Survey Says...

Because why not do a little 2011 wrap up? And also, because Aunt Becky practically forced me to...


1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Lots! I... went to a hospital in this city, hiked to the top of a mountain, wore my very own wedding gown, spent a week in Hawaii, got a Mantoux test, filed a complaint with the BBB, got a professional mani/pedi, bought brand new furniture, changed my name... that's all I can think of right now. There are always new experiences to be had.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I can't remember if I did. I probably won't this year. Anyways for me a new year always seems to start in September. I think because it is my birth month and when a new school year always started.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Everybody! It would be easier to count the people in my life that weren't making babies.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
People I knew. People I didn't know but was still upset about. And if pets count, them too.

5. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A million dollars. A second bathroom. A new windshield. Health Benefits and Paid Vacation.

6. What countries did you visit?
Managed to make a few trips south of the border.

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why:
August 27th - because it was a nice day for a white wedding

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
That I am still on speaking terms with everybody who 'helped' me plan the wedding. Also, painting our deck.

9. What was your biggest failure?
The gym.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
yes - the Great Mystery Illness Of 2011

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My brown boots.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine. That's right, I was a champ. Also, my husband's - for putting up with me.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The usual suspects.

14. Where did most of your money go?
The wedding fund.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hawaii!!

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Long-legged Guitar-pickin' Man - Johnny and June

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? fatter
iii. richer or poorer? money-wise? or in a "the best things in life aren't 'things'" kind of way?

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

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

20. Did you fall in love in 2011?
More today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow..

21. How many one-night stands?
Zero. Well, if we're talking being used and discarded, I should be able to count the cat who spends the night sleeping on my face, but won't even talk to me during the day.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Can I change 'hate' to 'don't waste my time and energy on anymore'? Then yes.

23. What was the best book you read?
I read some good ones this year, some classics and some new books. I spent the most time on "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" trilogy.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I took guitar lessons!

25. What did you do on your birthday?
I had dinner and drinks on a patio after work with my family-in-law. I turned 28. I still cried this year like I do every year, but it really wasn't so bad.

26. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to drink coffee and eat cheese!!! Zeus' Beard! How I miss cheese! Also, winning the lottery.

27. What kept you sane?
Alcohol. And cigarettes. But mostly, my husband.

28. What political issue stirred you the most?
Immigration. Oil. Gay Marriage. Canada's role/place in the world.

29. Who did you miss?
My Grandpa.

30. Who was the best new person you met?
It's a tie. My 'new' English cousin or my adorable new niece.

Bonus Question: Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
I'm always learning something, and usually the hard way. DO NOT buy a gym membership. To be honest though, I have spent a lot of time searching for what it is that will make me happy in life. Needless to say, I haven't found it yet. This year I decided maybe that's because it isn't about me. I'm not quite ready to share this idea just yet but I will.