Dreaming.In.Reality

1. What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?:
I’m afraid to say it but I honestly haven’t done much in 2005 that I hadn’t done previously. I can’t even say eating sushi, because I’ve had sushi before 2005, however it was this year where I learned to enjoy eating it. There are some things I am better at, some I am worse at. Most however has stayed the same.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?:
No. I never do. That and I don’t like calling them resolutions. I call them goals. I’m terrible at reaching my goals. I sort of completed some, but not entirely.
2005’s Goals

• Continue eating healthy - not really
• Exercise more - sort of. i joined the gym, but i don’t go*L*
• Lose 20 pounds - i gained about 15
• Compete in ONE horse show - hahahahahahhahayeahright
• Complete my photography website/portfolio BY MAY - i got cafepress set up and have sold things. (thanksdad!)
• Take a real vacation with the husband so he can meet my grandparents and family. - our only vacation was 3 days for a wedding in Midland.
• Go to Nova Scotia and visit my best friend. - She came here twice. I am planning to go there sometime late spring 2006
• Be more active with my photography. - This is the only thing I have done. I wasn’t as active as I woudl have liked to have been, but I did more with what I had. I learned new things, I got a new camera, I got studio equipment. 2006 will be much better in respects to this goal for me.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?:
My friend Nici had her daughter Breanna in May. She’s a cute little bug. My friend Lisa was supposed to birth before Christmas, I haven’t heard anything from her yet, so hopefully she’s tending to her new son. My friend Sarah is due with her second kidlet in about 2 weeks.

4. Did anyone close to you die?:
Does the structure of my family unit count? If not, then no, I have not lost anyone in 2005 by death. There are some people who have come close, and one who is closer than ever, but here’s to hoping that this last trip before Christmas to the hospital wasn’t enough to break her already failing body. She’s 28 with 2 boys, much too young to leave us.

5. What countries did you visit?:
I went to visit my family in the US of A.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?:
A vacation with my husband, better dedication to my physical and mental well being.

7. What dates from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?:
February 18 - Signing the papers for our first home.
February 22 - Spending the first night in our new home.
May 20 - Beeph arrived.
June 23 - Meeting my father’s new girlfriend for the first time.
June 26 - Realizing how attached to my family I really am ala crying like a big loser before my Dad was even to the cardoor to leave for Michigan.
December 23 - Having our first holiday dinner in the new home. It went really well, although it was a bit late in the evening.
December 25 - Seeing my mother’s eyes light up when she recieved her Family Ring.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?:
Like Jay, joining the gym and making a step in the direction of being healthy.

9. What was your biggest failure?:

Quitting number 8 after 2 months. It’s all about the routine for me, and I wasn’t committed enough to get that routine established.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?:
Not really. My IBS is about the same, although with the medication I am on, I don’t suffer so badly anymore. I had one cold this year, so I’m doing ok.

11. What was the best thing you bought?:
I would have to say my new camera and studio lights. I haven’t used either very much yet, well the studio lights not at all, but all in good time. For the few moments I have used the Canon 20d, all has been good. Things will just continue to get better :)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?:
I would say my parents’. My parents made the decision to divorce earlier this year after 36 years of marriage, and both of them are doing well apart. My mother is learning to be independant, mow the lawn, and finding herself. She’s been a housewife and mother for so long, she’s a bit timid stepping into her new life, but she’s getting there slowly but surely. My father has boldly stepped out into a new relationship with a fantastic person, who I have been very glad to welcome into my heart. He’s happier and more alive than I have ever seen him. All I have ever wanted for my parents was for them to be happy, and they’re certainly fullfilling that wish of mine right now to the hilt.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?:
I will not name names as the consequences of it will only cause pain and hurt. The guilty party will not learn anything from being called on their behaviour, but continue in their ways. They haven’t learned up to this point the results of their actions, I doubt they ever will.

