New Year's Meme

Well campers, I'm back from Chicago. In a nutshell, I think MLA went very well. I actually enjoyed some of it. Interviewing is difficult, for certain, but I was happily surprised by how lovely most of the people I met with were. In many cases, it felt much more like a conversation than a scary job interview.

That said, I've been working on my dissertation all day and need a bit of a break, so, in the spirit of the new year, I thought I'd do this New Year's meme that seems to be floating around. Please to enjoy.

So, I thought I'd do the meme that's been making the rounds.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

I tried sushi, for one. Not just "easy" sushi (like shrimp tempura maki--which I LOVE by the way), but scary sushi, like octopus sashimi. I prefer the easy sushi, but am proud of myself for trying things like octopus and eel.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Honestly, I don't remember what they were. I think this is the first year I didn't resolve to lose weight and it's the first year that I actually did, so maybe I should stop with the resolving. I haven't made any yet for this year, but I suppose I could resolve to get my dissertation done (that should be an easy one to keep).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yep. My niece, my dissertation chair, a few friends from high school, friends from grad school. I'm hitting that age, I think, where babies abound.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Unfortunately, yes.

5. What countries did you visit?

None.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

A PhD and a full-time job. In short, stability.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

For starters, October 16th, as it's the day I had back surgery.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Right now I'd have to say MLA. Getting there, surviving, sometimes thriving, and getting back in one physical and emotional piece.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Hmm, nothing is coming to mind. I suppose that's an incredibly good thing. Some things didn't exactly work out, but I'm not sure I would call them failures.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I severely ruptured a disc in my back and had to have surgery. That was not the most fun thing ever.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I don't really know. I bought some lovely shoes, a new coat that I really enjoy, and a new rolling garment bag that I like more than a person should really like luggage.


12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband has been really amazing during this whole dissertation and job search process. He deserves a gold star.

I'm skipping 13. I don't like the question. I will fill this in by wondering if anybody else noticed that Embassy Suites in Chicago doesn't have a 13th floor. I know that isn't too uncommon, but I'm not sure I've ever actually seen/noticed this in another hotel.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Well, Chicago wasn't cheap. The whole job search cost me quite a bit, between suits and travel and photocopying and postage. That was the big expense of the year, for sure. But also food and books.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The Police concert at Fenway. Best. concert. ever.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

Snow is Gone, by Josh Ritter. It's a song that helped me get through post-surgery walks.

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

a) happier b) thinner c) richer -- hmm, having a decent year so far, huh?

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

On the one hand, writing. I can always be doing more writing. On the other, going out for dinner with friends. I'm currently very aware of the fact that I will soon not be living in the same state as most of my friends and that hollows me out inside. As busy as I am, and as busy as I will be in the next few months, it's incredibly important to me to maintain and celebrate my connections with my friends.

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

Watching t.v. As much as I love it, it's not getting me any nearer to my professional goals -- well, most of them anyway.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent Christmas Eve and day with my husband at home, then headed off to Chicago the day after.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Yes and no. I'm already head over heels for the guy I married, so I didn't fall in love in that way, but I certainly fell in (platonic) love with some of my friends.

22. How many one-night stands?

None. Weird question.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Venture Brothers.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Oooh, hate is such a strong word. There are certainly people I dislike, but hate? Not so much.

25. What was the best book you read?

Yikes. For fun? The new Harry Potter or Without a Map.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Digging that Josh Ritter cd. Also really enjoying Gomez and The Weepies lately.

27. What did you want and get?

The new rolling garment bag. A new sweater. Kitchen stuff. (It was a good Christmas)

28. What did you want and not get?

An iPod touch

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

I'm completely blanking on this one.

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

I turned 31 this year and had an 80s themed birthday party that included much singing, dancing, and a best costume competition. It was awesome!

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

Completing my dissertation way ahead of schedule.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Better than in 2006

33. What kept you sane?

Mariokart with Tim, dinner with friends, t.v. with the husband

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I have a deep love of Johnny Depp. I just can't help it.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

It's cliche and vague, but the war.

36. Who did you miss?

I miss my family (especially since I didn't get home for the holidays) and my friends in other states.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Oh geez, I'm not naming names here. How horrible for the those not chosen. Who designed this meme?

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

Don't screw up your back!

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

"I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me." Mountain Goats

Well, there you have it friends, it's the year in meme review. Maybe next time I'll actually write something for you.