End of the year questions

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Ran two ultras. Both were 50Ks.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes. I kept three out of five resolutions. I ran way over 2800 miles (over 5200 so far), read a ton of books and I ran some new races. The two that I didn't meet were losing a few more pounds and always, taking more personal photos for myself. Both of those will be on my 2012 resolution list. I plan on succeeding at both of them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
The US. Went to Wisconsin for the first time. Back to Chicago for a short time and went to upstate New York.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I would love to make more money.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
September 24 and October 8. Those were the dates I ran ultramarathons (50Ks). I went from someone who said they would never run a marathon (which I haven't yet, an official one that is) to running ultras. Running ultras has taught me that I can do anything as long as I try.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Running over 5000 miles.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not shooting more personal photos and gaining a few pounds.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No. Not this year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A Camelbak. It worked well for me during my ultras.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Student loan, gas, groceries, books and house payments.

13. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Running in Ragnar Chicago relay, running my first ultra and becoming a runner for Oiselle.

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Rolling in the Deep by Adele and Love the Way You Lie by Eminem

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter. I gained a few pounds.
c) richer or poorer? About the same.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of? Shoot photos for myself.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of? Complain.

18. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes. I love my husband more then ever.

19. What was your favorite TV programs?
Community, Modern Family, Dexter, Blue Bloods, Top Chef & The Vampire Diaries.

20. What was the best book you read?
The Hunger Games series. Can't wait for the movie.

21. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Adele

22. What was your favorite films of this year?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. I watched the foreign films and they were just as good as the books. I hope the US versions will be as good as the foreign ones.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32 and I ran 32 miles on my birthday.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I didn't gain back a few pounds. I plan to really watch what I eat in the new year. I will lose the weight I gained.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Same as last year. Jeans, shorts, and shirts from Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister and Abercromie and Fitch.

26. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. What an elegant and classy woman.

27. Who do you miss?
My dad who passed away in 1998 and college friends that live so far away.

28. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. Running ultras has taught me that I can do anything as long as I try.

29. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Sometimes we're strong, sometimes we're weak/Sometimes we're hurt and it cuts deep/We live this life breath to breath/We're all the same, we all bleed red. - Bleed Red by Ronnie Dunn

30. Do you have any big plans for 2012? I will be running my first 50 mile race in March. I also plan to run a second 50 mile race in October.