End of Year Survey: Year 2008
End of Year Survey
1. What did you do this year that you'd never done before?
2004: Went to Alaska. Twice. Planned my own Christmas.
2005: Went to Canada. Started a University. Had more than five separate Christmas's.
2006: Moved into an apartment alone. Went to Big Bend.
2007: Joined Milliways. Earned Bachelors of Arts. Started Master of Arts.
2008: Earned Masters of Arts. Employed in South Korea. Was given diamond ring.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2004: I didn't make one last year, but yes I'm going to make one this year. One for my weight and one for my poetry.
2005: I forgot I made one, but I'm twenty-five pounds lighter. And I'm still writing poetry.
2006: I really didn't make one last year.
2007: Ditto to 2006. Thinking on the having of one this year.
2008: I think I've stopped even considering them?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
2004: James's wife gave birth to tiny adorable Andrew.
2005: No babies that I know close to me this year.
2006: I know two people who had babied but not specifically close.
2007: Kathleen, Mandi, Christine and Geoffrey all had babies.
2008: Kathleen and Wendy. (Mandi is pregnant again. Eryn might deliver this year still.)
4. Did anyone close to you die?
2004: No. Well, yes. But only sort of. Sylvan.
2005: Phoenix Silvan Asheral Crow Thornhill.
2006: My paternal grandmother and Billy's maternal grandfather.
2007: No. Thank the goddess for small favors.
2008: Not so much with the dying this year either.
5. What countries did you visit?
2004: Though many trips, but never left the country. Went places in country, maybe I should plan for out next year?
2005: Canada
2006: I saw new states, but no new countries. I think I'm aimed at either Europe or Route 20 for this summer though.
2007: I saw New Orleans for the first time; and very likely agree it is its own little world.
2008: No new countries. I did visit Atlanta, GA and Colorado for the first times.
6. What would you like to have next year that you lacked in 2006/7?
2004: The ability to hold a job, while taking so much school. My novel finished/half-finished. Hard, but rewarding lessons in life.
2005: Hard, but rewarding lessons. To make it into the abroad programs.
2006: Faith. Grace. Romance.
2007: A Master's degree. Romance.
2008: Adventures in The Land of the Morning Calm.
7. What date from this year will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
2004:
May 13. Because I can't forget that Phoenix said it, even if he's amended it a million times.
May 26. Because Christine came back into my life.
December 9, 12:13 am. [censored].
2005:
July 16. I moved out of my house with Phoenix and into a place with Christine.
August 25. I became part of the St. Mary's student body.
November 28. Billy became an even more important part of my future.
December 22. Phoenix died in a drunk driving accident.
2006:
January 11: Met my brothers, for first time since being three, in California. And Dale!
April: I was painted up as an air spirit for ritual.
May: Moved my GPA above 3.0.
May 27: Winter approached me to meet and we had a bliss filled Renn day.
July 15: Moved into my own place.
December 22: Fourteen Mile Hike and South Rim of Big Bend.
2007:
Early February: Joined Milliways and FullMoonSwaps.
May 12: BA Graduation from College.
May 30: Masters classes started.
November: Joined RCG Facilitators.
December: Joined Cotes Founders group.
2008:
March 25: Met Kat in person for the first time.
August 30: Dragon Con, where I met a million awesome Milliways people.
October 15: Boulder Colorado, where I met a half dozen truly amazing pagan ljers.
October 25: Signed the contract to work and live in South Korea for fourteen months.
December 13: Master's Graduated from St. Mary's.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
2004: Love.
2005: St. Mary’s.
2006: Moving out alone. Making, but more importantly keeping, healthy decisions and boundaries.
2007: Bachelor of Arts Graduation and Masters enrollment.
2008: Master of Arts Graduation. Employment in South Korea as a teacher.
9. What was your biggest failure?
2004: Loosing Sylvan.
2005: The lack of grace and sanity in leaving Phoenix.
2006: Not working on my novel.
2007: Walking away.
2008: ...I don't think I have one.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
2004: One horrendous car accident I didn't die in.
2005: Nope. Not unless you count the break-up with Phoenix and the month I crawled inside myself.
2006: No real horrible illness to speak of.
2007: Nope. Nothing of this sort this year.
