2011: The Year in Review
Sat, Dec. 31st, 2011 10:59 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
scarlettinaAs a result of trying to be very specific and accurate about what I'm writing about in this year's round-up, I have noticed, among other things, that this is the seventh year I'm posting my year-end review in this format with almost exactly the same set of questions. This year I modified question 3, changing "resolutions" to "goals," because my own approach has been changing--next year the wording of question 2 will change to align with this philosophy. I also modified question 23, adding in the TV shows I stopped watching. We have relationships with television shows, and it seems to me that it's just as significant to break up with one as it is to maintain a relationship with another. I also added a question, number 30, because I realized that whoever wrote this survey didn't prioritize theater as something memorable and I really wanted to.
They say that the older we get, the faster the time seems to go, and that has certainly been the case for me. Yet, looking back at everything I've written about here, suddenly the year seems to have lasted much longer than it did in the actual living of it, and it's been a busy year indeed.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
--Became a sister-in-law and worked on developing relationships with new relatives
--Completed two 5 kilometer runs (well, in my case, walk/jogs)
--Went to Reno and Virginia City
--Had a flash piece published on 10flash
--Attended the Book-it Repertory Gala
--Was involved in a three-car accident
--House sat for a friend
--Visited the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
--Took belly dance classes
--Attended the "Two Books Enter, One Book Leaves" event at Hugo House, which I really want to go to again
--Made Christmas dinner
2. Did you make any New Year's Resolutions for 2011 and, if so, did you keep them?
I didn't think of my goals for 2011 as resolutions but, rather, as--as I said--goals. And I did keep some of them. I lived healthier, losing 50 pounds and getting exercise more regularly. My cholesterol is perfect, my blood pressure is perfect, and I'm looking pretty good. I wrote some fiction, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. I worked hard at being a good friend and a good sister. Did I take more pictures? No, not really, and this is a source of disappointment. But overall, with regard to goals, I'd call 2011 a win, mainly for the health, friends, and family successes.
3. Any goals for 2012?
Same as last year, with some modifications (in italics):
1. Write and submit more fiction.
2. Take more pictures.
3. Live healthier by continuing to eat well and exercise with the intention of reaching my Weight Watchers goal weight.
4. Be a good friend.
5. Be a good sister.
6. Travel somewhere I've never been before.
7. Attend to at least two house projects. They don't have to be big ones, but at least two should be addressed.
4. Did anyone close to you give birth?
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
shellyinseattle and the_monkey_king brought Clara Sophia into the world.
5. Did anyone close to you die?
This year, I lost two important four-legged family members: my Spanky Doodle, whom I still miss with my whole heart, and my doggie nephew Wolfie.
I also lost my cousin Lucille early in the year, a force of nature and a lovely person.
The SF/fantasy community lost two people whom I didn't know well but whom I'd known a long time: Martin H. Greenburg and Bill Trojan, and we are poorer without them.
6. What cities and towns did you visit?
--Portland, OR to spend time withdavidlevine, kateyule, jaylake, and other beloved friends
--New York City to do the same
--East Setauket and other points east on Long Island, NY to visit with family and to attend and participate in my brother's wedding
--The Tricities in Eastern Washington to attend RadCon
--Winslow out on Bainbridge Island to putter about with friends
--Reno and Virginia City to attend the World Science Fiction Convention
7. What countries did you visit?
Just the US this year.
8. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More international travel. More time and focus to write, to take pictures and, in general, to nurture myself as an artist.
9. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 17, 2011--my brother's wedding day.
10. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I lost 50 pounds on Weight Watchers by changing my diet and exercise habits, and with the support of too many friends to mention in one place, along with a terrific WW leader and great members in my group.
11. What was your biggest failure?
Not using Worldcon to its fullest advantage. I had specific goals for attending the convention and while I achieved a couple of them, at other goals I failed miserably by allowing myself to get distracted and losing sight of the point of my being there. I'm still unhappy with myself about it.
12. Did you suffer illness or injury?
My gall bladder was removed in the spring. I suffered a broken toe as a result of a car accident in the fall. I was and am, otherwise, healthier than I've been in a long time.
13. What was the best thing you bought?
Two items this year:
--My new winter coat: red, classic, smaller than the one I bought at the same time of year. I love it.
--My car: a silver Ford Focus, to replace the red one that was totaled as a result of the accident.
14. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of us, for getting through another year. And this year especially, all of us who pursued better health and weight loss, includingkateyule, e_bourne, terri_osborne, cleas, setsyoustraight, and all the wonderful women in my Weight Watchers meeting. We're working on a lifelong project that requires focus and dedication and the prioritization of our own health first. It's huge, and I offer my support and applause to us all.
