It’s that time again folks, New Year’s. Time for the annual Lord of the Rings (Extended Editions) marathon. And time to look back over the year that was. Time for the 2011 Year in Review Meme! Here is 2010, for reference. You may notice that some of my answers haven’t changed from last year. Let’s see if we can do something about that, 2012.

What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

Planned a press conference. Went for six days without a proper shower (thanks, Sasquatch!). Helped my best friend pick out her wedding dress.

Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn’t make any new years resolutions last year. And I don’t really intend to make any this year because I always break them about two weeks into January. But I am starting one of those yearly bible reading plans so hopefully by this time next year I will have read the entire bible…even all those minor prophets that I tend to glaze over. The plan is to not give myself a hard time about it or stress out about catching up if I miss a day here or there.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, goodness. Michelle & Ben had Jethro. Stephanie & JC had Aurora. Kim & Jon had Sarah. And then I think there were approximately 1 million babies born to people at Westside. Seriously, what is with everyone having kids?

Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

What countries did you visit?

Just Americuh, but frequently.

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

A real job with benefits and sick days. A vacation to somewhere far far away, maybe Europe.

What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

• March 11th—Me & Jer’s first show as a singing duo band thing.
• May 6th—My very first business trip and media event planned all by myself.
• May 17th—Let’s just say God really shook me up on this day
• July 27th—My last day of work at Stat Can

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Setting up a freelance graphic design and creative communications business. Planning a press conference all by myself.

What was your biggest failure?

How much/often I let my emotions take over my life.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope. I was blessed with another year of good health.

What was the best thing you bought?

My iPhone. And my Sasquatch ticket.

Whose behaviour merited celebration?

There are so many people I could write about here. I’m blessed with some pretty amazing friends who prayed with me and for me and saw me through a pretty tough year. But the superstar friendship award for 2011 goes to Tami Knepper. Tami hung out with me during the days when I had no job. She helped me plan an awesome birthday party. She listened to me and just let me cry when things were super hard. She offered good advice when I needed it. Her house was a place of refuge for me. And she is pretty much the best Donkey Kong partner you could ask for.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Alex Burrows.

Where did most of your money go?

Rent, paying off debt and car payments. Borrrrring.

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

Sasquatch! Ariana’s engagement!

What songs will always remind you of 2011?

• Baby, Justin Bieber
• Poison & Wine, The Civil Wars
• Ten Cent Pistol, The Black Keys
• Winter Song, The Head & The Heart
• Your Love Never Fails, Jesus Culture
• Sovereign Over Us, Aaron Keyes

Compared to this time last year, are you:

• Happier or Sadder?
  About the same, I think.
• Thinner or Fatter?
  Fatter. Sob!
• Richer or Poorer?
  Poorer.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Praying, writing music, travelling.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Watching tv, crying, writing cover letters, pining.

How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent Christmas in Edmonton with my family. It was really quiet and I played Dutch Blitz with my brothers, laughed a ton and we all fell asleep on the couches in our living room at about 8pm.

Did you fall in love in 2011?

No, sadly. Wait…is it too cheesy to say I fell deeper in love with Jesus?

What was your favourite TV program?

Sons of Anarchy, Modern Family, Dexter and New Girl

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I have a very strict life policy to not hate anyone. That being said, I would like to have a word with whomever decided to book Nickleback for the Grey Cup.

What was the best book you read?

King’s Cross by Tim Keller and Spoiled by the Fug Girls.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

New band wise? I totally fell in love with the Civil Wars about halfway through the year. There was a lot of good music that came out this year from new artists and old favorites. So it’s hard to pick just one. If we’re talking personal musical discoveries though, I think that my vocal range and confidence really improved through singing at all those shows with JZ over the year. Towards the end of the year I thought, “why is he singing with me?” much less often.

What did you want and get?

A job. A pretty dress from Anthropologie.

What did you want and not get?

A dream job. A relationship. A pony.

What was your favourite film of this year?

Harry Potter: The End, The Help, and Bill Cunningham New York

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

Tami and Josh hosted a SUPER AWESOME Mexican Fiesta party for me. There was a burrito bar and lots of lovely friends and it was so nice. I am now t w e n t y s e v e n (old).

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

A full time permanent job with benefits. And sick days.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Poor girl shops well.

What kept you sane?

Jesus and music and a few good friends.

Which celebrity or public figure did you fancy the most?

Jax Teller, Dan Mangan and Jordan Eberle

What political issue stirred you the most?

This is a question that could get me into trouble. For the most part I like to stay out of politics. The Occupy movement stirred me to the most annoyance.

Who did you miss?

My family and Douze. And Patrick. And my kitty. Look how cute she is!

Who was the best new person you met?

Technically we met in 2010, making super awkward work conversation at the airport. But I am including them here because my friendships with Jodes, Kristine and Mehnaz really shaped my 2011. They are hilarious and wonderful and (mostly) professional and going to the office with them every day was a joy.

Annnnd. Jenn and I became really good friends over the summer. I love this girl.

And Marc Ross! There were a lot of awesome new friends this year.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011

Honestly, 2011 was a rough year for me. I feel like I’ve been through the ringer both spiritually and emotionally. But I learned a lot about the Sweet Grace of God. I learned that provision doesn’t always come in the ways we expect it to. I learned how important it is to live in community with other people, especially when you are going through something hard. I learned that it’s important to ask for help if you need it instead of trying to do everything on your own. And I learned that God’s love is infinite, perfect, unfailing. Even in the valley he is faithful. And He is the only thing worth putting your hope in.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails