I used to do these little survey things in the days of LiveJournal. It's been a few months since my last entry, so I thought it might be fun to do one here.
What did you do in 2021 that you'd never done before?
I got a book deal!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not sure if I made any new year's resolutions last year. I had a few goals for this year, which was to complete my second manuscript and edit my first. I accomplished both of those.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not that I recall.
Did anyone close to you die?
Not that I recall.
What countries did you visit?
I was supposed to go to Argentina this summer, but COVID prevented the trip.
What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?
My book published.
What date from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 1st: The day I received the offer letter on my book deal and November 29th, the day I was allowed to announce my book deal.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a book deal, and getting a promotion at work.
What was your biggest failure?
I don't know that it's a failure, per se, but I would have liked to have an agent to help with the book deal. I'm not upset that I didn't have one, but I'd like to get one before I move forward on my next book.
I would also say it was a slight failure, to me, that I only lasted roughly 5 months in the job I moved to in July. I'm going back to my old group at a higher grade, which is great, but I do wish it had worked out a little differently.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
My migraines seem to have gotten worse, but otherwise, no.
What was the best thing you bought?
Probably the two pieces of writing software that has helped me to edit my manuscripts.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Kiddo has been doing really well with virtual school, and I'm very proud of her. Eric has been so supportive of my writing and my book deal.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I was a little disappointed with how my previous supervisor behaved after I announced my intention to leave. So far, my current supervisor has taken my news of the promotion in stride, though I know she's unhappy.
Where did most of your money go?
Paying down debt, though I've also managed to save quite a bit.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My book deal!
What song will always remind you of 2021?
I got really into Taylor Swift's Folklore album, especially The One and Exile as they really helped me shape my second manuscript.
Compared to this time last year, are you...
Happier or sadder? Happier. This year was a really awesome one for me. I got a book deal, a promotion, and things are looking up in spite of the ongoing pandemic.
Thinner or fatter? about the same. Weight loss was put on the backburner, especially after I started the new job in July.
Richer or poorer? A little richer, though soon I'll be a lot richer when I start my promotion.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Worked out, for sure. I also wish I was better at celebrating my accomplishments, both big and small. The pandemic definitely impacted that, but I'm also just never sure what to do to celebrate.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressed over things out of my control - this was last year's answer, and I think it's still true. I wish I could let things go, especially other people's reactions to things I'm excited about.
How will you be spending New Years Eve?
Probably at home. I don't know that we have any specific plans.
Did you fall in love in 2021?
I fall in love with my husband every day.
How many one-night stands?
none
What was your favorite TV program?
I've continued to enjoy Hallmark shows and movies, but I also watched You on Netflix and the entirety of the Big Bang Theory on HBO.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I've moved beyond hating people. I've been disappointed in a few people this year, but overall, I haven't been overly bothered by anyone's specific behavior.
What was the best book you read?
Oof, I read so many books this year, including pre-published beta reads. I'm not sure I could pick just one book that was the "best." I really enjoyed For the Wolf, by Hannah Whitten. I'm not usually a fantasy reader, but I loved the way she incorporated the woods as a character. I also enjoyed the light hearted romcom "The Ex Hex" by Erin Sterling.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmmm, I was already a fan of Ron Pope's A Drop in the Ocean, but I downloaded a bunch of his other songs and have enjoyed what I've heard so far.
What did you want and get?
A book deal!
What was your favorite film of this year?
I think the most recent movie that I enjoyed that I can think of is Red Notice with Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My husband picked up Cheesecake Factory, but I spent most of the day editing my manuscript before I sent it to the publisher who ultimately gave me the book deal.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmmm, finding an agent or finding a job that I truly enjoy. I'm hoping my promotion will make me happy.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies when it's cold. I haven't been to the office, aside from one day this summer, since March of 2020.
What kept you sane?
Social media, my family, and writing.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
There were a few actors I started following on instagram after seeing them in various movies/shows.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Probably the current supreme court cases regarding abortion, though I will admit, I haven't been as focused on politics as I've gotten older. Somehow arguing with people on the internet just feels like a waste of time.
Who did you miss?
My mother this year especially. Next Monday will be the 19th anniversary of her death and I was 19 when she died, so I will officially have lived longer without her than I did with her, and the thought is heartbreaking.
Who were the best new people you met?
I've met so many awesome people in the writing community via social media.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021.
There are many roads to publishing. Just because you take a different one doesn't make your route any less valid.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve.
