Jan
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2009 will definitely be an eventful year for the five blondes. With mine and Erica’s weddings in August and May respectively, a super wonderful amazing top secret surprise on the horizon from Leah (details to come… hopefully!), babies from Katelyn (that’s my plan anyways, not sure if it’s hers), and Lauren living her wild and crazy university life, our lives will definitely not lack for excitement or fun.
We have all answered a few questions in a New Years survey about our past year and the new year that lies ahead. It’s quite long so it’s going behind the break. Click, read, enjoy!
Erica
1. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t make any resolutions for 2008, but in 2008 I did fulfill my 2007 resolution - to buy a bathing suit. Haven’t worn it yet, but I bought one! As for the upcoming year, I do have a resolution of sorts – to do more and meet up with more friends, new and old.
2. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Nothing pops immediately to mind, although November 24th was a big date for us at work and signaled the beginning of a very stressful couple of weeks. It’s a negative etch. A scratch?
3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Learning to knit! I know it sounds dorky, but knitting is incredibly relaxing and satisfies my creative tendencies.
4. What was your biggest failure?
Not convincing Denis that a Volkswagen Beetle would be perfect wedding transportation.
5. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Denis! Not only do I now get to speak about him BY NAME on the blog, but I can also post pictures of him. He also became an amazing kitty-daddy to Max, solidifying my belief that he will be an amazing father. Thanks to him I never forget to take my medication, and I occasionally get surprise phone calls at work inviting me to come out to the parking lot where he is waiting with a delicious drink from Starbucks for me.
6. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting our kitten Max last January was very exciting and added some much-needed variety to my life. I was/am also very excited about wedding planning (even though I might not show it outwardly and it can be very frustrating).
7. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier!
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner – not that I need to be. I lost 10 pounds without even realizing it this summer as I biked to work every day.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer – subject to change pending the events of May 2, 2009.
8. What was the best book you read?
I read a lot of books, but I have to say that The Friday Night Knitting Club stands out in my mind since it helped encourage me to learn to knit. It’s not entirely about knitting so even if you aren’t a knitter, you’ll still enjoy it!
9. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 26 in August and celebrated with a trip to Cedar Point with Denis. Sadly the trip made me realize that I am getting old – I got an insane headache from the roller coasters and was sick for over a week when we went back home.
10. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting married…I kind of wanted a fall wedding, but it was not meant to be.
11. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I tried to branch out with my personal fashion concepts this year (as I do every year) and I *think* I did ok – more work clothes (nice pants, sweaters, tuxedo shirts) and dresses – sisters you will never believe it, I bought 2 dresses this week. 2! I like one of them so much that I didn’t want to take it off when I tried it on. That said, I still have too many grey sweaters and not enough dressy shoes. Let’s just say that I’m thrilled that my local mall now has a Banana Republic and a Nine West.
12. What kept you sane this year?
Denis & knitting. Knitting = relaxing.
13. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Check, double check, triple check. And, as always, trust and have faith.
Micaela
1. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I just pulled out a journal that I wrote my new years resolutions in last year:
- Play guitar every day – definitely did not accomplish that one.
- Read one book every week – I didn’t read one a week but maybe one every couple weeks.
- Buy a car - Yes! I did accomplish this one! I didn’t really have a choice in the matter though, so I’m not sure why I made it a resolution.
- Be a better, more understanding and more patient girlfriend – I’d say I accomplished this one as well as I could have since Kent did ask me to marry him.
And there were a few more, most of them I accomplished about halfway. Then on January 12 I wrote in there again and all it says is “New Years resolutions are going okay but it is January 12 and resolutions are soooo two weeks ago.” hahaha.
This year mine is to wear heels more often. And to have really toned, in-shape arms for my weddings. Hopefully these do not fall by the wayside by January 12. At least not the second one.
2. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I would like to have better hair and nicer clothes and actually care more about looking good on a regular basis. All of my resolutions are very superficial. I’m okay with that.
3. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 26th – the day that Kent proposed to me on the lookout trail in Algonquin Park.
4. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting into teacher’s college, becoming the treasurer at the bank – ie. being in charge of all of the money in the bank, and not completely screwing anything up, getting straight A’s this semester, our baseball team winning a game!, saving our small town from not having any brownie leaders with the help of Katelyn (I guess that was last year but it continued on into this year), annnd successfully finishing my first teaching placement in a gr. 8 class.
5. What was your biggest failure?
Being much too impatient with people especially when I don’t think they are doing things the “right” way (ie. the way I would do it).
6. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Leah, for making the most out of her first year in Calgary, finding her perfect job and not letting anything get her too down out there.
7. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting engaged!!! My birthday!!! Leah’s trip home!!! My trip to Calgary in a month!!!
8. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Same.
iii. richer or poorer? I was richer until about August, but now, much poorer. No work and all school will do that to a girl.
