Happy new year - for Emma

I'm so slack. Here is something I stole from Amelia's blog to kick the year off:

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

Loads of stuff:

Temping was a lot of new things - answering phones for Harvey Norman, parcel detective for Courier Post, generally bluffing my way through every day.

Becoming a permanent staff member for the first time ever instead of part time or fixed term.

Entering and winning Movember.

Being Santa!!!


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

I don't think I made any last year, this year I am going with the old standard - get more exercise - never works.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A few friends had babies, no one really close though.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?

Had contemplated Korea to teach English but chickened out, was supposed to have an interview for some call centre work in Australia but that fell through but it was all meant to be as I love my job!

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

Hmmm, will have to think on that one.

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

July 7 - the day I officially started working for the Ministry of Health
March 8 - Sally & Don's wedding

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finally managing to escape my old job after a couple of months waiting for my redundancy and my boss trying to force me to resign. Getting the job at the Ministry and winning Movember. Giving up my P habit - P for pineapple lumps, it has been 6 months, 1 week and 1 day since my last pineapple lump.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Dunno, maybe chickening out of Korea but I don't see it as a failure so much cos I'm having such a great time doing what I am doing now.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Shingles, not a fun time.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My Doc Martins!

12. & 13. were apparently stupid.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Food! Friday lunches, filling the lolly jars, cake bakes, food food food.

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

Getting my job - there may have been a dance.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Probably Jo's Welsh tra'or song, it has been a hit around the office. I don't understand why my 1991 VIP Pose Remix wasn't a bigger hit:

I can't read or write, yo, but that don't ma'er,
Cos I'm one fly girl who can drive a tra'or!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
A bit of both

b) thinner or fatter?
Probably fatter - did I mention I spent all my money on food?

c) richer or poorer?
Richer - goodbye part time wages, hello permanent staff!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had found more extra curricular activities

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stressing about small stuff

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Down home with Mum and the whanau, Christmas dinner with the extended family in Winton - lots of food!

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Not in love, a few crushes

22. What was your favourite TV program?
Probably Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, I didn't watch a lot of TV

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't really hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?
I can't remember, I don't know if I really read much.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
1. She & Him: Musician/producer, M. Ward and actress, Zooey Deschanel, awesome! I describe them as bluesy, country, very retro, adorable. My favourite track from their album is Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?


2. Frightened Rabbit - I think they're Scottish, indie rock band. Favourite track - My Backwards Walk, some great lyrics.


3. Rilo Kiley


4. Thou Shalt Always Kill - Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip. Hilarious!


26. What did you want and get?
I made a decision about something and it's been good, no more uncertainty.

27. What did you want and not get?
Can't think of anything

28. What was your favourite film of this year?
Maybe The Dark Knight, I've seen so many movies last year.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I had the flu. I was working at Courier Post, I made morning tea for the staff, including scones for Emma who had been asking for scones for weeks, I had a music practice and my flatmates put on a supper for me.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting to the States.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Buy stuff I like that remind people of other people, ie. my Jemma shirt and my Heidi outfit

32. What kept you sane?
Acting crazy - 80s language week, tourette's Monday, Government assassin day, Movember, secret Santa...

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I dunno.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The elections - hoping National wouldn't get in. *sigh*

35. Who did you miss?
Anna-Kate, Cate and my Dad.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
All my crazy workmates - Jemma, Jimmy, Greg, Mua, Pam...

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Life is what you make it.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Another one to think on