1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Received a b-school job offer, flew to 2nd round interviews, worked in corporate America, worked in HR, lived in Baltimore, developed a product idea from seed to prototype, got in minor trouble with Israeli security, girls' weekend, put up the first Kelley & Barrett household Christmas tree, went on a honeymoon!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2011 was the year of Career Development: Strategic Human Resources, Networking, and Developing My Outsider Perspective 2: Electric Persuasion Bugaloo. I did a lot of research and interview prep for HR, which resulted in a good job offer. Networking went really well, and I believe I've made a significant shift in how I see networking. As in, it's not a burden and can be really interesting. I would say that I've accepted the value of my outsider perspective but I am probably always going to feel less persuasive than I'd like to be.
2012 is the Year of Darden Friendships, Chicago, Entrepreneurship, and Health.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Israel, Haiti, & Mexico
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I got what I wanted for 2011--a job! I would like to develop my friendships with Darden people while we are all still in one place. I would like to develop healthier habits food- and exercise-wise, because that all went to crap over the last semester, and I would like to stop wrestling this. Particularly as I head closing to preparing for conception and pregnancy. (You will note that 2012 is NOT the Year of the Baby, however, so no questions about it, thanks!)
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 31 - first day at T Rowe Price
Oct 31 - IBM interview
Dec 26 - honeymoon!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Dashboard at TRP, job offer at IBM, 2nd rounds for GE HRLP, food tracker
9. What was your biggest failure?
DEMD.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I've been sick for much of the fall.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new couch and everything associated with the living room makeover (curtains, paint, rug).
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Gomez's. Congress & the president. Kathleen Sibelius regarding the Plan B overruling.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, tuition, food/alcohol, new clothes for my new professional life, travel.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
GE HRLP invitation, TRP internship, IBM offer, Haiti, Mexico, Vegas, Spring Break in the Bay area
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Party Rock Anthem, LMFAO; Calle Ocho, Pitbull
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter, by roughly 10 lbs. I'm starting Paleo & C25K after the honeymoon.
iii. richer or poorer? Eternally poorer, though next year's assessment I should be able to say richer!.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercising. Eating well. Organization.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastination. Caring about unimportant things.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my husband in Charlottesville, for the first time! Then leaving for our honeymoon the next day.
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I continued to be in love.
23. How many one-night stands?
0.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Community, Covert Affairs, The Office, Glee, Grey's Anatomy.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
26. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: I don't remember reading any fiction worth discussing.
Nonfiction: The book for Systems Design & Business Dynamics
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Frankly, I didn't pay much attention to music this year.
28. What did you want and get?
A great job offer, and the promise of Chicago to look forward to.
29. What did you want and not get?
A position at GE.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I really liked Hannah and Horrible Bosses. That being said I watched them both recently so they have stuck out in my mind. Harry Potter was good too.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my birthday I went to Fogo de Chao for lunch with Brandon on the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
I turned 28.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More confidence in the job search process, which is easy to wish for once it's over but is difficult to remember during.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Professional while revealing my love for the unique.
34. What kept you sane?
My friends, my fiancé, AskMetaFilter, Kellogg Leliveld.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
My attention span for public figures has remained at zero.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Fiscal/debt crisis. Eurozone, occasionally.
37. Who did you miss?
People in DC & Portland. My parents.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Cathy Plakatoris & assorted Darden friends.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Narrowing things down a bit from past ruminations, my unique contribution will be design consulting / teaching innovation in the Middle East.
What other people think about me does not pay my rent.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Shake It Out, Florence & the Machine
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, June 11, 2010
And, I'm back.
Although I wasn't gone, just busy, you know, with that whole "getting a Master's" thing. And I expect that my desire and ability to blog may wane with the commencement of my next degree program, but goshdarnit, I miss writing everyday. And as embarrassing as reading over past writings can be sometimes, I like having that record of what I was thinking and feeling. So there's that.
Things that have happened in the last month:
- I finished my MA
- I moved to a small college town, away from my MA program friends
- I moved in with my Future Husband
- wedding stuff exploded.
More to come on getting through emotional, physical, intellectual, employment transitions. And humorous story-telling, and fun things to think about, usually found on the internets. Might do some book reviews. Because that's how I roll. I'm sure this round of blogging will feature more anonymity, although given the blog's current title, that's a bit of an issue, no? Look for a post about new blog, once I figure out what I want to do with that.
