2014 Year in Review
Participated on an "expert" panel, wore a bikini, went to an all-inclusive resort, visited a prison.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes and no. My New Year's Resolutions were:
- Read 12 books
- Visit 12 new restaurants
- Make 12 new dishes
- Do that hanger trick once in the winter, once in the summer, to try and downsize my closet
- Make a list of things the house needs done and complete at least half of them
My reading resolution fell apart - my smartphone has effectively killed my love of reading. I've tried to get back into it lately, but paying attention to plot is not my strong suit these days. I really liked The Bluest Eye, read at the beginning of the year. The only other one I can remember actually getting through was a reread - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I read it outloud to TB and he loved it. I bought a tonne of books second hand this year and joined a loosey goosey book club so I hope to improve on that once my brainmeats are ready.
Definitely did the new restaurants thing, but it's kind of cheating because i did so much travelling. In town, I visited Izakaya, which was okay but I think I need to give them another try to fully form that opinion; Wilf and Ada's , which is adorable and lovely as their old owners (and namesakes) were; Union 613, which has become a new favourite, even with the communal seating; the Cordon Bleu, which was for a work party, and that work party was a murder mystery, so I have no idea of how they "really" are, but was pleasant and well-prepared and in a beautiful setting; The Wellington Gastropub, which is fantastic, and has the most accommodating kitchen I've ever seen; Stella Luna, which, true to my friend's word, produced the best gelato I've ever had; and Good Eats, the around-the-corner sandwich shoppe that has stolen our hearts. Everything there has been awesome, and I was really really prepared to hate them, as they took over my beloved Scone Witch. All is forgiven.
The hanger trick was brilliant - I did it twice and got rid of a couple of bags of clothes, then I sold a bunch more to consignment store and some friends. And then I bought more things. Because I'm a goober.
Made the list for my house and I'd say I was justthisshy of completing half. Giving myself a "go" on this one, because I can, damnit.
Don't know if I'm going to be able to make any resolutions this year. Just surviving seems insurmountable at this point. Let's keep the first three and add a "try to become at least a shadow of who you once were". Sounds good.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
TB's cousin gave birth to another adorable British lad, my friend Kait had her second, and a pal from University had her first. And it begins...
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Okay, I'm allowed to answer this one with the obvious answer at least. My mom died on December 2nd, my grandfather on December 29th. They were the best people I ever knew.
5. What countries did you visit?
You know, before this year turned into a shitstorm, it was pretty great- I doubled the amount of countries I'd been to and did a bunch of new things. I went to Paraguay, Argentina, NYC, and Toronto for work. I went to Mexico, Upstate New York, and Montreal for fun. I was actually sick of airports at one point. Nice 1st world problem to have. To more adventures!
6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
Some semblance of sanity. A lower balance on the line of credit. And a carryover from the last 2 years: an inbox that's manageable.
7. What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Okay, we've covered the deathiversaries, and do believe I'll never forget them but, other than that, let's see...
October 28 - Attended and reported on a debate at the UN, which was neat
November 10 - a really awesome girls' day with my sister and mom
December 17 - learned where I'll be going for work in 2016
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I love the contrast here.
January -November: Presenting publicly and competently on a topic I'd only been working on for 2 months, Organizing a week-long program for a visitor who did not speak English and doing it well, getting around three Spanish-speaking cities with my very basic "Me llamo es" Spanish.
December: Writing and delivery two eulogies. Breathing in and out. Existing.
