I’m still trying to get back into regular writing (and my sweet husband got me a shiny new Chromebook for Christmas and now I have no excuses) so what better way to do that then an easy Q&A? I’ve done this one at least a few times before but not for 2015 because lazy. Anyway, here we go.

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?

Went through the high school application process with my 8th grader. Went to a concert (Metallica!) at AT&T Park. Took a family vacation to Europe. Presented at a national conference for work. Attended (and presented at) a conference in Maui. Took part in a nationally-released photo project.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more?

I didn’t make any resolutions (as per usual) and no, not planning on making any.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! My little sister gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl. I love her so.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not this year.

5.  What countries did you visit?

Greece, Malta, Italy, France, Turkey and Spain. We went on a 10-day cruise through the Mediterranean and it was GLORIOUS. Our flights also took us through Sweden but I don’t count that as a “visit” since it was just a passport stamp and sitting in the airport.

6.  What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

A solid career track. My job is going well and it’s perfect for where I am in my life, but it’s somewhat lacking in a path for professional growth and I’d like to have a clear plan.

7. What dates from 2016 will remain etched in your memory, and why?

April 11, when my sweet little niece was born. The end of June/early July, when we were on our cruise. November 8, when I realized with horror what our nation had done.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I established my worth in a new job, earning a good reputation and the respect of a challenging group of personalities. Also, taking on a train wreck of a work project and turning it into something respectable, despite my limited knowledge and experience in that particular aspect of my job.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I allowed my emotions and frustration to get the better of me and walked out of a heated meeting with my boss. (I apologized. It’s all fine now.)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had a health situation in October that got out of hand because I tried to ignore it. Nothing life-threatening or anything, but it was incredibly miserable. Lesson learned: go to the doctor BEFORE pain becomes all-consuming.

11.  What was the best thing you bought?

The cruise.

12. Where did most of your money go?

Rent. The aforementioned cruise. And as always, the federal government and the state of California. I shake my fist at you, taxes.

13.  What did you get really excited about?

I think planning and preparing for our family vacation was almost as fun as the trip itself. I love the anticipation.

14. What song will always remind you of 2016?

Disturbed’s version of “The Sound of Silence” even though that came out in 2015. I listened to it a LOT and it is hauntingly wonderful. Adele’s “Hello” because they played it on the radio sooooooo muuuuuuuch.

15. Compared to last year are you: Richer or poorer? Thinner or fatter? Happier or sadder?

Richer on paper, but somehow expenses always seem to expand in relation to any additional funds. No real change in my size but man, my personal happiness has taken a real nosedive since the election. The next four years are going to be rough.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercising, especially since I have free access to multiple campus gyms.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Getting worked up and stressed out about the election campaign. I had convinced myself it was okay for me to get really immersed in all of the horribleness, thinking that awful excuse for a man would never win. I thought the high levels of stress would be temporary and I’d be over it once we got past election night. I was devastatingly wrong.

18. How did you spend Christmas?

In Texas with the family.

19. What was your favorite TV show?

Supernatural, again (still). The most recent season of American Horror Story (the Roanoke one) was pretty good. Entertaining, at least. I’m really enjoying the new Lethal Weapon series, and surprisingly the new MacGyver too. Didn’t think that one would win me over.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

For someone who commutes via train, I don’t really read as many books as I probably should. I did read The Light Between Oceans, which was very good. Finally read The Exorcist and enjoyed it, though not as much as the movie. I’m currently working on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which is good so far (I started it in 2016 so it counts).

21. Favorite music?

Metallica dropped a new album for the first time in ages so that’s the clear winner. Really though, I just love music. I choose my playlist depending on mood, normally – I have a heavy metal list, a list of upbeat, fast-paced stuff, and a list I’ve named angst/ennui. That one got a lot of use in 2016,

22. Favorite films?

Rogue One was really good. I also enjoyed Star Trek: Beyond.

23. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

It was a Saturday, so the family and I hung out at home mostly. I turned 37.

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

Being able to retire and live out the rest of my life on a well-appointed yacht, without a care in the world. This will consistently be my answer to this particular question, always and forever.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

Dark skinny jeans. Converse. Infinity scarves. Second verse, same as the first.

26. What kept you sane?

Music. Wine. Family. Same as always.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

Sometimes you have to suck it up and apologize for the sake of diplomacy even if you aren’t sorry.