Shelby's Life and Whatnot

A New Year Meme

This one's long. Click below if you dare.

1. What did you do in 2004 that you’d never done before?

What a year this has been. Two major things are living in a foreign country and buying my first house.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't do resolutions--I do goals. Some I met, some I didn't. Some were out of control, like the 7 graduate schools who rejected me. Some were of my own doing.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Actually, no. After the Baby-O-Rama of 2002 people seem to have slowed down. Oh, a woman in my book club had a daughter. Other than that, nobody.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully no.

5. What countries did you visit?

Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, England, Ireland--it was a big travel year.

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?

A publishing contract.

7. What dates from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Specific dates don't come to mind. Just things like going to Germany the first week of February, coming back to San Francisco for Hai-Nhu's wedding in June, going to Holland in April and England and Ireland in July, returning to the US in July, and moving into our new home in November.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Buying our first home.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not getting into graduate school. I'll admit it--it hurt. But I think it's all for the best.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Compared to the Hell that 2002 was, this year was quite mild. But yes, I'm a serious klutz so there were battered and bruised moments like tripping over Scout and falling off of the stepstool. I also had a major intestinal infection that necessitated calling an ambulance in Germany and looking up the phrase "Bloody diarhea" in the dictionary. I also experienced plantar faciitis in my feet, which lead to another doctor visit in Germany. But really my health has been quite good, particularly given my history. I have no complaints.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

You know, we went on a serious spending spree this year so it's hard to narrow it down to one thing, but I think that the money spent on our European travel was the best money we spent this year. Also buying the house.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Kevin's, for his unbelievable patience and flexibility. And my parents, for putting up with us living in their house for 3 months (which was 2 months longer that what I'd planned). I had honestly thought living with my folks was going to be seriously stressful, but it actually worked out quite well and I think we even became closer as a result of it. We certainly drank a lot of really good wine while we were there.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed disgusted?

George W. Bush. Also Howard Dean, my candidate who blew it all. And I wasn't entirely thrilled with John Kerry either, though he really earned my vote as the campaign progressed.

14. Where did most of your money go?

This new house, followed closely by foreign travel.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Moving to Germany, although I was simulataneously terrified by it. And buying this house. I know, I'm like a one-trick pony on this subject but come one, how many people live in Europe for half the year and then buy their first home after that?

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?

Deb Talan's Unraveling

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? definitely happier
b) thinner or fatter? *sigh*
c) richer or poorer? poorer, due to (let's say it all together now) buying the house and traveling.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I really wish I had made more of an effort to put myself out there and practice my German, no matter how many mistakes I might make. If you've been reading along, you'd know that the language barrier was the biggest issue I faced in Germany. I just felt so insecure about it--like I shouldn't even try to speak because it wasn't perfect. I wish I could have gotten over that more and tried to connect with more people.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Sleeping. I sleep a lot.

20. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?

Already spent it--half the night with David and Chelsea (David is Kevin's friend from Jr. High and high school), then ringing in the new year at my parent's.

21. Did you fall in love in 2004?

I fall in love with Kevin every day of my life. Just when I think I couldn't love him more, I do.

22. How many one-night stands?

Okay, that's called adultery and no, it didn't happen.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

My tv has been very limited this year, as it has been in previous years, but I'd have to say either Law and Order or Six Feet Under.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, I've hated John Ashcroft for years.

25. What was the best book you read?

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

The extended works of Deb Talan

27. What did you want and get?

Antique Victorian pen stands. And a bunch of other stuff including a new computer and everything we bought in Europe.

28. What did you want and not get?

A big-ass lottery win.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

Probably Whale Rider.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 31 and it was pretty low-key. Kevin got me a few presents and we went out to eat. It was while we were in Germany and it seemed like the whole year was one big birthday present.

31.What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?

I don't know. I was very happy with this year. My first instinct would be to say that I wish I'd gotten into grad school, but looking at how the rest of the year turned out, I don't have any regrets about that. I think this is where and what I'm meant to be.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?

Casual and comfy

33. What kept you sane?

The internet--staying connected with friends and family while I was in Germany.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Mmmm, I don't know. Naomi Watts?

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

John Kerry's presidential campaign.

36. Who did you miss?

I missed all of my friends and family while I was in Germany.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Dave

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004.

You don't need an MFA to be a successful writer.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Now you only dream in peaceful blue
The morning doesn't even scare you anymore
You are a phoenix with your feathers still a little wet
Baby, the ashes just look pretty on your eyes.

(taken from Mom With Attitude)