2010 in Review!
Hello, internet!
It is New Year's Eve here in Somerville. It is New Year's Day in some places! Happy New Year, wherever you are.
Our plans were canceled sort of last minute, so mcwonthelottery and I are spending this New Year at home in our house, making EVEN FANCIER MACARONI AND CHEESE and maybe a cake or something and watching CriMinds. No Twilight Zone for me this year :( The first year in memory without, too!
Anyway, I might have another LJ New Year's Party this year or I might now. It depends on how much we drink, I suppose.
For now, I want to do a couple memes. I do them every year and then I look back and think about it and stuff. Or whatever.
Anyway. Memes.
1. Your main fandom of the year?
Torchwood. Oh god. It's been a year and change and that is still SO HILARIOUS TO ME.
2. Your favorite film watched this year?
Toy Story 3 and The Crazies were probably my two favorites in theatres. I watched a LOT of movies on dvd, so I'm not counting those. (Um, but Big Eden and Pirate Radio and Rec 2 and The Last Exorcism to name a few.)
3. Your favorite book read this year?
The two new Skulduggery Pleasant books we got this year (Dark Days and Mortal Coil), Fat Vampire by Adam Rex, probably others.
4. Your favorite album or song to listen to this year?
According to Last.fm, the two albums I listed to the most this year were Passerby by Allie Moss and Songs for a Sinking Ship by April Smith and the Great Picture Show, followed by Mighty Kate's self-titled debut.
Song wise, the top three were "Dig With Me" by Allie Moss, "In Love, But Not At Peace" by Dar Williams, and "A to B" by Matt Hires.
5. Your favorite TV show of the year?
Psych, White Collar, and Doctor Who!
6. Your favorite online fandom community of the year?
LJ and Twitter. Still. I know there was all this hoopla over DW and AO3, but I still get the most enjoyment out of my home here on LJ and the awesome people I follow on Twitter.
7. Your best new fandom discovery of the year?
Sherlock happened this year, which was cool, although the fandom itself doesn't totally appeal to me. most of the fic people write doesn't appeal to me, and I frequently find myself frustrated by the "newness" of most people in fandom. I figured, with a source as old as the original Holmes stories, the fandom would be mature, but there's a lot of frustrating pitfalls and annoying people who have clearly never been in a fandom before and don't seem to understand the taboos. I'm just too old for that shit, guys.
8. Your biggest fandom disappointment of the year?
See above re: Sherlock fandom. Also, Gwen-bashing really got to me this year, and also the announcement and resulting fallout of TW S4 has really bothered me at times. I know that's my own thing to work through but... yeah.
9. Your TV boyfriend of the year?
Ianto Jones and Burton Guster, dudes.
10. Your TV girlfriend of the year?
Penelope Garcia, Gwen Cooper, Amy Pond
11. Your biggest squee moment of the year?
The finale of S5 of Who, for SERIOUS. Oh my god. It STILL makes me happy to think about it ♥
12. The most missed of your old fandoms?
SGA. I'm still angry about how it ended. I miss how it used to be. Both canon and fandom. Fandom really disappointed me in the end, because I felt like all the fun was gone. People weren't being silly and ridiculous, they just wanted to talk about Real World Serious Issues. I am not in fandom to talk about Real World Serious Issues, guys.
Also, I wish TWW wasn't so decentralized. I wish more people were still invested in it as a fandom.
13. The fandom you haven’t tried yet, but want to?
Hm. Nothing I can think of. I still have to write Chuck Kid/Chubs for Becca?
14. Your biggest fan anticipations for the New Year?
New White Collar! NEW WHO! Dragon*Con and seeing people again! FANGIRL POTLUCK PARTY! Spending more time having fun with you dudes!
***
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Moved to Boston! On my own! Away from home! I also finished a fic over 20k words, quit my job, and did all sorts of other things, I'm sure.
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year I resolved to write more and see more of my friends. I think I did both of those things pretty satisfactorily! Here are my resolutions for next year:
• GET A JOB
• Finish my YA or MG novel
• Continue to see more of my friends
• Try not to let stupid shit get to me as much
• Learn something new! A craft, a class, a dance, whatever.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Christina, who worked with me at B&N, and two of quatredeathlady's friends, who I sort of know.
Did anyone close to you die?
Ahaha, not yet :\
What countries did you visit?
Just Canada. I saw scrollgirl back in February!
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A job. For serious. A little more financial security. Maybe a ladyfriend!
What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Oh man! Um, Fangirls Gone Wild! Fangirl Tea Party! 4th of July Weekend! August 15th, when I moved here! Dragon*Con!
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to Boston!
What was your biggest failure?
