Along with a title that mirrors my first post title of the previous year, I will also kick off this year of sporadic blogging with the same survey! Enjoy.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Visited Switzerland and France, and basically lived abroad for 6 months. Saw the Alps and a real castle. I also visited St. Louis and held a hawk. Also, despite the fact that I was born and raised in California, I went surfing for the first time in my life. Oh, and lectured my own class for a whole quarter.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not manage to keep a single new year's resolution! I still haven't crossed the 600 mile line! In fact, this year I think ran about half of what I ran last year. I spent a lot more time commuting, and I spent a lot of time feeling fairly paralyzed with anxiety. I am pretty sure I am less fit than I was a year ago, my diet is about the same, and I have yet to graduate. No extra money in my accounts, either. This year my resolutions are still the same. Last year I started a Happiness Project, and I suppose those resolutions could count as my New Year's Resolutions. Become more fit, improve my diet, save money. Graduate. Live a life which makes me proud.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don't think so, but it seems like everyone around me is pregnant. If I answer this survey next year, I'll have a big yes.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Switzerland and France. I also stopped in the Amsterdam airport for a few hours, but I don't think that counts.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A PhD and a job.--- same answer as last year. Add to that a larger savings account.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 20, because that's when I returned to the US.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I lectured a class. I was the teacher for a class of 174 college students. It was pretty awesome.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Still being in graduate school. --- same as last year! HA. ugh.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, which is lucky. My car was injured, however.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A train pass through the Alps. I went on a weekend trip with friends in the spring and it was a wonderful adventure.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Batty sister for working through residency. Bobbles for being an understanding guy. My Mom and Dad, for no reason in particular, but because they should be celebrated.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment. Appalled is a pretty strong word, but I'm sure plenty of folks stressed me out this year.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel and food. In fact, Burgers and Brew should have a frequent visitor reward program.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Bobbles traveling halfway around the world to visit me. Cave Ouvert. Surfing.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Dog Days by Florence and the Machine, and Lover Lover by Jared Neimann
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter, I think, but I always get chubby right around now.
c) richer or poorer? Richer! Yessss!!! I guess I did keep that resolution, even if completely by accident.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Run. Learn French. --- same as last year! But I will also add "work on my thesis"
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spend money. Watch TV. Stress Out.
20. How did you spend Hanukkah?
Partly with my sister, partly with the rest of my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
With surfing :) But it was a fleeting affair. And with teaching! All over again.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Covert Affairs or Once Upon a Time
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
In Defense of Food, I think. It was a really interesting read, I felt like I got a lot of good information from it. I also enjoyed The Wheel of Time books, and The Hunger Games, but I'd rank it under Wheel of Time. It did remind me of a lot of other books I've read, though: The Tripod Trilogy and Ender's Game.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Florence and the Machine
26. What did you want and get?
A new wallet :) And a new spillproof travel thermos. And a teaching position, albeit temporary.
27. What did you want and not get?
My car back from the mechanic.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The King's Speech, I think. I didn't see that many movies.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Last year I turned 29, it was my second day in France and first day at CERN. Sho got me wine and cheese and we had a very French night, ending with crepes with some students from Cornell.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Graduating. Also, having a permanent address. <---- TRUE! STILL TRUE!!!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Still pretty crazy, but a bit more business casual since I was lecturing, and also because I hated the idea of standing out as the American, even though I'm sure I did. More slacks fell into my clothing rotation.
32. What kept you sane?
Running. Friends. Family. Bobbles.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Nobody, really. --- still true
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Fee hikes in the UC system.
35. Who did you miss?
Friends in different countries.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Avi. It is highly unlikely that he'll read this, though.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
It's important to know yourself. What makes you happy, what makes you secure, what do you seek in others, in your workplace, etc. When you know what you want, going after it is easier.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I don't remember these things! Bah.
0 comments:
Post a Comment