1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Spent an inordinate amount of time seeing the inside of a less than competent Freightliner dealership, did a little "renovating" on our rolling house, realized my dream of being a centerfold, got the truck stuck in the snow, met John Ratzenberger (Cliff Claven from Cheers), mentored Plum Trucker and watched her launch a new career, saw one of my favorite towns flood, hit a deer, had a picture I took published in a real, live book!, met a real housewife, wrote my first published article, was photographed for a book about modern truck drivers, went to Italy!, learned some stuff about traveling while I was there, and watched my friends win a shitload of goodies on Oprah’s last ever Favorite Things show!!
I can't keep a resolution for one day, let alone one year, so I'm not making any this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
An old friend from high school gave birth to a gorgeous little baby girl named Ava Rae.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Italy! Oh my god, we finally went to Italy!!
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More time in the snow, a girl's weekend with Vicki, a week in a cabin with Eddie, time alone with my brother, a great vacation and time to sit down and organize my computer data.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Our Italy trip; I will remember it because saw some amazing places, learned a lot about how to pick travel companions, decided that I was born to travel first class (but can't afford it so have to suffer with the cattle in coach), realized that something 2,000 years old can be as beautiful as something built yesterday, and came home with a horrendous case of bronchitis which wiped me out for the two weeks following my return. The passage of the Health Care Reform bill, because it's the right thing to do. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, because it's about time.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting recognized for what I offer the trucking industry; my blog, my articles, me. I've been approached several time for trucking industry related shows; one a documentary on women drivers. I don't know that it'll go anywhere, but I like that I was considered.
Similar to what I felt last year; that I don't really see things as pass/fail. If something doesn't work out, it just doesn't work out. To me, it's not a failure. Plus, I don't pin too much on any particular outcome.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The worst illness I've ever had; bronchitis that was contracted on the trip back from Italy. Ed and I were down for two weeks with that little beauty, and the coughing for me went on for weeks after. And, as a result of the coughing, a pulled muscle between my ribs that made it unable to move without pain.
A new computer!! And earlier in the year, Ed bought me a new iPod, since I dropped the other one in a cup of Diet Coke.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Well, there's always Obama, who always does something that makes me want to celebrate. My godson, who got an A+ in every category on his report card. Eddie, for being as easygoing as ever.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Certain family members; it doesn't depress me, it pisses me off and appalls me.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Paying off the last bit of my debt, fuel for the truck, the Italy trip, new computers and all the little things we always do to keep us entertained out here.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing snow!!
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
"From The Morning" by Nick Drake (it's the one from the AT & T commercial where they drape everything in orange fabric - my favorite part is the draping of the St. Louis Arch),
”Can’t Hold Us Down” by Christina Aguilera, ”Be Italian” by Fergie (from the movie, Nine) and anything from Glee.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
Just as happy, a bit fatter and richer because I have no debt!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Read. I have lots of books on my Kindle that I just haven't gotten to.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eat. And maybe I wish I'd done a little less complaining (only because it annoys Ed).
20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Portland, Oregon with Ed!
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
I'm in love with cheese, does that count?
22. What was your favorite TV program?
It's still Glee. If you live under a rock, you can catch up on past episodes here. I'm also love Grey's Anatomy and Project Runway. Although, Mondo was TOTALLY robbed when Granola Gretchen and her UGLY collection won.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Not really.
24. What was the best book you read?
I only read "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan. The rest of my free time this year was spent on the internet.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't really find anyone new, but I was reacquainted Teena Marie, someone who has been on my iPod for years. Sadly, it was because of her death that she was pulled from the dusty playlist.
26. What did you want and get?
The trip to Italy and a few loads through places with bright, beautiful snow!
27. What did you want and not get?
More time with my best friend.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I didn't see many films this year. The one I remember at the moment is An Education with Carey Mulligan (which I really liked) and Bright Star (which I have, but I've yet to watch). Honestly, most of my movie viewing time was spent watching Criminal Minds, NCIS and my most favorite of all, Monk!
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 43 this year and we didn't do a whole to celebrate because we were under an oversized load to New York, meaning our time was dictated but how long we could drive each day and where we could do (which is nowhere). But once we got there, we spent several days in the area enjoying the Fall as only New York could do it.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had more time in the snow; preferably in Canada.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Anything that didn't bind at the waist or cause me to be hot. I'm not happy at all with my wardrobe and am thinking of revamping the entire thing.
32. What kept you sane?
I don't really have a problem with keeping my sanity, but phone calls and texting with my best friend certainly help. As does Dunkin' Donuts every once in a while.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm having a never-ending love affair with Barack and Michelle, but this year I couldn't get enough of Monk...even in re-runs.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
No one political issue stirred me but I can't listen to the endless stream of lies coming from the mouths of Republicans; they disgust me and so do the Teabaggers.
35. Who did you miss?
My father, as always. And this year, I really miss my maternal grandfather. Here's a picture me enjoying his fantastic guitar playing:
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Marlaina, another female trucker who is also half of a driving team. We've met them for dinner, she and I exchange great emails and we're planning a 2011 vacation with them. And Charlie; a blog reader who is super-smart, extremely witty, and always one of my favorite emails of the day.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Do what makes you happy.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
From Christina Aguilera's "Can't Hold Us Down":
Lettin’ ‘em know we’re gonna stand our ground
Lift your hands higher and wave ‘em proud
Take a deep breath and say it lout
Never can, never will, can’t hold us down!
And my slogan for the new year...Be A Star!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1 YEAR AGO: Out With The Old
2 YEARS AGO: Another Year, Another 365 Days
3 YEARS AGO: All Good Things Come To An End
4 YEARS AGO: The Symphony Of A Thousand Saws
5 YEARS AGO: Suicidal Firewood