But first: A Rant
O Bodo's! Why must you refuse to toast the freaking bagels!? Every time I ask for a toasted bagel, to indicate to someone that there is a simple thing that your establishment can do to make a customer much more satisfied with the Bodo's Bagel Experience. Last time the cashier said, "Oh, but they are warm already, they don't need to be toasted," which leads me to believe that she doesn't fundamentally understand the textural shift of the toasting. It's called the Maillard reaction, and it makes everything more delicious. The contrast of smooth, cold cream cheese with the warm brown crust of a toasted bagel is a joy to behold, and you refuse to make it possible for the beleaguered citizens of our fair town. A commercial toaster, delivered, costs less than a thousand dollars. You could easily pay for it in a short period of time, depending on the volume of bagels sold. I'm happy to do a feasibility study for you IF IT WILL GET ME A GODDAMN TOASTER.
Friday, December 18, 2009
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Spend an extended amount of time in a foreign (Arab) country, relatively alone; become engaged; win the Golden Apron; spend the night in the hospital; get an IUD; see the Pyramids and Luxor/Karnak, make pretzels and challah.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2008 was the Year of Arabic, Grad School and Organization. Arabic was alright, although I feel like I didn't improve my skill much at all this fall. Looking forward to some intensive work over the break. Grad school's been interesting and I'd say I've been successful, but I'm ready to be done--or maybe that's the finals period talking. Organization is a lasting problem. I guess I'll keep it on the list. 2010 will be the year of Career Development, Organization and Wedding.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Russia (ha, I'm going to say it counts) and Egypt.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I got what I wanted for 2009! Now I'd like a job or an acceptance to business school, a diploma, a relatively stress-free wedding planning process, and a solution to the dog problem(s).
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 13 -- Brandon proposed!
August 1 -- I returned from Egypt.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting through Egypt; finishing my third semester.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wish that I had done a better job of conducting research in Egypt; I could have gotten a lot more done if I'd made some different choices to structure my situation differently. Time management, generally.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was depressed over the summer. That was compounded by a serious Gomez altercation upon my return to the States in August. I managed to stay well through the swine flu epidemic.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Canopic jars? My purple Tahari dress?
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Anyone involved with healthcare reform. Mine, during the summer. Gomez's.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, tuition, food/alcohol, a moderate amount of new clothes, Egypt souvenirs, the beginnings of wedding stirrings.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My thesis, engagement, dog behavioralist, Brandon moving, Egypt, wedding planning.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Ambling Alp, Yeasayer. Bad Romance, Lady Gaga.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same.
iii. richer or poorer? P O O R E R.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saving. Exercising. Reading. Interviewing. SRBC activities.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastination.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my family in Portland.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I continued to be in love.
23. How many one-night stands?
0.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, Glee, Mad Men, Top Chef. In reverse order.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
One person, but hate's a bit strong. There are a few flareups, though.
26. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: I don't remember reading any fiction worth discussing.
Nonfiction: Islam and Mammon by Timur Kuran; that World Bank report on job creation in the Middle East
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hercules and Love Affair. Yeasayer.
28. What did you want and get?
An engagement ring. The perfect wedding venue. To go to Egypt.
29. What did you want and not get?
A satisfying Egypt experience.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I haven't seen Avatar which everyone is supposed to go crazy about. Transformers 2 for the experience of watching it in Egypt and the sheer silliness? Fantastic Mr. Fox did not live up to my expectations, which were indeed high.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my birthday I
went to Arabic lessons and got yelled at by the moudir;
got skeeved out by a cab driver;
ate at Chili's in Ma'adi with Chris Rizzi;
and saw Transformers 2.
I turned 26.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not being depressed in Egypt. A door.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Aspiring to achieve the style of Joan Harris (née Holloway).
34. What kept you sane?
My friends, my fiancé, bitching with Melissa over Twitter.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
My attention span for public figures dropped to zero.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care reform.
