2009 surveys
I haven't COMPLETELY finished my 2009 update, so I can't yet write about the fun things that have been happening in 2010. (Like srsly, my life hasn't slowed down. In a funny Jess-like way, but I think I forgot how to be this active.) I did bust out the 2008-2009 planner in order to do the complete 2009 recap, but I noticed I didn't write as much as I used to. (I have theories on that.) Regardless, I took this from seeksadventure and figured this could hold folks over until I put the big one up. Because 2009 done in dramatic interp is always interesting...
... at least in my head.
Stolen from seeksadventure
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I did a lot of things in 2009 that I had never done before. Moving to Maryland, helping to raise a baby, moving into my big kid apartment, having a big kid job, buying a new car, etc. Helluva year, really.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Actually, yeah. Ironically. I moved into my Catonsville apartment fully, finally getting rid of my storage unit. I've been working at the Starship for almost a year. And I did mediocre things with my body, but we're getting there, so half credit.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not precisely close to me, but I had my coworker give birth, and I went to her baby showah!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Scrabble passed away on New Year's Day, but otherwise, no humans close. I had a client pass away, but I didn't know about it until WAY after it happened.
5. What countries did you visit?
I stayed in the US, but I visited Pennsylvania, Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and lived in Maryland. So, credit?
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
My life. I had been living a borrowed life; I feel like I can finally get my own life back.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 16, 2009 is when I signed my lease.
February 2, 2009 is my seniority date with the Starship.
February 24, 2009 was the date of the Meeting of Fail between big bosses and Sgt. Slaughter when I was accused of violating HIPAA.
June 22, 2009 was when I was told Kermit was sick, I was stranded in Allentown, and by the way, he needs an engine.
July 17, 2009 was when Smurf, Metal Darts, and Shink all came to Maryland for a weekend, and I got Kermit back!
September 1, 2009 was when we went and saw Jeff Dunham and I subsequently took almost a week off.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I could say buying my car, establishing my home, leaving my safety net and all that fun stuff. But honestly? Facing what my choices were and acknowledging them, and being able to walk away instead of wallow.
9. What was your biggest failure?
That I wallowed for so long?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. I got smacked with a cold-like thing in December, but otherwise, I was pretty healthy. Yay for being out of direct care!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Onyx! Second only to the new Pooh planner.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
A few folks' behavior really, for putting up with me. My friends were really there when I needed it the most.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
LiJ comes to mind. I wasn't offended as a woman; I was offended as a player of The Game. Poor form!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Kermit, hands down. Despite buying Onyx, Kermit sucked up a lot of my money, second to gas.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Butt Nugget's birthday partay, and various fandoms (Serenity and yes, New Moon, though the latter was based on friends.)
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Nickelback. A LOT of Nickelback.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? I- don't know. If this were written on NYE, I would say both. While I was sadder due to circumstances, I was happier as the move to Maryland was successful.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. Ironically. But not by much.
iii. richer or poorer? Pretty much the same, actually. I've evened out since I planned the trip and am able to provide for my household.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Staying in Maryland, though I wouldn't change it.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying in Pennsylvania, though I wouldn't change it.
20. How will you be spending Christmas/New Years?
I spent Christmas this year with Smurf and Metal Darts. I spent NYE with a slew of folks in Philly.
21. Which LJ people did you meet this year?
Um, none?
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I believe so.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Supernatural. Though I was introduced to How I Met Your Mother this year and continue to be amused. I somewhat fell off the House and Bones bandwagon, but am still all about Nip/Tuck and True Blood. Also, Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara are awesome. SO glad I have premium channels now!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I can't really say I hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
Bluejay sucked up my soul with the various series she forced me to read. Between Vampire Academy, the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and various others, a LOT of my year went to her books. I had piles on my table. Finally, I gave them all back save one, and will be going back to reading Kayrin's books.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That I still can't sing? Or maybe how amazingly depressing the New Moon soundtrack is.
