LOOKING BACK

I did this survey last year and thought that I might as well do it again :) Posted are my answers from last year and for this year, for comparison's sake. Some of my answers may be revised this coming week, especially if I think of something I'd like to add :p Some questions will be filled out as soon as I think of my answer :)

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What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
[2006] Resigned and said goodbye to dear friends from that office, did freelance writing for a couple of months, finally totally cut myself off from my past, learned how to completely and truly trusting someone, and went on my first out-of-town trip :)

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
[2006] Hmmm, let's see. I really didn't make a list of resolutions last year. But I remember that one of my goals is to finally travel...and I did! For my birthday :) And I also said that I'd figure out what I wanted to do career-wise...and I did too! Because come early next year, I'll be starting a new phase and taking on bigger responsibilities :)

[2005] I don't think I made any resolutions last year. Because it's either I forget I made some or I don't do them at all...but it's more of the former. I think I'll set some goals for myself for the year to come :)

Did anyone close to you give birth?
[2006] Nope, none.

[2005] Hmmm, I don't think so... Oh, wait! My cousin and his wife, who are both in Canada, just had a baby boy this year! :) Cutest little thing!

Did anyone close to you die?
[2006] None too.

[2005] None. But I was just thinking about that last night, while I was watching "Seconds from Disaster" on TV. That I've never really experienced losing someone close to my heart because of death. Okay, I'm gonna stop thinking about it now. I don't want bad thoughts in my head as the year ends...

What countries did you visit?
[2006] None. I'm hoping that I'd get to go out of the country next year ;) That's one of our plans.

[2005] I wasn't even able to go outside Metro Manila except for Tagaytay! =T With my girls, at least :)

What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
[2006] Still everything on my gadget wish list and more opportunities to travel! And I'd love to have a kick-ass magazine ;)

[2005] More time for myself, the opportunity to travel, and everything on my gadget wish list (which I'll post when I get the time and energy) :)

What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
[2006] Oh, a specific date? LOTS! But off the top of my head, it would have to be the December 24. I had Christmas lunch with his family, then went home to hear Mass with mine, and then waited for Noche Buena. I just had my best Christmas EVER this year :)

[2005] December 21 to 22 *sigh* Happy happy HAPPY! :) It was our office Christmas party and my birthday. I've blogged about this already, maybe not that detailed though. But those two days were the happiest ever :)

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
[2006] My promotion!!! :) Oh, and I finally, FINALLY quit smoking. It's been four months already! Yaaay! :)

[2005] First thing that comes to mind is the third issue of LIFESTYLE by SONY. That was a product of our sweat, blood, and tears...figuratively and literally.

What was your biggest failure?
[2006] Hmmm. Letting my emotions get the best of me. I can be really impatient and short-tempered, and those do nothing for any relationship.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
[2006] I got sick sometime in September. But thanks to that, I got started on quitting smoking :)

[2005] Several times, since I spread myself too thinly this year. I don't think my body has ever recovered from all the sleepless nights I've had. The year's about to end and I'm still sick! =T

What was the best thing you bought?
[2006] Not really a tangible thing. But our mini vacations were just the best :)

[2005] My flip-flops! They should be closet staples ;) Or better yet, they should be the rule instead of the exception!

Whose behavior merited celebration?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]
[2005] [NO ANSWER]

Where did most of your money go?
[2006] Gas, toll, parking, and a few mini vacations :D
[2005] Gas, toll, and parking! >=T

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
[2006] Both our birthdays! :) And our first Christmas together. And New Year's!
[2005] Our office Christmas party and my birthday :)

What song(s) will always remind you of 2006?
[2006] Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung and Safe by Bonnie Bailey.

[2005] LOTS! Everything (Big Room Mix) by Kaskade, Ever After (Beach House Mix) by Bonnie Bailey, Saltwater by Chicane, Daylight by Chicane, Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day, and It's You, It's Me by Kaskade.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
[2006]
i. happier or sadder? HAPPIER!!! :)
ii. thinner or fatter? I'd like to believe thinner, even by just a tiny bit :p
iii. richer or poorer? Ummm, richer?

[2005]
i. happier or sadder? HAPPIER :)
ii. thinner or fatter? Definitely fatter! =T
iii. richer or poorer? Richer but not really

What do you wish you'd done more?
[2006] I wish I'd saved up some more so we could've gone on more trips! :)

[2005] I wish I took care of myself more. I can be quite selfless to a fault =T

What do you wish you'd done less of?
[2006] Uh, less pigging out? Hehehe :p

[2005] I wish I didn't spend that much time at the office! Seriously. Don't get me wrong. I love my job, I really do. But this year, I think I pushed myself close to my burning-out point. I don't wanna reach that. It's too soon.

What was your favorite TV program?
[2006] Amazing Race Asia! And CSI, Tyra, The OC, One Tree Hill...

