year-in-review

2006 In Review, Looking to 2007 (Tiny Pictures)

Time for the obligatory. Heh. What a year 2006 has been. It’s really hard to believe I am where I am in my life right now. Makes me very curious about 2007.

01. Was 2006 a good year for you?
Yes, I’ll have to say, for the most part, it was. It certainly was interesting.

02. Where were you, and who were you with, when 2006 began? And where will you be when it ends?
I was at Chad and Christy’s house, at a New Year’s Eve Party. Some of the people I was with included Kim, Ben, Caty, Christy, Abbie to name a few.

Ben is the Mack Daddy! Happy Girls Christy and Me

I will be here in my apartment, wearing my blue footie pajamas, and hanging with Aidan when it ends.

03. What were your biggest achievements of the year?
– Aidan, Aidan, Aidan, and Aidan;
– signing with a big time literary agent;
– making it through the year with no accidents or speeding tickets;
– taking huge leaps of faith in regards to my personal life;
– taking a chance with a new job;
– taking my first “road trip” all alone;
– reading more than 100 new books;

04. What was your biggest failure or regret?
– Not selling ONLY YOURS.
– CRUSH getting rejected.

05. What did you do that you’d never done before?
– saw Bob Dylan (twice!);
– saw Wicked;
– ate rattlesnake;
– visited The Grand Canyon;
– visited Philadelphia, PA;
– visited Phoenix, AZ;
– attended a Writers’ Conference;
– took a ghost tour (I ended up taking six!);
– cooked a Crock-Pot meal;
– attended a Writers’ Conference;
– started a debt management program;
– got a flu shot;
– friendship journal with verytruly and selfstyled.

06. What did you hope to do but didn’t manage to?
Save money. Visit . Sell Only Yours.

07. Are you going to try to do these things this coming year instead?
Yes.

08. Did you make any major decisions? If so, what were they?
a) I became separated.
b) I asked for a dissolution.
c) I changed jobs.
d) I decided to wean myself off of the Lexapro. I am down to 10mgs a day instead of 20mgs. So far, so good.

09. Did you explore any new ideas or concepts you had never considered before?
Yes.

10. What did you learn?
That there is a lot more to me than I ever imagined. And that I like it.

11. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My friends tell me that MY behaviour does, because I was strong and taking charge and blah blah blah, but I have to say THEIRS did, because they’ve gone above and beyond to make me feel supported, loved, taken care of. crimsonghost_oh, meimeigui, swankivy, selfstyled, adamselzer, verytruly, wlotus, helenatural, starrlyte, I love you all and I am very grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for everything.

12. Whose behaviour upset you?
No names, but the people who decided to stop talking to me because of decisions I made with regards to my personal life.

13. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveled more. Planned more. Written more.

14. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Holding back. Keeping secrets. Stressing out. Worrying.

15. What did you get really excited about?
a) Visiting Chicago all the times I did. 🙂
b) Seeing the Grand Canyon.
c) Bob Dylan concerts.

16. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I know of.

17. Did anyone close to you die?
Grandpa Davis. 🙁

18. Did you attend any weddings or funerals?
Grandpa Davis’s funeral in February.

19. Did you miss anybody?
Yes.

20. Which countries did you visit?
N/A. Dang it.

21. Which new places did you visit?
Ft. Wayne, IN., Philadelphia, PA.

22. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing unusual.

23. What was the best thing you bought?
All of my plane tickets to Chicago, and my digital SLR camera.

24. Where did most of your money go?
Bills.

25. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? the same
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? poorer, most definitely poorer

26. What was your favourite film of the year?
Clerks II.

27. What was your favourite TV programme?
N/A.

28. What was the best book you read?
The Giver – Lois Lowry.

29. What did you want and get?
A DSLR camera, an agent.

30. What did you want and not get?
A publishing contract. Constant financial security.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32. Bizzy came over and we ate spaghetti and watched The Boondock Saints.

32. What was your personal fashion concept of this year?
Jeans, sweaters or tee-shirts, my cheap Champion shoes. Or peasant skirts and camis.

33. Did you make any significant changes to your appearance?
I stopped wearing makeup, except for powder to tone down the shine. I began wearing my hair shorter, although that wasn’t really my choice. BUT, I did stop straightening it so much, and started letting it air dry.

Curly Sunday New Hairdo

34. Which celebrity did you fancy the most?
I didn’t really fancy anyone, but I did have a raging crush on Trent Ford for about ten minutes.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Execution.

36. What world event affected you more than any other?
Too many to get into right now.

37. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 29, 2006, for reasons I want to keep private for now.

38. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing outside of the ordinary.

39. What song(s) will always remind you of 2006?
“My Love” by Justin Timberlake
“Sanctus” by Philip Riley and Jane Elleson
“What Goes Around…/…Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake
“Sorry” by Madonna
“Gotta Go, Gotta Leave (Tired) by Vivian Greene
“Believe In Me” by Pleasure Center

40. Did you fall in love in 2006?
I did. With Chicago. With pretty, dramatic sunrises over the Columbus skyline. With the American Heritage dictionary. With copyediting. With photography, using filters and lenses. With my little boy, as he grows and becomes the person he is meant to be–funny, charming, affectionate, smart, amazing. With much, much more, that I want to hold inside for now.

41. How many one-night stands?
Negative.

42. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don’t think so.

43. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I enjoyed “discovering” Bob Dylan, Josh Groban, and Justin Timberlake (again). Oh, and Jennifer Berezan. The Returning CD is ace.

44. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Selling a book!

45. What kept you sane?
My friends. Sometimes, I just don’t understand how they put up with me!

46. Who was the best new person you met?
Adam Selzer. He’s awesome.

47. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“Getting your dreams, it’s strange, but it seems, a little well, complicated. There’s a kind of a sort of, loss, and a couple of things get lost. And there bridges to cross you didn’t know you crossed until you cross.”

48. What would you like to happen in the coming year, either personally or in a more global sense?
I want to get better with money, and MAKE MORE OF IT. I want to finally publish a book. I want to write and write and write. I want to travel more. Continue enjoying the copyediting. Pick up some freelance jobs. For adamselzer‘s prediction to come true that 2007 will be a good year.

49. What are some of your personal goals for the new year?
Get a promotion. Publish a book.

50. What would you like to avoid?
Drama. Living paycheck-to-paycheck.

51. And finally, where do you see yourself in a year’s time?
I have no idea.

* * *

Were you in school (any time this year)?
Nope.

How did you earn your keep?
McGraw-Hill for most of the year, then I moved to Zaner-Bloser starting in September. Still in the publishing world.

Did you have to go to the hospital?
Nope.

Did you encounter the police?
Nope.

Where did you go on vacation?
In May, I went to Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, and Phoenix. In June, July, August, and September, I went to Chicago. In November, I went to Philadelphia.

What did you purchase that was over $500?
My digital SLR camera.

Did you know anybody who got married?
Holly & Robert. I photographed the wedding.

You know anybody who passed away?
Grandpa Davis.

Have you run into anybody you graduated high school with?
I talk to Andy all the time.

Did you move anywhere?
Yes, I moved out of the house on Bauer St., into my own place in Clintonville.

What sporting events did you go to?
None.

What concerts did you go to?
I saw Bob Dylan in Ft. Wayne, IN, and I saw him in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, I popped in on a Tony Lucca gig that was local.

Are you registered to vote?
Yes.

If so, did you do your patriotic duty on Nov. 7?
It’s not a duty to me. It’s a priviledge and an honor. And yes, I did vote.

Where do you live now?
Columbus, OH (Clintonville neighborhood)

What’s the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006?
See Wicked!!!

What is one thing you regretted this year?
Spending too much money. Bah.

What’s something you learned about yourself?
I guess I’m a lot braver than I thought.

Any new additions to your family?
No.

What was your best month?
June, and September.

What from pop culture will you remember 2006 by?
– Justin bringing SexyBack. Oh my.
– Actually LIKING the damn Paris Hilton song (Stars Are Blind).
– Britney’s crotch. Double oh my.
– TomKat madness. Oh help.

How would you rate this year with a scale from 1 (lousy) to 10 (excellent)?
I’m going to have to say a 7.85.

