The year that was 2009

by Grace on December 31, 2009

It’s that time of the year for this annual (sort of) blog post of mine. Here are the highlights of my 2009.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you hadn’t done before?
Focus on fat loss.

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, a neighbor.

3. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank God.

4. Did you travel? Where did you go?
Yes, to Japan for a wedding and to Singapore.

5. Best thing you bought?
My small point and shoot Canon PowerShot SD960IS that I couldn’t leave the house without.

6. Where did most of your money go?
To the dentist, for the ever fabulous root canals

7. What do you wish you had done more of?
Going to the beach

8. What do you wish you had done less of?
Trips to the dentist.

9. What kept you sane?
For a change, Twitter! (not peanut brittle)

10. What drove you mad?
Crappy UAE customer service.

11. What made you celebrate?
Finally seeing results from my exercise routine.

12. What made you sad?
My husband working endlessly even while we were on vacation!

13. How was your birthday this year?
No celebration, again.

14. What political issue stirred you the most this year?
Japan electing a PM I wouldn’t approve of. Look at his crazy eyes. And his wife had been abducted by aliens. Beat that for bonkers of the year award!

15. Were you in love in 2009?
Yes, to the same person

16. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn’t have this year?
A baby, babies, babiiiiesssss. In case you don’t get it, I have the Angelina Jolie syndrome.

17. What date from 2009 will be etched in your memory and why?
October 29 – went to Beyonce’s concert.

18. What song will remind you of 2009?
Hot and Cold by Katy Perry

19. Compared to this time last year are you happier?
Yes.

20. Biggest achievement this year?
Losing 15 pounds and fitting into a US8 jeans (I wore a US14 early this year!).

21. Biggest disappointment this year?
Michael Jackson dying?

22. What is the one thing that would have made you more satisfied?
More belly fat loss

23. Best new person you met this year?
I need to get out more.

24. A valuable life lesson you learned this year?
No one’s incharge of my health except me, myself and I.

25. How was your health in 2009?
GREAT! Changing my diet relieved me of migraines!

26. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I guess but not completely!

27. What countries did you visit?
Japan and Singapore!

28. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Savings

29. Did you suffer hardship in 2009?
Not that much.

30. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My daughter who was so brave to give her first speech in front of a huge crowd, at 5 years old!

31. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My mother inlaw’s behavior. She never got out of the dark clouds of depression and failed to attend her son’s wedding.

32. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My brother in law’s wedding!

33. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? THINNER!
iii. richer or poorer? Break-even

34. How did you spend the New Year’s?
With my family.

35. How many one-night stands?
N/A

36. What was your favorite TV program?
No TV at home!

37. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.

38. What was the best book you read?
The Twilight Saga - I just finished the 4th book but feel I need more. Any great book recommendations?

39. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
Pink! 2009’s definitely a great year for Pink and her hit songs.

40. What did you want and get?
Steven Tyler!

41. What did you want and not get?
A baby.

42. What was your favorite film that you watched this year?
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – it was this year, right?!

43. What one experience do you never want to repeat from this year?
Being inside a plane head on with badass turbulence.

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Jeans and t-shirt.

45. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most
Jessical Biel?

46. Who did you miss?
One of my brothers who work in a ship, now somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa.

47. Quote that sums up your year:
*can’t think of anything cheesy*

48. Was 2009 a good year for you?
Yes!

49. What was your favorite moment of the year?
Boarding the plane for Japan!

50. What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Not being able to take Pristine to Tokyo Disney Sea.

51. Where were you when 2009 began?
At home, we’re always at home in the New Year.

52. Who were you with?
My family.

53. Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2009?
Get more motivated, stay focus on exercise, reach my goal.

54. What was your favorite month of 2009?
November because it rains in Dubai in November.

55. What was your favorite song in 2009?
All of Beyonce’s songs!

56. What was your favorite record from 2009?
Lady Gaga’s The Fame Album

57. How many concerts did you see in 2009?
Hell, yeah! Finally! Went to Beyonce’s concert

58. Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009?
No.

59. Did you do a lot of drugs in 2009?
Minimal, just Advils

60. How many people did you sleep with in 2009?
The usual – my husband and daughter.

61. Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
None I can think of.

62. What was the worst lie someone told you in 2009?
None I think?

63. Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
No, at least not intentionally.

64. Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
No one.

65. What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
The grandpa bruhaha

66. If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
Could’ve booked a hotel near the airport in Singapore instead of staying in a friend’s flat which was so far that we had to travel carrying our heavy bags, not to mention bother my friend with the space…

67. What are you most looking forward to in 2010?
Having another baby, traveling to Jordan, (possible) travel to the US! (whichever comes first)

*****

Feel free to copy the meme and share the highlights of your 2009! Have a blessed and happy new year, everyone! Thank you for sticking with me for another year.