I am a visitor here; I am not permanent.

2011 in review

maspower:

But as much as that garbage polluted some of the year thereafter, I don’t think there’s been a time when I’ve grown more in my life. This was the year that taught me, with regards to so many things, that I’m never going to stop. I want it all. And I want the New Year.

Watch out, 2012.

2011 in review, late because I haven’t been on Tumblr in days.

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? 

Spent two months virtually alone in a foreign country. Studied abroad. Had my first internship, in German no less. Walked across Liechtenstein. Had sex on a train. 

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

I don’t think I made any resolutions last year, but I have one for 2012: know when I’m happy.

Did anyone close to you give birth? 

Nope.

Did anyone close to you die? 

Thankfully, no.

What countries did you visit? 

USA, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy. Woo!

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? 

A healthier, more stable mental state.

What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 

February 6: I said goodbye to Jeff for what looked like six months

February 9: Moved to Munich for six months

June 9: Reunited with Jeff after four months apart

What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

Succeeding in a foreign country with no support group.

What was your biggest failure? 

Being sad and angry far too often. Not knowing when I was happy.

Did you suffer illness or injury? 

I was depressed for most of the year.

What was the best thing you bought? 

Hmm. My Dirndl, I think. I didn’t buy too much for myself this year.

Whose behavior merited celebration? 

Jeff and Sam, always. Someone should tell them how awesome they are.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

A person whose behavior hurt me deeply.

Where did most of your money go?

Europe.

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

Seeing Jeff after being apart for too long. The last Harry Potter movie. Dancing with Dragons (which was a letdown). 

What song will always remind you of 2011?

Long Journey - Sarah Jarosz

Can’t Stand the Rain - The Rescues

24/7 (Squad-E Remix)

Black Sheep - Metric

Dog Days Are Over - Florence + the Machine (for the last part of the fall semester)

Compared to this time last year, are you: 

(a) happier or sadder? About the same? I’m happier on some levels, but still sadder than I would like.

(b) thinner or fatter? I think I put on some weight in the land of Schnitzel mit Pommes. I only weigh myself at the doctor’s office.

(c) richer or poorer? Poorer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Been happier. Appreciated where I was. 

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Being sad and angry.

How did you spend Christmas?

With my mom’s side of the family in Kentucky. I actually enjoyed myself, for once, and didn’t feel out of place.

Did you fall in love in 2011?

I fell in love closer to 2009, but in 2011 that relationship was strengthened and deepened more than I thought possible. 

What was your favorite TV program?

Battlestar Galactica. I miss watching it with Sam, Brittany, Alcee (DA NA NA NAAAA…), Ethan, Carolyn, et. al

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope. 

What was the best book you read?

Like Sam, I really enjoyed the Magicians, as sad as it made me. Quentin Coldwater’s character really hit home with me. Also the Song of Ice and Fire series (though the latest book was disappointing). 

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Err… This was a bad year for new music for me. I’m open to recommendations!

What did you want and get?

I wanted to become closer friends with Sam, and I did. I wanted to travel to Europe, and I did. Also a new computer.

What did you want and not get?

I think I wanted reconciliation with a friend, but I’m not sure. Nevertheless, it hasn’t fully happened.

What was your favorite film of this year?

I think I have to go with HP 7.2. 

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 21 in Munich, where I was sad and alone. My housemate was supposed to take me out to a party, but then she didn’t, and I was too depressed to go out on my own. Whee.

What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Going to reciprocate and say becoming close friends with Sam. 

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Don’t really think I have one. I like scarves and sweaters. I like to be comfy. I bought some more button-down shirts this year. I’d like to dress better next year, if I can afford it.

What kept you sane?

Jeff, who is always there to talk (except for when we are in different time zones and he’s still asleep) and has stuck with me through everything. Sam, who checks up on me in my sadness fortress and has been an invaluable support (thanks for Skyping with me when I was in Munich). Brittany’s humor, when I can find her. I couldn’t ask for better friends.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Don’t know if I really have one.

What political issue stirred you the most?

Again, like Sam, the Occupy Movement and the fucking Republican presidential candidates.

Who did you miss?

So many people while I was in Munich. Jeff, Sam, Brittany.

Who was the best new person you met?

Kay. She was a good friend to me in Munich, and didn’t hit on me.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Know when you’re lucky, and know when you’re happy. Stop looking ahead for the next thing that will make you happy, and just enjoy where you are right now.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I’m not saying that I’m giving up

I’m just trying not to think as much as I used to

‘Cause never is a lonely little messed-up word

Maybe I’ll get it right someday. 

For the first time in a long time I can say

That I want to try.

I feel helpless for the most part

But I’m learning to open my eyes

And the sad truth of the matter is

I’ll never get over it, but I’m gonna try

To get better and overcome each moment

In my own way.

(Source: sunshineduk)