* * *

IN 2006 HAVE I:

Hugged someone? Of course!!
Gotten into a fight? Yes.
Cried? Yes, far too much.
Smoked? A bit.
Drank alcohol? Yes.
Kissed someone on the cheek? Yes.
Reunited with an old friend? Yes.
Been suspended? No.
Let something go? Yes.
Been whipped? No. Unfortunately. 😉
Learned any important lessons? Yes.
Got a kiss on the cheek? Yes.
Kissed someone on the lips? Yes.
Considered suicide? Not seriously.
Cut/dyed your hair drastically? No.
Flirted? Sure.
Been backstabbed? Yes.
Missed someone? Yes.
Hit someone? Oh yeah. >:)
Broken something really important to you? Yes.
Cuddled with someone? Yes.
Broken somebody’s heart? Yes.
Done something you really regretted? Don’t even get me started.
Laughed so hard that it hurt? Yes.
Cried so hard that it hurt? Yes. Too often.
Got cheated on? I hope not.
Gone on a date? No.
Got dumped? Yes, by some “friends.”
Dumped someone? No. More like stepped back for a bit.
Made a new screen name? Yes.
Lost a friend? Yes.
Gotten any tattoos/piercing? No. Dammit.
Watched porn? Hell no.
Been in a love/hate relationship? Eh?
Loved someone so much that it hurt? Yes.
Been grounded? Nope, LOL.

FRIENDS:
Lost: I’m not going to list them because it doesn’t matter anymore.
Drifted: Can’t really say because friendships are so static.
Found: Adam, my writing friends. Friendships with others have grown deeper, like with Rosa, and Wanda.

Me & Adam Me & Mandy Group Shot

BODY:
Weight: Went up five to ten pounds. I’m now 115-120lbs. Eep.
Piercing/tattoos: N/A
Height: 5’2″ ish.
Hair: Short.

WORK:
– repeat

STUDIES:
N/A

BAD THINGS I HAVE DONE:
– As if I’m going to admit them here. >:)

GOOD THINGS I HAVE DONE:
– Grand Canyon.
– Chicago, a lot.
– Bob Dylan.
– Raised Aidan.
– Debt management program (that means I can accumulate no more debt!)
– Taken a HUGE step.
– Got a new job.
– Traveled a lot.
– Let go.

NEW EXPERIENCES:
– repeat

THINGS I HOPE TO DO IN 2007:
– Sell my novel.
– Finish a new novel.
– Go back to a Disney park.

* * *

I’ve read well over 100 new books in 2006. These are the ones that made the most impact on me:

The Giver by Lois Lowry
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Freedom’s Children by Ellen Levine
To Be A Slave by Julius Lester

* * *

My 2007 Forecast from one of those astrology sites:

This is the year that you have been waiting for as your key planet, Jupiter, makes its once-every-twelve-years return to your sun sign, bestowing grace and opportunity onto your life. As the Archer, you aim your arrows of intent high; your targets are often far in the distance. Now you can see even further, and your power is even stronger. Jupiter’s influence works like a magnifying lens by making your life even bigger. But you like grandiosity, so this will feel quite comfortable, even familiar. There are other planetary influences this year, but jovial Jupiter in your sign — from Nov. 23, 2006, until Dec. 18, 2007 — will likely be the most obvious and should provide a fortunate underpinning for a very successful year. Jupiter was last in your sign in 1995, which may have been the beginning of the opportunity cycle that is currently coming to a close. You see good news now everywhere you turn, yet this will also require you to make a number of long-term decisions.

The Year Ahead

Although this may be a truly wonderful time, there are potential pitfalls that demand your attention. First, because Jupiter can make anything appear better, be careful about accepting an opportunity before you really check it out. Whether it’s a fantastic job offer or an exciting new romance, the joy of Jupiter will eventually pass, perhaps leaving you with less than what you imagined. Second, because Jupiter encourages you to overextend yourself, be cautious about making a commitment that you cannot keep. Third, because Jupiter widens your perspective, you can gloss over important details. Remember that sloppy work and hasty thinking will not be rewarded, so use extra diligence.

