2008 into 2009

Last year I didn't want to make any resolutions, because I hate not living up to them, but I actually really enjoyed either succeeding or failing :) Here is my list from last year, a general question/answer that I yoinked from Terri which I'm going to do again this year.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Lots, but the most memorable was probably traveling internationally and also getting pregnant... but not while traveling internationally :P

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year? I kept some, not all - and yes I think I'll make some more next year as well.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Well, my sister's sister-in-law gave birth - but I think that's about it.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, not that I can remember.

5. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to Scotland and also being pregnant.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More firsts :) This year was great but I'm really looking forward to all those firsts with Evy being born and being a new mom!

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? This is hard! I'll definitely remember our entire Scotland trip - but I'll also remember fondly those first few days where I knew I was pregnant and that I'd made the choice to share my soul with someone new. All very special :)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? At work I helped with two major projects, both of which gave me a lot of great experience. In my personal life I got my finances into a much more manageable size and time frame.

9. What was your biggest failure? At work I wasn't able to put as much time to expanding my knowledge level and I know it's going to hit me once my review comes up in August. In my personal life I didn't permanently expand my savings and we're still struggling with a lot of the same issues.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes and yes. I remember I went to the doctor's a lot this year - taking advantage of my insurance. Plus, when I got pregnant (which really isn't an illness or an injury) I had a lot of morning sickness.

11. What were the best things you bought? Well, the trip to Scotland for one :) My dolls for another.

12. Where did most of your money go? Rent & toys. I like my dolls and Paul likes his gadgets!

13. What did you do on vacation? Saw the most beautiful countryside EVER. Learned a thing or two about me and traveling :P

14. Compared to this time last year, are you:
    a. happier or sadder? Happier!
    b. thinner or fatter? Fatter, but I'm pregnant so lay off :(
    c. richer or poorer? I'm going to say richer.

15. What do you wish you'd done more of? Reading. I didn't meet my "50 books in 365 days" goal.

16. What do you wish you'd done less of? Watch TV (damn addictive Law & Order!), be sick from the pregnancy, worry.

17. How will you be spending Christmas? Um, already spent - and I did it with family and also moving from an apartment to our very first house (lease, not buy)!

18. Did you fall in love in 2008? Oh yeah, with the idea of being a mom. Can't wait!

19. How many one-night stands? None.

20. What was your favorite TV program? Probably Law & Order. That one will always win.

21. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I don't think so, last year I was pretty disappointed by the people I thought were my friends and I'm still pretty disappointed. Its hard for me to forget.

22. What was the best book you read? Probably the Sabriel series by Garth Nix - that was such a pleasant surprise!

23. What did you want and get? A trip to Scotland, a baby in my belly, (though cutting it close) a house with more room.

24. What did you want and not get? More financial freedom.

25. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 25, and my birthday was a quiet affair that was very pleasant. My sister planned a great surprise party, I reconnected with an old friend, and also got to order a new doll :)

26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Realistically attainable? Probably making more friends and spending time with them so I wouldn't worry so much. Unrealistically? Getting rid of my debt! I'd like to be able to spend the money I have TODAY and not use it pay bills from months/years ago.

27. What kept you sane? My family and my work. Luckily I'm not the only one that has it hard in my family so it's not like I have no one to talk to who can relate. Work also keeps me grounded, gives me a solid starting point which I really need.

28. What political issue stirred you the most? I'm not very political, but I have to say that most of the local issues bothered me. You can read about my beefs here.

29. Who did you miss? I missed a lot of people. As I said last year and this year I've drifted away from a lot of friends.

30. Who was the best new person you met? Well, she wasn't "new", but we did reconnect after quite some time - my old childhood-best-friend Kelsey.

31. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: This is a bit like last year, but still - "You just can't plan everything."