1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Turned down a big-money job offer because I realized I wouldn’t be happy there. And dated two people at the same time.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I didn’t, but I wasn’t much worse for the wear because of it. I think I’ll give it a shot this year and see what happens. Resolutions aren’t a bad thing, I only wish there wasn’t so much pressure about them at New Year’s.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 2008 seems like The Year of the Baby. Many friends were blessed with kids – it’s pretty great. As I write thise we’re still awaiting the birth of one more.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.
5. What places did you vacation? I traveled to Maritime Provinces of Canada again this year – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. There is not a more beautiful or friendlier place in the world.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? I seem to consistently bite off more than I can chew – I’d like to figure out a schedule that works as far as family, school, work, gym (ha), and a social life (ha 2x); and stop being so hard on myself if I don’t get it right.
7. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year? I began to carve out a career direction. For the first time in a long time I feel like I see light at the end of the current tunnel.
8. What was your biggest failure? Economics – mediocre macro and micro coursework slid my otherwise-commendable GPA.  Without KC (thanks, buddy!) I wouldn’t have passed.  
   
9. Did you suffer illness or injury? Two painful and expensive root canals (ouch $$), other than that, nothing.
10. What was the best thing you bought? My $37 watch.
11. Whose behavior merited celebration? All the folks who voted for Obama.
12. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? People involved in the corrupt investment scandals (when is too much ever enough for these people?), bailouts, the government’s continued propaganda to support the war, and the people of California who voted for Prop 8 (shame on all of you!).
13. Where did most of your money go? Wish I could say booze and shoes, but the real answer is tuition.
14. How did you spend Christmas last year? Writing my degree plan (which was finally approved 10 months later), and I saw the film Molière.
15. Did you fall in love in 2008? No, out of it, with lingering flashbacks to hope.
    
16. What was your favorite TV program? I have two – House and Friday Night Lights. Fringe comes oh-so close.
17. What did you do for your birthday in 2008? Lunch with friends at my favorite pub, Jameson’s.
18. What was the best book you read? “We Are Smarter Than Me: The New Competitive Advantage of We.”
19. What did you want and get? A clearer head.
20. What did you want and not get? I am desperate for someone I “tough loved” to change. He hasn’t.
21. What was your favorite film of this year? The Visitor.
22. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes.
23. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not as much worrying about the economy and the company, because what happens will happen without my obsession.
24. What kept you sane? Remembering to appreciate the small achievements. I also went to church for the first time in years. I’ll have to see how that goes.
25. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? That yummy Joe Biden is fodder for a lot fantasies (don’t ask), and Sean McCann from Great Big Sea has it all.
26. What political issue stirred you the most? The election, obviously.
27. Who did you miss? Holly, Grandma, and the person I know he can be.
28. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008? Slow and steady wins the race.