2008: Oh, lordy, yes. For two and half weeks in December, on graduation.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
2004: My education, spring and fall semesters.
2005: St. Mary’s.
2006: My apartment. My independence.
2007: My masters.
2008: My masters.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
2004: Carrie. For every hard hurdle she crossed and fear she's banished these last few months. So much pride in watching her and joy in knowing her.
2005: Tiffany. For everything from keeping me sane in August and in St. Mary's in general, to her growing pains with John and her complicated situations with boys and school.
2006: Winter. Because I was moved to near tears and fainting awe in the moment when he asked me to come meet him. Because he is the person I watch most struggle with their world and prevail in a ability to remain dignified, while overcoming personal challenges through diligence.
2007: Carrie. No matter how the world looks, she always reminds me that humanity at its worsening is still full of both beauty and hope. Always.
2008: Gordon. The month of December may not have rewritten all of the past, but it gave the future hope and proof.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
2004: Phoenix, Kris, Me, all for very different reasons.
2005: Phoenix and me. But only for two separate months in spring and summer.
2006: Christine, for all the reasons of June & July written extensively in the Roomie Letters of the period.
2007: The right person at all the wrong times.
2008: ...I don't think anyone fit this.
14. Where did most of your money go?
2004: My education. My school loan. My phone. My trips out of town.
2005: School loans from hell. My cell phone. My trips.
2006: St Mary’s. Billy. My apartment. Books. Bpal.
2007: School. My apartment. Book collection.
2008: School. My apartment.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
2004: Alaska. Christmas at my house.
2005: St. Mary’s and all things attached. Canada. Billy.
2006: My anniversary.
2007: BA Graduation. New Orleans.
2008: MA Graduation. Dragon!Con. Witchy Birthday Bash. Ring and laptop. Moving to Korea.
16. What song will always remind you of this year?
2004: Don't have one that fits the whole year yet, but I have one for the end of the year and this time in my life. Vienna, by Billy Joel.
2005: Season of Love.
2006: Breathe (2 am) by Anna Nalick....and another which title is elusive and I will update here.
2007: Unwritten
2008: All Will Be Well by Meg Barnhouse
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
2004...i. happier or sadder? Calmer and more at peace with who I am.
ii. thinner or fatter? I gained weight.
iii. richer or poorer? About the same and just as happy for it.
2005...
i. happier or sadder? Much, much happier, cleaner, and healthier than ever.
ii. thinner or fatter? I lost weight.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, but with large debts to pay when college ends.
2006...
i. happier or sadder? Still happier, cleaner, and healthier than ever.
ii. thinner or fatter? I lost a lot of weight.
iii. richer or poorer? Pulling in about even now that I'm supporting myself.
2007...
i. happier or sadder? Happier. The beginnings of this year wasn't so emotionally happy.
ii. thinner or fatter? I'm pretty consistently on par with a good unchanging spot.
iii. richer or poorer? I got by well on my pretty little school allowance and museum employment.
2008
i. happier or sadder? Happier. All the big hard work is done and it's time for new challenges.
ii. thinner or fatter? I gained a very little weight back.
iii. richer or poorer? I got by very well to manage all I did on how little I actually had.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
2004: Socializing. Writing my novel.
2005: Writing my novel.
2006: Traveling.
2007: Travel.
2008: Being social.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
2004: Nothing, it was all valuable, even the bad parts.
2005: Being afraid.
2006: Waiting. Wanting.
2007: Nothing really.
2008: Existed in a one-person box writing my thesis.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
2004: With a group of friends, around a tree in my house, drinking warm drinks and hopefully being really happy
2005: My post right before this covers this one a whole lot.
2006: Covered that a few posts ago, too, this year.
2007: Spent with my family, wishing I hadn't left my friends.
2008: Christmas was spent at Thanksgiving with my grandmother and cousin. Pre-Christmas was spent with Carrie's family and Billy's family. Christmas day was spent with my family, and then Gordon's family.
22. Did you fall in love this year?
2004: Yes, but only with the same people I'm already in love with.
2005: Yes.
2006: Still in love with Billy.
2007: Not with anyone new.
2008: Ditto to last year.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
2004: 1st, Alias and Jeremiah. 2nd, Enterprise and Gilmore Girls.
