Happy New Year!
Okay, yeah, I'm a few days late, I know. I've been working on my "What the heck did I do over the last year?" post for the better part of a week now. *shrug* It takes me a while to evaluate.
I snarfed this from suzvoy, because it helped me define some of the questions I was trying to ask of myself. Also, it looked interesting. So. What the heck *did* I do in 2008?
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
*SO* many things, all of them fannish. Interesting what that says about my life, no?
- worked on a filk con
- attended a filk con
- flew to Toronto (to do the previous item)
- went on a set tour
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and have you made more for 2009?
Generally, I don't make New Years' resolutions. Cuz, self-defeating much? That way lies madness.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Several of my co-workers had babies in 2008, and my ex-sis-in-law; I can't really think of anyone I would consider close to me having babies this year.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, thank god. A reprieve.
5. What countries did you visit?
Uhm. I went to the US. Though, Ontario felt like another country. *grin*
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Well, I would never turn down a winning lottery ticket *snerk*.
Overall, I really can't complain. After some of the crap that has gone down the last few years, 2008 was relatively placid for me (even with the money woes and such) and I have been blessed. I've got a lot to be grateful for.
If I could have one thing I think It would be a zero credit card balance. That would be *great*!
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
It's actually *good* things!
June 2008 - my 1st born Graduated! (which also makes me feel old, but whatever)
September 2008 - The Save Our Stargate Atlantis! rally outside the Bridge - I got the triple whammy of A) meeting some very freakin' cool people that I am still in contact with B) meeting my super sekrit boifriend Rodney McKay David Hewlett and C) getting to tour the Atlantis set.
To tell you the complete truth, I'm *still* in shock over that. That was *AWESOME* so far beyond the telling of it that there are simply no words to express. Seriously. Just... none. OMGWTFBBQ SQUEEEEE! *ahem*
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
That's hard to say, really. There weren't any amazing goals I reached - but oh! I know - I did my first ever concert slot at Norwescon in 2008, that was really cool. I suppose it's not really a big huge deal, but it was for me. Mostly because I was honestly expecting just the people I knew to be there - maybe 8 or 10 people at the most. As I recall, the room was FULL and people seemed to actually enjoy it - I think they clapped. I honestly kinda blanked out, though hsifyppah later assured me that I presented very well. I just have no recollection of exactly what I said and did.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I've been working on a fic called "A Road Travelled, More or Less" for over a year. It's probably going to be the best thing I've ever written when I get it done. I'm guessing that it's going to be somewhere around 70,000 words all told, because I'm barely scratching the surface pushing 20,000 words. BUT. I've deleted more words than I've written. I'm not happy about this.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah. Right before the Browncoat Fundraiser Shindig in June, I hurt my elbow, or so I thought. I had to do a concert, and setting up was hell - playing was painful. I realized within a week that I actually had tendinitis. That SUCKED. Sucked HARD. It took about 2 months before I wasn't in pain every time I tried to do something simple with my arm or wrist. Turning a frickin' DOORKNOB was painful. Ow.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The best thing that I bought this year would have to be my terabyte drive. That gave me joy beyond the telling of it.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My Girly Girl who brought home excellent report cards this year - she's doing really well in class and getting her work done - such improvements on a few short years ago.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Ugh. All the election crap in both Canada and the US just drives me around the bend. All sides make me crazy cuz EVERYBODY gets into slinging mud and I just wanna SLAP them all.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent. Food. car repairs. *sigh*
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Did you read the part about when I got to meet my super sekrit boifriend Rodney McKay David Hewlett? Yeah. That.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
I've never really associated music with years; decades, maybe, but not years. Though, possibly, pondside's album Not Just Lullabies From Planet Earth will remind me of 2008. She recorded two songs that I wrote, and I even got to sing harmonies for her on one of them. Not only that, Jazzy did a piece of artwork that ended up on the disk itself. So. Pretty frickin' awesome.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- Happier or sadder? I would say a hint toward happier, though basically the same. It's tough right now since it's the anniversary of my mom's death and that was really hard, so this time is going to be bittersweet for me for a number of years to come I think.
- Thinner or fatter? God. I hope at least the same, but I have no idea.