37. Who did you miss?
People who aren't in DC. Brandon. My parents.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Chris Rizzi.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
It's the time for me to be assertive like whoa.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Ambling Alp, Yeasayer
Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their complement of highs
And if anyone should cheat you, take advantage of, or beat you
Raise your head and wear your wounds with pride
You must stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Spend an extended amount of time in a foreign (Arab) country, relatively alone; become engaged; win the Golden Apron; spend the night in the hospital; get an IUD; see the Pyramids and Luxor/Karnak, make pretzels and challah.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2008 was the Year of Arabic, Grad School and Organization. Arabic was alright, although I feel like I didn't improve my skill much at all this fall. Looking forward to some intensive work over the break. Grad school's been interesting and I'd say I've been successful, but I'm ready to be done--or maybe that's the finals period talking. Organization is a lasting problem. I guess I'll keep it on the list. 2010 will be the year of Career Development, Organization and Wedding.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Russia (ha, I'm going to say it counts) and Egypt.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I got what I wanted for 2009! Now I'd like a job or an acceptance to business school, a diploma, a relatively stress-free wedding planning process, and a solution to the dog problem(s).
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 13 -- Brandon proposed!
August 1 -- I returned from Egypt.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting through Egypt; finishing my third semester.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wish that I had done a better job of conducting research in Egypt; I could have gotten a lot more done if I'd made some different choices to structure my situation differently. Time management, generally.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was depressed over the summer. That was compounded by a serious Gomez altercation upon my return to the States in August. I managed to stay well through the swine flu epidemic.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Canopic jars? My purple Tahari dress?
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Anyone involved with healthcare reform. Mine, during the summer. Gomez's.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, tuition, food/alcohol, a moderate amount of new clothes, Egypt souvenirs, the beginnings of wedding stirrings.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My thesis, engagement, dog behavioralist, Brandon moving, Egypt, wedding planning.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Ambling Alp, Yeasayer. Bad Romance, Lady Gaga.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same.
iii. richer or poorer? P O O R E R.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saving. Exercising. Reading. Interviewing. SRBC activities.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastination.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With my family in Portland.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I continued to be in love.
23. How many one-night stands?
0.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, Glee, Mad Men, Top Chef. In reverse order.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
One person, but hate's a bit strong. There are a few flareups, though.
26. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: I don't remember reading any fiction worth discussing.
Nonfiction: Islam and Mammon by Timur Kuran; that World Bank report on job creation in the Middle East
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hercules and Love Affair. Yeasayer.
28. What did you want and get?
An engagement ring. The perfect wedding venue. To go to Egypt.
29. What did you want and not get?
A satisfying Egypt experience.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I haven't seen Avatar which everyone is supposed to go crazy about. Transformers 2 for the experience of watching it in Egypt and the sheer silliness? Fantastic Mr. Fox did not live up to my expectations, which were indeed high.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my birthday I
went to Arabic lessons and got yelled at by the moudir;
got skeeved out by a cab driver;
ate at Chili's in Ma'adi with Chris Rizzi;
and saw Transformers 2.
I turned 26.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not being depressed in Egypt. A door.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Aspiring to achieve the style of Joan Harris (née Holloway).
34. What kept you sane?
My friends, my fiancé, bitching with Melissa over Twitter.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
My attention span for public figures dropped to zero.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care reform.
37. Who did you miss?
People who aren't in DC. Brandon. My parents.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Chris Rizzi.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
It's the time for me to be assertive like whoa.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Ambling Alp, Yeasayer
Now, the world can be an unfair place at times
But your lows will have their complement of highs
And if anyone should cheat you, take advantage of, or beat you
Raise your head and wear your wounds with pride
You must stick up for yourself, son
Never mind what anybody else done
Friday, January 16, 2009
WOOT, 2009, hollllller
- Back in DC, no river landings
- Have my W2 in hand to fill out my FAFSA.
- Have keys to my new place.
- Have arranged for movers and truck.
- Miss my man and my fam, as well as other PDX peeps.
- Glad to be back with my DC homies.
- Excited to begin this semester.
- Only very slightly sad that Missy's not working at D&T because the bullet points would be ever more apropos.
- Inauguration, ugh.
- Alcohol is calling my name.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
end-of-year meme
2005, 2006, 2007.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Move away from home (okay, I've moved away from home before for college, but I'm an adult living independently now, it's different), attend graduate school, move in with a boyfriend, be stepmom to a dog, live in a semi-sketchy neighborhood (I'm sure some would argue sketchy), be in a serious long distance relationship, consider marriage.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2008 was the Year of Beauty, Modesty, and Organization. I certainly feel more beautiful than I ever have before, for good reason. Modesty? I think I got much more private in revealing certain parts of myself. Last year, when I was deciding on this as a goal, I was thinking in terms of Wendy Shalit's definition of modesty. I think that my efforts towards Modesty dropped off as my relationship with Brandon grew, as it didn't seem necessary, but I have seen a shift in myself of what I think is appropriate behavior for myself. I like being a little more conservative, although I am the same amount of outspoken, I promise. Next year will be the Year of Arabic, Career Development, and Organization. I can't seem to make any progress on Organization, so I'd better keep it on--and make a better plan for achieving that.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
One friend gave birth, and another is unexpectedly, but blessedly, pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
I began my year in Jordan. I also briefly visited Canada.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Some experience or new knowledge that gives me some insight into a more specific career path.
