2010 In Review
Dec. 22nd, 2010 10:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
blodeueddAt the moment I'm feeling...
...disorganised, for having decided that several things I wanted to do before leaving for Canada will remain undone, and I'm still not done all the things that really do need to be gotten out of the way before my departure;
...shallow, because do I really need to put this much thought in the clothes and accessories I'm bringing to spend a week and a half with my family? It's not like my father's going to say, "Didn't you wear that in Europe last spring?" (Actually he might, just to tease me!) But I guess there's that feeling, deep down, that I want to show everyone how well I'm doing, that I'm happy, that I look good. Not that anyone didn't believe I could make a life for myself here, but you know... I want them to be proud of me;
...exhausted, because last night was the Carmina Burana group's bounenkai, and I didn't get to bed until about 2:20 a.m. after having consumed beer, sangria (several glasses), some sweet Chinese liquor, some sweet Japanese liquor, and red wine. I was surprisingly coherent this morning, too! Still, scratchy throat and slight headache aside, last night was lots of fun, and I got to chat with some of the other women in the group that I hadn't really talked to before. One of them was heading off on her honeymoon to Tunisia and Thailand! *envy* We also had a good laugh when Kikuchi-san started asking me what the [French] names for ballet movements mean. She thought that "foissonne" was "poisson" (fish): "I thought it was because it looks like a fish leaping out of the water!" It does, and that's a really cute image. ^_^ Also, it was worth it to have a tipsy Inui-sensei try to pronounce "Brad Pitt" (he totally failed), "bicycle" (not too bad) and then ask me if there was a difference in pronunciation between "Mac" (the computer) and "Mac" the fast-food joint -- well, for starters, we don't call McDonald's "Mac"! XD
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akahannah posted this a few days ago. Let's see how I did in 2010, shall we?
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
I went on a luxury cruise (in China); I rode tandem on a bicycle (last week, on the back of Alexis's bike); I wore a yukata in a rotenburo (in Sakurajima).
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolutions for 2010 were to start ballet lessons again (DONE!); take better care of my body (I had a general check-up, had a mole removed from my back, and was more vigilant with sunscreen, though I probably didn't really eat all that much better -- on the whole, I guess I succeeded); do more creative/crafty things (probably succeeded at this, though many of my projects were small); retake the JLPT2 (HAH! studied Japanese for about two hours, if that. FAIL); start studying Mandarin again and regain what I had (redid my beginner level books, and was able to communicate in China, though I didn't get back to my former level, but I'll say I succeeded on this one); write in my travel journal (WIN!!! I've written... I should get a word count, but I've posted 93 entries -- and counting -- in my Travelpod this year).
I also participated in the collective resolution to not sleep with William Shatner, which was easy to keep because I wasn't anywhere near him. I must stay strong the last week of December, however, since I'll be on the same continent!
I'm working on what exactly my resolutions will be for next year, but one of them will definitely be to do the splits.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
People I used to be very close to: Anna (in September); Christel (in November); Pascal -- well, technically Virginie -- in April.
Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
Japan (Sendai, Tango peninsula, Kagoshima, Yakushima), Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, South Korea, China, Canada (in a few days!).
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A better understanding of myself, a more flexible body, more confidence, more TIME.
What date(s) from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Not specific dates, per se, but events:
- January and July sales shopping with Eda and Hannah;
- finding out I'd somehow passed JLPT2 and the subsequent meal of amazing desserts at Maravile Impakt;
- Easter dinner at my place, with lamb and a million people;
- watching YouTube videos with Eda and laughing so hard that my abs ached the next day -- I didn't even know that was possible!
- standing on the Great Wall of China with Emily, barely able to believe I was really there;
- my birthday celebration: I'm so grateful that so many friends came to have a pile of cake with me;
- Thanksgiving (at my place, again), with endless laughter over blue balls and who knows what else;
- U-KISS's faaaaaabulous concert on 10/12
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting up dance again and not completely sucking at it! But really, I think my biggest accomplishment has been sticking to writing in my travel blog. I wrote nearly 100 posts, many of them quite long, about my travels from this year all the way back to 2008. I've got two weeks left to completely get through my backlog, so here's hoping I manage and can start 2011 with a clean, up-to-date slate.
What was your biggest failure?
Not studying Japanese at all, and not studying Mandarin after coming back from China. I really needed to keep at it, but gave myself the excuse of being too busy with ballet.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had to tape my wrist up during rehearsals for my recital, and the recital itself, but that actually ended up strengthening it. Otherwise, I had a couple of colds, but nothing serious.
What was the best thing you bought?