2005: Battlestar Galactica and Gilmore Girls; then Veronica Mars
2006: Battlestar Galactica and Heroes
2007: Heroes...and maybe Robin Hood, if we squint at the anachronism.
2008: Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, Fringe, Pushing Daisies, Middleman
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
2004: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2005: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2006: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2007: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2008: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
26. What was the best book you read?
2004: Only one? Omg. No way. I'll list a couple favs. Witch Queen, Jan Siegel, because it's got the most amazing ending. 1001 Ways to Be Romantic. Requiem for the Sun, Elizabeth Hayden. First Rider's Call, Kristen Britain. The Invitation, Oriah Mountain Dreamer. Kabuki, David Mack.
2005: The Troy Game series by Sara Douglass. It set my heart and soul free.
2006: Carey's "Sundering" Duology. Sexy Witch by LaSara Firefox.
2007: The Tennant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. The Merchant of Venice. Leaves of Grass.
2008: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock. All things by Jhumpa Lahiri. Dreaming in Cuba by Christina Garcia.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
2004: Lacuna Coil. Kelly Clarkson.
2005: Dave Carter & Tracey Grammer
2006: Ani Difranco. Mediaeval Baebes. Stars. Xena.
2007: Abbi Spinner. Louisa John-Krol.
2008: Venna Teng. She Wants Revenge.
28. What did you want and get?
2004: Two trips to Alaska. One summer off. Romance. Education.
2005: St. Mary's. A trip out of the country. Love.
2006: To go see my family for Thanksgiving, and for Billy to come along.
2007: My diploma. A break up. A new travel. Christmas at moms.
2008: My MA diploma. A slow, patient growing relationship. To meet Milliwaysers and FullMoonSwap people. New camera, laptop, Skype phone.
29. What did you want and not get?
2004: A new computer. Blue jeans and tennis shoes. My novel at least one-third started. Sylvan to come back. A new George R.R. Martin or Carey book.
2005: Three specific books. Phoenix to be someone else. That death could be undone.
2006: Romance.
2007: Romance.
2008: Time to breathe and live during my thesis and comps.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
2004: No idea really. I had a few i liked, but none were favorites.
2005: Elizabethtown
2006: No real favorites this year.
2007: No main favorite. A nice serious like; Catch and Release.
2008: Where The Heart Is.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
2004: I turned 21. Day before there was a big party, in the new house, with tons of friends and a Kevin Smith movie day theme. At my birthday time Phoenix woke me up to gift me with a moonstone ring. Went out to dinner with my parents in a funny b-day hat and had my first official -and legal- drink of my life. Next day I came to school and during Speech class got cake, a present and sung Happy Birthday by Victoria.
2005: Dinner the night before with TJ. Phoenix broke another promise to me. Got great gifts from friends but couldn't take the ones from my SO. Went out to lunch with Christine, Warren and Phoenix and it was amazing. Started listening to Lolita on Cd in my car at TJ's request, which made me fall in love with words all over again. Did Government studying for finals. aisling12 made me a banner. Felt heartbroken because again my father never called, had dinner with Mom, Gordon and Phoenix.
2006: I turned twenty-three and learned that I couldn't go to London that morning. Billy made my day better though.
2007: Twenty four. I earned (and slash was given) an X-men #1 from 1963. Best paycheck/birthday gift of my life. Don't remember much else about the birthday on the whole, nor does the journal contain notes on it.
2008: Carly and Peter's Beltane party. Lunch with Gordon and Mom with a butterfly ceremony. There was a big dinner out (with My girl, Billy, Peter, Heather, Tiffany, Mike, Jo, Lilly, and Lavern) at Tong's Thai and showing of The National Acrobats of Taiwan. Followed by dessert and drinks at Landry's.
32.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
2004: Not loosing Sylvan. (.....i think I'm seeing a pattern.)
2005: Not having to learn to accept death as unchangeable.
2006: Travel. Romance. Being debt free.
2007: Cultured romance. Being debt free.
2008: Being debt free.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
2004: Blue jeans, t-shirts/thank tops, sandals. Bought an amazing knee-length, black, button-up sweater which I love.
2005: Blue jeans, fitted-shirts/tank tops, sandals.
