2010

Yearly recap: 2010

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Spread ashes of loved ones.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


Resolutions for 2010:

1. Floss daily.- Achieved! Flossing truly kicks ass, folks.
2. Finish thesis. - Failed. However, I finally made progress and there is momentum. So, let’s call this 50/50.

Resolutions for 2011:

1. Do not let any produce that I buy go to waste.
2. Finish the god-damned master’s already.
3. Make some changes to my lifestyle to benefit my health and well-being, whatever they need to be.
4. Listen to music and enjoy myself more.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


Yes.

4. Did anyone close to you die?


Unfortunately, yes. We have lost a lot of people this year, and it really has been difficult. My favorite uncle died alone and it still haunts me every day. Both of A.’s best friend’s parents passed on within months of each other after long and painful declining health. And just a few days ago, A.’s step-great-grandmother passed away. She lived along, good, feisty life of 102 years, however. It is still strange not to have her here, though.

5. What countries did you visit?
None, unfortunately. 


6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Some forward momentum. Most especially, I would really like for A. to have a job in his field. 

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I don’t have exact dates, but there are some moments that will always be with me. Realizing my uncle was alone when he died. Looking out the car window on one of our trips to support A.’s friend as his father’s death was around the corner. Spreading the ashes of J.’s parents. A. making breakfast in the cabin during our fly fishing trip.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


I faced some really icky issues in therapy. I met them head on. I am stronger than I realized. Also, when I started to slip into another depression I tackled that shit straight on and took care of myself. I am so proud of that. And so thankful.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Finishing the god-damned Thesis.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes; falling in the shower like a dumbass. Thankfully, no illness found its way into our household this year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
The lazyboy recliner loveseat thing. It is pretty damn awesome. 

12. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, unfortunately.

13. What did you get really excited about?
Our second annual fly-fishing  trip in western Wyoming.

14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
I used to listen to music ALL THE TIME. Now, I hardly ever listen to it. Um, Bad Romance by Lady Gaga?

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? Happier.

– thinner or fatter? Fatter. And in even poorer shape and health. Wow. Typing that is one helluva wake up call.

– richer or poorer? Smidge richer. A smidge.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I wish I’d done more yoga and fly fishing. 

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating like crap and stressing about the Thesis/Masters bullshit. 

18. How did you spend Christmas?
This was my first Christmas at home. A.’s folks, his stepbrother, his younger sister and her boyfriend, 4-year-old son, 2-year-old daughter and 6-month-old puppy celebrated with us in our tiny l little home. It was actually pretty awesome. It was humble, but awesome. I cooked my first turkey, and holy hell did I ever knock that one out of the park! 

19. What was your favorite TV program?
M*A*S*H and The Walking Dead.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Oh, geez. The entire Sookie Stackhouse series. I am not going to apologize for that, either.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?


I heard “A Prayer of Desmond Tutu” by James Whitbourn on NPR’s All Things Considered and just cried for loving it so much.  

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

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

I turned 34 and it was a pretty low-key day. 

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

A. getting a job in his field.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

I actually started to give a damn! I bought more clothes for myself in 2010 than in all my adult years combined. I’d say I was shooting for classic and tailored, like Diane Keaton or Audrey Hepburn. I didn’t really hit the mark, but that was my inspiration.

26. What kept you sane?

My honey, A. And fly fishing.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.


Life is comings and goings, and all of them are divine and blessed.