My trip to China, and my plane ticket home for Christmas.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My youngest brother kept up with studying German (the men of the family had started in preparation for our trip to Europe), made some German friends and is in Germany at the moment, and planning on living there for a year; Emily survived backpacking with me for two weeks WITHOUT HOTEL RESERVATIONS; Eda taught herself Korean; Kimberly is nearly done her Master's degree, after a year of taking courses back-to-back while working full time;
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The mother of one of my former students -- too long to explain, but basically she made up a story about her daughter having a serious medical condition and having to spend a year in the hospital, then a month later started phoning the mothers of all the other students to tell them that the real reason she'd stopped sending her daughter to our school was because she'd been bullied and the school (read: my class) was not a good environment for children. Seriously, what was she on? We still can't figure out why she went through the trouble of crafting that whole fake illness story. *rage*
Where did most of your money go?
Apart from my rent, I spent a hell of a lot of money on travel, which I did lots of this year. Just for my trips to China, Kyushu and Canada, I'd estimate the total to easily be in the $6,000 range. Add to that a weekend in Sendai, the Road Trip of Epic Length, Seoul (but that was just the hotel and spending money, since I had a voucher for the plane ticket) and Europe (mostly paid for by my parents), that's... a lot of money.
Second on the list is ballet, with the cost of classes and participation in the recital adding up to a number I'd rather not think about. XD;
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Travelling! I loooooooove travelling. Also, looking forward to a white Christmas back home with my family.
What song will always remind you of 2010?
Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and U-KISS's "Bingeul, Bingeul" XD
Compared to this time last year (2010), are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
Both, I think, so it balances out. I'm incredibly happy I started taking ballet lessons again, and making myself write has been good. Sadder because there are some things about myself that have come to my attention, and I'm not quite sure how to deal with them yet.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner. A few hours of ballet a week have done away with a couple of kilos, given me legs muscles (yay, my calves don't look quite so much like sticks anymore!), and I think my bum looks better.
I'm kind of ambivalent about this, to be honest. On one hand, thinner looks better for ballet, and it makes buying pants in Japan easier. On the other hand, I really don't have much left that I can lose, and for a while I was worried, because I didn't really change my eating habits or anything, and I didn't think that a few hours more of exercise a week should make such a difference. Still, I've been holding steady for the past few months, so I guess it's all right. I'm expecting to gain some back in Canada (my plans include mountains of food), though I'll probably shed it once I'm in Japan again, same as I did after Europe (I was eating my own weight in cheese every day there, after all!).
iii. Richer or poorer?
At this moment, probably about the same.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Studying Japanese (all year). Studying Mandarin (from September onward). Sewing clothes for myself.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinating, especially about sewing things. I really have to remind myself that I don't need a three-hour block of time to start sewing, I can do plenty in under an hour.
How will you spend Christmas?
With my family, in Aylmer, for the first time since 2005. And for the first time just the five of us (as none of us kids has a significant other at the moment) since... 2001, I think.
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2010?
Did I block anything from my memory? I don't recall any really bad incidents, apart from the usual failures at Japanese and some difficulties I had in China. I had horrible second-hand embarrassment because of that group of awful French tourists in Yuanyang, though. -__-;;;
Did you fall in love in 2010?
Falling on love sounds so sudden. It doesn't really happen to me that way.
How many one-night stands?
That's where you have sex, right? Ii na...
Favourite TV show?
Did I even watch any? Oh yeah, Chinese Prince of Tennis was all kinds of love. <3 Apart from that, uh... I watched Project Runway Canada back in the early part of the year, and that was pretty good.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Sequins and sparkles! When I made an effort. Overall, I guess I tried to have some style, but mostly failed. At the moment, I'm incredibly bored with all my clothes, so it doesn't help. But I bought lots of pretty earrings? My main style "point" would be that I finally took the plunge and bleached my hair and went super short. Not tired of it yet! ^_^v
What kept you sane?
Cuddling Tabitha; weekly sexy study/talking/getting-excited-over-seasonal-menu-changes dates with Eda. Ballet.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't think I can say I truly hate anyone, and there's no one that I can think of that I dislike more now than I did at this time last year, so I guess the answer is no.
What was the best book you read in 2010?
Did I read any books this year? God, I've gotten so pathetic. I used to devour books! In my defense, I don't really have any time when it's convenient to read, since I don't commute, and I don't actually spend all that much time at home. I guess I'd have to say The Lies of Locke Lamora, since it's the only book I can remember reading. Truly, truly pathetic. My teenaged self would be ashamed of me.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
U-KISS!!! <3 <3 <3 They're so sparkly and shiny and ridiculously funny, and their music makes me smile and puts a fierce bounce in my walk.
