Another new year's meme

I got this from Debra Hawhee's blog and figured, as I just got back from WI yesterday and can't seem to really get anything substantive done today, I'd watch a little Top Chef and write a meme. I think I did this one last year. I should go back and check. Here goes:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

Lots: finished my dissertation, earned my Ph.D., got my first tenure-track job, moved to Kansas, and got my learner's permit.

2. Did you keep your 2008 resolutions and will you make more this year?

I didn't make any resolutions last year. I stopped making resolutions. So "no" to the second question.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 

Yep.

4. Did anyone close to you die? 

Not someone close to me, but someone close to someone close to me.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. I'm not much of a traveler. 

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Hmm, maybe a house.

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Either earning my doctorate or getting my first tenure-track job. They sort of go hand in hand.

8. What was your biggest failure?

I like that this is taking me a while to figure out. There were things I wish I'd handled differently, but that's probably all you're going to get to know about that.

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I wrenched my back in June (post surgery), but that was really about it.

10. What was the best thing you bought?

Probably my iPod touch. So much fun.

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My brother. He drove a UHaul half way across the country for me.

12. Whose behavior made you appalled or upset?

I can answer that, but I won't do it publicly.

13. Where did most of your money go?

Moving, I think.

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

Happier in some ways, sadder in others; probably about the same on the other two.

15. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Going out for sushi. Saving money. And yes, I realize those two things are antithetical.

16. What do you wish you'd done less of? 

Useless procrastination (she writes on her BLOG when she should be working -- or at least unpacking)

17. Did you fall in love in 2008? 

I fell in love with my friends again -- leaving can do that to you.

18. What was the best book you read?

I'm reading The Road right now and loving it. It might be that. 

19. What was your favorite film of the year?

Probably The Dark Knight

20. What kept you sane?

Who said I was sane? While finishing my dissertation: Nicola and Mike in the grad carrels. While leaving? Tim, my brother, my husband, and all of the amazing people who helped me pack. 

21. Tell us a life lesson you learned in 2008.

I didn't learn these in 2008, but was reminded of them in 2008:

a. People are more important than place. 

b. Close friends and family (however you define that) are what really matter.

c. Let the people you love know that you love them. Even if it's embarrassing to be that sincere.

Too cheesy? Maybe, but also true.