time.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
Cooking lunch, eating with family and friends, then at the Whig for Whigmas.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother (but less so, it's starting to really drag on), and Girls.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I read a lot, but I am terrible at remembering what I've read.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Same classic rock that it always is and always will be.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
I'm trying to think if I even saw any movies, other than Dallas Buyers Club, and that one about the kid at the waterpark this summer, both at the Nick.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28, and I went to work, but then I took the next two days off for a nice four day weekend.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Either having more money or being more ripped. Or both.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
Shift dresses when it was hot, pants and a shirt when it was not. If you can change this, please take me shopping.
26. What kept you sane?
The stability and comfort of my life.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
"A person only begins to become the person he wants to be when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life." - As A Man Thinketh