2014: A Look Back (Part II)

In continuation of this 2014 reflection series (brought you by Kendel here @  Little Misadventures), I'll be answering some more of the questions to help ponder the past events of 2014.

Ready?
Ready.

• 16.How did your relationship to your family evolve? Well, it depends. This year has been a lot of up and down. A roller coaster ride of emotion, I'd like to say overall, I've gotten a bit closer. But there's no denying a ton of isolation... 
• 17.What book or movie affected your life in a profound way? Sadly, seeing as I haven't gotten to read much this year, not that many books have impacted me. I can say, however, in a chick flick marathon with my best friend, re watching The Vow was... An experience. Touching, eye opening. Makes me want to never ever ever take any kind of love for granted...
• 18.What was your favourite compliment that you received this year? Hmm. Probably when someone said I had a great smile. I'd like to think that that is my gateway to people's hearts and if they like it... Then I guess it's doing its job, yeah? (;
• 19.What little things did you most enjoy during your day-to-day life? I could make a long list of these... But to name a few: watching the sun rise, the way my little sister hugged me every time I came home from school, the good morning/good night texts from J, and warm mugs of tea. 
• 20.What cool things did you create this year? Well. For J's birthday, I pasteled a picture of Link from the game Zelda on some canvas-- a ton of work, but a ton of fun. Maybe I'll post a picture if I'm feeling it. I also created some blog features. Okay, one feature. The "Life as of Lately"... And even then I have barely acted on them... But I created them! A for effort, right? (;
• 21.What was your most common mental state this year (e.g. excited, curious, stressed)? Stressed. Sad to say it, but it's true. So much of this year has been tears.... If it hasn't been schoolwork it's been family members or relationships and it's just piled so high that I have allowed it to let it break me. That's something I want to change in the new year. 
• 22.Was there anything you did for the very first time in your life this year? Yes. Yes there was.  Quite a few things, actually. 1) I started working. Throwing that into my life with intense schoolwork has been an interesting ride.  Not impossible, but interesting. 2) I joined my schools improv comedy troupe. Such a relief from normal acting... So much less stress. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy serious acting... But sometimes too much is too much. And with a heavy work schedule, rehearsals weren't gonna happen. 
• 23.What was your favourite moment spent with your friends? Similarly to Kendels answer... All of them! Though I do have to say I loved hanging out with all four of my "crew" from middle school a few days ago. 

• 24.What major goal did you lay the foundations for? Saving money. I set up savings, got a job, and now I'm off to pay for college. Feels good. 
• 25.Which worries turned out to be completely unnecessary? Items in my relationship. Some things that were foggy and unclear...came to surface and were worked out. And to think I spent so much time worrying...
• 26.What experience would you love to do all over again? I would love to go back to the beach with Andrea. We went for a couple days and it was great. So many memories on that trip. 😀💜
• 27.What was the best gift you received? Initially, nothing tangible-- a couple of nights ago I had the joy of finding a beautiful lost dog in a shopping center and returning it to its owner. Honestly one of the best feelings ever. I cried a bit.  If we're talking tangible things... then probably the desktop computer J built for me (he's awesome like that) is PHENOMENAL. I can now Dota and Battle Block Theatre without lag on a beautiful display ^_^
• 28.How did your overall outlook on life evolve? First off, fabulous question.  I think my view on life is always shifting, but I think this year it has shifted towards the better... I've regained hope-- mainly that the future will be better and that my life has presents in it that I still haven't opened yet. 
• 29.What was the biggest problem you solved? Probably paying attention to my parent's curfew and guidelines for when I'm out on the town... I used to not be as reliable and therefore kind of grounded a lot. It's a big improvement for me.
  

Whew. 2014 was packed. And you don't realize that until you do something like this to help you reflect on all of it.  But enough about me-- overall, how would you guys rate 2014?  (On scale of 1-10, ten being the best?)

Love you all,

xoxo