It's pouring rain (which i haven't seen since SEPTEMBER, if you can imagine...)and my hostel is really really far away, and i am really fairly introspective and cranky (see prev entry), so it's seems the perfect time to fill out this from p-g's diary
1.What did you do in 2003 that you'd never done before?
oh jesus. this has been a big year for me.
January
not a whole lot... i think the highlight was matt's rollerdisco party, cause i've never been to a house party with a half pipe in the dining room and everyone on blades, wheels, or boards (on their feet. these are not new designer drugs.)
I am SO lame cause i snickered out loud at that, and i'm SURE that no one else will even smile.
february, march were equally blah. i think it was cold. I've never had a friend turn into a crazy freak and donate my expensive figure skates and winter coat to goodwill before I just realized that i am still SO bitter about that.
in april I finished my honours degree in health studies. Unbelievable. I'm so proud of that. i went on a road trip to Canada's East Coast with my sister. First of many, i hope.
In May I flew out to winnipeg ("like jumping onto a quilt" ) and then took a bus through the prairies to Saskatoon. Spoke french for 5 weeks.
June Road trip to British Columbia. First time sea-kayaking. First time in Whistler. First time at a nude beach. First time sleepwalking. First time waking up in a hostel SO embarrassed because my sleeptalking was keeping the whole room awake.
July got a bit crazy. Bought a ticket on the 9th, and flew to Bangkok on the 13th. Since then, the whole year has been one gigantic series of first times and new experiences. Good and bad.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
i always forget them, so i don't even bother anymore.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yep. Pretty close.
5. What countries did you visit?
Thailand and India
6. What would you like to have in 2004 that you lacked in 2003?
An ability to balance my life in India with my life in Toronto. Maintain a constant sense of self when everything else is fluid. I would like to take more emotional risks. That sounds like jargon, but i really feel that it applies.
7. What date from 2003 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 13... when i got on a plane and FINALLY started doing the things i've wanted to since i was 12.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Creating a research project and intervention that will improve neonatal care in slums in mumbai. Turning my backpacking into a really really interesting job. Surviving the adjustments of moving to Mumbai.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't know... There were situations I wish I'd handled differently. I really let down some people I was supposed to work with in Montreal. I feel really bad about that. Also, I lost touch with people. That's terrible.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I fell ten feet onto rocks in a lagoon in Southern Thailand. But i think my knees are all healed.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My plane ticket: Toronto-London-Bangkok-Mumbai
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
? [paper-girl... i don't get this either] Chretien not sending Canada to war was pretty good.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Is there anyone who doesn't just have GW Bush jump into mind when they read this? I can't even look at pictures of him. Is four years over yet?
14. Where did most of your money go?
travel expenses. Money well spent.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing my family in India after 6 months.
16. What song will always remind you of 2003?
That "where is the love?" song.... black eyed peas?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
happier. i'm finished school, i love my job.
ii. thinner or fatter?
at least 10 pounds heavier... i'll have to confirm it when i get home. Damn parathas.
iii. richer or poorer?
aaaaaaaaaay poorer. as in: i have absolutely no money for the first time since i was ten.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
exercise. touching.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
sweating. being hot. showering in cold water.
21. Did you fall in love in 2003?
nope. maybe this year. maybe not. But i loved a lot of people. That sounds skanky and i didn't mean it to.
23. How many one-night stands?
none. i don't think. it all depends on all kinds of definitions of one night stands, and i'll leave it at that.
24. What was your favourite TV program?
surprisingly? Just Shoot Me reruns are all over Bombay television and they are damn funny.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
i don't hate anyone. But there are people i liked a whole lot more this time last year.
26. What was the best book you read?
God i have read SO much this year... i think i read One Hundred Years of Solitude in the spring? every time i put that book down, i felt i was waking from a beautiful dream.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
music? What's that? geh. I am never EVER leaving my cds at home again.
28. What did you want and get?
a life. no really. School is not a life.
29. What did you want and not get?
besides kick-ass abs? More connection with my friends. I feel so distant from everyone. Like what we had was great, but now that i'm far, i'm dispensible. It hurts.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
can't think of one.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
24. and i think i saw a leopard.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably satisfying?
This has been an immeasurable satisfying year. Just writing that is immeasurably satisfying. I'm living my dream.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2003?
i call it the "avoid being stared at" look, and it involves: no make-up, no skin showing, and a lot of baggy cotton. I'm sure that it's the Next Big Thing.
34. What kept you sane?
phone calls from home. Lifelines.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
this war. The poverty that became an everyday part of my life.
37. Who did you miss?
everyone. more than they can imagine. But also less than i thought i would.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2003:
- take advantage of random opportunities
- talk to strangers
- don't take stupid chances
- if you want something badly enough, you can have it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
For the first time in my life, i am at a loss for a lyric. I am sure it will all come back to me when i go home (tomorrow!) and brush the dust off my badly-missed cd player.
Oh wait... i got it. Dave Matthews: Don't drink the water
heh.
5:28 p.m. - 2004-01-12
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