2014 is almost over...we need questions!

[Deleted User]

What three words best describe the past year for you?  Happiness, love, busy

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it?  I filed a sexual harassment complaint against a colleague in my department...and no, it wasn't.  It accomplished absolutely nothing  except that he got his wrist slapped and then proceeded to trash talk me for the rest of the semester.  (At the same time, it was worth it because I felt strong and empowered, and Mr. Historian got really mad and a little possessive, which I kind of liked...)

How have your important relationships changed this year?  Mr. H and I are so much closer than we ever have been, mostly because we keep facing one difficulty right after another.  Last year, I was still scared that if our relationship wasn't absolutely perfect we weren't going to work.  Now, I know that we're not perfect, but that we're damn good together, and that we'll both work like hell to make this work no matter what.

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back?  I actually gained back a lot of weight that I had lost last year, so I'm trying to lose it again, but trying to do so responsibly.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches?  Honestly, unless Mr. Historian magically shows up for Christmas, it will be hard for me to celebrate.  My entire family is coming, and if he isn't there, it will be really, really hard.

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year?  I've been working really hard on my trust issues that are leftover from the 7 years I spent with my cheating asshole of an ex-BF (and that relationship was over in 2011, so it's been a long time).  It took me a long time, but I think I'm finally managing to trust deeply again.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year?  Financial stuff.  And it's going to stay unfinished until I find an actual job with a decent salary.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader.  The day I first saw Mr. Historian after he came home from Afghanistan.  It's been both a joyful and terrifying 6 months since...joyful because I know he's safe; terrifying because he's probably going to have to deploy again. 

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014:  OK, I know it's from the 1990s, but...Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Because Netflix.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead?  The Spring 2014 semester was a total wash.  I wish I had actually worked on my dissertation instead of pretending it didn't exist.

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle?  Unexpected joy...um...I really love hot yoga.  Obstacle...my department.  I used to love it, but now I just want to be done and get out.

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be?  That Mr. Historian gets a new job and doesn't have to deploy again.

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead?  Spend more time with Mr. Historian.  Like...all of it.  Instead of the 2.5 weeks we actually were able to spend in each other's presence in 2014.

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015:

1) That Mr. Historian gets a new job.

2) That I finish the damn dissertation and graduate.

3) ...a Christmas 2015 wedding sounds nice...

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015:  That everybody who is TTC gets KU,that @bethsmiles finds an AMAZING new job, and that @phira 's decision to stay in her PhD program pays off.

bethsmiles

@fiuturemrshistorian - That makes me so mad about your sexual harassment complaint not going anywhere. I don't know how we can expect any progress when it seems like these things are so rarely taken seriously.

500days

What three words best describe the past year for you?

Hectic, Exciting and Happy

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it?

I guess the biggest risk I took this year would be continuing to work with my partner from last year. We are very different and a lot of my co-workers do not like her, but I decided to continue to share a room with her in hopes that things would get better- and they have!

How have your important relationships changed this year?

Going along with the same person- my partner at work has truly become my friend. Last year she was very judgmental and cold. This year she has definitely changed for the better. I'm glad I gave her a chance because she is an awesome person.

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back?

In the summer, I spent more time swimming and building up some muscle. I'm pretty scrawny so that's important to me.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches?

I can't wait to get married in 2015! But I'm happy for what I have now and what I have to look forward to- that's my celebration!

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year?

I was able to do my job well! I'm striving to do an even better job this year by busting my ass and staying before and after school to make sure I go above and beyond.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year?

Making a greater effort to rekindle my friendship with my future SIL/MOH. We were best friends for the longest time, but she's still in the phase of the 20s where she goes out all of the time and stays out late. I'm so done with that. I need to be more open minded about her ideas and choices- rather than playing devil's advocate with her.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader.

My aunt passed away at the beginning of the summer. It has definitely changed my family dynamic and I'm really feeling it this holiday season. I miss her everyday.