I still don't have a job, and that rankles :\ I try not to think about it too much, but... yeah. I want to continue leading the life I've been leading since August, and that requires a regular source of income.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Oh man. Let's see. Back in... July? I was in the hospital for the same mysterious illness that crippled me on Inauguration Day in 2009. That was fun. In June, I flew out to New Mexico for my friends' wedding and the altitude sickness brought several other ailments to my attention when I came back home, most notably stress-induced TMJ that fucked up my shoulders and neck as well. GOOD TIMES. Becca and I passed the plague back and forth for a little while.
What was the best thing you bought?
Does rent count? That and plane tickets to D*Con! Doctor Who S5! Some other stuff, I'm sure!
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My awesome, awesome friends. (Same answer as last year!)
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some jerks on the internet. Some jerks in the government. Some jerks in the country projecting their crazy ass radical opinions on the rest of the country.
Where did most of your money go?
Grown-up type stuff (rent, utilities, groceries) and car repairs :(
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
An apartment! Here! In Somerville! With mcwonthelottery!
What song will always remind you of 2010?
Um. Let's check Last.fm! Allie Moss' "Melancholy Astronautic Man," Matt Hires' "A to B," Iron and Wine's "The Trapeze Swinger," April Smith's "Colors."
Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? SO MUCH HAPPIER. I can't even.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner, I think. (In other, unrelated news, my menstural cycle must have been LIKE CLOCKWORK, because I was also on my period the last time I filled out this survey.)
c) richer or poorer? A LOT poorer, but I'm working on that.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. Baking. Sleeping. Hanging out with peeps. Having a job?
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being depressed. Not having a job.
Did you fall in love in 2010?
With books, characters, food, presents, teevee shows, and the occasional inanimate object. Not with a lady, no. (Same answer as last year.)
What was your favorite TV program?
My favorite on-air teevee shows were Psych, White Collar, Doctor Who, and Sherlock. I spent a lot of time watching CriMinds on dvd and just got into The Big Bang Theory.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hm. Not hate, no. There are people I'm not pleased with.
What was the best book you read?
Oh Jeez. This one is always hard. Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil and Dark Days by Derek Landy. Fat Vampire by Adam Rex. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
April Smith. Allie Moss? (Maybe that was last year. I mean, I've had a crush on Allie since I first saw her at an Ingrid show YEARS ago, but I think I only got her EP in like, January?)
What did you want and get?
I got a nice apartment and a wonderful roommate. And all manner of material things.
What did you want and not get?
A ladyfriend, a job.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Toy Story 3, The Crazies
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25. I have no memory of what we actually did to celebrate? I think some people might have come over? Not many, I'd imagine. People don't like coming out to Jersey if they can help it. I probably went to SoGo with my family.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A JOB. SERIOUSLY. A JOB.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Um, slightly disheveled secretary? Pencil skirts, waistcoats, blouses. I didn't wear pants if I could help it.
What kept you sane?
You guys ♥ mcwonthelottery specifically. Also all the Jen(n)s, Sherri, Ivy, Margaret, Joni, Nicole, my parents and extended family (once I had moved). Also, CriMinds on DVD, Doctor Who S5, and cookies.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Let's see. Penelope Garcia, first off, and the whole cast of Who S5 and Ianto and Eve and Burton Guster.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Healthcare. Jesus fuck. And gay shit. The usual.
Who did you miss?
Pretty much everyone when they are not right next to me. Everyone I left behind when I moved. Everyone here before I moved. Everyone I hung out with at con and then had to leave behind. The usual. My parents, a lot, these past few months.
Who was the best new person you met?
I met SO MANY NEW PEOPLE THIS YEAR. I can't even begin to tell you guys. In order, solsticezero and brilligspoons and paper_tzipporah and momebie and barbed_whispers and dremiel and such_heights and chicleeblair. And that's only counting people I met in person!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Sometimes it's worth it to do slightly crazy risky things, even if you're scared. Also, before you start to apply logic to something, pick up your drink.
Quote a song that sums up your year:
It's a sad and a strange thing.
But it's time and I am changing.
Into something good or bad, well that's your guess.
I'm my own sovereign nation,
Dedicated to a transformation,
Marching on with this target on my chest, oh yes
--Dar Williams, "It's Alright"
***
Overall, 2010 has been a landmark year for me. It was great emotionally and personally, and I feel shitty because a lot of horrible things have happened to the people I care about, but I can't let that get in the way of my own happiness.
I left a toxic environment, even though I really liked my job (past tense), I made a scary but necessary move. I've mostly survived on my own and I'm making strides to survive on my own fully by this time next year. I have the best roommate in the world and a pretty excellent and lucky life.
I saw so many people this year, both for the first time and not. I made tons and tons of fandom connections and had so many conversations and squeefests with you guys, both in person and online. It's been really wonderful, and I'd like for that to continue into the new year.
If 2011 is half as good as 2010 was, I'll be supremely happy, but I really hope it will exceed it.
Cheers, guys ♥
It is New Year's Eve here in Somerville. It is New Year's Day in some places! Happy New Year, wherever you are.
Our plans were canceled sort of last minute, so mcwonthelottery and I are spending this New Year at home in our house, making EVEN FANCIER MACARONI AND CHEESE and maybe a cake or something and watching CriMinds. No Twilight Zone for me this year :( The first year in memory without, too!
Anyway, I might have another LJ New Year's Party this year or I might now. It depends on how much we drink, I suppose.
For now, I want to do a couple memes. I do them every year and then I look back and think about it and stuff. Or whatever.
Anyway. Memes.
1. Your main fandom of the year?
Torchwood. Oh god. It's been a year and change and that is still SO HILARIOUS TO ME.
2. Your favorite film watched this year?
Toy Story 3 and The Crazies were probably my two favorites in theatres. I watched a LOT of movies on dvd, so I'm not counting those. (Um, but Big Eden and Pirate Radio and Rec 2 and The Last Exorcism to name a few.)
3. Your favorite book read this year?
The two new Skulduggery Pleasant books we got this year (Dark Days and Mortal Coil), Fat Vampire by Adam Rex, probably others.
4. Your favorite album or song to listen to this year?
According to Last.fm, the two albums I listed to the most this year were Passerby by Allie Moss and Songs for a Sinking Ship by April Smith and the Great Picture Show, followed by Mighty Kate's self-titled debut.
Song wise, the top three were "Dig With Me" by Allie Moss, "In Love, But Not At Peace" by Dar Williams, and "A to B" by Matt Hires.
5. Your favorite TV show of the year?
Psych, White Collar, and Doctor Who!
6. Your favorite online fandom community of the year?
LJ and Twitter. Still. I know there was all this hoopla over DW and AO3, but I still get the most enjoyment out of my home here on LJ and the awesome people I follow on Twitter.
7. Your best new fandom discovery of the year?
Sherlock happened this year, which was cool, although the fandom itself doesn't totally appeal to me. most of the fic people write doesn't appeal to me, and I frequently find myself frustrated by the "newness" of most people in fandom. I figured, with a source as old as the original Holmes stories, the fandom would be mature, but there's a lot of frustrating pitfalls and annoying people who have clearly never been in a fandom before and don't seem to understand the taboos. I'm just too old for that shit, guys.
8. Your biggest fandom disappointment of the year?
See above re: Sherlock fandom. Also, Gwen-bashing really got to me this year, and also the announcement and resulting fallout of TW S4 has really bothered me at times. I know that's my own thing to work through but... yeah.
9. Your TV boyfriend of the year?
Ianto Jones and Burton Guster, dudes.
10. Your TV girlfriend of the year?
Penelope Garcia, Gwen Cooper, Amy Pond
11. Your biggest squee moment of the year?
The finale of S5 of Who, for SERIOUS. Oh my god. It STILL makes me happy to think about it ♥
12. The most missed of your old fandoms?
SGA. I'm still angry about how it ended. I miss how it used to be. Both canon and fandom. Fandom really disappointed me in the end, because I felt like all the fun was gone. People weren't being silly and ridiculous, they just wanted to talk about Real World Serious Issues. I am not in fandom to talk about Real World Serious Issues, guys.
Also, I wish TWW wasn't so decentralized. I wish more people were still invested in it as a fandom.
13. The fandom you haven’t tried yet, but want to?
Hm. Nothing I can think of. I still have to write Chuck Kid/Chubs for Becca?
14. Your biggest fan anticipations for the New Year?
New White Collar! NEW WHO! Dragon*Con and seeing people again! FANGIRL POTLUCK PARTY! Spending more time having fun with you dudes!
***
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Moved to Boston! On my own! Away from home! I also finished a fic over 20k words, quit my job, and did all sorts of other things, I'm sure.
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year I resolved to write more and see more of my friends. I think I did both of those things pretty satisfactorily! Here are my resolutions for next year:
• GET A JOB
• Finish my YA or MG novel
• Continue to see more of my friends
• Try not to let stupid shit get to me as much
• Learn something new! A craft, a class, a dance, whatever.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Christina, who worked with me at B&N, and two of quatredeathlady's friends, who I sort of know.
Did anyone close to you die?
Ahaha, not yet :\
What countries did you visit?
Just Canada. I saw scrollgirl back in February!
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A job. For serious. A little more financial security. Maybe a ladyfriend!
What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Oh man! Um, Fangirls Gone Wild! Fangirl Tea Party! 4th of July Weekend! August 15th, when I moved here! Dragon*Con!
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to Boston!
What was your biggest failure?
