Annual year-end survey
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
I was laid off from a job.
I have a car that hit 188,000 miles.
I booked a ticket to Vegas (trip to be taken in mid-January 2012), my first-ever actual vacation.
I had food from two different Chinatowns on Christmas day.
I hosted one of my closest friends' boyfriend's sister when she was in NY from Israel, even though I'd never met her before.
Not only did I go to Ohio for the first time ever, but I drove to Ohio! I also spent 10 minutes driving through West Virginia. Who ever thought I'd be in West Virginia?
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make New Year's resolutions. No one keeps them anyway. (This is the same answer every year, I think.)
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, it was a horrible experience to not know for days, and the outcome was unexpected as well.
5. What countries did you visit?
The United States of No One Speaks English Anymore.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I'm still going for that "I really need a new car thing."
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon you memory, and why?
March 8
March 9
April 21
June 20
June 25
September 19
Quite a few days between August and December
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I successfully repaired my most important friendship, which was in ruins at the end of the year last year.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I moved to NY last year for the world's worst job, and it nearly destroyed who I am.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had bronchitis, re-injured my ankle, sprained my tushie, and I think that's it.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hands-down, my glitter Marc Jacobs mouse shoes. They garner comments each time I've worn them so far, and waiting five years for a pair of shoes and then getting them is an amazing feeling.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Aside from a few instances, hands-down, B. I wouldn't have made it through the last six months otherwise.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
People who weren't supportive or understanding when I needed them the most. Good riddance to those people, I say. I don't need people who bring me down. I'm too old for nonsense.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, NYC rent to be specific. Need I say more?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I actually had some me time after not having any for nearly a year. I also got really excited to have someone in NY. The last few weeks of the year have been exciting for reasons other than those you'd think, too.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
"Just a Dream" - Nelly
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. Happier or sadder? It's a mix, for different reasons.
II. Thinner or fatter? Probably fatter.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Making money, working, developing more skills as a tax attorney.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Looking for a new job.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I was in NYC. I had a party at my apartment the night before, I went to lunch in Chinatown, and then I walked from Chinatown to 34th street. I went home, spoke to a few people, and then I went to Chinatown in Flushing, Queens.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Not yet, but there is a possibility for 2012!
22. How many one-night stands?
Zero hero!
23. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother, Good Wife, Modern Family, the news, 60 Minutes. Once again, I'm keeping last year's answer. Hmm...
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is such a strong word. There are a few people with whom I am no longer friends, but for good reasons.
25. What was the best book you read?
I read some really good Dean Koontz books from the early 1970s, which he wrote under pseudonyms.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I bought a best-of Billy Joel CD, which has made some great road trips.
27. What did you want and get?
I fixed a broken relationship.
28. What did you want and not get?
A new car, total satisfaction with my life, a chance to stay here.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
I honestly did not go to the movies once in 2011.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28 on Monday, September 19. I started my day with some Chinese food for breakfast. I got dressed, went into the city, after talking to numerous friends, and I had a lobster lunch with one of my favorite people. From there, I drove to New Jersey to do some shopping. A gas station attendant hit on me and wanted to take me home. I drove up to Central Valley, NY for some outlet shopping, and then I drove back to the city to have dinner with some friends and cousins.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting what I wanted when I wanted it, not after the desire had passed. I also don't want to leave somewhere that has finally become comfortable, but oh well.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
For the first half of the year, I wore nothing but suits/work clothes. The second half of the year was mostly workout clothes, as I was looking for jobs most of the time.
33. What kept you sane?
To say that I was kept sane just might be a lie.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I pay no attention to celebrities.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I am SO sick of the election. I have never seen the election dragged out for so long or so intensely, and the election isn't for another year!
36. Who did you miss?
I miss the two people who are no longer with us.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Hmm, that's for me to know and you to find out. ;)
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Always fight for what you believe in, even if you hit a few bumps in the road.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Don't stop believing."