the yearend meme

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Ah, here's an easy one. For our 25th monthsary in October I sent a bouquet of roses to Andrea; i was in cahoots with her officemates. I'd never sent her flowers before, and well. That went rather well. :) Also - hiked up a mountain in April! Pinatubo was AMAZING.

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I've only been successful in keeping one New Year's resolution and I got it right after only so many years, in 2008, when I managed to keep myself off cigarettes. I have to renew that, since we're looking at a rather eventful year, so. Yeah let's do this! :)

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Oh college friends Jopai and Alloy had a lovely boy this year ♥

Did anyone close to you die?
This year's a year for deaths. Cory Aquino's death in August was rather important to me.

What countries did you visit?
Oh, stayed put for the most part, then went to some parts of RP when the weather was ok. Visited a few beaches, hiked up a few mountains, went to Iloilo, etc.

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Oh man. TIME. I'd like to have more time to do everything! Energy's not a question, I'm pretty sure, but I'd really love to have ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD - for the elections, for the Read-Along, for my family, for Andrea, for my friends - there's a lot to give, really.

What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 23, which was the date of Andrea's accident (oh god never scare me like that again, Universe); Sept 26, which is my brother's birthday and well, we all remember Ondoy; Nov 23, which is 1ce's birthday and unfortunately also the date of the Maguindanao massacre :(

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Keeping it together :)

What was your biggest failure?
I think to some degree I've been absent from family events like weddings; I have yet to master the gentle art of striking a good balance and pacing myself. Maybe 2010's that year.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Middle of the year I had a brief thing involving coughing and colds, but apart from that, none too many. I am thankful :)

What was the best thing you bought?
Oh this year was full of gadget purchases - there's Panda my pink netbook, this E71, and well, Andrea's latest gadget-present :)

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Oh, hands down, it's Andrea. :) This year has been pretty tough for her mostly -- there was the Accident in July that I have yet to write about and process myself, and a few other personal issues -- but really, I've never seen anyone get over adversity so positively and gracefully :) I love you, you inspire me ♥

Close runner-ups: Both my siblings, who graduated from elementary and college early this year, and are in the middle of important life changes :)

And as always, my team, with whom no task has been insurmountable. ♥

Whose behavior appalled you and made you depressed?
Oh, well there's that. People have their reasons to hold onto grudges; I don't have them. :)

Where did most of your money go?
FOOD. Haha. Well, there's the rent and FOOD. :)

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Skins and Glee. :)

What song/s will always remind you of 2009?
Oh my god, this. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus and The Call by the Backstreet Boys (don't ask)

Compared to this time last year, are you:

a. Happier or sadder? Happier
b. Thinner or fatter? Fatter (hahahah is this a valid question)
c. Richer or poorer? Richer :)

What do you wish you'd done more of?
BEACHING. Haha. Partying. Reading and writing.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
LOL worrying. Dreaming of work. Also: Drinking.

How will you be spending Christmas?
Spent the eve with family, playing uno stacko and pusoy dos with my siblings while drinking red wine. Spent christmas day at work :)

Did you fall in love in 2009?
Oh, over and over, with the girl I always see first thing in the morning :)

What was your favorite TV program?
for TV, we have Katorse and Lipgloss. LOLLLLL, no, I loved Glee and Skins !!!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Ah, no. Hate's a strong word, I love everyone in my life right now :)

What was the best book you read?
This year, definitely Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking :)

What was your greatest musical discovery?
PASSION PIT. OMG PASSION PIT. <3

What did you want and get?
Ahaha plenty :) New friends! New books! :)

What did you want and not get?
I can't think of anything. Life's been good.

Favorite film of this year?
Kimmy Dora, HANDS DOWN! :D (Yes, it trumps 500 days of Summer)

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Oh three days ago, I turned 25. Spent it with family, eating all day and taking lots of pictures. It was classic and awesome.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Oh, wow. I just wish we'd had less deaths, you know.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Flood-ready. Haha.

What kept you sane?
My girlfriend. My fabulous workmates. :) Twitter! Haha :)

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Oh jeez. I have the biggest crush on Lily Loveless, ngl.

What political issue stirred you the most?
The Maguindanao massacre. The series of calamities. Ladlad getting disqualified in the elections. The run-up to the May 2010 elections.

Who did you miss?
Oh, as always, mom.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Love what you do and do what you love. The rest would come easy. :)

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Nodding my head like yeaaaaaah, moving my hips like yeaaaaahhhh ♥

The most touching experience you've had this year?
We did a Read-Along at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay and they prayed by singing Lead me Lord in sign language. Sight had me in tears.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
My endurance and flexibility.

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
My inability to pace myself properly LOL

Was 2009 a good year for you?
At the end of everything - yes, it was. :)