A year of ups and downs! (Looking Back at 2008)

Member Name: melcat25

Product:	Looking Back at 2008
Date:	17/01/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: I have a decent job, we still have a lovely home!

Disadvantages: No summer holiday!

1) What did you do in 2008 that you have not done before?
I started my career.
I started earning an almost decent salary.
I learnt how to face paint.


2) Did anyone close to you give birth?
No

3) Did anyone close to you die?
We lost a great uncle and a great aunt who were both very lovely, warm people. They were both in their eighties, so it was sad rather than tragic.

4) What countries did you visit?
France, at the very end of the year. We were very broke for most of this year!

5) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
It would have to be more holidays and more money. That last bit sounds very shallow I know, but I have worked so hard to get where I am now that I really would like to be able to spoil myself more.
A size ten figure would also be nice.

6) What dates will you remember from 2008?
I had a lovely birthday.
We had some great Summer days, the annual beach sports day was fun (Summer Bank Holiday).
17th July, my graduation.
3rd September, Standing in front of my first class as their new teacher for the very first time.
19th October, shopping and going to see Hairspray with my mum and sister for my mum's 60th! Fab girly day!
1st November, winning a holiday to America - WOW!
Last weekend in November, family weekend at Centre Parcs, fun and relaxing.
New Years Eve, spent in Disneyland Paris - Amazing!

7) Did you suffer illness or injury?
No injuries. I did however, come down with four sickness bugs, having never had one before. These are the joys of working with germ ridden children!

8) What was the best thing you bought?
My Ugg boots (very warm when you have spent thirteen hours wandering around a theme park in December)
A book to help me plan my science lessons (as I hate science and my subject knowledge is terrible)


9) Whose behaviour has merited celebration?
Barack Obama is a very brave man.

10) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
All those people on the streets who are carrying guns and knives and have no issues with using them. Too many innocent people are dying.

11) Where did most of your money go?
Apart from the mortgage and bills?
Items for school - books, resources etc.
Petrol - hour commute to university and now a half hour to work.
Clothes and make up.
Probably spending too much on presents for people!

12) What did you get really excited about?
Winning our holiday.
Going to Centre Parcs.
Going to Disneyland Paris.

13) What song will you remember from 2008?
Human by The Killers
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon

14) Compared to this time last year are you- happier, fitter, more productive.
At the moment I am probably not quite as happy. I am not enjoying my job and we are trying to save money which is limiting what we can do.
I am fitter (joined the gym in October) but I am still a little bit fatter. Something we are working on!
I am as productive - in my line of work you can't sit still for very long!

15) What do you wish you had done more of?
Relaxing.

16) What do you wish you had done less of?
Worrying.

17) What was your favourite TV programme?
We got the first series of Heroes for Christmas last year and began to watch it non-stop into the New Year. We enjoyed the seasons from this year nearly as much.
Lost (the wait inbetween the season was terrible)
Deperate Housewives
The Inbetweeners
I also enjoyed a BBC Four documentary on children's books and Jamie's Ministry of Food.


18) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate last year?
No.

19) What's been the best book of 2008?
I read 'The World According to Humphrey' to my class of six, seven and eight year olds (it is the diary of a school hamster who can read and write). This book will now always have a special place in my heart as it is the first book I have shared with a class and reading to them at the end of the day is my favourite part of teaching. My children loved it! They were so excited whenever I picked it up and when we read the ending it was very emotional (there was a part about a teacher never forgetting their pupils - blub!). Lots of the pupils asked for the sequel books for Christmas, and are now reading them at home, one even came dressed as Humphrey on dress-up day. I was so glad that my first book choice really struck a note. Proud too.

20) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Not really for 2008 but in 2003 I discoverd the rather fantastic Jason Mraz. This year I was amazed to see his latest videos on the television and hear Scott Mills singing his praises! I should be a talent scout!

21) What did you want to get in 2008?
My first teaching job and I did!

22) What did you want and didn't get?
An engagment ring!

23) What is your favourite film of the year?
I loved Son of Rambow. Very original and great acting. We also saw The Dark Knight. I enjoyed it, and Heath was AMAZING, but it didn't live up to the hype for me.

24) What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I was twenty five!
We went out shopping to the local city, met up with my sister and she bought us lunch - yummy. Drove back home to my parents house where we all met up again and had lasange and cake!
At the weekend hired a limo back to the city and partied with my girlfriends.
It was a good birthday and very sunny too!

25) What political issue stirred you the most?
Nothing too much.

26) Who was the best person you met?
I don't think I have met many new people this year! The Deputy Head at my school is very nice and a great support. I suppose the children in my class stand out the most. I had many aquaintances turn into good friends this year.

27) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008?
If you always try to be perfect, you will always let yourself down!
(I am still trying though, and still feeling like I'm not good enough)

Happy 2009 everyone!

Summary: Bring on 2009!