Hi there! Did I miss anything around these here parts? Did we go off the Celebrity Pregnancy Apoca-Cliff? It’s sort of like the fiscal cliff combined with the Mayan Apocalypse.
Ah…..I see from recent reports that yes, yes we have fallen off the Celebrity Pregnancy Apoca-Cliff. (Please stop tweeting pictures of your baby bump).
OK then, so we already know that 2013 is probably going to suck. And be full of fat (fine…. ‘pregnant’) celebrities.
Maybe, before drowning my sorrows in a pile of buttered Pop-Tarts, I should look back on 2012. Even though 2012 retrospectives are sooooo last week.
One of my absolute favorite blogs has started a tradition of this end of year questionnaire, which I think is brilliant. Plus, since remembering things isn’t my strong suit, answering these questions will totally tax my brain, and that’s sort of like exercising, which is one of my New Year’s resolutions (Along with cussing less. Yeah, good luck on that one. I actually might amend that to “cussing less at work.”)
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
Participated in the purchase of a house. Ate kangaroo in Australia. And pigeon in Spain. Hugged a koala bear. Fought the law. (Actually, I may have done that before)
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make any for next year?
I did manage to keep my New Year’s resolutions, but since I made them so impossibly obscure, this is not a major feat. My resolutions for next (this) year are to cut back on the swear words.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few people I know squeezed out some babies this year. The world now has the pleasure of knowing Miss Maddie, Miss Olivia and Miss Lucy Pepper.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
We weren’t close any more, but yes.
5. What countries did you visit?
This was a very good year for travel. There was Turkey. Germany. Thailand. Australia. Costa Rica. Spain. Plus New York and Austin this past weekend.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
More patience when it comes to dealing with the stupid people of the world. On a related note, the ability to hold my tongue. I’m way too forthright.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
July 9 because that’s when we bought the house (painting of said house below)
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Made a gateau, which is like a fancy cake. Oh, and didn’t die while scuba diving.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting asked to become the president of the Maldives. I had shoes picked out and everything. Rude.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thankfully. Actually, I haven’t had a cold since July 2011. I know that because of this blog. I did, however, have quite a few dental procedures this year, which is not awesome. New resolution for 2013: fewer dental procedures.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Yikes, that’s difficult. I participated in the purchase of a lot of lovely things, but didn’t buy any of them outright on my own. I’d have to say our painting of Sonny the Longhorn. He’s my favorite purchase this year.
12. Where did most of your money go?
That is a really good question. I suppose it went on travel and eating, to some extent. And clothes, since I’ve put on a few pounds thanks to travel and eating. And shoes. Always with the shoes.
13. What did you get really excited about?
I got really excited about Australia, particularly the koala hugging. This was also the year that I finally liked scuba diving after we saw a manta ray in Costa Rica. That pretty much helped me turn the corner from anxiety and fear to enjoyment.
14. What song will always remind you of 2012?
David Guerra’s “Titanium.” Love that jam.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
Happier and fatter. Perhaps a tiny bit poorer. I definitely put less money into my savings in 2012, which is unfortunate.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
My running regime has really fallen off the rails. Also: more writing.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Less time in the dentists’ chairs.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
With XFE and his family at our house. Stuffing our faces and going to museums, mostly.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
This is like Sophie’s Choice. How can I choose? Impossible. I do love me some Duck Dynasty. And anything with gypsy or housewives in the title. Or gold. And those Property Brothers can do no wrong in my book. Alright, alright – any home improvement show imported from Canada will do.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Hmmm, I did read quite a bit, and not just US Weekly, but I’m having a hard time recalling any ‘favorite’ books. Also: I read and then toss, so I don’t even have any lying around that I could tell you about. I do, however, have this helpful book list for perusal. There was also this gem. Currently, I’m reading this, but I wouldn’t say it’s been a favorite. Maybe another 2013 resolution should be “keeping track of the books you read.”
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
The above mentioned Titanium. Old 97s, always. This and every year. Other recent purchases appear to be Two Door Cinema Club, Neon Trees, Dev, the Ting Tings, the Shins, The Hives, the Limousines, the Cataracts, Muse. Nothing too revolutionary.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
We’re so busy watching reality TV, we don’t go to movies very often. And by ‘very often,’ I mean ever. BUT, we did go see Django Unchained on a rainy Sunday in Austin this past weekend at the Alamo Drafthouse. It was very, very violent, but pretty good.
23. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 40 this year, which is apparently a really big deal and necessitated a trip to Australia. We spent the actual day in Cairnes and had dinner at this really lovely place called Ochre. XFE also threw me a pre-Australia “surprise” birthday party. I say “surprise” because someone let the cat out of the bag while telling me how funny XFE’s Evite was. Which was fine by me because I hate surprises.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I would have been more satisfied with the year if I would have pushed myself a bit more to get out of my comfort zone. I think I’ve become a bit complacent in some areas of my life, but rest time needs to be over. Also: quit worrying so much about sharks and other animals.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Two words: No Sleeves.
26. What kept you sane?
XFE, obviously. Even though he also drives me crazy. My great group of friends who want to hang out with me, despite my sharp tongue and antisocial tendencies. Running, when I engage in it, helps keep me sane. And, believe it or not, having this blog as an outlet helps a ton.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
I learned nothing. I am unteachable.