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 15--I got my acceptance letter from SAIS. We celebrated by going to delicious Indian in Vancouver, BC.
May 1--I moved in with Brandon.
July 7--I moved to DC.
December 5--My one-year anniversary with Brandon. It was also my first one-year anniversary, which feels quite hefty in significance, but maybe I'm overemphasizing that, as I tend to do.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into SAIS. Finishing my first semester.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I really can't think of anything. I certainly made mistakes, but nothing major.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was sick for a week in February; during that time Brandon really stepped up to take care of me, which changed how I looked at him. I was also sick for most of October, and still have a lingering cough.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Brandon's anniversary/Christmas presents. They are perfect.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The people who made their political decisions based on emotions. Training Wheels.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, tuition, food/alcohol, a moderate amount of new clothes. I shrank about a size over the course of the year, and nothing fits me well anymore, except for a couple dresses.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Falling in love, graduate school, moving to DC, Arabic class, new friends, seeing Dorothy and Wael in November, Nola Jane, Julia's pregnancy, upcoming commitments in my relationship, woo!.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Electric Feel, MGMT; Gasolina, Daddy Yankee; Finding Out True Love is Blind, Louis XIV; 1,2,3,4, Feist.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier. Much. Infinitely. I really feel like I'm coming into my own here. And I think it shows.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. It was for good.
iii. richer or poorer? P O O R E R. Thank you, grad school.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saving. Exercising. Reading.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Waffling on a certain relationship question. Drinking... a glass of wine without attempting to be drunk is fine and enjoyable, but I don't really understand drinking a one-off vokda tonix. What's the point?
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With Brandon on the eve, which is an anniversary of sorts; my fam and god'rents day-of.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes. Oh, yes. "yes" doesn't even capture the magnitude of it.
23. How many one-night stands?
0.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mad Men, Top Chef. In reverse order.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
26. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: World War Z by Max Brooks.
Nonfiction: Fixing Failed States by Claire Lockhart and Ashraf Ghani
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Dresden Dolls. Girl Talk.
28. What did you want and get?
A great apartment in DC. Acceptance to graduate school (4 for 4!). A life partner. Close friends at school. Success in Arabic.
29. What did you want and not get?
I was given everything that I truly wanted this year. I've been blessed.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Fall.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
During my birthday week I:
Went to East India Company with Brandon, my parents and godparents
Woke up to the most thoughtful collection of presents I have ever received, including Squids Will Be Squids
Went to Chesterfield with Justin, Isaac and Brandon; then hit up Doug Fir
Floated down the Sandy with good friends. It was damned cold this year. Tots at Edgefield.
I turned 25.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having the foresight to move in with Jordan before our housing got settled.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Standard Erin style, though a bit more DC/formaled up. Slightly more ill-fitting clothings due to weight loss and not being able to afford new clothes. (Not complaining.)
34. What kept you sane?
My friends, exercise, eating well, reading, letting myself NOT be sane and in control.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Uhhhh. Should I go with Paul Krugman? Just kidding. Martin Wolf? Francis Fukuyama? Not Ajami.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election just depressed me. I think we elected a brand, not a person. I HATE HRC for SecState. I think that's a terrible decision for the country, although a brilliant one for Obama.
