The Definitive 26 Questions

[SOteric]

about the close of 2003. Because we apparently need something better to do with our time, and reflection is always beneficial.

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

2. What countries did you visit?

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

6. What was your biggest failure?

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

8. What was the best thing you bought?

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

9. Where did most of your money go?

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

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

17. What was your favorite TV program?

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

19. What was the best book you read?

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

21. What did you do on your birthday?

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

23. What kept you sane?

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

[foreigncorrespondent]

1. My answers

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Proved to myself that I can survive through the most harshest of hurdles dealt to me.

2. What countries did you visit?

Unfortunately none.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

My partner around a lot more often

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

November 18th, 2003. Because that was the day the SJC ruled in favor of gay marriages showing that even us queers are human beings as well.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Moving house in a very limited space of time.

6. What was your biggest failure?

Some personal stuff.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. An illness. It was like a viral flu, and has been very hard to shake off. I am still suffering from it, three months after it hit me.

8. What was the best thing you bought?

My new laptop.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The judges on the SJC.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Some peoples attitudes towards the SJC ruling right here on DU.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Paying bills and simply living.

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

When Sapphocrat was flying over to see me. I couldn't wait, because it was the first time in 2003 that we would be seeing each other.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

None.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

I am happier and poorer.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Seen my partner.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Whinning.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Being sued by my ex for money I didn't owe.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

All over again with the most beautiful woman in the world. No I never stopped loving her, but you know how we can simply fall in love with the same person all over again?

17. What was your favorite TV program?

All Saints. (Australian hospital drama)

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

Not really.

19. What was the best book you read?

Making Gay History. (Eric Marcus)

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Didn't really have one.

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Sat at my computer talking to my partner.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Being with my partner a lot more often.

23. What kept you sane?

Considering I had a nervous breakdown, nothing. But it was the love my partner has for me, which pulled me through.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Australian Labor Party leader, Mark Latham.

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

The SJC ruling on gay marriage.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

No matter how big an obstacle never give up fighting for what you believe in.

[SOteric]

4. Great life lesson!

[Breezy du Nord]

12. See, I kinda started thinking about the SJC ruling too

I don't think I am gay, but I found the topic interesting, and then I read this thing about Matthew Sherpherd in the Minneapolis Trib. :( Then i was much more pro-gay rights. Not that I was really a homphobe before, I just hadn't thought about it that much.

[SOteric]

2. Kickity

:kick:

[NightTrain]

3. OK, here goes....

> 1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Started an Internet radio station.

> 2. What countries did you visit?

Canada

> 3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

A significant other

> 4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and
> why?

March 20th, my birthday, in the early-morning hours of which we dropped our first bombs on Baghdad. Thanks for the nice gift, George!

> 5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Sitting down and making major revisions to my (still unpublished) novel.

> 6. What was your biggest failure?

Not finding a job with saner hours so that I might actually start having a social life again.

> 7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

As usual, I got a cold during the wintertime. That was it, though.

> 8. What was the best thing you bought?

A series of CDs tracing the early history (1941-52) of rhythm and blues music year by year.

> 9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Dennis Kucinich's during the most recent Democratic debate. I refer in particular to his chastisement of the mainstream media's pathetic coverage of important issues like presidential campaigns.

> 8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Well, let's see. Could it be the guy who:

1. lied to get us into a war with Iraq;

2. dressed up in a flight suit with a reinforced crotch, landed on the deck of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, and falsely proclaimed, "Mission accomplished!";

3. cavalierly put our troops' lives in even more danger than they were already in by saying of the Iraqi resistance, "Bring 'em on.";

4. was "unable" to discover which member of his junta leaked the identity of an undercover CIA operative for petty revenge;

5. spent two hours at the Baghdad airport to serve a fake turkey to our troops and get his photo snapped doing so by a dozen or so faux journalists?

Yeah, that would be the guy whose behavior most depressed and appalled me in 2003! (Not to mention 2002 and 2001.)

> 9. Where did most of your money go?

Toward rent.

> 10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

On the night of Saturday March 29th, I did a special anti-war edition of my college radio show, "The Soul Express." All the music I played that night was soul-era protest songs (Edwin Starr's "War," for example). I also talked a lot more that night than I usually did, plus I invited my listeners to call me and talk about the war.

I took about two dozen calls that night, all from people whose feelings about our invasion of Iraq ranged from trepidation to outrage. I got off the air that night both physically and mentally exhausted but feeling better about my country than I had in at least six months.

> 11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

Unfortunately, Uncle Kracker's mediocre remake of one of the best songs of my childhood, Dobie Gray's magnificent "Drift Away."

> 12. Compared to this time last year, are you:

>i. Happier or sadder?

Happier.

> ii. richer or poorer?

Richer, considering that my hourly wage went up from $8.75 to $10.50. But you know what? I'm still having trouble making ends meet!

> 13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Seeing my friends and getting out to shows and movies/

> 14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Working.

> 15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in
> 2003?

When I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and pissed in the linen closet. Thankfully, I live alone, so no one saw me. But the apartment sure did smell nasty when I got up the next morning!

> 16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

A few months ago, I'd have given you an emphatic "no." At this point, however, I'm not sure! :shrug:

> 17. What was your favorite TV program?

"The Daily Show." I also got a kick out of "Reno 911."

> 18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last
> year?

Well, my hatred of Strom Thurmond increased a hundredfold when I found out about his 78-year-old half-black daughter. Is it wrong to hate a dead man as much as I loathe that evil piece of white shit?

> 19. What was the best book you read?

Either Al Franken's "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them," or Michael Moore's "Dude, Where's My Country?" As for fiction, I really liked "Only Child," the latest novel in the Burke series by Andrew Vachss.

> 20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Only saw a few, unfortunately. Of them, two are tied for my favorite: "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" and "Only The Strong Survive."

> 21. What did you do on your birthday?

Besides catching a nasty head cold, I made no secret of my outrage that our piss-poor excuse for a president had gotten his way and was having our troops bomb the fuck out of Iraq.

> 22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more
> satisfying?

The Senate Democrats finally growing some hair on their balls and looking into the impeachment of George the Lesser.

> 23. What kept you sane?

DU, hosting "The Soul Express," listening to such college-radio public affairs shows as "Democracy Now" and "Radio Nation," and continuing to add to my already considerable record and CD library.

> 24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

The Dixie Chicks. I always thought they were cute, but after Natalie Maines lambasted Bush, and when the group subsequently posed naked for the cover of Entertainment Weekly for their first interview since "that incident," I found myself feeling quite a bit of affection for those ladies!

> 25. What political issue stirred you the most?

As you may have inferred by now, the cynically-named Operation Iraqi Freedom.

> 26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

The American people have a good heart, even if it's depressingly easy for the right to lead them astray on matters that directly affect their lives.

[SOteric]

5. I'd have to agree,

the American people are some good, salt-of-the-earth folk. Maybe that's what seems to make it all the more distressing that they're being led astray.

[eileen_d]

6. All righty then...

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

I had surgery - anesthesia, IV, the whole bit. Scary but worth it.

2. What countries did you visit?

Canada! I went to Calgary; loved it.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

Sex. And romance. But also sex.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Most likely the date of my surgery, 10/29

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Uh... having the surgery. (Are you getting bored yet?) I may as well come out and say it was breast reduction, so it was elective surgery, and that is why it counts as an "achievement" for me -- it took a lot of research and a lot of courage to go through with it. And the benefits to my health have definitely been worth it. (PM me if you are interested, I love to talk about it, but I'll spare everyone else the details)

Second place, and more for public consumption (pun not intended!): Got Linux Professional Institute Certification, Level 1.

6. What was your biggest failure?

Hard to say... I definitely have regrets, but "failure?" -- I guess not applying for any jobs in December. I'm still unemployed. Also I let anxiety get the better of me and avoided a few social situations; those are probably my biggest regrets.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I was sick as a dog at the end of July -- high fever for days. And did I mention I had surgery?

8. What was the best thing you bought?

I'll be cheesy and say membership in DU. :)

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Al Franken. I love you, man!

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Freeper co-workers and clients.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Don't make me say surgery again!

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

Quitting my job! And volunteering in a classroom for Head Start.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

Maybe "Son of a Bush" (PE) -- also the soundtrack to "Royal Tennenbaums." I don't know much contemporary popular music.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
I believe I'm happier.
ii. richer or poorer?
Oh, poorer for sure.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
Walking in my neighborhood on nice days.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
Sat alone in my house wishing I wasn't alone. Also I wish I would have slept less.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Ha - see #16

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

Unfortunately. If the definition of "love" includes the unrequited kind.

17. What was your favorite TV program?

Seems like I only watch reruns. Lately I love "In the Heat of the Night." I saw the first half of "Angels in America" the other night though, and it was amazing.

EDIT: Just read NightTrain's entry -- I forgot about "Reno 911" and that definitely gets 2nd place to Angels.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

I try not to hate anybody, but I did hear of Michael Savage for the first time this year, so he makes the list.

