Read my writing out loud in front of other writers, including the author of one of my favorite books. Got my hair professionally dyed in a salon (so not worth it compared to the box). Attended Write Doe Bay for the first time (definitely not the last) and ran into freezing water hand in hand with beautiful people in October. Participated in NaNoWriMo. Called out someone I was working with for abusive behavior to their face even thought it was scary, and stood up for myself. Send my kid off to another city for almost a week with his Grandma.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember whether I made resolutions for 2017. I think most of my energy at that time was focused on trying to find a job, and the exhaustion of going back to work full time when I started temping. I have already set my intentions for 2018. I feel like in the past 4 years I've been finding myself, and I continue to find myself and try to concentrate on what makes me happy and fulfills me.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one close to me.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Tommy, who opened my mind and made me a better person. Laurie, who made the world a brighter place just by being in it and loved with her whole heart.
5. What countries did you visit?
I went to Canada to see Hanson. Ha!
6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
More grace for myself. More intention with the way I spend my time. More creativity, and always, always more love.
7. What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 25 - My first day at Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer
August 6-8 - Mini-vacation to Seattle with Scott
October 5-8 - Write Doe Bay
October 18 - Seeing Hanson in Canada with my Mom
October 27 - Moving into our new home
Nov 25 - My Birthday Party
Dec 24 - Nimbus came home to us
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Participating in NaNoWriMo. I didn't finish, but I ended with 20,000+ words, which felt like a win to me.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't really know. I don't like to look at things as failures, and I think I tried really hard this year.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Dan TDM Tickets for my kids. A ticket to Hamilton for myself.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Always Scott, who supports me more than I could ever say. Same with my Mom and Paul.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Millions of Americans. The president.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food, living expenses, bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Write Doe Bay
My Friends - San & Kate especially
My Birthday
16. What song will always remind you of 2017?
Praying - Kesha
Rainbow - Kesha
Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier
Neither
Richer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Writing. Reading. Creating. Volunteering for CTL.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying and struggling in my volunteer work with an organization (I have scaled way back). All of the stress that came from it.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Mom and Paul were in Hawaii. Emily and Megan came over on Christmas morning and we all opened presents and ate chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. We spent the day at home playing with the things we got and hanging with Mulder and our new kitty, Nimbus. The day after Christmas, we went up to Birch Bay to spend time with Scott's family.
21. Did you fall in love with 2017?
No. But it was better than 2016 for sure!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Supernatural. The Good Place.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Yes, but I'm working on trying to forgive.
24. What was the best book you read?
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kesha's Rainbow album. It's everything.
26. What did you want and get?
A fantastic job. My own home.
27. What did you want and not get?
I wanted the job at Bellingham Marine, and didn't get it. But now I am glad I didn't because I would not have gotten the job at LWWSD!
28. What was your favorite film of 2017?
WONDER WOMAN.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 37 and I threw myself a party! My actual birthday was on Thanksgiving, so we spent the morning with my Mom who made me cinnamon rolls and bacon <3. In the afternoon we went to Birch Bay and had Thanksgiving dinner with Scott's family.
That weekend, I had a Unicorn Extravaganza party, complete with unicorn cake, a white unicorn gift exchange, drinks, and Cards Against Humanity. I stayed up later than I have in forever with my friends, and laughed until my sides hurt. It was fantastically fun.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2017?
Boots and Leggings.
32. What kept you sane?
Scott. My Mom. Cinnamon Rolls. Zoloft.
33. What political issue stirred you the most?
#metoo
34. Who did you miss?
I miss Kira and Nora and wish I could see them more. I miss Helene and Lianna and my Dad. I wish I could have all my family closer.
35. Who was the best new person you met?
My new coworkers, who make going to work every day easy even though I have to start at 7:30.
All of the people I met at Write, especially Jason and Kerry.
Tessa
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.
I don't know that it's as much a lesson as a reminder, but that I am worth standing up for and that taking care of my own mental/emotional safety should always be a priority.
37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
And I know that I'm still fucked up
But aren't we all, my love?
Darling, our scars make us who we are, are
So when the winds are howling strong
And you think you can't go on, hold tight, sweetheart
You'll find a rainbow, rainbow, baby
Trust me, I know life is scary
But just put those colors on, girl
Come and play along with me tonight
You gotta learn to let go, put the past behind you
Trust me, I know, the ghosts will try to find you
But just put those colors on, girl
Come and paint the world with me tonight
<3 "Rainbow" by Kesha
Previous Lists:
2016
2015
2012
2011
