I got this list of questions from my niece, Kayleen who lives in Wisconsin.
I like stuff like this. I like looking back, making lists, and filling out questionnaires, so I’m following in her footsteps with this. I’m almost twice her age and our answers to the same questions show it. For example — more of her friends gave birth, and more of mine died, but we both share the Parker name, and we both have bloggy things (this is hers) So here goes…
the Year in Review:
2015 in simple question and answer form.
What did you do in 2015 that you’ve never done before?
Chartered an airplane.
Walked over 2,000 miles (not all at once)
Made macaroons
Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No. I don’t make resolutions, but I do have mottos each year.
My motto for 2015 was Sit at the Table. I did not do that so very much.
My motto for 2016 is Simply the Best and I expect it to be a good one.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope
Did anyone close to you die?
It was a year of huge loss.
Kim Wardrip, Brother Bill, Peet, Mr. Chan, My dad, Carpet Jan, Jeff Potter.
What countries did you visit?
Ken and I took some fun road trips in the van, but we stayed in Canada and the USA
What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?
I lack nothing.
What events from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day we moved to Sechelt
Attending Kim’s memorial via Skype
My brother Art speaking at dads memorial service
The week Anna and I walked the Suncoaster Trail
The big fire that put us on evacuation notice
Wonderful friends that came to visit
Getting out with Ken in his row boat
Dancing in my childhood home to the oldies, while Art and Ken played “name that tune.”
Enjoying the sun rise and set, the moon eclipse, and really taking in the views of this area.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finding my way around the kitchen, also I read 50 books!
What was your biggest failure?
Cooking for two weeks without realizing the heating element in the oven was broken. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong with certain recipes.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No. But, I know better than to brag on that!
What was the best thing you bought?
A big ass, fancy dancy, blender
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Ken will always make this list, and my brother Art truly earned rock star status.
Whose behaviour appalled you?
Some of dads friends who insisted he “find god†before he died.
And then, there’s the GOP in the states, for fuck sakes.
Where did most of your money go?
I would say on food. I’m buying ingredients as I learn to cook, and am not skimping here.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Surprising Ken with a 5 hour boat trip up Princess Louisa Inlet.
The airplane ride was exciting too.
What song will always remind you of 2015?
Monster Mash!
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter?
Thinner
iii. richer or poorer?
Richer
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Writing
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being cranky about stuff that is not important
Did you fall in love in 2015?
I stayed in love.
What was your favourite TV program?
I’m still a sucker for Perry Mason and The Waltons, but I’m starting to watch cooking shows.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I’m giving the same answer as Kayleen for this one. I agree we should delete this question. I don’t have time and energy to waste on hating people. (And Steven Harper is gone)
What was the best book you read?
When The Birds Rained Down by Jocelyne Saucier
What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
Music is not a big part of my life, but I sure like Broadway Show tunes, and my cousin John in NYC sent me a box of CDs from a lot of different shows.
What did you want and get?
A lot!
A wonderful house with a view!
A prolific veggie garden
Ugly christmas sweaters for Marian, Peter, Tamsin and Ken
What did you want and not get?
A Subaru
What was your favourite film of this year?
I don’t watch a lot of films but The Martian was fun.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 60 and we chartered a seaplane to explore the Sunshine Coast
What one thing would have made the year immeasurably more satisfying?
I can’t think of one thing.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?
Hasn’t changed.
I still pretty well only wear turtle necks, jeans and hiking boots.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The strategic voting that gave Steven Harper the big Heave.
Who did you miss?
I miss our friends on Bowen Island, and I really miss my Tai Chi students.
(I’m not going to mention mom, Kim and Peet.)
Who was the best new person you met?
I’m going to go with our neighbour Laurie here.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015:
If you are sharing your gratitudes and regrets — make sure the person you are sharing them with is on one of those lists!