I’m back in New York! And I’m looking forward to partying in the New Year in Harlem tonight! But before I move on to next year, I wanted to take a look back at the last one. It’s a tradition I began on an old blog, and I’ve found it to be immeasurably satisfying to look back and see what is possible in a year. So without further ado…
A NEW YEAR’S LOOK BACK FORWARD IN TIME
What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Worked (and survived!) the Humana Festival of New American Plays, found out what clothes actually fit me, auditioned for agents, spent a weekend at Lake Nolan, finished the Apprentice Program at ATL, moved to NYC with 11 great friends (a number which has grown), auditioned a helluva lot in NY, temped, watched all of Battlestar Gallatica, got paid for an acting gig with a roasted chicken, worked as a web designer, taught for the Princeton Review (teaching the SAT to high schoolers), Had Thanksgiving in Connecticut, flew home for Christmas.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes and yes!
I know! what?? This has never happened to me before, but I made a resolution last year to make a successful move to NYC, while keeping old friends, making new ones, and being happy and positive throughout. Check. I even exercised and took better care of myself. Check Check! This year’s resolutions are to complete all 90 days of p90x starting from day 1, to audition at least 5 times every month (trying for more!), and to continue to make and keep great friends.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Bandeko had a baby.
Did anyone close to you die?
No.
What countries did you visit?
Sometimes NY feels like a foreign country, but I didn’t leave the States.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A paid acting gig 
What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 6th, when along with 11 friends, I stuffed a moving van to the gills and made the biggest move of my life.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving the move.
What was your biggest failure?
Mid-Sept through early Oct when I hardly left the apartment.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did take a screw gun through the nail of my middle finger, but nothing permanent.
What was the best thing you bought?
New Clothes.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Michael and Amy (for being the greatest substitute parents), Nancy (for encouragement), Steven (for being a great friend), Nathan (for new friendships)
Where did most of your money go?
RENT.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving to NY, UK Basketball
What bands did you discover?
It was the year of the ampersand – Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Allison Krauss & Union Station, Buddy Holly & The Crickets.
Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? richer or poorer?
I’m happier, and since I finished my unpaid internship and started making some money again I’m also richer than I was, which isn’t saying much!
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Auditioning.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Playing video games, but this also kept me sane.
How will you be spending Christmas?
It was a busy Christmas.
- Fly In
- Make Fudge
- Eat
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert
- Visit Shannon B.
- Eat
- Shoe Shopping
- Design Meeting
- Visit all the Apprentices in Louisville and see Christmas Carol
- Family Christmas
- Eat
- Christmas with Mom’s side
- Eat
- Christmas with Dad’s side
- Eat
- More Shopping
- Visit Adam in E-Town
- Eat
- Visit Shannon E.
- Eat
- Stay up all night with high school friends
- Eat
- Fly Home
I ate a lot. Now I’m really full.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
No.
What was your favorite TV program?
For new shows I have to give it up to Modern Family (thanks Jon!), I also watched a lot of UK Basketball, Battlestar Gallactica, Mad Men, and Burn Notice. It wasn’t Glee.
What was the best book you read?
The World According to Garp was interesting, so was Eat, Pray, Love.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
RR & The Family Band.
What did you want and get?
A move to NY and the greatest friends ever.
What did you want and not get?
A paid acting gig, and an agent.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Didn’t have a favorite, but I liked Avatar, Where The Wild Things Are, and Sherlock Holmes.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Dammit, I wanted a back massage last year and I don’t think I got one the whole year. I still want a back massage.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Starting to matter.
What kept you sane?
Great friends. Music.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Rachel McAdams.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Health Care.
Who did you miss?
Family.
Who was a great new person you met?
Nate.
Any regrets?
Yes, but I’m happy with what I have to show from my year.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Great friends are priceless. Great fashion is just expensive.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
And the people who love me still ask me ‘When are you coming back to town?’ And I answer quite frankly ‘When they stop building roads and there ain’t no more highways to be found.’ And I answer quite frankly, ‘When they stop building roads and all God needs is gravity to hold me down.’
May everyone have a fulfilling 2010. It’s going to be a good decade!
What's on your mind?