New Year's Meme I: a little early

[mousme]

Here we are, the latest instalment of the two New Year's memes I do every year.

What did you do in 2008 that you had never done before?

I climbed a mountain
I participated in a car-sharing service
I got to witness a Mountie award ceremony
I worked in Québec City (twice!)
I had my head shaved
I raised nearly $3,000 for a charity
I bicycled to work



Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I kept some of them, and not others.

I'm going to make more this year. :)

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Actually, I don't think so. All my friends had their kids a little earlier than that.

Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, unfortunately.

What countries did you visit?

France, and Vermont!

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

I'm pretty fulfilled, all things considered. I'd like to have a little more furniture (so that I can have people over!), and I'd like to have a little more spare time away from work.

I have plans to get most of what I'm lacking right now. Except maybe the spare time part.

What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I'm very bad with dates. I say this every year. Here are events that I remember, even when I can't remember the exact dates.

I remember Capricornucopia and Tarasmas.
I remember my first and second dates with BorderCrossing (and all the others, but those two were pretty memorable)
I remember climbing Camel's Hump with my friends.
I remember the Sommet de la Francophonie in Québec City.
I remember The Shindig.
November 19th was my one-year anniversary at the RCMP.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but I'm sure there's more.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I dunno. I don't think I achieved anything huge. Lots of small achievements, which is nice. The Shave to Save campaign was a big one. Otherwise? Lots of small things.

What was your biggest failure?

Eesh. Probably the abortive relationship with BorderCrossing. I never, ever saw the problems that she saw. I am apparently not all that perceptive.

What was the best thing you bought?

I got plenty of things that I really love. My dining room table stands out in my mind right now. :)

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing to write home about. A couple of minor colds, the odd migraine...

Whose behavior merited celebration?

bodhifox gets the medal this year, for dealing with weapons-grade levels of crazy with grace and aplomb, and for making his kids his priority even when the weapons-grade crazy made his own existence really difficult.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Canadian politics. Egads. The people in charge of world finances.

Where did most of your money go?

Rent, utilities, food and books. Oh, and furniture. Yay furniture!

What did you get really, really excited about?

My new apartment! Whee!

What song will always remind you of 2008?

I think it might be "1,2,3,4" by Feist.

Compared to this time last year, are you:

Happier or sadder? Happier, overall. Going through a momentary period of suck, but I'm pretty happy.

Thinner or fatter? About the same.

Richer or poorer? A wee bit richer.

How did you spend Christmas?

With family and friends, as always. I'll come back and update this when Christmas is over.

Did you fall in love in 2008?

Yeah.

How many 1-night stands?

I don't do one-night stands.

What was your favourite TV program?

Hmm. I think the first season of Heroes might qualify. I also acquired Jericho and Jeremiah and thoroughly enjoyed both.

What was the best book you read?

I can never answer this question. I read a lot. I really got a kick out of Marion Zimmer Bradley this year. She's the author who stands out in my mind.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

No discoveries this year, I'm afraid.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I still don't hate anyone. Not worth it.

What did you want and get?

A number of things that aren’t really quantifiable.

What did you want and not get?

Not much. 'Some spare time would have been nice.

What was your favourite film of this year?

I didn't see many movies this year. WALL*E stands out.

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

I turned 29 and spent the day with luvenditti.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I dunno. Maybe the world market not imploding would have been nice.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Brightly-coloured socks, and a relaxed business outfit for work.

What kept you sane?

My friends, my family, my cats (yes, I know!).

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I stopped paying attention to that sort of thing several years ago.

What political issue stirred you the most?

Elections! Peak oil! Climate change! Economic collapse! AAUGH!

Who did you miss?

All sorts of people. Too many to name here.

Who was the best new person you met?

So many new people, it's impossible to choose just one.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

You can absolutely choose your family.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Uh...

"It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine!"

:)