I don’t really have time to write a thorough review, so this survey should just about cover the important bits, I think?

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Attended university, used a DSLR camera, kind of rode a motorcycle for a teensy bit. Either my memory is failing me or I didn’t do that many new things! I feel like there is something important I want to list, but I can’t for the life of me remember what. Watch this space for an edit!

2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t really make any, but I have begun a visual ‘Goals for 2010′ list.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but my brother’s partner is very close to giving birth! She could go at any time, apparently.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
None. No overseas trips and for the first time in 8 years I remained in the same region for 13 consecutive months! Whoa, weird.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A job, a bit more money would be nice, more social opportunities, and better time-management and organisation.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t remember the actual date, maybe May 3rd?, but it was my 21st birthday drinks in the city – much fun was had! Also November 27 – Josh and my first kiss, and our chosen anniversary date because we didn’t have an official ‘we’re a couple now’ date.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Overcoming depression and anxiety. Granted I still experience both and may do so throughout my life, but this year I really feel as though I learnt many tools to help myself get through emotionally difficult times.
I also started university which is a huge deal for me. Getting through my first semester, doing well on all my exams and receiving great overall marks have been ginormous achievements and great confidence boosters.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting self-doubt get the better of me, and allowing fear of dictate what I do.

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury?
Mental health issues were prominent in the first half; I got the flu; I got a stomach virus and fainted, causing bruising to my face, and back and neck problems; menstrual issues that have been ongoing for years also played up quite a lot; sever anaemia as well, which is finally beginning to get better. When I list it out like this, there seems much more than it feels like it was.

11. What was the best thing someone bought you?
My Nikon D60 DLSR camera, and the necklace from Josh.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
No one in particular stands out.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
I can think of a few people whose behaviour I’ve been less than pleased with this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?
First half of the year was probably clothes, shoes, etc; second half a combination of university-related expenses, transport, clothes, Christmas.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being at university, after I realised it wasn’t as scary as I thought it might be; my brother being a dad for the first time; photographs; sewing; finding Josh.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Not song, but Bon Iver’s album For Emma, Forever Ago; Lady Gaga’s radio singles; Santigold’s album Santogold.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder? Happier, definitely.
b) Fatter or skinnier? About the same.
c) Richer or poorer? About the same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Socialising, arts and crafts, reading, just doing things and not worrying.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Procrastinating, worrying, slothing.

20. How do you plan to spend Christmas?
We just has Christmas and it was spent with family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Yes, I did.

22. How many one night stands?
0

23. What was your favourite TV program?
True Blood, Glee.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.

25. What was the best book you read?
Oooh, hm. Very good question. Ummm… I’ll go with World Without End by Ken Follett.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery of the year?
Santigold; Bon Iver; Bat for Lashes; She & Him; Does It Offend You, Yeah?

27. What did you want and get?
More peace of mind, love, a nice experience at university.

28. What did you want and not get?
Lots of money. Better health.

29. What was your favourite film of this year?
None that I saw are ones I fell in love with. I guess if I had to pick a favourite, I’d go with Avatar.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 21. I had a dinner at a restaurant before my birthday for family; on my birthday I visited with some family and had a nice dinner at home; and after my birthday I spent a night at a hotel with a couple of friends and went out and got very drunk. It was fantastic.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having gone through depression and anxiety, the health of myself and various family members being much better.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
My usual eclectic mix of old and new.

33. What kept you sane?
My mum, niece and nephews.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I had a pretty big crush on Trent Reznor earlier in the year, but otherwise I haven’t fancied that many.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Probably the whole “anti-smacking” bill and the referendum about it.

36. Who do you miss?
Various friends.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
Josh!

38. What was the best thing you ate?
I have no idea.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009?
Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Guess what? I had scheduled a post for Christmas day and it didn’t post! I am so pissed! I wrote it especially because I knew I wouldn’t be able to get online to wish everyone a happy Christmas (or day if you don’t celebrate) and the damn thing failed me.

So, I would just like to wish you all a belated rerry Christmas, or non-Christmas. I hope you had a lovely and safe time, whatever you did!

christmas tree., originally uploaded by *racheal.

I myself had a fantastic day with family. I spent Christmas Eve night at my eldest sisters so I could spend the very early morning with my niece and nephew as they opened gifts. Well, that was the “official” reason; the unofficial reason was because my sister needed help putting together the swing and slide set for the kids, after they went to bed, as her husband works nights. We had a rather merry time doing that, despite the mosquito bites. We deduced that it would have gone much smoother had more wine been involved.

Not that it’s about gifts, but I got some great ones. A gorgeous book on Art Deco graphic art and illustration, a book on teddy bear making, 3 necklaces (from different people), earrings, a Marilyn Monroe photo canvas, shower gel, bracelet and ring set, 2 movie tickets, a bracelet, digital photo frame and various gift cards and some cash. It was a good year for jewellery! With the money I got, so far I’ve bought a calendar, 2010 planner and some shorts.

