This Year In Summary

Stolen from Maxie, hope ya don't mind girlie!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Well I grew a backbone and learned to say "no" every once in awhile. I created this blog and kept it up, despite my lack of motivation at times.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I never make resolutions at a time of year, I make them as I see fit. I've worked really hard to change my diet, exercise more, and not let people walk all over me. I think I've succeeded at these goals but all three require continuing attention.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, my sister did, and its been wonderful. Its funny how a baby can bring people closer together. My niece is adorable and I adore her. My sister is such a strong and wonderful person and her no nonsense approach to life and motherhood continually inspires me.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, thank goodness.

5. What countries did you visit? None, sadly. The US's tightened restrictions on the borders contributed to that, but I hope to make 2009 a more well traveled year. I haven't been to Victoria or Vancouver in ages.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? You know, I'd really love to have a PS3. I bought one for my ex on the day it came out, and we broke up soon after. I'm so exhausted on buying PS3s from that $1,000 experience. But it'd be nice to play Grand Theft Auto again. I have over 500 hours invested into GTA titles on PS2. I have GTAIV for XBOX 360, but haven't touched it. I'm not about to switch to fucking XBOX controls now. I have some tough decisions to make.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why? I would say the election, mostly because it was so tense, one of the biggest events in recent history, and I was wandering around downtown Seattle when it was "called". The insanity and celebrations, the breathless anticipation as it approached the hour...its just indescribable.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? This blog. For better or worse I put in that effort faithfully. I also repaired some familial relationships that were really important to me. The significance of that could not be explained in a mere blog post, but let's just say, it was something much bigger than me.

9. What was your biggest failure? This blog. JK. I don't feel as though I've failed here. But it was my intention to move back to the central Seattle area this year, and I failed to do that. Its okay though. I made a compromise, and I don't entirely regret it.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Injury? Hmmm. Bruises, as always. I have no depth perception whatsoever.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Oh my so many to consider. The Wii was a good purchase. So was the laptop cooling fan. The Sephora cosmetics were a good buy--always go quality, am I right, ladies? The conveyor belt sushi meals. A few albums worth mentioning. The diet Dr. Pepper Cherries and Chocolate, which is now discontinued, fuckers. Strivictin SD. The antibiotics BA DUM CRASH. Just kidding. The Absolut and Stoli that contributes to your guys' amusement daily though my blog. Oh and one special baby doll that pees AND poops that made a certain little girl the happiest kid in the world. That was awesome.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My sister's. Damn, that woman has matured, and it it helped a lot of my personal evolution over the past year. It never ceases to amaze me when people simply...grow up!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My ex boyfriend's. I was surprised how childish and emotional he could really get but...hey, love is complicated.

14. Where did most of your money go? Hmm. Good question. I should ask my wallet. Seriously though, I spend a lot on weed. Like....an amount that would make you people hate me. Other than that, I'm pretty economical. I limit myself to one fifth of vodka a week, I budget carefully to help support my extended family, and altogether I'm much more responsible than I've managed to be in the past. I feel I've made strides in that area this year.

15. What did you really, really, really get excited about? The announcement of Diablo 3 for PC. I've been waiting for that for YEARS!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Probably that stupid Nip/Tuck theme because it plays every five minutes when I watch Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia on FX's website. Also, probably anything by MIA, because I listened to her a lot this year.

17. Compared to this time last year are you: Happier? Yes, a thousand times yes. Thinner? Yes, but not as thin as I'd like, but I'm working really hard on that. I gained weight last year and went up to 150 pounds, thanks to my love of domestic beers. I'm down to 130 now and feeling much better and I hope to be to 115 soon. Richer? Sure! Actually, about the same, but that's ok.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I'd worked out even more. I wish I'd worked on getting a copy of my birth certificate and getting my passport. I wish I'd gone hiking more. I wish I'd taken more random walks downtown in Seattle just for the fun of it.

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

20. How did you spend Christmas? With my family, and it was wonderful.

21. How will you be spending new years? I spent it passing out early. Lame. I needed the rest.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008? Nah, I was soooo already there.

23. How many one-night stands? None. Weeeeeeird. Well maybe not so much...I've been in a relationship.

24. What was your favorite TV program? 30 Rock, The Office, Dexter, The Sarah Silverman Program, South Park, and Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia have all been Can't-Miss programs for me this year. I have lots of other faves but these were the ones I'd maim someone if I missed.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hmmm. That's a toughie. Usually its pretty locked in if I hate you or not. Celebrities, well, that's a come and go type thing, I don't think that counts. Um, this guy Trevor...I think he counts. He was a close friend before but now, I think I'd cross the street just to avoid having to be within ten feet of his scumdog stank. He's a fucking predator.

26. What was the best book you read? I read the usual rotation of David Sedaris books and they were all fantastic as usual, lol.

27. What was your biggest musical discovery? I really enjoyed coming across M.I.A., Chromeo, and Andrew Bird. I got more into Talib Kweli, MF Doom, and The Roots, all good artists.

28. What did you want and you got? Reconciliations. The chance to clear up lies and rumors. Nars blush in "Orgasm". Clinique lipstick in "Black Honey". New jeans. A vegetable steamer. Crazy blue nailpolish. Cute hats. A huge sea salt grinder. Some nifty bottle opener rings. Personal evolution. A backbone. Respect. A toaster that makes egg McMuffins. Liberty Orchards. Godiva.

29. What did you want and not get? The Paprika movie :( Got the soundtrack though.

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Hmm probably Paprika though I did get into Miyazaki films this year. Howl's Moving Castle was great. The only new movies I saw were the SATC movie, Stepbrothers, and Baby Mama. I really loved all three.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn? I turned 24. I got a new flute from my significant other. I think we stayed in and ordered sushi.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Possibly more money, I mean really, who doesn't love money? Maybe a few resolutions to certain disputes, but eh, those have to be worked out on their own and in due time.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Somewhere between lazy ass Amelia Earheart enthusiast hopping on the sea faring mariner trend, and utilitarian lesbian Doc Marten fetishest with a chip on her shoulder. Yay!

34. What kept you sane? Escapism, pure and simple.

35. Which celebrity did you fancy the most? Hmm, I don't like much of anyone. However, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Solange Knowles, MIA, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinkski and the gang from Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia rocked my socks. Oh, and I have this thing for James Franco.

36. What political issue stirred you the most? Sarah Palin's nomination and the assertation that she's a feminist. My. Fucking. God. Also the hate for Ralph Nader. What gives, people? The man is responsible for the cleaner air you breathe and the seat belts in your car. Show some respect!

37. Who did you miss? My old crowd...but its a love/hate kinda thing.

38. Who was the best new person you met? Hmm lots of new readers and bloggers who have been beyond awesome, but especially Jax. Pamela, Jessi--you're my gals!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: They way you present yourself dictates how people will respond to you. People will only treat you as poorly as you let them.

40. Quote or Song Lyric that sums up your year: "Gotta launder my Karma". Because I did a lot of laundering and it came out clean.