My 2006

I got this from fallenbutflying's Xanga site.

What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I flew to Hong Kong with some church friends for a holiday.
I crushed the vain hopes and futile dreams of many university students presenting nonsensical ideas and half-baked projects, as a judge in the National SIFE Competition.

Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think I kept them. I don't call my goals "resolutions" because it would assure failure.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
None immediately come to mind, so no. (If I missed someone, well, you should've made me godfather...)

Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully.

What countries did you visit?
The colonies:
- Hong Kong (previously British)
- Macau (previously Portuguese)
- New Zealand (currently Australian, but they're still in denial)

What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Absolute power.
Barring that, my apartment; my new, smaller, faster laptop; my PDA; and my Nintendo Wii.

What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 20, 2006. First year anniversary. We went to the zoo (my first time in over 10 years), and thoroughly enjoyed it. Saw a chimp grabbing its own faeces. Quality entertainment throughout.


What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Passing CFA Level 1 exams.
Negotiating my way into Leveraged Finance after two years of frustration.
Managing to convince Rockett Girlfriend that I was worth her time.

What was your biggest failure?
No golf lessons.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Only of the mind.

What was the best thing you bought?
For myself: my "Friday Night" blue pinstripe shirt with french cuffs. I wore it to Rockett Girlfriend's birthday.
For someone else: the black dress for Rockett Girlfriend to wear to a friend's wedding. Summery, elegant, and totally hot.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mr DP, for finally getting married in April, when a few years back even he was saying he may just be single for life. And for having the guts to leave a lucrative legal career in London to be a fulltime pastor in a church there.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A certain person who tried some character assassination in order to prevent my promotion.

Where did most of your money go?
Food and giving presents away. Oh and petrol.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Changing jobs.
Passing my CFA exam.
Hong Kong.

What song(s) will always remind you of 2006?
Justin Timberlake - Read My Blog (sorry, Be My Love)
Scissor Sisters - I Don't Feel Like Dancing (just way too catchy)

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? – happier!!!
ii. thinner or fatter? – fatter...
iii. richer or poorer? – hmmm... about the same

What do you wish you'd done more?
Exercise.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Waiting.

What was your favorite TV program?
Lost and 24.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
"Hate" is too strong. More along the lines of "vitriolic dislike" and "extreme incompatibility". And yes.

What was the best book you read?
Liar's Poker.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Pandora.com

What did you want and get?
Business class. Leg room. Heaven.

What was your favorite film of this year?
The Departed.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25. I just had dinner with Rockett Girlfriend and Rockett Family. It was the week before my CFA exam so I couldn't really celebrate.

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

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
Subtle and sleek, with a hint of vibrant colour.

What kept you sane?
Rockett Girlfriend. Mr JW and Mr MR, my constant source of career advice and sounding board during those rough times. Mother Rockett and Brother Rockett, for listening to my grand career plans no matter how boring they were.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ms Jessica Alba. Drool.

What political issue stirred you the most?
General and English skills testing for migrants applying to be Australian citizens.

Who did you miss?
Stepfather Rockett. Mr DP. My goddaughters.

Who was the best new person you met?
Mr LO. Great company (notwithstanding clipping my kart and costing me the win).

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
Have faith. Show initiative. Take risk.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself:
"You're not fat, baby." I know she's fibbing, which is why it was so nice. (Granted, I am only 4kgs over my ideal weight, so it's not a big lie.)

The most touching experience you've had this year?
When Brother Rockett told me that I inspire him. I have no idea why, or what I inspire him towards, but it was nice of him to say so.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
I made time for regular healthy pursuits.
I was more patient.

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
I tolerated idiots.
I spent too much money.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right, I hope you had the time of your life" - Green Day

Was 2006 a good year for you?
In many ways, yes.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Debating with Rockett Girlfriend.

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Standing in the middle of Sydney CBD, ready to have a great night out, and finding hardly anything worth doing or going to. I need to get out of this town.

Where were you when 2006 began?
Ms ML's house for the 1920's themed party.

Who were you with?
The gang.

Where will you be when 2006 ends?
Watching the fireworks down the road from Mr BT's house.

Who will you be with when 2006 ends?
Mr BT and Ms MM. This question is not as fun when done retrospectively.

What was your favorite month of 2006?
October. Spent one weekend being lazy at the beach. Turned off my phone so no work calls get through. Very satisfying.

What was your favorite record from 2006?
New Jack Swing compilation of old skool songs.

How many concerts did you see in 2006?
A couple not really worth mentioning.

Did you drink a lot of alchohol in 2006?
Yes.

Do a lot of drugs in 2006?
No.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Perhaps. I'll know for sure when it bites me in the ass later.

How much money did you spend in 2006?
Too much.

What was your proudest moment of 2006?
Watching Rockett Girlfriend present in the SIFE finals in front of major league executives. Smart, confident women are HOT.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2006?
Failing miserably at bodyboarding.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006
and change something, what would it be?
Buying side street junk from HK and now I have nowhere to put them.

What are your plans for 2007?
Work hard(er). Exercise (more). Tend to my spiritual side. Be more involved. Do more stupid things. Be a better wingman.

How are you different now that the year has ended?
I am very slowly thinking of settling down sometime. Within 10 years.

What are your wishes for the new year?
That all successes be well-deserved, and all failures be well-learned.