40 Questions for 2025
If you'd like to do this too, here's the list of questions.
1. What did you do this year that you’d never done before?
Broke my wrist, went kayaking, saw Epica in concert, beat Parasite Eve (finally!), and probably plenty more that I'm forgetting.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions?
I typically don't make resolutions, and I don't think I did last year. I do have some general goals for this year, but nothing too concrete.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's wife gave birth to a little boy. They live all the way out in Washington state, so I don't see them much, but I see pictures every now and then via my mom passing them along.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my aunt unfortunately passed away from cancer in February. It's been hard on the family, especially my mom, who's her twin. In a sense, it's brought us closer, but I wish she was still here.
5. What cities/states/countries did you visit?
Nashville, TN
Johnson City, TN
Richmond, VA
Orlando, FL
It was a pretty uneventful year for travel.
6. What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year?
More financial stability.
7. What date(s) from this year will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 23: my aunt passed away
May 8: saw Epica in concert, a bucket list item crossed off
September 21: kayaked the Tennessee River for the first time and subsequently broke my wrist
September 25-28: family trip to Orlando
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Trying new things and (mostly) succeeding at them.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I'm keeping this one to myself for now, but I'm trying to look at it as an obstacle I overcame rather than a failure.
10. What other hardships did you face?
My aunt's death, breaking my wrist and undergoing surgery for it, and trying to maintain hope in the face of the US government.
11. Did you suffer illness or injury?
The aforementioned wrist injury
12. What was the best thing you bought?
I think I did a fantastic job with Christmas presents this year, especially these:
Danny -- a D20 watch
My niece -- Kuromi stationery
Mom -- a throw blanket with snowflakes on it
Lauren -- a cleansing mask set and Too Faced eyeshadow palette
13. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Danny was amazing throughout my wrist injury, ensuring I had everything I needed and was as comfortable as possible.
14. Whose behavior made you appalled?
Should I state the obvious?
15. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, food, and medical bills.
16. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Seeing Epica live and the Orlando trip. Despite the ethical issues I have with Universal Studios, I allowed myself to be excited about it, and it turned out to be a pretty magical trip. I can't help it, walking into Super Nintendo World and feeling like I'd been transported into a world from my childhood was an experience I won't soon forget. And the Dark Universe completely transforms at night, which warmed my little Halloweeny heart. The Fallout Halloween section was pretty great too.
17. What song will always remind you of this year?
"Leave It to Them" by Heather Maloney. Got me through the rough times.
18. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier or sadder? Richer or poorer? Healthier or unhealthier?
Unfortunately, sadder, poorer, and unhealthier. Things I hope will change in 2026. I got a raise in the summer but accrued more debt from medical bills and things. I gained weight due to my bipolar medication and didn't move my body as much as I should've. And a lot of things happened this year that weighed on me mentally, leaving me overall sadder. I hope this isn't too much of a downer, but I'm just trying to be honest here.
19. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveling, creative writing, exercising.
20. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending money.
21. How are you spending the holidays?
I spent Christmas with family. Danny and I hung out at his mom's house for a while and then went to a Chinese buffet with my family for dinner. We'd already celebrated with my family at a lake house rental the weekend before. New Year's Eve was spent at home with Danny and Ranni watching the countdown in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
22. Did you fall in love this year?
I fell in love with reading again and with Magic the Gathering.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nah, don't really want put energy toward this.
24. What was your favorite show?
Devil May Cry and Pluribus
25. What was the best book you read?
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
26. What was your greatest musical discovery of the year?
Nova Twins
27. What was your favorite film?
KPop Demon Hunters. I have watched probably every live performance of "Golden" that's popped up on YouTube.
28. What was your favorite meal?
Big Fire at Universal Orlando. I had their half chicken with Alabama white BBQ sauce, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and honey-drizzled cornbread.
29. What did you want and get?
Epica concert tickets and a new perfume: Vanilla Skin by Phlur
30. What did you want and not get?
A lot of other concert tickets
31. What did you do on your birthday?
It was a pretty low-key one this year. I had dinner and a cake with family. Danny got me a cute Cinnamoroll plushie and a Keroppi stress ball.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not losing my aunt or breaking my wrist.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion this year?
This was absolutely the year of comfort. Spending the last quarter of the year in a brace/cast and dealing with constant wrist pain solidified that. Lots of sweats this fall and winter.
34. What kept you sane?
Focusing on Retro Achievements. It gave me something to pour myself into when I needed it.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you admire the most?
Zohran Mamdani, Hayley Williams, Rosalía, Ms. Rachel
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, the mass kidnappings and deportations that are happening in my country, the criminalization of the homeless, and just...everything that's going on in the US right now, frankly.
37. Who did you miss?
My aunt.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
It was lovely getting to know Joel and even participating in one of his community blog posts!
39. What valuable life lesson did you learn this year?
The importance of routine, and that I can do hard things.
40. What is a quote that sums up your year?
"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." - Tolkien