Teamsiliconvalley - Sports Blog

Year end survey!

December 31st, 2007

Now, I'm not one for these survey type thingies. They usually reek of high school with questions like "Did u kiss ne 1 2day? LoL".

I was surprised to find this waiting for me in my inbox today. It asks some pretty "grown up" questions, so I thought I'd have at it.

My 2007

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

Wow, this survey is starting off even worse than my 2007.

I hate to be negative, but 2007 wasn’t exactly a year of “firsts”. Don’t get me wrong—it was a fantastic year. It just wasn’t particularly adventurous.

Oh! The sex thing. I can’t believe I forgot about that. I did sex in 2007. I’ve never done sex before. It was fun, if not a little intimidating…what with her…several…partners throughout her life. Slut.

Hmmm…anything else in 2007? Well, there were a lot of “relationship firsts” for me, but I won’t bore you guys with that stuff.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t remember. I resolve to do things some years and other years I don’t. I can’t remember what I resolved to do last year, if I resolved at all.

If I did make a resolution, I probably failed since I’m the exact same person and the only thing I’d ever want to change about myself is my paranoia.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Fortunately, no. Remember that pregnancy scare my brother had a while back? Turned out to be a false alarm.

I use the term “fortunately” very loosely, though. I’d love to be an uncle someday. My brother MJ and his wife should hop to it already.

But just because no one in my immediate family gave birth doesn’t mean that there haven’t been births in the extended family. My cousin Paula and her husband…John? James? Skip? I forget his name…brought their new bundle of joy into this world a couple of weeks ago.

They named him Ian-Wyatt.

Yes, Wyatt.

I hope they teach Ian-Wyatt how to fire a six shooter or the sheriff’ll run him outta town on a rail.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Like, metaphorically? Or literally?

Lucky for me, 2007 has been a relatively death-free year—literally or metaphorically.

While I always wanted to utter the phrase “you’re dead to me”, this hasn’t been the year.

On a more somber note, friend of the family and gifted operatic conductor, RB passed away in August. I wasn’t too greatly affected by it as I never really got to know the man, but my older siblings all share fond memories of him.
I’m sure he’s partying it up with Pavarotti in that big opera house in the sky.

5. What countries did you visit?

The only two countries I’ve been in this year have been Canada and the You Ess of Eh. Not exactly a year of globetrotting.

2008 promises to be much more exciting in that regard, especially considering Venice is on the docket as well as…well, we won’t get into that now.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

Oooh…nice question, survey! First I’m gonna think about what I lacked in 2007…

That’s strange. I can’t think of anything. Like, really strange because I feel so unfulfilled.

This is so tough…and I don’t think this question does a very good job of holding my feet to the fire. I mean, if I were to say “I want a healthier social appetite”, would that be acceptable? I definitely lacked it in 2007—but I really lacked it in 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002…so it’s not really unique to 2007.

Not that I want a healthy social appetite. I like the way I have things balanced now. For every hour of work and school, my friends get 3 minutes. By the end of the week, they usually accrue 5 hours of social time with me. I pay out in advance, though. Just so we can enjoy a couple of drinks on Thursday—“bar review” night.

Where was I going with this? Oh yeah. I’m unfulfilled, but I think that’s only because I haven’t accomplished my goals as of yet—and that achievement definitely won’t come in 2008.

So, while I’m sure 2008 is going to be really fun, I’ll still be left feeling unfulfilled. Kinda depressing, but thankfully I have the patience to wait it out.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 27th, 2007 because my now-girlfriend and I went to see M. Ward in concert. We were just friends at the time, but she asked me to hold her hand and I felt goofy. What would an 8.5 want with a fat and gross 6?

February 21st, 2007 because I cancelled a date to hear Al Gore speak at the University of Toronto with my now-girlfriend. She was pissed and we didn’t wind up speaking again till Mid-April.

Late March, 2007 because I received an invitation to my friends’ wedding. It made me feel like a child since I didn’t even have a girlfriend at the time.