The slow wave of the Jupiter tide recedes from April 5 until Aug. 6. Shore up your plans and conserve your energy during this retrograde period. Jupiter dynamically squares erratic Uranus three times — on Jan. 22, May 10, and Oct. 9 — creating an exhilarating yet destabilizing sequence of interrelated events. With Uranus in your 4th House of Home and Family, unexpected changes, a physical move, or even the purchase of a new home is not out of the question. Meanwhile, serious Saturn harmoniously trines Jupiter on March 16 and May 5, balancing the melodramatic Uranus scenario with clear thinking and patience. Still, you may feel dissonance between the commitments you willingly make and the freedom you wish you didn’t have to sacrifice.

* * *

And finally, looking ahead:

In the year 2007…

Will you be looking for a new job?
Yes, a part-time second job.

Will you be looking for a new relationship?
No.

New house?
Maybe.

What will you do different in 2007?
So much.

New Years resolution(s)?
a. Take better care of my teeth.
b. Start doing Yoga, hopefully 2-3 times a week.
c. Write a new book.

What will you not be doing in 2007?
Eating out, shopping.

Any trips planned?
Chicago in February. That’s all for now. If people want to fund trips anywhere else, I am willing to go! 🙂

Wedding plans?
No.

What’s on your calendar?
Chicago in February.

What can’t you wait for?
Chicago!

What would you like to see happen differently?
I’d like more money, please.

What about yourself will you be changing?
– I hope to become more assertive, less likely to freak out.
– I’d like to completely be off of Lexapro.

What happened in 2006 that you didn’t think would ever happen?
– I signed with an agent.
– I moved out.
– I drove myself to Cleveland.

Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
Yes.

Will you dress differently this year than you did in 06?
No.

Will you start or quit drinking?
I don’t drink, nor do I plan to start.

Will you have better relationship with your family?
*shrug*

Will you do charity work?
I’d like to, but I don’t know if I’ll have time or money to do so.

Will you go to bars?
Doubt it.

Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
I usually am.

Do you expect 2007 to be a good year for you?
Not sure. I hope it will.

How much did you change from this time last year til now?
I changed very, very much.

Do you plan on having a child?
Just the one I already have.

Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now?
I hope so.

Major lifestyle changes?
Oh yes.

Will you be moving?
Don’t know.

What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2007 that happened in 2006?
I am not sure.

What are your New Years Eve plans?
I’d love to sleep, but we’ll see.

Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
I think Aidan. 🙂

Wish for 2007:
SELL A BOOK!!!

That was long, but fun. 🙂 Happy New Year!

Comments Off on 2006 In Review, Looking to 2007 (Tiny Pictures)

2005!!

For the most part, 2005 kicked major ass for me. I pray that 2006 is equally and more amazing.

IN 2005 HAVE I:

Hugged someone? Of course!!
Gotten into a fight? Over AIM and/or email, yes.
Cried? Yes, far too much.
Smoked? A few cloves.
Drank alcohol? Yes.
Kissed someone on the cheek? Yes.
Reunited with an old friend? Um…? Kind of.
Been suspended? No.
Let something go? YES!! 😀
Been whipped? No.
Learned any important lessons? Yes.
Got a kiss on the cheek? Yes.
Kissed someone on the lips? Yes.
Considered suicide? WTF?
Gone to a funeral? No.
Fallen in love? No.
Cut/dyed your hair drastically? Drastically? Nope.
Flirted? Sure.
Been backstabbed? Yes.
Missed someone? Yes.
Hit someone? Depends on what you mean. Hit someone as in punched? No. Hit a car? Yes. :
Broken something really important to you? I don’t think so.
Cuddled with someone? Yes.
Broken somebody’s heart? Doubt it.
Done something you really regretted? Don’t even get me started.
Laughed so hard that it hurt? YES!
Cried so hard that it hurt? Yes. Too often.
Got cheated on? I hope not.
Gone on a date? No.
Got dumped? No.
Dumped someone? I think I dumped a few “friends.”
Made a new screen name? Um, I think, maybe.
Lost a friend? Yes.
Gotten any tattoos/piercing? No.
Watched porn? Hell no.
Been in a love/hate relationship? Eh?
Loved someone so much that it hurt? Yes.
Been grounded? Nope, LOL.

FRIENDS:
Lost: I’m not going to list them because it doesn’t matter anymore.
Drifted: Can’t really say because friendships are so static.
Found: Theresa, Bizzy (again!), Rob.

