2008

[magictreehouse]

1.What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?: Joined a gay book group, participated in a Gay Pride event, completed a year on my MSc course, went to numerous zoos and sea life centres, went to a proper big pop concert, saw a dance performance. Is that it? That’s hardly anything at all!
 
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?: I planned to read more and update my LJ more. I think I failed on both accounts although I probably did read a little more than last year which is a good thing. For this year I plan to become more detached from work. I also plan to get a new job or God help me I will have a murder on my hands!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?: Nope.

4. Did anyone close to you die?: Not close no but three people died who have had an effect on my life. My old workmate Stella died who was only 58. I still think of her often as she was to only very funny but also very supportive when I worked at the library. It still feels odd to think of her not being around. She bought me a gingerbread man when I passed my driving test which still makes me laugh.

My old Geography teacher Mr Jackson died who provided me with a shelter at school in the form of his games club. He introduced me to the wonderful world of Scrabble! The other is Michael Crichton who, thanks to Jurassic Park alone got me into reading, loving film and fuelled the dinosaur obsession from a very young age.

5. What countries did you visit?: Scotland

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?: A trip abroad (tick!), a job I like and a full blown Masters (it’ll be hell to get but the end is in sight soon!)

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?: None spring to mind really.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?: I guess getting the first marks of my Masters. I was very surprised and pleased with my marks, especially as I’d been working for four days a week around it.

9. What was your biggest failure?: I don’t really know to be honest. It was probably work-related.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?: The end of the year featured too much illness. Two passings out, one involving me falling through a door. I never used to be this ill, honest.

11. What was the best thing you bought?: I don’t think I bought anything in particular that was amazing. A fair few DS and PS2 games and CDs were with the money. I must say that investing in all of the Lego games has given James no end of fun so they were definitely worth it. Oh, and I’m hoping that the trip to Iceland will be worth it!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?: James, obviously. American voters for electing Obama for the job.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? Whoever complained about the Russell Brand scandal. Twats. Also, the media’s coverage of the financial situation was fucking appalling and probably caused more harm than if the economic downturn simply existed on its own. Oh, and the government of course, for thinking that the way to stop the issues of people spending money they don’t have it to, oh, spend money that the country DOES NOT HAVE!  

14. Where did most of your money go?: Buying banks apparently. Also, rent and bills and an increasing amount is going on trains. Something has to give.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?: I got excited every time I went to a zoo. Going to see Girls Aloud was exciting as I’d never been to an arena concert before, plus it was a surprise. Going to Edinburgh too.

16. What songs will always remind you of 2008? Probably a fair few. Duffy’s sodding ‘Mercy’ sadly. Also, Pink’s ‘So What’, Britney’s ‘Womanizer’ and Girls Aloud’s ‘The Promise. I don’t know why pop songs, I can’t think of any others that might remind of the current era as much.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? A little sadder on account of my job.
b) Richer or poorer? Poorer because of student fees.
c) fatter or thinner? About the same I guess. Although the Wii Fit incident suggests that losing a little weight would not harm me (NB: I am in no way close to being fat though).

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?: I really don’t know. Read?

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?: Worked but these things cannot be helped.

20. How did you spend Christmas?: With James’ family. It was better than last year and the food was excellent.

21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with? My family.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?: I was already in love and continued to be so.

23. How many one night stands?: None.

24. What were your favourite TV programmes?: Without a Trace, 30 Rock, Doctor Who, Alias (on DVD obviously)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?: Nope.

26. What was the best book you read?: Jasper Fforde’s ‘The Fourth Bear’, Lionel Scriver’s ‘We Need To Talk About Kevin’, ‘Persepolis’, ‘Second Lives’ was also very good although I can’t remember who wrote it!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?: Liz Phair, Alphabeat, Sugarush Beat Company, BWO, Santogold. Any of those really.

28. What did you want and get?: A foreign holiday booked. Voluntary work at a library sorted.

29. What did you want and not get?: A library job.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?: Wall:E or Changeling I think.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?: I was 24 and I was in London for it. I think I went to see Wicked on the day.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?: A new job.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?: The same as any other year I guess. I think I wore more shirts though.

34. What kept you sane?: James, computer games, days out.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?: The usual I think. I don’t think there are new ones to be honest. Hmmm.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?: The financial situation, the 10p tax band, the Crewe and Nantwich by-election, anything Tory related.

37. Who did you miss?: My family.

38. Who was the best new person you met?: Jaqui who turned out to be both fun and a good conversationalist. There will be more Jaqui in 2009 I hope!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: 1. Work is not your life. 2. People love to take the moral high ground on the internet.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: Or not.