1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

I made a Mondo Beyondo list.
I clung to a surfboard and screamed very loudly.
I got sick on a plane.
I got involved in a long-term yoga practice.
I learned and practiced meditation.
I applied to grad school.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I kept some of my new year’s resolutions. I eschewed plastic water bottles for months, caved back into the madness due to stupid SIGG and losing my cap. However, I’m proud to say that I’m back on the wagon, having purchased a few reusable options! YAY!

I am sadly still cursing.

I am sort of still popping pimples though my skin has cleared up considerably so that has become less of an issue. WHICH IS SO SAD TO ME. SORT OF.

OF COURSE I will make more resolutions this year. I LOVE resolutions. I just haven’t thought about what I’d like to work on yet…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

NO. HOW I WISH THEY DID!!! (GET ON IT, PEOPLE.)

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Bill & Father Donald

5. What countries did you visit?

No countries! SAD. But! I did take a fantastic weekend trip to Washington D.C. last spring, a breathtaking trip to Kennebunkport in October and I spent a glorious Thanksgiving in Los Angeles. Mini-vacations, all of them wonderful.

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

MONEY?

HAAA??

SELF-WORTH?

WAHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Um. No. Seriously. Money. Possibly more self-control when it comes to my money. More self-confidence, more direction in terms of my career, more compassion, more gratitude for all that I have. Also, cash money.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 20th! Obama sworn in as President of the United States! BOO YAH.

I don’t necessarily have other specific dates etched into my memory but a year full of specific memories spanning over quite a few days, perhaps even seasons. Last winter, I was auditioning a lot and braving the cold. In the spring, I started dating again. Over the summer, I got laid off and spent a most enjoyable and relaxing few weeks babysitting and playing in the ocean. This fall, I traveled to Maine, spent sunny Saturdays in the yoga studio, went for long runs in the park and wrote at the coffee shop with PCG.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I’d have to say personal growth. My capacity to evolve has really expanded this year. I suppose I can jump on what I just said above—I really feel like I made an effort to be present. And in those moments of stillness, throughout every season, I have found myself a changed person. Little things that used to annoy me or anger me have all but fallen away. My ability to tap into compassion and empathy has increased enormously. I have slowed my life down, taken less classes, filled up less of my time and found myself infinitely more productive. I have grounded myself in the present, creating more of a “home” in my apartment, cooking more dinners, meditating, spending more time with loved ones. I have honestly surprised myself so many times in my reaction to difficult situations, obstacles, hard conversations, frustrations and despair. I have found myself so much stronger than I ever thought I could be. And while there were many people around me to help show me the way, in the end, I have relied on myself and my willingness to change and adapt. I am proud of the person that I was this year.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Eeek. Hm. My career continues to be one big mystery and perhaps you could call it a failure. I prefer to think of it as if it simply hasn’t gotten off the ground yet. It hasn’t progressed to where I need it to go. That is overwhelming and frustrating BUT I am still holding on, more than a little persistent, trying to attack it from different angles while also trying to listen and see if there is another path out there for me that is not the one I originally thought to take. Time will tell.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Sort of. I puked on a plane, does that count? I have avoided swine flu so far. And my skin cancer biopsies came back negative so I’m going to say…I have pretty much kicked ass this year as far as health goes. HUZZAH!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

BOUGHT? BEST THING I BOUGHT? DO I HAVE TO PICK JUST ONE? See also: why I need money in the New Year. HA HA HA. No! But seriously folks! The best things I bought were probably my plane tickets to various U.S. Cities and also the best meal of my life that I bought PCG and myself at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. DELICIOSO!!!

I’m also super glad I bought myself a pair of boyfriend jeans, my own car insurance policy, multiple pairs of black tights, infinite servings of Thai vegetable dumplings and a subscription to Vanity Fair.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Um. Mine? For…being…awesome? Seriously, I am not entirely sure. I’d have to say that my parents continue to blow my mind for being incredible people. And tomorrow, we are celebrating my dad turning 65 years of awesome so…does that count? Other than that, I GUESS THE REST OF YOU SUCK.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Oh! Awkward! Seriously? APPALLED AND DEPRESSED? That is kind of…severe…no? I can’t think of a single person with the exception of really stupid celebrities or politicians. I’m kind of mad at this ridiculous health care run around and this bailout run around and the fact that no one ever seems to know what the hell is going on in this country. OH! WAIT! I got pissed off at that girl who wouldn’t move her backpack in the overhead bin on the plane! I’m mad about the fact that my dermatologist charged me over $700 to have two moles removed because I don’t have health insurance! And ugh, how about that guy who stole my little brother’s iPod at a wedding! And that terrorist that almost blew up that plane in Detroit!?! WAIT. NOW I’M APPROPRIATELY APPALLED AND DEPRESSED ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS.

14. Where did most of your money go?

my rent, my student loans, my credit card, Thai vegetable dumplings

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

My trip to Maine with PCG! A few auditions that never culminated in a job! Rocking out an audition for an legit agent which culminated in two meetings. Getting a new commercial agent. Spending time with my dad. That two week period where The Roommate and I were going to move and then the apartment was given to someone else and we decided to stay put and HM. Maybe that wasn’t as exciting as I originally thought.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Oh man! What the heck was I listening to this year?! I’m not entirely sure. Right now, I am into John Mayer’s new album. Other albums included the Indigo Girls’ “Poseidon and the Bitter Bug”, Sara Watkins’ self-titled album and the cast recording of “Next to Normal”. SHUT UP. Sometime last winter, I discovered my most favorite rendition ever of my most favorite song which is “To Make You Feel My Love” by Mick McAuley & Winifred Horan. Simply gorgeous. Download it and your life will change.

Other songs:

“Fidelity” by Regina Spektor
“Ok” by Holly Conlan

Mostly because those got stuck on a playlist and were on repeat for a good month or so with some random Bruce Springsteen. DON’T ASK ME WHY. I GET INTO A MOOD.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? About the same, I’d say a bit thinner but more toned
c) richer or poorer? Poorer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Dancing! Auditioning! Standing up for myself! Calling my friends back on time! Making fun of myself on my blog!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying about my finances, getting attached to being “right”

20. How did you spend Christmas?

LIKE THIS!!!

Breaking it down: Eating an egg sandwich with ketchup for breakfast, sleigh riding with my sister and my mom while my dad took pictures, eating Chinese takeout for dinner, having an “Airing of Grievances” with my entire family which resulted in many tears but lots of love, opening gifts, reading in front of the fire, falling asleep content

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Definitely fell more in love with my life. And PCG? Well. He’s pretty cute, I’m not going to lie to you.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Glee. WHAT THE HECK IS MY DEAL!? So cheesy and so good! Otherwise, I stuck to my tried and true: Brothers and Sisters, Top Chef, Weeds on DVD.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Yikes, no! And if I did, you’d be the first to know!

24. What was the best book you read?

OH MAN. I am a sucker for contemporary fiction and would have to go with The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb because it was epic and brilliant and sad and hopeful. I also adored Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. That didn’t win the Pulitzer Prize for nothing, AM I RIGHT!? Currently, I am almost through The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham and OH! Is it DIVINE!

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I’d have to go with Jenny Lewis, a renewed sense of awe for Ray LaMontagne, ditto for Sara Watkins. Also, some phenomenal Broadway performances which left me breathless.

26. What did you want and get?

A healthy, loving relationship. The gift of meditation.

27. What did you want and not get?

I wanted my dad’s cancer to disappear, which it did, for a bit. However, we found out on Christmas Eve that it has returned. FUN TIMES.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I think I’m gonna have to go with “Up”. Though I also enjoyed “The Reader” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

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

I turned 26! A bunch of friends came out on the town to Vintage, a martini bar and we stayed there until almost 3 am. At that point, I walked to a diner with my friend Mike for grilled cheese with tomato. Hopped in a cab and collapsed into bed very very late. Was so very very fun.

30. What’s the one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

My fantastic boyfriend who has really gone above and beyond in every aspect. He has pushed me to try new things, go to new places, be a better person, participate in life more fully. This has been, without a doubt, immeasurably more satisfying.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Ho hum herm. Um. I’m not sure. I have stepped up my fashion sense, that is for sure. Though I still am very happy in a t-shirt, jeans and my gray Converse. I wore more high heels this year, which was fun. I enjoyed playing around with fun patterned tights, this past summer I succumbed to the trend of the maxi dress which I surprisingly do not regret and I got into some headbands and funky accessories. THAT’S ABOUT IT.

32. What kept you sane?

Bikram Yoga, Meditation, Thai vegetable dumplings, e-mails to Laurie

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

I am not really one to have a celebrity crush. Just sort of inspired by really amazing actors. ROBERT DOWNEY JUNIOR, HOLLER AT ME.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Healthcare. I don’t even know where to begin. I need it. I don’t have it. And yet the bill they’re trying to pass seems full of waste and ridiculous conditions. I’d have to say the bailout/stimulus plan, same thing. Lots of money being thrown around and not really helping, no one watching where it’s going, IT BOGGLES THE MIND.

35. Who did you miss?

My cousin Tom who lives in LA though he is here visiting right now so that seems silly. I miss my cousin Beth and her fiancé who live in Rome. Other than that, most of my nearest and dearest are nearby!

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Bloggers! I found some incredible blogs this year, as crazy as it sounds. And we haven’t “met” in a real life sense of the word but I feel inspired by their words and lives all the same.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Pause, pause, pause.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“I’m walking down Broadway, each foot step is a new love letter. I try to make eye contact with each and every stranger that I pass. Thinking about the city, it’s living proof people need to be together. I’m thinking about how I just want to open up and give and give and give. And it’s okay for you to care. ‘Cause I can feel you in the air. While you wonder how’s this gonna end, I only want it to begin.”