Another year down, so it must be time to do this survey again! Sorry it’s a few weeks late:
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
Flew a plane, scuba dived
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Hmm…I’ve misplaced last year’s again. But I think I did okay….maybe?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Emily had a baby girl in February and lots of my coworkers had babies so I’ve gotten to play with a few as they were paraded through the office.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My friend Jeffrey passed away in July. He was a beautiful person and far too young. I still can’t believe he’s gone. My grandma Diane also passed away. I am glad she is no longer in pain and am very sorry that I wasn’t able to be there in person during her last months but am grateful I spent time with her when I visited at Christmas-time the previous year.
5. What countries did you visit?
The Cook Islands
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
New challenges in my professional life.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 4 – the date I fell and almost broke my neck
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Winning the award for Best Collaboration at Saturday in Design for the design of a temporary showroom space. I was part of the group of 4 who designed and managed the construction of the installation.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not learning Spanish very thoroughly even though I live with native speakers.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. I attempted (and ironically succeeded) at doing something that should have required a ladder by standing on several stacked cushions. Of course the cushions slipped and I fell, landing on my throat. I lucked out with bruised vocal chords, but could have easily crushed my windpipe and suffocated to death (which is what I thought was happening when I first landed) or broken my neck. I got off incredibly easy and have been noticeably more cautious in daily tasks (like getting out of the tub) as I seem particularly susceptible to strange accidents and injuries.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My leather jacket. I lost the one I’d had previously a few years ago and the cheap replacement I bought is just that, cheap. I bought a beautiful jacket that’s comfortable, stylish, and very cool.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My dad. Not only did he venture outside of the US for his very first time, he braved the 10,000 mile journey and really opened himself up to new experiences and a whole new culture. Both of my parents had a great time on their trip here (and I did too!) but I was especially excited that dad really enjoyed his time in Australia and really made a solid effort to do things the Aussie way while he was here, even if it was unfamiliar and a bit strange at times.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
This is very general, but the overall culture of hate that seems to persist in media and social media in particular. It has been especially evident during the US presidential elections and some of the other heated political debates since (i.e. gun control) and I’m just so over it! Let’s quit being angry and negative and start looking for the positives. And while we’re on that, can we quit blaming and start working together to solve problems, not just to maintain our own reputations and public image? *gets off soap box*
14. Where did most of your money go?
Some went to my trip to Rarotonga, but I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to start saving a bit. It’s been earmarked for Brian’s visit here in March, my visit to the US later in 2013, and probably a wisdom tooth extraction at some point.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving in with Marcela in July. It was well-justified too – we have been having SO MUCH fun! We’re both a bit silly and young for our age, so it works out well.
16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
A Long December – Counting Crows
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? sadder
b) thinner or fatter? same?
c) richer or poorer? richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent more time on design work outside of my job. If I’m not getting variety of experience there, I should at least be practicing on my own at home.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being angry about not getting the opportunities I want at work. While not naturally a patient person, I’m working on it!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
My two housemates and my former housemate (who is also the brother of one of my current housemates) and I had a Colombian-style Christmas at our apartment in Windsor. We made a big meal and drank quite a bit on Christmas Eve and exchanged presents at midnight. Christmas Day was spent lazily watching Christmas movies.
21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
No.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Happy Endings, The Vampire Diaries (I know I’m so lame!), Burn Notice, Saturday Night Live
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, though you could say that there are a few people in my office that I have lost a lot of love for over the year.
24. What was the best book you read?
Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Metric
26. What did you want and get?
To take a holiday to a quiet island paradise.
27. What did you want and not get?
Some company on that holiday.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Sapphires. It’s an Australian film and you should all watch it. Seriously, go download it!
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I didn’t do much. My parents had just left and I had such a big birthday the previous year that I didn’t feel like making a huge deal out of it. A few friends organised a surprise dinner out at a local restaurant that turned out to be super delicious.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A paid-for shopping spree? More adventures outside of Melbourne?
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Simple basics with personality found in pop colours, an interesting piece of jewelry, and pattern juxtapositions.
32. What kept you sane?
My very level-headed friends that don’t mind my need to talk about everything and make countless lists for everything under the sun. They seem to have accepted my OCD tendencies of organisation and planning – thanks guys!
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ian Somerhalder
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Civil rights, health care, women’s rights.
35. Who did you miss?
Jennifer. This is the first new year’s eve in like 5 years that we haven’t spent together and I did not like it! I’m so grateful for our skypes, I just hate how few and far between they are.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Juan. He’s been dating Marcela for 10 years (!!), and while I’ve known her for 2, I only met him this past April. He moved in with us this December and I’m happy to call him my friend now. The three of us have a blast together – I’m very grateful for our happy home.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
Life is scary sometimes and it can end quicker than you would ever have guessed. So be careful with yourself and don’t forget to enjoy the life you have while you can.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Help I’m alive
My heart keeps beating like a hammer
Hard to be soft
Tough to be tender
Come take my pulse the pace is on a runaway train
Help I’m alive
My heart keeps beating like a hammer
Beating like a hammer
Help I’m Alive – Metric