No resolutions. I find making them on January 1st a little bit arbitrary; instead, in the past few month's I've started to try and be more proactive and not procrastinate, and it's sorta working, as well as to just 'think' more (be more introspective). And to not lose my mind and keep my sanity. As well, the usual "be more confident" is in there, too, along with try to be more active.


2008: The Year of Change
More than one person in my social circle called 2008 the Year of Change (I can think of 3 off the top of my head easily). I think that's definitely true. Part of that change I've learned is that some change comes from within, and you have to work at it. Change isn't always sudden stuff, like moving, but might be developing or refining part of your character, or working at something to improve yourself.

For myself, there were a lot of changes. I started the year off finishing applications for grad school. That seems like so long ago! A big change was finally feeling like I had a direction. After not really knowing what I wanted to do for so long, latching on to something, and worrying it was a whim and hoping it wasn't, felt good. I still feel good about my choice, and can imagine myself doing it for years to come.

The applications led to more change; I tried to dress a little better and trendier, to be a little more 'professional' in appearance to better suit a mid-20s grad-student wannabe. I bought different boots for winter and started wearing a bit more makeup.

I also met some amazing people this year. Thanks to applications, I got to meet the people of Lolorado and have some fun times with them. I also met some of Sunny's coworkers as I played with their softball team, and had a ton of fun. Conventions let me meet some new people, but also let me get to know others better. I also got to meet a few people from IG as well, and got to know other better, but over the internet.

This summer I also had to deal with the death of a loved one; it's not something I ever hope to get used to, but it was the first time someone close to me died. I'm still dealing with things, but it was just a new situation that I'd never been in before, and it obviously changed family dynamics. However, it did bring my brother and I closer together, and we bonded more, so that was a plus. I also got to know my sister in law a bit better, which was nice. I've also learned the benefits of therapy.

I don't think I'll bother doing a cosplay year in review; suffice to say Alice was FUN & easy, Rith = FAIL, and Midi was also lots of fun and I really enjoyed the mostly stress-free aspect of Polaris. A++ will attend again (as it's the only con I think I can make it to next year...).

Going to school meant moving to Chicago, and that was a huge change! I had to move again (not too much of a big deal), but handling stuff as an international student was a pain in the butt. I was in school again, which required me to be more on the ball regarding assignments and readings and things, and I'm actually a bit more proactive and less procrastinatory than I was before.

I can't think of any other major changes, aside from getting engaged in December. The timing felt right, the wedding 'month' feels right, and I hope the planning goes smoothly!



New Year's Meme (or End Of Year Meme)

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
- Had Surgery (Gallbladder removed)
- Visited Denver & Chicago
- Accepted to Graduate School
- Played Softball on a team (with Sunny's work team)
- Got Engaged
- HS 10 year reunion

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Didn't really make any resolutions for 2008, other than "get into grad school", which was only partly up to me.

No real resolutions, but goals. See paragraphs above: be more confident, more proactive and less procrastinatory, and more introspective. I'd also like to go to gym more; I need to strengthen my back.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don't think so. I lost touch with my cousin, but she had a baby girl this year. I guess that counts as "close" because she's family, even if we're not in touch.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My father passed away due to liver cancer, on August 13th.

5. What countries did you visit?
Just the good ol' U.S. of A.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Less anger at some situations, and true forgiveness.
Confidence! And a trip somewhere.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Not the specific dates, for most of them:
End of Feb/early March: Gallbladder removal surgery and 5 days in hospital
April: visit to Colorado & the awesome peeps there and my first Chipotle experience
Early May: Getting into grad school
End July: visiting Dad
August 13: Father passed away
Sept 13: Celebration of His Life/Wake
Dec 19th: Engagement!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Probably getting into grad school, and actually not being the "dumbest" one due to being out of school for more years than the others.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being proactive? Being procrastinatory.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Gallstone attack and successive gallbladder removal. Random and various colds, I'm sure.
Back pain in the beginning of December that kept me awake and hardly moving. Yay meds.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Extra firm mattress. I love this bed.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Far too many to mention, I'm sure. Though I can somewhat understand what Oselle has been through, so her holding up is definitely admirable. Sunny's for always being there for me through rough times, and coming out to Rock Creek with me as support. My brother for thwarting our step-mom.


13. Whose behavior appalled you?
Can't really think of anyone other than step-mom.

14. Where did most of your money go?
SCHOOL. And school-related things, like interviews and new furniture in Chicago and stuff.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Some conventions, grad school, Montreal engagement/wedding, visits home, and hot pot.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I don't know. It probably varies throughout the year.
"Goodbye" by Audio Adrenaline reminds me of my dad's passing.
"Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis reminds me of SYTYCD, along with One Republic's "Apologize".
And John Mayer's "No Such Thing" reminds me of my high school 10 year reunion.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? the same? sad & happy moments throughout the year. It's about balance.
ii. thinner or fatter? Probably fatter.
iii. richer or poorer? POOR.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Managing my time. Being proactive. Volunteering. Being more active. Thinking.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating junk & Procrastinating (seeing a trend, here?)

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Was supposed to be in Alberta, but circumstances changed, so it was with Sunny's family. Nice and relaxing!