2006: Blue jeans, fitted shirts, skirts, and flip flops.
2007: Skirts, slacks, low heels...and you know, the above mentioned at least two days a week.
2008: Skirts, slacks, camisoles, three inch heels, professional jackets.
34. What kept you sane?
2004: Traveling. Friends and Loves. Books. Writing.
2005: Tiffany.
2006: Moving away from Christine.
2007: Breaking up. Going to school.
2008: ...I'm not sure I always was during the last five months. Baring that, trelali.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
2004: Jennifer Garner (Alias and 13 Going on 30)
2005: Jennifer Garner, then Rachel McAdams
2006: This year it wasn't anyone.
2007: Lucy Griffiths.
2008: This year is wasn't anyone massively....minorly R Patz.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
2004: My very first election I was allowed to vote in. The homosexual marriage issues and the presidential choosing.
2005: The ban on gay marriage in Texas.
2006: Ban on Gay Marriage. The lessoning of protection for women's abortion or sexual mature decision. Murder of Saddam.
2007: Abortion and gay marriage. The murder of Benazir Bhutto.
2008: Presidential election and Proposition 8
37. Who did you miss?
2004: Whole year: James. Kris. Half year: Jenn. David.
2005: First half of the year: Kris. Second Half: Phoenix. Whole time: Jenn. David.
2006: Kris...James...Dale...Jenn, David.
2007: Jenn, David, Billy. Phoenix.
2008: Jenn, David, Kris.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
2004: I can be honest and say eight days ago this answer would have been different. In light of that, though? Sara.
2005: Torn between saying Billy and Mrs. Kersnowski.
2006: Crystal, Stephanie, and Victoria.
2007: Debbie.
2008: Li and Weaves.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year:
2004: Embrace your lessons for the good and bad.
2005: Death makes life precious.
2006: Being healthy emotionally is harder than being healthy physically, but just as worth while.
2007: The plan isn't as important as your emotional health. Walking away won't kill you.
2008: You can stick it out even when you want to quit. The world will be there when you stop.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
2004...
Slow down, you're doing fine
You can't be everything you want to be
Before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight
Tonight,...
Too bad but it's the life you lead
you're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong, you know
You can't always see when you're right. you're right
You've got your passion, you've got your pride
but don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you crazy child
and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile
it's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize..Vienna waits for you?
2005....
Love is a tangle wood tree in a bower of green
In a forest at dawn
Fair while the mockingbird sings, but she soon lifts her wings
And the music is gone
Young lovers in the tall grass with their hearts open wide
When the red summer poppies bloom
But love is a trackless domain and the rumor of rain
In the late afternoon
Love is an old root that creeps through the meadows of sleep
When the long shadows cast
Thin as a vagrant young vine, it encircles and twines
And it holds the heart fast
Catches dreamers in the wildwood with the stars in their eyes
And the moon in their tousled hair
But love is a light in the sky, and an unspoken lie
And a half-whispered prayer
2006....
Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe
There's a light at each end of this tunnel,
You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
2007....
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
2008.....
Fear is the brightest of signs
The shape of the boundary you leave behind
So sing all your questions to sleep
The answers are out there in the drowning deep
You've got a journey to make
There's your horizon to chase
Take the first sentence from the first entry of each month in 2008 the first sentence from the first entry of each month in 2008 and put it in a paragraph:
No writing, no reading, no gaming. 14valentines is a community that celebrates the first fourteen days in February. Yesterday I met all the side effects of my pain medication, and an understanding of why I could not drive or go to school on them. Today is not the exception. My day has been beautiful. Just kidding. Why, you ask? Today is Lughnasad or Lammas, beautiful first bounty harvest of golden sheaves and early fruits, celebrating the Lady of the Fields and the Lord of the Barley. Awesomer than awesome. I finally decided to give Firefox 3 a chance. Dear My Amazing Masked Writer, Thank you so much for writing me a story! ...because it's been brought to my attention that I haven't been posting.
Fanfic Inventory of the Year
Fanfic
Supernatural: Disjointed Parallel
Twilight: Five Times Edward Said Yes To Alice When She Was Still New, And The First Time He Didn't
(Yuletide fice TBA!)