What did Santa bring you?

When I got home today a package from my friend Stefi was waiting in the mailbox for me. I love it when that happens because it’s so much more exciting than a bank statement or student loan balance (shudder!).

Stefi sent me a lovely card along with four of her very own prints, a retro postcard and a stunning locket necklace. I feel thoroughly spoiled!

Saturday is for baking! Well, at least this Saturday is for baking (and colouring one’s hair but that’s not what this post is about). Actually, I don’t know if you could call today a Baking Day because that would insinuate that lots of baking has been happening and I’ve only made one batch of scones and have no plans to bake anything else. Well, whatever, at least I’ve been productive!

These scones are made from the good ol’ Cheese Scone recipe in the Edmonds Cookery Book (Kiwi staple, of course), except I put in more cayenne popper and mustard power (still not enough though) and added a wee piece of ham to the top of each one.

A Lesson In Pronunciation
‘Scone’ is pronounced sk-onn, not sk-own, okay? Please remember this. Sounds silly to say ‘skown’!

My verdict is that they are rather nom, though perhaps slightly drier than I would have liked, and as I mentioned above, more cayenne pepper and mustard power would have been better. My male person is coming over later, so we shall see what he thinks and then I will edit this post and share his thoughts.

What’s your favourite thing to bake?

ETA: The boyfriend’s verdict was that they were indeed a bit dry and could have done with cayenne pepper and cheese. But he still ate most of them.

1001. What has caused you to reinvent yourself or reevaluate who you are? Generally when big changes happen in my life, or events that cause me to take an honest look at myself.
1002. Name three annoying bands: Metro Station, Cobra Starship, Fallout Boy.
1003. Have you ever been to a foam party (a big dance floor full of soap foam that people dance in at a club)? If yes did you get into the foam? No, never been to one. Looks like it’d be fun though.
1004. Who do you take for granted? Breathing.
Who makes you feel taken for granted? Most people at one point or another. It’s not a bad thing, it’s normal.
1005. Short, knee, or ankle skirts? I prefer either just below or just above the knee, or mid-thigh.
1006. Do you wear a hat? Sometimes.
1007. Did you watch Sifl and Ollie on MTV? No, we didn’t have that.
How about Liquid Television? Don’t have that either.
The Maxx? See above.
1008. What do you like that is NOT part of pop culture? Embroidery, though I do think crafting is becoming popular again amongst some main-stream arty types.
1009. What music makes you feel:
Sexy? Blues, oddly, and Rob Zombie, also odd.
Passionate? Not sure.
Violent? Metal and industrial can make me feel stronger and assertive, but nothing makes me violent.
Romantic? Jazz, Bon Iver, love songs.
Sad? Slower songs with sad-sounding vocals and subject matter.
Happy/joyous? Pop, songs with an energetic beat and non-depressing lyrics, 50s rock n roll.
Ecstasy? Live music.
1010. Who’s your favorite cartoon character? I don’t have one, really, but I do adore Betty Boop.
1011. Does break dancing impress you? Yeah, it requires a lot of strength.
1012. Are you a smooth operator? Oh, of course.
1013. Would you rather be a police officer or a criminal? An infamous criminal that becomes legendary and loved? I dunno. I don’t think I’d want to be either!
1014. Do you believe that government decisions should be made based more on economics or more on social reform? Balance between the two.
1015. Why do ‘they’ spend money to sterilize needles that are going to be used to give lethal injections? Because they are stupid.
1016. This summer have you
Been to the beach? Yes.
Been to the movies? Not yet.
Played mini golf? Not yet.
Gone for a walk? Yes.
1017. Would you rather lay in bed all night talking or have sex all night long? Ooh. Hm. I’ll say talking if cuddling is involved (and we could have sex all day long).
1018. Have you ever eaten tofu? Yep, loads.
1019. Who needs a brain? Most people need better ones…
1020. Who needs a heart? See above.
1021. Does the moon have an affect on your mood? I don’t think so, unless I look up at a lovely full moon and have one of those moments where I think “Gosh, that is so beautiful” and feel all whimsical and nice.
1022. Do you feel pressure on Friday and Saturday to have fun, go out and party? Nope.
1023. Many people will say that the Harry Potter books are pure fluff with no literary value. Do you agree? I’ve not read them.
1024. Is Harry Potter comparable to The Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings? I’ve not read any of them.
1025. What are you doing next Wednesday? I have no idea, other than preparing for Christmas day.
1026. Why do so many people think Elvis is still alive? Because they can’t believe he died.
1027. What couldn’t you live your life without? My family.
1028. Are your hands cold? Nope.
1029. Is your heart warm? Yep. It’s working too.
1030. Palm trees or snow storms? Palm trees right now.
1031. What bands would be great if only the singing was edited out? I can’t think of any.
1032. What fantasy book would you like to see made into a movie? I don’t really read fantasy.
1033. Do you avoid risks and if possible stay at home? Sometimes I avoid risks.
1034. What SCI-fi books do you read? Zero.
1035. Would you be on that who wants to marry a millionaire show as a contestant? Unlikely.
1036. Who’s the best secret keeper you know? My eldest sister, I think.
1037. What is your favorite myth? I don’t have one.
1038. Is it easier to live when you’re evil? Probably, because you wouldn’t care about how your own actions affect others. Sad life though.
1039. Have you ever belonged to a sorority or a fraternity? No.
1040. Would you want to join one? Definitely not.
1041. If your friends were doing dangerous drugs would you tell their parents? No.
1042. Would you rather be a unicorn, mermaid/man, or a sorceress/er? Sorceress.
1043. Are leather pants sexy? Not really, no.
On you? I wouldn’t think so.
1044. Did you tell someone you love him or her today? Not yet.
1045. Have you ever given blood? Do you mean donated or blood drawn to be tested? The latter.
1046. Have you ever been thrown out of someplace? Nope.
1047. What do you daydream about? My future, decorating my imaginary home (I also do this when I can’t sleep…).
1048. Are you a miracle? Of course.
1049. If America is one nation under god then are atheists citizens? Yes.
1050. Should they be? Yes.