What did you want and get?
I wanted amazing travels, and I got those in spades.
What did you want and not get?
Hmm... I don't know, I can't think of anything off the top of my head, except for things that must come from within, like courage. Or that all-important one, self-knowledge. *fails* Oh yeah, romance and/or sex.
What was your favourite film of this year?
I really didn't watch that many movies this year, but Lan Yu broke my heart and was definitely the strongest film I watched.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29 this year. I worked the day of my birthday, but celebrated it properly a week and a half later at the super gay Sweets Paradise in Shinjuku. It was a wonderful birthday, full of good friends and fun and lots of sweets. <3
What three things would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don't know about "immeasurably" but...
1. Having organised my time better, to do all the things I wanted to do;
2. Have had four weeks in China instead of two... oh hell, how about two months?!
3. Having had a better understanding of myself, and of other people, so I wouldn't feel that I failed so badly in some respects.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
This is my "..." face, because I'm drawing a total blank. As much as I love U-KISS, I can't say I really fancy them. Well, I guess I fancy Kiseop the sexbot, because how could I not? XD I fancy them with each other, mostly. XD
What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm so out of touch with politics it's not even funny, but hearing about people who would deny women or non-heterosexuals or [insert minority group here] their rights always enrages me.
Who did you miss?
I missed my friends when I was travelling or when they were away and I wasn't. When I spent two days in Sendai, I missed Tabitha and only realised it when I found myself speaking out loud in my hotel room -- usually I talk to Tabitha a lot when I'm home, and it was weird to be truly on my own for once.
Who was the best new person you met?
The people at the ballet studio are the only ones I can say I "met" this year, in that I haven't only spoken to them once. Inui-sensei is great, and the women I did the recital with are all really nice. I had fun walking with Kikuchi-san to the recital hall, especially.
What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010?
Hah, I wish I knew. I've come to some slow realisations, but they mostly reinforce things that I already thought, or knew. That family and friends and the really important things in life, and that it's important to treasure the good things, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
What quote can be used to sum up your year?
"I got my hair did~~~" XD Cut me some slack, I'm tired. I can't think of anything else at the moment.
The best thing would be to just go to bed right away, and get up early enough to finish packing (mostly done) and cleaning the apartment a bit more. Sleep, here I come!
...disorganised, for having decided that several things I wanted to do before leaving for Canada will remain undone, and I'm still not done all the things that really do need to be gotten out of the way before my departure;
...shallow, because do I really need to put this much thought in the clothes and accessories I'm bringing to spend a week and a half with my family? It's not like my father's going to say, "Didn't you wear that in Europe last spring?" (Actually he might, just to tease me!) But I guess there's that feeling, deep down, that I want to show everyone how well I'm doing, that I'm happy, that I look good. Not that anyone didn't believe I could make a life for myself here, but you know... I want them to be proud of me;
...exhausted, because last night was the Carmina Burana group's bounenkai, and I didn't get to bed until about 2:20 a.m. after having consumed beer, sangria (several glasses), some sweet Chinese liquor, some sweet Japanese liquor, and red wine. I was surprisingly coherent this morning, too! Still, scratchy throat and slight headache aside, last night was lots of fun, and I got to chat with some of the other women in the group that I hadn't really talked to before. One of them was heading off on her honeymoon to Tunisia and Thailand! *envy* We also had a good laugh when Kikuchi-san started asking me what the [French] names for ballet movements mean. She thought that "foissonne" was "poisson" (fish): "I thought it was because it looks like a fish leaping out of the water!" It does, and that's a really cute image. ^_^ Also, it was worth it to have a tipsy Inui-sensei try to pronounce "Brad Pitt" (he totally failed), "bicycle" (not too bad) and then ask me if there was a difference in pronunciation between "Mac" (the computer) and "Mac" the fast-food joint -- well, for starters, we don't call McDonald's "Mac"! XD
akahannah posted this a few days ago. Let's see how I did in 2010, shall we? What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
I went on a luxury cruise (in China); I rode tandem on a bicycle (last week, on the back of Alexis's bike); I wore a yukata in a rotenburo (in Sakurajima).
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My resolutions for 2010 were to start ballet lessons again (DONE!); take better care of my body (I had a general check-up, had a mole removed from my back, and was more vigilant with sunscreen, though I probably didn't really eat all that much better -- on the whole, I guess I succeeded); do more creative/crafty things (probably succeeded at this, though many of my projects were small); retake the JLPT2 (HAH! studied Japanese for about two hours, if that. FAIL); start studying Mandarin again and regain what I had (redid my beginner level books, and was able to communicate in China, though I didn't get back to my former level, but I'll say I succeeded on this one); write in my travel journal (WIN!!! I've written... I should get a word count, but I've posted 93 entries -- and counting -- in my Travelpod this year).