1. What did you do this year that you'd never done before?
2004: Went to Alaska. Twice. Planned my own Christmas.
2005: Went to Canada. Started a University. Had more than five separate Christmas's.
2006: Moved into an apartment alone. Went to Big Bend.
2007: Joined Milliways. Earned Bachelors of Arts. Started Master of Arts.
2008: Earned Masters of Arts. Employed in South Korea. Was given diamond ring.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2004: I didn't make one last year, but yes I'm going to make one this year. One for my weight and one for my poetry.
2005: I forgot I made one, but I'm twenty-five pounds lighter. And I'm still writing poetry.
2006: I really didn't make one last year.
2007: Ditto to 2006. Thinking on the having of one this year.
2008: I think I've stopped even considering them?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
2004: James's wife gave birth to tiny adorable Andrew.
2005: No babies that I know close to me this year.
2006: I know two people who had babied but not specifically close.
2007: Kathleen, Mandi, Christine and Geoffrey all had babies.
2008: Kathleen and Wendy. (Mandi is pregnant again. Eryn might deliver this year still.)
4. Did anyone close to you die?
2004: No. Well, yes. But only sort of. Sylvan.
2005: Phoenix Silvan Asheral Crow Thornhill.
2006: My paternal grandmother and Billy's maternal grandfather.
2007: No. Thank the goddess for small favors.
2008: Not so much with the dying this year either.
5. What countries did you visit?
2004: Though many trips, but never left the country. Went places in country, maybe I should plan for out next year?
2005: Canada
2006: I saw new states, but no new countries. I think I'm aimed at either Europe or Route 20 for this summer though.
2007: I saw New Orleans for the first time; and very likely agree it is its own little world.
2008: No new countries. I did visit Atlanta, GA and Colorado for the first times.
6. What would you like to have next year that you lacked in 2006/7?
2004: The ability to hold a job, while taking so much school. My novel finished/half-finished. Hard, but rewarding lessons in life.
2005: Hard, but rewarding lessons. To make it into the abroad programs.
2006: Faith. Grace. Romance.
2007: A Master's degree. Romance.
2008: Adventures in The Land of the Morning Calm.
7. What date from this year will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
2004:
May 13. Because I can't forget that Phoenix said it, even if he's amended it a million times.
May 26. Because Christine came back into my life.
December 9, 12:13 am. [censored].
2005:
July 16. I moved out of my house with Phoenix and into a place with Christine.
August 25. I became part of the St. Mary's student body.
November 28. Billy became an even more important part of my future.
December 22. Phoenix died in a drunk driving accident.
2006:
January 11: Met my brothers, for first time since being three, in California. And Dale!
April: I was painted up as an air spirit for ritual.
May: Moved my GPA above 3.0.
May 27: Winter approached me to meet and we had a bliss filled Renn day.
July 15: Moved into my own place.
December 22: Fourteen Mile Hike and South Rim of Big Bend.
2007:
Early February: Joined Milliways and FullMoonSwaps.
May 12: BA Graduation from College.
May 30: Masters classes started.
November: Joined RCG Facilitators.
December: Joined Cotes Founders group.
2008:
March 25: Met Kat in person for the first time.
August 30: Dragon Con, where I met a million awesome Milliways people.
October 15: Boulder Colorado, where I met a half dozen truly amazing pagan ljers.
October 25: Signed the contract to work and live in South Korea for fourteen months.
December 13: Master's Graduated from St. Mary's.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
2004: Love.
2005: St. Mary’s.
2006: Moving out alone. Making, but more importantly keeping, healthy decisions and boundaries.
2007: Bachelor of Arts Graduation and Masters enrollment.
2008: Master of Arts Graduation. Employment in South Korea as a teacher.
9. What was your biggest failure?
2004: Loosing Sylvan.
2005: The lack of grace and sanity in leaving Phoenix.
2006: Not working on my novel.
2007: Walking away.
2008: ...I don't think I have one.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
2004: One horrendous car accident I didn't die in.
2005: Nope. Not unless you count the break-up with Phoenix and the month I crawled inside myself.
2006: No real horrible illness to speak of.
2007: Nope. Nothing of this sort this year.
