2006 Year End Meme
Dec. 19th, 2006 09:56 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
zalenaThematically, if I had to sum up the year, I would say it was A Year of Dreams, because I started dreaming with increasing emotional and narrative intensity last fall. I'm still searching for a vision for new direction, and I hope that 2007 will bring steps in that direction. I only hope that I will recognize the opportunity when it is available to me.
What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Earned money doing things I'd previously done for free: teaching a creative writing class and doing a manuscript evaluation.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, eating breakfast daily is harder than it sounds.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some of Amethyst's crowd did, but as I haven't even seen the offspring, I'll answer no.
What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A new job, more money, more fun, and a lot more kissing. (I'm the kind of girl who needs to be kissed, and often...)
What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't think there's a particular date, but I will remember Eric's wedding, and the very hot summer. I will remember several encounters with G and two late night walks with Colin, one where we saw foxes (last solstice,) the other where we saw the beaver. I will remember going to the glassblower's studio w/Carly, but my most vivid memory is standing in my teacher's garden in straw piled around datura and tomato plants, with the heat of the setting sun on my face, and the taste of vine-ripe tomatoes running down my throat, clinging to my fingers, lips, tongue, and teeth.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
See question #1. Also the enormous amount of manuscripts I shovelled into production (81 almost 60 of which were published) which doesn't feel so much like an achievement than an impossible task.
What was your biggest failure?
My ongoing tendancy towards "isolationism." Not being able to find the balance between the enormous amount of time I need alone and being a total recluse. Needing to better define my terms of engagement with the world, particularly at work.
Where did most of your money go?
Bills & debt. I should be debt-free by 35 if everything continues on its current course. Sooner if I get a better paying job.
A purchase I enjoyed:
My new, badass, high-heeled clogs by frye in cognac colored leather with an o-ring on the sides.
What song will always remind you of 2006?
I discovered A Perfect Circle a little late. Mer de Noms was the album of the summer/year for me.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder - Happier, I think. There is a lot less drama in my life, but I wouldn't say no to some more savory moments.
Thinner or fatter? - About the same. I have not gained back the weight I was carrying in NYC, so I think that says something positive.
Richer or poorer? - Less debt, regular income, but nothing extra to spend.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I'd had more fun this year, and more happy memories. I love the bonhomie feeling I get when I'm having a nice time out with friends, and there wasn't nearly enough of that this year. I needed to spend more time stargazing. Making love.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Work. Hate. Rage. Regret. Sadness.
Did you fall in love in 2006?
No, other than a small crush on my too-young friend, which seems to be finally dissapating, there are no romantic prospects. (Although Tall Drink was at the store again last night being enormous and helpful, I continue to hope Mr. Fix-It will walk through the door at the Brewspot, and if I'm not mistaken the Male Librarian was flirting with me, though he is really not my type. I like men to weigh more than I do, and to be capable of growing body hair.)
What was your favorite TV program?
Battlestar Galactica, though what I've seen of Season 3 has been a little weird. I also enjoyed Season 1 of My Name is Earl and hooked on Entourage (though because I watch things on disk, I haven't yet seen Season 3.)
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I've lost respect for some people, forgiven others, but there's no new passionate love or hate.
What was the best book you read?
See starred items on my booklist. Restless by William Boyd made a big impression, as did Andrea Barrett's Ship Fever. I cried in public over Laurie Halse Anderson's Twisted even though it may not have the staying power of some of the other books. Erica Jong's Fear of Flying gave me a profoundly negative reaction. I told Marla I didn't care for it (but not in the blistering words I used here) and she gave me ANOTHER one of Jong's books, like I'm suddenly going to change my mind.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
I joined the church of Maynard this year (although I'm indifferent to the new album.)
What did you want and get?
My brother didn't have to move in with me and there are new stairs for the trailer. I have asserted myself with my family, though at high personal cost.
What did you want and not get?
A new job. A new lover. A new tea-party kind of confidante/best-friend person.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Both the Pocahontas film A New World and Marie Antionette were profound cinematic experiences for me. I wasn't sure I liked either film when I saw them, but they have continued to resonate with me months after the viewing and have me thinking about the problem of how women see themselves and why this viewpoint is so under represented in our culture. Add Sally Potter's Yes to that list.
