2018 Year in Review Surveys
Looking back at 2018:
1. Where did you begin 2018?
In our Brooklyn apartment, finishing up the last season of The Wire with Anders.
2. What was your status by Valentines Day?
I was married to Anders, with our new last name all set. I was working full-time as a kindergarten teacher in an integrated co-teaching classroom. I was living in Brooklyn.
3. Were you in school anytime this year?
I worked in a school at least a bit during every month that was not July.
4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
No, thankfully.
5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
No.
6. Where did you go on vacation?
During my April spring break, Anders and I spent a week in upstate New York with Rice and Len and Colin and Jes. We spent most of our time playing board games, though there was also a bit of general wandering and wine tasting. A pretty casual vacation.
7. What did you purchase that was over $100?
The only thing I bought over $100 was a pair of hardcore snow boots from LL Bean. I wore them out on my first Vermont snow day and they kept my feet very warm and dry despite hiking in many inches of snow. I'm assuming there will be further snow days to use them for...
8. Did you know anybody who got married?
The guidance counselor in my school got married in January 2018 but I didn't actually meet her until August, so not sure how much that counts!
9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
My grandfather passed away in February, at age 93. It was tough, especially considering now I'm at the stage of life where I have no grandparents left living. I am grateful that my parents and parents-in-law are all healthy, though. Also, miraculously, all my pets have been fine, even though Bean is like 85 years old in guinea pig years now.
10. Did you move anywhere?
Yes, I moved from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY to Bennington, VT at the end of July, along with my husband and guinea pigs.
11. What sporting events did you attend?
None.
12. What concerts/shows did you go to?
None, as this was very much a budget year, especially after the extravagance of 2017 with the wedding and honeymoon.
13. Describe your birthday.
On my actual birthday, my parents took Anders and myself out to dinner at the always delicious Brooklyn Beet Company. On the following weekend, I had a sweet little brunch with friends at Little Forno followed by some board game fun at our old apartment. Naava and David brought a bottle of champagne and I managed to drink enough that I spent some time vomiting in the evening. Made me feel less ~mature~ for sure. XD
14. What is the ONE thing you thought you would not do, but did, in 2018?
I did not anticipate going on my first speedboat ride, which was extremely bumpy and wild.
15. What have been your favourite moments?
Lots of beautiful hiking here in VT, as well as experiencing the local festivals (garlic fest, Oktoberfest, the food truck festival, etc.), plus our going away party at Coney Island. Nothing like friends, creaky old rides, and caramel apples all at once. :D We also had a great time visiting Anders's Uncle Mike and his wife in New Hampshire in the fall, where said speedboat ride took place. ;)
16. Any new additions to your family?
We adopted Mango the sun conure and Shena the parakeet from Anders's mother. We haven't met him yet but we also have a puppy lined up to join our family in a few weeks!
17. What was your best month?
Definitely July - we had an awesome going-away party at Coney Island, I got to spend time with lots of family and friends, and we started our big move.
18. Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Myself. Sadly I've felt the need to have a drink after quite a few rough school days lately...
19. Made new friends?
We made new friends from our Brooklyn apartment who are now pretty close friends - Roxxi and Ken. I'm also getting to know some of my new coworkers better but idk about becoming friends.
20. Favorite nights out?
I enjoyed going out to The Tap House with Anders as a reward for making it through parent teacher conference week in the middle of December.
21. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
At school.
22. Have you lost any friends this year?
I don't think so, but it's true that lot of people are physically further away now.
23. Change your hairstyle?
No, though I haven't had a haircut since July so I think I look a bit messy lately. I have an appointment for this Saturday morning though!
24. Have any car accidents?
I didn't, but Anders managed to scratch our car in a ridiculous way. On our moving day when we got up at ~4:30 AM, he saw a car slightly blocking my parents' driveway, and tried to inch out despite it, and ended up scratching our car. Turns out the car "blocking" the driveway was his brother Kevin's car, who was there to help us move and he was of course going to move the car as soon as he showered. Ah well.
25. How old did you turn this year?
Thirty-three.
26. Do you have a New Year's resolution?
Not really, although I'm making our budget stricter and would always love to read more.
27. Do anything embarrassing?
Can't think of anything.
28. Buy anything from eBay?
No.
29. Get married or divorced?
Nope.
30. Get hit on?
Not since I left that crowded city!
31. Been snowboarding?
No. I would like to try something snow-related before this winter ends, though, maybe snowshoeing or Nordic skiing...
32. Did you get sick this year?
I had a horrible (but thankfully quick) stomach virus on November 30, which I remember because my paraeducator got it on the same day so they really had to scramble to get coverage. That nonsense was still going around the school as of last week. Other than that, just the usual colds.