brownie, originally uploaded by elana’s pantry.

• American-style brownies might actually be my #2 after cupcakes. Goodness me, they are quite yum!
• Kissez on Tumblr. I’m hoping it’s not actually creepy to like looking at photos of people kissing, more beautiful and romantic. I’ve never denied being a hopeless romantic but I have denied being a creep!
• Raiding my grandmother’s wardrobe and scoring two excellent dresses. One is an emerald green satin 70s-looking number with long sleeves and matching belt; the other is powder blue cotton, probably 70s but reminds me of the 40s a bit, short sleeved and very comfortable.
• Roasted almonds and pistachios sent over from my brother-in-law’s parents in Iran. You don’t understand until you try, but they are so good.

What are you loving today?

We finally got our Christmas tree today! Usually we have it by now; better later than never though. I don’t think I blogged about this, but a couple of weeks ago I had a dream in which we had our Christmas tree and I wasn’t allowed to decorate it, yet everyone else was. I found this most distressing in the dream (and, admittedly, when I was awake…) and made sure everyone knew I wanted to decorate the tree.

And of course I did. Here are some photos of the finished product (thus far; no doubt every time I pass by it I’ll have to tweak something).

I recycled the decorations from last year, though I did add some silver and pale blue tinsel and the silver tinsel string. (While taking the photos the wind was blowing quite a bit and lots of the tinsel string got blown off the left side, hence why it looks a bit bare).

Some gifts are out.

Happy holidays, everyone!

As mentioned in my last ‘Things I Love Thursday’ post, She & Him have made quite an impression on me since getting their debut album last week. They’re an indie-pop-folk duo consisting of the multi-talented Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward.

This particular song is a favourite of mine off the album Volume One (Volume Two is due out in March 2010). I adore Deschanel’s vocals, though I actually fell in love with her voice before ever hearing She & Him. I was on the hunt for Christmas music when I discovered her cover of ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ with Leon Redbone for the Elf movie soundtrack (which you can listen to here). She really suits jazz and retro-esque songs, perhaps because she herself loves vintage.

Kitty, originally uploaded by BSH 2008.

This kitty is adorable and most definitely one of the things I love today!

• On the subject of kitties, check out Surprised Kitty!
• She & Him, the duo of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Check out a live video for their song ‘Change Is Hard’. I have fallen in love with their debut album Volume One.
• Zooey Deschanel in general actually. She. Is. So. Amazing.
• Summer! Finally, some weather that is summery has arrived and it’s been wonderful.

*I forgot to post this yesterday, hence why it’s being posted on this here Friday afternoon.

Yesterday I came over to the boyfriends house for the first time and I got to meet his dad. To be honest I was a bit nervous meeting The Dad! Of course I want him to like me and approve of the relationship I have with his son, and I think it went well. He wasn’t as scary as I thought he might be.

I know, it’s a bit anti-climactic, sorry there wasn’t an awkward meeting-the-boyfriend’s-parent story to tell you. But there is still time since I’m here until at least Friday! Perhaps something highly embarrassing will happen by then and I can blog about it. lol

Last night after dinner Josh and I went for a walk to one of the local beaches. I have no idea what it was called, just that it’s in Pt Chevalier, has swings, a very nice trail, looks over to Te Atatu and is very pretty. Speaking of pretty, some of the surrounding homes (and classic cars) were very pretty! Um, I will have one of each thanks.

On the way home from the beach we passed an organic food market which I decided to go back to this morning. It had a decent amount of stock, from fresh fruit and vegetables to store cupboard basics, organic spice mixes and a bit of everything else in between. I came back with some oat milk, which I’ve never tried before, apricot muesli and a 50c papaya. I think the papaya was 50c because when I came home, eager to eat it for lunch, it was rotten inside.

Anyway, sorry this post is a choppy update. I wish I had some blogging inspiration but I really don’t!