The Annual Quiz for Posterity’s sake, 2011

Here’s this year’s version of the quiz that comes from Sundry.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

I tried roller derby. That’s pretty badass, right? Perhaps I should update you. I’m not doing it anymore. I didn’t have the time for all of the practices as I’d feared, and then they moved their practice space from to Tacoma to AUBURN (about 40 minutes away). That sort of made it not doable anymore. But it was super fun! And fucking terrifying!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions?


Welll…. kinda sorta. I made a goal to do one race per month for all of 2011 and there were a couple of months where that didn’t happen due to sickness or injury. But I’m still proud of the ones I did do!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


I don’t think so? I did have a new baby cousin born just at the end of the year, and I have 12, TWELVE pregnant friends and relations right now.

4. Did anyone close to you die?


Yes. I lost an old friend this year, way way too young, and very suddenly. *sigh*

5. What countries did you visit?

Just Mexico. Oh, how the call of International travel is strong, but it’s becoming ever-more clear to me that small boys and lengthy travel don’t mix. That said, we went to New York twice, Las Vegas (just me), Indiana, Mexico, and Florida. Not bad!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

I’m so so so crazy blessed, but a touch more financial security would be nice.

7. What events from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? (strict followers of this quiz will notice I have re-written this question)

2011 was a very joyful year for me. Highlights would include being a part of a Birthday Flash Mob, throwing a really good summer party, The Doe Bay Fest, and really just music in general. I saw A LOT of good shows in 2011. I am so blessed to live in such a rich music community.

Also, I was off work for most of this summer, and for the first time in a few years, I really felt like we seized the days. We had lots of great adventures this summer, in nature, visiting friends, riding ferries, and soaking it all up. I didn’t even feel that sad when summer came to an end this year because we had really really lived it.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


Maintaining optimum health and all of the exercise and cooking that entails.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Running my mouth, indulging in negativity, spending too much time looking at screens, allowing my child too much TV, I could go on and on. Such is the curse of the continual self-improver.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing worth mentioning.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I can’t think of anything in particular.

12. Where did most of your money go?

Food. Organic, grass-fed, free range, fairy sprinkled, things to eat. Or, as your grandparents called it, Food. (as the joke goes)

13. What did you get really excited about?

MUSIC. Always. But ask most anyone to whom regularly blather, I got pretty excited by The No Heat Curls.

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Firework by Katy Perry due to the aforementioned Flash Mob, Windowsill by Pickwick

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? Happier, always happier.
– thinner or fatter? a little thinner, a little more fit
– richer or poorer? poorer for sure.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Yardwork. My jungle is overwhelming us.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Wasting time on the internets.

18. How did you spend Christmas?

We all went to my parent’s house for dinner and games and fun on Christmas Eve, spent the night, then stayed and ate and played with new toys for most of the day. I love my family! Also, this year included my sister’s new boyfriend for all of the festivities which was lovely.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

Boardwalk Empire (that finale!), Breaking Bad (THAT FINALE!), True Blood

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

The Passage by Justin Cronin was the best thing I read by far. I can’t even think of anything else I enjoyed half as much. Though, I did finally read Atonement and I loved it. (I had been avoiding it because of Kiera Knightly, which makes no sense at all.)

21. What was your favorite music from this year?


The incredible wealth of great music of the PNW. HOLLA. Pickwick, Campfire OK, Allen Stone, Bryan John Appleby being my faves and most often seen.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

Oh jeez. I just don’t see movies anymore. Oh! I liked Crazy, Stupid Love.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 35. We had a lovely weekend away in Portlandia filled with fine dining, plush accommodations, and a rock and roll show. Pretty much perfect.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I hate to beat a dead horse, but maybe a big fat savings account. Even if I couldn’t have spent a dime, it would have given me peace to know it was there. I’ll have one again one day.

25. Did you make any fashion discoveries in 2011? (rewritten question)

Skinny jeans and tall boots, finally. I don’t think they’re going away, and turns out I can rock ‘em.

26. What kept you sane?

The proximity and availability of two grandmothers who care for my boy with great regularity.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.


I made great advances with thought control this year. I am a stewer. I stew. I ruminate. I go over conversations in my mind, I rehearse imaginary fights, and I can get sucked down pretty easily into a place where I can’t see the light of my crazy blessedness. But this year I worked a lot on wishing people Love and Light instead of karmic destruction. When I would start to get worked up over someone else’s deal, I would repeat loveandlight loveandlight loveandlight until I was thinking about something more positive. When I would start to get afraid of anything, money or sickness or whatever, I would replace my fearful thoughts with grateful thoughts. It may sound silly, and I’m telling you, it’s difficult, but it works for me and I’m so glad to have learned this little skill.

Well friends, once again, thanks for reading. It’s so very nice of you.