Mid-April 2007 because my second oldest brother, MJ along with his wife, moved to California. While it didn’t make a difference in the frequency of our visits, it saddened me to think that my family would eventually have no ties at all with Canada.

Mid-April, 2007 because my now-girlfriend and I re-connected. Plus, she was there for me up when I really needed someone. She started to coach me back to happiness. Her method included healthy eating, yoga, laughter, exercise and lots of hugs.

May 26, 2007 because my two college friends were married. I felt immature, especially since I was there with my now-girlfriend whom wasn’t my girlfriend at the time and everybody knew.

June 11, 2007 because it was my birthday. My Toronto friends are lame, so it was a very low-key celebration. Just a few phone calls of congratulations. My now-girlfriend came over with an ice cream cake and some wine. She ordered us pizza and Chinese. I never saw her pig out like that before. It was adorable. Then she whipped out a bong. I didn’t know girls could handle a bong like that. It was hot. We fooled around.

June 22, 2007 because we went camping and spent a great deal of time by the very first home I ever lived in. It was on a farm—and I showed her all my favorite places I had as a child. We ate at Fast Eddie’s on the ride home and she yelled at me for eating so unhealthily.

Late June, 2007 because we started reading her friend’s terrible book. The only time I didn’t enjoy spending with her.

Early July, 2007 because I bought a new desktop and laptop along with all the accoutrements. I felt like a big man

July 16, 2007 because we attended SummerStage and enjoyed the music of the Decemberists. We were shocked by how many pimply-faced greasy teenagers were in the audience. Good for them, though. They have awesome taste in music. It ranked #2 on my list of all-time favorite non-orchestral concerts, right behind the M. Ward concert we attended in January.

July 17, 2007 because she becomes my girlfriend. Officially.

Mid-August, 2007 because New Hampshire is beautiful…but Dartmouth sucks. Vox clamantis in deserto? WHAT A STUPID MOTTO, DARTMOUTH.

September 24, 2007 because Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University about science, knowledge and angels. I fell asleep.

October 31, 2007 because she misinterpreted my casual conversation for flirting at a Halloween party. I got slapped across the face. It was our first ever “serious” fight—and it was water under the bridge by the end of the week.

November 22, 2007 because we travel to California to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. It was the first time she met my entire family and they loved her. It was an interesting few days to say the least, especially when you take into account the wildfire that was burning down homes.

December 4/5, 2007 because her family arrived for the holidays. The holidays meaning Hanukkah. I developed an ulcer because they just…wouldn’t…leave.

December 17, 2007 because my family started to arrive for the remainder of the holiday season! Hooray! I wind up scoring some gift certificates, moola and the pièce de résistance…a Vespa! WOW!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Once upon a time there was a calculus class.

I kicked its ass all over campus.

The end. (I’ve got you in my sights, KSG!)

That was one achievement. The other would have to be losing a whole mess of weight…but that’s not something I’m particularly proud of since I shouldn’t have gained it to begin with.

I’m happy, though. By losing the weight, I narrowed the gap between her and I. She’s still an 8.5 but I’m sitting pretty (sitting average?) with a 1 point increase to 7.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Biggest failure of 2007? Ummm…nothing particularly monumental. The year was peppered with small disappointments here and there—the biggest of which was my ass being thoroughly handed to me during a friendly race against a friend.

It was a side-by-side and I thought being the more experienced rower and having regained (some of) my old form, I’d make quick work of him. I lost miserably and couldn’t even make it to the finish line.

In the new year, I’ll be training for our rematch.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Me? Illness? Injury? HA! Not only do I have a kickass immune system, but like any good law student, a handful of my closest friends are med students. Illness knows better than to invade my personal space.

I think I’ve been sick ONCE all year—in January.