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014:

This is a tough one. I'm going to have to go with Gone Girl. Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead?

We have something called Liberty Wednesday at my work. School day ends at 1:40 and we spend the next 2 hours at school doing paperwork, meetings and stuff like that. When I have nothing to do- it's the biggest waste of time ever! I guess it's not the worst, but it grinds my gears.

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle?

Again, going back to the relationship with my work partner. Definitely an unexpected joy and I am so thankful for it. I could not have a repeat of last year. The unexpected obstacle this past year was having to put down our kitty Pauly.

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be?

I'm getting MARRIED! Definitely guaranteed!

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead?

I want to travel more next year. I feel like I'm wasting my precious vacation time if I'm not traveling. I also want to buy a house next year- hopefully our savings will make that a possibility.

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015:

I hope that my wedding goes smoothly.

I predict that next year's school year will be a lot easier, based on the group of kids coming up.

I hope that we will buy a house!

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015:

I predict that @bethsmiles will find a job that she loves and will also be engaged!

I also predict that @swazzle will be in her new home very soon!

I predict that there will be some NEY babies- real and of the fur variety.

[Deleted User]

What three words best describe the past year for you?

Exciting, busy, and loving.

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it?

We decided to rent a house instead of buy one. It wasn't worth it because our rent is higher than our future mortgage payment but we will fix that next year. I'm glad we got to live in a house though instead of an apartment.

How have your important relationships changed this year?

They haven't really changed. DH and I love being married and I'm pretty much friends with the same people. I'm grown apart from a few friends from high school and college but we aren't bitter about it.

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back?

I'm still doing CrossFit and I've gained a few lbs of muscle and lost lots of fat. I'm not eating super duper healthy 24/7 but DH and I have cut out a lot of carbs in our daily eating.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches?

We are celebrating being happily married and we love our puppy Maddux and we are celebrating that we picked out such a funny puppy.

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year?

My determination to get healthier and stronger with CrossFit.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year?

I guess getting more money saved but that's continuous rather than unfinished I guess.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader.

My sister's wedding, it was very emotional for me to see my sister get married and I love that she is so happy now with her DH. @LaPeanut1018

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014:

EEEKKK I don't know!! We haven't gone to the movies much this year...maybe this season of GOT or OINB? UGHHH I suck.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead?

Renting a home was the biggest waste of time and money and I wish we would have bought one. Time got a away from us.

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle?

Unexpected obstacle was with all our car troubles the past couple of months. Luckily, the only parts we have paid for are the tires since they blew up on us. Our cars were hit twice in the same month so having to get those repaired and deal with insurance is a pain.

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be?

BABY in my UTE please. And getting a house.

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead?

I want to save more and pay off more of my loans. No special plans yet.

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015:

1. Baby

2. House

3. DH starts his third degree

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015:

@Peaseblossom55 gets KTFU

@Bethsmiles gets engaged

@LaPeanut1018 gets another puppy

GoldenPenguin

What three words best describe the past year for you? SO. MUCH. ADULTING.

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it? I would have to say deciding to buy a house here. FI & I had talked about moving back to New England since we got together, but we both have stable jobs that we love, and we're close enough to our families for it to be reasonable, so we decided we're just staying. I think it's VERY worth it.

How have your important relationships changed this year? I drifted from some people, and got closer with some people. I got engaged to the love of my life - I'd say that was pretty important

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back? Ugh. I keep trying to get healthy, and failing miserably. I'm determined to get healthier, eat better, and work out in the new year, because I REFUSE to look like a beluga walking down the aisle.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches? Our new home

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year? I am happier than I have ever been. I feel like I've finally come into my own this year, I am comfortable with myself (other than physically), I am content in my job, where I live, and with my relationships.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year? I didn't travel and meet as many NEYers as I wanted to. I didn't jump out of a plane with Elle.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader. The day we got engaged! 

