2014, as she happened.

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I made two resolutions: 1) eat more cheese. 2) eat more burritos. Yes I did keep them, thank you very much. I might even make the same resolutions for 2015.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Someone people I’m FB friends with, but not real-life friends. SOON THOUGH. Soooooooon.

Did anyone close to you die?

Not as of today, and it better stay that way.

What countries did you visit?

Alas, I only got as far as Wisconsin.

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

Okay, I always say more money, but that will be true until I win the lottery (which will be never because I don’t play the lottery). More travel, too.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Another year has passed without a fetus. Win.
OH AND I learned to do a headstand.

What was your biggest failure?

I didn’t get around to paying off my Macy’s card. So close! Fuck you, Macy’s.

What was the best thing you bought?

Subaru!

Whose behavior merited celebration?

I’m drawing a blank here.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Uh, basically all the police at this point, and the whole justice system.

Where did most of your money go?

The shaggin’ wagon, which I love, but goddamn if we haven’t spent a lot of money on it.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Yoga.

What song will always remind you of 2014?

I don’t think there is one. I feel like there’s rarely a song that will always make me think of a specific year. One exception is Grand Theft Autumn, which takes me right back to 2004.
Although, “I Don’t Give A Shit About Anything” by The Drug Budget might get the job done.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder?

Happier.

Thinner or fatter?

I think thinner? Maybe I’m the same, but with more abs.* Not fatter though, so that’s nice.
*My abs are only visible when I flex, and even then it’s only the top two. Don’t be too impressed.

Richer or poorer?

I got a raise a few months ago, so richer by default.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Adventuring.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Drinking, although I’ve improved.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Christmas Eve with my family as always. Although we still don’t know whether or not Darren will be able to come. Stupid work.

Did you fall in love in 2014?

Only with things. Obviously I still love Darren and my friends and my pets, but I already fell in love with all of them.

How many one-night stands?

The likelihood of me having a one night stand is extremely slim.

What was your favorite TV program?

Hmm…  I’d have to say The Mindy Project.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Newp.

What was the best book you read?

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

The Drug Budget has been around for a lot longer, but I first heard them play on NYE. Quite good. Quite.

What did you want and get?

A new car!

What did you want and not get?

A bigger apartment.

What were your favorite films of this year?

New films? Guardians of the Galaxy was the only movie I’ve in the theatre this year. I guess I still have two weeks to change that…

What did you do on your birthday?

We went to dinner at Flame (RIP) and I had a really amazing burger, but I also paid for a single trip through the salad bar just so I could get a shitload of those cheesy hashbrowns. I will miss you, cheesy hashbrowns. Then we went to the bar, which was not planned as a birthday thing but y’know. Wingin’ it.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?

If I could live in leggings and tunics (or long, flowy cardigans) I’d be a happy camper.

What kept you sane?

Yoga and Netflix. Not at the same time.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Taran Killam. Or maybe Chris Pratt.

What political issue stirred you the most?

Bitches trying get all up in my uterus.

Who did you miss?

My mom.

Who was the best new person you met?

Probably Mat. Yay Mat!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014:

Something boring about making sure your income tax withholding is correct. No shit.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Life is a playground, but it takes a lot of work.

2013, summarized

It’s only December 10, but I think it’s time to post my annual year-end summary list of things. It’s not very exciting! This year had many ups and downs, but I managed to always come out on top. Success.

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t make any. Although I did accomplish some things on my 30 by 30 list.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

This was the year of many babies. So, so many babies.

Did anyone close to you die?

Not super close, but Jessika and Carl’s deaths are still stinging.

What countries did you visit?

Stayed in this one, once again.

What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

My answer is the same as last year: Always more money. More time. More sleep. More warm weather!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

No babies in 2013! Got a raise. Finally took a real vacation.

What was your biggest failure?

Didn’t manage to acquire the new car we were hoping for. Mostly because we are lazy car shoppers, but also because car shopping is daunting. Also I am a cheap bastard.

What was the best thing you bought?

This laptop, although Darren is the one who purchased it, as he thought the matter was more urgent than I did. I’m also really loving our new humidifier.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Wendy Davis.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Ugh, lots of people. Although I know a guy who robbed a bank a couple months ago…

Where did most of your money go?

Bills and vacation.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

MN legalized same-sex marriage and it is awesome.

What song will always remind you of 2013?

I love Miley but I still hate to say it: We Can’t Stop. The video is SO BAD though, I won’t argue that.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder?

Same-ish. Maybe a little happier!

Thinner or fatter?

The same, I think. I bought pants today and was not disappointed by the size, so it’s a win.

Richer or poorer?

Same.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Saving money, AS ALWAYS. Gotta make money to save it though I guess.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Christmas Eve with my family. Don’t know about Christmas, probably snuggled up at home.

Did you fall in love in 2013?

I fell in love with my re-arranged bedroom and the aforementioned humidifier. I still like Darren just fine, too.

How many one-night stands?

Zero.

What was your favorite TV program?

The Mindy Project.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

One of Darren’s friends. Whatever.

What was the best book you read?

I finally read The Giver just last week and it was fabulous. Fabulous!

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Was this the year of Mackelmore? I think so. It’s also is the year I decided to own my love of pop music.

What did you want and get?

Another raise.

What did you want and not get?

A new car.

What were your favorite films of this year?

Sharknado! Seriously though, I only saw one movie in the theater this year, for no reason other than I am a cheap bastard (as previously noted). That one movie was Identity Thief and it was hilarious. Still hoping to see Catching Fire though. But most of my entertainment comes from Netflix.

What did you do on your birthday?

My friends threw me a friggin’ surprise party at the Rec. There was a TARDIS cake and it was amahzing!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Comfortable. Suitable. Sort of starting to develop a personal uniform, which I’m fine with. Makes things easier.

What kept you sane?

My fabulous friends,

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Anne Wheaton, my new idol.

What political issue stirred you the most?

What didn’t? These last few years have been dramatic.

Who did you miss?

Brenna.

Who was the best new person you met?

Michelle! Love Michelle.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013:

For all the shit that life puts me through, I survive all of it. Now I just need to remember that.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

My day at work was just like it always is
The same old same old
I appreciate the opportunity over and over
But I had supper with my shadow
And we had quite the discussion
If I truly believe that things can change will I wake up to something different?

My End-of-Year Meme

Guys, I’m sick again. I had two colds within a month (November-December) and I don’t know what’s going on with me today, but it sucks. I called in sick to my wussy little four-hour shift tonight, and didn’t get out of bed until 4 except to take the dog out. I need to get my shit together. I have things to do tomorrow.

Anyway! Every year I do this little survey thing. 2012 was an okay year I suppose. I did some fun things, some terrible things happened, and I survived it all. Good enough!

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t think I made any last year. So I suppose that means I succeeded.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

One of my coworkers had a little boy in October.

Did anyone close to you die?

Buckley, and other wonderful cats. And of course Darren’s grandpa. I wasn’t very close to him, but Darren sure was.

What countries did you visit?

I don’t suppose Wisconsin counts.

What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

Always more money. More time. More sleep. More warm weather!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

No babies in 2012! Also, my family loves our dog. LOVES her. Raising a good pup is an achievement to me. To be fair, Darren did most of the work.

What was your biggest failure?

Didn’t pay off the debt I was hoping to. But thanks to the ol’ second job, and Darren’s new higher-paying one, we’re on the way now.

What was the best thing you bought?

All of it. I am fond of all of this year’s purchases.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Everyone who voted No.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Everyone who voted Yes.

Where did most of your money go?

Bills, presents for myself (oops), the car, the pets…

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Fitting into single-digit-sized pants for the first time since high school. Like a boss.

What song will always remind you of 2012?

“Some Nights” – fun.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder?

Happier.

Thinner or fatter?

Thinner.

Richer or poorer?

Richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Cooking things.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Spending money, as always. And worrying. I worry a lot.

How will you be spending Christmas?