[2005] Reality TV rocks! :p The Amazing Race, Survivor, Fear Factor, Pinoy Big Brother... Hahaha!!! :) But seriously. I don't care if people think I'm jologs or whatever. Ask my friends. I'm a self-confessed Pinoy Big Brother addict ;)

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
[2006] A handful of people come to mind. But honestly, I'd rather not waste my time on hating them. I've got my own life to live :)

[2005] Hmmm, come to think of it, I don't think I hate anyone now! :)

What was the best book you read?
[2006] Still reading it. Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps :)

[2005] Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince! OMG, I can't WAIT for the last book! :)

What was your greatest musical discovery?
[2006] More house music? ;)
[2005] House! Hahaha!!! :)

What did you want and not get?
[2006] Still the stuff on my gadget wish list :p And yes, I've got 2007 to make up for it. And at least I got to go on my first out-of-town trip! I wouldn't trade any gadget for that :)

[2005] My Nokia 7270, an iPod, an iBook, a digital camera (Hmmm, I think I'm starting my gadget wish list already :p) My fault though, 'coz I spent my money on other things. Oh well, I've got 2006 to make up for it :)

What was your favorite film of this year?
[2006] Happy Feet! Need I say more?
[2005] Just one? Hmmm. Think think think. Probably the most recent one I saw, King Kong :) I swear, he is THE alpha male!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
[2006] I went on an early birthday leave and spent my time on the beach :) I'll save my kwento. I haven't had the chance to do my birthday-at-the-beach post :p Then I had dinner with the family at Red Crab in Alabang.

[2005] I turned 23 this year. I made salubong my birthday with some of my officemates, since we had our office Christmas party the day before my birthday. Stayed for a few more hours after midnight and then went home to sleep. I went to work the following day after lunch :) I left the office half an hour earlier than usual so I could get home early. My family and I then went to Poquito Mas in Alabang for the usual family dinner :)

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
[2006] More time! This year, I seriously felt that I can never have enough time on my hands, both for work and for myself.

[2005] Clarity! I don't think I've ever had a more confusing year than this!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
[2006] Still the same as last year's :p

[2005] I've always went for comfort before style. So practically the entire year, my outfits revolved around my flip-flops! I'd almost always be in a baby tee, jeans, and my trusty tsinelas. When you see me in a skirt, I'm dressed up already :p But that's gonna change. I'm gonna be more adventurous with my clothes this coming year ;) That's one of my goals.

What kept you sane?
[2006] Or rather WHO kept me sane. Our late-afternoon merienda breaks with long relaxed walks around the busy Ortigas area really helps us unwind and de-stress, especially when we're having one of those days at work :)

[2005] Cigarettes! Lots and lots! And Starbucks coffee.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
[2006] Oh, hmmm. None really.
[2005] OMG, Sam Milby! Hahaha!!! I still fancy him ;)

What political issue stirred you the most?
[2006] None.
[2005] That Garci thing that's been going on since forever!

Who did you miss?
[2006] My girls. I haven't been able to spend as much time with them as I would've wanted.

[2005] My family, because I wasn't able to spend as much time as I wanted to with them this year. I've missed several important occasions because of work. *sigh* I'm just glad that they understand and they support me a hundred percent. But it makes me feel guilty though, not being there all the time.

Who was the best new person you met?
[2006] Do I even have to say who? ;)

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
[2006] We're human and we make mistakes. But what's important is that you learn from them.
[2005] You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself?
[2006] You're my inspiration, babe :)

[2005] From a really good friend of mine, Pnut, through YM, at one of my lowest points: u have so much going for you. but u love to read. u have a sense of humor. ur organized. u work hard. ur taller than most. u have friends who love you. seriously, ur a catch.

The most touching experience you've had this year?
[2006] That night when we poured our heart out to each other. We promised we'd be completely honest. And because we wanted to let it all out, we did, despite how much it really hurt both of us.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
[2006] I took a few really big steps this year, and I'm more honest and more trusting than ever.

[2005] I'm finally starting to realize things, owing up to my responsibilities, and growing up :)

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]

[2005] I did some things without even thinking at all. No regrets because I've learned from them, but I could've spared myself and the people around me all the hurt and all the complications.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
[2006] "My heart was broke, my head was sore, what a feeling. Tied up in ancient history, I didn't believe in destiny, I look up you're standing next to me, what a feeling. What a feeling in my soul, love burns brighter than sunshine, brighter than sunshine. Let the rain fall, I don't care. I'm yours and suddenly you're mine, suddenly you're mine. And it's brighter than sunshine. I never saw it happening. I'd given up and given in. I just couldn't take the hurt again, what a feeling. I didn't have the strength to fight. But suddenly you seemed so right. Me and you, what a feeling." --Aqualung's Brighter Than Sunshine

Was 2006 a good year for you?
[2006] HELL YES!!! :)

[2005] It was an extreme emotional roller coaster that I'd rather not be on anymore.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]

[2005] When the clock struck twelve on my birthday :) Of course I would've wanted ALL of my really good friends to be there, to make it salubong with me. But just the fact that they remembered to greet me, that they made me feel really special that day, was more than enough :) But then again, a trip to Bora or Amanpulo wouldn't hurt ;) Hahaha!!!

