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 2013, 2012, 2011.
1. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?
I went to Disney World! I saw ZZ Top, Elton John, and Boston perform live. I started a career in public relations FINALLY.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I made any again, but I am going to be better about money this year. I think I can find an extra $200 to cut out of my everyday spending each month. I will save every freelance check. I'm gunning to negotiate a raise for myself which is pretty much unheard of in state government. And finally, my friend Kara and I have decided to write a book about the ridiculously horrible experiences we've had in the workplace.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my bff Emily had a second kid, ON PURPOSE (I still cannot believe I am at that point in life). Um, I think other people did too.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Luckily no.
5. What countries did you visit?
None, again. But I did drive my friends to the airport so THEY could go to Sweden. Please let that count for something.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
More money (still). As someone who graduated into the worst economy in recent history, I have not gotten up to where I want to be salary wise.
7. What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
You know, none in particular.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting that PR job. Realizing that people trust in me enough to depend of me for very real things, like deadlines and creating things with them for public consumption.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting my ability to be distracted distract me from working smarter. It's a struggle.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a pretty gross case of contact dermatitis that went undiagnosed for a few weeks until my entire arm was covered in a blotchy, puffy, oozing mess.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Nothing big really. I wish this would have been the year I'd gotten a new kitchen. I pinned a lot of images for it though!
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 2014 as 2013 as it was for 2012 and 2011!)
13. What did you get really excited about?
Meeting a lot of really important movers and shakers around Columbia and feeling like I belonged in their company.
14. What song will always remind you of 2014?
I only recently heard it but this parody of All About That Bass isn't getting old.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier, 99% of the time
– thinner or fatter? About the same
– richer or poorer? About the same. But not for long. I'm serious.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Book writing. Going to the lake (didn't get in Lake Murray ONCE this year, a true tragedy and maybe the first year of my life that has happened).
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Arguing with my noodle.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
Cooking lunch, eating with family, then at the Whig for Whigmas.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
I started recently watching New Girl, and its pretty hilarious. The Mindy Project too, is a favorite.
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?
Did I even go to a movie this year? I really don't know if I did. If I did, remind me, but clearly it wasn't memorable enough.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29 and I went to work. I also had some nice birthday meals with my family, which is one of my preferred ways to celebrate. But this year for the big 3-0 I hope that Patrick and I can take a decent vacation and I will take the day off.
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?
I tried to up my game a little this year. I tried leggings, and started using beauty balm to even out my skin tone.
26. What kept you sane?
The stability and comfort of my life.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
“The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.” – Pat Clifford