We rang in 2009 at a friend's party in Chicago (as pictured above). It was fun, but I'm happy to say that we are staying in Springfield this New Year's Eve. No long drive home the morning after! We're going out for dinner, stopping by a neighbor's party, and then meeting up with my brother & co. downtown for the countdown to 2010. But before we get to all of that, here's my second annual survey of the previous year (you can read the first one here).
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I became a puppy mommy! Also, I opened a home studio for lessons and music therapy, wrote music for a children's DVD, and presented at both a national and state conference in the same week.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
One of my best friends, Jill, had a beautiful baby boy.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandma passed away in October.
5. What countries did you visit?
Unfortunately, none. Our trip to Mexico was postponed when we bought our new house earlier than planned.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Hmm...I have just about anything I could want already! But if I'm being greedy, I'd love new kitchen countertops and a master bath makeover.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
No one day stands out to me. The whole year was amazing and there are too many memorable moments to list.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hands down, presenting at the national music therapy conference in San Diego. I overcame my fear of public speaking and discovered that I actually enjoyed it.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Same answer as last year. My lack of domesticity, especially in the kitchen. I am just too lazy/unmotivated/tired to actually cook after a long day of work. Hopefully this will change in 2010!
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Aside from the swine flu, bronchitis, and a particularly nasty case of laryngitis...nope, none.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our new house! I love every square foot of it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Same answer as last year. Definitely Zach's. He puts up with all of my momentary outbursts and complaining, and he loves me even at my very worst.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Jon Gosselin's. I watched "Jon & Kate + 8" way before it became popular, and seeing him turn into such a d-bag was a little more than disappointing.
14. Where did most of your money go?
HOUSE, HOUSE, and more HOUSE. Last year it was the wedding, this year it was down payments, new flooring, painters, furniture, etc. etc. But I don't regret one cent of it.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
All of the great publicity my music therapy work received this past year. Radio, television, newspaper, magazines...it was so exciting to see my profession be acknowledged so publicly.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2009?
"You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift, "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas, and anything by Kelly Clarkson or Lady Gaga.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier. Life gets better every year!
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. I'm back into my daily gym routine.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer. More clients and more projects.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Same answer as last year. Cooking. And keeping in touch with my friends. I've been really bad at that.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Less worrying. I worry about everything, and it always turns out ok. It's such a waste of time.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With our families. It was wonderful and exhausting, as usual.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I fall in love with Zach a little more each day. This year, I also fell in love with a tiny golden retriever puppy named Sadie.
23. How many one-night stands?
None, obviously.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
This year's new additions included Dexter, Californication, and 30 Rock.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a strong word. There might be one or two people I dislike more now than before, but I'm not going to name any names.
26. What was the best book you read?
I loved Julie & Julia and The Four-Hour Work Week.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hands down, Allison Weiss. I love her songs, and her DIY approach to her music career has really inspired me.
28. What did you want and get?
The perfect house and the perfect puppy. Oh, and an iPhone.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved "Up in the Air" and think it's definitely Oscar material. George Clooney is awesome.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned twenty-six. My parents threw a birthday party for me at The Corkscrew and then we went to the Alamo for drinks.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not much at all. It was a ridiculously great year. But maybe a shorter winter? I hate cold weather.
33. What kept you sane?
Having a garage to park in for the first time in my life! Words cannot describe the joy in my heart now that I no longer have to scrape my windshield on icy mornings. Also: summer vacation, family, my macbook, DVR, and whatever else I'm forgetting.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you admire the most?
I loved when Beyonce gave Taylor Swift the microphone during her speech at the VMAs after Kanye West interrupted Taylor's acceptance speech.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Probably health care.
36. Who did you miss?
Friends and family that live far away.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Does Sadie count? She's not a person, but she is the best!
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
The same lesson I learned in 2008 was only reinforced this year. Hard work pays off.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Do what you have to do so that someday, it's up to you."
What You Have to Do, by me!
