Roundup 2008…
Saw this on Karen’s blog and thought it would be fun to do a round-up of 2008 with this meme. Do it if it pleases you, or simply bored:
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Keep my legs shut – for the most part. Discriminate my lovely appendages from losers and those that deserve to see my perfection.
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Not one for resolutions as I’m probably going to break it yesterday. But I’ve set up goals to meet.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep – well not super close but Facebook-close.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Touchwood no. Although I killed my dead grandfather (RIP) several times to get out of work…..What?! He was already dead so it’s not like I could kill him again.
5. What countries did you visit?
USA twice. Frankfurt through transit. Hit Oman through Hajjar mountains by camping trip.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A steady relationship with a nice guy. A better pay and job. Better health.
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 20th – the day I met JT. December 1st – Russell Peters Show. May 29th – SHOOF Troops 2008 Award Ceremony
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Pulling the SHOOF Troops 2008 Awards Ceremony off. My project where I did the bulk of the organizing and execution.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Succumbing to my ex. Losing my precious munchkin.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Illness – yes. Thanks to my weight and worsening PCOS, nearly became diabetic. Injury – plenty. I’m accident-prone. Especially with furniture.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Tickets to the Russell Peters show. A birthday present for my colleague that included a day Spa. A birthday present for my sister which included painting at a studio.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
P. Mom. JT.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Not going to take any names. You all know who you are. And if you don’t – sucks to be you.
14. Where did most of your money go?
My disastrous attempt at my Master’s. Credit card payments. My Canadian nest egg.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Meeting JT. Handling the SHOOF Troops 2008 competition.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Katie Perry songs – “I Kissed A Girl” and “Hot and Cold”
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
Happier, same weight, richer (just a bit).
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Avoid losers. Exercise more.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Meet losers. Sleep.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Don’t celebrate Xmas beyond the big bash at sister’s. Due to circumstances, no bash this year. Spent it at home sleeping.
21. Did you meet/date anyone special in 2008?
Yes. December 20th. JT. Here’s hoping to a wonderful 2009 with him.
[22 was missing] – darn it. I bet it was some sex related thing – perv!
23. How many one-night stands?
No comments 
I told you it was sex-related.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Too many. But I couldn’t wait for Heroes and Gossip Girl.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hate is too strong a word. Let’s just say my respect for them has lessened. But not reached voodoo doll point.
26. What was the best book you read?
The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Missy Higgins and Mirah through music in SYTYCD Season 4.
28. What did you want and get?
A red iPod that is on it’s way to me now. A loving man who takes care of me. To be better friends with my mom.
29. What did you want and not get?
Family peace. A sense of regret and acknowledgment that my ex hurt me.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I rather enjoyed Rock On!! and Dostana.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Turned 24. Was working at the SHOOFtv.com stand at the Kids Marketing Summit, followed by a surprise lunch by the girls in my office at Paul. And afterward seeing my munchkin and sister at home.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The very much deserved but not given promotion. Seeing my munchkin. Wishing I met JT earlier.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Mostly jeans and a top, with loafers and moccasins.
34. What kept you sane?
Blogging. Mom. P.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Farhan Akhtar, especially after Rock On!!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The US Presidential elections – what else?
37. Who did you miss?
My size 10 waist.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
JT. People I met during SHOOF Troops 2008 and Fan Park. And people I catch up with in blogs – I love y’all. *mwah*
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Murphy’s laws are a fact of life and a bitch to experience.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I don’t know what I’ve done
Or if I like what I’ve begun
But something told me to run
And honey you know me it’s all or none
There were sounds in my head
LIttle voices whispering
That I should go and this should end
Oh and I found myself listening….
See I thought love was black and white
That it was wrong or it was right
But you ain’t leaving without a fight
And I think I am just as torn inside…
(this part goes out to my munchkin)
And I won’t be far from where you are if ever you should call
You meant more to me than anyone I ever loved at all
But you taught me how to trust myself and so I say to you
This is what I have to do
‘Cos I dont know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should
And I don’t know if I could stand another hand upon you
All I know is that I should
‘Cos she will love you more than I could
She who dares to stand where I stood
Art and Blood…
Well, I know what I’m doing for New Year’s Eve. I’m going to be spending it with mom at Cafe Ceramique. Yes, I know I’m going there too often. But it is an amazing place to go. Great location, ambiance, food and I’ve gone there with every person I care about deeply. And what better way to end the year with a place that holds my fondest memories of my favorite people?
And I’m going to go paint a little fairy I had my eye on last time I went. And I want to encourage my mother to paint again. I remember once seeing her oils and watercolors that she did in A-Levels (really long back in the ’60s) and it was beautiful. My mom had an eye and hand for art. That’s probably where my sister and I got it from. I’m not as great as my mother or my sister (she was and is a natural). Mine took years and years of practice and sweat to be better than a 4th grader’s doodles.
