This Year’s Love
December 30th, 2008
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
Entry Filed under: Nuttin'
23 Comments Add your own
1. Sara | December 30th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I just took care of posting this year’s list as well so feel free to go forth and live vicariously through me if you so wish…no guarantees that it will be exciting though. In fact, having a baby was my answer to MANY of the questions. So there, I just saved you some time
Happy New Year to you, the husband and your wee girl!
2. Amy K | December 30th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Elastic waistbands.
So true. Ever wonder how often you’ll accidentally walk around with your fly unzipped once you make the switch back to normal pants? I’m going to have to hang a reminder sign on my bathroom door or something.
Happy New Year!
3. Michelle | December 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Great list! I did the questions too. And I totally agree with the maternity jeans thing. Mine weren’t GAP but man, those were the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn.
4. Blythe | December 30th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I love this meme. I’m going to do it as soon as I remember that I have a blog again.
Also, that’s my favorite David Gray song. In case you were wondering.
I had to stop watching Big Love. It was so good that it stressed me out.
5. Christine | December 31st, 2008 at 6:12 am
Great list! I would do it, but eh, am lazy.
Cannot wait for the return of Big Love! Also, Flight of the Conchords. I have an unnatural crush on Jemaine, and yet Tony refuses to let him into my “allowable three.” Something about probably being able to actually sleep with him, apparently.
Happy New Year to you all.
6. Jess | December 31st, 2008 at 6:14 am
I refused to answer the last question, too! Also, you are not the first person I’ve seen who said that they are both richer and poorer this year. Apparently it’s a trend!
Happy New Year!
7. bessie.viola | December 31st, 2008 at 6:25 am
I love this meme – it’s the only one I love to read and I actually look forward to it each December (I’ve been reading blogs a lot longer than I’ve actually been blogging. What, is that creepy?)
I love #31 and laughed out loud at #38. I’m easily amused, I guess, but your refusal cracked me up.
Happy 2009!
8. TwoBusy | December 31st, 2008 at 6:57 am
I love the veiled implication of #23. “New? No.”
9. Kristabella | December 31st, 2008 at 7:43 am
I really should have done this meme.
I always hope that I’ll have more patience. While I’ve gotten better as I’ve gotten older, I’m still a frek. Maybe when I’m old and gray I’ll learn the concept.
Also, this was the first election I really got involved in, watching all the coverage, etc. I would like to thank Twitter for that and their little 2008 Election News bar on the top of the page. I miss it.
Happy New Year!
10. the new girl | December 31st, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Love it. Am doing it.
Happy New Year, Jonna!
xo
TNG
11. Jennifer | December 31st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Happy New Year, and I have enjoyed keeping track of you lo these past 2 years. I didn’t do the meme (I don’t even have a blog to post it on, though I did consider putting it up on our family website that no one knows about, but I didn’t get around to it over the past 3 days, blah blah excuse blah blahblah), but my biggest thing this past year was finally quitting my ultra-stressful tech job. Just in time for the recession to hit, holy moley. But overall I’m happier not working for that sweatshop, and your encouraging words (encouraging me to quit! Ha!) over the past couple years were helpful, thank you. Now to find a low-stress low-paying job so I can afford my coffeeshop visits. That will be my goal for 2009!
BTW “have more patience” has also been on MY to-do list for 20 years or more. I think that’s a personal foible that we’re both going to have to just learn to deal with!
p.s. I just ordered 2 oboe reeds and an English horn reed: goal for New Year, start playing again! HA. Want to live your former oboe geek glory days through me?
12. Laura | December 31st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Love the meme! I’m new to the blog — can you explain to the newbies (or link) why you’re mad at people on behalf of “your friend with the red hair?” I just don’t get the reference and it feels like I should.
13. celebrate woo-woo | December 31st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Great meme. Hoping doing it myself brings me back into blogging regularly.
14. Kerri Anne | December 31st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
This Year’s Love: one of my favorite David Gray songs ever.
Big Love: just watched the pilot this past weekend and let’s just say I’m singing endless praises for Netflix because I was going to start going through withdrawal, and iTunes is great, but it was also starting to make me poor(er).
Oh, and I posted 2009 action items, if you will, on my site today!
Happy! (almost) 2009. Here’s to an incredible year with your new little girl.
15. H | December 31st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Happy 2009! I am sure it will be a very exciting and fulfilling year for you!
16. Anyabeth | December 31st, 2008 at 7:04 pm
This is a end of year wrap up. I just posted mine.
17. fairydogmother | January 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am
Sadly enough I also puked on myself in the car this year, and I don’t even have pregnancy to blame. *sigh* Migraines blow is all I have to say on that. Damn, I guess that should have gone on my list of new things I did in 2008 (I did the meme too, finally).
My dog turned three this year too, and now that I think about it his behavior really has mellowed out since then. He was pretty awesome before, but man, if I’d known how much more awesome he would be once he hit three I never would have threatened to sell him to the gypsies. Two had its rough moments for sure. Teenagers!
18. Anonymous New York | January 2nd, 2009 at 9:06 am
You crack me up. I resolve to have more patience and to chill the hell out every year, but it never sticks.
19. velocibadgergirl | January 2nd, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I loved Wall-E, too! Here’s my Sundry List, since you asked: http://velocibadgergirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/dead-reckoning-linda-at-all-sundry-has.html
Happy New Year!
20. willikat | January 4th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I did the meme.
I also had a lot of things having to do with worry.
I also loved your “No.” to quoting a song lyric.
21. Mauigirl | January 4th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Happy New Year, Jonna! All best wishes for a wonderful 2009!
22. Julienne | January 5th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Wall-E! Myself AND my 20 month old nephew got the same thing in our stockings and I honestly think I was more excited!!!
23. A Little Coffee with my C&hellip | November 4th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
[...] totally stealing this from Jonniker, just [...]
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