It’s the last day of work for the year, of which there is only a few days to go, so it’s time for a self-indulgent meme to fill out my blog. I had been working on a deep, thought provoking post to round out the year, but…oh well.
I stole this idea from Trish’s blog. She’s about to do it too, so go check it out!
————————————–
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I went to 4 weddings this year. That’s just ridiculous. Marriage seems to be the new black.
I prefer yellow.
If it’s done anything, it’s reinforced to me that my next wedding will be in Vegas.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Pfffttt…resolutions. I didn’t make any really, but there are probably some things I could look at…improving about myself. LaLa might have some suggestions…
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My best mate, Tim, finally popped one out and he’s a cutie alright. Another mate (also Tim) is next, and he’ll be getting double trouble!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately no. It may have been a year with 4 weddings, but luckily, no funeral.
5. What countries did you visit?
I wish! The furthest I travelled to was Hervey Bay, unless you count roaming the world of Azeroth.
But next year? Look out Europe!
6. What would you like to have in 2010/2011 that you lacked in 2008/2009?
Financial security would be nice. I feel like I am getting closer to this, but it’s something that I have been lacking for a long time.
I would also like some inner peace and closure on the past..
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 30. Not only was it my birthday, but it was also the last day of work at my old job and the day before we moved into our new place. It was a crazy time of year and somehow we got through it.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving house (again!). It may not seem like it, but moving, cleaning, organising and settling in a new place was a big task for me (and us) this year. I would also rate getting a new job as a big achievement. It’s been an invigorating change.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not doing the things that I had planned to do around the house. Pergola’s, gardens, garages, painting. So many things that I wanted to do, but as yet have done nothing. Need to get my finger out of my arse in 2010.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
My stupid ankles and feet. The first half of the year was marred by a broken foot. This was caused by a rolled ankle whilst playing indoor soccer. That inevitably lead to an early retirement from the game. However, I now play outdoor soccer! I have ankle braces and everything.
Fast forward to a week ago where I rolled my ankle..again….on some uneven concrete on the way back from the supermarket! Stupid ankles.
Oh, and the gout licks the bag as well.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
PS3. Hands down. It’s the most awesome purchase I have made in years.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Gadgets and networking and hard drives. I spend too much on these things and am still to build a good home media storage centre. That will come as soon as I get to the markets in 2010. The PS3 sucked a bit of money too, but everyone needs the Guitar Hero drum kit, yes?
13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Parramatta Eels. What a season they had. Not only did they come back from the death to make the semi-finals, they almost went all the way. Late September, into October was a sporting emotional roller-coaster, but there were some great memories, the best being taking my 2 sons to the Preliminary Final against the Bulldogs and experiencing the best rugby league crowd of all time. Amazing.
14. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Lisztomania by Phoenix. It was probably the song of the year for me. Phoenix at their best. It’s so damn happy!
Watch this:
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Happier! I feel more settled and I think LaLa and I are getting more comfortable with each other and what it’s like to live together!
b) thinner or fatter?
Hmmm…probably about the same, but I am fitter. Been going to the gym pretty consistently for the last couple of months. It’s nice to be able to see some muscle development and also get back into running/riding again.
c) richer or poorer?
Richer. The joys of contracting. I am actually saving the most money I ever have in my life….only to spend it. It’s a novelty to have some savings though.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
More time with family. As the kids get older I want to try and maintain a connection with them that goes beyond just being Dad. It feels like it could be a losing battle as they get closer to teen-dom, but I’ve gotta keep trying. Also, I have probably seen my family (cousins/aunts/Mum/Dad/sisters) less than I’d like. Hard to fit in time sometimes.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Facebook games! I have been stupidly addicted to some of those lame-arse facebook games (you know the ones) and I admittedly spend way too much time on them. I really should pick up a book, do a puzzle, play board games or just talk…more.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
Well, I will be spending Christmas at both LaLa’s family and then my sisters’ places. Swedish dinner and then Christmas Brunch and then dinner with Mum, Dad, kids, nephews and LaLa. Boxing Day will be a big day with my Hungarian cousin and Aunts from Sydney.
Did you know there’s a Hungarian convention on in Canberra after Christmas? Well now you know.
19. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Already in love….but I did go a little mushy for Lily Allen.
20. What was your favorite TV program?
Confession Time.
This year has seen LaLa and I watching a lot of ‘Gossip Girl’ (yes, I know what you’re thinking), Secret Diary of a Call Girl (good voyeuristic fun!) and Masterchef. Masterchef was probably the revelation of the start of the year. We both got into that and it helped me to inspire a renewed interest in cooking.
Otherwise I really love Flight of the Conchords and Entourage, which I am trying to catch up with. Season 4 and 5 for Christmas please!
21. What was the best book you read?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larsson. LaLa’s dad got me into this earlier in the year and it was a book that has pulled me back into reading this year. I have read this one and the sequel (…who Played With Fire) and enjoyed both. LaLa will attest to the fact that I don’t read very fast, but the fact that I have read at least 2 books this year is a feat in itself.
22. What was your favorite film of this year?
It came last week when I saw Avatar in 3D at Dendy. First 3D in forever, and although the pain in the bridge of nose was getting unbearable, the imagery and environment that James Cameron created for that movie is unbelievable. Story is probably only so-so, but the performances by the cast and the camera-work is worth the extra dollars for the 3D effect. Go see it!
Highly recommended is also ‘The Hangover’. Has to be one of the funniest comedies I’ve seen in many years and one of those ones that you know will become a classic over the years..
…hehehe…’Fat Jesus..’
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned the big boring 33. We went bowling! It was very nice to just spend it with friends and also had some pizza at Firestone with the family..
I got a kick-arse mixmaster. Red. It goes faster.
24. What kept you sane?
LaLa. This especially helps when my kids make me insane. She has a way of bring reason to any argument. Unless she’s wrong 😛
25. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As previously mentioned, I think my crush on Lily Allen was a standout. It coincided with the fact that she say about 2 metres away whilst singing and recording an acoustic live set at the Triple J studios. One of my highlights of the year.
26. Who did you miss?
My mate Tim has been trekking around Australia in a winnebago with his wife and newborn son. I have missed hanging out with him. Missed watching the footy together, and missed our regular lunch catchups. Hurry back mofo!
27. Who was the best new person you met?
My new workmates. Although my new place of work is a sausage-fest (as opposed to a clam factory), it’s been great to find new people to chat with, new opinions to shoot down and new people to give shit to on coffee breaks, which ironically I have found now involves getting a coffee.
Also, another of LaLa’s friends that I can (hopefully) add to my ever-growing list of inherited friends is Mireille. Check out her awesome food blog here! She has excellent taste in music. Perhaps I will share my performance of ‘Ice Ice Baby’ for you one day.
————————————–
So there we go. My year in a nutshell. I do have another, more angsty, thoughtful and retrospective post about 2009 in drafts, but it may not see the light of day.
I’d prefer to just use point form!
- Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
- Get nice and drunk on New Years and utilise the extra couple of days of recovery time well.
- If you’re staying home, relax and enjoy, if you’re travelling, be safe and take your time.
- When the Naughties are over and the Tennies arrive, take a fresh look and dive head-first into the new decade with positivity and passion. It’s the only way to be.
- Thanks for reading 🙂
2 Blog or not 2 Blog 