Aside from that minor cold, I’ve been fit as a fiddle—save for a couple of stomach aches here and there that I’d get from speed-eating slices of pizza (because I couldn’t let Her see me eating pizza).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Only taking into consideration those I know? I want to say “my girlfriend” because she does so much for the community…but I’m sick of talking about her. So I’m going to say JC and RJ.

They’re doing wonderful things in developing nations; their goal is to make the acquisition of knowledge (learning) readily available.
Even though it makes me look bad because I haven’t started my own non-profit international development organization, I’m kinda proud of them. Plus, they suck a lot less than that pretentious CK fellow.

There’s a lot of information in those last two paragraphs. I wonder if people could maybe piece it all together…

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Other than mine?

I’ve been appalled this year, yes. Some people have grievously disappointed me, but we all have our flaws, right?

Even though the pregnancy was a false alarm, I still can’t get over the fact that my brother engaged in…adult…relations…with a woma…girl…my age. He steadfastly denies any sort of involvement with her, but I’m still not convinced.

14. Where did most of your money go?

At the risk of sounding spoiled…

One of the benefits of mooching off my much older and much more successful brother is that I don’t hafta keep track of finances and such.

However, if I had to hazard a guess, I’d say that most of my money went towards…gadgets/electronics and food. No, I’m not a fat pig. We just happen to dine out a lot and we usually order a bottle of wine with our meal.

Actually, now that I think about it…a lot of money was wasted on our nights out. I’m gonna do the math one day. I’m sure we can put it to better use than a bottle of wine.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Me? Excited? God didn’t program me to feel excitement. I only come equipped with twin-magnetic schadenfreude receptors.

Though I got really, really, really excited (or what I imagine excitement would feel like) when I was told I could keep my friend’s kitty cat, Jazz.

That cat and I bonded really well—and now everybody loves her.

Did I mention the virginity thing already? I did? Okay good. ‘Cause I got really, really, really excited about that. Like…really.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

“Poison Cup” by M. Ward.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

Wow, thought provoking! Late December, 2006…I can’t really remember how I was feeling, though I’m positive it wasn’t this happy. I have a lot more to be happy about now than I did back then.
So, Reg, I’m going to say HAPPIER. Final answer.

ii. Thinner or fatter?
Didn’t we go through this already? Yeah, question 8!
I’d like to solve the puzzle, Pat. Is it…THINNER?

iii. richer or poorer?
I don’t even remember having money in December of ’06.
Right now, however, I’m looking at a bowl full of pennies.
Highe…I mean…Richer, Bob.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

I wish I got more sun.

No, not for the vitamin D—though that would help fend off the rickets.

It’s just that it was such a fun and bustling summer that I wish I got more time to soak up some rays. We were always on the move so I didn’t get a chance to lounge with a glass of lemonade…as is my fantasy.

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

Analyzing and judging. All I do is analyze and judge people.

When I tell my therapist that I think everyone on the street is watching my every move, she tells me to stop being so egocentric. Then I reply with “but I watch and judge everyone I see!”

It’s exhausting…and I like doing it, don’t get me wrong—but because it’s so exhausting, I wish I didn’t do it so often.

If a man wants to buy six packages of ground beef, it’s none of my business. But I do think it’s really weird.

Maybe he’s gonna have a barbecue? Why else would he need so much meat? Wouldn’t all that grilling annoy his neighbours?

21. How will you be spending New Years?

I am thankful that even at this hour on the 30th of December, I still have options available to me.

That said, Her wants to ring in the New Year at Times Square. NO. I’m not ringing in the new year like a tourist or family man/insurance salesman from Toledo.

I wonder what my family’s doing. I’d ask, but I’m afraid that Her already knows. I’d be crushed if she knows what my family is doing and I don’t.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?

Does it count as love if it’s for tax purposes?

Just kidding. Yeah, I like her a bit, I guess. She doesn’t smell terrible, if that’s what you're asking.

23. How many one-night stands?

Oh, those days are long over, my friend…not they were anything spectacular to begin with. Remember? Virgin till I was 24.

