A Year in the Life of Leah

I recently completed my Decade in Review, and now that 2010 is fast approaching it is time to do a review of my year. Last year, we combined all five yearly review surveys in one post, which you can find here. Enjoy!

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

I think I did a pretty good job! I wanted to go to the mountains more and to find more fun, cheap and sober activities for my best friend and I. I went to the mountains a ton to hike, eat, snowboard, visit family and hike more. With the addition of yoga and board games into my life, that brought in the fun and (relatively) cheap activities. As for resolutions for next year, I really want to get into personal finances and really start a savings fund (likely for a down payment for a house … someday).

2. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The day that Kate told me she was pregnant. I don’t recall the exact date, but I will never forget the way I felt when she told me. I dropped the phone, yelled for Tim and cried. It was magical, and from that day forward I stopped living for myself and started living my life for the little, tiny baby growing inside my sister.

3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting a raving review and growing immensely at my full-time job and also picking up a part-time job on the side, planning for my future. Becoming closer to my family in Calgary. Really communicating my needs to the boyfriend and keeping in touch with my best friends. Becoming the maid of honour for my best friend’s wedding. Making friends.

4. What was your biggest failure?

Beng very, very messy.

5. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I want to say the same as last year – the boyfriend, Natalie (my best Calgary friend) and Stef and Leah (my best Ontario friends), but though true, that doesn’t challenge me. I am going to say my cousin, Emily (see her beautiful mug here). Em and I have gotten close since I moved here (she lives in Calgary) and she not only excelled at school, she got two amazing co-op jobs that will both help to propel her to greatness. I have seen her become this amazing, intelligent and smart young woman, making great life choices. Plus, she reads and comments on the blog regularly. Bravo, Em!

(Also – all of my visitors, Including Mom and Micaela.)

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

Erica’s wedding, Micaela’s wedding and  Raspbaby. Though the weddings seem like a lifetime ago now.

7. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier, though a wee bit apprehensive for the future.
ii. thinner or fatter? The same.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer.

8. What was the best book you read?

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe, by Fannie Flagg.

9. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 23 and had an amazing birthday. My Mom surprised me and came to Calgary for the weekend, I had a birthday party at my house, and all of my friends came and celebrated with me. I drank champagne and wore a really sparkly shirt. It was perfect.

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

Being able to see and touch Kate’s belly and watch it grow in person, not just through pictures.

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

Casual, lots of boots, leggings, and a lot of sequins. I acquired a lot of colourful, statement shirts which make me feel like a million bucks. I bought a lot of secondhand and vintage clothes.

12. What kept you sane this year?

Blogs and budgets and therapy.

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

That not only do I have personal boundaries, I have energy boundaries. My energy boundary can have a positive effect on other people, but is impermeable by other people’s energy. I don’t know how much sense that makes to everybody, but it is how I keep myself and my anxiety in check when dealing with high stress situations at work.

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