19. What was the best book you read?

Can't think of one at the moment. I read a lot.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

First, I have to say I'm *dying* to see Lost In Translation, and I think it will be my favorite, because I adore Bill Murray. The best one I saw this year was Bend It Like Beckham (hopefully that is 2003; I'm in the boonies here)

21. What did you do on your birthday?

I had a fight with my dad. :( We made up though.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Maybe a goodbye smooch with a friend who moved away... then again, it might have been unsatisfying, who knows? :shrug:

23. What kept you sane?

My therapist - she earns her money!

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Geh, I dunno. Right now I've got the hots for an undiscovered actor, if you know what I mean ;)

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Getting Bush out of office in 2004.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

Sometimes, the unresolved crap in your life really *is* about your parents, and it's worth dealing with.

[SOteric]

10. Definitely it counts.

If you're putting love out there into the universe, it counts.

[Breezy du Nord]

7. My Mexico filled year

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before? Went to Mexico (Real Mexico, not Cancun or Cozumel.)

2. What countries did you visit? See above.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003? A boyfriend :)

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 23, the day i met the handsomest guy in Mexico (lol)

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting a near 4.0 GPA on my report card

6. What was your biggest failure? Not learning how to salsa in Mexico

7. Did you suffer illness or injury? A little diarrhea in guess where

8. What was the best thing you bought? A little chest in do I really need to say where?

9. Whose behavior merited celebration? My grandma and great grandma, the former recovered from a heart attack and the latter from a stroke.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? W.

9. Where did most of your money go? Mexico (I see a pattern here...)

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about? See above.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003? Salsa music

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? happier
ii. richer or poorer? richer (babysitting)

13. What do you wish you`d done more of? Schmoozing with people in particular foreign countries

14. What do you wish you`d done less of? doing nothing, lol

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003? I got the word for diaper and sandwich mixed up.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003? Yes :loveya: More of a fling, he was a bit old for me, but who can say no to Latin men?

17. What was your favorite TV program? The Daily Show or the Simpsons

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year? Don't think so...I dislike Rush Limbaugh more, though last year I knew less of him (lucky me last year)

19. What was the best book you read? Harry Potter (I don't know why, but I really like them)

20. What was your favorite film of this year? I liked School of Rock, and Bowling for Columbine was good

21. What did you do on your birthday? Got ready to go to Mexico, bought the new Harry Potter book.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Staying in Mexico just one more week...

23. What kept you sane? my books, knowledge that summer comes sooner or later

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Johnny Depp and Orlando Blom :loveya:

25. What political issue stirred you the most? The gay marriage thing

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003. That gays deserve equal rights. And that you shouldn't drink the water in Mexico (jk, I already knew that)

[SOteric]

13. OhYes.

Latin men are hard to resist. You can write that one under "Life Lessons, too." :7

[Breezy du Nord]

15. And he was so nice too!

He always helped me out when i had trouble with the language and he sang "American Pie" and "Yellow Submarine" with me.

:loveya: Sigh...

[populistmom]

8. I can never resist these

(Yours, however, Soteric, are far more in depth than MagicRat's. A bit more difficult to answer as well.)

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

I dissected a rat.

2. What countries did you visit?

Stayed in the US.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

A letter saying I get to begin my clinical rotations in the Fall.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

It was my DU year. :)

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I lost all my baby weight finally, then some. Once and for all in June, gave up those 3-5 cigarettes a day, I couldn't stop smoking (except when I was pregnant of course).

6. What was your biggest failure?

I failed to potty train yet and I failed one test badly (that lead to a B in anatomy this Fall).

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

A few colds, but otherwise, very healthy.

8. What was the best thing you bought?

I honestly don't know.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My daughter began middle school and this trimester received high honors, made the jazz band, and is a class officer. My second grade son won an art contest. I know technically, this isn't behavior, but I'm nonetheless very proud.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

my spouse and Rush Limbaugh's for many of the same reasons

9. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

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

Feeling better about myself overall, beginning school again to work on the degree I should have originally had done when I thought about it ten years ago, and certain people I've been fortunate enough to have gotten to know well.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

I don't have a song, just an artist.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?

happier

ii. richer or poorer?

no change in finances

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

sleep

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

worry

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

I almost fainted when I had to draw my own blood. I don't even get freaked about blood, it was just a weird neural type reaction I think.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

:loveya: :shrug: :loveya: :shrug: :loveya:

17. What was your favorite TV program?

Six Feet Under

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

no

19. What was the best book you read?

My favorite book I read, I feel more private about discussing so I'll go with something along the lines of "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy"

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

I have only seen a handful of movies that came out this year, mainly children's movies, so I'll have to write my favorite 2003 movies when more come out on DVD.

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing really.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Answers to certain unanswered questions

23. What kept you sane?

School, my children, my old best friend, DU and some wonderful people I met here, one in particular.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tim Robbins, he's been my favorite for years

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Black box voting and other election fraud related issues (including a better understanding of what really happened in 2000), until this past year I didn't know how bad it really was in this regard

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

Always speak the truth in relationships and stand up for yourself because when you don't, you can lose yourself and that in of itself is more dangerous than losing anyone else.

[SOteric]

14. Yes, that's me...in depth, - and there's you

disecting a - say...was it a Magic Rat? :7

[populistmom]

16. No, just your garden variety rodent

Fortunately for him. ;)

[VelmaD]

9. Here goes

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
Kissed someone I had just met. Took up jogging.

2. What countries did you visit?
Mexico - went across the border to Nuevo Progresso while traveling for work.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
A serious boyfriend. A job I actually like.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I testified on redistricting in Dallas. There are a couple of other dates but they're really personal. :-)

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I testified at the hearings on redistricting held by the Texas legislature. I got a standing ovation at the House subcommitte hearing in Dallas.

Also, got my weight down below 160. I weigh less now than I have at any time in my adult life. I weigh what I did when I started high school.

6. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting out of a job I hate.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Fortunately, no.

8. What was the best thing you bought?
I'm thinking those red and white striped tights I wore with my witch costume at Halloween.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine. I took more chances and did new things this year. Plus I lost a ton of weight - GO ME!

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The Democratic politicians who didn't stand up to the Bush junta on the Iraq War.

9. Where did most of your money go?
I have no idea. *sigh*

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Fighting redistricting. Exercise. Singing with the Tapestry Singers.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"...you had to be there.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? Happier
ii. richer or poorer? About the same

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
Sex. ;-)

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
Moping about my love life

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
Got caught smooching at a DU gathering.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
I have no idea. Ask again later.

17. What was your favorite TV program?
Don't watch much tv - I'd have to say The Simpsons

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
Nope

19. What was the best book you read?
"The Greatest Sedition is Silence" ;-)

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
Finding Nemo - too cute.

21. What did you do on your birthday?
Went out to lunch with fellow DUers and then to a peace rally and march.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Falling in love.

23. What kept you sane?
DU, my boys, porn ;-)

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Will Pitt. ;-)
Seriously though, probably Johnny Depp or Viggo Mortensen

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
Redistricting and the Iraq War

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
Open yourself up to people and the universe will drop all sorts of interesting new people into your life.

[SOteric]

17. Re: #13,

If we're honest, - wouldn't we all say as much.

Re:#24,

But we're all Will Pitt, so... Oh Say! *That's* why you spend so much time on DU!

[VelmaD]

33. Well, I had to uphold my reputation...

for always talking about sex in the Lounge, didn't I? :-)

And I spend so much time on DU because I have no life. ;-)

[SiobhanClancy]

11. OK...

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
I made a cheese souffle..and it was perfection:)This may be trivial,but the longer you live the harder it is to find things that you've never done before!

2. What countries did you visit? Ireland(again)

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003? a job(since August)

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? March 20,beginning of the illegal Iraq invasion

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I quit smoking

6. What was your biggest failure? Failure to mend fences with my daughter

7. Did you suffer illness or injury? Just the ongoing bad back/herniated disc issue(me and Rush!)

8. What was the best thing you bought? portrait of Michael Collins

9. Whose behavior merited celebration? the Dixie Chicks,and others who have risked the careers to stand up for what's right

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? the large percentage of Americans who seem to believe whatever they hear,and who don't think for themselves

9. Where did most of your money go? rent!

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about? just being on Irish soil again is always exciting to me

11. What song will always remind you of 2003? The I-Feel_Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag...old,but still quite appropriate for this past year

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? sadder
ii. richer or poorer? definitely poorer

13. What do you wish you`d done more of? exercise

14. What do you wish you`d done less of? eating

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003? my cat sneaking into my bag and then into the library without my knowing she was there!

16. Did you fall in love in 2003? no..thank God!

17. What was your favorite TV program? West Wing

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year? Yes,and his name is Chris(he's the one who fired me to cover his own arse)

19. What was the best book you read? The DaVinci Code


20. What was your favorite film of this year? In America..although really late in the year

21. What did you do on your birthday? I drank a bottle of Jameson's and wallowed.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? My daughter speaking to me.