28. What did you want and get?
A job! I didn't have one when 2009 started, and I am still gainfully employed at the Starship.
29. What did you want and not get?
Returned affection.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I saw more movies in theatre in 2009 than I had in, I think, ever. I loved Push, though thought the ending could use some work. There was fandoms (Twilight, Harry Potter, Star Trek, My Bloody Valentine) and non-fandom (Paranormal Activity). Not one sticks out though as my omgfavorite.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 26 this year, and... *busts out old Pooh planner* apparently didn't update my Pooh planner. I know I was with Shink, and I know Kermit was with his doctor, but other than that, I haven't a clue. Maybe shot pool? Went out to eat/made me dinner? I haven't the foggiest. Oh! Shink made me dinner; the only reason I remember is because I had to call my parents since they didn't call me and I had to help with dishes. I also think Mary K was around and we opened the Giant Box from Florida, filled with tampons, singing bears, and t-shirts referencing cocaine. I love my parents.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Either more job satisfaction or the aforementioned returned affection.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Either dress-up for work or play clothes. I haven't changed too much year-to-year.
34. What kept you sane?
Probably Smurf yelling at me. Robin listening to me in her concerned way. Hunny throwing up her hands. Kayrin being quiet. Trips being concerned but not being able to help. And Shink making me laugh.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I didn't really fancy anybody. Or at least I don't think so.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The inauguration, and the Nobel Peace Prize.
37. Whom did you miss?
Numfar.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
It's a toss-up between Mimosa and MFNJ.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
"It is what it is." Isn't that ambiguous? I'm TIRED of people saying it to me, gah.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"No" is a dirty word
Never gonna say it first
"No" is a just a thought that never crosses my mind
~~~~~~~~~~
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
I'm always looking, but the Starship has me by golden handcuffs. If I do end up moving to Florida, I'll be looking for jobs then.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Maybe. I never try to "look" for anything, and then it ends up in my bed, smoking my cigarettes.
3. New house?
I plan on staying in Six-Foot-Three.
4. What will you do differently in 2010?
Stay the hell in Maryland and live my life down here. For the first couple weeks of 2010, it's already been damned interesting.
5. New Years resolution?
I have a few, but that post will be coming up shortly.
6. What will you NOT be doing in 2010?
I gave up on this. You have any idea what happens? Granted, I'm stubborn, but for all I know, I'll end up in Wyoming for a quick-ditch marriage and be knocked up. I'm Jess; raccoon and banjo, remember?
7. Any trips planned?
There's conversations about what to do for Eclipse since it's opens in the middle of the week. We're trying to figure out if we're going to be in Baltimore, Philly, or the Valley. I'm pushing for Philly, but there's folks coming in and yeah. As of tonight, I was just invited for a road trip that will either end up in Canaydia or Cincinnati. Yeah, I don't know either.
8. Wedding plans?
I don't think I'M getting married, but I think I'll probably start planning other people's. I know I'm signed on for one; don't know if I'm going to be involved/asked about the other.
9. What's on your calendar?
Right now, a lot of free space. But my weekends have been jam packed thus far, so we'll see.
10. What can't you wait for?
I don't know? I don't think I'm waiting for anything.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
This year in general? My personal life? A car that doesn't break down every two weeks?
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
Have been changing my outfits, will be changing my traveling patterns. Am trying to take care of myself better; I want to be less unhealthy. I got there a lot in 2009, as my eating habits changed drastically. I just need to put on the finishing touches.
13. What happened in '09 that you didn't think would ever happen?
Finally sending Kermit off to that great retirement home in the South. Or that's at least when Mike the car guy told me.
14. In what way will you be kinder to the people you care about?
Heh! I'll be less whiny in general. So far, it looks to be good. I'm a helluva lot less emo than I had been.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '09?
Not necessarily differently. But I have bought some more casual clothes instead of dress-up or sloppy, so small progress. I could go to a bar and not look like a schmuck.