21. How will you be spending New Year's?
Started out having a huge sushi boat and a pot of Hakutsuru draft sake at TaKe Sushi, followed by nachos and garlic breads with bacon at the Toucan while drinking Grasshopper and Steam Whistle. After that, it was to the Grizzly Grill for dancing and ringing in the near year wearing a fun silly hat and having a rum & coke.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Still in!

23. How many one-night stands?
None. Yay!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
So You Think You Can Dance, Life, House, Heroes, Eli Stone, Chuck

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not really. Noone's worth that much negative energy. [Stole Oselle's answer.]

26. What was the best book you read?
Hmmm, hard to say. There's been a few good ones. One that really stuck with me was The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures. On the suggested reading list for school, it really stuck with me and I'm glad I've read it. Sheds a light on cultural issues and understanding that's often lacking in the medical field when it comes to other people and cultures.

Also, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom was a nice quick read. As well, The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices, by Xinran. I'd read it before, but couldn't remember when. It's so touching and just an amazing read. Again, more cultural experience.

And "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel was a nice way to end the year.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Leona Lewis, One Republic, Hawksley Workman, A Fine Frenzy

28. What did you want and get?
Into grad school?

29. What did you want and not get?
A loan.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Probably IRON MAN.

31. What did you do on your birthday?
By chance it ended up being the same day as Mongolian Little Sheep Hot Pot in Toronto, so that's what I did.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
No issues with the step-mother, and winning the lottery for a decently large sized sum.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Affordable business casual. Very minorly trendy.

34. What kept you sane?
mriswith

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Um...none of them?

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The idea that social health care is EVIL and will destroy a country.

37. Who did you miss?
My dad. And Sunny now that I'm in Chicago.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I met lots of new people this year; I think they're all awesome. The Lolorado crowd, a few from cosplay (Kalliope_kheru and the moonie crowd, for example), and some from IG. Also, some from Sunny's workplace playing softball. Yay!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Learn to forgive, and people aren't always the way they seem. Also, despite all the feelings, it's better to have the chance to say goodbye.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I don't know if I can... don't know that many songs or any that sum up stuff to me.


:
Penny Thorton's Astrolutely.com
Horoscope from Astrolutely.com for 2009
(I used Astrolutely because nessun did and I figured one was as good as another, and since she used it, figured I might as well!)

GENERAL

New beginnings were part and parcel of 2008 and your job this coming year is to build steadily on those foundations. You are still in a phase of growth and opportunity but with Pluto now firmly in your sign, and principally affecting the December birthdays, you are not as much in control of your destiny as you might like to be. In other words, there will be events that come at you from left field which will affect your plans in the short and long term. The periods around 1st January, 22nd July and 26th August, could be especially significant here. Ruler, Saturn, will arrive at the zenith of your horoscope in late October, and this planet brings rewards for the efforts of many years as well as adding to your responsibilities in the way of being a provider, parent and leader.

This is SO true for me right now, as I'm relating it to graduate school. New beginnings in 2008 is right! School and engagement, and both have to be worked at but are great opportunities. I don't know what will come out of left field, but I'm sure I can handle it. Late October is when I should have a chunk of thesis stuff done, so I'm looking foward to having rewards then! As I work toward finishing school and an off-in-the-future wedding, I *am* adding to responsibilities to be a provider and leader. Parent comes after the wedding. :P

LOVE

Jupiter's influence is still strong on your love life, and with a total solar eclipse in the area of relationships in late July, some Capricorns are about to meet their match, and in unusual circumstances. Both January and July could prove significant for your romantic future, and you will need to be philosophical about any endings because they clear the way for a relationship that reflects the new you. Other Capricorns will be supporting a partner who is going through a difficult time, and events throughout the year will test the strength of your commitment to each other. Should a new relationship begin in 2009, it may well be with someone from your past – a remembered past or another time, another life...

I've already met my match and aren't looking for love, so that's ok. I'd like to be able to make the one I have stronger and try and find ways to rejuvenate it when it needs it. It says I'll be supporting my partner through a difficult time... not sure what that refers to; interacting with parentals regarding wedding stuff, maybe? or because he's going to have to deal with much of the planning? Not much of the "Love" horoscope affects me, really. I find they're usually targeted toward finding love, not maintaining it.

MONEY AND WORK

You can do very well financially this year so have confidence and keep practising that law of prosperity – no fear, no shortfall. The eclipses of February and August are times of gains or losses so great care will have to be taken then with investments, purchases and monetary negotiations. You may also do well from settlements and inheritances. If you are twenty-nine or forty-three years old a harvest of some description is taking place, whether you are to be offered a job of power and responsibility or you realize that job security is not only a myth but no substitute for job fulfilment. Do what you love and you'll make it work, even in this time of global recession.

Well, I don't think I'll be making any money this year, but I wouldn't mind being able to spend as little as possible! Settlements/inheritances was last year, I certainly don't expect anything this year. Not 29 or 43, so no worries on that one. I'll just focus on finishing school.

Overall, not necessarily pleased with the horoscope; it wasn't as amusing as I expected. Oh well! maybe another will be better.