As stolen from Bryan, who stole it from Kristy.
1 What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Like Bryan, I sang the National Anthem at Jacobs Field, but I was lucky enough to do it twice. Once with the church choir I am no longer a part of, and once with the CAC Singers. I also auditioned to sing the Anthem for the Cavs, but didn't make the cut. Their loss!
2 Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more?
Well, yes and no. I stuck to my resolution to exercise more for several months this year, but didn't completely see it through. If I make a resolution, I usually don't do it until later in January.
03 Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, Melissa, a good friend from college and sorority big big sister had her daughter, Liliana, in February 2005. And, of course, I'm greatly anticipating the arrival of the fetus Landes.
04 Did anyone close to you die?
My great aunt Shirley died last year, and I think my great aunt Dot did, too. I wouldn't say I was particularly close to them, but Aunt Shirley was my dad's favorite aunt.
5 What countries did you visit?
For 2005, my poor broke ass stayed in the good old US of A.
6 What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
a savings account. with money in it.
7 What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm so selfish. I'm sure that things far more significant in my life happened other than my birthday, but I don't remember the dates. So I'll go with April 21. My parents took me out to The Melting Pot for dinner, getting me completely hooked on fondue.
8 What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Digging myself out of a hole at work and coming back stronger.
9 What was your biggest failure?
This is a tough one. I suppose getting behind at work in the first place. All in all, 2005 was relatively uneventful for me.
10 Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, I continue to count my blessings and lucky stars. I'm thankful that Bryan's cancer got to die an ugly death. Meeting sick people in the hospital, suffering from everything from HIV to heart failure and end stage kidney disease has given me a new appreciation of my health.
11 What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm...well, my dentist would say my electric toothbrush, but I'll stick with the dinners out with my friends. Not because of the great food (although the balsamic chicken at Claddaugh is mighty impressive), but because of the great company.
12 Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jon Stewart. Every night.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Well, let me separate these two things. I was appalled by most anyone in politics in 2005. I was depressed that more of my friends weren't able to come for Thanksgiving (but certainly not appauled!).
14 Where did most of your money go?
Rent. literally
15 What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Oh, geez. I got excited about work, sorority initiation last spring (because it was alot of girls!), Taco Cottage, Taco Point, and my vacation.
16 What song will always remind you of 2005?
Whatever was overplayed on the radio. Probably Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone and Green Day's Boulevard of Broken Dreams.
17 Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder – sadder; at this time last year, I was all excited about dating James. but trust me, it's not sadder by much!!!
older or wiser – both; not that 24 is old (unless you're 5), but it is older. and I'd say wiser, too, because I picked up some insight this past year.
thinner or fatter? – slightly fatter, although my clothes do still fit, so it's only by a couple pounds. richer or poorer? – richer, I got a 4% raise in March.
18 What do you wish you'd done more of?
walking
19 What do you wish you'd done less of?
sitting on my ass
20 How did you spend Christmas?
Oh, I think I've already talked about Christmas!!!
22 Did you fall in love in 2005?
Despite a few attempts to date sweet but awkward guys in 2005, I'm still haunted by high school chemistry - I was never very good at it.
23 How many one-night stands?
None, I don't find the idea terribly appealing.
24 What was your favorite TV program?
Sex and the City. finally got to see it now that it's in syndication!
25 Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I can't say that I've come to hate anyone that I know. There's a social worker at one of my hospitals I greatly dislike, but I don't hate her.
26 What was the best book you read?
Bre once told me that I'm the most intelligent illiterate she knows. The only book I finished this year was a romance novel called Devil's Bride. I've been trying to read a book called Red White and Blue for the last 4-5 months, and I'm only about halfway through it.
27 What was your greatest musical discovery?
I'll have to agree with Bryan,The Cleveland Athletic Club Singers. At first, I didn't think I'd fit in, but they're all terribly friendly, and I have a great time with them.
28 What did you want and get?
everything on my kitchen wishlist for Christmas!
29 What did you want and not get?
a promotion at work (but no one got one), and a gray suit
30 What was your favorite film of this year?
Wow, kinda tough one. I'm pretty sure we went to see Phantom early in 2005. If so, it'd have to be Phantom of the Opera.
31 What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 24 on April 21. My parents and brother took me to The Melting Pot that night, and my crazy friends and I went to Fat Fish Blue. I've already gotten a request to do the same this year!
32 What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmmm...this is a tough question. I must say that for the most part, I was happy in 2005. I suppose not always having to worry about my bank account would have made it better. But I don't think that ever changes, regardless of how much money you have.
33 How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
As opposed to Bryan's lengthy rant on the subject of fashion, I'll try and make this short. ;^) I continue to take small steps towards making Mout Union College and Delta Sigma Tau shirts a smaller and smaller percentage of my casual wardrobe. However, I do have a hard time finding clothes I like, because I'm at an awkward age - I'm too old for the young stuff, and too young for the old stuff.
34 What kept you sane?
Oh, lots of things; time to myself, venting to co-workers, talking to Matt everyday, andgoing out with my friends. But, I can sum all that up in 1 word - beer.
35 Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
FANCY?! I'm amused. I'm rather enamored on Orlando Bloom (but he's been out of the limelight) and Heath Ledger, but I refuse to see him as a gay man in Brokeback Mountain. I'd rather keep the image of him as a raging hetero.
36 What political issue stirred you the most?
I was fairly stirred by the case of Terri Schiavo, because I agree with Bryan that it should NOT have been a political issue or fodder for news stations. I understand that her parents were upset by the idea of their daughter's death, but the decision fell to her husband, who understandably wanted his wife to leave this world in peace, grieve, and get on with the rest of his life.
37 Who did you miss?
Robin, my sorority sister and best friend from college. I haven't seen her since my senior formal in 2002.
38 Who was the best new person you met?
I always meet someone new at Bre's parties. I'd say her teacher friend Julie was pretty fun, but I haven't talked to her since Halloween at the party.
39 Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
Oh, my. I have learned that making yourself irreplaceable at work will probably get you overlooked for a promotion because they can't replace you; that even though I'm barely in my mid-20's, I'm far wiser than I was in my early 20's; work has also taught me that being an example for others doesn't mean they'll always take the hint.
Let's hope that 2006 finds us happier, healthier, wealthier, and wiser.