Bar is painfully low right now.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting my number 1 posting choice was kind of a letdown but that whole thing kind of faded into the background, to be honest. If you'd like to hear more about my personal failings, please visit me between the hours of 1-3am daily. I'll be happy to share my long list of regrets.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Flu-maggedon in March laid me low but otherwise, physically healthy for most of this year, I think.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Bought a picnic table for $40 from our neighbours that they just had out on their lawn and it's been great. And honestly? I just bought these amazing patterned long johns that I wear instead of pants lately and they. are. gamechangers.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
God, where do I start? I have been utterly and completely spoiled by the kindness, understanding, humour and compassion of my friends. Jax, C, and Sarah have gone above and beyond the call of "best friend" and have checked in on me, sent me things, made me feel loved and appreciated and cared for, which has been all the more bittersweet, as I've lost the people who did that for me so effortlessly. Friends who showed up at funerals, or donated in my mom's name, or who have reached out and shared their stories of loss, or just let me know that when i want a distraction, they're there, have meant so much to me. And Owen, for all his not-knowing-loss, has been a rock for me. He visited my mother and my grandfather with me, went through funeral arrangements, holds me when I fall apart, and tries his very best to understand and love the basketcase that's replaced his girlfriend. I honestly believe that I would not be here without all of them.
My sister has been strong in a way that has just astounded me, as well. I hope I'm being half as good to her as she is to me, lately. My uncle and others who lived to make sure my grandfather was loved and taken care of are my heroes. I love them and am in awe of their seemingly bottomless well of compassion.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
For all that compassion, and kindness, and love, and positivity my family has shown, some members are just so damn self-centred, so egregiously uncaring, that my use of the previously practically unuttered c-word has shown a 400% increase. However, now that I'm an adult I don't have to pretend that I respect, or even like these people, and it feels fantastic.
Also, Jian Ghomeshi.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel, eating out, and taxis. And it feels fantastic.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Every one of the trips I went on. At some point, I was really looking forward to Christmas but... y'know.
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2014?
All About that Bass - Megan Trainor
I'm Coming Home - J Cole
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. Thinner or fatter?
iii. Richer or poorer?
Almost impossibly sadder.
Thinner, by about 5 pounds.
Poorer, in almost every sense of the word.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, visiting, getting my family to tell me stories of the past that are now essentially gone, dreaming of pleasant things.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Idly surfing the 'net instead of working or doing something productive, crying, hanging out with the good people at Capital Memorial, worrying.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
It's weird, knowing that a Christmas is going to be the worst you've ever had. That being said, it wasn't terrible. The tree was beautiful. The weather was mild. I had a meltdown the night of Christmas Eve that sucked all joy out of it, but Christmas Day was okay. Spoke to and laughed with some friends, opened presents with my sister and dad and watched Lily be dumb, had my uncle over for breakfast, made Christmas Dinner, visited my grandfather, ate the meal with that same uncle and my cousin. Finished opening presents around 1am, then drank a bottle of sparkling wine with my sister and dad and poured some out for my mom. Quiet, small, but okay.
21. How did you spend New Years?
Again, not terrible. Went to the suburbs to my family's house with TB and the dog. Invited my uncle over. Played charades, watched the ball drop, drank more sparkling wine, traded stories, called it a night around 1:30. Warm, cozy, and okay.
22. Did you fall in love in 2014?
With the aforementioned long johns.
23. How many one night stands?
I could use a new night stand actually. <---- Keeping last year's answer because it is GOLDEN
24. What were your favorite TV programs?
Game of Thrones, Archer, Portlandia, Modern Family, Rewatched all of Mr. Show, Mad Men. Lot of good tv this year.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Family drama is amazing. Channeling your anger into one terrible person can feel so, so good.
26. What was the best book you read?
I'm going to say The Bluest Eye, even though I fully admit it had no company. I tried to start The Magicians, re-start The Night Circus and re-read The Book Thief, and failed on all accounts.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't think I really listened to too much music this year. The Songza "Happy indie Pop" playlist was my favourite way to wake up, though.