16. Will you start or quit drinking?
Well, as I just mentioned bar, I don't think I'll stop, but I doubt I'll start partaying again.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
A lot of things had been held back from Momma, which was finally recognized and talked about in 2009. Da-ee can remain in the dark, though. I don't like not being able to talk to my momma about everything.
18. Will you do charity work?
I could lie, but probably not. I may get more involved in my community, so it could go to charity, but it's not my main goal.
19. Will you go to bars?
What is with this survey and bars/drinking? Possibly- I have clothes now!
20. How will you show kindness to people you don't know?
I perpetually make people I don't know, laugh. It's one of my greatest traits.
21. Do you expect 2010 to be a good year for you?
I expect it to be a year. I'm hoping for better for my own mental sanity and clearance of the boxes in my box theory.
22. How much did you change from this time last year 'til now?
If you look at it from NYE 2008 to NYE 2009, not a lot. It's nice to be back to where I am, though. I've missed myself.
23. Do you plan on having a child?
Oh, sweet baby Jesus, I hope not.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
I have no idea. If you would have told me that my life would have drastically changed as much as it had and with whom it had this time last year, I would have LAUGHED my ASS off at YOU. Now, I'm not sure.
25. Major lifestyle changes?
Perhaps. I'm back to playing The Game, staying in Maryland, working on my home. Maybe I'll finally hang up those damned dream catchers; it's a wild and crayzee life!
26. Will you be moving?
I hope not. I don't have plans to.
27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '10 that happened in '09?
Old habits. Addicts can't do things in moderation.
28. What are your New Years Eve plans?
I spent it in Philly with friends.
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
For some odd reason, I'm never dating someone on NYE. The one time I was in a relationship, I was in Florida and my ex was in Boston, so that didn't work. However, I kissed Kayrin, Bluejay, and Otter Bucket. I may have kissed Hunny, but I doubt it was on the mouth, so no credit.
30. One wish for 2010?
I can't wish for happiness, because perceptions will breed failures. My wish for myself? To catch myself up to date and be healthier, both in mind and body. My wish for others? To be content in whatever you do, whether it be personally, professionally, relationship-wise, or even something as minute as a reliable car.
... at least in my head.
Stolen from seeksadventure
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I did a lot of things in 2009 that I had never done before. Moving to Maryland, helping to raise a baby, moving into my big kid apartment, having a big kid job, buying a new car, etc. Helluva year, really.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Actually, yeah. Ironically. I moved into my Catonsville apartment fully, finally getting rid of my storage unit. I've been working at the Starship for almost a year. And I did mediocre things with my body, but we're getting there, so half credit.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not precisely close to me, but I had my coworker give birth, and I went to her baby showah!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Scrabble passed away on New Year's Day, but otherwise, no humans close. I had a client pass away, but I didn't know about it until WAY after it happened.
5. What countries did you visit?
I stayed in the US, but I visited Pennsylvania, Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and lived in Maryland. So, credit?
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
My life. I had been living a borrowed life; I feel like I can finally get my own life back.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 16, 2009 is when I signed my lease.
February 2, 2009 is my seniority date with the Starship.
February 24, 2009 was the date of the Meeting of Fail between big bosses and Sgt. Slaughter when I was accused of violating HIPAA.
June 22, 2009 was when I was told Kermit was sick, I was stranded in Allentown, and by the way, he needs an engine.
July 17, 2009 was when Smurf, Metal Darts, and Shink all came to Maryland for a weekend, and I got Kermit back!
September 1, 2009 was when we went and saw Jeff Dunham and I subsequently took almost a week off.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I could say buying my car, establishing my home, leaving my safety net and all that fun stuff. But honestly? Facing what my choices were and acknowledging them, and being able to walk away instead of wallow.