23. What kept you sane? My wonderful kitties,Siobhan and Clancy..if indeed I am sane,which is doubtful.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Liam Neeson

25. What political issue stirred you the most? the erosion of civil rights..i.e. Patriot Act

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003. I learned that just because you get older,it doesn't mean you have to grow up:)

[SOteric]

20. Absolutely,

If we can't cling to our youth we can definitely cling to our childlike ways.

[trigz]

18. My 2p...

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
Got married.

2. What countries did you visit?
Ireland, Sweden, Denmark. Christ, that's dull. I'll do better this year, promise

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
With our baby arriving on 7th April, I think that's about all I need

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
21st June - Marriage
7th August - That magic phone call from my wife informing me she was pregnant.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finished a sensational 4th in the Norwegian table hockey championship.
...Ho-hum. It's been a dull year. Well, I did go through with a ten-minute long wedding speech, which for me felt like a major accomplishment. Oh, and became senior reporter on the sports section of the TV channel where I work! It still doesn't pay enough, but what the heck. Oh, and my wife became pregnant! That wins the price.

6. What was your biggest failure?
Didn't get a job I applied for on the sportsdesk of a newspaper. Let's get on with it.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No

8. What was the best thing you bought?
A diamond ring for the wife at our wedding, and my lovely Fiat, which goes by the name of Gina.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Michael Moore, that bauta of a man. And a mention to Jodie Foster, that gorgeous woman.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Your vagina-faced president, as ever, and the rest of his sideshow government.

9. Where did most of your money go?
Into paying my bills...

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The baby! The baby! The baby!

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
Hm..."Four seasons in one day" by Crowded House. The weather here keeps changing.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

i. Happier
ii. slightly richer, but only slightly, mind

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
Sex, travelling and training

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
Smoking, drinking beer and complaining about not training enough

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
Got a ticket for the wrong end of the stadium for the football derby in Oslo between Lillestrøm-VIF (I am a Lillestrøm supporter) and nearly got the shit kicked out of me. Damn

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
As ever, I'm in love with my lovely wife

17. What was your favorite TV program?
The Simpsons (I must have my daily fix of it)

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
Yep. Specifically, the Danish. Can't stand them. And I have a thing against the Italians as well. Load of idiots.

19. What was the best book you read?
"Marekors" by Norwegian writer Jo Nesbø. From English literature: "The King of Torts", John Grisham or "Underworld" by Don DeLillo

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
"Bowling for Columbine". No wait, that was last year, wasn't it? Or was it? Ok, let's say "Bloody Sunday". Splendid British drama.

21. What did you do on your birthday?
On 11th July, I was in Donegal, Ireland on honeymoon with my wife. We celebrated with monster helpings of Guinness and Bushmills whiskey

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Our baby! Oh, and a new job.

23. What kept you sane?
Lillestrøm finishing above Vålerenga in the football table. That shut'em up good

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As always: Jodie Foster. The woman is simply delicious.

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Iraq war, and the constant discussions on Israel with my extremely pro-Israeli father-in-law. Damn, that's so annoying!

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
You will never know true happiness until the days come when
*You learn you're about to become a parent
*You go to the doctor with your girlfriend (or husband) and hear the heartbeat of your own offspring for the first time
*You go to the ultrasound checkup and see the image of your loved one kicking around inside mum's belly.

Oh, and: The Italians couldn't organise a piss-up in a brothel.

[Breezy du Nord]

19. Congrats on your new baby!

That's yet to arrive, but congrats anyway! I agree, must have my simpsons daily.

And by the way, if I went to Ireland, Swededen, and Denmark, i would not call it boring. Hell, I've only been in 3 countries in my life! (but then, i'm only 14)

[SOteric]

21. Congratulations on your marriage and the impending birth

of your child.

Since I'm Italian, it's probably best that I just back away slowly and say nothing further.

[NightTrain]

25. Eh, Paisano!

I'm of Italian descent myself. Hell, that guy probably doesn't like Italians because Italy doesn't have a six-month-long night! :P

[trigz]

55. The eternal hopelessness of trusting Italians...

It's good to see some Italians here, although American-Italian, surely? Well, Italy has gotten on my back all year, most of all because of my own experiences with some of them. But also, of course, watching in disbelief at the Italians' attempt to chair the EU in the last six months with that right-wing ape Silvio Berlusconi at the helm. What a complete disgrace. Also making note of the average Italian's laxadaisical approach to their own government, comprised of Berlusconi's tax relief party, the Fascist party and a couple of outspoken racist fractions, and the fact that Berlusconi most probably will win again at the next elections, has changed my perception of Italy and the nature of its inhabitants. Sadly, I must say, since I really love a lot of aspects about Italy.

I've lived in Italy, I speak Italian and some of my best friends are Italian. It's the rest of them with their hopelessly arrogant and disorganised way of looking at society, their inherent lazyness and tendency to work as little as possible, and their smirking way of blaming their own mistakes and faults on someone else that gets under my skin.

(Però diciamo che gli stronzi con ciò ho avuto queste esperienze nel 2003 sono dei rompicoglioni straordinari...e poi c'è il governo Berlusconi!)

[SiobhanClancy]

22. Say what you like about the Italians...

they can cook like nobody else:)

[aQuArius]

23. 2003 wasn't too bad

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before? Go to a gay party where I was the only woman (And I had a BLAST!)

2. What countries did you visit? I stayed here, for the 1st time in a loooong time.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003? A good man.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 5/1/03, the day I said enough is enough and started my weight loss (now at 40 pounds less)

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Losing the weight

6. What was your biggest failure? incurring too much debt (now almost paid off)

7. Did you suffer illness or injury? Hospitalized for 2 days for pharyngitis and many other things brought on by Asthma

8. What was the best thing you bought? A dishwasher for my mom

9. Whose behavior merited celebration? My dad's

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My husband's

9. Where did most of your money go? baby needs (besides the mortgage)

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My new job!

11. What song will always remind you of 2003? Big Yellow Taxi

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? neither
ii. richer or poorer? neither

13. What do you wish you`d done more of? reading to my kids

14. What do you wish you`d done less of? caring about hubby

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003? if I told you, I'd have to kill you

16. Did you fall in love in 2003? no

17. What was your favorite TV program? CSI

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year? Well, I don't hate this person, but I don't really like them...

19. What was the best book you read? Memoirs of a Geisha

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

21. What did you do on your birthday? Party like I was single again!

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Getting my job earlier in the year

23. What kept you sane? WORKING!

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Matt Lauer

25. What political issue stirred you the most? The unecessary loss of life caused by the war

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003. My kids are precious, but I'm a better mom when I'm working outside the home.

[SOteric]

24. Working kept you sane? ...That's amazing.

It's had the opposite affect on me.

[aQuArius]

27. as opposed to..

working as a stay-at-home mom for 2 children who are both under ange 3 and only 18 months apart, which I did for 2 1/2 years. Yes, working (outside the home) keeps me VERY sane. :)

[mac56]

26. 1. Shaved my beard off (first time since 1975).

2. None besides USA.
3. A better, more fulfilling job.
4. May 8th. Nearly lost my job.
5. Getting my wife home to Minnesota (from Georgia) to see her father before he passed away.
6. Didn't make it home to MN for my niece's baptism.
7. Nothing significant.
8. A Christmas present for my wife: a framed "Bloom County" strip.
9. Jimmy Carter.
8. The entire Bush cabal.
9. Mortgage and health care.
10. Can't think of anything.
11. "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner.
12. Slightly poorer, slightly happier.
13. Relaxing.
14. Obsessing.
15. Nothing stands out. Doesn't mean nothing embarrassing happened, though.
16. Re-fell in love with my lovely wife.
17. "Scrubs".
18. Paul Wolfowitz.
19. New book: "Bushwhacked". New for me: "WLT: A Radio Romance."
20. New film: "Bowling For Columbine". New for me: "The Iron Giant".
21. Ate the best barbecue ribs ever, drank some exceptional beer.
22. Less worry about finances.
23. Friends and DU.
24. Salma Hayek.
25. Publicizing the hypocricy of the Dubya administration.
26. If I hadn't made the mistakes I made back when I made them, I'd be making them (or worse ones) now.

[SOteric]

29. Another good life lesson.

What amazing collected wisdom lurks in the minds of DU'ers. :hi:

[supernova]

28. My 20 questions

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Explored unemployment and survived. I've never before been so long without a job of some description. But I've learned that I'm just me no matter what.

2. What countries did you visit?

For 2003 just the good old USA

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

A job. That and more artistic expression. Playing music, photography, exploring film. Mainly what I did this year was transistion from thinking of myself as purely a working stiff to someone who needs to be creative.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The week just before Memorial Day this year. My little grandniece started saying my name before everyone else's -- well, her version of my name. ;-) :loveya:

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

See #3

6. What was your biggest failure?

Not earning a paycheck. :-(

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Illness yes. I got very ill from about March - May with some kind of GI nausea that just wouldn't quit. 4 docs and two rounds of antibiotics later, I finally started to feel better.