I also liked David Lean's Brief Encounter which is a little gem of craft, even if the story is not terribly interesting. Loved George Cukor's Holiday which I had never seen before, and was also unexpectedly well-crafted, with a marvelous performance by Katherine Hepburn, which finally made me understand her reputation as an actress.
Also, Matchpoint and The Prestige are both films about the darker side of human nature that are likely to become classics.
Finally, Michael Apted's Up series has helped me recognize the hope and dignity in very ordinary lives, which afterall, is what most of us are living. It's a mind-blowing project, and I heartily recommend it. Rarely do we get to participate in the making of a magnum opus, and the fact that this project is still ongoing is one of the things that makes it truly exciting.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
In reality: brown. In my head: transitioning into color. I had a very fun outfit this fall with a flirty camo skirt, my aviatrix boots, a ribbed brown sweater, and a light colored cord jacket that I really loved, (worn with red, fingerless, gloves, and a silk scarf,) but I think I've already outgrown it. (Emotionally, not physically.)
What kept you sane?
Netflix. Ongoing discussions with my therapist, who is one of the only people I can rely upon to tell me I'm not a total nut. Dreaming. Venting in LJ.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm getting kind of worked up about immigration these days, particularly as it relates to children. Equity in personal relationships and the law is a big issue for me, and I suspect it always will be.
Who did you miss?
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
vyrin, who's been incommunicado since Eric's wedding. Where are you? Did I do something to offend you?
Who was the best new person you met?
Oh there have been lots of cool people on LJ and through Beemer.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
To face up to awkward moments and encounters, particularly in personal relationships. I'm trying to stop believing that ever bad thing that happens to me is not a direct result of my poor choices, but this is very hard for me.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
humbled and helpless learning to pray
praying for visions to show me the way
show me the way to forgive you
allow me to let it go
allow me to be forgiven
show me the way to let go
show me the way to forgive you
allow me to let it go
allow me to be forgiven
show me the way to let go
illuminate me
illuminate me
illuminate me
i'm just praying for you to show me
where i'm to begin
hoping to reconnect to you
- Thomas: APC
What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Earned money doing things I'd previously done for free: teaching a creative writing class and doing a manuscript evaluation.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, eating breakfast daily is harder than it sounds.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some of Amethyst's crowd did, but as I haven't even seen the offspring, I'll answer no.
What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A new job, more money, more fun, and a lot more kissing. (I'm the kind of girl who needs to be kissed, and often...)
What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don't think there's a particular date, but I will remember Eric's wedding, and the very hot summer. I will remember several encounters with G and two late night walks with Colin, one where we saw foxes (last solstice,) the other where we saw the beaver. I will remember going to the glassblower's studio w/Carly, but my most vivid memory is standing in my teacher's garden in straw piled around datura and tomato plants, with the heat of the setting sun on my face, and the taste of vine-ripe tomatoes running down my throat, clinging to my fingers, lips, tongue, and teeth.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
See question #1. Also the enormous amount of manuscripts I shovelled into production (81 almost 60 of which were published) which doesn't feel so much like an achievement than an impossible task.
What was your biggest failure?
My ongoing tendancy towards "isolationism." Not being able to find the balance between the enormous amount of time I need alone and being a total recluse. Needing to better define my terms of engagement with the world, particularly at work.
Where did most of your money go?
Bills & debt. I should be debt-free by 35 if everything continues on its current course. Sooner if I get a better paying job.
A purchase I enjoyed:
My new, badass, high-heeled clogs by frye in cognac colored leather with an o-ring on the sides.
What song will always remind you of 2006?
I discovered A Perfect Circle a little late. Mer de Noms was the album of the summer/year for me.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder - Happier, I think. There is a lot less drama in my life, but I wouldn't say no to some more savory moments.
Thinner or fatter? - About the same. I have not gained back the weight I was carrying in NYC, so I think that says something positive.