- Richer or poorer? Eh. Poorer in that I am further in debt. Gah.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Write.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
procrastinating about the things that need to be done.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Hanging here at home with the kids. We were pretty much snowed in (Vancouver shuts down at the first sign of snow, it's kind of amusing)
Christmas day I got up an made breakfast (pancakes, bacon, whipped cream, blueberries) then after several cups of coffee, sat and watched the kids open their prezzies. In the afternoon, the littles went with their dad to his mom's place for dinner; Jazzy and I stayed home and mellowed out. Very low key.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I actually don't talk a lot on the phone. It's a toss up - I talked to my son's tutor a lot; weekly, since she comes over while I'm still at work and we discuss the lessons and any problems with his work or attitude afterward.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Oi. No. I'm faithful to my Rodney! *snicker*
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
::glances around::
You know, if you REALLY want an answer to this question, you're going to have to talk to my privately.
*blush*
24. What was your favourite TV programme?
OMG. If you DON'T know the answer to this question, you clearly DON'T read my LJ. WTF are you doing reading this 2008 Meme for godsake? Shhhyeah. Whatever.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Don't think so.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I'm so far behind in reading paper books; I've been reading fic. It the tie-ins were as good as fanfic, it would help a lot.
I *think* the last book I read was White Knight by jimbutcher. I've got the next one, Small Favor in my bag.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I think it was the Coda Soundtrack that a fanfic writer put together to accompany her AU McShep story. It was the most amazing collection of pieces, and I am *so* glad she did because I just adore everything on it. My favorite piece:
Exultation, for piano, HC 328
Player by Bradford Gowen
Composed by Henry Cowell
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted to meet David Hewlett one day - and I *did*! Wheee!
29. What did you want and not get?
To pay off all my credit card bills and get out of debt. Sadly, this did not happen.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
Iron Man
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my birthday I went to a Christmas party and invited a few friends. I was old enough to know better and young enough to do it again.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
And again I go back to getting more writing done. If I'd gotten that one damn story finished, I'd feel much more satisfied.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Fashion? What is this fashion you speak of? My fashion consists of putting on clothing and brushing my hair. Nothing fancy.
34. What kept you sane?
Sane? What is this sanity you speak of? Overall, I think getting away keeps me sane. I did get away. I went to cons, here in reality, and visiting other universes through books and fanfic. Funny how a little bit of craziness keeps you sane, hmm?
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Did I mention the whole David Hewlett thing? *grin*
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oi. Don't. Even. Go there. Oi.
37. Who did you miss?
My mom.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Oh, now that's really hard to call! The whole gaggle of fans that I met at the Bridge Rally would be the best! I think, though, I really connected with n7cdrsheppard when she was up here, and though we don't talk often, I really felt like we jived.
It's so annoying that I keep meeting these amazingly cool people that live so bloody far away!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008!
Huh. Not so much learned, since I already *knew* this, but just became reacquainted with in a close and personal way - nothing is permanent; nothing is as secure as it seems and nothing lasts forever. Appreciate what you have and be grateful for it while you've got it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Seize the Day
by Carolyn Arends
Well one thing I've noticed, wherever I wander
Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I'm trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I'm singing my songs off of any old stage
You can laugh if you want, I'll still say
chorus:
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
Fic List for 2008
Grist for the Mill
Gen. PG. Sheppard, McKay, Weir, Teyla
Note: Another fic based on my Fanon Poll!
Ficlet: All in the Fractured Family
Rated S for Snark. AU. Snippet.
Note: Comment fic written for the Snark-a-palooza!! comment fic fest. Parts 1-5 in comments
Fic: Just a Little Ritual
Gen. Team. G.
Note: So there was this pendant which led to this challenge. And then the ever-so-talented taste_is_sweet wrote a comment fic called I'm Not Wearing That in response - yay! You *REALLY* should read that one first... Then beadattitude got into the act with her comments and speculations, and the next thing I know, John started whispering in my ear about tutus and fairy wings. It's *so* not my fault.
Action Figure Theater: A Plan so Cunning...
Very Silly. Sparky. G.
Action Figure Theater: Life After
Very Silly. Sparky. G.
