It's that time of the year again..
Yes, since everyone else is doing the traditional end of the year survey, I suppose I should follow suit. Especially since I have nothing better to do at 1:30 in the morning than to sit at my computer updating my LJ.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Went to Europe (twice!) - once as a chaperone on a major field trip (also a first) and again on an independent trip with Beth.. I never felt like such a big girl in my life!
I also started coaching colorguard, which was a big question mark at first, but I really loved it and can't wait for next year!
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
My resolution is to stop making resolutions and that seems to be working out for me pretty well.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Uuummm.. man, I'm going to be in major trouble if I leave someone out, huh? My mentor teacher Christi had her baby in March and my cousin Christy had her baby innn... October? I can't keep up with these people.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Papaw passed away in July, just over a week after I got back into the States. It was horrible and I still get pretty upset about it sometimes, but I'm thankful that my family is so close that we can rally around Granny and each other to get through this hard year of "firsts" without Papaw.
5. What countries did you visit?
France (twice!), Spain, and Switzerland.. it was quite the year of travel, and I really wish every year could be like that!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
For the love, where is that hot boyfriend I've been looking for, hmm?? He's out there somewhere, probably lost. Also, I'd like to have my own apartment at some point, maybe a Wii, maybe another niece or nephew? Come on Ben and Julie..
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 23: my first European adventure
May 30: my last day of school as a First Year Teacher
June 13: my second European adventure
July 9: Papaw passed away
July 30: first day as a colorguard coach
August 18: first day as a veteran teacher
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Stealing Rachel's answer: finishing that first year of teaching alive was a pretty huge accomplishment
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not saving as much money as I would have liked
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had pink eye for the first time in my life over the summer.. I had sinus issues a lot this year, about every other month. Walking pneumonia was the big one in November, it drained me of my energy.. Hopefully it's completely out of my system by now!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My TV.. that thing is a beast! and you know. a few cool things in Europe like the Swatch, a painting from Avignon, an Eiffel Tower clock (which needs batteries.....)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Definitely my kids for putting up with me and doing an awesome job on their SOL tests.. out of all my 8th graders, only one of them didn't pass! They made me look like I actually knew what I was doing! Let's hope the same thing happens this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
a few select students who shall remain nameless.. haha also all the stupid politics.. as obsessed as I got with them, it was pretty ridiculous
14. Where did most of your money go?
plane tickets, big purchases for future apartment investments, clothes..
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
foreign travel!!! colorguard!!!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Low" by Flo Rida will always remind me of my first 7th grade class.. "Leavin'" by Jesse McCartney because I was very obsessed with that over the summer.. a lot of Rihanna's stuff along with T-Pain and company. Yep. It was quite the gangster year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
happier, thinner (thanks a lot, Curves.. actually, it was because of how often I was sick), and a tiny bit richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
kept in touch with long-distance friends, saved money, updated this journal..
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastinate, being consumed with family drama, being discontent with the single situation
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
spent the day at home with the fam.. started out the day opening presents with Mom, Dad, and Shawn.. then we went to Ben and Julie's to watch Lee open her gifts, went home and hung out till Parrish Family Christmas Dinner at Aunt Barbara's, then went to Aunt Sheila's for the cookie party.. same as every year, just the way I like it!
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Brett Favre is a beautiful man!
23. How many one-night stands?
take a guess.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Gilmore Girls, The Office, Jon and Kate plus 8, Project Runway, What Not to Wear, Monk, Psych, LOST
25. Are you angry at anyone now that you weren't angry at this time last year?
I'm pretty upset with Ted Thompson for standing idly by while the Packer's season went down in flames. That man sucks!
26. What were the best books you read?
Oh wow. Tough call! I really enjoyed The Hobbit since I had never read it before.. I read Brian Welch's testimony Washed by Blood and that's definitely one I would recommend if you enjoy autobiographies. In the Nicholas Sparks category, I thoroughly enjoyed A Bend in the Road. I also reread Redeeming Love in about 3 days and I'm contemplating reading it again. It's just that good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jason Castro. hahahaha I loved him!! Coldplay's new album was absolutely amazing.. I downloaded a lot of Sam Phillips stuff - she's the chick that wrote the music for Gilmore Girls.. a lot of her songs were sampled in the show and I'm a big fan
28. What did you want and get?
a bunch of old 7th graders are now my 8th graders.. that was definitely an answer to prayer
also... silly things like the TV and the opportunities to go to Europe.. amazing!
