2011 Year In Review
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Joined SAG & AFTRA, got published, played a unicorn's handmaiden in an Art Brut music video, took poledancing lessons.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm surprised how many New Years' resolutions actually worked out. I did get published, even if it was only by a small local magazine. I did earn my SAG card, even if it was sort of sudden and out of left-field, and still a tough decision.
Last year I had written down, as a joke, that I wanted to portray a prostitute on a period drama that they shoot here, and lo and behold I did have a go-see with the casting company for a prostitute role, even though they went with someone else.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, not really close. Lots of cousins, and lots of co-workers are currently pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
America? I would like to travel more this year - I simply haven't had the budget to do it.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A lovely partner. $20,000 tucked away in savings.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Doing the Tim Buckley movie, I think. The hottest day of the year, where I did a L&O episode with the one, the only, Kyle Maclachlan.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I had to sound like a broken record, but joining SAG ... well, that wasn't really an achievement. Maybe getting that little story published?
9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting go of the small things. Moving on. Cleaning up!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, although my workplace offered flu shots so my usual winter sickness wasn't so trying. I got whacked on the head with a chunk of concrete on a set, and then smacked with a car a few days later.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
First thing that comes to mind is a sequined dress with a big silver tiger on it, while thrifting with Debbie down in D.C. Debbie was just, "You're not going to buy that, are you? No, no!"
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Well, they gave the go-ahead for gay marriage in New York this June. Right on!
13. Whose behaviour appalled you?
See #25.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Credit card bills, rent, and phone bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
An afterparty for the NY Film Festival. Michael Fassbender, Julian Schnabel and David Cronenberg were in a talented huddle. Cue hyperventilation!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
tUne-YaRds - "Gangsta"
Katie Perry - "E.T."
Mark Ronson featuring MNDR - "Bang Bang Bang"
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same
iii. richer or poorer? A bit richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being online.
20. How will you spend Christmas?
I spent it with my family.
21. How many one-night stands?
Ech. Mum's the word!
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
No.
23. What was your favourite TV programme?
I don't watch much TV, but I'll say the one I got a regular role on to keep ratings up!
24. How will you see in the New Year?
At a 90's party. I have been/will be working all week, and am too tired for a major shindig.
25. Do you hate / dislike anyone now that you didn't hate / dislike this time last year?
Not really. There was a girl that gave me a lot of trouble on the television show I worked on, and I think it really stemmed from jealousy - she felt I was given a part I didn't deserve. So she's a little fish-eyed troll, but to be honest, the problem's all on her, and her head can steam all it likes.
26. What was the best book you read?
Stuffed by Patricia Volk. Found it on a D.C. thrifting trip. I LOVE THIS BOOK.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Mark Ronson. I know he's been around, but what a talent!
28. What did you want and get?
Some financial stability. I know I keep discussing money, but it's more of an issue when you don't have any.
29. What did you want and not get?
I was saving up for a trip to see Muse play their Origin of Symmetry anniversary date. In the end, I didn't think I could renew my passport in time, swing the time off, or pay the money for it all. I feel bad I missed it.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
Midnight in Paris. I loved Adrien Brody's scene, and the memory of the final scene always makes me tear up.
31. What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Alice's Tea Cup, the Alexander McQueen exhibit, another art exhibit downtown, got dinner at Ninja and saw Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger down at the riverfront.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being debt-free.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I can see where New York girls get their off-kilter sense of style from. you only have so much space and so much to work with - I go to a lot of swap meets, pair a lot of stuff up that I wouldn't have tried before, say no to a lot of tempting shopping, and yes, wear a lot of black.
34. What kept you sane?
Being active - going to events and hitting the gym. Lots of green tea.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the gorgeously talented Tom Hardy, and I think I've got a growing thing for Benedict Cumberbatch.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Healthcare. The situation in this country is ridiculous.
37. Who did you miss?
I miss my family and Debbie, of course.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Marcy. I was so glad I met an actress I can hang out with who has a level head about these situations. You tend to meet a lot of bubbleheads and fruitcakes.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
I asked Shareen how she was able to deal with difficult people. She told me she killed them with kindness. In other words, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
What's a girl to do if she'll never be a rasta?/
Singing from her heart, but she'll never be a rockstar?/
If you move into her neighborhood, she'll never make a sound