2008: Oh, lordy, yes. For two and half weeks in December, on graduation.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
2004: My education, spring and fall semesters.
2005: St. Mary’s.
2006: My apartment. My independence.
2007: My masters.
2008: My masters.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
2004: Carrie. For every hard hurdle she crossed and fear she's banished these last few months. So much pride in watching her and joy in knowing her.
2005: Tiffany. For everything from keeping me sane in August and in St. Mary's in general, to her growing pains with John and her complicated situations with boys and school.
2006: Winter. Because I was moved to near tears and fainting awe in the moment when he asked me to come meet him. Because he is the person I watch most struggle with their world and prevail in a ability to remain dignified, while overcoming personal challenges through diligence.
2007: Carrie. No matter how the world looks, she always reminds me that humanity at its worsening is still full of both beauty and hope. Always.
2008: Gordon. The month of December may not have rewritten all of the past, but it gave the future hope and proof.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
2004: Phoenix, Kris, Me, all for very different reasons.
2005: Phoenix and me. But only for two separate months in spring and summer.
2006: Christine, for all the reasons of June & July written extensively in the Roomie Letters of the period.
2007: The right person at all the wrong times.
2008: ...I don't think anyone fit this.
14. Where did most of your money go?
2004: My education. My school loan. My phone. My trips out of town.
2005: School loans from hell. My cell phone. My trips.
2006: St Mary’s. Billy. My apartment. Books. Bpal.
2007: School. My apartment. Book collection.
2008: School. My apartment.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
2004: Alaska. Christmas at my house.
2005: St. Mary’s and all things attached. Canada. Billy.
2006: My anniversary.
2007: BA Graduation. New Orleans.
2008: MA Graduation. Dragon!Con. Witchy Birthday Bash. Ring and laptop. Moving to Korea.
16. What song will always remind you of this year?
2004: Don't have one that fits the whole year yet, but I have one for the end of the year and this time in my life. Vienna, by Billy Joel.
2005: Season of Love.
2006: Breathe (2 am) by Anna Nalick....and another which title is elusive and I will update here.
2007: Unwritten
2008: All Will Be Well by Meg Barnhouse
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
2004...i. happier or sadder? Calmer and more at peace with who I am.
ii. thinner or fatter? I gained weight.
iii. richer or poorer? About the same and just as happy for it.
2005...
i. happier or sadder? Much, much happier, cleaner, and healthier than ever.
ii. thinner or fatter? I lost weight.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, but with large debts to pay when college ends.
2006...
i. happier or sadder? Still happier, cleaner, and healthier than ever.
ii. thinner or fatter? I lost a lot of weight.
iii. richer or poorer? Pulling in about even now that I'm supporting myself.
2007...
i. happier or sadder? Happier. The beginnings of this year wasn't so emotionally happy.
ii. thinner or fatter? I'm pretty consistently on par with a good unchanging spot.
iii. richer or poorer? I got by well on my pretty little school allowance and museum employment.
2008
i. happier or sadder? Happier. All the big hard work is done and it's time for new challenges.
ii. thinner or fatter? I gained a very little weight back.
iii. richer or poorer? I got by very well to manage all I did on how little I actually had.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
2004: Socializing. Writing my novel.
2005: Writing my novel.
2006: Traveling.
2007: Travel.
2008: Being social.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
2004: Nothing, it was all valuable, even the bad parts.
2005: Being afraid.
2006: Waiting. Wanting.
2007: Nothing really.
2008: Existed in a one-person box writing my thesis.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
2004: With a group of friends, around a tree in my house, drinking warm drinks and hopefully being really happy
2005: My post right before this covers this one a whole lot.
2006: Covered that a few posts ago, too, this year.
2007: Spent with my family, wishing I hadn't left my friends.
2008: Christmas was spent at Thanksgiving with my grandmother and cousin. Pre-Christmas was spent with Carrie's family and Billy's family. Christmas day was spent with my family, and then Gordon's family.
22. Did you fall in love this year?
2004: Yes, but only with the same people I'm already in love with.
2005: Yes.
2006: Still in love with Billy.
2007: Not with anyone new.
2008: Ditto to last year.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
2004: 1st, Alias and Jeremiah. 2nd, Enterprise and Gilmore Girls.