9. What was your biggest failure?
That I wallowed for so long?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. I got smacked with a cold-like thing in December, but otherwise, I was pretty healthy. Yay for being out of direct care!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Onyx! Second only to the new Pooh planner.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
A few folks' behavior really, for putting up with me. My friends were really there when I needed it the most.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
LiJ comes to mind. I wasn't offended as a woman; I was offended as a player of The Game. Poor form!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Kermit, hands down. Despite buying Onyx, Kermit sucked up a lot of my money, second to gas.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Butt Nugget's birthday partay, and various fandoms (Serenity and yes, New Moon, though the latter was based on friends.)
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Nickelback. A LOT of Nickelback.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? I- don't know. If this were written on NYE, I would say both. While I was sadder due to circumstances, I was happier as the move to Maryland was successful.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. Ironically. But not by much.
iii. richer or poorer? Pretty much the same, actually. I've evened out since I planned the trip and am able to provide for my household.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Staying in Maryland, though I wouldn't change it.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying in Pennsylvania, though I wouldn't change it.
20. How will you be spending Christmas/New Years?
I spent Christmas this year with Smurf and Metal Darts. I spent NYE with a slew of folks in Philly.
21. Which LJ people did you meet this year?
Um, none?
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I believe so.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Supernatural. Though I was introduced to How I Met Your Mother this year and continue to be amused. I somewhat fell off the House and Bones bandwagon, but am still all about Nip/Tuck and True Blood. Also, Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara are awesome. SO glad I have premium channels now!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I can't really say I hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
Bluejay sucked up my soul with the various series she forced me to read. Between Vampire Academy, the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and various others, a LOT of my year went to her books. I had piles on my table. Finally, I gave them all back save one, and will be going back to reading Kayrin's books.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
That I still can't sing? Or maybe how amazingly depressing the New Moon soundtrack is.
28. What did you want and get?
A job! I didn't have one when 2009 started, and I am still gainfully employed at the Starship.
29. What did you want and not get?
Returned affection.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I saw more movies in theatre in 2009 than I had in, I think, ever. I loved Push, though thought the ending could use some work. There was fandoms (Twilight, Harry Potter, Star Trek, My Bloody Valentine) and non-fandom (Paranormal Activity). Not one sticks out though as my omgfavorite.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 26 this year, and... *busts out old Pooh planner* apparently didn't update my Pooh planner. I know I was with Shink, and I know Kermit was with his doctor, but other than that, I haven't a clue. Maybe shot pool? Went out to eat/made me dinner? I haven't the foggiest. Oh! Shink made me dinner; the only reason I remember is because I had to call my parents since they didn't call me and I had to help with dishes. I also think Mary K was around and we opened the Giant Box from Florida, filled with tampons, singing bears, and t-shirts referencing cocaine. I love my parents.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Either more job satisfaction or the aforementioned returned affection.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Either dress-up for work or play clothes. I haven't changed too much year-to-year.
34. What kept you sane?
Probably Smurf yelling at me. Robin listening to me in her concerned way. Hunny throwing up her hands. Kayrin being quiet. Trips being concerned but not being able to help. And Shink making me laugh.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I didn't really fancy anybody. Or at least I don't think so.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The inauguration, and the Nobel Peace Prize.
37. Whom did you miss?
Numfar.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
It's a toss-up between Mimosa and MFNJ.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
"It is what it is." Isn't that ambiguous? I'm TIRED of people saying it to me, gah.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"No" is a dirty word
Never gonna say it first
"No" is a just a thought that never crosses my mind
~~~~~~~~~~
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
I'm always looking, but the Starship has me by golden handcuffs. If I do end up moving to Florida, I'll be looking for jobs then.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Maybe. I never try to "look" for anything, and then it ends up in my bed, smoking my cigarettes.
3. New house?
I plan on staying in Six-Foot-Three.
4. What will you do differently in 2010?
Stay the hell in Maryland and live my life down here. For the first couple weeks of 2010, it's already been damned interesting.
5. New Years resolution?
I have a few, but that post will be coming up shortly.