29. What did you want and not get?
A bigger closet to go with the expanding wardrobe..
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
The Dark Knight and Baby Mama.. I don't really remember seeing any other movies that I got excited about
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
23.. it still sounds weird to say/type.. I went to lunch with my family and Granny, got pedicures with Mama, went to dinner with my girl friends from college (and Leah), then we went to Putt Putt and made Coke floats at home.. it was a pretty awesome day. Fun-filled, yet relaxing all at the same time.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Same thing as last year. A secretary or some kind of personal assistant to keep my affairs in order. That would be so helpful!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Professional 20-something by day, jeans/tshirt/sweats by night.. I got really into the workout clothes once I joined a gym, you see..
34. What kept you sane?
The fact that I won't always be a first year teacher. And a summer to look forward to is always a promising thought! It also helps to have some friends and family around
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
It'll always be Brett. Although I did fall a little in love with Graham from The Bachelorette.. I mean, really? Come back to the South, man!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stupid election, stupid bailouts.. stupid government!
37. Who did you miss?
Longwood friends are always close to my heart, but sadly not so close physically! I hate not being 10 feet from them at any given time!
38. Who was the best new person you met?
I have a few new students in mind that are pretty high in the rankings because they crack me up so much.. they think they're so tough!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Sometimes, you've just got to be a jerk. And it's okay, as long as you're not doing it to put someone down, but just to put them in their place haha This is my Philosophy of Teaching.
Be careful on the metro, their are pickpockets EVERYWHERE in Barcelona!
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul --
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band.
This was the song that described everything we felt about Papaw's death.. and not only does it describe how much our whole family looked up to him and imitated him.. It also shows me how I'm a living legacy for a Savior whose blood runs through my instrument. He gave me talents and a song to sing and I had opportunities this year to be a blatant imitation of the ultimate Man I want to be. Not only is this song a bittersweet reminder of the patriarch of my family, but it's also a gentle reminder of who I really should be trying to imitate in life.
contemplative1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Went to Europe (twice!) - once as a chaperone on a major field trip (also a first) and again on an independent trip with Beth.. I never felt like such a big girl in my life!
I also started coaching colorguard, which was a big question mark at first, but I really loved it and can't wait for next year!
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
My resolution is to stop making resolutions and that seems to be working out for me pretty well.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Uuummm.. man, I'm going to be in major trouble if I leave someone out, huh? My mentor teacher Christi had her baby in March and my cousin Christy had her baby innn... October? I can't keep up with these people.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Papaw passed away in July, just over a week after I got back into the States. It was horrible and I still get pretty upset about it sometimes, but I'm thankful that my family is so close that we can rally around Granny and each other to get through this hard year of "firsts" without Papaw.
5. What countries did you visit?
France (twice!), Spain, and Switzerland.. it was quite the year of travel, and I really wish every year could be like that!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
For the love, where is that hot boyfriend I've been looking for, hmm?? He's out there somewhere, probably lost. Also, I'd like to have my own apartment at some point, maybe a Wii, maybe another niece or nephew? Come on Ben and Julie..
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 23: my first European adventure
May 30: my last day of school as a First Year Teacher
June 13: my second European adventure
July 9: Papaw passed away
July 30: first day as a colorguard coach
August 18: first day as a veteran teacher
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Stealing Rachel's answer: finishing that first year of teaching alive was a pretty huge accomplishment
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not saving as much money as I would have liked
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had pink eye for the first time in my life over the summer.. I had sinus issues a lot this year, about every other month. Walking pneumonia was the big one in November, it drained me of my energy.. Hopefully it's completely out of my system by now!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My TV.. that thing is a beast! and you know. a few cool things in Europe like the Swatch, a painting from Avignon, an Eiffel Tower clock (which needs batteries.....)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Definitely my kids for putting up with me and doing an awesome job on their SOL tests.. out of all my 8th graders, only one of them didn't pass! They made me look like I actually knew what I was doing! Let's hope the same thing happens this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
a few select students who shall remain nameless.. haha also all the stupid politics.. as obsessed as I got with them, it was pretty ridiculous
14. Where did most of your money go?
plane tickets, big purchases for future apartment investments, clothes..