28. What did you want and get?
A space heater for our frigid 1918 house, a hammock, a container garden, a posting abroad, a true vacation (as opposed to "a trip")
29. What did you want and not get?
A chance to regroup before the next blow, my first christmas morning ever with just my family, a more organized life, a new roof.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Lego Movie was just great.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Threw myself a little shindig at my place. Figured out that lemondrop Jello shots are infinitely easier than lime ones and went to town on those, invited the people who were still in town and we drank lots and ate a fair amount. The next day, on my actual birthday, my family came over and we hung out, ate dinner and, for the first time in ages, went down to the bridge to watch fireworks. It rained, but we insisted, and my sister gave my mom her umbrella so that she'd stay dry. In retrospect, I'm so glad we went. And then I was 32.
32. What would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have not suffered the losses I did, obviously. But other than that - an office with a window. Or even keeping my old office. I have an office in a hallway now. I'm nothing.
To have my awesome friends be less than 1000 miles away, in every direction.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?
"Barely Acceptable". I stopped wearing blazers and dress pants, largely because i got too fat for 'em. Then I switched tights to leggings. And dresses became sweater dresses. And heels became flats became ankle boots. This time next year I'll basically be conducting meetings in a onesie.
34. What kept you sane?
Borrowing Sarah's answer of 2003 - I was kept sane?
Playing games on my phone was once again MVP and I have no shame about that. 0hh1 is the most incredible therapist.
Our vacation in April was the most amazing way to unwind that I've ever experienced.
But really, my friends and family. I hate reaching out for help, but I'm so glad I have been. And Lily. God bless her little broken self. I am immensely thankful that dogs don't really understand human suffering. They just know that it's breakfast time and that you need to get the fuck out of bed.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Jon Hamm is still cut from marble, Joel McHale made a comeback. And of course, for the 14th year in a row: Paul Rudd.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Ferguson and similar stories filled me with such sadness and anger, as did the myriad of continuing "rape culture" stories that seemed to be part of a never-ending flow. It was a really sad year for news, it feels.
37. Who did you miss?
My mom and my grandfather forever and a day.
The dozens of friends I have around the world who made their presence known, but distance prevented me from hugging them outright. The last cohort of colleagues who moved to warmer climes gutted me quite a bit, actually.
The person I used to be. I'm hoping I get to see her from time to time, though.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My colleague, Laura, is fabulous and emotional and down-to-earth and eccentric and Latin and great. I also got to know a few people better, including my favourite trivia quizmaster, and that was a delight. I "re-met" a cousin of mine who lost her mom when she was 31 and she was a life raft at my grandpa's funeral. I'm hoping we get to talk more this year.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
Last year's was more apt than I ever thought it would be. It might be too much to count on it this year but it's worth repeating:
"There will always be times when you feel discouraged. I too have felt despair many times in my life, but I do not keep a chair for it. I will not entertain it. It is not allowed to eat from my plate."
-Clarissa Pinkola Estes
In reality, I think I've learned:
"That's the thing about pain [...] it demands to be felt."
-John Green
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"The smell of hospitals, and winter, and the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls."
-Counting Crows, "A Long December"
----------------------------------------------
This is the most depressing and repetitive one of these I've ever done, but I'm glad I did it. Even bad memories are part of the building of you.
TB's cousin gave birth to another adorable British lad, my friend Kait had her second, and a pal from University had her first. And it begins...
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Okay, I'm allowed to answer this one with the obvious answer at least. My mom died on December 2nd, my grandfather on December 29th. They were the best people I ever knew.
5. What countries did you visit?
You know, before this year turned into a shitstorm, it was pretty great- I doubled the amount of countries I'd been to and did a bunch of new things. I went to Paraguay, Argentina, NYC, and Toronto for work. I went to Mexico, Upstate New York, and Montreal for fun. I was actually sick of airports at one point. Nice 1st world problem to have. To more adventures!
6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
Some semblance of sanity. A lower balance on the line of credit. And a carryover from the last 2 years: an inbox that's manageable.
7. What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Okay, we've covered the deathiversaries, and do believe I'll never forget them but, other than that, let's see...
