My laptop is out of commission, and it may be a few more weeks or months before I'm able to afford a new one. So that's why I haven't been around. I hate spending so much on electronics when I know they won't last or will be out of date so quickly, and right now I'm more into the idea of buying rugs and curtains and dressing up our house than spending it on a computer. So here I am sneaking time away on my boyfriend's laptop and filling out this little end of year survey which is like something I would've done years ago on livejournal. I'm going to try to tuck enough away over my next few paychecks and I'm sure once I'm back I'll bombard this space with a million photos, but for now...
What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
Had a book released. Cooked a turkey. Had my own garden. Knit a hat. Got a massage.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Some. Mostly made birthday related things - a 31 for 31 deal. Read 12 books as I wanted, which isn't much, but I'm really thrilled about getting into books and reading again.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but expecting a new niece in a few weeks.
Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year, but randomly found out about a friend who died a few years ago. I think it affected me more than I thought it would. It was a little bit of a shock to come across it so randomly and to learn that the timing was so close to the last time I'd seen him.
What countries did you visit?
None other than the one in which I live.
What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Internal peace. Happiness. Less struggle with meeting basic living expenses. Motivation.
What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The night M proposed out of the blue. So unexpected and sweet.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The success of the book was a pleasant surprise. I really wasn't sure how well it'd be received, but I'm happy it's selling so well.
What was your biggest failure?
Lack of motivation. Lack of caring. Not accomplishing things that needed to be done in a timely manner.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Began to experience effects from all the time I've spent stitching. Knots in back which massage therapist described as "not healthy". Neck and shoulder pains. Headaches. Nerve damage which led to 1/2 my face going numb. Some numbness and loss of feeling in hip/thigh. A cold tingling feeling in my forearms. Another reason why I decided to search for employment outside of crafting.
What was the best thing you bought?
New sofa. I've hated our old plaid monster of a couch for so long, so I broke down in December and used my craft show and Christmas money for a new one. Just that little improvement has made our living area so much more enjoyable and relaxing. It's funny the affect your surroundings can have on you.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Our pup, Lilbit. When we got him this time last year he was a timid shivering dog who never wagged his tail and would take quite a bit of coaxing to come near for a petting. Now he'll jump into our laps and kiss our noses and the day he started wagging his tail at us was well worth the wait. I'm happy that he seems happier and settled with us.
Where did most of your money go?
What song will always remind you of 2012?
Sentimental Lady/Bob Welch
Overheard/Mississippi Charles Bevel
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? i'm not sure. after finding employment, certainly more relaxed and less stress.
ii. thinner or fatter? fatter. fatty fat fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? about the same, but more financially secure now with a steady income flow.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Ate more sushi. Organization. Focus. Motivation. Exercise. Purging of things.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Sitting around. Laziness. Depression. Buying clothes.
How did you spend Christmas?
At home with M, just the two of us. We cooked a Christmas Eve dinner and stayed up into the wee hours of the morning when a friend dropped by for a visit. We woke for Christmas right before noon and had coffee and presents and spent most of the day lazing about.
Did you fall in love in 2012?
Stayed in, fell out, fell in - over and over again.
What was your favorite TV program?
I had intense relationships with the following shows this year: Mad Men, Downton Abbey, Breaking Bad, Damages, Peep Show, The Larry Sanders Show, Friday Night Lights
What was the best book you read?
Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield.
Butterfly in the Typewriter by Cory MacLauchlin.
What did you want and not get?
Organization. Motivation. Full-time employment.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
31 - ate apples and cheese and drank wine.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It all comes back to the motivation again.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Realized the basics of my wardrobe and took notice of the pieces that got the most wear. Leaned toward classic pieces with edge. Experimented with bohemian style over the summer since it's easiest for layering and loose flowy materials are perfect for the hot weather for someone who likes to cover certain flawed areas like I do. Drifted away from vintage/thrift shopping a little bit. Had to acquire more work-appropriate items. Also had to learn to dress my new body and confront its changes throughout the year.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Miley Cyrus's new haircut
What political issue stirred you the most?
Women's issues and the appallingly backwards views towards them.
Who was the best new person you met?
I'm happy to be working again, so my co-workers in general I suppose.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
Became more at peace with the idea of aging.