8. What was the best thing you bought?

My new home theater system. I can listen to music and watch movies so much better now.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My sister for being such a comfort to me this year.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

George Bush for starting the preemtive war with Iraq.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Groceries and utilities.

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

Rediscovering playing music. I picked up my flute again for the first time in about 10 years.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

Evenescence "Fallen"

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

Poorer but happier too.


13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Writing and creating

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Freting about the nonexistent job market.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Having to endure my greataunt's tut-tuting at the family Thanksgiving dinner that "I must be doing something wrong" speech to be unemployed for so long.

I just said "yes, of course" to just move the conversation along to another topic. I really didn't want a confrontation about it. Besides, I've already endured enough of my own dispair about it.


16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

Yes, with ideas, writing, music. With a guy? No.


17. What was your favorite TV program?

Angel. I never miss it. :D


18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

No. Besides, life's too short to carry grudges.

19. What was the best book you read?

The Club Dumas (the basis for the Roman Polanski film "The Ninth Gate")

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Pirates of the Carribean, of course! I saw it in the theatre 6 times. ;-)

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Spent it at home with family.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Finding a best friend.

23. What kept you sane?

Music, reading, spending time with my family

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

:loveya: Johnny Depp. :loveya: I don't think anyone on the planet could be any more attractive. *sigh*

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Our electrifyingly dangerous forgeign policy. God, I so want these people GONE!!

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

That my self worth isn't tied up in how much money I earn or don't earn.

[SOteric]

31. I find it boggling how often

good, intelligent people feel themselves responsible for their unemployed state.

You can't force people to hire you. :shrug: Glad you've come to see your own worth. -And it's a good thing I wasn't there at Thanksgiving to kick your not-so-great Aunt.

[supernova]

32. Thanks SOteric

for your kind words. Re: my aunt. LOL! I don't spend that much time around her b/c while she is loving, I find her smothering.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

35. And I'm one of those too

despite everything else I have in my life, I blame myself for being laid off. I chose a volatile profession, but the Bush economy has a lot to do with what's going on with ALL OF US professionally. Sometimes it's hard to have perspective.

[philosophie_en_rose]

30. 26 Answers

1. Worked for a salary.

2. Canada

3. Functional siblings.

4. Michael Moore screaming "Shame on Bush" at the Oscars.

5. Paid off student loans.

6. Relationships. Alas!

7. Nope.

8. Christmas presents

9. Al Franken, DUers of the non-Freep invader varieties, Dixie Chicks

8. My boss; Bushco

9. Student Loans.

10. Mock me, but Lord of the Rings.

11. That crappy song with Britney Spears and Madonna.

12. Sadder, Richer

13. Exercizing

14. Spending money

15. Too embarassing to admit.

16. a little, but not really.

17. Hannity and Colmes... Just kidding. Maybe Angel last season?

18. Yes.

19. Lying Liars. Funny and true.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

21. Work

22. Impeachment.

23. DU!

24. Ewan McGregor, Johnny Depp

25. Recallapalooza

26. People are more than they seem.

[SOteric]

39. You had me going with #17...

you were about to receive such a spanking. :spank:

[philosophie_en_rose]

79. Bring it on!

:evilgrin:

[VOX]

34. Looking forward to a very routine 2004...

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
Hold my deceased mom's still-warm hand, and kiss her farewell on her forehead.

2. What countries did you visit?
Carmel-By-The-Sea was as far as I got, but it *felt* as invigorating as being in another country.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
A ho-hum year. Even boring would be A-OK.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Feb. 15th, the date of my mom's death.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Maintaining my sanity when it was very easy to lose. Endured a difficult familial death and three escrows, which I never aspire to do again.

6. What was your biggest failure?
Not being adequately organized.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Bereavement, but no significant illness or injury.

8. What was the best thing you bought?
A house!

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My wife, who stood with me through some of the most difficult times I'll probably ever experience.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
That of our wretched pREsident, which was expected, and most sadly, that of my fellow voters of California.

9. Where did most of your money go?
A house!

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A house!

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
The Dixie Chicks' "Travelin' Soldier."

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?
That which has made me happier has come at some cost. I am richer in many ways, but that too came with a price.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
Rested and exercised.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
Lifting *very* heavy objects.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
Having to acknowledge that my governor was now an empty-suited, beefed-up, phoney action hero annointed by the Republican Party.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
Only more deeply with she who already has my heart.

17. What was your favorite TV program?
The nearest I got to a TV was hoisting it back up into its armoire while moving.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
Certain real estate agents and mortgage brokers.

19. What was the best book you read?
"The Bounty" by Caroline Alexander.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
"The Quiet American."

21. What did you do on your birthday?
Nothing special -- it fell in the midst of great upheaval.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To be at my mom's side when she died. After a long night at the hospital, she managed to slip away as we were getting dressed to return the following morning. I'd like to think that this was her choice -- to let go privately, when no one was fussing about.

23. What kept you sane?
In the long quiet hours, when the demons can really creep, my cats -- with their silliness, their sweet and trusting faces, their unconditional love -- they were a balm and a tonic for ailments of the spirit.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
There were many I admired, but fancy, no -- there wasn't adequate free time or brain cells enough to delve into fantasy.

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
The immoral, unilateral invasion of Iraq.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
Slow down, appreciate the fragility and transitory nature of things, and laugh heartily in the eye of anxiety and uncertainty.

[SOteric]

40. Cats truly are medicinal, I think

they are such a joy and a comfort. :hug:

[UrbScotty]

36. Feliz Ano Nuevo

1. Meeting Governor Jennifer Granholm (the highest-standing person I've ever met)
2. Just the USA, and I live there
3. What might you a$$ume?
4. May 22-24, when I went up to Mackinac Island
5. Can't think right now
6. Same as above
7. Not too much, actually! :-)
8. Don't know
9. Jennifer Granholm
8. Duh-bya (duh)
9. Food
10. Dean's campaign
11. For some reason, "Hey Jude"
12. Poorer, but happier
13. Praying
14. Being angry
15. Can't think of one right now
16. Somewhat :-)
17. "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
18. Not that I can think of
19. It's Still the Economy, Stupid by Paul Begala
20. Finding Nemo
21. I went to a concert
22. My dog not dying (I could just see Bonnie climbing on my lap to get petted :-()
23. I started taking walks around the neighborhood. It's a fresh release.
24. Does Howard Dean count?
25. Iraq
26. Don't take life for granted.

[SOteric]

41. Prospero Ano Y Felicidados

Sure Howard Dean counts if you want him to! :hi:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

37. My Answers

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

I was laid off TWICE

2. What countries did you visit?

Canada, Mexico, Italy

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

A sense of the future. Whether I get a job, or try to do something on my own. This is the first time I am re-evaluating my career path. It is very difficult, because I can't see my own talents right now (no matter how much people tell me I have them).

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Iraq Invasion-March 20th

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Back to exercising and being healthy. Lost 35 lbs on Atkins.

6. What was your biggest failure?

Not knowing what my next step is career-wise and feeling like a failure.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Finally started thyroid medicine. Normal TSH is 2.5-4.5-mine was 88. And I was wondering why I gained 40 lbs and was losing my hair...

8. What was the best thing you bought?

In Rome I bought a Max Mara coat at the Porta Portese (flea market) for cheap! But no shoes-too expensive! :cry:

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Al Franken, for standing up to Fox's (O'Reilly's) assinine lawsuit

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

The American people for being SHEEPLE.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Bills

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

ROTK-sorry, another LOTR geek.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

For some reason, Bobby Darin's 'Beyond the Sea'


12. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Sadder and Poorer.


13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Appreciating.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Worrying.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Losing two jobs.


16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

Yes, with the two kitties I adopted in May. They're 7 and 8 and the most wonderful boys!


17. What was your favorite TV program?

Six Feet Under


18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone. Life's too short.

19. What was the best book you read?

DaVinci Code (fiction), Big Lies (Joe Conason)

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Mystic River, Lost In Translation

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Swanky restaurant with hubby and friends.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Figuring out what my next career move will be.

23. What kept you sane?

Friends, DU, family.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Fancy? Viggo Mortensen. Actor, Poet, Artist, Liberal Activist

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Iraq and the economy.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

My self-worth is not based on my career accomplishments.

[SOteric]

42. One of the great pleasures of life,

Italian shoes. :shrugh: Maybe *this* year.

I'm so glad so many of our brightest, most caring DU'ers have come to find their self-worth in spite of an economy that dwindles good jobs at a rapid pace.

[AlFrankenFan]

38. Kay

1. Run a half marathon (13.1 miles)

2. None

3. Knowledge of Hebrew

4. March 17th - when Bush gave his speech about giving Sadaam 48 hours to get out of Baghdad (?) and my grandparents came that day too

5. Joining the Marathon Team and running more than I've ever ran before

6. Letting two friends stop being my friends because of petty differences

7. The flu and my stupid stomach ache problem

8. Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken

9. Rush Limbaugh's

10. Arianna Huffington's running in the Recall Election

11. "Hey Ya"

12. sadder and poorer

13. Socalizing

14. Watching tv

15. Falling of a bench at school while I was sitting

16. Damn I wish.....

17. CSI

18. My friends Suzanne & Lauren

19. See number 8

20. I haven't seen any new ones this year

21. Shop

22. Seeing Dubya getting shipped off to a mental institution with Rush

23. I'm not sane.....well, my friend Paul

24. Al Franken

25. The war

26. Look at people better before you get hurt - and don't trust liars

[SOteric]

43. Always a good idea

to come to know someone well before handing trusting them with your more vulnerable aspects.

[AlFrankenFan]

53. very true

[LuCifer]

44. my turn!

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Got a job that doesn't totally suck, and kept it!

2. What countries did you visit?

None. Having no money tends to do that.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

Money and a new DEMOCRAT president that's actually elected.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

March 10th, the day my mom died from cancer after 6 months and her suffering was finally over. And Aug. 5th, cuz Lollapalooza kicked ass!

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

See the answer to question 1!

6. What was your biggest failure?

See question 1!

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

A hangnail. Thankfully I was otherwise ok, since being a typical American, I don't have HEALTH INSURANCE. THANKS BUSH.

8. What was the best thing you bought?

A dimebag of weed.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

All of the Democratic presidential candidates -- except LIEberman, screw him!-- (when they weren't bashing each other) for speaking the TRUTH about Bush; anyone else who had the balls to tell the truth about the goddamn Iraq war, especially Neil Rogers, Randi Rhodes, and Michael Moore.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

"President" Bush. And all the other republiKKKan turds who do all they can to keep America a 3rd world police state nation.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Saudi Arabia. Thanks Bush for the high gas prices...I just love funding terrorist, don't you?

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

The return of Lollapalooza, and Ministry touring again!

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

"War" by...I forgot who did the original, but it's the one Bruce Springsteen covered.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?

Bit of both.

ii. richer or poorer?

Slightly richer.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Made money!

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Driving!

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

It must have been bad, cuz I can't remember!

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

Already got a girlfiend!

17. What was your favorite TV program?

South Park. 2nd place goes to RENO 911!

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

Oh hell yes!

19. What was the best book you read?

Couple actually: "It's Still The Economy STUPID!" by Paul Begala; "The Secret Life Of A Satanist, the Authorized Biography of Anton LaVey" by Blanche Barton; "Downsize THIS!" by Michael Moore; "Shrub" by Molly Ivans & Lou Dubose.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

I didn't see a single movie this year. It looked like nothing but CRAP!

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Had pizza and was extremely lazy!

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Not having my mom die, for starters.

23. What kept you sane?

Alcohol!

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Michael Moore.

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Bush's goddamn war for oil...aka Vietnam Pt. 2

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

Under no circumstances will I EVER vote republiKKKan. And most people are assholes who live only to use you (at least here in South Florida) so be careful who you make friends with.

=================================

Edit time kids! Edwin Starr!!!!!!! I knew if I racked my brain, I'd remember it...ok, I just did a google search!!!!! Heh!

[SOteric]

45. My cat

agrees with you about Michael Moore.

[Kat45]

46. I can never resist these. Here goes:

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before? Anal

2. What countries did you visit? None

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003? An S.O.-- and a job that I can support myself on, with health insurance

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 7 -- the day my bird Grace was born

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting a PT job

6. What was your biggest failure? Not getting a FT job

7. Did you suffer illness or injury? No, thank God.

8. What was the best thing you bought? New jeans

9. Whose behavior merited celebration? Wes Clark, conducting his campaign with class, not badmouthing other Dem candidates, not taking shit from the media twits trying to trip him up.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? bush et al

9. Where did most of your money go? Bills

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Hooking up with a f*buddy 15 years younger than me

11. What song will always remind you of 2003? None.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier, poorer
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

13. What do you wish you`d done more of? Working out

14. What do you wish you`d done less of? Spending way too much time on DU instead of getting to bed early enough to get to work on time (I love DU but seem to be addicted to it.)

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

16. Did you fall in love in 2003? Unfortunately, no. Unless my bird counts.

17. What was your favorite TV program? "Still Standing"

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year? I try not to hate anyone, but my feelings toward bush come close, and they are stronger than they were last year.

19. What was the best book you read?

20. What was your favorite film of this year? "Mystic River"

21. What did you do on your birthday? Nothing special, unfortunately

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Having an S.O.

23. What kept you sane? My bird

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? What do you mean by "fancy"?

25. What political issue stirred you the most? Just about everything that the bush cabal does gets me extremely angry

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003. I'll have to think about that one, because nothing jumps out at me right now.

[SOteric]

47. Oh you know, 'fancy'

to admire in an extraordinary way... usually lust.

[Booberdawg]

48. Okay

about the close of 2003. Because we apparently need something better to do with our time, and reflection is always beneficial.

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Sold stuff I could do without on ebay.

2. What countries did you visit?

None

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

Oh geeze! A job!

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I particularly enjoyed the DU meetup in So Cal at the El Coyote in November. Memorable indeed!

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I sat for and passed with flying colors the Agent exam for selling Life, Health, Accident, and Auunuties in my State. Also got licensed to sell in adjoining State.

6. What was your biggest failure?

Bankruptcy and forclosure on my house.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I was hospitalized in March for a fluke bacterial illness that caused internal bleeding. WTF?? I had to go by ambulance and was worried SICK about leaving my critters home alone!

8. What was the best thing you bought?

Eight CD's I treated myself for Xmas from the 70's and 80's

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

No standouts.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

bush*

9. Where did most of your money go?

COBRA

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

A vacation trip to vist my dad in San Diego and see the sights and take a break from a very bad year.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

No one song, but "What a Wonderful World" is inspiring"

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

Sadder and poorer

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Reading

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Sleeping

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

I don't think anything embarrassing happened to me.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

No

17. What was your favorite TV program?

I watch cable news channel all day.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone. I wouldn't expend energy on such an endeavor.

19. What was the best book you read?

I'm happy to say I read too many to pick a best one.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

No favorite. I don't go to movies anymore now that my son is gone because I always used to do that with him. I should start again.

21. What did you do on your birthday?

I think I went out to eat with my sister and her husband.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A job.

23. What kept you sane?

I'm not sure I was technically sane. I was depressed and lost 35 pounds.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

None in particular

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

None in particular - they all do

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

"Things" don't matter. People do. But I already knew that.

[SOteric]

56. Bankruptcy

is not a failure, in my opinion. It's a different economic times than those of our progenitors. We can't really accept their definitions of success and failure and fit them easily into the modern world. You're alive, you have friends, you have a wealth of potential. That's almost an embarrassment of riches compared to the lives of more than half the population of the world.

[Booberdawg]

61. I'd have to agree, now that you mention it

And it's not a stretch to say there are so many other things that are so much more important than monetary things. I do place a high value on honor and integrity and doing what's right.

And to say the least, when I did get laid off a year ago, even though I didn't expect it to last this long, I told my co-workers then I have already have been through the worst thing that could possibly happen to me when I lost my son, so this wouldn't be as bad and I knew I'd come through it. I was right - this is not as bad, and I will come through it okay in the end.

Here's to a better year in 2004. :toast:

To you and yours as well, SO. :hi:

[dawn]

49. My answers

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
went to Asia

2. What countries did you visit?

Thailand and Japan, for about six weeks

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
less stress

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 21 -- the day I was laid off from my job of the past four years.
And August 9, the day my grandfather died. :(

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Managing to stay sane while job-hunting. Oh, and taking time off to travel and do freelance work.

6. What was your biggest failure?
Um, getting laid off, if that counts as a failure.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No

8. What was the best thing you bought?
a new computer

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
the Dalai Lama

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Bush

9. Where did most of your money go?
to my trip

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
my trip! (starting to sound like a broken record here....)

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
In Da Club by 50 Cent.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? happier
ii. richer or poorer? poorer

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
writing

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
worry

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
I don't think I've been embarrassed by anything this year.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
nope, already married

17. What was your favorite TV program?
Globetrekkers

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
I don't really hate anyone. I strongly dislike Bush, of course, but I did last year as well.

19. What was the best book you read?
Yoga Hotel by Maura Moynihan

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
Dirty Pretty Things

21. What did you do on your birthday?
went out for sushi with my husband

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had found a decent job. I am tired of freelancing. The money sucks!

23. What kept you sane?
My husband

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Johnny Depp

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Patriot Act and our disappearing civil liberties.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
it's great to travel overseas when other people stay home due to fears of terrorism/war/SARS/strange food. (heh) But really, the lesson I learned is just to do the best you can to live in the moment, cherishing everything you have and everyone you know, because you never know when they will be taken from you.

[SOteric]

58. It's amazing how travel broadens the perspective

and leads simultaneously to a perception of the brevity of life.

[Solly Mack]

50. hmmmmmmmmmm

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Sent my husband off to war

2. What countries did you visit?

None in 2003

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

Peace of mind

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

April 4, 2003: date husband left for Iraq

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Secret Santa Project


6. What was your biggest failure?

Not holding my temper

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No

8. What was the best thing you bought?

Toys



9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

A kind lady in Tennessee and a new found friend



8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Can't name them or their crime...

9. Where did most of your money go?

Charity

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

Shopping for toys

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

None

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?
so-so and richer

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

exercise

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

volunteer work

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

lucked out on that one

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

No

17. What was your favorite TV program?

Carnevale/6 Feet Under

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

Yes

19. What was the best book you read?
too many to pick


20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Finding Nemo (for my own personal reasons)


21. What did you do on your birthday?

Dinner with husband

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

No war

23. What kept you sane?

friends, this place...sheer perverse stubbornness

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
"war on terrorism"

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

To ask for help more

[SOteric]

59. Asking for help,

that's a life lesson I could stand to avail myself of more. I always convince myself no one wants to bother with me, then end up surprised at how many are happy to lend a hand.

[Sapphocrat]

51. What the heck...

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Went to a gay-guy bar in New York City.


2. What countries did you visit?

Australia.


3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

A home with my partner, for good.


4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

September 1st, because it didn't exist for me -- I flew over the international date line and lost it. (But I got two October 1st's in return.)


5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Really only one achievement at all: A woman in some little town I'd never heard of in Tennessee wrote to tell me how much my blog has helped her finally speak up and fight back against this *-loving asshole she has to work with and listen to every day. Since using some of my talking points, she says, he isn't such a loudmouth, and kind of takes a wide berth around her now. She felt really good about finally speaking up, more confident about it, not so afraid anymore. That made me feel the best I did all year, about something I had done. It made me feel like all those hours I spent researching and writing actually meant something.


6. What was your biggest failure?

Not "getting" something my partner really needed me to understand. I finally "got it," but not getting it for so long caused a lot more hurt than was necessary.


7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing much bigger than the usual shattered nerves. And migraines. Lots of migraines. The little blue Christmas lights are very pretty!


8. What was the best thing you bought?

A plane ticket to Melbourne. The best thing I bought that I can still use is the first season of "Six Feet Under" on DVD.


9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My partner's. I don't know how she put up with me while I wasn't "getting it" ... and she made me incredibly proud with... well, with a lot of other things.


8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My rich, ignorant, dense, stubborn, smug, arrogant, know-it-all Republican cousins'.

No, wait -- make that a stubborn, smug, arrogant, know-it-all, perpetually alcoholic liberal cousin-by-marriage who got drunk (as usual) at a family gathering and told me to my face that I was "full of shit," in front of my mother. (The subject was relationships, not politics, and no, I didn't deserve it.)


9. Where did most of your money go?

Paying off bills, something I'll be doing through 2004... and 2005... and...


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

Seeing my partner again.


11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

Such Is Life, Ned Kelly, Such Is Life.


12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

Sadder and poorer.


13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Gone to the beach. Chanted. Chanted at the beach.


14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Thinking.


15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Nothing. Didn't put myself into too many risky situations last year.


16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

If falling in love with the same person all over again counts, yes.


17. What was your favorite TV program?

The Simpsons, but only because I can't afford HBO to watch Six Feet Under.


18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

Hate is such a strong word... Yes.


19. What was the best book you read?

A Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson


20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Chicago


21. What did you do on your birthday?

Drank champagne and enjoyed a fabulous dinner my partner made me. It was just the evening I wanted.


22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Moving to Australia.


23. What kept you sane?

My partner, and writing a lot.


24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Probably best I avoid the political answer here and go with the pure-lust pick: Nicole Kidman -- not really my type, but I can't take my eyes off her.


25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Same-sex marriage -- and the anti-gay backlash from the last people I'd expect to see it from.


26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

To pick my battles. Sometimes the bastards do win, and there's not a thing I can do about it, except choose a different wall to beat my head against.

[SOteric]

62. Sometimes the bastards *do* win.

But this is the one area where my stubborn nature can be an asset. The battle isn't really over until all the crusaders have been recalled. Patience isn't defeat, it's just enough time to regroup and find a new strategy.

[DoctorBombay]

52. This is a good quiz....

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
WENT WHALE WATCHING

2. What countries did you visit?
NONE

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
A JOB I ENJOY

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
MARCH 17, 2003...DAY MOST UPSET AT DUBYA..PRE-INVASION

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
NOT QUITTING MY JOB

6. What was your biggest failure?
NOT QUITTING MY JOB

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
NO

8. What was the best thing you bought?
NEW LIVING ROOM FURNITURE

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
NONE OF MY FRIENDS, THAT'S FOR SURE

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
ANY PROMINENT REPUBLICAN'S

9. Where did most of your money go?
BILLS..OTHER THAN THAT...WEEK IN WINE COUNTRY

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
FRIENDS FROM HOME COMING TO VISIT

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
"ALL FOR SWINGING YOU AROUND" (NEW PORNOGRAPHERS)

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? SAME
ii. richer or poorer? SAME

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
CONCERTS

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
TV WATCHING

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
DRINKING TOO MUCH GIN AT FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
YES

17. What was your favorite TV program?
WORLD POKER TOUR

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
NO

19. What was the best book you read?
FAST FOOD NATION

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
TIE- LOST IN TRANSLATION AND MYSTIC RIVER

21. What did you do on your birthday?
WENT OUT TO DINNER

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
GETTING A NEW JOB

23. What kept you sane?
MUSIC AND FRIENDS

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
CAN'T THINK OF ONE IN PARTICULAR

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
CALIFORNIA RECALL (AGAINST IT)

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
DON'T EVER TAKE ANYONE CLOSE TO YOU FOR GRANTED

[SOteric]

63. Sounds like you've actually had a pretty good year.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

54. I''d be interested to see what you have to say SOTeric

:)

Good questions and here are my answers

Q What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

A: Traveled to the United States, worked full time for a political campaign, handing out leaflets during the State Election campaign and attended political party meetings on a consistent and regular basis

Q What countries did you visit?
A: Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, the UK and the US. In the US I visited California, Washington State, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Maine and Massachusetts.

Q: What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
A: The prospect of a Democratic President in the White House, the prospect of a Labor Prime Minister in Australia and a high paying political job. Also a steady girlfriend would be wonderful

Q. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A: December 2nd 2003. The day that the Australian Labor Party finally elected a Leader who had a chance of providing the party with a strong performance at the next Federal Election.

Q What was your biggest achievement of the year?
A: Seeing the United States, traveling to foreign countries independently, meeting so many wonderful DU'er and other Americans and hopefully amassing enough frequent flyer points to come back to the US this year

Q. What was your biggest failure?
A: Not visiting Chicago beyond spending six hours at O'Hare airport

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
While in San Diego, I sprained my finger. OK, that was not too serious but consider the fact that I was traveling at the time and had to carry heavy luggage and the like around. It was agonizingly painful

Q. What was the best thing you bought?
"Blinded by the Right" by David Brock, "Weapons of Mass Deception" and "Stupid White Men" by Mike Moore

Q Whose behavior merited celebration?
All those who took on the Bush Administration -Mike Moore, Al Franken and so many others who stood up for the courage of their convictions. Also those in Australia who have consistently challenged the Howard government over their positions on refugees and the Iraq war.

Q Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
George W Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz -the list is never ending. Also Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and all the other media sellouts -in fact I became very disillusioned with the media throughout 2003

Q. Where did most of your money go?
Toward travel

Q. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Traveling the US and Canada

Q. What song will always remind you of 2003?

I listened to a lot of 80s music during 2003 but "We Didn't Start the Fire", "It Must Have Been Love", "The Power of Love" (the original version), "I was only 19" and "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You" stand out as songs I listened to a lot during 2003.

12. Happier but poorer

Q What do you wish you`d done more of?
Uncertain

Q What do you wish you`d done less of?
Uncertain

Q What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
N/A

Q Did you fall in love in 2003?
Unfortunately not in reality

Q What was your favorite TV program?

The West Wing

Q. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

Hate is too stronger a word. There are certain celebrities and public figures who I have lost a considerable deal of respect for -Susan Estrich and Zell Miller to name two

Q What was the best book you read?
Tossup between "Blinded by the Right", "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right", "Stupid White Men", "Dude, Where's My Country" and "Weapons of Mass Deception"

Q What was your favorite film of this year?
"Bowling for Columbine"


Q What did you do on your birthday?
"Celebrated it with relatives"

Q What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A Democratic President in the White House

Q. What kept you sane?
DU, Traveling

Q. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Lauren Graham, Virginia Madsen, Marcy Kaptur, Karen McCarthy, Maria Cantwell-actually too many to name

Q What political issue stirred you the most?
Iraq

Q Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
Always look on the bright side and have ambition and hope for the future

[SOteric]

64. Wow! You really *are* a social Democrat!

Oh, I might find a minute to jot a few answers later this evening.

:shrug:

[Mercurius]

57. I fell in love.

What more can I say? :)

[SOteric]

65. Must have been a good year.

:7

[Mercurius]

78. Yes, it was a great year.

There was a lot of painful stuff, but there was a lot of joy, as well. And he's incredible. ;-)

[curse10]

60. 2003 was a pretty decent year, all things considered

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
Moved across the country

2. What countries did you visit?
None :-(

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
Money

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 5- Best. Anniversary. Ever.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into law school

6. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting this job I wanted

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yep.

8. What was the best thing you bought?
My car

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Tough one. I don't know.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
George W. Bush

9. Where did most of your money go?
Moving

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving to Boston

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
Hey ya by Outkast

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?
Happier, but poorer

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
Travel

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
Eating

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
Nothing I can think of

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
I fell more in love

17. What was your favorite TV program?
Alias or Law and Order

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
Yep.

19. What was the best book you read?
Animal Liberation

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
Return of the King

21. What did you do on your birthday?
Dinner and drinks with my boyfriend

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not getting those damn tickets

23. What kept you sane?
My kitties

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmmm. Don't know

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
The primaries. Duh.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
You can always make new friends :-)

[SOteric]

66. Cinco de Mayo is your anniversary?! Kewel!

(It's my birthday.)

[rbnyc]

67. Woo-Hoo! Questions!

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Broke a bone, actually several. Got married. Stayed more than 1 night in a hospital. Got married and had sex in a hospital with broken bones. :evilgrin:

2. What countries did you visit?

None. :(

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

A baby.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 26th, the day I was married.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Re-learning how to walk.

Helping to redesign and implement a breast cancer non-profit's year end appeal process so that we took in over $30K more this year than last year.

6. What was your biggest failure?

Fell behind on a credit card debt.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Most folks know this: In serious car accident 2 days before wedding, serious fractures, lost baby, married in hospital, found icky unrelated things in CAT scan, had to have tubes stuck up and through everywhere and scary biopsies, happily no cancer, but need a surgery, still have a bad limp and pain every day, get mad at my cane, get flashbacks from looking at scars, in therapy.

Actually, a lot of you didn't know that I started therapy. After posting here that I was having flashbacks and panic attacks but had no time for therapy, a lot of you helped me to re-think that.

8. What was the best thing you bought?

My wedding dress, which I couldn't wear at my wedding but wore at my 35th birthday party, and Lynnesin can tell you how sexy I was.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

DU members who never fail to generously support friends in need.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Ted Koppel during recent debates.

9. Where did most of your money go?

Rent.

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

I was really excited when I found out I was pregnant. I was really excited about my wedding.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

A song my husband wrote called, my love.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Traveled.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Worried.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Oddly, having my ass wiped by total strangers and wearing a diaper to my wedding were not the most embarrassing things. Wasn't it last Spring that I wore the see-through dress? Actually that wasn't that embarrassing either. Hmmmm. I can't think of I time that I really felt embarrassed.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

Every day, over and over again with my husband. :loveya:

17. What was your favorite TV program?

FEAR FACTOR! :wtf:

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

No.

19. What was the best book you read?

I reread The Master and Margarita. That's the best book ever.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

Whatever I say, I'm going to think of something better as soon as I post. The film that surprised me the most was The Ring.

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Had a huge party. Wore my wedding dress. Ask my friends to donate to 1 of 4 charities instead of getting me a gift. Raised hundreds of dollars for my friend's medical fund, The LGBT Center in NYC, Women At Risk, and the ACLU.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I really could have skipped that care accident. I'd have been able to go to my own wedding reception. I'd be having a baby. I'd be able to jump and run. I'd have gone on my honeymoon. But maybe we wouldn't have found out that I need to have this surgery to reduce my very high risk of esophageal cancer. So, I don't think it's ever a good idea to change the past.

23. What kept you sane?

Love, work and The Lounge.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Dennis Kucinich

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

War.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

The universe has a much, much bigger brain than I do. Some things are just never going to make sense to my regular, human sized brain.

EDIT: typo

[SOteric]

69. Re: your number 1...

"... had sex in a hospital with broken bones."

I'd have opted for a guy, but hey, to each their own. :evilgrin:

[rbnyc]

70. LMAO!

So funny!

I'll tell you, it didn't happen within the first 10 days. I couldn't even move. And we were VERY careful. But where there's a will, there's a way.

[SOteric]

73. Oh, I'm sure there *is* a way.

I can think of few circumstances where one is in bigger need of comforting and intimacy.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

74. The Master and Margarita

is one of my favorite books too!

[GOPisEvil]

68. 26 Definitive Answers

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before? Visited Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

2. What countries did you visit? None. I didn't even make Mexico this year. :-(

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003? Greater fulfillment from my employment.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 17. I turned 35. I thought things would be so much different when I was younger...

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Survival.

6. What was your biggest failure? I had a very level year, for the most part. I had hoped to make more progress in my personal life, but I didn't.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing major. A little chest-cold-cough thing at the end of the year.

8. What was the best thing you bought? My original painting by DU's own Rabrrrrrr.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration? My State Representative, Dawnna Dukes. She's really coming into her own as a legislator. She did a fine job this past session.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Tom DeLay.

9. Where did most of your money go? Leisure of some sort.

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My trip to Philly and Will Pitt's visit to Texas. Both got me energized.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003? Fight the Power, by the Isley Brothers.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? A little sadder.
ii. richer or poorer? About the same, but I have less debt.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of? I wish I'd have spent more time outdoors.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of? Wasted time.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003? No major embarrassments this year.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003? :-(

17. What was your favorite TV program? The Daily Show.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year? Hate is a wasted emotion.

19. What was the best book you read? The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

20. What was your favorite film of this year? Bad Santa

21. What did you do on your birthday? Nothing special, dinner and drinks with friends.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More professional fulfillment.

23. What kept you sane? My friends, including those here.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Hmmm...the list is long and distinguished.

25. What political issue stirred you the most? Re-redistricting here in TX

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003. Sometimes good doesn't win in the short run.

[SOteric]

71. Re: #26

Lucky for us, the battles are always marathon.

[GOPisEvil]

72. Correct!

I'm confident we'll be victorious when all is said and done. Then it'll be time to gear up again. God, I love politics. :D

[AlienGirl]

75. Extraordinary and Painful Year

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Caught a serial killer, drove across the country by myself, and faced life on my own without a husband.

2. What countries did you visit?

I wasn't out of the country at all, unless you count Texas...

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

Hope, a desire to live, and money

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The entire month of July, because that was the month I made my cross-country journey to join my roomies

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Holding down a full-time job

6. What was your biggest failure?

Not being able to keep my attempted reconciliation with my ex-husband healthy and stable; failing him as a wife and my kids as a mother (again)

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No

8. What was the best thing you bought?

My rat, Huntington

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Ulex and Jag, for helping me immensely in my attempt to become self-sufficient

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My own...why couldn't I be everything my ex needed? Why couldn't I make it work, at whatever cost to myself, like a mother ought to do?

9. Where did most of your money go?

Rent, food, plane tickets to see my kids, and medical/dental expenses

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

Being home in Seattle, the city I love

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

"Big Yellow Taxi" (the Counting Crows version) and Warren Zevon's "I Was in the House When the House Burned Down"

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

Slightly happier, and slightly poorer

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Pleasing my ex-husband

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Whatever it was that made him lose all interest in me

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

Having a vasovagal syncope at work, coming to with paramedics everywhere

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

Possibly...we'll see!

17. What was your favorite TV program?

"South Park"

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

No

19. What was the best book you read?

A collection of Isaac Bashevis Singer's stories--Interrobang turned me on to this author, and he rocks out!

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

I don't have one

21. What did you do on your birthday?

I don't remember

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

My ex falling back in love with me, remarrying me, and moving us as a family back to Seattle...

23. What kept you sane?

Paxil, Klonopin, and a twisted sense of humor shared with friends kept me marginally less-insane than I could have been

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Spongebob Squarepants, because of his contentment with a small, uncomplicated life, free of concerns about love

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

The rising tide of fascism

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

There are no miracles. Work hard. Make sure everyone around you likes you and owes you one. Buy gold.

Tucker

[SOteric]

76. I think maybe there are miracles.

We just can't afford to 'expect' them. They come where they come.

[rbnyc]

77. 8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My own...why couldn't I be everything my ex needed? Why couldn't I make it work, at whatever cost to myself, like a mother ought to do?

I hope you will let yourself off the hook. I don't expect my husband to be everything that I need and he doesn't expect it of me. And I don't expect him to do anything that would be harmful to him, or cost him more than he could afford, materially, emotionally, spiritually or otherwise. It's not okay for your ex to have thought that you should be just what he wanted at whatever cost to yourself. Of course there are sacrifices to be made for one's children, but even as a parent you have to be able to love yourself and give yourself what you need. Your kids need to see you do that.

I hope you will forgive yourself, and find hope, and have a much, much better 2004.

[SOteric]

80. Okay, I'll see what I can come up with here...

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?

Took the panel CSC exam and earned the title "Sous Chef."

2. What countries did you visit?

I've crossed a few borders. :7 For the most part, my days of extraordinary travelling are, gratefully, behind me now. I prefer to discover the undiscovered countries in other people.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?

Independent wealth.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

October 21. A man who'd been my friend and then my boss left the firm at which I'm employed in disgrace.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Pulling the department out of a downward spiral and setting back on a sound financial path.

6. What was your biggest failure?

Seeing past my affection.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had pneumonia a couple of months ago, and I've got some hideous virus just now.

8. What was the best thing you bought?

A bottle of Chateau Cremat, 1996.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The departmental uber-boss, -who went out of his way to bring me into the loop on some information that he really didn't have to, and to mentor me, when it didn't fall within his purview.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

The friend who became my boss, then mismanaged the department and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

9. Where did most of your money go?

I've got a nasty subsistence-jones. It's a real monkey on my back.

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

Uhm...something. It's kind of private.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

Eminem's "Cleaning Out My Closet." A couple of the guys I work with kept singing it under their breath and I flipped 'em crap about it. So, they've spent the last 6 months singing it everytime they see me just be buttheads.

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?

Happier, emotionally richer.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?

Sleeping.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?

Losing my temper at unimportant things.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?

I had a remarkably bad day, involving a dead battery, the I.R.S., dental surgery and an unintelligible conversation with a non-English speaking immigrant in a parking garage, and drool. It's best I don't relive the day. It raises my blood pressure.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?

I'm happy.

17. What was your favorite TV program?

24.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?

I make it a point not to hate. There are some folks who test the limits of that.

19. What was the best book you read?

Paris to the Moon, by Adam Gopnik.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?

ROTK, but I haven't actually seen it yet, I've just been looking forward to it.

21. What did you do on your birthday?

Spent some time with some incredibly handsome man. Went out to dinner with an old friend.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Better health.

23. What kept you sane?

Who says I'm sane?

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Viggo Mortenson. Hubba hubba.

25. What political issue stirred you the most?

Patriot Act II.

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.

Cats are great little spirit guides.

[rbnyc]

81. Sorry about your friend.

That's awesome about Sous Chef, and true about cats.

[SOteric]

82. Thanks,

:pals: It still stings, but a really great guy has come in to the department in his stead and it's been a very healing experience for all of us.

[Booberdawg]

84. I lost a boss that way too many years ago

She was a 20-year employee - head of the claims department at a well-known insurance company. She had changed over a years time and just was not herself. I had been closer to her at once time but she turned nasty - not just to me.

Turns out she was writing claim money to herself and embezzled close to 20K. I was just shocked. She was fired in a heartbeat when inadvertently discovered one day, lost her 401K worth considerable more than what she had embezzled in exchange for not pressing charges, and a career, and her honor and integrity.

She was later spotted checking groceries. Had just bought a new car that got repossessed. What a waste.

What I can never understand is WHY people think they won't get caught eventually. I wonder if it was gambling ... I just don't know. *sigh*

[Terran]

83. Here are mine

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
I stood at a loved one's hospital bedside and watched her die peacefully.

(On a much lighter note, I also posed nude for nationally distributed gay magazine amd saw it published.)

2. What countries did you visit?
None

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
More free time! (but it won't happen)

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Dec. 11, 2003, he day my partner's grandmother died.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Proving to my new boss that she made the right decision in hiring me. Also, making through a term as a mod for DU!

6. What was your biggest failure?
Can't really think of any, which is good, I guess!

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, happily (no insurance)

8. What was the best thing you bought?
Matthew Fox's book, "Many Rivers, One Well," as a present for mt partner

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I must agree with the poster who nominated the US Supreme Court.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Who else? Bush.

9. Where did most of your money go?
Just living--rent and debt.

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being chosen as a moderator for DU.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
None (I'm not up on current pop at all.)

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? sadder
ii. richer or poorer? about the same

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
Tell my partner how much I love him.

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
Wasting time at the computer.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
Can't think of anything.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
Noooo, I've been in love since 1986!

17. What was your favorite TV program?
Honestly, none. I don't watch a lot of TV anymore, the computer and the Net are my main entertainment.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
No.

19. What was the best book you read?
"Look to Windward" by Iain Banks

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hard to say. I loved "Signs" even though I can't stand Mel Gibson personally; and having just seen "Gangs of New York" a few days ago, I also loved that.

21. What did you do on your birthday?
A wonderful and romantic dinner out, followed by lovely presents.

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I think it's illegal to say what would have accomplished that, but y'all can guess, I imagine (it has to do with the termination of life functions of a certain Republican).

23. What kept you sane?
I'm basically an optimistic person, so I suppose I kept myself sane.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don't really "do" celebs, but Rupert on "Survivor" sure caught my eye!

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Iraq Invasion

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
As long as you don't just give up, the bad stuff--personal, financial, political, whatever, always goes away in the end. You can overcome the bad things in life.

Dirk

[DS1]

85. OK

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before? Written about 2002 in past tense.

2. What countries did you visit? I am an island unto myself.

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003? An army of lackeys.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? 2-15 NYC Protest.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having 2 photos put in my school's permanent historical archives.

6. What was your biggest failure? The world remains free.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury? Just cranium-fracturing stress over stupid shit.

8. What was the best thing you bought? My coat.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration? Difficult to say.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Moderator's

9. Where did most of your money go? Underserving pockets.

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about? School. Naivety strikes again.

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? same
ii. richer or poorer? same

13. What do you wish you`d done more of? Boinking

14. What do you wish you`d done less of? Loafing

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003? Found a nose hair that was about to reach my tongue.

16. Did you fall in love in 2003? Nope

17. What was your favorite TV program? Most Extreme Elimination Challenge

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year? The list is too long to check.

19. What was the best book you read? The Hobbit

20. What was your favorite film of this year? ROTK

21. What did you do on your birthday? I forgot

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 470 Billion dollars. In Gold Buillion.

23. What kept you sane? Solitude.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Neve Campbell

25. What political issue stirred you the most? Shock-and-Awe

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003. Never find yourself snowed in with a cat, with no cat food.

[SOteric]

86. *ROTFL* "The World Remains Free."

- Then why do we have to pay so much for the priviledge of living in it?!

[101 Proof]

87. Your 26 questions....Magic Rat's 10...

Here we go:

1. What did you do in 2003 that you`d never done before?
A. I was on the receiving end of oral sex.

2. What countries did you visit?
A. Um...none. Stayed here in the U.S. :grr:

3. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
A. Experience the act of lovemaking.

4. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A. December 31, 2003....because it was the last day of one of my worst years ever.

5. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
A. I managed a "B" in Spanish.

6. What was your biggest failure?
A. I had two semesters below 2.0 gpa. :( :( :( :( :cry:

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
A. Yes...much mental disorders and several cases of medication withdrawl-thanks to losing my medical insurance twice during the year.

8. What was the best thing you bought?
A. My vampire book collection.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
A. Al Franken's--I liked how he handled the whole Bill O'Reilly thing.

8. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A. George W. Bush's, of course.

9. Where did most of your money go?
A. To the college campus.

10. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A. The night of my answer to question #1. ;)

11. What song will always remind you of 2003?
A. Linkin Park's "Numb."

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
A. Sadder.
ii. richer or poorer?
A. Poorer.

13. What do you wish you`d done more of?
A. Studied my ass off here in college. :(

14. What do you wish you`d done less of?
A. Less waste of time.

15. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2003?
A. I'd rather not share...

16. Did you fall in love in 2003?
A. No.

17. What was your favorite TV program?
A. The Simpsons.

18. Do you hate anyone now that you didn`t hate this time last year?
A. No, don't think so.

19. What was the best book you read?
A. Bushwhacked by Molly Ivins.

20. What was your favorite film of this year?
A. Didn't have one.

21. What did you do on your birthday?
A. Nothing...couldn't afford to do anything, and it was my 21st. :(

22. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A. That my grades were on the leading edge of the 2.0 gpa. :(

23. What kept you sane?
A. My Zoloft.

24. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
A. Al Franken

25. What political issue stirred you the most?
A. The War in Iraq. (I'm against.)

26. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003.
A. When you're in college, study your ass off. Don't let a mental disorder ruin your life.

On edit: I can't tell the difference between "you're" and "your." :eyes:

[SOteric]

88. Yep, study your ass off. - But live a little too.

;-)