Action Figure Theater: A Walk in the Park
Very Silly. Sparky. G.
Cookie!crackfic A
Cookie!crackfic B
Between Friends
McShep. NC-17
Fics in 2007
Drabble: Hands
Pre-slash. McShep. G.
First SGA piece I ever wrote. First slash piece I ever wrote. First McShep piece I ever wrote.
Not Your Everyday Care Package
G. McKay. Fluff.
McKay gets a kitten.
Musings of the Mad: We're Not Dead Yet
PG. Rodney McKay. Humour. The first of Rodney McKay's 'journal entries'.
Musings of the Mad: The Thin Line
PG13. Rodney McKay. Introspective angst, humour. The second of Rodney McKay's 'journal entries'.
Musings of the Mad: Hair of the Dog
G. Rodney McKay. Introspection, humour. The third of Rodney McKay's 'journal entries'.
Ashes
ANGST. PG13. McKay/Sheppard, McKay/Brown
Note: Written for skidmo_fic's Song Lyric Challenge.
Trouble
Pre-slash. Adult. Sequel to "Not Your Everyday Care Package"
Maximum McKay
Rodney McKay. G. Future fic. Kid!fic. No spoilers.
Right Where You Belong
McShep. NC 17
Note: Part of the Trouble With Kittens Series that the-cephalopod came up with; various and sundry ways that a troublesome kitten could lead Rodney and John to each other. You may wish to read Not your Everyday Care Package, Trouble and The Trouble With Kittens, Take One first.
Filks in 2008
John's Song
Note: My take on what was going on in the mind of one very overwhelmed Major John Sheppard during the first few months of the Atlantis Expedition.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Note: I think Rodney's in love with John. And I think he loves him too much to jeopardize John's career.
Who Are You People?
**Written at the Norwescon 31 songwriting panel by shaddyr, hsifyppah, banjoplayinnerd and Steve Dixon
Filk in 2007
Atlantis shines
Find the .mp3 here.
http://shaddyr.livejournal.com/177503.html
So. That's the creative stuff I've done this year and last. Hmm. I did a bit more than I realized when I looked back at 2007 as well. Here's hoping for more output in 2009!
I snarfed this from suzvoy, because it helped me define some of the questions I was trying to ask of myself. Also, it looked interesting. So. What the heck *did* I do in 2008?
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
*SO* many things, all of them fannish. Interesting what that says about my life, no?
- worked on a filk con
- attended a filk con
- flew to Toronto (to do the previous item)
- went on a set tour
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and have you made more for 2009?
Generally, I don't make New Years' resolutions. Cuz, self-defeating much? That way lies madness.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Several of my co-workers had babies in 2008, and my ex-sis-in-law; I can't really think of anyone I would consider close to me having babies this year.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, thank god. A reprieve.
5. What countries did you visit?
Uhm. I went to the US. Though, Ontario felt like another country. *grin*
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Well, I would never turn down a winning lottery ticket *snerk*.
Overall, I really can't complain. After some of the crap that has gone down the last few years, 2008 was relatively placid for me (even with the money woes and such) and I have been blessed. I've got a lot to be grateful for.
If I could have one thing I think It would be a zero credit card balance. That would be *great*!
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
It's actually *good* things!
June 2008 - my 1st born Graduated! (which also makes me feel old, but whatever)
September 2008 - The Save Our Stargate Atlantis! rally outside the Bridge - I got the triple whammy of A) meeting some very freakin' cool people that I am still in contact with B) meeting my super sekrit boifriend Rodney McKay David Hewlett and C) getting to tour the Atlantis set.
