The Waiting Room

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

Give up alcohol.

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

I don't make resolutions, per se. But, I did stick to my exercise routine. Also, I stuck to my vegetarian promise. I am only eating seafood, and that's about twice a week.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, the wife of one of Husband's buddies.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

The Bahamas and Canada.

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

Peace of mind, a new place to live and a great job.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I can't give specific dates without looking them up, but the day in June when I found out that my job was in jeopardy and the day in November when I had to cut my hair. Neither was a happy day.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Sticking to my fitness plan. Except for illness, Husband and I worked out at least three times a week.

9. What was your biggest failure?

If you substitute disappointment for failure, I would say the downturn of my health and going on the methotrexate.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had some serious problems with the RA and I did sprain my ankle.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I can't think of anything really awesome that I bought.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

This fall's law classes were the best I had in 5 1/2 years of teaching. They were the most engaging, conscientious and fun group ever.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

The Dean and the VP at Private College. They are absolute idiots. Why would you alienate your best instructors?

14. Where did most of your money go?

Savings for our big relocation.

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

Our relocation plans. Once Husband and I decided that we are moving, it has been an exciting adventure making plans.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Love is Free by Sheryl Crow.

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

Happier, thinner and richer.

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

Facials. GML really came through on inexpensive but good facials!

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

Beating myself up and wallowing in self pity.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

At home with Husband and the Boy.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Still in love!

22. How many one-night stands?

NONE!

23. What was your favorite TV program?

House and SVU.

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

I don't "hate" anyone.

25. What was the best book you read?

Wonderful Tonight by Patty Boyd. Her life as Mrs. George Harrison and Mrs Eric Clapton was fascinating!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I haven't discovered anything new for a while. But I did enjoy Darius Rucker's song "Don't Think I Don't. Who knew Hootie could sing country...and sound good.

27. What did you want and get?

Two great vacations. One in the Bahamas during Spring Break and one in Cape May, NJ in August.

28. What did you want and not get?

A sibling for the Boy. I was going to adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue group over the summer, but the RA thing put a hitch in that plan.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

Cant' think of one.

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

I turned 40. I spent the day at a spa.

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

Not going through the problems with Private College and the RA thing. But in the end, it is for the best.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Classic and sophisticated.

33. What kept you sane?

Husband, the Boy, good friends, therapy and meds!

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

No one in particular.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

The economy and the credit crisis, mostly because I predicted the housing bust and the credit crunch back in '05.

36. Who did you miss?

My long hair and alcohol!

37. Who was the best new person you met?

GML's kitty, Auggie!

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

Be proud of what you have accomplished. Don't beat yourself up for what you have not done. There is nothing you have to prove to anyone.

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

One of my favorite songs from '08 is Now That You’re Gone by Sheryl Crow. It kind sums up my year.

Well I can see heaven
See it over the plain
If I start running now
I think I can make it
And never look back again

Your face is all around me
Your keys are in my hand
And everywhere I go
I’ll try to remember
Exactly who I am

‘Cause now that you’re gone
I can breathe
Now that you’re gone
I am free
Free to make a mess of everything
‘Cause nothing belongs to me
‘Cause now that you’re gone
I can breathe

We made a bed of roses
But I got pricked by the thorns
And on a long cold night
I still think I’m bleeding
But I wake up untorn

Well I am a missing person
I’ve lost it all but my name
And, I’m afraid some long lonely road
Will lead me back to you again

Cause now that you’re gone
I can breathe
Now that you’re gone
I am free
Free to make a mess of everything
‘Cause nothing belongs to me
Now that you’re gone
Now that you’re gone
Now that you’re gone

‘Cause now that you’re gone
I can breathe
Now that you’re gone
I am free
Free to make a mess of everything
‘Cause nobody’s watching me

Now that you’re gone
I am free
Now that you’re gone
I can breathe
Now that you’re gone
I am free
Now that you’re gone
I can breathe