Neil does this “end of the year” quiz…sounds like a good idea to me. (Least it did before it took me almost two hours to write it up!)
Moo!
- What did you do in 2004 that you�d never done before?
Participated and finished the long-form (30 mile) Saint Paul Bike Classic.
I’d also have to include rebuilding the engine in Twinkie. - Did you keep your new year�s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t scribble down any of my resolutions…but they generally were:- Continue biking, become more physically fit, drop weight
I did do this to my satisfaction. I not only met the mileage I did last year but exceeded it. My waist is at least as small as it was this time last year - indeed, I’m guessing it is actually an inch or two smaller. I’ve been flirting with the 300-pound mark now for many moons, but have yet to drop below it on a constant basis. - Become happier and more comfortable with myself
I was not only blessed with an abundance of completely new relationships this year, but I re-established a number of old relationships which I had let become stale, unmaintained or had outright rejected for, in retrospect, poor reasons. Through these relationships, I obtained more insight into myself, the way I relate to others and the world around me. I’m certainly happier with the way I handled the relationships I share with others this year. However, there is still work to do.
For next year, I’ll add the following: - Regain my pre-marriage, strong financial footing
Before I got married, bought a house, paid for a wedding/honeymoon, etcetera I was very responsible when it came to money, savings, etc. Not that the surface responsibilities have faltered - I still pay all my bills on time, retirement savings are still being accumulated - but the transition to bi-weekly paychecks instead of semi-monthly paychecks took me the better part of the year to get used to and work with effectively. I look forward to resuming the more responsible lifestyle I used to follow. - Finish unpacking, so the apartment feels like home!
Just when I got most of my boxes unpacked and the items within those boxes put away in their place I brought in even more boxes from Twinkie. Most of it is old computer hardware, which I need to find a place for in my apartment or get recycled. - Reduce procrastination
I think we all can make this resolution, can’t we?
- Continue biking, become more physically fit, drop weight
- Did anyone close to you give birth?
My ex-co-worker Jodi gave birth to Nahlah in June.
My friend Julie (a.k.a. Goddess) out in Michigan gave birth to Lara in November. - Did anyone close to you die?
No, for which I’m very, very grateful! - What countries did you visit?
This year I didn’t leave the country. Well, long as you don’t count Texas. (They really do act as if it were another country down there!) - What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
A shower at work! The lack of shower facilities really cut back on the amount of biking I’d do to/from work…luckily I made up for it by just going out after work on longer routes. - What date(s) from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
“Etched on your memory” is such a strong phrase. While it may not be “etched”, there are certainly events which will remain in my memory connected with 2004:- Trip to the ER in January
- Getting Twinkie mobile in September
- Trip to Dallas over Thanksgiving
- What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Professionally: 2 projects at work that I cannot go over with too much detail. We’ll continue to call the first “The Project”, while the second is suitably code-named “Fishwalls”.
Personally: Starting up Damon’s Daemon and sticking with it. - What was your biggest failure?
The rise of procrastination throughout my life, which I thought I had under control, blossomed this year into something I certainly am not proud of nor do I wish to continue. - Did you suffer illness or injury?
Quite a bit more this year than in years past. ER in January for a stone (who knew someone my age could get a stone!), serious cold/the flu 4 times and a root canal in November. Hopefully next year I can get back to my normal, uber-healthy self! - What was the best thing you bought?
My iPod, purchased in February, completely changed my music world. Music has gone from being a background in my life to something I actively pursue and enjoy. - Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Everyone in the world who worked towards peace and understanding. - Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The executive branch of our government. - Where did most of your money go?
Eating out. For as much as I love cooking, I ate out WAY too much this year. - What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My iPod and the general elections. - What song will always remind you of 2004?
I posted the full list here. If I had to pick one, I’d choose “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service. - Compared to this time last year, are you:
- happier or sadder?
- thinner or fatter?
- richer or poorer?
- What do you wish you�d done more of?
Telling those around me how much I loved and cared for them. - What do you wish you�d done less of?
Just-In-Time Laundry - How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it over at my aunt’s house with my Grandpa, Aunt, Mom & Dad. - Who deleted question 21?
Karl Rove - Did you fall in love in 2004?
Yes. - How many one-night stands?
None! - What was your favorite TV program?
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart was the only way I survived the election. - Do you hate anyone now that you didn�t hate this time last year?
Yes…the person I was talking to here. - What was the best book you read?
My favorite book of the year was “The Elegant Universe” by Brian Greene. Not only is it a great book on the current state of string theory, accessible to the masses, but it helped remind me of the importance of “Why” rather than “How”. - What was your greatest musical discovery?
Has to be Carbon Leaf. I’ve enjoyed their music, both recorded and live, so much this year I can’t express how much joy it’s brought me. - What did you want and get?
For your review, an updated Christmas List - What did you want and not get?
World Peace. - What was your favorite film of this year?
I’d have to say my favorite film of the year was Big Fish, although if you ask me what my favorite movie I saw this year it would be Donnie Darko. - What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Met my parents for dinner, I was 28. - What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A child. - How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
A move away from a straight button down shirt wardrobe into more exotic styles…and an emphasis on ORANGE! - What kept you sane?
Laughter. - Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
It is a toss up between Camryn Manheim and Janeane Garofalo. - What political issue stirred you the most?
Privacy and intellectual property issues. - Who did you miss?
Her - Who was the best new person you met?
I can’t single just one out. - Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004.
You can be compassionate without taking responsibility. - Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Live a life less ordinary
Live a life extraordinary with me
Live a life less sedentary
Live a life evolutionary with me
-Carbon Leaf, “Life Less Ordinary”
