2019: A retrospective

It’s the All & Sundry year-end review!

What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?
Made bulgogi. And it was delicious.

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year’s resolution was “to try to drink more water and stop drinking sweet tea.” I may have done OK on the water front, but I definitely didn’t slow down on the sweet tea. My goal this year is to try to feel more at home in my body.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don’t believe so.

Did anyone close to you die?
Almost. My mother-in-law had a very close call with an infection in September. She’s still recovering.

What countries did you visit?
Not a one.

What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
A greater sense of calm.

What dates from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t have a good memory. That’s why I blog.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I don’t think I accomplished anything worthy of fanfare in 2019.

What was your biggest failure?
Likewise, I don’t think I had any failures worth mentioning.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major.

What was the best thing you bought?
I took a writing class in the fall through a local university, and it was a blast.

Where did most of your money go?
The mortgage, I think.

What did you get really excited about?
Watching “The Mandalorian” with Rockford and the kids.

What song will always remind you of 2019?
n/a

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Last year and the year before and the year before that I said more family hikes. This year? More family hikes.

What do you wish you’d done less of?
worrying

How did you spend Christmas?
At home with my in-laws. It was a nice day.

What was your favorite TV program?
I watched and enjoyed a lot of TV again this year. “The Good Place,” “The Mandalorian” and season 2 of “Fleabag” were great.

What were your favorite books of the year?
“Whiskey When We’re Dry” by John Larison, and “Circe” by Madeline Miller

What was your favorite music from this year?
Vampire Weekend’s “Father of the Bride” album and The National’s “I Am Easy to Find.” We saw Vampire Weekend live for the first time this year, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had at a show.

What were your favorite films of the year?
“Knives Out” was the best. I also enjoyed “Frozen 2,” more than I expected to.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
The kids had play practice, and Rockford and I met at a pop-up empanada restaurant for dinner. I turned 41.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Fewer illnesses in the extended family.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
I’m trying to incorporate a little General Leia Organa into my Mrs. Roper aesthetic.