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014: Movie: Gone Girl. Book: As much as it surprises me to say it, "We Need to Talk About Kevin." It's really stuck with me. TV Show: I've really enjoyed this season of American Horror Story.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead? Probably our engagement photos, honestly. I wish we would have rescheduled, given the awful heat & humidity that happened on that day. I've never been so disappointed.  

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle? Unexpected joy - probably buying our house. We definitely didn't go into the year thinking we'd be in our own place by the end of it! Unexpected obstacle - my boss leaving in October, and having to readjust with my duties and reporting lines. 

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be? I's gettin' MARRIED!!! And it's going to be the most fun I've ever had

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead? I want to commit to getting healthy & in shape. I MUST. Special plans - this little thing on May 16 that's probably going to be pretty special, a honeymoon to Aruba, yea, those probably count.

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015: We have the most amazing wedding ever to happen. FI & I finish decorating our home and it's beautiful. I mouth kiss my favorites more times than I did in 2014. (cc: @swazzle, @csousa1, @hummingbird125, @buddysmom80)

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015: @hummingbird125 also has an amazingly beautiful wedding that I get to be at. @buddysmom80, @peaseblossom55, @southernpeach89 all get knocked up. @swazzle finally has a beautiful home that I have my own room at. @Bethsmiles FINALLY gets engaged and we all swoon over her gorgeous ring.

Dignity100

What three words best describe the past year for you?

Overwhelming - that one word sums it up.

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it?

Probably doing the destination wedding - just because we ended up vacationing with family and other family wasn't able to make it.  I had an amazing time at the wedding, I wish we would have had more 'alone' time at the parks and such, we were always on somebody else's schedule it felt like.

How have your important relationships changed this year?

Went from engaged to married.  We're still learning how to live together and combine our lives together.

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back?

For the wedding I was working out and watching my food intake.  I need to get back on that.  I've just been stressed and overwhelmed and lazy.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches?

I think that we made it through this year.  It was a rough one - everyone in my H's family ended up in the hospital at one time or another for various reasons.

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year?

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year?

I would like to get back on the 'healthy' bandwagon.  I'm feeling a little let down that I'm having a hard time getting back on it.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader.

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014:

As far as Movie - Lego or Maleficent I think (I don't remember what else came out)

Books - don't remember reading anything life changing

TV - That's tough; Walking Dead remains in my top shows to watch.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead?

Probably stressed about the wedding - I didn't need to spend all the time planning as I did, I should have let my planner do more of her job.  I would have done more healthy activities, I didn't ride my bike at all!

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle?

The wedding of course - My parents didn't come to my wedding, that was a pretty big unexpected obstacle.

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be?

Win the lotto so I could get a big fancy house?  Seriously - I just want a new house that fits both H and I.

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead?

We're going to take more vacations, mostly because the annual Disney passes.  I'm hoping to get back on my bicycle again and ride more.

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015:

New House

Lose Weight

Save $$

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015:

@Swazzle will move into her house (and we will all celebrate with her!)

I basically just hope that all NEYers have a wonderful 2015 - healthy and staying 'mostly' out of trouble!!

stefuhknee

What three words best describe the past year for you? Difficult, Revealing, Adventurous

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it? The biggest risk I took was leaving a position at a job that I was at for over 7 years and taking a new job at a startup company hoping to be apart of the groundwork and development of the business. So far, the pay off has been minimal but I have only been here for 3 months. My salary is the same and the work can be more stressful than my previous position but my schedule is more flexible and I don't have any superiors to report to. We've signed some new contracts for new work that should become effective in January so I'm hoping once we get more work things will become less stressful and I can get a raise!

How have your important relationships changed this year? My boyfriend and I moved from NJ back to our hometown of Brooklyn last February and things have been great for us since then. We've grown much closer and it finally feels like we've learned how to manage our household together.

