This Year’s Love
And an early happy new year to you! This year, as every year — at least in the past few years — I’m thieving Linda‘s New Year Meme, and it’s a good one. Now is as good a time as any to mention that I NEVER do memes, or anything I need to be tagged for… so should you tag me, please don’t be offended if I don’t do it — it’s not you, it’s me.
But this, I always do. And you should, too. And then go tell Linda (and me!) that you did it so we can live vicariously through you.
And last, but certainly not least, happy new year to you! It was a pleasure knowing all of you, and I mean that from the bottom of my weepy, pregnancy-ravaged heart.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Got, and most importantly stayed, pregnant. Never thought that would happen, I swear. Also, I’m going to go with Jennie here and say that the near-constant projectile vomiting on myself — in the car, no less — was a less-than-thrilling first.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t think I made any! I rarely do, however. But I have a list of private mini-resolutions I make all the time, none of which are particularly exciting. They usually involve having more patience, more faith, and chilling the hell out.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one in my “real” life, but I cannot believe the amount of my favorite Internet friends who did. Sundry! Amalah!
Emily! Zoot! Jenifer! Jenny! Leah! And with the latter three, a new generation of parenting bloggers was born. I’m happy to know them, and happy for them.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, and thank God.
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada! We spent a lovely week in Quebec earlier this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A stronger stomach. The ability to bend over without grunting. Feet that did not hurt constantly. But then again, these things are bringing me a baby, so who’s to complain?
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 20. The day we found out our baby was a girl. It was, in some ways, almost bigger than finding out we were pregnant. With that one ultrasound, we learned that she was strong and healthy and, of course, a she.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I can’t say that getting pregnant was an achievement. That sounds … dirty and wrong. But, and this is lame-sounding, but I’m really, really proud of my marriage. I always tend to see this space as a work-achievement space, but I forget that what’s most important is something we’ve excelled at, and will continue to work at in ’09. Being married to this particular person has really and truly been the best thing I’ve ever done. < end schmaltz >
9. What was your biggest failure?
God, I whined a lot. I also worried a lot, and by a lot, I mean I participated in some seriously epic anxiety episodes that nearly brought our family to its knees.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got sicker than I’d been in DECADES while pregnant, and that’s well beyond the five months of “morning” sickness. It was memorable and incredibly miserable. But! I survived, and the baby was healthy throughout it.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Gap maternity jeans. Dude, these things RULE.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Adam’s, as every year. And the dog, who grew into the best dog ever this past year (something about turning three …). And really, most people’s. I was very impressed with a large portion of humanity this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My previous tenant, who up and left on her lease, whining and being a total beast all the way. And a lot of people on behalf of my good friend with the red hair.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Savings. Medical/baby-related expenses. The drain of a house in Florida that we still, by Jesus, own.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
BABY. OMG BABY BABY BABY.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
“Sam’s Town” by The Killers
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier! Oh yes.
b) thinner or fatter? HAHAHAHAHA.
c) richer or poorer? Uh, both. I know, but it’s complicated.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Laughed, per usual. Relaxed and had more faith.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worried.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my giant family in a special land known as Crazytown.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Oh, with that baby. Yes. Who knew you could love something you can’t even see?
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Oh hell. I don’t know. I discovered Dexter in ’08, however, and continued a deep love for Big Love. HUGE LOVE.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Uh … no.
24. What was the best book you read?
I barely read in 2008, I’m embarrassed to say. Too busy puking, I suppose.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Again, um … I did a lot of things this year, but MAN, reading and music-ing wasn’t one of them.
26. What did you want and get?
A baby! Or at least, a healthy pregnancy.
27. What did you want and not get?
More patience. I ask every year, and yet I FAIL. Every. Year.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved — LOVED — Wall-E. I know, lame and rather childish, but I adored it more than I ever thought possible.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I hung out with my parents, sister, nephews, husband and dog and it was awesome. I ate Boston-style Chinese food and played Trivial Pursuit with my family. In other words, I RAGED.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I hadn’t puked so goddamn much.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Elastic waistbands.
32. What kept you sane?
My family. Friends. Husband. All good things.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I still have a huge crush on Michelle Obama.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
All of it. The election, mostly. I rediscovered my position on things like immigration (I’m pro-amnesty, if you were wondering) and economic policy. I surprised myself by becoming more politically aware than I had been before, and that’s saying a lot.
35. Who did you miss?
My family. Adam’s Grandma. I hate that she’s not here as we prepare to have this baby.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
The many, many citizens of the state of Vermont. Really.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Oh God, that I just need to RELAX. Because guess what? Every year — EVERY YEAR — I bitch that I was too uptight the year prior. So for God’s sake, I need to make this one stick.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
No.
Happy early new year!
*David Gray
23 comments December 30th, 2008