I have come to the conclusion that I lack self-discipline, or I have OCD, or possibly both. How else to explain that I've racked up 20 hours in comp time since Dec. 30? Or that I will probably spend that comp time on housework, rather than writing or blogging or doing something fun?
Nonetheless, several fun and lovely things have transpired over the past month. The Wolf Trap singalong was as fun as ever -- possibly more so, as the Young Prince seemed a tad more enthusiastic this year. The cookie party brought a terrible storm with it, but we still had 15 or so people show up, which was a lovely testimony to their friendship. And the trip home to the Midwest was one of the most enjoyable in years. I think we stayed exactly the right amount of time, everyone was friendly and engaged, there was plenty of great food, drink, conversation, and amusement.
And now, a final tradition I'm doing my very best to keep up:
1. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?
We went to the Outer Banks for vacation. I absolutely loved it there. We bought a timeshare in the mountains where we will go next August. The Young Prince and I went to DragonCon and had an absolute blast.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not watch TV 25 hours a day. My resolution for 2014 is to work less, but clearly that's already off to a bad start.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but they're due very soon!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Knock wood, no. Not Your Average Blogger lost a good friend, though.
5. What countries did you visit?
This one, same as pretty much every year.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
More money. More time. Same as every year. Same as everyone else, I imagine.
7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Errm. Well, the kid's first straight-A report card was a big deal, but I don't remember the exact date.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I didn't really have any. I contributed to others' achievements, notably book publication for two people close to me.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I'll go with the new Dyson, to replace the old Dyson.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm rapidly reaching the conclusion that anyone who tries to be a decent human being as much as they can merits celebration, regardless of any backsliding.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
All the backsliding.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills. A timeshare. Vacation.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Vacations. Time with NYAB and the YP.
16. What song will always remind you of 2013?
Oof. Probably that Cups things by Anna Kendrick.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same.
iii. richer or poorer? About the same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing. Reading. Playing.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Working.
20. How (did) you spend Christmas?
In Illinois, with my family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
NYAB gets mad every time I answer this question yes, even thought it's almost always with him or some inanimate object. So, no.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Breaking Bad!!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Heh. Well, the woman I said I hated last year wound up dying this year (cue the song "Nothing" from A Chorus Line, please), so maybe I should say no to this as well.
24. What was the best book you read?
Fifty Shades of Grey. Kidding, although it was utterly hilarious. I will say NYAB's book, due out in 2015.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I strayed from the musical scene this year. It was all Top 40 pop station stuff.
26. What did you want and get?
Ever more improvement on the YP front, and many material things.
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
Saving Mr. Banks was surprisingly good.
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 42. My birthday was Easter weekend, and all but one invitee rejected my invitations for a Douglas Adams party. So instead we went to Atlantic City and lived well as the best revenge for coming in second to Jesus.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More money with less effort and no taxes, same as every year—although frankly, we did pretty well, when you come right down to it.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
I bought some new sweaters...
31. What kept you sane?
Chats and chocolates.
32. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oh, they all do, from abortion to Zulus—but really, what is the point? Nobody listens, nobody changes views (current company and her sundry blog posts included), and blathering about it is simply mental masturbation to no real effect.
33. Who did you miss?
I missed my teen-age physique.
34. Who was the best new person you met?
Well, I met Malcolm McDowell and David Warner. That was pretty exciting, although not the stuff of lasting friendship.
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
Being too tired to act can be a valuable way to prevent rash behavior.
36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Wish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life's a game made for everyone
And love is a prize
I love reading these and hope you don't stop writing them.
Congrats on the timeshare! Hope it brings you our way sometime! ;) I
promise not to be such a disorganized flake next time you're out here!
Can't wait to read NYAB's book.
Happy new year! And stop working so damn much!!
Posted by: Heather | January 04, 2014 at 03:52 PM