Spent Christmas Eve with my family. Christmas day was spent at home with my furry family watching movies.

Did you fall in love in 2012?

Only with things like my new purse.

How many one-night stands?

None for meeee.

What was your favorite TV program?

Happy Endings, New Girl, and the usuals.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Hate is a strong word… but yeah, I just might. Some people are terrible.

What was the best book you read?

I think it was this year that I finally read the Hunger Games books.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

This was the year I discovered Fun. Still not sick of them. Suck it, haters!

What did you want and get?

A raise. Holla!

What did you want and not get?

A new car. Not that I expected that one to happen, but still.

What were your favorite films of this year?

Well assuming I stop feeling like shit, I’m seeing Les Mis tomorrow- so I might have to get back to you on this one.

What did you do on your birthday?

I can never remember, but I’m pretty sure we went to the bar. As usual.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Comfortable. Suitable. Always evolving.

What kept you sane?

Darren, usually. Kate. Other awesome friends. And gin.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Our president.

What political issue stirred you the most?

OMG. I think you know the answer to this one.

Who did you miss?

My mom.

Who was the best new person you met?

Beth! Even though we’ve only met once so far. She seems awesome.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:

See below…

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Like starlight crashing through the room we’ll lose our feathers. Yes I know it hurts at first, but it gets better.

2011 Year in Review

This little survey seems to have become my end-of-year blogging tradition. Here goes!

Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I think last New Year’s Eve I drunkenly resolved to spend more time naked. I may or may not have succeeded.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Marsha!

Did anyone close to you die?

A coworker died very suddenly in April.

What countries did you visit?

None, unlike some of you lucky folk. Someday…

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Always more money. More time would be nice, too.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

No pregnancies in 2011! Bahahaha.

What was your biggest failure?

Too much liquor on New Year’s. Drinking too much is never a good idea, but it’s the worst way to usher in a new year.

What was the best thing you bought?

Possibly the sewing machine. Or the new furniture.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Kate’s for following her heart, Marsha’s for planning a wedding and getting ready for a baby at the same time,  Steph & Andy for continuing their work…

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Our state government. And mine a little, because compared to my friends I haven’t done a damn thing this year. But mostly my neighbors because they are assholes.

Where did most of your money go?

Bills, as usual. Some went into savings which was good. Too much went toward presents for myself and our apartment.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Marsha’s wedding and baby. Also, the TWINE BALL.

What song will always remind you of 2011?

Toto’s “Africa.”

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or Sadder?

I think happier, although I was pretty happy last year too.

Thinner or fatter?

The same, I think. Unfortunately.

Richer or poorer?

Richer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Taking the dog to the park. Relaxing.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Spending money, obvs.

How will you be spending Christmas?

With my family, as usual, on Christmas Eve. No plans for Christmas Day though, which is awesome.

Did you fall in love in 2011?

With my furry little family. And also with Doctor Who.

How many one-night stands?

I have a nightstand.

What was your favorite TV program?

Doctor Who, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, and many fine offerings from Netflix.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

The aforementioned dick neighbors. Well, I don’t think I liked them last year either.

What was the best book you read?

It’s a toss-up: Jane Eyre, My Life in France (Julia Child), and The Commitment (Dan Savage) are all contenders. Little Women is really good so far, too.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

You mean besides realizing how amazing Toto was?

What did you want and get?

A new couch.

What did you want and not get?

A better place to live.

What were your favorite films of this year?

Harry Potter (haters to the left). Cedar Rapids and Horrible Bosses are highly ranked too.

What did you do on your birthday?

Did we go to the bar?

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Evolving.

What kept you sane?

Crocheting. Also, Kate and Darren. And Netflix.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Well, that would have to be David Tennant I believe.

What political issue stirred you the most?

The same ones that always do: marriage and choice.

Who did you miss?

Kate. Brenna.

Who was the best new person you met?

The Doctor. Wait…

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:

Okay, I’m going to be That Guy and send you somewhere else for an answer.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I’m going to take it a step further and post a whole song.