My 2009 Review - Part 2

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Duh. . . More Than A Feeling. It's obviously not a song from 2009, but Boston is my main character's favorite band, and that song was my happy dance song all year.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?

a) The Intern wrote this amazing post about how you're pretty much just as happy as you're ever going to be, and I think to some extent that is very true. But I think if the same fun with contractors experience had happened last year, it probably would have reduced me to a big blubbering mess. Stronger, is probably the word I'd use. And I'm certainly happy about lots and lots of things.

b) Thinner. I probably weigh about the same, but I went down several sizes. I've focused a lot on building muscle this year. I'm trying to make it all about health, stamina, and energy. I haven't weighed myself in about 6 months. I've done the whole weight obsession thing in the past and I don't want to anymore.

c) I think there would be a lot of variables involved in figuring that one out. We're playing catch up on things (like the bathroom) that have needed fixing for awhile, and absolutely could not be put off for another moment. And, unfortunately, we'll have to do more of that next year too. Home ownership is a blast, huh?

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spending time with friends. Hiking & backpacking.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stress out about things I can't control.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With J, watching the extended versions of The Lord of The Rings trilogy, playing Othello, and doing our best to relax amidst the drywall dust.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I fell years ago, but I'm amazed how love can mature and deepen.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
MI-5 (or Spooks, as it's called in the UK). Hands down, favorite this year. The new Doctor Who series was a close second. I really like watching shows that are very different from what I write, because it feels like a complete and total break.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Well, hate is a really strong word. . . but see #13

24. What was the best book you read?
Oh, don't make me answer this! That's like asking me which dog I like better, or which of my Ladies is prettier. I will say that This Is Where I Leave You made me laugh so hard that J thought I might be having a mental episode.

I don't normally read sci fi/fantasy much, but I picked up Nicole Peeler's book, Tempest Rising, because we have the same agent, and could not put it down. I was totally blown away by her humor and the depth of her creativity and imagination. It's one thing to write a story in the parameters of the world we all live in, it's something else entirely to make up new parameters. Amazing. And the best news? It's a series! So there will be more on the horizon.

And, I think everyone should read Hold Love Strong, and not just because Matthew Aaron Goodman and I went to high school together, but because I think it's a moving and important book. Also, if you get a chance to see Matthew speak, go. He has an amazing and inspiring story about how he came to write this book and how he struggled to get it published.

I could go on and on and on and on. If you're interested in what I've been reading, feel free to friend me on Goodreads. I'd love to know what's on your bookshelf.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Bob Schneider wasn't a new discovery for me, but Lovely Creatures came out this year, and was the perfect inspiration music for my next writing project.

26. What did you want and get?
A fence.

27. What did you want and not get?
A bathroom. But I think, maybe, hopefully, don't want to jinx it too much, it will be done shortly after the new year.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I just saw Kings of California. I know it didn't come out this year, but I saw it a few weeks ago. It was a strange film, and not a perfect one, but I can't get it out of my head. I liked spending time with those characters. Oh! And I really loved Penelope. Again, just a recent viewing, not a recent film, but it was beautiful.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
32, and I don't remember. I find this amazing, absolute joy in the ins and outs of everyday life, and I'm not super big on celebrating birthdays or holidays, because they mess with the flow.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A finished bathroom. :) Do I sound like a broken record?

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Um. . .Make sure what's supposed to be covered is covered. When it's cold, put a sweater on.

32. What kept you sane?
J, my dogs, my friends, my agent, blogs, gluten-free Rice Chex, coffee.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I wouldn't say fancy, but I turned into a complete and total dork when I met Jonathan Tropper.

Oh, and have I ever mentioned my odd fascination with Wolfgang Puck?

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Well, there's that whole environment thing. . .

35. Who did you miss?
Most of the people I love the most don't live all that close, so I spend a lot of time missing people.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
You. :)

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
I've been learning to take risks, dream big, take inventory of my successes and move on from my failures. I've also been learning the importance of really and truly taking care of myself.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"There's a werewolf out on my front lawn and he's looking pissed off and he's wet from all the rain. I think I'll go say hi, and offer him a beer."

No, that doesn't sum up my year, but it is awesome.

Happy, Happy New Year! I am so excited to see where 2010 takes all of us. And if you're a lurker, please leave me a comment - I'd love to check out your blog and get to "meet," you!