I got this over at the marvelous Sundry’s blog…and she suggested we do it ourselves, and I was all over that. Plus, it gave me the chance to write yet another post…and since I’m trying to get back on the posting ball, why the heck not? *G* Seriously, it’s fun and you should do it too…she suggests doing it every year and what a GREAT idea! I’m going to try to remember to do just that. How fun! So, without further ado, my answers (Goddess help me in answering them all…song lyrics? That one is going to take some time).
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1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I finally got to meet my wonderful best friend Jess. We’ve been best friends for about six years now and just met last month!
If this is supposed to be something lofty and amazing, um…well…I finished my novel and got it sent out to many agents and publishers. A few nibbles – and one offer to look at it once I’ve made adjustments according to her notes. Yup, gonna try to get that done in the first couple months of 2010!!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I made a bunch of goals last year, but didn’t call them “resolutions” because I don’t like that word. Did I achieve any? Most of them, for a short while, and then it all went to hell. Even this blog went to hell. I think we can call it ‘depression’ because I think I had a bit of it this year (and if Archie or Jess scoff at that comment, I’ll smack you both). It wasn’t that I had a HORRIBLE year, just seemed to be in a fog for most of it. I didn’t even do the Cystic Fibrosis walk (which I ended up fresh out of surgery for – serendipity, I suppose). My attempts to get in shape only lasted weeks – but I did lose 15 pounds and have kept it off.
On a good note, I DID de-clutter my house quite a bit in May. It needs a good once-over again, but I’ve gotten better at cleaning (if not near perfect). I got all my Christmas stuff with two days to relax and do NOTHING prior to. My best friend and I started The Modern Pagan and have watched it grow thanks to wonderful writers & readers – it’s one of my shining joys of the year. I got more books read, and I finished writing mine and put it out there in the scary world. I got ideas for 2 new books on top of that and started writing what I call ‘fluff’ for fun and to keep my writing muscles working.
What about for 2010? I’ll make some. I won’t post them in this message, but after the turn of the year indirectly. Mostly I hope to live better (financially and physically), healthier, more creative, and live life with more joy than I managed this year. I’m taking steps to make that happen and I’ll get more into that later.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one in my fam, but both my Sisters-in-law are pregnant and due in February 
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Ha. I barely made it to another state and you think I made it out of the country? Not likely.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Energy and my zest for life. I’d like to have myself back. I’m finding her again slowly, and I hope that in 2010 she comes back with a vengeance.
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Can’t say that any really do. I’m usually really good with dates, too.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The Modern Pagan. It’s just becoming everything we’d hoped it would and more every day. I would say having a healthy Angel all year long, but that’s all her, not my achievement I’d also like to say finishing my novel – but since it’s facing a quick rewrite I guess it isn’t technically finishing 
9. What was your biggest failure?
I can’t think of any ONE thing that I’d consider a huge failure. Not enough to be notable. I guess letting my year and myself get so BLAH, if that counts. Otherwise, it’s all the times I’ve lost my temper w/ the kids.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yup. Spent several days in the hospital having my gall bladder removed. Not once before have I had issues with it, but it totally crapped out on me in May. Otherwise nothing notable, just a couple colds/fluish days.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmmm. That’s a tough one. My laptop is pretty awesome and purdy and I lubs it…but I think the best purchase this year was the Wii we just got for Christmas. I think it’s going to continue to be awesome (and addictive. Damn Mario Bros.)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Uh. Huh? Definitely not mine. I can’t say that anything sticks out. Maybe Brandon’s continuing academic prowess. I certainly celebrated when he got invited to join the Odyssey of the Mind (Gifted/Talented) program at school.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The media in general. They always make me appalled and depressed.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortagage, cars, bills, and food. There isn’t much left after that.
15. What did you get really excited about?
Uh.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
The first song that popped into my head was a song by the Glee cast: Somebody to Love
Only because I automatically recognize it and 2009 was the year we got Glee
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Sadder. I shouldn’t be, but I’m working on that 
– thinner or fatter? Thinner, but not because of discipline.
– richer or poorer? Neither.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Gotten out of the house w/ the kids for playdates. Done more things for me (I know what this means, if you don’t).
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Losing my temper and yelling.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve and morning were here, then we went to my parents.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Um. No…not in the traditional sense that this means. I’m not single anyway, so…yeah.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
It WAS True Blood until Alan Ball fucked that sucker up. It WAS So You Think You Can Dance during the summer season because it was AWESOME…but then the fall season happened and that sucked donkey balls. Sooo…in the end my favorite TV program would have to be GLEE.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Um…you want me to remember that? Let’s see…the one I wanted to say I actually read in 2008…sooo…going over what I read this year…I guess that would be Hunted by PC and Kristin Cast. I LOVE these books so much better than that other series (which were among the WORST books I read)
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Uh. I’m out of the loop really, I hear things if I happen to be in the car or it’s referred to me. So I’d have to say it was actually a musical “School of Rock” because it’s just a crapload of fun.
26. What did you want and get?
Kennedy healthy for a full year. A laptop. The Modern Pagan started. And meeting Jess.
27. What did you want and not get?
A book contract. I’m hopeful for 2010, though.
Healthier. Boy do I suck there.
Financially smarter – so embarrassed that some of my friends are so financially thrifty and I’m so poor at it.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Have to say it was Star Trek. Yes, Archie, it was. I LOVED Wolverine (Hello, it’s HUGH…beefed up HOT HUGH), but the story lacked…Star Trek was all around awesomeness.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don’t remember. I’m pretty sure we went out for my birthday, but I don’t remember. I’ve slept since then. I turned 33.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A book contract.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Same as always. Jeans and T-shirts.
32. What kept you sane?
Jess. My kids in their shining, bright happy moments. When I was in the hospital most definitely, Archie.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As I have for many years. DROOL.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don’t discuss politics. It all sucks.
35. Who did you miss?
Angela, a wonderful lady in my playgroup that moved so far away to Alabama. My kids adored her and her kids and she is just the bomb. Still get to see her on facebook, which is awesome.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Hm. I can’t pick one, so I won’t say.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Never forget who you are.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
You’re kidding me, right? A song lyric? Not sure I can do that…let me think…
But I’ve been stoned
And I’ve been stung
And I’m still someone
I don’t want to hear about angels in my life
All I want is something real
Something I can feel
I want you so much
And I need to be loved to be healed
Something I can feel
Yeah, depressing lyrics…but like I said…the year was blah and I felt like I was sleeping through most of it. But a new year is here…and how awesome is that?! Time for a more cheerful song to light my way!!
Hi! I'm Sarah, of Casa de Perfect.