37. Who did you miss?
People who aren't in DC. Brandon. My parents.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Jordan. Then my Middle East peeps. Then the rest of my SAISers. Megan G.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I can ask for help. I am a crier, but it is more often than not out of depth of positive emotion eg. happiness, gratitude.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
The touch and feeling of free is / Untangible technically / Something you’ve got to believe in / Connect the cause and effect / One foot in front of the next / This is the start of a journey. / And my mind is already gone / And though there are other unknowns / Somehow this doesn’t concern me. / And you can stand right there if you want / But I’m going on... To a place in the sun that’s nice and warm / I’m going on / And I’m sure they’ll have a place for you too
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Move away from home (okay, I've moved away from home before for college, but I'm an adult living independently now, it's different), attend graduate school, move in with a boyfriend, be stepmom to a dog, live in a semi-sketchy neighborhood (I'm sure some would argue sketchy), be in a serious long distance relationship, consider marriage.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
2008 was the Year of Beauty, Modesty, and Organization. I certainly feel more beautiful than I ever have before, for good reason. Modesty? I think I got much more private in revealing certain parts of myself. Last year, when I was deciding on this as a goal, I was thinking in terms of Wendy Shalit's definition of modesty. I think that my efforts towards Modesty dropped off as my relationship with Brandon grew, as it didn't seem necessary, but I have seen a shift in myself of what I think is appropriate behavior for myself. I like being a little more conservative, although I am the same amount of outspoken, I promise. Next year will be the Year of Arabic, Career Development, and Organization. I can't seem to make any progress on Organization, so I'd better keep it on--and make a better plan for achieving that.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
One friend gave birth, and another is unexpectedly, but blessedly, pregnant.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
I began my year in Jordan. I also briefly visited Canada.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Some experience or new knowledge that gives me some insight into a more specific career path.
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 15--I got my acceptance letter from SAIS. We celebrated by going to delicious Indian in Vancouver, BC.
May 1--I moved in with Brandon.
July 7--I moved to DC.
December 5--My one-year anniversary with Brandon. It was also my first one-year anniversary, which feels quite hefty in significance, but maybe I'm overemphasizing that, as I tend to do.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into SAIS. Finishing my first semester.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I really can't think of anything. I certainly made mistakes, but nothing major.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was sick for a week in February; during that time Brandon really stepped up to take care of me, which changed how I looked at him. I was also sick for most of October, and still have a lingering cough.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Brandon's anniversary/Christmas presents. They are perfect.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The people who made their political decisions based on emotions. Training Wheels.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, tuition, food/alcohol, a moderate amount of new clothes. I shrank about a size over the course of the year, and nothing fits me well anymore, except for a couple dresses.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Falling in love, graduate school, moving to DC, Arabic class, new friends, seeing Dorothy and Wael in November, Nola Jane, Julia's pregnancy, upcoming commitments in my relationship, woo!.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Electric Feel, MGMT; Gasolina, Daddy Yankee; Finding Out True Love is Blind, Louis XIV; 1,2,3,4, Feist.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier. Much. Infinitely. I really feel like I'm coming into my own here. And I think it shows.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner. It was for good.
iii. richer or poorer? P O O R E R. Thank you, grad school.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saving. Exercising. Reading.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Waffling on a certain relationship question. Drinking... a glass of wine without attempting to be drunk is fine and enjoyable, but I don't really understand drinking a one-off vokda tonix. What's the point?
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With Brandon on the eve, which is an anniversary of sorts; my fam and god'rents day-of.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes. Oh, yes. "yes" doesn't even capture the magnitude of it.
23. How many one-night stands?
0.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mad Men, Top Chef. In reverse order.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
26. What was the best book you read?
Fiction: World War Z by Max Brooks.
Nonfiction: Fixing Failed States by Claire Lockhart and Ashraf Ghani
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Dresden Dolls. Girl Talk.
28. What did you want and get?
A great apartment in DC. Acceptance to graduate school (4 for 4!). A life partner. Close friends at school. Success in Arabic.
29. What did you want and not get?
I was given everything that I truly wanted this year. I've been blessed.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Fall.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
During my birthday week I:
Went to East India Company with Brandon, my parents and godparents
Woke up to the most thoughtful collection of presents I have ever received, including Squids Will Be Squids
Went to Chesterfield with Justin, Isaac and Brandon; then hit up Doug Fir
Floated down the Sandy with good friends. It was damned cold this year. Tots at Edgefield.
I turned 25.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having the foresight to move in with Jordan before our housing got settled.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Standard Erin style, though a bit more DC/formaled up. Slightly more ill-fitting clothings due to weight loss and not being able to afford new clothes. (Not complaining.)
34. What kept you sane?
My friends, exercise, eating well, reading, letting myself NOT be sane and in control.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Uhhhh. Should I go with Paul Krugman? Just kidding. Martin Wolf? Francis Fukuyama? Not Ajami.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election just depressed me. I think we elected a brand, not a person. I HATE HRC for SecState. I think that's a terrible decision for the country, although a brilliant one for Obama.
