What did you do in 2004 that you‛d never done before?
Moved away from my hometown, learned to live in a new city and in a new academic community, traveled solely for business rather than pleasure all year.
Did you keep your New Year‛s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don‛t believe in New Year‛s resolutions, and so didn‛t make any. I did make progress with the general, ongoing goals of personal and professional growth.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but a new colleague did.
Did anyone close to you die?
An old friend of mine died after a decade-long struggle with AIDS. Although we were once very close, we lost touch several years ago and I only found out after my mother read the obit. I had to fly to Michigan on the day of his funeral. I still wear a sweater he gave me (it‛s one of my Writing Sweaters) and think of him often.
What countries did you visit?
No countries this year. I did go to Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan. Also back and forth between Arkansas and Minnesota six times.
What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
Stability. 2004 was a very transitional year.
What date from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory?
July 23.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finishing and defending my thesis, getting accepted to programs. Learning to be a better person.
What was your biggest failure?
Learning to be a better person. Other than that, there were just challenges, not failures.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, except for a touch of RSI.
What was the best thing you bought?
My PowerBook G4. No question.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My family, who dealt so well with my decision to move away. Mister Boyfriend, for many reasons.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Half the voting public. The current administration.
Where did most of your money go?
Moving, food and shelter.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Starting a new life.
What song/album will always remind you of 2004?
Gun Club‛s Fire of Love and The Vines‛ Winning Days.
Compared to this time last year, are you?

• Happier or sadder Happier, definitely.
• Thinner or fatter? Thinner (barely) and, more importantly, in better shape.
• Richer or poorer? Monetarily poorer. Otherwise, richer

What do you wish you‛d done more of?
Reading and writing, both for work and for pleasure.
What do you wish you‛d done less of?
Packing. Crying.
How did you spend Christmas?
At home with Mister Boyfriend, reading, cooking, and watching movies.
Who did you spend most of your time on the phone with?
My parents.
Did you fall in love in 2004?
More and more.
How many one night stands in this last year?
None.
What was your favorite TV program?
I don‛t really watch any current TV programs anymore, but we usually watch ‛classic‛ TV during dinner. This year was the year of Green Acres and Wonder Woman.
Do you hate anyone now who you didn‛t hate this time last year?
Not that I can think of. I‛m more the sort to drop people completely from my life rather than waste time hating them.
What was the best book(s) you read?
An Unfinished Woman and Scoundrel Time, both by Lillian Hellman.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Gun Club and Concrete Blonde.
What did you want and get?
I got a little closer to the life I want to have and the person I want to be.
What did you want and not get?
A pet.
What were your favorite films of this year?
I didn‛t see a lot of movies this year, so I‛ll list the ones striking enough to stick in my mind: Vanity Fair. The Incredibles. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 28, and I spent it flying from Minnesota to Arkansas and going straight to the hospital to see my grandfather, who had been admitted several days prior.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A more constant effort at fitness, although I feel reasonably good about the changes I did make.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
A general lack of a concept.
What kept you sane?
Family. Gina and Michelle. Long walks and hot baths.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Alan Rickman. Emma Thompson.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Queer marriage.
Who did you miss?
All my dear ones back in Little Rock.
Who was the best new person you met?
I‛ve met so many new people this year I couldn‛t possibly pick one. That sounds so cheesy and political, but it‛s true.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004.
Don‛t be afraid to reach for what you want.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
If something goes wrong, I'm the first to admit it
The first to admit it - but the last one to know
If something goes right, well, it's likely to lose me
It's apt to confuse me
Because it's such an unusual sight, oh
I can't get used to something so right
Something so right

(The Annie Lennox cover rather than Paul Simon original, although I‛m not sure that makes me any cooler.)