2005: Battlestar Galactica and Gilmore Girls; then Veronica Mars
2006: Battlestar Galactica and Heroes
2007: Heroes...and maybe Robin Hood, if we squint at the anachronism.
2008: Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, Fringe, Pushing Daisies, Middleman
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
2004: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2005: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2006: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2007: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
2008: I don't hate anyone. I don't know how to and I don't want to learn to.
26. What was the best book you read?
2004: Only one? Omg. No way. I'll list a couple favs. Witch Queen, Jan Siegel, because it's got the most amazing ending. 1001 Ways to Be Romantic. Requiem for the Sun, Elizabeth Hayden. First Rider's Call, Kristen Britain. The Invitation, Oriah Mountain Dreamer. Kabuki, David Mack.
2005: The Troy Game series by Sara Douglass. It set my heart and soul free.
2006: Carey's "Sundering" Duology. Sexy Witch by LaSara Firefox.
2007: The Tennant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. The Merchant of Venice. Leaves of Grass.
2008: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock. All things by Jhumpa Lahiri. Dreaming in Cuba by Christina Garcia.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
2004: Lacuna Coil. Kelly Clarkson.
2005: Dave Carter & Tracey Grammer
2006: Ani Difranco. Mediaeval Baebes. Stars. Xena.
2007: Abbi Spinner. Louisa John-Krol.
2008: Venna Teng. She Wants Revenge.
28. What did you want and get?
2004: Two trips to Alaska. One summer off. Romance. Education.
2005: St. Mary's. A trip out of the country. Love.
2006: To go see my family for Thanksgiving, and for Billy to come along.
2007: My diploma. A break up. A new travel. Christmas at moms.
2008: My MA diploma. A slow, patient growing relationship. To meet Milliwaysers and FullMoonSwap people. New camera, laptop, Skype phone.
29. What did you want and not get?
2004: A new computer. Blue jeans and tennis shoes. My novel at least one-third started. Sylvan to come back. A new George R.R. Martin or Carey book.
2005: Three specific books. Phoenix to be someone else. That death could be undone.
2006: Romance.
2007: Romance.
2008: Time to breathe and live during my thesis and comps.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
2004: No idea really. I had a few i liked, but none were favorites.
2005: Elizabethtown
2006: No real favorites this year.
2007: No main favorite. A nice serious like; Catch and Release.
2008: Where The Heart Is.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
2004: I turned 21. Day before there was a big party, in the new house, with tons of friends and a Kevin Smith movie day theme. At my birthday time Phoenix woke me up to gift me with a moonstone ring. Went out to dinner with my parents in a funny b-day hat and had my first official -and legal- drink of my life. Next day I came to school and during Speech class got cake, a present and sung Happy Birthday by Victoria.
2005: Dinner the night before with TJ. Phoenix broke another promise to me. Got great gifts from friends but couldn't take the ones from my SO. Went out to lunch with Christine, Warren and Phoenix and it was amazing. Started listening to Lolita on Cd in my car at TJ's request, which made me fall in love with words all over again. Did Government studying for finals. aisling12 made me a banner. Felt heartbroken because again my father never called, had dinner with Mom, Gordon and Phoenix.
2006: I turned twenty-three and learned that I couldn't go to London that morning. Billy made my day better though.
2007: Twenty four. I earned (and slash was given) an X-men #1 from 1963. Best paycheck/birthday gift of my life. Don't remember much else about the birthday on the whole, nor does the journal contain notes on it.
2008: Carly and Peter's Beltane party. Lunch with Gordon and Mom with a butterfly ceremony. There was a big dinner out (with My girl, Billy, Peter, Heather, Tiffany, Mike, Jo, Lilly, and Lavern) at Tong's Thai and showing of The National Acrobats of Taiwan. Followed by dessert and drinks at Landry's.
32.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
2004: Not loosing Sylvan. (.....i think I'm seeing a pattern.)
2005: Not having to learn to accept death as unchangeable.
2006: Travel. Romance. Being debt free.
2007: Cultured romance. Being debt free.
2008: Being debt free.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
2004: Blue jeans, t-shirts/thank tops, sandals. Bought an amazing knee-length, black, button-up sweater which I love.
2005: Blue jeans, fitted-shirts/tank tops, sandals.