33. Are you happy to see 2018 go?
Neutral feelings on 2018.
34. Been naughty or nice?
Too nice, I feel.
35. What are you looking forward to most in 2019?
Becoming a dog parent, hopefully visiting Maine in the summer, continuing to explore the beautiful state we now live in...
1. What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before?
+moved to a new state
+lived and worked in Vermont
+rode on a speedboat
+owned and took care of birds
+walked a dog and picked up its poo XD (This one I just did for the first time on Christmas with Anders's mom cute little pug)
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I had seven goals. I was able to do ADIML, do the savings-related goal, and beat my goal of running 250 miles by training for and running for a half marathon. I've extended the HeathyWage goal and hope to have that done by next April. The other goals I just failed at. I'm not sure about this year. I am going to have a lot of time taken up with a puppy soon but I'm definitely focusing on saving money and am considering if this is finally the time to try a full marathon...
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my close friend Kathleen gave birth to a son, Cassian, in September. She had to have a C section due to placenta previa but thankfully she knew this well ahead of time and didn't have to also go into labor like seems to happen often. I'll get to meet Cassian in March when her and Dennis make a VT stop.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandfather.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just the U.S.
6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
A puppy, a more concrete timeline related to becoming human parents, some closer friends in the area, more $.
7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 29th, the day we moved from NY to VT.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to Vermont, managing to get a decent observation despite the fact that I have a seriously challenging class this year.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not reading enough, still!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
There was the stomach virus, some colds, and I hurt my back a couple of times from running etc. but nothing too serious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The snow boots I mentioned before are pretty sweet. It's also my insurance that helped Anders get a medication that has been enormously helpful with his chronic illness.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Anders, who has washed 99% of my dishes since we moved. :P
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some of my students.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, car/gas, groceries.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving!
16. What song will always remind you of 2018?
"Train Song" by Vashti Bunyan, as I got really into the TV show Patriot (so darkly funny!).
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Somewhat happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? It was thinner until the holidays came up and now it's pretty much the same...
iii. richer or poorer? Richer in some ways, poorer in others.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, again.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating unhealthy food. Drinking. - exact same answer as last year but very true.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent time with Anders's family in MA. We went to his Aunt Jodie's big Christmas Eve party and then spent Christmas with his mom, her dogs, his brother Kevin, and Kevin's new girlfriend Amanda.
21. Did you fall in love in 2018?
I was in love, am still in love, and no plans to stop the love anytime soon.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Haunting of Hill House. I was terrified the whole time, but in the best way!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Yes, some parents of some of my students this year (e.g., some people who have a child diagnosed with ADHD but decide to forget to give him his meds at least twice a week despite the fact that they are both stay-at-home parents...sorry but fuck you).
24. What was the best book you read?
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery of 2018?
Learning all the Pat Benatar songs on Rock Band. :D
26. What did you want and get?
To get out of our one bedroom 4th floor walk up apartment (which was going for a disgusting $1600 a month when we left) and live somewhere that has space, nature, and a wonderful lack of cockroaches!
27. What did you want and not get?
A dog, but considering how soon that will be rectified, it's all good. ;)
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mandy was probably the most memorable film, but I also enjoyed Deadpool 2 and Sorry to Bother You.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned thirty-three and went out to eat with parents and then with friends, playing board games with the latter and getting too drunk.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A less difficult class this school year. 105 days to go.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
Practical shoes and lots of sweaters.
32. What kept you sane?
Drinking, baths, video games.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I did not enjoy Pitch Perfect 3, but this guy in it was super hot.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm very upset that two children have now died at the border...but I am not really sure what I can do about this. :/
35. Who did you miss?
I still miss my guinea pig Windows, who died in 2017. He was the sweetest guy. I also miss each of the grandparents I'd met (my mom's dad who died in 1996, my dad's mom who died in 2014, and my dad's dad who died this year) every now and then.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My paraeducator Misti, who works 1:1 right now with my most difficult student, and gets through very challenging days with a smile and her patience intact.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018:
People on the road are horrible and driving is like being the protagonist in a post-apocalyptic dystopia of some kind...
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
If you're ever gonna find a silver lining
It's gotta be a cloudy day
It's gotta be a cloudy day
If you wanna fill your bottle up with lightning
You're gonna have to stand in the rain
You're gonna have to stand in the rain
Previous years:
Here is 2009.
Here is 2010.
Here is 2011.
Here is 2012.
Here is 2013.
Here is 2014.
Here is 2015.
here is 2016.
And here is 2017.
Unrelated, a big thank you to vettenisse for the lovely holiday card! Hope all is well with everyone and best wishes for a great 2019!