37. Who did you miss?
People who aren't in DC. Brandon. My parents.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Jordan. Then my Middle East peeps. Then the rest of my SAISers. Megan G.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I can ask for help. I am a crier, but it is more often than not out of depth of positive emotion eg. happiness, gratitude.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
The touch and feeling of free is / Untangible technically / Something you’ve got to believe in / Connect the cause and effect / One foot in front of the next / This is the start of a journey. / And my mind is already gone / And though there are other unknowns / Somehow this doesn’t concern me. / And you can stand right there if you want / But I’m going on... To a place in the sun that’s nice and warm / I’m going on / And I’m sure they’ll have a place for you too
I'm still here.
I was taken to task, last weekend, for both giving up LJ and Blogger. This is simply not the case. What happened is that I spent a good chunk of October being sick, and then I spent November entertaining houseguests and catching up on my schoolwork. And now here I am in the middle of finals, with one more "exam" to go, this afternoon, and two papers due next week. I am definitely ready to come home and have a less-structured break. I do have plans, however:
I realized recently that I've probably been a little depressed this semester, due to the big adjustment of a new city, the stress of school, making a long distance relationship work (although that hasn't been too difficult, because we're both just skilled at relationship, thankfully), etc. I'm sure that the financial crisis helped increase my anxiety as well.
I feel out of that fuzziness, however. I applied for an internship and I have interviews for a couple of positions on Friday. Getting those interviews has buoyed my confidence about my qualifications for the kinds of positions I want. The internship is with an organization that I've been eyeing since the beginning of term and would really build my resume in a specific way, so I really hope that works out. Housing may work itself out on Friday as well, which would be great. And after this afternoon's "exam", I have a relatively less-stressed go of it.
So, to sum up: School is good, though finals aren't; I'm in transition, but feeling less out of sorts about it; I'm looking forward to being home and catching up on other items on my to-do list; I have lots of things to look forward to in the new year. VIOLA.
- I am studying for the GMAT, which is a requirement for the two applications to business school that I plan to make in fall of 2009 (Darden @ UVa, and McDonough @ Georgetown).
- I have to study and pass an exam for statistics, so I can begin econometrics next semester.
- I would like to prepare for the American Foriegn Policy exam offered in January, to take that off the list of requirements to graduate.
- I am going to figure out my plans for the summer, which should involve a three month stay in the Levant for language study and thesis research. Maybe I'll go to Dubai if I really can't find development to study in the Levant, but I'd prefer to speak Arabic with a Levantine accent.
- Quality time with my friends and family.
- I'm going to nanny a few days a week for Betsy and get into a bit of an exercise regime with her, which I am looking forward to. I've plateaued in terms of weight loss--mostly for lack of trying due to the stress of school--and maybe that'll kick it back up. I'm less than five pounds away from my end goal weight, though I may want to adjust my goal down a touch.
I realized recently that I've probably been a little depressed this semester, due to the big adjustment of a new city, the stress of school, making a long distance relationship work (although that hasn't been too difficult, because we're both just skilled at relationship, thankfully), etc. I'm sure that the financial crisis helped increase my anxiety as well.
I feel out of that fuzziness, however. I applied for an internship and I have interviews for a couple of positions on Friday. Getting those interviews has buoyed my confidence about my qualifications for the kinds of positions I want. The internship is with an organization that I've been eyeing since the beginning of term and would really build my resume in a specific way, so I really hope that works out. Housing may work itself out on Friday as well, which would be great. And after this afternoon's "exam", I have a relatively less-stressed go of it.
So, to sum up: School is good, though finals aren't; I'm in transition, but feeling less out of sorts about it; I'm looking forward to being home and catching up on other items on my to-do list; I have lots of things to look forward to in the new year. VIOLA.
Monday, October 27, 2008
An update.
I'm in the Newark Airport right now, after surviving an inordinately long time on the tarmac in B'more. Apparently Continental is so used to getting screwed by air traffic control in Newark that they schedule the Newark to B'more flight for an hour and a half, although once in the air the flight takes 30 minutes. It's cool, though; I got to nap and listen to my new musical discovery. Download Feed the Animals by Girl Talk. Night Ripper is also good, but not quite so good as Feed the Animals.
