It’s the return of the All & Sundry survey! I’m not sure if it’s still a going concern over there, but we’re going to do it again here regardless. (Here are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015 and 2016 editions.)
What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?
I participated in my first protest march, I started calling my elected representatives a few times a week, and I sent one of my kids to public school.
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year I said I was going to try to treat myself with more kindness and mercy and go out with Rockford more often. I wasn’t consistent with either, but I think I improved on both fronts at least a little. I’m going to have the same goals for 2018.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! We were thrilled to meet a new nephew this year.
Did anyone close to you die?
I don’t believe so.
What countries did you visit?
I did not leave the United States yet again this year. But I did go to Idaho, where I spent several hours soaking in a hot spring. Those were some of the loveliest hours of my year.
What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?
A greater sense of peace.
What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I have a terrible memory. I don’t have an answer for this.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Successfully cutting out dairy. I still miss sour cream quite a lot, but my stomach feels much better.
What was your biggest failure?
I mean, I would’ve liked to have lost more weight and been more active, but that’s pretty much what I say every year.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
My gallbladder turned on me and had to be excised.
What was the best thing you bought?
Some family photos that we had done for the church directory.
Where did most of your money go?
To the mortgage, as usual.
What did you get really excited about?
Our upcoming trip to NYC to see “Hamilton”! And we’ll do other things too, but we wouldn’t be going if it weren’t for “Hamilton.”
What song will always remind you of 2017?
No clue.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Last year I said more family hikes. This year? More family hikes.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about that over which I have no control.
How did you spend Christmas?
At home! And then we went to my sister-in-law’s house and ate crab cakes and played Trivial Pursuit. I had a cold, but otherwise it was a pretty good day.
What was your favorite TV program?
I watched a lot of TV this year. Probably too much TV. I think the shows I enjoyed the most were “The Crown” and “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.”
What were your favorite books of the year?
Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime” and Jhumpa Lahiri’s “Interpreter of Maladies.”
What was your favorite music from this year?
I’m not sure how much of it was actually new music, but I love the “Baby Driver” soundtrack. I also gained a new appreciation for LCD Soundsystem, Sylvan Esso and The XX when we saw them live at Shaky Knees.
What were your favorite films of the year?
I loved “Blade Runner 2049,” “Thor: Ragnorak” and “Logan.”
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 39 this year, and we celebrated with an extended cast of friends and family in Pigeon Forge, TN.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the Powerball jackpot the other day would’ve been a nice thing.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?
I’m still going for that Jim James / Mrs. Roper vibe.
