End of the Year meme 2009
1. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, & will you make more this year?
I’m sure I did, though I tend to make my New Year’s resolutions closer to the Chinese New Year. Actually, that’s not completely true. I tend to start thinking about them and putting some intent toward them around Yule, because I know we’re reaching the end of the year, it’s the return of the Sun and warmth and light, it’s my birthday, and it naturally leads me to think about what I want to change in my life. I don’t usually voice those resolutions at New Year’s, but continue quietly starting on them, planning things out, etc. The first few weeks of a new year are too crazy for me to think about serious changes. It’s like the first couple days after you bring a new baby home from the hospital. You’re so exhausted from the pregnancy and the preparation and the waiting and the labor, you can’t do anything but feed the baby and sleep, hoping someone else will feed you at some point.
Yes, I will make more “resolutions” this year, within my own unique way of looking at them. Essentially, I will continue to evaluate what I want in my life and what I want to get rid of in my life and I will work toward those desires. These things won’t be connected to the year 2009, per se, but will likely occur during that time. Also, I have a list of things to accomplish by July 2010, so many of those are my “resolutions” for right now.
2. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
3. What do you wish you'd done more or less of?
More writing. More making love. More cooking. More knitting-- more creating. More crafting, in the creative and spiritual sense. (I’m gonna have to agree with shyvioletgirl on this one.) and more gardening.
Also, less worrying, less spending unnecessarily, less consumption
4. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 36 and I co-hosted a 10 hour Yule celebration with brunch and a potluck dinner and a few presents and a fire-y ritual, and some general hanging out with wonderful people. The night before, my lovely daughter took me to dinner for my birthday.
5. What was the best thing you bought this year? Where did most of your money go?
hmmm. I think probably Melissa Etheridge’s album “Awakening” is my favorite of all the things I bought this year. Having been unemployed for most of the year, I haven’t bought much other than necessities for a while. Best thing I bought with someone else’s money? The new dishwasher my MIL sent us $$ to buy for Christmas. I loves it precious.
Most of our money went to basic living expenses: mortgage, utilities, insurance, groceries, gas. Most of our non-essential spending was eating out (more than we should be, that’s for sure).
6. What did you want and get?
More time with my BFFMagda (and I got that because she came over most every week this fall to have class and spend the night.) Good sex (which my loverly wife so kindly assisted with). Relief from my back and neck pains (not perfect, but better thanks to another round of PT). Third Degree – it was unexpected, but when you’re ready, you’re ready, and when the gods say NOW, you kinda want to listen. Continued love and happiness from my immediate family (wife and daughter) and my close chosen family (you all are the bestestest ever). Oh, and I got the news that next year I’ll be getting my first niece or nephew!!!!
7. What did you want and not get?
I wanted to pay off a bunch of our bills, but instead we haven’t paid most of them in 5-6 months and the collection calls are making us crazy.
I wanted to be more organized, healthier, and more productive than I was this time last year, and I’m totally not.
I wanted a closer relationship with my brothers, sisters-in-law, and dad. I think it’s getting better, but I still feel awkward, like I’m a stranger. It makes me sad.
8. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Steady income large enough to ACTUALLY cover all our expenses.
9. Did you do anything in 2008 for the 1st time?
calligraphy – I’m teaching myself and used calligraphy for a few cards and a gift toward the end of the year
Went on vacation with my MIL (that was an adventure)
Went on vacation with seven friends I’d never vacationed with before (4 adults and 3 kids)
Made a homemade apple pie
Went to a VALS meeting with Heather
Had one of my daughter’s teachers in the house for a school club event
Made three different flavored liqueurs
Watched all ten seasons of Stargate SG-1 (and totally fell in love with it)
Passengered in a car my daughter was driving
There’s probably more, but I can’t remember it at the moment.