2008 and beyond

i'm not a believer in new year's resolutions but i do enjoy taking a look back at the year and comparing to others... here's a quick run-down for ya, in no particular order.

i...

...did not:

1. get promoted again
2. get invited to any of the sales meetings... again
   
3. get the upgraded laptop so sorely needed for my job
4. get the mac i so desperately crave for my personal use
5. qualify for lasik surgery (eh, i'll have perfect eyesight when i'm mom's age - HAH!)
   
6. have a hangover on january 1 for TWO years running
7. watch nearly enough movie theater movies
8. read all of 2008's new yorker magazines
9. find a favorite indie bookstore in chicago
   
10. have the urge to bash my head against random bar bathroom stalls
11. solve all of my emotional or life issues... at all... in fact, i'm sure i've compounded them

...did:

1. vote for barack obama AND attend the election night rally
   
2. moved into a fabulous apartment in the city with an amazing roommate
3. get a facebook account
   
4. find a pretty cool guy to hang around with
   
5. read 27 books
6. read an estimated 70% of 2008's new yorker magazines cover-to-cover
   
7. work out regularly
8. try out and enjoyed regular bikram classes
   
9. (and hence) actually lost those 5 lbs!
10. survive bartending at the atov bistro
    
11. consequently: overworked myself
12. travel to san antonio, los angeles, san diego, twin cities, the dells, madison and davenport
    
13. thoroughly enjoyed more than my fair share of a $90 bottle of wine
    

i'm not quite sure what 2009 will bring... i'd like to start seeing a shrink again - especially now that i feel healthier, so that i have a good perspective of myself as a "happy, healthy individual" when the times of trial inevitably occur. i did want lasiks but the ki-bash was put on that... perhaps i'll nab myself a giant tv or that mac i really want (if i get the mac, do i really NEED the tv!?). i miss spending time with my grandparents, mom and sister. moving back to the city was what i needed for sanity and strength but i really love having my family touchstones so close. the biggest thing i want to accomplish is figuring out what to do with my career. the economy is scary right now and i'm simply thankful for a job, but i'm at a crux with my talent/desire/passion vs. actual wages/clout received. all i can do is be cliche - put my best foot forward and go with the flow....

this year's new year's cheers deserves a dusky, deep red, earthy merlot... here's to 2009!