1. Where did you begin 2018?
In our Brooklyn apartment, finishing up the last season of The Wire with Anders.
2. What was your status by Valentines Day?
I was married to Anders, with our new last name all set. I was working full-time as a kindergarten teacher in an integrated co-teaching classroom. I was living in Brooklyn.
3. Were you in school anytime this year?
I worked in a school at least a bit during every month that was not July.
4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
No, thankfully.
5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
No.
6. Where did you go on vacation?
During my April spring break, Anders and I spent a week in upstate New York with Rice and Len and Colin and Jes. We spent most of our time playing board games, though there was also a bit of general wandering and wine tasting. A pretty casual vacation.
7. What did you purchase that was over $100?
The only thing I bought over $100 was a pair of hardcore snow boots from LL Bean. I wore them out on my first Vermont snow day and they kept my feet very warm and dry despite hiking in many inches of snow. I'm assuming there will be further snow days to use them for...
8. Did you know anybody who got married?
The guidance counselor in my school got married in January 2018 but I didn't actually meet her until August, so not sure how much that counts!
9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
My grandfather passed away in February, at age 93. It was tough, especially considering now I'm at the stage of life where I have no grandparents left living. I am grateful that my parents and parents-in-law are all healthy, though. Also, miraculously, all my pets have been fine, even though Bean is like 85 years old in guinea pig years now.
10. Did you move anywhere?
Yes, I moved from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY to Bennington, VT at the end of July, along with my husband and guinea pigs.
11. What sporting events did you attend?
None.
12. What concerts/shows did you go to?
None, as this was very much a budget year, especially after the extravagance of 2017 with the wedding and honeymoon.
13. Describe your birthday.
On my actual birthday, my parents took Anders and myself out to dinner at the always delicious Brooklyn Beet Company. On the following weekend, I had a sweet little brunch with friends at Little Forno followed by some board game fun at our old apartment. Naava and David brought a bottle of champagne and I managed to drink enough that I spent some time vomiting in the evening. Made me feel less ~mature~ for sure. XD
14. What is the ONE thing you thought you would not do, but did, in 2018?
I did not anticipate going on my first speedboat ride, which was extremely bumpy and wild.
15. What have been your favourite moments?
Lots of beautiful hiking here in VT, as well as experiencing the local festivals (garlic fest, Oktoberfest, the food truck festival, etc.), plus our going away party at Coney Island. Nothing like friends, creaky old rides, and caramel apples all at once. :D We also had a great time visiting Anders's Uncle Mike and his wife in New Hampshire in the fall, where said speedboat ride took place. ;)
16. Any new additions to your family?
We adopted Mango the sun conure and Shena the parakeet from Anders's mother. We haven't met him yet but we also have a puppy lined up to join our family in a few weeks!
17. What was your best month?
Definitely July - we had an awesome going-away party at Coney Island, I got to spend time with lots of family and friends, and we started our big move.
18. Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Myself. Sadly I've felt the need to have a drink after quite a few rough school days lately...
19. Made new friends?
We made new friends from our Brooklyn apartment who are now pretty close friends - Roxxi and Ken. I'm also getting to know some of my new coworkers better but idk about becoming friends.
20. Favorite nights out?
I enjoyed going out to The Tap House with Anders as a reward for making it through parent teacher conference week in the middle of December.
21. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
At school.
22. Have you lost any friends this year?
I don't think so, but it's true that lot of people are physically further away now.
23. Change your hairstyle?
No, though I haven't had a haircut since July so I think I look a bit messy lately. I have an appointment for this Saturday morning though!
24. Have any car accidents?
I didn't, but Anders managed to scratch our car in a ridiculous way. On our moving day when we got up at ~4:30 AM, he saw a car slightly blocking my parents' driveway, and tried to inch out despite it, and ended up scratching our car. Turns out the car "blocking" the driveway was his brother Kevin's car, who was there to help us move and he was of course going to move the car as soon as he showered. Ah well.
25. How old did you turn this year?
Thirty-three.
26. Do you have a New Year's resolution?
Not really, although I'm making our budget stricter and would always love to read more.
27. Do anything embarrassing?
Can't think of anything.
28. Buy anything from eBay?
No.
29. Get married or divorced?
Nope.
30. Get hit on?
Not since I left that crowded city!
31. Been snowboarding?
No. I would like to try something snow-related before this winter ends, though, maybe snowshoeing or Nordic skiing...
32. Did you get sick this year?
I had a horrible (but thankfully quick) stomach virus on November 30, which I remember because my paraeducator got it on the same day so they really had to scramble to get coverage. That nonsense was still going around the school as of last week. Other than that, just the usual colds.