Richer or poorer? - Less debt, regular income, but nothing extra to spend.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I'd had more fun this year, and more happy memories. I love the bonhomie feeling I get when I'm having a nice time out with friends, and there wasn't nearly enough of that this year. I needed to spend more time stargazing. Making love.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Work. Hate. Rage. Regret. Sadness.
Did you fall in love in 2006?
No, other than a small crush on my too-young friend, which seems to be finally dissapating, there are no romantic prospects. (Although Tall Drink was at the store again last night being enormous and helpful, I continue to hope Mr. Fix-It will walk through the door at the Brewspot, and if I'm not mistaken the Male Librarian was flirting with me, though he is really not my type. I like men to weigh more than I do, and to be capable of growing body hair.)
What was your favorite TV program?
Battlestar Galactica, though what I've seen of Season 3 has been a little weird. I also enjoyed Season 1 of My Name is Earl and hooked on Entourage (though because I watch things on disk, I haven't yet seen Season 3.)
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I've lost respect for some people, forgiven others, but there's no new passionate love or hate.
What was the best book you read?
See starred items on my booklist. Restless by William Boyd made a big impression, as did Andrea Barrett's Ship Fever. I cried in public over Laurie Halse Anderson's Twisted even though it may not have the staying power of some of the other books. Erica Jong's Fear of Flying gave me a profoundly negative reaction. I told Marla I didn't care for it (but not in the blistering words I used here) and she gave me ANOTHER one of Jong's books, like I'm suddenly going to change my mind.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
I joined the church of Maynard this year (although I'm indifferent to the new album.)
What did you want and get?
My brother didn't have to move in with me and there are new stairs for the trailer. I have asserted myself with my family, though at high personal cost.
What did you want and not get?
A new job. A new lover. A new tea-party kind of confidante/best-friend person.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Both the Pocahontas film A New World and Marie Antionette were profound cinematic experiences for me. I wasn't sure I liked either film when I saw them, but they have continued to resonate with me months after the viewing and have me thinking about the problem of how women see themselves and why this viewpoint is so under represented in our culture. Add Sally Potter's Yes to that list.
I also liked David Lean's Brief Encounter which is a little gem of craft, even if the story is not terribly interesting. Loved George Cukor's Holiday which I had never seen before, and was also unexpectedly well-crafted, with a marvelous performance by Katherine Hepburn, which finally made me understand her reputation as an actress.
Also, Matchpoint and The Prestige are both films about the darker side of human nature that are likely to become classics.
Finally, Michael Apted's Up series has helped me recognize the hope and dignity in very ordinary lives, which afterall, is what most of us are living. It's a mind-blowing project, and I heartily recommend it. Rarely do we get to participate in the making of a magnum opus, and the fact that this project is still ongoing is one of the things that makes it truly exciting.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
In reality: brown. In my head: transitioning into color. I had a very fun outfit this fall with a flirty camo skirt, my aviatrix boots, a ribbed brown sweater, and a light colored cord jacket that I really loved, (worn with red, fingerless, gloves, and a silk scarf,) but I think I've already outgrown it. (Emotionally, not physically.)
What kept you sane?
Netflix. Ongoing discussions with my therapist, who is one of the only people I can rely upon to tell me I'm not a total nut. Dreaming. Venting in LJ.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm getting kind of worked up about immigration these days, particularly as it relates to children. Equity in personal relationships and the law is a big issue for me, and I suspect it always will be.
Who did you miss?
vyrin, who's been incommunicado since Eric's wedding. Where are you? Did I do something to offend you?Who was the best new person you met?
Oh there have been lots of cool people on LJ and through Beemer.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
To face up to awkward moments and encounters, particularly in personal relationships. I'm trying to stop believing that ever bad thing that happens to me is not a direct result of my poor choices, but this is very hard for me.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
humbled and helpless learning to pray
praying for visions to show me the way
show me the way to forgive you
allow me to let it go
allow me to be forgiven
show me the way to let go
show me the way to forgive you
allow me to let it go
allow me to be forgiven
show me the way to let go
illuminate me
illuminate me
illuminate me
i'm just praying for you to show me
where i'm to begin
hoping to reconnect to you
- Thomas: APC