15. Whose behavior, what situations appalled and depressed you?
The number of friends who have had to deal with traumatic illness and injury. I guess it's that time of life, but it saddens me. I want us all to be healthier and happier in 2012. I was appalled by the behavior of the Republicans in the House of Representatives as well as those running for the Republican presidential nomination. And the most depressing thing about all this is that little of the Republican behavior will change. My year-end review last year shows that my reaction then was as it is now.
16. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage and paying down debt. The answer to this question rarely changes. This year, though, a lot of money went into travel: Reno, New York. I hope that in 2012, some of that travel money goes to more exotic destinations.
17. What events did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to RadCon to spend time with close friends. Going to WorldCon but see above, question 11. And going to New York for my brother's wedding; also for Christmas and new year.
18. Compared to this time last year, you are . . .
Slimmer and healthier, a little older, less employed, more positive, feeling more loved.
19. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More writing, more photography, more art of one sort or another.
20. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Just like last year, I wish I'd been less reluctant to attend to important stuff around the house. There will be more addressing important stuff around the house in 2012.
21. How did you spend Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my brother and his family at their home and at the home of my sister-in-laws family. Happily Chanukah overlapped the time. At this writing, I'm in Riverdale, housesitting forsuricattus with a plan to spend New Year's Eve with friends at a restaurant in Manhattan.
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
My heart was engaged. I'll say no more.
23. What were your favorite TV programs? Were there programs you stopped watching?
Favorites were Game of Thrones, Big Bang Theory, Project Runway, The Amazing Race, and Big Love.
I stopped watching Chuck on a regular basis. I feel like the premise has been stretched in ways that aren't as engaging to me anymore. I also stopped watching Ghost Hunters on anything like a regular basis. The team does their work pretty routinely and the show features nothing but their work, which ultimately makes it pretty dry. I still have a fondness for Grant and Jason and I dig what they do, but it's long since stopped being compelling in any way.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate? No.
25. What was the best book you read?
Among Others by Jo Walton: hands-down the best book I read this year. Here's what I said about it.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery or rediscovery?
Unsure.
27. What did you want and get?
To lose weight and get healthier, and I achieved that goal.
28. What did you want and not get?
I wanted to get more writing done and failed. I wanted to keep my job and lost it. I wanted to find another and haven't so far. And one other thing that's too personal to talk about.
29. What were your favorite films of this year?
Links go to posts that include my reviews of the shows in question. In alphabetical order:
Another Earth
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Trollhunter
Biggest disappointment:
The new version of "Jane Eyre." I'm still waiting for my definitive screen adaptation.
30. What was your favorite play or musical of the year?
Of the more than 12 shows I saw in 2011, these are the ones that really stand out. Links go to posts that include my reviews of the shows in question.
Live! From the Last Night of My Life at Theater Schmeater
Rocky Horror Show at Re-Bar
The Book of Mormon and "Seminar" (which I have yet to write about) both of which I saw withsetsyoustraight
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 49 this year. I had delightful company in from out of town for the better part of the weekend to help me celebrate. I completed my first 5K. And I had a group of girlfriends over for tea.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Writing more consistently, producing more finished work, and submitting stories.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Changing. With the weight loss, I'm no longer limited to shopping at four particular stores (Lane Bryant, Macy Woman, Nordstrom Encore, and Goodwill), and so in the latter half of the year I did some exploration of what I wanted to look like. My purchases included three pieces from Macy's INC line in which I feel polished, sexy, and confident. I want more of that.
34. What kept you sane?
Exercise, sleep, and regular income.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm sick, truly sick, of John Boehner, the entire Republican party, and the way they do business.
36. Whom did you miss?
Spanky, so much. My parents, especially at my brother's wedding.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Little Clara Baur, and my nieces and nephews-by-proxy, Catherine, Vanessa, Thomas, and Christopher.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Several lessons this year, I think:
a. "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."--Richard Bach
This lesson was brought home especially when I went back to Long Island for my brother's wedding. I saw people whom I haven't seen in years, like my brother's best friend Russ. In his case, I realized that he's my second younger brother and always has been; it was so good to see him, and I don't want to let that connection go again. I made a point to see him this trip. And, of course, as is ever true, my Seattle and Portland family of friends provide me with love and support that no one but family could provide.
b. Things take time.
My weight loss journey has taught me more patience and determination than any other experience has in a very long time. The rewards are unparalleled.
c. Stay aware of the tools you have and use them.