SERIOUS BOYFRIENDS/GIRLFRIENDS:
Found: …
Lost: …

BODY:
Weight: Stayed about the same, hovered around the 105-110lb mark.
Piercing/tattoos: N/A
Height: 5’2″ ish.
Hair: Medium length.

WORK:
Careers: Nationwide (admin), left in August to be an editor at McGraw-Hill.

STUDIES:
Writing course – Chicklit 101.

BAD THINGS I HAVE DONE:
– As if I’m going to admit them here. >:)

GOOD THINGS I HAVE DONE:
– Queried agents.
– Disneyland.
– Disneyworld.
– Raised Aidan.
– Kept writing.
– Got a new job.
– Traveled a lot.
– Let go.

NEW EXPERIENCES:
– California.
– First solo flight.
– First speeding ticket.
– First “official” accident.

THINGS I HOPE TO DO IN 2006:
– Sell my novel.
– Finish a new novel.
– Officially sign with an agent.
– Go back to a Disney park.
– Pay off two credit cards.

———————————————

1. What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?
I queried agents. I traveled to LA by myself. I flew solo. I went to Disneyland. I partied in Chicago. I wore my hair straight. I wore skirts and they looked good! I got my first speeding ticket. I got in my first “official” accident. I became an aunt. I went to the Smoky Mountains. I met Aimzy verytruly, Star selfstyled, and Kelly hybridpeach. I met Vera littlepige.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more this year?
I don’t remember if I made any last year, but I did do some amazing things. I did make some this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Jenny just gave birth to a little girl yesterday, and my sister-in-law gave birth in August. Both girls. 🙂

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you vist?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
In 2006, I’d like to officially sign with an agent.

7. What date(s) from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 13, 2005 – I was back at Disneyworld! HOME SWEET HOME! 🙂
September 9, 2005 – my first time at Disneyland!
August 12, 2005 – my last day at Nationwide.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I finally let go!
I queried agents!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Needing to let go in the first place.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Lots of upper respiratory infections.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new camera. 🙂

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Um… I have to say Chris’s. He’s really been trying on millions of levels and his loyalty has increased ten-fold. He’s been wonderful with Aidan and amazingly supportive as I try to make a career out of writing. He’s also been trying to keep on top of the dishes and making sure the finances are straight. 🙂

13. Whose behavior was bad?
Heh. I won’t mention names here.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, stuff for me, car stuff, stuff for Aidan.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
TRAVELING! Being with my friends. Meeting new friends. Writing. Becoming ultra serious about making writing my career. Aidan’s development.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. happier or sadder? Happier
II. thinner or fatter? Exactly the same
III. richer or poorer? Richer

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

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wasting my time on the wrong people.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with Chris and Aidan–Craig came over later.

22.Did you fall in love in 2005?
With photography and nature.

23.How many one-night stands?
None.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
I didin’t want much TV, but I enjoyed Unwrapped, and 30 Minute Meals.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Not hate, but there is a general negative feeling about the person(s) and situation(s).

26. What was the best book you read?
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen and Pop Star by Rachel Cohn.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
WICKED!

28. What did you want and get?
A sweet camera. Best Buy gift cards.

29. What did you want and not get?
More Best Buy gift cards LOL.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, followed by Hitch.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 31 this year, and kept my birthday pretty low key. I worked like crazy that day, and when I came home, I relaxed, chatted on the phone to a few people, and Chris gave me my presents. I liked it.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More writing, selling a book. Becoming an author.

33. How do you describe your personal fashion sense in 2005?
Trendy, bohemian, casual, comfortable.

34. What kept you sane?
Lexapro, my computer, books, and my friends.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Robert Pattison. HA.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Don’t get me started, please…

37. Who did you miss?

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Online, there is Rosa dwagonfry. She’s awesome!! Also, Mandy mandywriter, and Lauren laurenbarnholdt. They are such inspirations to me. :)Offline? Kristen, Nikki, Theresa. Good times.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005?
If it doesn’t feel natural or right, then it’s probably wrong. If you feel tension, or a bad feeling in your gut, move on, because it will hurt more in the end.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“Working so hard every night and day and now we get the payback…” – Luxurious – Gwen Stefani
“Here comes a better version of me.” – Better Version of Me – Fiona Apple

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Comments Off on 2005!!

