Looking Back On 2012

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
So many things, it seems like! I started the year off slowly but ended up flying across the Mississippi River to Portland, Oregon which put me across the country AND in another time zone, two new things! I also became a published writer for the first time, and we are also living alone for the first time ever. Oh, and I picked up a stray dog.

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

I don't think I made any resolutions other than "survive this."

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not that I can recall but everyone and their brother is knocked up now. This answer will definitely change  next year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Which is why my only resolution for this past year was to survive it.

5. What countries did you visit?
The Pacific Northwest.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
More money. More motivation to get to the gym at least twice a week.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 29.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finding a new job where I want to be and this is the best part- with people that I like, five days a week! I truly believe I had to go through a really terrible time before finding this job so that I'd appreciate it to its fullest extent. And I love the energy and connection that I have to the place. Even on the days when I'd rather not drag out of bed and go it's because I don't want to leave the bed, not because I don't want to face the job itself.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not exercising an adequate amount.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had some sort of bizarre skin condition on a small part of my face for most of the summer and I have no idea what it was, still don't.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A plane ticket to Oregon! And also one to DC, which I'll use in January! The gift of going places is the best one I can give myself.

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 2012 as it was for 2011!)

13. What did you get really excited about?
Portland!! And also for Christmas break since it's the first time since high school that I got tons of time off without having to take time off or forgo getting paid! WOOO! And learning to use the "big" camera better, like finally figuring out white balancing, and doing a little more styling on (some of) my food shots.

14. What song will always remind you of 2012?
I guess Call Me Maybe (which is so catchy and I don't even care).

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 apparently I look thinner according to random people after they see my driver's license. Thanks for the boost?
– richer or poorer? About the same sort of. My new job pays more but they also take 7% mandatory retirement, something I was unaware of when negotiating my salary. But I'm also bringing in a few extra dollars with freelancing (not that much though!). I really hope that some things come through and an estate of one or two family members settles so I can get my student loans paid OFF soon.

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

Weightlifting.

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

Cleaning up polyfill stuffing from Cherry's demolition excursions.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
Cooking dinner.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother. And Girls.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I read a ton of books this year, and can't really recall any super favorites, but I did enjoy most all of them.

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?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was a favorite book of mine when it came out, and it was great seeing the movie version. It wasn't a cinematic breakthrough or anything but it helped me see some things that I didn't catch in the book, even though it left out some chunks of the book's story.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 27, and think I went to work. I feel like maybe Emily and I got Mai Thai for lunch though!

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 2012?
Shift dresses when it was hot, pants and a shirt when it was not (some things never change).

26. What kept you sane?
New job, my noodle, and writing.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.

Don't wait for good things to happen or they never will.