2006 Meme

Stolen from Sarah:

∑ What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I competed in a duathlon, I ran 10km, I ran 20km, I floated, I rode my bike using my SPDs and didn’t fall off.
∑ Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any, so I didn’t have any to keep, and I doubt I’ll be making any this year.
∑ Did anyone close to you give birth?
A girl from my office had a little boy, but that’s about it.
∑ Did anyone close to you die?
No – not humans anyway.
∑ What countries did you visit?
New Zealand!
∑ What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Time.
∑ What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day of the duathlon, because it was such a huge achievement for me.
∑ What was your biggest achievement of the year?
It’s hard to pick the biggest, but they were mostly sporting related. Going under water is probably right up there. I guess starting to write again, and starting this blog, were also very significant achievements.
∑ What was your biggest failure?
Oooh, I don’t know whether I want to class this as a failure, more a lesson on the path, but I guess failing to complete the Wairarapa Country Half Marathon could technically be classed as a failure.
∑ Did you suffer illness or injury?
I’ve been in great health, other than this ongoing knee injury. Grrrr.
∑ What was the best thing someone bought you?
A framed copy of one of my poems.
∑ Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Although it may all be a clever marketing ploy, Al Gore.
∑ Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Speaking in general terms – any of those people who continue to deny climate change.
∑ Where did most of your money go?
Into Duck’s bank account (personal training, Special K, three Jog Squads and a Women’s Multis).
∑ What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Traveling up to Auckland for Ruth’s 60th birthday, catching up with all of Auckland friends, and the debut of the halterneck dress.
∑ What song will always remind you of 2006?
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
∑ Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Definitely happier
b) fatter or skinnier? Definitely skinnier
c) richer or poorer? About the same.
∑ What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing, meditating, spending quiet time on my own. I would also like to have taken an arts class.
∑ What do you wish you'd done less of?
Pushing myself too hard, being too hard on myself.
∑ How do you plan to spend Christmas?
At home with Hamish, the cats, some good bubbly and a heap of food.
∑ Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yes, in one thousand different ways, with as many different people and things.
∑ How many one night stands?
None.
∑ What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes, closely followed by Carnival (Sophie, how could you?).
∑ Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No – I don’t hate anyone.
∑ What was the best book you read?
I’m re-reading the Bone People, and enjoying it immensely.
∑ What was your greatest musical discovery? Hmmm… Cold Cut? Samuel Flynn Scott? Cat Power?
∑ What did you want and get?
Fancy running gear (and I’m aware of how tragic that is) and the halterneck dress.
∑ What did you want and not get?
Even more fancy running gear.
∑ What was your favorite film of this year?
I can’t really remember seeing too many films. An Inconvenient Truth was good. Casino Royale was pretty good as well.
∑ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you:
I turned 33 and got riotously drunk on tequila and bubbly cocktails at Tupelo with Leonie, Nic and Hamish.
∑ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
My year has already been immeasurably satisfying, but it would have been nice to finish the half marathon.
∑ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
This year I bought expensive running gear, but made do with second-hand and cheap new clothing to keep me going when I wasn’t at the gym. This was the year of the aforementioned halterneck dress, and the size 8 Keith Mathieson jacket, board shorts and trousers, and the cute little Pagani tops.
∑ What kept you sane?
Running.
∑ Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most:
I didn’t.
∑ What political issue stirred you the most:
The environment.
∑ Who do you miss?
Fi (come back Fi – Wellington loves you).
∑ Who was the best new person you met?
Sarah listed me, so I guess I need to reciprocate or I’ll be short a running buddy!
∑ What was the best thing you ate?
Mmm… too much good food to declare a winner! There were the crumbed jalapenos, cheese dip and chicken burritos at Flying Burrito Brothers, there was the panfried duck breast at Hope Bros, and there was the entire banquet menu at Spice Island. Actually, I think that the Mrs Macs Chilli and Cheese pies consumed after long runs probably came out on top… or perhaps it was the Whitakers Dark Ghana. Mmmm, cider. Mmm, chilli tequila cocktails. Sigh…
∑ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006?
Relax!
∑ Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
The lyrics from the song I mentioned above probably sum things up:
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten