I've tagged myself via the Handbasket (wonderful blog).
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Spin yarn, own a dog.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions?
Basically...I had a vague resolution to connect more deeply with people (those I already knew, and new people) and I did accomplish that.
3. Did someone close to you give birth?
Yes - hooray! Lily Dustbin and two other friends. Lovely, happy healthy babies all.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
A qualified yes, because I hadn't been close to him for more than a decade. A musician that I played with for years but hadn't seen in a long time died just recently, Dale Marcel. It was shocking and sad to hear of his sudden death. The percussion band, The Fletcher Valve Drummers was a really formative and important experience for me, life-wise and musically. I wrote this post in 2007 where I talked a little bit about what it was like to be in that band. Sadly he is the second person from that musical group to die too young.
5. What countries did you visit?
The U.S. (NYC).
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A job that I enjoy and where my skills are well used.
7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hm...getting more and more competent at spinning.
8. What was your biggest failure?
Feeling like I am still, after many many years, stuck in a job that I dislike intensely at times, with dysfunctional work relationships. The failure feeling comes from the knowledge that I have something to learn here in order to move on, and I'm obviously not getting it.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Although my achilles tendon rupture was in 2007, 2008 was a year of continued struggle with the aftermath of this injury. My physiotherapist thinks I may have suffered nerve damage - my affected calf muscle has not re-developed at all. Back to the surgeon I go as soon as I can get an appointment.
10. What was the best thing you bought?
My beautiful Lendrum spinning wheel!
11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My ex-boyfriend's, for the mature, classy and kind manner in which he engaged in breaking up with me, and his ongoing friendship. Every single one of my close friends at some point in 2008 either started a relationship, ended a relationship, expanded their family or endured hardship ... all of these events in their lives in some way showed the good stuff they're made of. I love them all and am immensely proud.
12. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A family member. I don't want to post details for fear of them ever stumbling on this blog. I will describe their behaviour as immature, passive aggressive, selfish and sad.
13. Where did most of your money go?
Housing.
14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Spinning, and my continued journey of being a better musician.
15. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Hm, it's not a song from 2008, but Spiders/Kidsmoke from Wilco's A Ghost is Born was listened to pretty consistently this year.
16. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Gosh, I think maybe just a little thinner...? More thinnerness to come in 2009 I hope.
17. What do you wish you’d done more of?
No regrets, really.
18. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Same.
19. How did you spend Christmas?
With my small weird family.
20. Any one-night stands?
Nope.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Dexter.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I’m not a hater. I do have a burning dislike for a few people...but no one new in 2008.
23. What was the best book you read?
Born Standing Up - Steve Martin’s memoirs.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Myself! A close 2nd - getting deeply into the Clash.
25. What did you want and get?
A spinning wheel.
26. What did you want and not get?
A trip overseas.
27. Favorite film of this year?
I think I have only seen a few films released in 2008 (sad but true), Slumdog Millionaire would have to be the best of the lot. Notable films of any time period that I’ve seen this year - Coming Home, The Machinist, Kung Fu Hustle.
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 39 in November, and I went bowling and drinking with friends.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A robust sex life.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same as always - utilitarian.
31. What kept you sane?
I keep myself sane.
32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Have to say a split between Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.
33. What political issue stirred you the most?
The ongoing hijacking of Canada by Stephen Harper.
34. Who do you miss?
As always, my mother.
35. Who was the best new person you met?
Can’t pick a favorite - 2008 was especially rich in new friendships. I am very grateful.
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008
I developed somewhat of a motto in ‘08: “I like to deal with reality”. For me, it means that I am practicing living in the moment and engaging with people in as real a way as possible, while trying not to let my own projections, memories of the past or imaginings of the future get in the way. I’m not sure how well I’ve succeeded, but I keep trying.
"My ex-boyfriend's, for the mature, classy and kind manner in which he engaged in breaking up with me, and his ongoing friendship."
Aww, shucks. That's just lovely.
Posted by: Daniel | January 09, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Like your blog -- and I think one day we'll do a yarn swap :-). I did the year end meme too -- nice to compare ;-).
cate
Posted by: Cate | January 14, 2009 at 09:51 AM