6. What will you NOT be doing in 2010?
I gave up on this. You have any idea what happens? Granted, I'm stubborn, but for all I know, I'll end up in Wyoming for a quick-ditch marriage and be knocked up. I'm Jess; raccoon and banjo, remember?
7. Any trips planned?
There's conversations about what to do for Eclipse since it's opens in the middle of the week. We're trying to figure out if we're going to be in Baltimore, Philly, or the Valley. I'm pushing for Philly, but there's folks coming in and yeah. As of tonight, I was just invited for a road trip that will either end up in Canaydia or Cincinnati. Yeah, I don't know either.
8. Wedding plans?
I don't think I'M getting married, but I think I'll probably start planning other people's. I know I'm signed on for one; don't know if I'm going to be involved/asked about the other.
9. What's on your calendar?
Right now, a lot of free space. But my weekends have been jam packed thus far, so we'll see.
10. What can't you wait for?
I don't know? I don't think I'm waiting for anything.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
This year in general? My personal life? A car that doesn't break down every two weeks?
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
Have been changing my outfits, will be changing my traveling patterns. Am trying to take care of myself better; I want to be less unhealthy. I got there a lot in 2009, as my eating habits changed drastically. I just need to put on the finishing touches.
13. What happened in '09 that you didn't think would ever happen?
Finally sending Kermit off to that great retirement home in the South. Or that's at least when Mike the car guy told me.
14. In what way will you be kinder to the people you care about?
Heh! I'll be less whiny in general. So far, it looks to be good. I'm a helluva lot less emo than I had been.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '09?
Not necessarily differently. But I have bought some more casual clothes instead of dress-up or sloppy, so small progress. I could go to a bar and not look like a schmuck.
16. Will you start or quit drinking?
Well, as I just mentioned bar, I don't think I'll stop, but I doubt I'll start partaying again.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
A lot of things had been held back from Momma, which was finally recognized and talked about in 2009. Da-ee can remain in the dark, though. I don't like not being able to talk to my momma about everything.
18. Will you do charity work?
I could lie, but probably not. I may get more involved in my community, so it could go to charity, but it's not my main goal.
19. Will you go to bars?
What is with this survey and bars/drinking? Possibly- I have clothes now!
20. How will you show kindness to people you don't know?
I perpetually make people I don't know, laugh. It's one of my greatest traits.
21. Do you expect 2010 to be a good year for you?
I expect it to be a year. I'm hoping for better for my own mental sanity and clearance of the boxes in my box theory.
22. How much did you change from this time last year 'til now?
If you look at it from NYE 2008 to NYE 2009, not a lot. It's nice to be back to where I am, though. I've missed myself.
23. Do you plan on having a child?
Oh, sweet baby Jesus, I hope not.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
I have no idea. If you would have told me that my life would have drastically changed as much as it had and with whom it had this time last year, I would have LAUGHED my ASS off at YOU. Now, I'm not sure.
25. Major lifestyle changes?
Perhaps. I'm back to playing The Game, staying in Maryland, working on my home. Maybe I'll finally hang up those damned dream catchers; it's a wild and crayzee life!
26. Will you be moving?
I hope not. I don't have plans to.
27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '10 that happened in '09?
Old habits. Addicts can't do things in moderation.
28. What are your New Years Eve plans?
I spent it in Philly with friends.
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
For some odd reason, I'm never dating someone on NYE. The one time I was in a relationship, I was in Florida and my ex was in Boston, so that didn't work. However, I kissed Kayrin, Bluejay, and Otter Bucket. I may have kissed Hunny, but I doubt it was on the mouth, so no credit.
30. One wish for 2010?
I can't wish for happiness, because perceptions will breed failures. My wish for myself? To catch myself up to date and be healthier, both in mind and body. My wish for others? To be content in whatever you do, whether it be personally, professionally, relationship-wise, or even something as minute as a reliable car.