2011: Holy Fuck, where did it go?

*I had this almost typed up when Josey posted her version, so now I feel like I am stealing from TWO people. Thievery is what it is, I suppose. I also find it kind of funny that we both thought to steal this idea. 

I got this idea from All & Sundry. She does it every year and I have been tempted to follow suit for a long time. It is a good way to do a recap, which seems to be the trend in the blogosphere. Also, my other option was ranting about a terrible new show on Food Network that is making me twitchy. I figured this was more interesting.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you have never done before?

I worked in a real kitchen. I have food on a menu. I have made huge strides in my culinary career.

I went to Orlando (never been before) and went to Universal Studios and had the best day of my life. I can't help it...that was just an amazing, amazing week. Quality time with the boy, feeling like a kid, warm beautiful weather...amazing.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more next year?

No and no. I don't do New Years resolutions. I feel like it is a huge let down. Nobody ever sticks to them. I prefer to just make changes at my own pace. Yes, there are things I am starting this year, but they have nothing to do with a resolution. More with the conclusion of the holiday season.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! So many babies. Krackle, Josey, my friend K who I have never talked about here. Krackle's sister. My cousin's twins. Holy shit, you guys. 2011 was the year of the baby. 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Babies Sophia and Avelina. While I was not necessarily close to them in the traditional sense, their deaths changed my world. I am shocked every day by how much I miss something and someone I never even knew.

5. What countries did you visit?

The good old United States. I fail at travel.

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

This was such a huge year for me...I graduated college, started my career, turned 30 in the most fabulous of ways, found the perfect job that allowed me to spend more time with the people I love. If 2012 can match 2011, I will be ecstatic.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched in your memory and why?

July 24th - I graduated college. I know I am old and that isn't that serious, but it was important to me to accomplish this before I turned 30.

August 1st - The day that my life changed forever and two friends became much more than I ever imagined.

September 26th - I turned 30 at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Need I say more?

8. What are your biggest achievements of the year?

Graduating. Working. Striving to make a career out of a passion. This year has been the year of food and my life in the culinary world.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I didn't realize it at the time, but my attempt at working second shift. I alienated a lot of people. I went out too much and created a life I am not proud of. I love the people I met, though. But, I much prefer a life where I am up early enough to spend time with the people I love.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Ha! I only attempted to cut off my finger in a meat slicer. The nail that is partially cut through has almost grown out...then I will only have a tiny red scar. It seems odd to me that only that will be left.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I honestly don't know how to answer this...money this year has gone to Neil's surgery, putting down Kobi, a leaky basement, various car ailments...we got a 42 inch TV for the living room for $330. I will go with that. Oh, and vacation. That was money well spent too!

12. Where did most of your money go?

Pets. Always. Fucking pets. I love them so much...I just wish they weren't so expensive.

13.What did you get really excited about?

Graduation. Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Mostly the latter.

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Our pastry chef plays a top 40 station in the prep room and the sous chef plays a hard rock station on the line. So, my mornings are spent walking between pop and rock. Curiously, since I don't really like pop, those are the songs that stuck with me the most. 

LMFAO - Sexy and you know it.

PitBull - Give me everything

I have spent the rest of the year in rock listening to Five Finger Death Punch and Mudvayne. 

15. Compared to this time last year, you are...

Happier/Sadder?  Happier. The boy and I are in a better place, my career is in a better place, my relationship with my friends is only getting better...so much happier.

Thinner/Fatter? Fatter. For sure. When I left old job, the craziness of working in high volume went away. Also, I can eat at my new job. These two things combined have not been good for my nonexistent waist line. Shit is going to change. Or at least I keep telling myself.

Richer/Poorer? About the same. Which is poor. I make $11/hr. There is only poor.

16. What do you wish you had done more of?

Read. Write. Exercise. Eat out. Cook. Everything. Isn't that human nature? We always want more of the things we love.

17. What do you wish you had done less of?

I choose not to regret. I can't. It would paralyze me. 

18. How did you spend Christmas?

At a bar with the boy, my grandpa, and my dad playing bingo. We do this every year. My stepmom leaves town, I already do Christmas with my mom the weekend before. It is nice...I enjoy having a relaxing day of just hanging out and relaxing.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

Ah! This is so hard. Top Chef will forever be my favorite, but I choose to think in terms of new TV. Once Upon a Time may be my new favorite. I have a weakness for fairy tales. Especially if they contain magic. 

20. What are your favorite books of the year?

Hunger Games

Girl with a Dragon Tattoo Series

Inheritance, the final book in the Eragon series

I read so much it is hard to even remember. Those three really stood out, though.

21. What was your favorite music of the year?

For whatever reason, I fell back in love with Mudvayne. I can't get enough. For months over the summer, it was all I listened to in my car. Now that I don't really have a commute...I listen to far less music. Which is sad.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows II. Hands Down. Winner. Amazing.

Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. 

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

The big 3-0. I went to the only place I could truly be a kid...The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Best Day of My Life.

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

Winning the lottery? Discovering magic was real? I don't know. This year was pretty bad ass.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

This shit is hilarious. Um. I am currently wearing a "Spock, paper, scissors" T-Shirt and sweatpants. I think this pretty much says it all. 

26. What kept you sane?

The boy. My friends. My family. Alcohol.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

You can't choose your family. Sometimes they are blood relatives and sometimes they aren't. Surrounding yourself with people who make you better, people who make you happier...that is life. That is love. That is everything. You all have given me strength and love and happiness. I couldn't possibly ask for more.