My mother wanted to pursue that or something related to geography. But then the Bangladeshi Liberation war began and she had to flee to India. She missed giving her Metrics (Equivalent to O-Levels of 10 grade) and had to wait a year to give it again. By then, Bangladesh no longer was friendly to Urdu-speaking people like my mother and her family. Most higher education also changed from English-medium to Bengali-medium, putting my mother at a disadvantage. So to be able to help out her family, she had no choice but to give up further education, took secretarial classes and began her work that lead up to her current position, which is an amazing position (can’t say because it’s a high profile job). And to a certain extent, she fulfilled part of her passion for geography by joining the airline and travel industry.
I really wish my mother could have had the opportunities that I had to do what I like – being in the arts, even though it’s more of communication and social sciences. And I wish my sister too. She has an amazing hand and eye, just like my mother. She wanted to be a graphic designer/artist, but unfortunately my dad was of the iron fist mode and forced her into the sciences, of which she had no interest. Whereas I did. And I love the sciences too. Infact, I’m probably more suited to the sciences than my mom or sister. But look at how everything turned out.
I used to always try imitating my sister when she drew lovely images of horses, of scenery and dolphins, but somehow I always fell short. And to a certain extent, I’d give anything to have the talent my mother and sister possess. But sadly, I’ll always be a few brush strokes behind.
I suppose the stories mother told me of the Liberation war and current media make me a staunch supporter of anti-war. It’s affected me indirectly. She told me of how soldiers raided their house when her parents weren’t home and how all the kids hid and barely made it through the raid. It’s personal to me. War always ruins lives, both of the winners and losers. And for what? A language, a piece of land? Is someone’s life really worth all that?
I’m not a pussy though. I understand self-defense. If someone’s coming at you with a knife, it is survival instinct to protect yourself. To the point of killing the other person. Because it’s either you or that person. But that doesn’t make the killing any less horrific or dehumanizing. The reason murder is the worst thing is because in taking another’s life, you lose a piece of yourself. Your soul. Your humanity. Which is why it’s easier killing a second time and so forth till there is no humanity left in you.
Which is also why I will never forget what happened to me. Because I never want to feel that again and even though I lost a piece of myself physically, I lost a piece of myself emotionally, mentally and even that piece of humanity. If ever I were in a position to repeat it again, it won’t be so hard or difficult. But I never want it to be easy. I do not want to turn into a cold-blooded monster. And if there’s ever a next time, no matter what happens to me, I’m not going to give it up or kill it. I won’t. I will do whatever it takes to protect it, and raise it to be a good human being.
Some Personality Tests…..
Ok, came across this personality test and thought I’d share my results:
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Advanced Big 30 Personality Test Results
|
Take Free Advanced Big 30 Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com
| Trait | . | low score | high score |
| Sociability | 23% | socially reserved, detached | friendly, open |
| Aggressiveness | 79% | mild mannered, uncompetitive | predatory, domineering |
| Assertiveness | 68% | introverted, loner | controlling, aggressive |
| Activity Level | 25% | relaxed, laid back | vigorous, high energy |
| Excitement-Seeking | 22% | sedate, restrained | adventurous, wild |
| Enthusiasm | 21% | somber, pessimistic | cheerful, optimistic |
| Trust | 85% | suspicious of others | trusting of others |
| Submissiveness | 58% | rebellious, lawless | dutiful, obedient, compliant |
| Altruism | 50% | selfish, cold, austere | helpful, selfless, indulgent |
| Cooperation | 73% | argumentitive, confrontational | conflict averse, meek |
| Modesty | 79% | arrogant, self-satisfied | humble, unassuming, doormat |
| Sympathy | 69% | callous, heartless | empathetic, warm |
| Confidence | 70% | not confident in work | confident in work, egoistic |
| Neatness | 76% | disorganized, messy | planner, clean, anal |
| Dutifulness | 78% | dishonest, derelict | honest, rule abiding, proper |
| Achievement | 78% | lazy, unmotivated | driven, goal oriented |
| Self-Discipline | 77% | procrastinator | responsible, efficient |
| Cautiousness | 80% | spontaneous, daring, reckless | careful, controlled, safe |
| Anxiety | 59% | relaxed, fearless | fearful, worrier |
| Volatility | 66% | calm, cool | touchy, tempermental |
| Depression | 62% | content, balanced | emotional, self hating |
| Self-Consciousness | 82% | confident, assured | low self esteem, shy |
| Impulsiveness | 67% | high self control | low self control |
| Vulnerability | 30% | resilient, unphased | confused, helpless |
| Imagination | 62% | practical, realistic | dreamer, unrealistic |
| Artistic Interests | 86% | artistic indifference | art, nature, beauty lover |
| Introspection | 63% | not self reflective | self searching |
| Adventurousness | 61% | conventional, safe | spontaneous, bold |
| Intellect | 77% | instinctive, non-analytical | intellectual, analytical |
| Liberalism | 87% | conservative, traditional | progressive, open |
Take Free Advanced Big 30 Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com
And another one (you’ll need to register – its free – and then take the VIA Signature Strengths test):
Your Top Strength
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
Your Second Strength
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a “real” person.