I still don't have a job, and that rankles :\ I try not to think about it too much, but... yeah. I want to continue leading the life I've been leading since August, and that requires a regular source of income.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Oh man. Let's see. Back in... July? I was in the hospital for the same mysterious illness that crippled me on Inauguration Day in 2009. That was fun. In June, I flew out to New Mexico for my friends' wedding and the altitude sickness brought several other ailments to my attention when I came back home, most notably stress-induced TMJ that fucked up my shoulders and neck as well. GOOD TIMES. Becca and I passed the plague back and forth for a little while.
What was the best thing you bought?
Does rent count? That and plane tickets to D*Con! Doctor Who S5! Some other stuff, I'm sure!
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My awesome, awesome friends. (Same answer as last year!)
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some jerks on the internet. Some jerks in the government. Some jerks in the country projecting their crazy ass radical opinions on the rest of the country.
Where did most of your money go?
Grown-up type stuff (rent, utilities, groceries) and car repairs :(
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
An apartment! Here! In Somerville! With mcwonthelottery!
What song will always remind you of 2010?
Um. Let's check Last.fm! Allie Moss' "Melancholy Astronautic Man," Matt Hires' "A to B," Iron and Wine's "The Trapeze Swinger," April Smith's "Colors."
Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? SO MUCH HAPPIER. I can't even.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner, I think. (In other, unrelated news, my menstural cycle must have been LIKE CLOCKWORK, because I was also on my period the last time I filled out this survey.)
c) richer or poorer? A LOT poorer, but I'm working on that.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. Baking. Sleeping. Hanging out with peeps. Having a job?
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being depressed. Not having a job.
Did you fall in love in 2010?
With books, characters, food, presents, teevee shows, and the occasional inanimate object. Not with a lady, no. (Same answer as last year.)
What was your favorite TV program?
My favorite on-air teevee shows were Psych, White Collar, Doctor Who, and Sherlock. I spent a lot of time watching CriMinds on dvd and just got into The Big Bang Theory.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hm. Not hate, no. There are people I'm not pleased with.
What was the best book you read?
Oh Jeez. This one is always hard. Skulduggery Pleasant: Mortal Coil and Dark Days by Derek Landy. Fat Vampire by Adam Rex. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
April Smith. Allie Moss? (Maybe that was last year. I mean, I've had a crush on Allie since I first saw her at an Ingrid show YEARS ago, but I think I only got her EP in like, January?)
What did you want and get?
I got a nice apartment and a wonderful roommate. And all manner of material things.
What did you want and not get?
A ladyfriend, a job.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Toy Story 3, The Crazies
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25. I have no memory of what we actually did to celebrate? I think some people might have come over? Not many, I'd imagine. People don't like coming out to Jersey if they can help it. I probably went to SoGo with my family.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A JOB. SERIOUSLY. A JOB.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Um, slightly disheveled secretary? Pencil skirts, waistcoats, blouses. I didn't wear pants if I could help it.
What kept you sane?
You guys ♥ mcwonthelottery specifically. Also all the Jen(n)s, Sherri, Ivy, Margaret, Joni, Nicole, my parents and extended family (once I had moved). Also, CriMinds on DVD, Doctor Who S5, and cookies.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Let's see. Penelope Garcia, first off, and the whole cast of Who S5 and Ianto and Eve and Burton Guster.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Healthcare. Jesus fuck. And gay shit. The usual.
Who did you miss?
Pretty much everyone when they are not right next to me. Everyone I left behind when I moved. Everyone here before I moved. Everyone I hung out with at con and then had to leave behind. The usual. My parents, a lot, these past few months.
Who was the best new person you met?
I met SO MANY NEW PEOPLE THIS YEAR. I can't even begin to tell you guys. In order, solsticezero and brilligspoons and paper_tzipporah and momebie and barbed_whispers and dremiel and such_heights and chicleeblair. And that's only counting people I met in person!
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Sometimes it's worth it to do slightly crazy risky things, even if you're scared. Also, before you start to apply logic to something, pick up your drink.
Quote a song that sums up your year:
It's a sad and a strange thing.
But it's time and I am changing.
Into something good or bad, well that's your guess.
I'm my own sovereign nation,
Dedicated to a transformation,
Marching on with this target on my chest, oh yes
--Dar Williams, "It's Alright"
***
Overall, 2010 has been a landmark year for me. It was great emotionally and personally, and I feel shitty because a lot of horrible things have happened to the people I care about, but I can't let that get in the way of my own happiness.
I left a toxic environment, even though I really liked my job (past tense), I made a scary but necessary move. I've mostly survived on my own and I'm making strides to survive on my own fully by this time next year. I have the best roommate in the world and a pretty excellent and lucky life.
I saw so many people this year, both for the first time and not. I made tons and tons of fandom connections and had so many conversations and squeefests with you guys, both in person and online. It's been really wonderful, and I'd like for that to continue into the new year.
If 2011 is half as good as 2010 was, I'll be supremely happy, but I really hope it will exceed it.
Cheers, guys ♥