To tell you the complete truth, I'm *still* in shock over that. That was *AWESOME* so far beyond the telling of it that there are simply no words to express. Seriously. Just... none. OMGWTFBBQ SQUEEEEE! *ahem*
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
That's hard to say, really. There weren't any amazing goals I reached - but oh! I know - I did my first ever concert slot at Norwescon in 2008, that was really cool. I suppose it's not really a big huge deal, but it was for me. Mostly because I was honestly expecting just the people I knew to be there - maybe 8 or 10 people at the most. As I recall, the room was FULL and people seemed to actually enjoy it - I think they clapped. I honestly kinda blanked out, though hsifyppah later assured me that I presented very well. I just have no recollection of exactly what I said and did.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I've been working on a fic called "A Road Travelled, More or Less" for over a year. It's probably going to be the best thing I've ever written when I get it done. I'm guessing that it's going to be somewhere around 70,000 words all told, because I'm barely scratching the surface pushing 20,000 words. BUT. I've deleted more words than I've written. I'm not happy about this.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah. Right before the Browncoat Fundraiser Shindig in June, I hurt my elbow, or so I thought. I had to do a concert, and setting up was hell - playing was painful. I realized within a week that I actually had tendinitis. That SUCKED. Sucked HARD. It took about 2 months before I wasn't in pain every time I tried to do something simple with my arm or wrist. Turning a frickin' DOORKNOB was painful. Ow.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
The best thing that I bought this year would have to be my terabyte drive. That gave me joy beyond the telling of it.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My Girly Girl who brought home excellent report cards this year - she's doing really well in class and getting her work done - such improvements on a few short years ago.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Ugh. All the election crap in both Canada and the US just drives me around the bend. All sides make me crazy cuz EVERYBODY gets into slinging mud and I just wanna SLAP them all.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent. Food. car repairs. *sigh*
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Did you read the part about when I got to meet my super sekrit boifriend Rodney McKay David Hewlett? Yeah. That.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
I've never really associated music with years; decades, maybe, but not years. Though, possibly, pondside's album Not Just Lullabies From Planet Earth will remind me of 2008. She recorded two songs that I wrote, and I even got to sing harmonies for her on one of them. Not only that, Jazzy did a piece of artwork that ended up on the disk itself. So. Pretty frickin' awesome.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- Happier or sadder? I would say a hint toward happier, though basically the same. It's tough right now since it's the anniversary of my mom's death and that was really hard, so this time is going to be bittersweet for me for a number of years to come I think.
- Thinner or fatter? God. I hope at least the same, but I have no idea.
- Richer or poorer? Eh. Poorer in that I am further in debt. Gah.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Write.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
procrastinating about the things that need to be done.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Hanging here at home with the kids. We were pretty much snowed in (Vancouver shuts down at the first sign of snow, it's kind of amusing)
Christmas day I got up an made breakfast (pancakes, bacon, whipped cream, blueberries) then after several cups of coffee, sat and watched the kids open their prezzies. In the afternoon, the littles went with their dad to his mom's place for dinner; Jazzy and I stayed home and mellowed out. Very low key.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I actually don't talk a lot on the phone. It's a toss up - I talked to my son's tutor a lot; weekly, since she comes over while I'm still at work and we discuss the lessons and any problems with his work or attitude afterward.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Oi. No. I'm faithful to my Rodney! *snicker*
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
::glances around::
You know, if you REALLY want an answer to this question, you're going to have to talk to my privately.
*blush*
24. What was your favourite TV programme?
OMG. If you DON'T know the answer to this question, you clearly DON'T read my LJ. WTF are you doing reading this 2008 Meme for godsake? Shhhyeah. Whatever.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Don't think so.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I'm so far behind in reading paper books; I've been reading fic. It the tie-ins were as good as fanfic, it would help a lot.
I *think* the last book I read was White Knight by jimbutcher. I've got the next one, Small Favor in my bag.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I think it was the Coda Soundtrack that a fanfic writer put together to accompany her AU McShep story. It was the most amazing collection of pieces, and I am *so* glad she did because I just adore everything on it. My favorite piece:
Exultation, for piano, HC 328
Player by Bradford Gowen
Composed by Henry Cowell
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted to meet David Hewlett one day - and I *did*! Wheee!
29. What did you want and not get?
To pay off all my credit card bills and get out of debt. Sadly, this did not happen.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
Iron Man
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my birthday I went to a Christmas party and invited a few friends. I was old enough to know better and young enough to do it again.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
And again I go back to getting more writing done. If I'd gotten that one damn story finished, I'd feel much more satisfied.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Fashion? What is this fashion you speak of? My fashion consists of putting on clothing and brushing my hair. Nothing fancy.