Fuki-san!

It’s Christmas Eve 2005. Can’t believe it’s here already. In a few hours, we’ll be heading up to see Aidan and celebrate Christmas with my mommy and stepfather. Then we’ll come back with presents and my little boy. It will be weird, getting back into the swing of things after not having to worry about him for two weeks. I miss him but not the work and I know I say this every time my “vacation” comes to an end.

Bizzy came over and we exchanged gifts. She got me stuffed a Mickey and a stuffed Minnie all dressed up in Christmas outfits. 🙂 They’re on display in my family room. I got her a gift card to Forever 21. Then we ate spaghetti for dinner, watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and a bunch of Food Network/HGTV.

Going back to normal after the holidays will be hard, as it always is. I was spoiled the last week–early release days, parties, presents, treats, food. I hope things will be slow next week, but we’ll see.

I did this last year and wanted to see how my answers changed:

Original: http://www.livejournal.com/users/lilrongal/129462.html#cutid1

Current:

bolded ones have changed from last year…

LAST…
movie you rented = I don’t rent movies
movie you bought = Finding Nemo and The Sword in the Stone
song you listened to = Popular – Wicked Soundtrack *
song that was stuck in your head = Let’s Just Get Naked – Joan Osborne
CD you bought = probably a Christmas CD
CD you listened to = one of my many Harry Connick Jr Christmas CDs
person you called = Bizzy
person who called you = Chris
tv show you watched = $40 A Day
person you were thinking of = Aidan 🙂

DO…
you have a crush on someone = NOPE
you wish you could live somewhere else = somewhere it doesn’t snow
others find you attractive = I guess…
want more piercings? = navel
you like cleaning = not really
you like roller coasters = yup
you write in cursive or print = a mixture of both
long distance relationships = I’ve done
using someone = I’ve done
killing people = no
teenage smoking = nope
driving drunk = not a smart thing to do
soap operas = no

HAVE YOU…
ever cried over a boy/girl = yes
ever lied to someone = yep
ever been in a fist fight = nope
ever been arrested = no

WHAT…
shampoo do you use = Optimum Care
shoes do you wear = my oxfords from Target, my pink and grey Champions from Payless
are you scared of = something bad happening to Aidan

NUMBER…
of times I have been in love? = 3
of times I have had my heart broken? = too f—ing many
of hearts I have broken? = *shrug*
of times my name has appeared in the newspaper? = at least 3
of scars on my body? = 1
of things in my past that I regret? = shutup

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE…
funny = sometimes
hot = sometimes
friendly = yes
amusing = sometimes
loveable = umm…
caring = very
sweet = yes
dorky = oh FOR SURE!
humble = yes

PERSON WHO LAST…
slept in your bed = uh… me?
you went to the movies with = Tina
yelled at you = not sure…
sent you an email = Ivy!

HAVE YOU EVER…
said “I love you” and meant it = yes
gone out in public in your pajamas = not yet
kept a secret from everyone = yes
cried during a movie = yes
planned your week based on the TV Guide = no
been on stage = yes and I miss it
been to New York = not yet
been to California = yes!
been to Hawaii = not yet
been to Japan = not yet
been to Canada = not yet
been to Europe = not yet
been to Asia = not yet
been down South = well, I’ve been to Florida by way of Georgia–does driving through it count?
what time is it now = 2:08AM
apples or bananas = BANANAS. of course.
blue or red = blue
walmart or target = Target!!
spring or fall = fall
what are you gonna do after you finish this = sleep or read or write
what was the last meal you ate = spaghetti
are you bored = no
last noise you heard = my typing
last smell you sniffed = what the f— kind of question is that?

FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE…
do you believe in love at first sight = lust, for sure!
do you want children one day; if so, how many = I have one. THAT’S ENOUGH
most important thing to you in a friendship is = loytalty and fun

OTHER INFO…
criminal record = no
do you speak any other languages = no
last book you read = Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
name some of your favorite things in your bedroom = my laptop, Pandernoodle, books
who you love = some people, Jesus
who you miss = Monica, Katie, Jennifer
nickname(s) = Ronni
initials = RLD
how old do you look = HAHAHAHAHAHA. About 16, SUCKAS
how old do you act = the question is how YOUNG do I act! Hmm, probably between 12 and 19.
glasses/contacts = yes
braces = no
do you have any pets = 3 cats
you get embarrassed = mmmhmmm
what makes you happy = my friends, music, shopping, computers, gifts
what upsets you = hurt, being told what to do or being judged, cruelty, and yeah.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my little Lucy? She’s the sweetest little kitty ever. When I got home from work, I immediately changed into some comfy clothes and climbed into bed. She was right there, cuddling with me and purring. I just love holding her and petting her little head. 🙂

I also love Iron Chef–the original one. I mean, I like Iron Chef America, but it’s not as good as the original–and the American version doesn’t have the guy calling out “Fuki-san!” every thirty seconds or so. Tonight’s battle was lobster. Some of those dishes looked unbelievable and delicious. I don’t even really care for lobster, or any seafood, actually. I do like fried flounder from Red Lobster, and from time to time I enjoy crab legs or cooked shrimp. Oh yeah, and orange roughy, but it has to be fried as well.

Anyway, why am I on the subject of seafood? I once worked at a seafood counter. From that job, I remember:

– Swordfish or tuna steaks marinated in teriyaki sauce = YUM
– Boston Scrod often comes in with worms in it. If the worms are alive, the fish is fresh. If the worms are dead, throw the fish out.
– Scallops stink to high heaven, as does creamed herring.

I got loads of Christmas cards today, and Aidan got a package from Aimzy! I set it on his new Ohio State table and chairs set so he can open it when he comes home. Ooo, my little guy is going to be so spoiled. And the ironic thing? He and I had this conversation a few weeks ago:

Ronni: Do you want Santa Claus to bring you toys for Christmas?
Aidan: No, I already have toys.
R: How about clothes?
A: No, I already have clothes.
R: How about candy?
A: No, I already have candy.
R: How about chicken and french fries?
A: No–mmmhmmm.

HA HA HA. I can’t wait to squeeze him tomorrow today.

Anyway, I’m going for now. ‘Til next time! 🙂

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2004 Memories Survey

Everyone else is doing it, so why can’t I?

2004 Memories Survey

1. What did you do in 2004 that you’d never done before?
Got my driver’s license! Helped lead a life group for a while. Played volleyball in a pool. Went to Las Vegas! Started guitar lessons. Camped out.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept one. Can’t remember the rest. Wait, I don’t make resolutions…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one really close, but lots of people I know did.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
Some financial sense. I need to learn to be cheap like Tyler. 🙂

7. What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Hmm, don’t really have one.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finishing another novel, getting my license.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Racking up more debt.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Depression.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My car, followed closely by my laptop.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
n/a

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
n/a

14. Where did most of your money go?
Clothes and electronics.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Easter retreat, Las Vegas, etc.

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Hmm, any Avril song from Under My Skin, and I think Only One by Yellowcard.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? MUCH happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner
iii. richer or poorer? Um…are you talking about money or other things? 🙂

18. What do you wish you’d done more?
Thought before making so many purchases. 🙂

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

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With Aidan and Chris, probably.

21. Did you fall in love in 2004?
Not really.

22. How many one-night stands?
NONE.

23. What was your favorite TV program?
The O.C.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.

25. What was the best book you read?
I’m reading “Searching For God Knows What” by Donald Miller.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Oooo… Aria. Yes, Aria.

27. What did you want and get?
A laptop, and a guitar. A car. Lots of clothes and music and fun electronics.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the POA

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
It hasn’t come yet! A week from today!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
MORE money, a job I felt passion for.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Trendy, but cute.

32. What kept you sane?
My friends. Writing. Computer time.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmm, Adam Brody. <3

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Don’t even get me started. :[

35. Who did you miss?
Lots of people.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
OH MY GOSH. I cannot answer this question with just one person. So here goes: Kelly P, Emily, Bizzy, Becky, Rob, Garth, Tyler, Mr. Matt and if I am forgetting you please accept my apologies. (Tami, don’t even get all mad, I met you in 2003).

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004:
I don’t know…

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Hmmm. Let me get back to you. It’s bedtime.

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