33. Are you happy to see 2018 go?
Neutral feelings on 2018.
34. Been naughty or nice?
Too nice, I feel.
35. What are you looking forward to most in 2019?
Becoming a dog parent, hopefully visiting Maine in the summer, continuing to explore the beautiful state we now live in...
1. What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before?
+moved to a new state
+lived and worked in Vermont
+rode on a speedboat
+owned and took care of birds
+walked a dog and picked up its poo XD (This one I just did for the first time on Christmas with Anders's mom cute little pug)
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I had seven goals. I was able to do ADIML, do the savings-related goal, and beat my goal of running 250 miles by training for and running for a half marathon. I've extended the HeathyWage goal and hope to have that done by next April. The other goals I just failed at. I'm not sure about this year. I am going to have a lot of time taken up with a puppy soon but I'm definitely focusing on saving money and am considering if this is finally the time to try a full marathon...
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my close friend Kathleen gave birth to a son, Cassian, in September. She had to have a C section due to placenta previa but thankfully she knew this well ahead of time and didn't have to also go into labor like seems to happen often. I'll get to meet Cassian in March when her and Dennis make a VT stop.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandfather.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just the U.S.
6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
A puppy, a more concrete timeline related to becoming human parents, some closer friends in the area, more $.
7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 29th, the day we moved from NY to VT.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to Vermont, managing to get a decent observation despite the fact that I have a seriously challenging class this year.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not reading enough, still!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
There was the stomach virus, some colds, and I hurt my back a couple of times from running etc. but nothing too serious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The snow boots I mentioned before are pretty sweet. It's also my insurance that helped Anders get a medication that has been enormously helpful with his chronic illness.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Anders, who has washed 99% of my dishes since we moved. :P
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some of my students.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, car/gas, groceries.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving!
16. What song will always remind you of 2018?
"Train Song" by Vashti Bunyan, as I got really into the TV show Patriot (so darkly funny!).
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Somewhat happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? It was thinner until the holidays came up and now it's pretty much the same...
iii. richer or poorer? Richer in some ways, poorer in others.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, again.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating unhealthy food. Drinking. - exact same answer as last year but very true.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent time with Anders's family in MA. We went to his Aunt Jodie's big Christmas Eve party and then spent Christmas with his mom, her dogs, his brother Kevin, and Kevin's new girlfriend Amanda.
21. Did you fall in love in 2018?
I was in love, am still in love, and no plans to stop the love anytime soon.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Haunting of Hill House. I was terrified the whole time, but in the best way!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Yes, some parents of some of my students this year (e.g., some people who have a child diagnosed with ADHD but decide to forget to give him his meds at least twice a week despite the fact that they are both stay-at-home parents...sorry but fuck you).
24. What was the best book you read?
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery of 2018?
Learning all the Pat Benatar songs on Rock Band. :D
26. What did you want and get?
To get out of our one bedroom 4th floor walk up apartment (which was going for a disgusting $1600 a month when we left) and live somewhere that has space, nature, and a wonderful lack of cockroaches!
27. What did you want and not get?
A dog, but considering how soon that will be rectified, it's all good. ;)
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mandy was probably the most memorable film, but I also enjoyed Deadpool 2 and Sorry to Bother You.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned thirty-three and went out to eat with parents and then with friends, playing board games with the latter and getting too drunk.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A less difficult class this school year. 105 days to go.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
Practical shoes and lots of sweaters.
32. What kept you sane?
Drinking, baths, video games.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I did not enjoy Pitch Perfect 3, but this guy in it was super hot.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm very upset that two children have now died at the border...but I am not really sure what I can do about this. :/
35. Who did you miss?
I still miss my guinea pig Windows, who died in 2017. He was the sweetest guy. I also miss each of the grandparents I'd met (my mom's dad who died in 1996, my dad's mom who died in 2014, and my dad's dad who died this year) every now and then.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My paraeducator Misti, who works 1:1 right now with my most difficult student, and gets through very challenging days with a smile and her patience intact.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018:
People on the road are horrible and driving is like being the protagonist in a post-apocalyptic dystopia of some kind...
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
If you're ever gonna find a silver lining
It's gotta be a cloudy day
It's gotta be a cloudy day
If you wanna fill your bottle up with lightning
You're gonna have to stand in the rain
You're gonna have to stand in the rain
Previous years:
Here is 2009.
Here is 2010.
Here is 2011.
Here is 2012.
Here is 2013.
Here is 2014.
Here is 2015.
here is 2016.
And here is 2017.
Unrelated, a big thank you to vettenisse for the lovely holiday card! Hope all is well with everyone and best wishes for a great 2019!