October 28 - Attended and reported on a debate at the UN, which was neat
November 10 - a really awesome girls' day with my sister and mom
December 17 - learned where I'll be going for work in 2016
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I love the contrast here.
January -November: Presenting publicly and competently on a topic I'd only been working on for 2 months, Organizing a week-long program for a visitor who did not speak English and doing it well, getting around three Spanish-speaking cities with my very basic "Me llamo es" Spanish.
December: Writing and delivery two eulogies. Breathing in and out. Existing.
Bar is painfully low right now.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting my number 1 posting choice was kind of a letdown but that whole thing kind of faded into the background, to be honest. If you'd like to hear more about my personal failings, please visit me between the hours of 1-3am daily. I'll be happy to share my long list of regrets.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Flu-maggedon in March laid me low but otherwise, physically healthy for most of this year, I think.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Bought a picnic table for $40 from our neighbours that they just had out on their lawn and it's been great. And honestly? I just bought these amazing patterned long johns that I wear instead of pants lately and they. are. gamechangers.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
God, where do I start? I have been utterly and completely spoiled by the kindness, understanding, humour and compassion of my friends. Jax, C, and Sarah have gone above and beyond the call of "best friend" and have checked in on me, sent me things, made me feel loved and appreciated and cared for, which has been all the more bittersweet, as I've lost the people who did that for me so effortlessly. Friends who showed up at funerals, or donated in my mom's name, or who have reached out and shared their stories of loss, or just let me know that when i want a distraction, they're there, have meant so much to me. And Owen, for all his not-knowing-loss, has been a rock for me. He visited my mother and my grandfather with me, went through funeral arrangements, holds me when I fall apart, and tries his very best to understand and love the basketcase that's replaced his girlfriend. I honestly believe that I would not be here without all of them.
My sister has been strong in a way that has just astounded me, as well. I hope I'm being half as good to her as she is to me, lately. My uncle and others who lived to make sure my grandfather was loved and taken care of are my heroes. I love them and am in awe of their seemingly bottomless well of compassion.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
For all that compassion, and kindness, and love, and positivity my family has shown, some members are just so damn self-centred, so egregiously uncaring, that my use of the previously practically unuttered c-word has shown a 400% increase. However, now that I'm an adult I don't have to pretend that I respect, or even like these people, and it feels fantastic.
Also, Jian Ghomeshi.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel, eating out, and taxis. And it feels fantastic.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Every one of the trips I went on. At some point, I was really looking forward to Christmas but... y'know.
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2014?
All About that Bass - Megan Trainor
I'm Coming Home - J Cole
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. Thinner or fatter?
iii. Richer or poorer?
Almost impossibly sadder.
Thinner, by about 5 pounds.
Poorer, in almost every sense of the word.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, visiting, getting my family to tell me stories of the past that are now essentially gone, dreaming of pleasant things.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Idly surfing the 'net instead of working or doing something productive, crying, hanging out with the good people at Capital Memorial, worrying.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
It's weird, knowing that a Christmas is going to be the worst you've ever had. That being said, it wasn't terrible. The tree was beautiful. The weather was mild. I had a meltdown the night of Christmas Eve that sucked all joy out of it, but Christmas Day was okay. Spoke to and laughed with some friends, opened presents with my sister and dad and watched Lily be dumb, had my uncle over for breakfast, made Christmas Dinner, visited my grandfather, ate the meal with that same uncle and my cousin. Finished opening presents around 1am, then drank a bottle of sparkling wine with my sister and dad and poured some out for my mom. Quiet, small, but okay.
21. How did you spend New Years?
Again, not terrible. Went to the suburbs to my family's house with TB and the dog. Invited my uncle over. Played charades, watched the ball drop, drank more sparkling wine, traded stories, called it a night around 1:30. Warm, cozy, and okay.
22. Did you fall in love in 2014?
With the aforementioned long johns.