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]

Where were you when 2006 began?
[2006] At home still.
[2005] At home.

Who were you with?
[2006] My family.
[2005] My family.

Where will you be when 2006 ends?
[2006] At home. We always spend New Year's at home :)
[2005] At home.

Who will you be with when 2006 ends?
[2006] My family. It was our craziest New Year's celebration to date! :p
[2005] My family.

Do you have a New Year's Resolution for 2007?
[2006] To travel some more! :)
[2005] I've yet to make my list.

What was your favorite month of 2006?
[2006] December :D November comes a close second ;)
[2005] Hmmm, just one? December! :)

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006?
[2006] I finally let go of certain people from my past. I'm done. I had my fun already, and now it's time to move on.
[2005] Nope, not really.

Did you miss anybody in the past year?
[2006] My girls! Last time I saw them was in May when three of them celebrated their birthdays. And my girls from my old office. I'm most definitely gonna spend more time with them this coming year.

[2005] My family. I haven't really been able to spend time with them because of work. I think being sick for over a week is a blessing in disguise. It's my body's way of recovering from all the sleepless nights and from the way I've battered it, plus I get to spend time with my family since I've been at home since I don't know when :)

What was your favorite record from 2006?
[2006] Still Hed Kandi :)
[2005] Hed Kandi! I told you, this year was the year I learned to appreciate and love house ;)

How many concerts did you see in 2006?
[2006] Are house parties considered as concerts? If then, there's Hed Kandi in March, Kaskade in April, and Defected in the House at the start of December :)

[2005] None =T Hmmm, now that I think about it, I don't think I've EVER been to a concert! Sad.

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2006?
[2006] Surprisingly, not that much. Maybe that's why I got really hit at Defected when I only had two Vodka 7s. TWO!

[2005] More than usual. I'm not a big drinker. But this year, I've pushed my limits ;) I used to be out of it after a bottle of Vodka Ice, my favorite poison. But now that I've learned how to pace myself, I could drink more and enjoy myself some more! :) AND drive myself home in one piece...in three minutes flat ;) Hahaha!!!

You do anything you are ashamed of this year?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]

How much money did you spend in 2006?
[2006] I don't really compute what I spend. I think I should start doing that next year. But even if I spent way more than last year, it was most definitely well spent :)

[2005] I don't even want to know for sure. A LOT!

What was your proudest moment of 2006?
[2006] September 1 when I had my last stick of yosi and December 12 when I found out about my promotion :D

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2006?
[2006] [NO ANSWER YET]

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006 and change something, what would it be?
[2006] Nothing still! :) I wouldn't be here, we wouldn't be where we are right now, if it weren't for all the decisions we made. So I would change absolutely NOTHING :D

[2005] NOTHING :) As corny as it sounds, I wouldn't trade anything for anything.

What are your plans for 2007?
[2006] Prove to myself, to my superiors, and to the people around me that I deserve the promotion. It's a HUGE step for me and a REALLY great opportunity. I wouldn't want to let my Editor-in-chief down right? And I want to be able to visit more new places this coming year. Do I hear an out-of-the-country trip? Hehe :)

[2005] Figure out where I'm headed career-wise, spend more time with my family and my friends, take good care of myself, and enjoy enjoy ENJOY! :)

How are you different now that the year has ended?
[2006] I've taken more steps now. I've turned my back on my past so I can finally truly say that I'm starting with a clean slate. Though my emotions can still take the best of me, I've improved a whole lot. I'm not that hot-tempered on the road anymore, and I try not to be so impatient. I'm more in touch with my emotions and more honest about them. I've finally moved forward career-wise, and I can't wait to begin with my new tasks and assume my new responsibilities. More importantly, I'm more at peace, finally contented, and extremely happier than I have ever been. I'm actually looking forward to the future now, and not so afraid of it anymore :)

[2005] I'm definitely more mature now, in the fullest sense of the word. Though I wouldn't say that I've made a giant leap this year, I'm taking baby steps and I'll get there eventually. Someone told me that more often than not, I let my emotions take control of myself. And that I don't know how to say NO, even when I really want to. Those are just a couple of things I realized as the year ends. Some things that I will definitely think about as the new year is about to start.

What are your wishes for the new year?
[2006] We're both about to begin a new stage in each other's lives. I just wish for both of us to completely trust each other, because we'll need that more than anything. I wish that we both have an even greater year ahead of us :)

[2005] World peace ;) But seriously, I just wish that people can be honest with themselves and with other people. That will save us a lot of confusion and complication.