14. Where did most of your money go?:
Groceries, camera, my horse.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?:
My camera

16. What songs will always remind you of 2005?:
Ping Island Lightening Strike Rescue - Life Aquatic
Across the Bridge - GLMS
Lumos!(Hedwig’s Theme) - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i) happier or sadder?: Much happier
ii) thinner or fatter?: Started less fat, ended less thin.
iii) richer or poorer?: I have to agree with Jay, rich with friends and family, less poor than I figured I would be.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?:
Take more photos, spend more time away form the computer, spend more time with Kevin and my family.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?:
Being lazy.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?:
I spent Christmas with family. My mother came to visit for 6 days as it was her first Christmas by herself. We had dinner with Kevin’s mother and her husband, Kevin’s brother and his girlfriend, then us and my mother here at the house on the 23rd. We spent the 24th with the brother and gf at Kev’s dad and his wife’s house. Then Sunday was spent opening gifts here at our house in the am, cooking and having dinner again here with Kev’s dad and his wife, the brother and gf. It was a good time. I spent Boxing Day at the War Museum with my mother.

22. Did you fall in love in 2005?:
I did.

I fell in love all over again with my husband. I cannot believe how incredibly lucky I am to have such a wonderful person in my life and by my side as my partner. Every day rushing by us brings us closer, and while that is amazing, I wish time would slow down a bit more so that I could savour each moment better.

My friend’s daughter has made an incredible impression on me this year. I have never been happier spending time with a child as I have with LaceyAnn. 2 years old and I think she’s one of my greatest friends in the world. My little monkey. She blows my mind with her innocence and smile, makes my heart clench with happiness, and my uterus ping with longing.

23. How many one-night stands?:
I don’t think I’ve stood all night this year.

24. What were your favorite TV programs?:
Family Guy, Black Books, Little Britain, American Dad

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?:
I don’t think I really HATE anyone, but I do strongly dislike some people.There are some people I like more some people I like less.

26. What was the best book you read?:
The entire Harry Potter series to date. I had been skeptical, but finally broke down. I’m totally in love with the Potterverse now, maybe a bit more than I should be. Kevin calls me a fan. That’s a dirty word in our house *L*

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?:
that’s a tough one. I haven’t really found anything amazing this year yet. I’m greatly intrigued by Over the Rhine, but have yet to dive into their catelogue. I’ve found a better appreciation for some of my friend’s music, his band’s music and the Wainwrights, Martha and Rufus. My most listened to music this year has been mainly soundtracks. Some include Life Aquatic with Steve Zizzou, the Harry Potter movies, Amelie, KungFu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer, Dune and Children of Dune mini-series.

28. What did you want and get?:
A house, a new camera, a better understanding of myself and those around me.

29. What did you want and not get?:
A few things, but nothing of great importance. Then again, it’s only been recent that I’ve realized that I need or want them so -lol-

30. What was your favorite film of this year?:
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?:
We went out to dinner. I turned 28.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?:
Staying true to the goals i had set for myself. If I had, I believe I’d be in a better place physically and resultively emotionally/mentally as well. Oh and learning to knit. I’m signing up for a knitting class on the 7th.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?:
Flannel loungepants and teeshirts.

34. What kept you sane?:
Kevin

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?:
Bill Murray and Audrey Tatou

36. What political issue stirred you the most?:
The total mishandling of Hurricane Katrina.

37. Who did you miss?:
My parents, Lori and Lacey, Karen, Todd.

38. Who was the best new person you met?:
The best new person I met, I’d have to say Crystal. I’d include Jenn in there but I’ve been friends with Jenn for a few years now, but it was only recently we have become closer. I met Crystal through Jenn, as she is a roomie. Smart, beautiful, fantastic sense of humour.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
I’d like to say I have learned not to invest so much of myself into certain situations. However, I have found through each learning of this lesson, that not giving your all and taking chances, usually ends up with you missing out on something potentially good.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
If you believe beyond your means, a book of legends you will leave. - GLMS