The Year, in review, kind of…
Normally these kinds of year end surveys annoy me. Usually, I refuse to even bother with them. But, the last year or so has been so turbulent that I really want to make a record of where I am now, and reflect back on where I was. I want a way to mark my progress this time. And so, here it is… A look back at 2010.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
I must say that I did not try enough new things in 2010 (which is why I am so excited to try many new things in 2011, I hope). But, I did begin volunteering at the SPCA, and I moved into my own HOUSE 🙂
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Unfortunately, last year was a year of great change, and loss, for me and my family. I did not make any resolutions last year. This year is different.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, a LOT of my friends and my cousin.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Technically, it was not in 2010. But, my father passing at the end of 2009 was felt well into 2010, as it will be for the rest of my years, I am sure.
5. What countries did you visit?
None. How lame. I need to really concentrate on making seeing more of the world a priority.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
The biggest thing I would like to have this year is a less stressful daily life. We made a great start to that by moving to a house in a different area, but there are still things that need some tending to in that area. It is one of my major goals of 2011 to relax and have more “me” time.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
None. Well, that is not to say that I did not have great memories in 2010, but there was no set date that will remain with me.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I walked away from a few bad situations knowing that I was the bigger person. I started making photography a bigger part of my life. I began a blog. I got my diploma, only a year plus after graduating, but still.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I let my emotions get the best of me in some situations that I should have been stronger through. My other failure has to do with our dogs. They need more structure, and I plan to give them that.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Apparently my back is still a major issue for me to contend with…Hopefully, it gets resolved in 2011.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Its not something that I bought, it was bought for me though. It was the Nikon 1.8 35mm lens that TMB gifted me. It gave me a whole new love and appreciation for photography again.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Bills. Getting my finances back in order is a major goal of mine for the upcoming year.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Winning tickets to the M&S’s studio session and concert. It was pretty amazing. I also got really into the holiday spirit this year. To some, that may sound trivial. But for me, it was a BIG deal.
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
None. I’m horrible at this picking of favorite things ect.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier. And more importantly, I am more hopeful about this year turning out positive.
– thinner or fatter? Stronger, and healthier.
– richer or poorer? The same, but on a better track.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Taken more photos! I also wish that I’d spent my time doing better things… Too much time spent in negative places.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
I wish that I had worried less. After my father died, it sent me into a spiral of depression and terrible fits of fear of loss. The future is what it is, I need to live in the present more often.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family – it was WONDERFUL and quiet and relaxing.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
Boardwalk Empire, Dexter, True Blood and Modern Family!
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I read far too little last year. But my favorite book was “Live What You Love: Notes from an Unusual Life” by Robert Blanchard and Melinda Blanchard
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Mumford and Sons. And no, I am not a bandwagon fan. Believe me. The entire album engulfs me in some pretty amazing emotions.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
I finally saw the movie Into the Wild…all I can say is that it really moved me.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 26 with a huge BBQ that turned out to be a complete blast!
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I would have like some personal issues with someone very close to me to have been worked out in a better way. I also think that having a shorter commute would take away a lot of my stress.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
I do maybe 1/8th of the amount of shopping that I once did, so I would say that I went with the flow of trends as much as I could on a tight budget. I am finding that I can make what I already own work with the right pieces.
26. What kept you sane?
Wine?? Lots of it? No, I would say that 2009-2010 was the least sane years of my adulthood and what got me through time and time again was the support of my family and close friends.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
A valuable life lesson? Just one? Well…I learned that I have to let go of the things I can not change. And accept change as it comes. But the most important life lesson of 2010 was that “No one will respect your need for rest, balance and boundaries until you respect them yourself.”
This finally hit me (hard), Christmas morning. I was looking forward to this day all season because I swore I would have a wonderful holiday. And I woke up drained, unenthusiastic and in a bitter mood. Despite every effort to be cheery and bright, and holly and jolly… I fizzled out miserably and landed myself on the couch in a tired, cranky heap.
I couldn’t figure out why I was so exhausted until the following day. I came to this realization while still slumped on the couch. I need to respect when I need a break, when I need rest. I try very hard to maintain my position as the main coordinator for my family, but sometimes I have to just sit back and relax.
For 2011…My goals and so-called resolutions are to:
1. Be less negative more positive
2. Take more photos (by not leaving home without my camera)
3. Challenge myself to go outside of my comfort zone
4. Yell less, and love more
5. Read and write consistently
6. Guide my dogs into better behavior
7. Spend more quality time doing quality things with quality people, including time on myself
8. Not allow my mind to wonder to worrying in order to let things go
9. Plant a garden and embrace nature
10. Make fitness, health and fun a priority