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
foreign travel!!! colorguard!!!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Low" by Flo Rida will always remind me of my first 7th grade class.. "Leavin'" by Jesse McCartney because I was very obsessed with that over the summer.. a lot of Rihanna's stuff along with T-Pain and company. Yep. It was quite the gangster year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
happier, thinner (thanks a lot, Curves.. actually, it was because of how often I was sick), and a tiny bit richer
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
kept in touch with long-distance friends, saved money, updated this journal..
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
procrastinate, being consumed with family drama, being discontent with the single situation
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
spent the day at home with the fam.. started out the day opening presents with Mom, Dad, and Shawn.. then we went to Ben and Julie's to watch Lee open her gifts, went home and hung out till Parrish Family Christmas Dinner at Aunt Barbara's, then went to Aunt Sheila's for the cookie party.. same as every year, just the way I like it!
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Brett Favre is a beautiful man!
23. How many one-night stands?
take a guess.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Gilmore Girls, The Office, Jon and Kate plus 8, Project Runway, What Not to Wear, Monk, Psych, LOST
25. Are you angry at anyone now that you weren't angry at this time last year?
I'm pretty upset with Ted Thompson for standing idly by while the Packer's season went down in flames. That man sucks!
26. What were the best books you read?
Oh wow. Tough call! I really enjoyed The Hobbit since I had never read it before.. I read Brian Welch's testimony Washed by Blood and that's definitely one I would recommend if you enjoy autobiographies. In the Nicholas Sparks category, I thoroughly enjoyed A Bend in the Road. I also reread Redeeming Love in about 3 days and I'm contemplating reading it again. It's just that good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Jason Castro. hahahaha I loved him!! Coldplay's new album was absolutely amazing.. I downloaded a lot of Sam Phillips stuff - she's the chick that wrote the music for Gilmore Girls.. a lot of her songs were sampled in the show and I'm a big fan
28. What did you want and get?
a bunch of old 7th graders are now my 8th graders.. that was definitely an answer to prayer
also... silly things like the TV and the opportunities to go to Europe.. amazing!
29. What did you want and not get?
A bigger closet to go with the expanding wardrobe..
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
The Dark Knight and Baby Mama.. I don't really remember seeing any other movies that I got excited about
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
23.. it still sounds weird to say/type.. I went to lunch with my family and Granny, got pedicures with Mama, went to dinner with my girl friends from college (and Leah), then we went to Putt Putt and made Coke floats at home.. it was a pretty awesome day. Fun-filled, yet relaxing all at the same time.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Same thing as last year. A secretary or some kind of personal assistant to keep my affairs in order. That would be so helpful!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Professional 20-something by day, jeans/tshirt/sweats by night.. I got really into the workout clothes once I joined a gym, you see..
34. What kept you sane?
The fact that I won't always be a first year teacher. And a summer to look forward to is always a promising thought! It also helps to have some friends and family around
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
It'll always be Brett. Although I did fall a little in love with Graham from The Bachelorette.. I mean, really? Come back to the South, man!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stupid election, stupid bailouts.. stupid government!
37. Who did you miss?
Longwood friends are always close to my heart, but sadly not so close physically! I hate not being 10 feet from them at any given time!
38. Who was the best new person you met?
I have a few new students in mind that are pretty high in the rankings because they crack me up so much.. they think they're so tough!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Sometimes, you've just got to be a jerk. And it's okay, as long as you're not doing it to put someone down, but just to put them in their place haha This is my Philosophy of Teaching.
Be careful on the metro, their are pickpockets EVERYWHERE in Barcelona!
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul --
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band.
This was the song that described everything we felt about Papaw's death.. and not only does it describe how much our whole family looked up to him and imitated him.. It also shows me how I'm a living legacy for a Savior whose blood runs through my instrument. He gave me talents and a song to sing and I had opportunities this year to be a blatant imitation of the ultimate Man I want to be. Not only is this song a bittersweet reminder of the patriarch of my family, but it's also a gentle reminder of who I really should be trying to imitate in life.
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