34. What kept you sane?
Sane? What is this sanity you speak of? Overall, I think getting away keeps me sane. I did get away. I went to cons, here in reality, and visiting other universes through books and fanfic. Funny how a little bit of craziness keeps you sane, hmm?
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Did I mention the whole David Hewlett thing? *grin*
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oi. Don't. Even. Go there. Oi.
37. Who did you miss?
My mom.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Oh, now that's really hard to call! The whole gaggle of fans that I met at the Bridge Rally would be the best! I think, though, I really connected with n7cdrsheppard when she was up here, and though we don't talk often, I really felt like we jived.
It's so annoying that I keep meeting these amazingly cool people that live so bloody far away!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008!
Huh. Not so much learned, since I already *knew* this, but just became reacquainted with in a close and personal way - nothing is permanent; nothing is as secure as it seems and nothing lasts forever. Appreciate what you have and be grateful for it while you've got it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Seize the Day
by Carolyn Arends
Well one thing I've noticed, wherever I wander
Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I'm trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I'm singing my songs off of any old stage
You can laugh if you want, I'll still say
chorus:
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
Fic List for 2008
Grist for the Mill
Gen. PG. Sheppard, McKay, Weir, Teyla
Note: Another fic based on my Fanon Poll!
Ficlet: All in the Fractured Family
Rated S for Snark. AU. Snippet.
Note: Comment fic written for the Snark-a-palooza!! comment fic fest. Parts 1-5 in comments
Fic: Just a Little Ritual
Gen. Team. G.
Note: So there was this pendant which led to this challenge. And then the ever-so-talented taste_is_sweet wrote a comment fic called I'm Not Wearing That in response - yay! You *REALLY* should read that one first... Then beadattitude got into the act with her comments and speculations, and the next thing I know, John started whispering in my ear about tutus and fairy wings. It's *so* not my fault.
Action Figure Theater: A Plan so Cunning...
Very Silly. Sparky. G.
Action Figure Theater: Life After
Very Silly. Sparky. G.
Action Figure Theater: A Walk in the Park
Very Silly. Sparky. G.
Cookie!crackfic A
Cookie!crackfic B
Between Friends
McShep. NC-17
Fics in 2007
Drabble: Hands
Pre-slash. McShep. G.
First SGA piece I ever wrote. First slash piece I ever wrote. First McShep piece I ever wrote.
Not Your Everyday Care Package
G. McKay. Fluff.
McKay gets a kitten.
Musings of the Mad: We're Not Dead Yet
PG. Rodney McKay. Humour. The first of Rodney McKay's 'journal entries'.
Musings of the Mad: The Thin Line
PG13. Rodney McKay. Introspective angst, humour. The second of Rodney McKay's 'journal entries'.
Musings of the Mad: Hair of the Dog
G. Rodney McKay. Introspection, humour. The third of Rodney McKay's 'journal entries'.
Ashes
ANGST. PG13. McKay/Sheppard, McKay/Brown
Note: Written for skidmo_fic's Song Lyric Challenge.
Trouble
Pre-slash. Adult. Sequel to "Not Your Everyday Care Package"
Maximum McKay
Rodney McKay. G. Future fic. Kid!fic. No spoilers.
Right Where You Belong
McShep. NC 17
Note: Part of the Trouble With Kittens Series that the-cephalopod came up with; various and sundry ways that a troublesome kitten could lead Rodney and John to each other. You may wish to read Not your Everyday Care Package, Trouble and The Trouble With Kittens, Take One first.
Filks in 2008
John's Song
Note: My take on what was going on in the mind of one very overwhelmed Major John Sheppard during the first few months of the Atlantis Expedition.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Note: I think Rodney's in love with John. And I think he loves him too much to jeopardize John's career.
Who Are You People?
**Written at the Norwescon 31 songwriting panel by shaddyr, hsifyppah, banjoplayinnerd and Steve Dixon
Filk in 2007
Atlantis shines
Find the .mp3 here.
http://shaddyr.livejournal.com/177503.html
So. That's the creative stuff I've done this year and last. Hmm. I did a bit more than I realized when I looked back at 2007 as well. Here's hoping for more output in 2009!