I also participated in the collective resolution to not sleep with William Shatner, which was easy to keep because I wasn't anywhere near him. I must stay strong the last week of December, however, since I'll be on the same continent!
I'm working on what exactly my resolutions will be for next year, but one of them will definitely be to do the splits.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
People I used to be very close to: Anna (in September); Christel (in November); Pascal -- well, technically Virginie -- in April.
Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
Japan (Sendai, Tango peninsula, Kagoshima, Yakushima), Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, South Korea, China, Canada (in a few days!).
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A better understanding of myself, a more flexible body, more confidence, more TIME.
What date(s) from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Not specific dates, per se, but events:
- January and July sales shopping with Eda and Hannah;
- finding out I'd somehow passed JLPT2 and the subsequent meal of amazing desserts at Maravile Impakt;
- Easter dinner at my place, with lamb and a million people;
- watching YouTube videos with Eda and laughing so hard that my abs ached the next day -- I didn't even know that was possible!
- standing on the Great Wall of China with Emily, barely able to believe I was really there;
- my birthday celebration: I'm so grateful that so many friends came to have a pile of cake with me;
- Thanksgiving (at my place, again), with endless laughter over blue balls and who knows what else;
- U-KISS's faaaaaabulous concert on 10/12
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Starting up dance again and not completely sucking at it! But really, I think my biggest accomplishment has been sticking to writing in my travel blog. I wrote nearly 100 posts, many of them quite long, about my travels from this year all the way back to 2008. I've got two weeks left to completely get through my backlog, so here's hoping I manage and can start 2011 with a clean, up-to-date slate.
What was your biggest failure?
Not studying Japanese at all, and not studying Mandarin after coming back from China. I really needed to keep at it, but gave myself the excuse of being too busy with ballet.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had to tape my wrist up during rehearsals for my recital, and the recital itself, but that actually ended up strengthening it. Otherwise, I had a couple of colds, but nothing serious.
What was the best thing you bought?
My trip to China, and my plane ticket home for Christmas.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My youngest brother kept up with studying German (the men of the family had started in preparation for our trip to Europe), made some German friends and is in Germany at the moment, and planning on living there for a year; Emily survived backpacking with me for two weeks WITHOUT HOTEL RESERVATIONS; Eda taught herself Korean; Kimberly is nearly done her Master's degree, after a year of taking courses back-to-back while working full time;
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The mother of one of my former students -- too long to explain, but basically she made up a story about her daughter having a serious medical condition and having to spend a year in the hospital, then a month later started phoning the mothers of all the other students to tell them that the real reason she'd stopped sending her daughter to our school was because she'd been bullied and the school (read: my class) was not a good environment for children. Seriously, what was she on? We still can't figure out why she went through the trouble of crafting that whole fake illness story. *rage*
Where did most of your money go?
Apart from my rent, I spent a hell of a lot of money on travel, which I did lots of this year. Just for my trips to China, Kyushu and Canada, I'd estimate the total to easily be in the $6,000 range. Add to that a weekend in Sendai, the Road Trip of Epic Length, Seoul (but that was just the hotel and spending money, since I had a voucher for the plane ticket) and Europe (mostly paid for by my parents), that's... a lot of money.
Second on the list is ballet, with the cost of classes and participation in the recital adding up to a number I'd rather not think about. XD;
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Travelling! I loooooooove travelling. Also, looking forward to a white Christmas back home with my family.
What song will always remind you of 2010?
Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and U-KISS's "Bingeul, Bingeul" XD
Compared to this time last year (2010), are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
Both, I think, so it balances out. I'm incredibly happy I started taking ballet lessons again, and making myself write has been good. Sadder because there are some things about myself that have come to my attention, and I'm not quite sure how to deal with them yet.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner. A few hours of ballet a week have done away with a couple of kilos, given me legs muscles (yay, my calves don't look quite so much like sticks anymore!), and I think my bum looks better.
I'm kind of ambivalent about this, to be honest. On one hand, thinner looks better for ballet, and it makes buying pants in Japan easier. On the other hand, I really don't have much left that I can lose, and for a while I was worried, because I didn't really change my eating habits or anything, and I didn't think that a few hours more of exercise a week should make such a difference. Still, I've been holding steady for the past few months, so I guess it's all right. I'm expecting to gain some back in Canada (my plans include mountains of food), though I'll probably shed it once I'm in Japan again, same as I did after Europe (I was eating my own weight in cheese every day there, after all!).
iii. Richer or poorer?
