2012: My year-end review

[coldspaghetti]

This is my third year in a row doing this particular meme. It seems like a good way to summarize the events of the year.

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
   Went to Washington D.C., went kayaking, & passed my comp exams.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
   Okay, so last year I resolved to throw away any shoes that hurt my feet. Mission accomplished. In 2013, I resolve to unsubscribe from many of these mailing lists so I am not so overwhelmed every time I open my inbox.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
   My sister Amy, my "weekend wife" asetwoman, and my pal Kate.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
   No.
5. What places did you visit?
   Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
   Medical insurance.
7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory?
   December 21st. I got hitched!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
   Probably passing my comp exams, although getting married is a close second.
9. What was your biggest failure?
   I honestly can't think of any failures.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
    Just the usual ongoing medical problems. It's more of a nuisance than anything.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
    My Samsung Galaxy media player.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
    MINE! I passed my comp exams, lost lots of weight, and started a new job.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
    The same family member who bugs me all the time. This year I had to have my lawyer send a cease & desist letter.
14. Where did most of your money go?
    Rent and our wedding.


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
    Getting married.
16. What songs will remind you of 2012?
    "Children of the Sun" by Dead Can Dance, "4th & Vine" by Sinead O'Connor.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?
    Happier.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
    Sleeping.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
    Grading student assignments.
20. How will you be spending New Year's?
    Chicago Karaoke Underground Party!
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
    Yes, and then I married the guy.
22. How many one-night stands?
    Zero.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
    "Elementary."
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
    No.
25. Do you like anyone now that you hated this time last year?
    No.


26. What was the best book you read?
    I haven't read much that wasn't related to my dissertation. Probably "Secrets of Meditation: A Practical Guide to Inner Peace & Personal Transformation" by davidji.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
    I rediscovered Madness, and they are now quite possibly my favorite band.
28. What did you want and get?
    A husband :)
29. What did you want and not get?
    Full-time employment with benefits.
30. What was your favorite film this year?
    "Looper," followed by "Prometheus."
31. What did you do on your birthday?
    Karaoke with friends.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
    More vacations.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
    Lots of cute dresses--I refused to dress appropriately for my age.
34. What kept you sane?
    Meditation.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
    Okay, I thought of someone: Suggs
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
    Women's reproductive rights.
37. Who did you miss?
    No one, really.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
    My hubby's family & friends.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
    You have to get rid of the toxic people in your life in order to make room for supportive ones.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
    Yeah, he's the sweetest man you could find
    So gentle and so kind
    And he's got those big brown eyes
    I can't believe me luck he's mine...