The rest of 2012, ye olde survey format.
1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Buy my own car. Go to South America. I'm sure I'm forgetting many other answers to this question.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I can't even remember what they were. Probably losing weight (did, and then put some of it back on), dating more (definitely did, and for the most part successfully), being more productive (usually did, recital especially)... Next year I need to lose about 10 more lbs. I need to keep dating. I need to be more organized at home. I need to realize that my time is limited and needs to be spent in the best ways possible.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I feel like there are people around me having babies, which was not true even 2 years ago.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not really, I guess. I had a long and complex year, I really hope I am not forgetting someone. The cat that I grew up with at my Mom's house died this year at the age of 18 or 19. She was a great companion and is missed.
5. What countries did you visit?
I went to Colombia in July to teach. It was an awesome experience.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
I didn't lack a whole lot in 2012, overall it was a pretty good year. I would like to pay off as much debt as possible, with the goal of saving more money. I could be more socially proactive, and certainly I would like to keep building on major progress in my love life.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
- In the earlier part of the year I had finally made enough progress through personal training and therapy to feel confident enough to date seriously. I had a relationship in the winter/spring that was, for the first couple months, wonderful. Our first kiss, in the rain outside a Japanese restaurant, was perfect. I will also remember not being afraid to hold each other's hands in a dive bar. Or the first nights we spent at each other's houses. It didn't end in such idyllic fashion obviously, but for a while it was beautiful.
- I played a major solo recital, my first in years. It was nerve-wracking but rewarding, a major journey. A lot of work went into it, and I was so relieved when it was finally over.
- Buying a car was a really interesting process... mostly because of the unique guy I purchased it from. He is difficult, if not impossible to describe, but suffice it to say that the whole thing took several days to iron out and I am very happy with the results.
- I went to Colombia this summer and coached the national youth orchestra there. It was an amazing, overwhelming and eye-opening experience in so many respects. And I truly loved it. I miss the country and the students. For their hard work, spirit, and kindness they deserve their wildest dreams.
- I had a second brief relationship... maybe relationship isn't the right word... but I can't think of a better one. Certainly there were wonderful moments, like a trip we took together which included a lovely hike. But I was restless. I didn't want to be in a relationship - I wanted to be single, and meet people. Ultimately, our priorities and desires were incompatible.
- A trip to Chicago (for ICSOM), and then New York (for ASO). Unfortunately, I was sick for most of it, but learned a lot.
- This fall, without intending to at all, I fell into a third "relationship" (which is again an inadequate term, why don't we have a larger vocabulary for human interaction?) Without intending to, we became somewhat intertwined, all with the understanding that due to an impending move we were operating under a time limit. A trip to Astoria was an opportunity to allow myself to toy with the idea of falling in love. In the aftermath, it wasn't initially easy to start over from scratch, but now I feel ready for anything.
- Playing Mahler's 6th Symphony with the OSO was a major highlight. Also a Rite of Spring/City Noir double bill.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Probably the recital, and jump-starting my love life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't feel like I failed anywhere. Some things didn't work out, but does it matter?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Recently messed my foot up. Was sick a few times.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A nice new bassoon case and some bassoon gear, I guess.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I have wonderful friends.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Still can't grasp gun culture in America, or these damn Plutocrats.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, food, bills, bassoon supplies.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Music, dating, travel.
16. What music will always remind you of 2012?
Mahler 6. Anything from my recital, the Bitsch "Concertino" especially. Brad Mehldau playing "She's Leaving Home." Anything Azealia Banks?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) I'm absolutely happier.
b) I'm a little thinner (April was my best month, a little heavier now, but 10 lbs. lighter than the same time last year.)
c) I'm "richer" in that I paid down some debts and put more money into retirement accounts. I still feel poor.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Composing. Traveling. Cooking my own meals.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Some of the projects I undertake that are not personally fulfilling. But major improvement in this area in 2012.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Seattle - dinner with my Dad's side of the family, played midnight service with Mom and Stepdad in church, saw "Life of Pi" with them the following day.
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Possibly.
22. How many one-night stands?
A couple.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Twin Peaks.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No hate.
25. What was the best book you read?
Read all of "The Dark Tower" saga by Stephen King. Some really great moments. Also liked "Dance, Dance, Dance" by Haruki Murakami.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Too many to list.
27. What did you want and get?
To date more, lose weight, feel better, change my life, play a recital... this was a big year for me.
28. What did you want and not get?
I still haven't started a rock band.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Cloud Atlas, hands down. Life of Pi and Django Unchained were very good. Prometheus was awesome.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I had such a weird birthday this year. A couple of very random parties, one at the Goose Hollow Inn that ended up at my place with a very unlikely cast of characters.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Even for the things that went wrong, I don't think I can say I would've traded anything. I wish I would have listened even more attentively to my heart, it was right every time.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
No real change, still prefer jeans and a t-shirt. Went down a couple waist sizes.
33. What kept you sane?
Friends and music. And therapy, a big year of major improvement there.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I really don't have an answer for this. There are a few popular actors/musicians that I like, but not with any sense of dedication.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I am so unhappy with politics lately. The House and Senate are complete fucking jokes.
36. Who did you miss?
After my relationships/non-relationships ended, I went through periods where I missed the good times.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
If I have to choose just one, and it is not easy, VS
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:
Get out there and fucking do it. Excuses are useless. Failure is learning. You are capable. You are worth it.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"If she ain't know, the bitch know now."