At this moment, probably about the same.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Studying Japanese (all year). Studying Mandarin (from September onward). Sewing clothes for myself.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinating, especially about sewing things. I really have to remind myself that I don't need a three-hour block of time to start sewing, I can do plenty in under an hour.
How will you spend Christmas?
With my family, in Aylmer, for the first time since 2005. And for the first time just the five of us (as none of us kids has a significant other at the moment) since... 2001, I think.
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2010?
Did I block anything from my memory? I don't recall any really bad incidents, apart from the usual failures at Japanese and some difficulties I had in China. I had horrible second-hand embarrassment because of that group of awful French tourists in Yuanyang, though. -__-;;;
Did you fall in love in 2010?
Falling on love sounds so sudden. It doesn't really happen to me that way.
How many one-night stands?
That's where you have sex, right? Ii na...
Favourite TV show?
Did I even watch any? Oh yeah, Chinese Prince of Tennis was all kinds of love. <3 Apart from that, uh... I watched Project Runway Canada back in the early part of the year, and that was pretty good.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Sequins and sparkles! When I made an effort. Overall, I guess I tried to have some style, but mostly failed. At the moment, I'm incredibly bored with all my clothes, so it doesn't help. But I bought lots of pretty earrings? My main style "point" would be that I finally took the plunge and bleached my hair and went super short. Not tired of it yet! ^_^v
What kept you sane?
Cuddling Tabitha; weekly sexy study/talking/getting-excited-over-seasonal-menu-changes dates with Eda. Ballet.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't think I can say I truly hate anyone, and there's no one that I can think of that I dislike more now than I did at this time last year, so I guess the answer is no.
What was the best book you read in 2010?
Did I read any books this year? God, I've gotten so pathetic. I used to devour books! In my defense, I don't really have any time when it's convenient to read, since I don't commute, and I don't actually spend all that much time at home. I guess I'd have to say The Lies of Locke Lamora, since it's the only book I can remember reading. Truly, truly pathetic. My teenaged self would be ashamed of me.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
U-KISS!!! <3 <3 <3 They're so sparkly and shiny and ridiculously funny, and their music makes me smile and puts a fierce bounce in my walk.
What did you want and get?
I wanted amazing travels, and I got those in spades.
What did you want and not get?
Hmm... I don't know, I can't think of anything off the top of my head, except for things that must come from within, like courage. Or that all-important one, self-knowledge. *fails* Oh yeah, romance and/or sex.
What was your favourite film of this year?
I really didn't watch that many movies this year, but Lan Yu broke my heart and was definitely the strongest film I watched.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29 this year. I worked the day of my birthday, but celebrated it properly a week and a half later at the super gay Sweets Paradise in Shinjuku. It was a wonderful birthday, full of good friends and fun and lots of sweets. <3
What three things would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don't know about "immeasurably" but...
1. Having organised my time better, to do all the things I wanted to do;
2. Have had four weeks in China instead of two... oh hell, how about two months?!
3. Having had a better understanding of myself, and of other people, so I wouldn't feel that I failed so badly in some respects.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
This is my "..." face, because I'm drawing a total blank. As much as I love U-KISS, I can't say I really fancy them. Well, I guess I fancy Kiseop the sexbot, because how could I not? XD I fancy them with each other, mostly. XD
What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm so out of touch with politics it's not even funny, but hearing about people who would deny women or non-heterosexuals or [insert minority group here] their rights always enrages me.
Who did you miss?
I missed my friends when I was travelling or when they were away and I wasn't. When I spent two days in Sendai, I missed Tabitha and only realised it when I found myself speaking out loud in my hotel room -- usually I talk to Tabitha a lot when I'm home, and it was weird to be truly on my own for once.
Who was the best new person you met?
The people at the ballet studio are the only ones I can say I "met" this year, in that I haven't only spoken to them once. Inui-sensei is great, and the women I did the recital with are all really nice. I had fun walking with Kikuchi-san to the recital hall, especially.
What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010?
Hah, I wish I knew. I've come to some slow realisations, but they mostly reinforce things that I already thought, or knew. That family and friends and the really important things in life, and that it's important to treasure the good things, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
What quote can be used to sum up your year?
"I got my hair did~~~" XD Cut me some slack, I'm tired. I can't think of anything else at the moment.
The best thing would be to just go to bed right away, and get up early enough to finish packing (mostly done) and cleaning the apartment a bit more. Sleep, here I come!