2006: Blue jeans, fitted shirts, skirts, and flip flops.
2007: Skirts, slacks, low heels...and you know, the above mentioned at least two days a week.
2008: Skirts, slacks, camisoles, three inch heels, professional jackets.
34. What kept you sane?
2004: Traveling. Friends and Loves. Books. Writing.
2005: Tiffany.
2006: Moving away from Christine.
2007: Breaking up. Going to school.
2008: ...I'm not sure I always was during the last five months. Baring that, trelali.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
2004: Jennifer Garner (Alias and 13 Going on 30)
2005: Jennifer Garner, then Rachel McAdams
2006: This year it wasn't anyone.
2007: Lucy Griffiths.
2008: This year is wasn't anyone massively....minorly R Patz.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
2004: My very first election I was allowed to vote in. The homosexual marriage issues and the presidential choosing.
2005: The ban on gay marriage in Texas.
2006: Ban on Gay Marriage. The lessoning of protection for women's abortion or sexual mature decision. Murder of Saddam.
2007: Abortion and gay marriage. The murder of Benazir Bhutto.
2008: Presidential election and Proposition 8
37. Who did you miss?
2004: Whole year: James. Kris. Half year: Jenn. David.
2005: First half of the year: Kris. Second Half: Phoenix. Whole time: Jenn. David.
2006: Kris...James...Dale...Jenn, David.
2007: Jenn, David, Billy. Phoenix.
2008: Jenn, David, Kris.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
2004: I can be honest and say eight days ago this answer would have been different. In light of that, though? Sara.
2005: Torn between saying Billy and Mrs. Kersnowski.
2006: Crystal, Stephanie, and Victoria.
2007: Debbie.
2008: Li and Weaves.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year:
2004: Embrace your lessons for the good and bad.
2005: Death makes life precious.
2006: Being healthy emotionally is harder than being healthy physically, but just as worth while.
2007: The plan isn't as important as your emotional health. Walking away won't kill you.
2008: You can stick it out even when you want to quit. The world will be there when you stop.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
2004...
Slow down, you're doing fine
You can't be everything you want to be
Before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight
Tonight,...
Too bad but it's the life you lead
you're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong, you know
You can't always see when you're right. you're right
You've got your passion, you've got your pride
but don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you crazy child
and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile
it's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize..Vienna waits for you?
2005....
Love is a tangle wood tree in a bower of green
In a forest at dawn
Fair while the mockingbird sings, but she soon lifts her wings
And the music is gone
Young lovers in the tall grass with their hearts open wide
When the red summer poppies bloom
But love is a trackless domain and the rumor of rain
In the late afternoon
Love is an old root that creeps through the meadows of sleep
When the long shadows cast
Thin as a vagrant young vine, it encircles and twines
And it holds the heart fast
Catches dreamers in the wildwood with the stars in their eyes
And the moon in their tousled hair
But love is a light in the sky, and an unspoken lie
And a half-whispered prayer
2006....
Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe
There's a light at each end of this tunnel,
You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
2007....
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
2008.....
Fear is the brightest of signs
The shape of the boundary you leave behind
So sing all your questions to sleep
The answers are out there in the drowning deep
You've got a journey to make
There's your horizon to chase
Take the first sentence from the first entry of each month in 2008 the first sentence from the first entry of each month in 2008 and put it in a paragraph:
No writing, no reading, no gaming. 14valentines is a community that celebrates the first fourteen days in February. Yesterday I met all the side effects of my pain medication, and an understanding of why I could not drive or go to school on them. Today is not the exception. My day has been beautiful. Just kidding. Why, you ask? Today is Lughnasad or Lammas, beautiful first bounty harvest of golden sheaves and early fruits, celebrating the Lady of the Fields and the Lord of the Barley. Awesomer than awesome. I finally decided to give Firefox 3 a chance. Dear My Amazing Masked Writer, Thank you so much for writing me a story! ...because it's been brought to my attention that I haven't been posting.
Fanfic Inventory of the Year
Fanfic
Supernatural: Disjointed Parallel
Twilight: Five Times Edward Said Yes To Alice When She Was Still New, And The First Time He Didn't
(Yuletide fice TBA!)