2009 Recapped

It’s that time of year – time for the annual year in recap meme. I did one of these way back in 2005, and again last year for 2008. Let’s do it again!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

I started a 365 Days of Self-Portraits photo challenge, which is still continuing. So far I’ve really enjoyed it.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I had said that 2009 would be “the Year of Sacrifice for a Better Tomorrow.” That didn’t really happen. I’m hoping I make more progress in 2010.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A woman at our office had a baby, and there were many new babies among internet friends!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

We stuck it out here in the good ole USA for 2009.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Exactly the same as last year: More peace of mind, which I can achieve not only through actions I can take, but through how I choose to see and react to things. Plus more cash.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Friday April 3 (the day half our office got laid off, but thankfully I got to keep my job)

First week of August – Family reunion in North Carolina

October 31 – Moving Day

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finding a new apartment that we absolutely love and can see ourselves living in for more than a year.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Letting things get to me, being too sensitive to situations that I have no control over.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I managed to get through 2009 without a single cold or bout of the flu. A miracle!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My iTouch and the new (to me) MacBook I’m typing this on, which just arrived yesterday!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My co-worker Brooke, without whom I think I would have gone bonkers at least a dozen times this year.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Jon and Kate, but mostly Jon.

14. Where did most of your money go?

The credit card companies, again, some more.

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

Our new apartment! I’m still loving it here.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Anything on my Pierces mix on Pandora.com.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Same
c) richer or poorer? Poorer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I wish I had explored Louisville more. There’s so much to do and see in this city, and I don’t think I’ve done or seen enough.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worry and fret. I’m a world class worrier and fretter.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Mr. Martini took me out to dinner on Christmas Eve, then we did exchanged presents on Christmas day. Then three days later, I cooked an amazing Christmas Dinner for the two of us!

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Already was!

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I watch too much TV to have a favorite. Mad Men, Dollhouse, Better Off Ted, and So You Think You Can Dance are all appointment television for me.

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

I’m thinking about it, and really, there’s no one that fills my soul with fiery dark hatred. So, no.

24. What was the best book you read?

I know I read a few books this year, but can’t really remember what they were! I will say that I love reading books with the Kindle app on my iTouch.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I love the Glee songs. I really, really do.

26. What did you want and get?

A new (to me) laptop! Also, an apartment I love.

27. What did you want and not get?

An end to the recession.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Inglorious Basterds, District 9, Coraline, The Visitor. Also, Netflix streaming on our big TV is the best thing, ever.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Mr. Martini surprised me with a cake the day before my birthday (or, “birt-day” as the candles spelled). On my birthday, I worked, got balloons, then packed and headed out for our family reunion the next day!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If my allergies would just disappear. They really put a damper on things.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Old Navy Chic.

32. What kept you sane?

Ms. Shutterboo Brooke kept me sane at work, and Mr. Martini kept me sane at home. I don’t think I would have survived the year without them.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

This is going to sound silly, but I love Adam Shankman as a permanent host on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

I love listening to the Planet Money podcasts on This American Life that explained the bank collapses and the recession and how they all happened. They make it easier for me, a non-economist, to understand exactly what happened.

35. Who did you miss?

Co-Emp! I cannot believe I didn’t see her at all this year, AGAIN. I miss you, Co-Emp!

36. Who was the best new person you met?

I’ve “met” a whole group of internet friends via Flickr. The internet is amazing, isn’t it?

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

You can’t control everything. But don’t hesitate to take control of the things that you can control.