Note: This meme is shamelessly stolen by yours truly from my beloved's corner kingdom of cyberspace. Many thanks, dearest!
01. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Wrote and submitted an official book proposal (as of Dec. 5. Right now, it's under construction!)
Served as the member of the bridal party in two weddings.
Became engaged.
Met Ina Garten, more commonly known as "The Barefoot Contessa."
Attended Wrestlemania, drank on the beach with Rob, flew home drunk and puked in two airports.
Saw the New Kids on the Block in concert.
Performed a Backstreet Boys dance in front of 200+ people.
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more?
Does anyone ever really keep all of their resolutions? I did my best, and I'll continue to strive for success in 2009. I wouldn't call them resolutions; they're more like short- and long-term goals. Perhaps I'll give the Marble Method another go, but honestly, I've got so much on my plate that successfully completing each of those projects while devoting needed time to my health, friends, family and other creative pursuits will be enough to satisfy even my freakish type-A personality.
03. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! I'd like to welcome Harrison Robert Young, Jackson Bundy and Beatrix Ninja Maxine Preu to the world.
04. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no, but I've got several friends and family members who are battling various illnesses or recovering from serious injuries. I pray for each of them every night and know they will triumph.
05. What countries did you visit?
This is the first year in several that I've remained within the continental United States. Let's hope that changes next year!
06. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A book deal.
Additional insight into my long-term career goals.
An iPhone, a Flip Mino HD and a new digital camera. I <3 gadgets.
Greater love and acceptance for myself.
Tickets to a Backstreet Boys concert.
More than one savings account that actually acrues a significant balance.
No credit card debt.
07. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 3, 2008. Rob proposed to me with a sidewalk chalk mural at 6 a.m. outside of our apartment. It was, simply, the happiest and most romantic day of my life. We're planning on an October 2010 wedding and I am incredibly excited for our life together.
I'd also like to give a shout-out to July 19, 2008 and November 1, 2008. My brother married the most wonderful sister-in-law I could ask for in July, and on All Saints Day (and Adam's birthday) Jamie and Andy tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony. I wish you all health, happiness and love!
08. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Continuing to push myself in regards to my writing. Not only did I produce a story that was picked up on CNN, AOL and promoted heavily throughout the blogosphere, but I continue to receive compliments on the caliber of content available in both LV Mag and The Dot. I was also able to accept a greater freelance role with The Star, and am now pursuing my most ambitious opportunity yet -- the chance to write a travel guidebook about Kansas City.
09. What was your biggest failure?
Personal fitness. I let personal and professional obligations consume time that should have been spent in the gym. Of course, a looming wedding is excellent motivation :). I'll be resuming spinning classes, which aren't just great workouts -- it's a much-needed stress reliever.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just the usual cold/flu-related episodes.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
This is a horrible question for a shopaholic. The first thing that comes to mind is my cellphone, a Samsung Blackjack II. It's been a boost for my productivity and ability to communicate remotely, especially when I'm out and about because of my job. Which, you know, is about every other day.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Besides that of the two best cats in the world, Monkey and Korma, I'm going to dually award this question. First, to Rob, for his thoughtful and memorable proposal. We've both been burned in the past, and to be able to find each other and anticipate the future is more than a celebration--it's a priceless gift.
I'd also like to celebrate the lovely Ms. Hill, who has been an inspiration to me throughout the latter part of this year. She received some dismal career news a few weeks ago, but has blazed ahead with positivity, energy and an enviable drive. I know she will find success in her next venture ... in the meantime, she's the perfect posterchild for ambition!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
It's always difficult when someone displays his or her true colors, especially as those scenarios have an unfortunate tendency to play out amid a background of illness, injury, death or other heart-wrenching situation. And even when they don't, it's still difficult to accept that you may not know someone as you thought you did.
When faced with those types of situations, however, I do my best to turn some reflection inward to evaluate if I can approach things differently, or edit my interactions to produce a more positive outcome. I have a harmful habit of internalizing discussions, situations and behaviors, and although Rob has been an invaluable source in helping me find other outlets for those feelings, it's an ongoing process. In the end, it's about accepting that the only person over whom you have control is yourself. If you can be at peace with who you are, what you've done and where you're going, then you're more likely to exude that peacefulness to others and leave a lasting imprint of positivity on the world.
And also, to all of those who voted for California's Proposition 8, you appalled, depressed AND disgusted me.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent.
Household expenses/groceries.
Books + magazines.
Clothing.
Bridesmaid-related accoutrement.
Indian food.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Planning a wedding and writing.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Labels and Love" by Fergie. And not just because it was the title track (and opening sequence) of the Sex and the City movie. I can relate to the search for both labels AND love, and luckily, I continued to find both in 2008!
i. happier or sadder?
Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter?
The same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Working out, cooking, knitting, connecting with old and new friends.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being stressed, pulling (close to) all-nighters, PROCRASTINATING!
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my fiance, our cats, good food and any others lucky to have us in their company ;)
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fall more in love with Rob every day.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favourite TV program?
Mad Men.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I try not to hate, but I am harboring some disappointments.
26. What was the best book you read?
"Basic Black" by Cathie Black. A must-read if you're in media/publishing, but also excellent if you're looking for general career advice/guidance in a format that won't put you to sleep!
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My love for M.I.A. grew exponentially. I'm also infatuated with Adele and have rediscovered the genius that is Phil Collins, thanks to a purchase of Genesis' greatest hits. Plus, the soundtrack for "Sex and the City" rules. How can you not rock out to "Labels and Love?"
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted increased career success, and I got it. My plans for world media domination will continue into next year. I also wanted a happy ending, and thanks to Rob, it will arrive in the latter half of 2010.
29. What was your favourite film of this year?
Sex and the City, of course!
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
26. Rob and I volunteered for the annual Fall Festival of the Arts kick-off party in Columbia, and toasted my b-day at midnight with Dad, Lisa, Marie and B.J. at Murry's. Headed back to KC after family breakfast. Celebrated with my friends the weekend after. It ended up being a traumatic weekend, so I've decided to fast-forward straight to next year.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Opening my heart to a greater acceptance of things I can't change.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Traditionally stylish with a dash of experimentation thrown in. I tried to channel a bit of retro as a nod to Mad Men, and still find my scarf, shoe and handbag collection growing at an alarming rate. It really is all about the accessories!
34. What kept you sane?
Rob.
Monkey and Korma.
Sex and the City re-runs.
Jamie, Dana and Laine.
Retail therapy.
Blogging.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Jon Hamm, better known as Mad Men's Don Draper. Rowr.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm not sure anyone will disagree that the election this year was hugely anticipated and, sadly, divisive. I'm thrilled to see what Barack Obama can do at the helm, and I'm thankful that Sarah Palin wasn't given the opportunity to unleash her brand of Alaskan crazy on the rest of the country--and the world.
37. Who did you miss?
Grandpa, Len, family and friends who live outside KC/mid-MO.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Monica Watrous.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Regardless of how independent you are, when you're lucky enough to find someone who is your soulmate and equal, you become a team. You realize (albeit slowly) that you are no longer alone, and that you have a constant presence who is always rooting for you and your success. Never forget what you alone can accomplish, and remain true to your dreams and goals. Yet when you allow yourself to depend on the strength and wisdom of another, you truly magnify your own potential and can achieve even more than you previously thought. And when you have someone with whom you can share your success, it makes it that much sweeter because you can finally see what others have appreciated for so long--your inner ability to chase your dreams and make them happen.
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