1. What did you do in 2023 that you’d never done before?
So many new experiences, but none of them are even remotely Facebookable.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year my goals were:
— Ask questions instead of making assumptions
— Be gentle, but assertive
I’d say I did a good job working on those this year, but I think I’ve been significantly more abrasive than gentle. Ending a marriage did not bring out the best in me, I’m ashamed to admit.
Next year I’d like to work on some practical things, like getting in better shape (I mean stretching without having to make old lady noises, not weight loss), sticking to a budget, and taking better care of my physical health. Oh! And I want to get my septum pierced and my knuckles tattooed (Ever Wild).
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Sadly, no.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada! Victoria was brilliant.
6. What would you like to have in 2024 that you lacked in 2023?
Same as last year - an organized space to come home to. The new house will make this a much more achievable goal. I’m already there unless I manage to mess it up quickly.
7. What dates from 2023 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
My birthday, for reasons both good and awful. That night was one of the best and worst days of my life.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Allowing myself to choose me again.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Same as last year: the house went to shit because I didn’t have the spoons to care about it.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Fortunately not really.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I got my BEETLE back, baby!!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Rob’s. He’s done a lot of work this year and I’m so proud to be his partner.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one’s behavior besides my own has the ability to make me depressed anymore. But not gonna lie, Sean did an appalling thing or two that I will not be sharing.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Concerts and travel. The house(s).
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving out into my own house. I didn’t know how much I needed it until we moved.
16. What song will always remind you of 2023?
Anything by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier? I guess?
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Poorer. By a lot.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Physical movement. I’m starting to feel my body age and I don’t like it.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying and biting my nails.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Sean came over and we all opened presents. Sean stayed to build Ever’s giant new dollhouse. Then I made mac n cheese for my new partner, Kris.
21. Did you fall in love in 2023?
Just ever more in love with Rob. 💕
22. What was your favorite tv show?
The two shows I’ve been working through lately are The Bear and Atlanta.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
This question baffles me. I don’t hate anybody.
24. What was the best book you read?
Sad admission: I haven’t had the time to finish a single book since Ever was born.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Still exploring EDM.
26. What did you want and get?
Freedom.
27. What did you want and not get?
A lasting marriage.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Did I even see a movie other than watching Frozen 400 times?
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We took the polycule to Vegas and I got to see Red Hot Chili Peppers from almost the front row. I turned 47. A lot of shit happened that weekend, but you can take RHCP from my cold dead memories. I love them so.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A therapist.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2022?
Chubby chic. (Same as last year)
32. What kept you sane?
Genoa. Honestly. I know we aren’t supposed to be “friends” with our kids, but I can’t think of anyone I know who gives me more honest answers when I’m brave enough to ask than my 17-year old.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can’t think of one.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I have not followed politics this year out of a sense of self-preservation.
35. Who did you miss?
Christina.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Kris.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2023.
I’m never living with a partner again. I’ll be solo polyam from here on out, just me, my kids, and my cat(s).
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I’ll make it to the moon if I have to crawl…