What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?
I got a CA driver’s license (at long last), literally slept
with the fishes at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, dyed my hair brown, bought a car
(I’ve ever only leased in the past), went to an Olympic weightlifting meet and
watched Chris compete admirably, vacationed in Hawaii, possibly broke a bone (I
never confirmed with a doctor, but it eventually healed fine), and took a fancy
cooking class with my church for our Christmas party
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make
more for the new year?
I did not make any resolutions last year. This year,
however, I plan to read the Bible daily or at least more consistently. The
Bible app on my phone has helped me stay on track with the reading plan that I
picked. Also, I really do want to get back in shape. I simply need to commit to
the gym again.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes – Bonnie, Cristina, and Jamie
Did anyone close to you die?
No
What countries did you visit?
I stayed domestic with my travels.
What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?
Not that I lacked this in 2016, but I would like to try my
hand at motherhood.
What date(s) from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory,
and why?
October 7-13, because Chris and I went to Maui for our first
wedding anniversary
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I cannot pinpoint a single outstanding achievement, but when
I think back on the year, there were dozens of winning moments at work, at
church, in my marriage, and with my family. They build up and give me a feeling
that my 2016, while quiet and stable, was overall good.
What was your biggest failure?
No particular lows either… I can’t think of any.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I stubbed my fourth toe of my right foot pretty badly, and
it swelled purple for about a week. I don’t know why, but at the time, I felt
it was sufficient to bandage the toe myself and let it heal on its own. Anyway,
it’s completely fine now.
What was the best thing you bought?
My Forester
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Bebe – for standing up for herself and getting out of her
job with that abusive manager
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Some members in my family who were pro-Trump because “we’re
Republican” or because “we’re Christian.” It makes me really sad sometimes that
I’m closely related to such closed-minded opinions that the world can only be
black or white.
Where did most of your money go?
Paying off my student loans until the day I die
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I want to say Hawaii, but I’d be lying if I did not also
mention that the Thursday night before each off-Friday (every other week) is
filled with extreme excitement to sleep in
What song(s) will always remind you of 2016?
Not sure, maybe the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack. I
listened to that on repeat for months.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Wiser? Yes
Healthier? No
Richer? Yes
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Cook and exercise
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eat out – so much money…
How did you spend Christmas?
Chris and I went to a Christmas Day service in the morning
and spent the evening at my parents’ place opening presents, eating steak and
lamb, and watching Beauty and the Beast (which is what Chris gave me)
What new hobbies did you pick up?
Don’t think I picked up anything new
What was your favorite TV program?
The Tudors, The Office, Law & Order SVU, Malcolm in the
Middle, Miranda, and Call the Midwife
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last
year?
No
What was the best book(s) you read?
FanGirl, Attachments, Eleanor & Park, The Curious
Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Cinder, and Jurassic Park
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Old Broadway musicals! Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, A
Little Night Music, Oklahoma, and Oliver
What did you want and get?
Flowers on my birthday
What did you want and not get?
To paddleboard in Hawaii
What was your favorite film(s) of this year?
Star Trek Beyond and Rogue One
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Chris bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which was
all I wanted! That night, he and I kept it simple and had dinner at Claim
Jumper, and I ordered a big slice of cake for dessert.
What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably
more satisfying?
Winning the lottery
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in
2016?
Lots of business casual for work, and sweatpants when I’m not
at work. I miss my stilettos from NYC days.
What kept you sane?
Good friends and family nearby
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Miranda Hart
What political issue stirred you the most?
The president-elect is a racist, sexist, and dishonest moron
who lacks integrity
Who did you miss?
Sandy
Who was the best new person you met?
I can’t think of anyone in particular. Maybe next year I’ll
have some more interesting answers.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.
Be honest and say what’s on your mind to your spouse. Such
an obvious lesson but an extremely difficult thing for me to do when I know
that something I bring up might upset him.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Who could see that a man would come, who would change the
shape of my dreams? Helpless now I stand with him, watching older dreams grow
dim.
Comments
read every single answer carefully!