24. What was your favourite TV program?

Nothing’s changed in this department! As usual…

Arrested Development
The Colbert Report
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Home Movies
Seinfeld
The Simpsons

Were there any good new shows that were on the air this year? Tell me what I’m missing. I TiVo everything, so I miss out on all the promos.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I wish! Hate is such a cool emotion.

Sadly, even though I don’t hate—or even dislike anyone, there are at least a few people that like me considerably less. It’s a shame, but hey—I think everyone is way happier like this, which is awesome.

It’s all about finding that perfect balance.

26. What was the best book you read?

I bet you’re expecting me to say “I Am America (And So Can You!)” by the great Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, D.F.A, right? WRONG! Hilariously sophomoric book…but not the best I’ve read this year.

That honor goes to…

L'Étranger by Albert Camus. Sure, I was 65 years late and yeah, I was supposed to read it for a philosophy class back in college…but what can I say?

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

M. Ward! I’ve known the guy but never fully acquainted myself with his work till this year. Awesome musician.

28. What did you want and get?

Obviously anything I bought for myself was something I wanted. Do you really want to get into specifics? Do you really care if I wanted a pack of spearmint gum and then purchased it?

I think this question is actually asking if I got anything I yearned for. I didn’t—because I didn’t yearn this year. Pretty fulfilling, huh?

I still feel empty.

29. What did you want and not get?

I repeat…I DID NOT YEARN!

30. What was your favorite film of this year?

Without a doubt…American Gangster. What a fantastic movie. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire film. I just had to see it a second time.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned the big 24. That’s scary. 6 more years and I’ll be 30. ME. 30. Freaky.

Anyway, didn’t we already discuss what I did on my birthday? We did! I mentioned the bong and the pizza, etc.

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

Thank you, question, for limiting me to ONE thing. I know I’ve gotten carried away in responding to other questions by giving multiple answers.

The ONE thing that would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying would have been…spending less time with my friends. There are too many and I see them too often and they’re always clogging up my voicemail and text message inbox. It’s annoying.

I want peace and quiet.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Aside from work and dinners where I’d hafta wear a tie…or at least wear something that wasn’t stained…I’d describe my personal fashion concept in 2007 as…privileged hobo.

“Hobo” because I wear the same sweatshirts that are two sizes too big day in, day out…and “privileged” because the chestal area on each shirt is emblazoned with either a) the name of my alma mater, or b) the name of the law school at which I’m a student.

34. What kept you sane?

What an easy question! Three things!

1) My family.
2) My perseverance.
3) Schadenfreude.

Yes, schadenfreude.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

As if we all didn’t know Italian girls were hot, Dana Perino burst onto the scene.

Mmmm, baby. I don’t care if you don’t have the legal mind.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

No, sorry survey. I’m not limiting this to ONE.

In point form (because I’m tired)…

a) The dismissal of U.S. attorneys!
b) Pakistani President Musharraf suspending the constitution, declaring a state of emergency and when the Supreme Court wouldn’t back him up…firing them and sending troops to surround their homes! Plus, the lawyers were being arrested!
c) WWIII averted! Sorry, Iran! Putin, I’ve got my eye on you!

37. Who did you miss?
…while I’m almost positive she doesn’t read this anymore, I don’t want to take any risks. So I’ll just say…when you have somebody in your life for three years and then she's suddenly gone…well, you’re bound to miss that person for a little while, at least.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Are you kidding me? I do all that I can to avoid forming relationships with people.

Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, people just seem to really enjoy my company so I’m always meeting new people. They all suck though.

The best out of the bunch would hafta be this guy named Robertson. I see him on a weekly basis. It would normally be twice weekly, but I do what I can to avoid running into him.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:

Never put tinfoil in the microwave.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

“Have fun, have fun, have fun, have fun, have have have fuuuun!” – “Feel the Heatbeat” by The Treacherous Three (1981)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Entry Filed under: Sports