Competence and confidence come out of experience and practice. Once I learned the tools I needed--whether it was to lose weight or to regain my confidence as a driver after my car accident--I had to remind myself again and again of what I knew and how I'd done things before in order to keep moving forward and making progress. If learning is simply remembering what you already know, then living well is a practice of learning every day of your life.
I send my wishes to everyone here for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. May we all have and keep the good things and successes that we strive for, and may we all survive and thrive in 2012. I send my love.
They say that the older we get, the faster the time seems to go, and that has certainly been the case for me. Yet, looking back at everything I've written about here, suddenly the year seems to have lasted much longer than it did in the actual living of it, and it's been a busy year indeed.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
--Became a sister-in-law and worked on developing relationships with new relatives
--Completed two 5 kilometer runs (well, in my case, walk/jogs)
--Went to Reno and Virginia City
--Had a flash piece published on 10flash
--Attended the Book-it Repertory Gala
--Was involved in a three-car accident
--House sat for a friend
--Visited the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
--Took belly dance classes
--Attended the "Two Books Enter, One Book Leaves" event at Hugo House, which I really want to go to again
--Made Christmas dinner
2. Did you make any New Year's Resolutions for 2011 and, if so, did you keep them?
I didn't think of my goals for 2011 as resolutions but, rather, as--as I said--goals. And I did keep some of them. I lived healthier, losing 50 pounds and getting exercise more regularly. My cholesterol is perfect, my blood pressure is perfect, and I'm looking pretty good. I wrote some fiction, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. I worked hard at being a good friend and a good sister. Did I take more pictures? No, not really, and this is a source of disappointment. But overall, with regard to goals, I'd call 2011 a win, mainly for the health, friends, and family successes.
3. Any goals for 2012?
Same as last year, with some modifications (in italics):
1. Write and submit more fiction.
2. Take more pictures.
3. Live healthier by continuing to eat well and exercise with the intention of reaching my Weight Watchers goal weight.
4. Be a good friend.
5. Be a good sister.
6. Travel somewhere I've never been before.
7. Attend to at least two house projects. They don't have to be big ones, but at least two should be addressed.
4. Did anyone close to you give birth?
shellyinseattle and the_monkey_king brought Clara Sophia into the world.5. Did anyone close to you die?
This year, I lost two important four-legged family members: my Spanky Doodle, whom I still miss with my whole heart, and my doggie nephew Wolfie.
I also lost my cousin Lucille early in the year, a force of nature and a lovely person.
The SF/fantasy community lost two people whom I didn't know well but whom I'd known a long time: Martin H. Greenburg and Bill Trojan, and we are poorer without them.
6. What cities and towns did you visit?
--Portland, OR to spend time with
davidlevine, kateyule, jaylake, and other beloved friends--New York City to do the same
--East Setauket and other points east on Long Island, NY to visit with family and to attend and participate in my brother's wedding
--The Tricities in Eastern Washington to attend RadCon
--Winslow out on Bainbridge Island to putter about with friends
--Reno and Virginia City to attend the World Science Fiction Convention
7. What countries did you visit?
Just the US this year.
8. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More international travel. More time and focus to write, to take pictures and, in general, to nurture myself as an artist.
9. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 17, 2011--my brother's wedding day.
10. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I lost 50 pounds on Weight Watchers by changing my diet and exercise habits, and with the support of too many friends to mention in one place, along with a terrific WW leader and great members in my group.
11. What was your biggest failure?
Not using Worldcon to its fullest advantage. I had specific goals for attending the convention and while I achieved a couple of them, at other goals I failed miserably by allowing myself to get distracted and losing sight of the point of my being there. I'm still unhappy with myself about it.
12. Did you suffer illness or injury?
My gall bladder was removed in the spring. I suffered a broken toe as a result of a car accident in the fall. I was and am, otherwise, healthier than I've been in a long time.
13. What was the best thing you bought?
Two items this year:
--My new winter coat: red, classic, smaller than the one I bought at the same time of year. I love it.
--My car: a silver Ford Focus, to replace the red one that was totaled as a result of the accident.
14. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of us, for getting through another year. And this year especially, all of us who pursued better health and weight loss, including
kateyule, e_bourne, terri_osborne, cleas, setsyoustraight, and all the wonderful women in my Weight Watchers meeting. We're working on a lifelong project that requires focus and dedication and the prioritization of our own health first. It's huge, and I offer my support and applause to us all.15. Whose behavior, what situations appalled and depressed you?
The number of friends who have had to deal with traumatic illness and injury. I guess it's that time of life, but it saddens me. I want us all to be healthier and happier in 2012. I was appalled by the behavior of the Republicans in the House of Representatives as well as those running for the Republican presidential nomination. And the most depressing thing about all this is that little of the Republican behavior will change. My year-end review last year shows that my reaction then was as it is now.
16. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage and paying down debt. The answer to this question rarely changes. This year, though, a lot of money went into travel: Reno, New York. I hope that in 2012, some of that travel money goes to more exotic destinations.
17. What events did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to RadCon to spend time with close friends. Going to WorldCon but see above, question 11. And going to New York for my brother's wedding; also for Christmas and new year.
18. Compared to this time last year, you are . . .
Slimmer and healthier, a little older, less employed, more positive, feeling more loved.
19. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More writing, more photography, more art of one sort or another.
20. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Just like last year, I wish I'd been less reluctant to attend to important stuff around the house. There will be more addressing important stuff around the house in 2012.
21. How did you spend Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my brother and his family at their home and at the home of my sister-in-laws family. Happily Chanukah overlapped the time. At this writing, I'm in Riverdale, housesitting for
suricattus with a plan to spend New Year's Eve with friends at a restaurant in Manhattan.22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
My heart was engaged. I'll say no more.
23. What were your favorite TV programs? Were there programs you stopped watching?
Favorites were Game of Thrones, Big Bang Theory, Project Runway, The Amazing Race, and Big Love.
I stopped watching Chuck on a regular basis. I feel like the premise has been stretched in ways that aren't as engaging to me anymore. I also stopped watching Ghost Hunters on anything like a regular basis. The team does their work pretty routinely and the show features nothing but their work, which ultimately makes it pretty dry. I still have a fondness for Grant and Jason and I dig what they do, but it's long since stopped being compelling in any way.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate? No.
25. What was the best book you read?
Among Others by Jo Walton: hands-down the best book I read this year. Here's what I said about it.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery or rediscovery?
Unsure.
27. What did you want and get?
To lose weight and get healthier, and I achieved that goal.
28. What did you want and not get?
I wanted to get more writing done and failed. I wanted to keep my job and lost it. I wanted to find another and haven't so far. And one other thing that's too personal to talk about.
29. What were your favorite films of this year?
Links go to posts that include my reviews of the shows in question. In alphabetical order:
Another Earth
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Trollhunter
Biggest disappointment:
The new version of "Jane Eyre." I'm still waiting for my definitive screen adaptation.
30. What was your favorite play or musical of the year?
Of the more than 12 shows I saw in 2011, these are the ones that really stand out. Links go to posts that include my reviews of the shows in question.
Live! From the Last Night of My Life at Theater Schmeater
Rocky Horror Show at Re-Bar
The Book of Mormon and "Seminar" (which I have yet to write about) both of which I saw with
setsyoustraight31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 49 this year. I had delightful company in from out of town for the better part of the weekend to help me celebrate. I completed my first 5K. And I had a group of girlfriends over for tea.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Writing more consistently, producing more finished work, and submitting stories.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Changing. With the weight loss, I'm no longer limited to shopping at four particular stores (Lane Bryant, Macy Woman, Nordstrom Encore, and Goodwill), and so in the latter half of the year I did some exploration of what I wanted to look like. My purchases included three pieces from Macy's INC line in which I feel polished, sexy, and confident. I want more of that.
34. What kept you sane?
Exercise, sleep, and regular income.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm sick, truly sick, of John Boehner, the entire Republican party, and the way they do business.
36. Whom did you miss?
Spanky, so much. My parents, especially at my brother's wedding.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Little Clara Baur, and my nieces and nephews-by-proxy, Catherine, Vanessa, Thomas, and Christopher.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Several lessons this year, I think:
a. "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."--Richard Bach
This lesson was brought home especially when I went back to Long Island for my brother's wedding. I saw people whom I haven't seen in years, like my brother's best friend Russ. In his case, I realized that he's my second younger brother and always has been; it was so good to see him, and I don't want to let that connection go again. I made a point to see him this trip. And, of course, as is ever true, my Seattle and Portland family of friends provide me with love and support that no one but family could provide.
b. Things take time.
My weight loss journey has taught me more patience and determination than any other experience has in a very long time. The rewards are unparalleled.
c. Stay aware of the tools you have and use them.
Competence and confidence come out of experience and practice. Once I learned the tools I needed--whether it was to lose weight or to regain my confidence as a driver after my car accident--I had to remind myself again and again of what I knew and how I'd done things before in order to keep moving forward and making progress. If learning is simply remembering what you already know, then living well is a practice of learning every day of your life.
I send my wishes to everyone here for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. May we all have and keep the good things and successes that we strive for, and may we all survive and thrive in 2012. I send my love.
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Date: Tue, Jan. 3rd, 2012 07:22 pm (UTC)