It was a stressful week, but I'm done now and on my way home (howsh) for a little mid semester respite. Today I went to Arabic class from 8 - 10, and it was so much fun. First of all, my best SAIS friend is in this class, and we are partners. This morning I was trying to conjugate "sleep", which we haven't learned to do yet, so I could ask her if she spent the night at our friend's house. Heh. I guessed the answer by the look on her face. Priceless. Arabic ('arabiyya) is by far the most fulfilling class I am taking, which is unfortunate because it's the only class that doesn't count for a grade. But our professor (usteadunu [i'm not sure if that's right, we just learned possessive suffixes today]) is great. He follows the book (al kitaab), but if something comes up that we (nahnu) need explained so we can have a conversation, he explains it, even if it's 5 (khamza) chapters ahead of us. I brought a carafe of coffee (kahwa) to class (saf) today (alyoum), and my friend N brought donuts. Krispy Kreme for the win! It was also nice when I walked into class and J noticed I had brought coffee, because he wasn't really expecting me to follow through. "You are really awesome!" he said. "We were just talking about how great you last night at the bar, and here I get confirmation again today." I am making good friends here, which of course makes me really happy.
There is a brass band wandering around the airport. I LOVE it. I should come to Newark more often.
I am wearing a schoolgirl outfit (Thanks BESSEH!) and everyone in DC, B'more, and Newark has been very confused. Love it.
And now I'm back in DC after a weekend during which I didn't do much but it was probably the most relaxing weekend in a long time. I realized, somewhere over Montana, that two months is too long to be apart from each other. We've made it through the longest time, now, and we will not face such long stretches apart for the rest of the year until I come back from Syria or Lebanon or wherever the hell I'm going next summer.
There are these little glimmering glimpses of our life together after this year, when we talk about Nola or not having to say goodbyes at the airport because we'll be going on those flights together. And my heart just fills and fills with amazement and love until it's overflowing. (Brandon would ask me what part of the heart, and I might say left ventricle.) I am so in love with this man, it's a little ridiculous.
Two weeks until he's out here for a week, and then begins the process of Thanksgiving and Christmas break. I can't wait to share this part of the year with him.
It is a nice watch.
It was a stressful week, but I'm done now and on my way home (howsh) for a little mid semester respite. Today I went to Arabic class from 8 - 10, and it was so much fun. First of all, my best SAIS friend is in this class, and we are partners. This morning I was trying to conjugate "sleep", which we haven't learned to do yet, so I could ask her if she spent the night at our friend's house. Heh. I guessed the answer by the look on her face. Priceless. Arabic ('arabiyya) is by far the most fulfilling class I am taking, which is unfortunate because it's the only class that doesn't count for a grade. But our professor (usteadunu [i'm not sure if that's right, we just learned possessive suffixes today]) is great. He follows the book (al kitaab), but if something comes up that we (nahnu) need explained so we can have a conversation, he explains it, even if it's 5 (khamza) chapters ahead of us. I brought a carafe of coffee (kahwa) to class (saf) today (alyoum), and my friend N brought donuts. Krispy Kreme for the win! It was also nice when I walked into class and J noticed I had brought coffee, because he wasn't really expecting me to follow through. "You are really awesome!" he said. "We were just talking about how great you last night at the bar, and here I get confirmation again today." I am making good friends here, which of course makes me really happy.
There is a brass band wandering around the airport. I LOVE it. I should come to Newark more often.
I am wearing a schoolgirl outfit (Thanks BESSEH!) and everyone in DC, B'more, and Newark has been very confused. Love it.
And now I'm back in DC after a weekend during which I didn't do much but it was probably the most relaxing weekend in a long time. I realized, somewhere over Montana, that two months is too long to be apart from each other. We've made it through the longest time, now, and we will not face such long stretches apart for the rest of the year until I come back from Syria or Lebanon or wherever the hell I'm going next summer.
There are these little glimmering glimpses of our life together after this year, when we talk about Nola or not having to say goodbyes at the airport because we'll be going on those flights together. And my heart just fills and fills with amazement and love until it's overflowing. (Brandon would ask me what part of the heart, and I might say left ventricle.) I am so in love with this man, it's a little ridiculous.
Two weeks until he's out here for a week, and then begins the process of Thanksgiving and Christmas break. I can't wait to share this part of the year with him.
It is a nice watch.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Ugh.
Sick. Homesick.
Fin.
(I tried to have more to say than that, because I do have a lot floating around in my head, but it's all jumbled together.)
Fin.
(I tried to have more to say than that, because I do have a lot floating around in my head, but it's all jumbled together.)
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