Your Third Strength
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.
Your Fourth Strength
Caution, prudence, and discretion
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.
Your Fifth Strength
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
So…what do you think? And if you do the tests, do you think it portrays you?
*sigh*
I’m finally done cleaning my closet. And I feel so much lighter. There’s a big mountain of clothes to sort through – donate or dispose. But that should go over rather smoothly.
The highlight of my day was chatting with JT online. He kept saying how he missed me and wish I was with him and that he can’t wait to see me. I miss him too. He told his folks about me, and they’re quite curious about me as I’m so different from them. And rather unexpected. He’s Texan, white, Christian and 15 years older than me. I’m Indian, Muslim, and 15 years younger than him. Infact, I’m five years older than his oldest nephew. But age doesn’t matter. And all that doesn’t matter if we get along together.
And I might go with him in March when he heads back to Texas for a knee operation. And see his folks. He’ll be meeting my mom when he’s back in Dubai. It’s rather exciting as I’ve never told mom about any guy, and he’ll be the first. Although she might not be thrilled knowing his background – the whole non-Muslim thing. But I’m hoping she’ll see that he’s very nice and he makes me happy.
I can’t wait to the 6th.
Clothes..again
Taking a break from cleaning my closet. It doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a rather long and emotional process. There are clothes I’ve hung on to but never worn – either for sentimental reasons, or thinking that one day I’ll fit into them (I used to wear them when I was 16 and B-cup).
So I took a deep breath and chucked them out of my closet. I’ll donate most of the clothes, except for old innerwear and clothes that are too holey. Those land up in the bin. Unless my mother decides to use them as dishrags or dusters. It’s rather mortifying to see my mom wipe tables with old polka-dot or kiddy-patterned undies – don’t worry, they were clean.
Ok, a little bit of a girl whine. I rather like my boobies, and so do many men. Not too big, and not mosquito-bites either. But modern fashion doesn’t account for rather bountiful women and thus a problem when trying to buy clothes for myself. Many a time I find nice stuff in the maternity department. Which is quite mortifying. I can lose my belly, lose a few inches from my overall frame, but my boobs aren’t going to go anywhere. Which is a pain. I’m an in between size. Too big for the normal sizes, and too small for the plus sizes. My bottoms are smaller than my tops. I can’t buy a set unless I can switch them around – like get a size 18 top and size 16 bottom. Or size 16 top and size 14 bottom.
I remember once upon a time when I fit into size 10 clothes. *sigh* What I would do to get back into them.
Although the good news is that I seem to have lost 2 kilos in a week, largely due to the new weight loss drug the doctor gave. One day….
Clothes…
I took a shower and feel all refreshed and relaxed. And I still have to deal with the pile of clothes on my bed that need sorting – which to keep, and which to chuck or donate.
I’ve been losing some weight so I need to make space for new stuff. Unfortunately, the lovely set that my aunt (the groom’s mother – my cousin got married recently)got me is tight around my boobs. As usual. It doesn’t matter how much weight I lose, I’ve grown in boobs since they last saw me and always get me stuff that doesn’t fit across my boobs. I rather dread getting clothes from them knowing it’s not going to fit. I would much prefer getting the material and I can stitch it to my size.
They keep measuring it to my rather large cousin. And that isn’t right. Because even though she may have larger breasts, she has a tinier frame. I might be flatter than her, but much broader frame – hence a bad fit that squashes my boobs.
My mother has a much better idea of size and realized getting anything that doesn’t stretch will probably not fit around my boobs. And she got me two lovely tops that fit just right and stretch in the right places.
And another reason why I prefer clothes shopping and shoe shopping in America. I’m a rather broad girl when not fat and big feet – well wider than longer feet. So I always get my right size in clothes and shoes in the States that fit in all the right places. And the fact that because most Americans are generally big, I can buy a medium or large instead of XL or XXL in Dubai. I hate European and Chinese sizes – made for stick figures rather than for women. And I’m surprised they even sell considering most local women are of the curvier disposition.
Yet I can never find decent bras in the States as they’re all too small or too large. Odd considering they have the clothes, but not the innerwear. I can never find decent bras anywhere and thus when I do come across the right size, I go crazy and buy in bulk because I don’t know when I’ll come across the right size again.
*sigh* Must save up for a summer trip to the States – I’ll be needing new stuff by then.
He Replied…
“yea that is a good one. thanks for the card i can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks.“