9. What was the best book you read?
This is cheesy and you will think I’m crazy, but it’s true: Inside My Heart by Robyn McGraw (Dr. Phil’s wife). Looove her. I have read it about four times this year.
10. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 and I spent the night at a comedy club then a bar with lots friends and my greatest enemy, tequila.
11. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Probably having gone to school closer to home so I could keep living with Kent and not having had to move two hours away in September. But in general, I can’t complain too much about that. It’s been a pretty good time.
12. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Skinny jeans, tall boots (winter)/gladiator sandals (summer), and flowy tops. Everyday. And lots of dresses in the summer.
13. What kept you sane this year?
From January to August, my daily morning three hour long chat in the vault with my friend Karen at the bank we worked at while we worked on night deposits and ATM deposits. That made going to work infinitely more enjoyable, and she was always the perfect person to talk to about problems and secrets because we spent so much time together and because we didn’t share the same friends.
14. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I learned this saying from one of my teachers at school, and I try to remember it as often as I need to because I think it’s very true: “What Peter says about Paul says more about Peter than it does about Paul.”
Katelyn
1. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t think I made any resolutions… I never really keep them, so I kind of stopped making them…. BUT this year that will change… I resolve to take lots of pictures on my new amazing Canon Rebel SXi!! And figure out all the functions.
2. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Celebrating 1 year of being married on October 27, everyone says the first 2 years of marriage are the hardest, we survived one year with ease so I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
-New job! woo hoo!
-Our blog getting published in a newspaper in the states because of this post.
4. What was your biggest failure?
I guess I’d have to say staying at my old job for so long. I didn’t really enjoy my time there.
5. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Winning a baseball game in the summer!
6. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? -happier
ii. thinner or fatter? -same
iii. richer or poorer? -richer
7. What was the best book you read?
Eat, Pray Love. … I didn’t read many books this year, I should resolve to read more in the New Year.
8. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 23!! I worked, and no one knew it was my birthday so I was sad all day, and then I went to a Yoga class where my class sang happy birthday to me in hushed yoga tones. After that we went to Under the Volcano (a restaurant) and we all got wonderful drinks and food! Lots of people showed up and I was very happy!
9. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Going on a trip somewhere, anywhere! I don’t believe I went anywhere in 2008 and I’m ready for that to change in 2009! Tennessee here we come!
10. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Jeans, belt, and a colourful top. Pretty boring. I need a makeover STAT, TLC can you hear me????
11. What kept you sane this year?
I’d have to say taking pictures all the time keeps me sane, and the person who helped keep me sane was Scott.
12. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
To be happy in the moment where you are right now. I always second guess myself and I know it’s bad but it is something I need to work on.
Leah
1. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Generally my resolutions are to be in my prime, and to have better posture. I do feel that I am in my prime right now and the posture is always a work in progress. My resolution this year is to do more fun, cheap activities that do not in any way involve alcohol – Natalie and I made a list today. And to go to the mountains more.
2. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 27 – the day I arbitrarily picked for Tim and I to pack up our belongings into his car and move to Calgary. Him, to work. Me, to follow my heart and to have an adventure.
3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Graduating from University! Creating a wonderful life for myself in a new city. Securing a full time job (that I like) straight out of university. Doing something that I have wanted to for two years – something that was totally out of my comfort zone, that I could only have done with the support from amazing family and friends.
4. What was your biggest failure?
I didn’t exercise enough. I didn’t treat one person very well, and I let her actions affect my life more than they should have.
5. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My boyfriend, Tim, for asking me to move away with him and start the next step of our lives together. For loving me unconditionally and for holding me when I cry because I am homesick. For pushing me to have high expectations for myself and accept only the best. For cooking me dinner every day.
My best friend Natalie, for being the best friend a girl could possibly have while in a new city. For supporting me and listening to me when that is whatl I really need.
ALL of my amazing friends and family at home for sending me mail and calling me and for being such amazing supports when I am so far away.
6. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Micaela’s engagement, even though it meant that we couldn’t have the double wedding I have always dreamed of. And the Stampede, which is hands down the best time of the year. Everybody is invited to stay at Hotel Leah & Tim this year for the BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE.
7. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? The same.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer. But still terrible with managing my moola!
8. What was the best book you read?
The Time Traveller’s Wife. I read it over and over and over again. Tim just rolls his eyes when he sees me with that book in my hands because it definitely means that I will not be talking to him until I am done it, and because he knows that I am 100% going to cry at the end even though I already know what happens.
Also, Practical Magic.
9. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 22, but I feel like I turned 23. I spent the night before at a bar called the Met on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary, and then at at the Unicorn, a pub in a basement. It was just Natalie and I and we had an awesome time. I actually was alone for a bit sitting at the bar waiting for Natalie to leave her company Christmas party and a fellow took pity on me and put down his credit card so I could have an unlimited bar tab for the evening. Unfortunately, he didn’t know the extent of my superior drinking abilities. Poor guy. The day of, Natalie and I went to the Zoo and had a day full of laughter. That evening, Tim and I went to dinner at a restaurant and had a fantastic evening together.
10. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to see my sisters more often.
11. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
It transformed from University attire – jeans every day, boots, sweaters, no make-up, mostly black clothes because I worked at the bar to much to a more adult, business-like attire. That made me really happy.
12. What kept you sane this year?
This blog!!!!!!!!!! My best friends – Tim, Natalie, Leah, Stef and my sisters.
13. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
When you have to do something that you don’t want to, or you are nervous or anxious about something, take a big breath, put on your best and biggest smile and say to yourself : “It’s showtime.” I do it all the time and it really works. What’s that saying – life is but a dream, and we are all but actors upon a stage.
Lauren
1. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I usually ALWAYS resolve to stop biting my nails. It happened for the summer last year, but then I gave up/forget about it and just keep biting them. I’m not sure what I’ll resolve for this year though, maybe something about school…or my nonexistent relationships
2. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 29th, June 9 (19th birthday!)
3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving Ottawa winters/ the bus strike lately, and surviving school.
4. What was your biggest failure?
Probably being so negative about everything. Maybe this should be a resolution too?
5. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Mic I know you said not to copy you today, but I kind of agree about Lee (Lauren! I was only kidding! – Mic).
6. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being a bridesmaid at TWO weddings next summer! And also thinking that my university education is almost half over!
7. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Same.
ii. thinner or fatter? I think the same, maybe fatter though. (I would disagree! -Leah)
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer. since I’m paying for rent this year!
8. What was the best book you read?
Even though these are both books that I read ALL the time, I’d have to say Summer Sisters, by Judy Blume, and Picabo: Nothing to Hide, which is Picabo Street’s autobiography (she’s an American ski racer). Summer Sisters can always no doubt make me cry like a baby, and make me feel like I should call my friends and talk to them (or in Emily’s case, go into the next room), and Picabo is such an inspiring book, and makes me SO sad I stopped racing two years ago.
11. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 19, and me and 5 friends went to Toronto, went to a Jays game, and went out in Toronto…to a gay bar!
10. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Probably living in the tropics…and winning the Lottery.
11. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Very random. I don’t really have a style, I just wear very random things. I like to dress up though. I’m also VERY excited about a pair of red rain boots I’m receiving in the mail soon for Christmas that I can wear with my yellow rain coat!
12. What kept you sane this year?
Emily. Definitely Emily, especially in our crazy house of us two and three boys. (Which you should blog about… -Erica)
13. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Don’t take your friends for granted, they might not be around for long, and if you’re the only one making an effort, it’s not worth it.
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Comments
14 Responses to “Five Years, One Post”
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Lauren- you are way thinner! you crazy girl!
The latest blog stylings of Kate: Five Years, One Post
I love year in review posts. You ladies all certainly lead fun lives.
The latest blog stylings of elysa: Joy, Contribution and Journey of 2009
Such a cute post, ladies. Happy 2009! And Kate—can’t wait to see the work of your camera, too!
The latest blog stylings of Julia: Out with a bang
What a treat to read…I love it!!!
Leaaaaaaaah, what’s the surprise??
Allison you will LOVE the surprise! It’s so cool!
The latest blog stylings of Lauren: Five Years, One Post
I want to know the surprise… Come on Leah!!
and I also think Katelyn should have babies.. they would make a great addition to the blog.. lol
Ooh – Leah! What are your fun, cheap activities? I need suggestions!
The latest blog stylings of Laura: 2008 totally just flipped me the bird as the door hit its ass on the way out. I hope the door hurt.
I love all the sister commenting on Lauren’s year in review! You are lucky to have so many older sisters looking out for you Lau!
@ Allison – Man Mic shouldn’t have said anything! I am getting everyones hopes up. I can’t tell you, it’s a surprise!
@Jaime – I have forewanred my sisters that THIS ISN’T A BABY BLOG! So don’t expect too much on that front (hopefully). I am not ready for the girls to have babies, anyways. Where is YOUR baby blog?!?!
@Laura – I am so going to do a post on them next week and am also looking for suggestions, so stay tuned!
@Laura Jean – I think it is her blessing and her curse.
The latest blog stylings of Leah: Five Years, One Post
You guys are too cute! I like the judging of a year on the happy/sad, skinny/fat, rich/poor scale it really cracks me up!
Lauren I don’t know you personally but is college/university you are supposed to be fatter then you were in highschool, that means you are having a good time
-H
The latest blog stylings of Haley: Cheers to health and wealth in this New Year!
Leah i dont think i should make a baby blog, people get enough pics of the boys from facebook..hahaha
Aww Micaela, i am soo glad you had fun in the vault, I miss our morning talks and listening to BX93!
Oh my goodness, there is so much going on with you guys!
Very excited to hear what the surprise will be, and I would like to say that knitting is totally very cool. It’s retro hip, IMO = )