23. How many one night stands?
I could use a new night stand actually. <---- Keeping last year's answer because it is GOLDEN
24. What were your favorite TV programs?
Game of Thrones, Archer, Portlandia, Modern Family, Rewatched all of Mr. Show, Mad Men. Lot of good tv this year.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Family drama is amazing. Channeling your anger into one terrible person can feel so, so good.
26. What was the best book you read?
I'm going to say The Bluest Eye, even though I fully admit it had no company. I tried to start The Magicians, re-start The Night Circus and re-read The Book Thief, and failed on all accounts.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't think I really listened to too much music this year. The Songza "Happy indie Pop" playlist was my favourite way to wake up, though.
28. What did you want and get?
A space heater for our frigid 1918 house, a hammock, a container garden, a posting abroad, a true vacation (as opposed to "a trip")
29. What did you want and not get?
A chance to regroup before the next blow, my first christmas morning ever with just my family, a more organized life, a new roof.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Lego Movie was just great.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Threw myself a little shindig at my place. Figured out that lemondrop Jello shots are infinitely easier than lime ones and went to town on those, invited the people who were still in town and we drank lots and ate a fair amount. The next day, on my actual birthday, my family came over and we hung out, ate dinner and, for the first time in ages, went down to the bridge to watch fireworks. It rained, but we insisted, and my sister gave my mom her umbrella so that she'd stay dry. In retrospect, I'm so glad we went. And then I was 32.
32. What would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have not suffered the losses I did, obviously. But other than that - an office with a window. Or even keeping my old office. I have an office in a hallway now. I'm nothing.
To have my awesome friends be less than 1000 miles away, in every direction.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?
"Barely Acceptable". I stopped wearing blazers and dress pants, largely because i got too fat for 'em. Then I switched tights to leggings. And dresses became sweater dresses. And heels became flats became ankle boots. This time next year I'll basically be conducting meetings in a onesie.
34. What kept you sane?
Borrowing Sarah's answer of 2003 - I was kept sane?
Playing games on my phone was once again MVP and I have no shame about that. 0hh1 is the most incredible therapist.
Our vacation in April was the most amazing way to unwind that I've ever experienced.
But really, my friends and family. I hate reaching out for help, but I'm so glad I have been. And Lily. God bless her little broken self. I am immensely thankful that dogs don't really understand human suffering. They just know that it's breakfast time and that you need to get the fuck out of bed.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Jon Hamm is still cut from marble, Joel McHale made a comeback. And of course, for the 14th year in a row: Paul Rudd.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Ferguson and similar stories filled me with such sadness and anger, as did the myriad of continuing "rape culture" stories that seemed to be part of a never-ending flow. It was a really sad year for news, it feels.
37. Who did you miss?
My mom and my grandfather forever and a day.
The dozens of friends I have around the world who made their presence known, but distance prevented me from hugging them outright. The last cohort of colleagues who moved to warmer climes gutted me quite a bit, actually.
The person I used to be. I'm hoping I get to see her from time to time, though.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My colleague, Laura, is fabulous and emotional and down-to-earth and eccentric and Latin and great. I also got to know a few people better, including my favourite trivia quizmaster, and that was a delight. I "re-met" a cousin of mine who lost her mom when she was 31 and she was a life raft at my grandpa's funeral. I'm hoping we get to talk more this year.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
Last year's was more apt than I ever thought it would be. It might be too much to count on it this year but it's worth repeating:
"There will always be times when you feel discouraged. I too have felt despair many times in my life, but I do not keep a chair for it. I will not entertain it. It is not allowed to eat from my plate."
-Clarissa Pinkola Estes
In reality, I think I've learned:
"That's the thing about pain [...] it demands to be felt."
-John Green
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"The smell of hospitals, and winter, and the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls."
-Counting Crows, "A Long December"
----------------------------------------------
This is the most depressing and repetitive one of these I've ever done, but I'm glad I did it. Even bad memories are part of the building of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment