2013 Questions

The end-of-the-year survey tradition continues for a eighth year {!!!}

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

1) What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?

Went camping. Bought a new car. Fed (led?) a turtle like E.T. Visited Boston and Pennsylvania. Drove a car in New York City. Visited the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Bought (and then learned to use) a BBQ. Stood up for myself in conversations. Dyed my hair pink. Learned to twerk...and gas pedal (and then taught several friends each move). Supported the Veronica Mars Movie on Kickstarter. Baptized 10 of my small group girls. Led worship at each of the four Mariners Church campuses. Made our own donuts at home. Walked more than forty New York City blocks in falling snow.

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

I made four daily goals this year: 1) be active for 20 min 2) write 365 cards in 365 days 3) write something every day 4) fight a fear. The last I kept, for the most part. I fought--and conquered--a lot of fears this year.

Not sure what my resolutions will be this year...I'm still thinking them through. I'm leaning toward a list {classic Allison}. Any suggestions?

3) Did anyone close to you give birth?

Emily and Natalya. 

4) Did anyone close to you die?

No one close to me, but I attended a few funerals in support of people I love who lost loved ones.

5) What countries did you visit?

None. This will not be my answer at the end of 2014.

6) What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

Less fear. More confidence in exactly who God has created me to be.

And a smaller dress size.

7) What date(s) from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

No specific dates...I could lie and look-up a few, but I'm more attached to the memories than the actual dates.

8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I made some pretty rad rainbow pancakes for Sara's birthday. Calling them my biggest achievement may be an overstatement, but I was {and should be} pretty proud of them.

9) Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had a strong case of bronchitis right before the road trip. And then almost completely lost my voice on Christmas Eve.

10) What was the best thing you bought?

I am pretty glad I bought plane tickets to Boston and New York.
I also really love several sweaters I've added to my closet.
Oh, and I suppose my new and totally reliable car should make it on this list.

11) Whose behavior merited celebration?

My dad and I really kicked-up our friendship levels this year. It was such a joy to be so excited to see him and talk to him frequently.

12) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Well, I think I decline to comment on this one.

13) Where did most of your money go?

Rent, gas, food...Target, Forever 21, Starbucks.

14) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Our 2nd Annual Road Trip. A birthday trip to Mani-Karaoke. A Christmas Evening with friends. 

15) What song/album will always remind you of 2013?

Nashville (the TV show) songs. Roar by Katy Perry. 

16) Compared to this time last year, are you:

Wiser? Yes. Healthier? Yes. Richer? Probably not.

17) What do you wish you'd done more of?

Spent time in prayer. Spoken up for myself. Asked questions.

18) What do you wish you'd done less of?

Let my insecurities get the best of me. Make assumptions {which nearly always turned out to be incorrect.}

19) How did you spend Christmas?

With A LOT of people I really, really love. Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas Eve were spent mostly at the church. Christmas Eve: at my mom's, then back to church for the midnight candlelight service. Christmas Day: I went to my grandparents, talked to my dad and brother, played games with Cathi and LV's family, dinner with the Andersons (and others), then went to play more games and eat great food with my closest friends at what is now, hopefully, a Christmas Evening tradition.

20) Did you fall in love in 2013?

I think I fell in love with 2013. It was a strong showing this year.

21) What was your favorite new TV program?

Nashville. 

22) What was the best book you read?

Fiction: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore.
Non-Fiction: Cold Tangerines.

23) What was your greatest musical discovery?

Mostly the music from the Nashville TV show. I also fell in love with Ryan Adams, Ellie Goulding and Otis Redding.

24) What did you want and get?

Another rad small group of girls. Another great birthday road trip. A trip to New York {in the snow!}

25) What did you want and not get?

A new suitcase? My passport renewed? A Hawaiian Christmas vacation? {my dad moved to Hawaii...the visit was postponed, not canceled} All such great, silly things.

26) What was your favorite film of this year?

Saving Mr Banks {I just realized that I saw 6 movies in the theater this year and five were in the last week.}

27) What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn?

I turned 31. We took another road trip leading up to my actual birthday. On the day, I was celebrated at work with decorations, cards, presents and my favorite Chinese food was brought in for lunch. That afternoon, I went for a pedicure/karaoke session, super tasty burger (with a slight car accident in-between), an ice cream run and then a dance party at the Hays. So many things and people I love in one day.

28) Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?

You know, I really love Kristen Bell...but this is nothing new. {She named her kid Lincoln, so it really feels as though we're MFEO.}

29) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

No jeans. Not once. Lots of dresses...and for the last few months, styling the same dress(es) on repeat.

30) What kept you sane?

Jesus. And naps.

31) Who did you miss?

Katie Hunt. {times a million}

32) What valuable life lesson did you learn in 2013?

There's only one me. 

33) What did you gain this year?

Some really great {and, hopefully life-long} friends.
A deep love for brussels sprouts.

34) What did you lose this year?

Lots of fears. 

35) Who was the best new person you met?

Es. {Molly Gazin is a close second.}

36) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

What good is living the life you've been given if all you do is stand in one place?