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back? I joined myfitnesspal and was logging in religiously while also posting in an accountability group on facebook, sharing my workouts. Most recently, I've been on the 21 day fix Beachbody program but I definitely fell off once Thanksgiving rolled around, I'm determined to get back on it after NYE. I have some stubborn baby weigh left. Food has been holding me back. I loves it too much.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches? I'm celebrating all that I have to be thankful for this past year. My beautiful son, my home, my man, my friends and my amazing family.

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year? I love that I was able to take a major risk when it came to my career. It was definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year? Finding my passion. I feel like this has been my unfinished business since obtaining my BA. I thought I wanted to be a teacher I pursued a degree in English and wanted to go to grad school and all that has changed. Now I have my degree and no idea what I really want to do. I just took a new position but Im not sure this is where I want to be forever. I want to find something that I feel passionate about. My best friends share their passion for their careers with me on a daily basis. I want to feel that way about something.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader. Moving back to BK

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014: Grey's Anatomy. I watched all 10 seasons in a few months.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead? Not that it was a waste of time but I wish I had seen Jay Z and Beyoncé in concert on Friday instead of Saturday so that I wouldn't have missed Romeo Santos concert with Marc Anthony.

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle? Unexpected joy I found this year in video games. Playing Tomb Raider on PS4. An unexpected obstacle was being caught in the middle of work drama that had absolutely nothing to do with me.

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be? Getting Engaged 0:-)

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead? SAVE MONEY!

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015: Getting Fit, Paying off Debt & Getting Engaged

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015: Proposals for those who are patiently waiting! Happiness for those who are already happily married! Beautifully smooth wedding days for those who's days are approaching.

bride2b71614

I am so glad @CLoGreenEyes started this thread!!

What three words best describe the past year for you?

Stressful, Successful, Unpredictable

What is the biggest risk you took? Was it worth it?

I quit my concentration placement after the first semester. This choice will prevent me from getting a certification in child welfare, but the decision was hands down worth it.

How have your important relationships changed this year?

I had my son, and my FI and I are stronger than ever. I have pulled back from some toxic people, and have made more of an effort to pursue relationships with people who can positively impact my life.

What did you do to become healthier? What, if anything, has been holding you back?

Oh my god nothing…and I feel embarrassed to admit that. I always make excuses to put my health on the back burner, and it’s a really shitty trait.

What are you celebrating as this year ends and a new one approaches?

I am celebrating my success, my relationship with my FI and son, and my growth as a person.

What is one thing you have especially loved about yourself this year?

I would like to think I’ve grown up a bit this year. This year, I refused to get steam-rollled by others, especially when it came to decision making.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business from this year?

I would have to say my biggest piece of unfinished business of this year would be to address my health. I always make that new years resolution of I Am going to eat better, exercise more etc. but then never follow through.

What single event has had the biggest impact on you from the past 365 days? Could be a personal event or something broader.

The birth of my son.

Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show of 2014:

Stalker, How to get away with Murder.

What was the biggest waste of time for you over 2014? What do you wish you had done instead?

I regret sticking with my internship as long as I did. I wish I had taken more interviews for other internships. Also, I wish I wouldn't have accepted "no" as an answer as frequently as I did.

What unexpected joy did you find this year? Unexpected obstacle?

Joy: Birth of my son.

Obstacle: Finding a new field placement on a whim.

If you could guarantee one thing to happen in 2015, what would it be?

I’m getting MARRIED!

What do you want to do more of next year? Any special plans ahead?

I plan on spending more time working on my relationship with FI and prepping for married life together. As for special plans, I am really looking forward to my wedding in October.

Three personal predictions/hopes for 2015:

·       I hope to graduate school in May.

·       Planning and executing a wedding without losing my damn mind

·       To grow as a person.

Three predictions/hopes for other NEYers in 2015:

@CloGreenEyes finds an amazing man, and kicks ass at her new job as a psych nurse

@Bethsmiles gets a sparkle pony and an amazing job

@Cu97Tiger, @Peaseblossom55, and @southernpeach89 get KTFU