How Was 2009 For You?

[Martin]

Wow, I cannae believe another year has gone by and that I am doing this again.

So yeah, like last year vote on the poll above and answer the questions below!

2008 thread is here: How Was 2008 For You?

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1. The biggest change in your life this year?

2. What did you do over the summer?

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?

5. Favourite song from the year?

6. Favourite artist this year?

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?

[Maddy]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Without a doubt moving out of home and starting university.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Mostly prepared to move out, and panicked a bit.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Ahahahahahahahano. Although I did find out that a few people either were or had been interested in me, which is the best I can hope for, I guess.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Probably because it's recent, but the Australian internet filter.

5. Favourite song from the year?
I can't think of a song from this year I liked all that much.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Don't really have one.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I did not.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Adjusting to university, getting good marks, and winning NaNoWriMo in my first year of trying it.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
I'd still have to say my sister.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Some, yeah.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
Moving out, starting uni, adjusting to the back-and-forth between two cities, getting to know tons of new people. So yes.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Went to a uni party in full drag, finished NaNoWriMo, and got promoted four times here on EC xD

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I don't think so, no.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
It was nothing major, actually. In about my second week of uni, a "coffee crawl" was held, where a bunch of studentds basically went from cafe to cafe and a few people organised quizzes and games and stuff, generally based around coffee, chocolate, and red frog lollies. For the first time since moving onto campus I felt like a part of things.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Trying to run up a hill in the dark at 3 AM.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Family for the most part, friends, and the opportunities I've been given.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
I don't really have any.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
I don't do the resolutions thing.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I'd say 7.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I hope so Last year I said I'd stay as long as EC would have me, and I was a Full Member at that stage, now here I am as a supermod xD

Originally Posted by Martin

Wow, I cannae believe another year has gone by and that I am doing this again.

So yeah, like last year vote on the poll above and answer the questions below!

2008 thread is here: How Was 2008 For You?

----------

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Graudated from University
2. What did you do over the summer?
work
3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
n/a
4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
dont know
5. Favourite song from the year?
not sure
6. Favourite artist this year?
not sure
7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
did not make any new years resolutions
8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
finished my uni course
9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
I dont know
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
yes several and one is to be more assertive
11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
no
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Well I came out
13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Yes
14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
not sure
15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I cant remember
16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
that I have some things to at least look forward to next year
17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
spent xmas with family, no plans for new years
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
have not made any resultions, What would be different would be to have someone in my life.
19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
6.5
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?

maybe

[ScottieBB]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Hmmm I would have to say more debt! =\

2. What did you do over the summer?
Work, work, and more work

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I am single if that gives you a hint

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Michael Jackson's Death probably because it was drilled in there by the media

5. Favourite song from the year?
HARD QUESTION!!! I guess I would have to choose Whatcha Say by Jason Derulo or Tik Tok by Ke$ha

6. Favourite artist this year?
Carrie Underwood

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No I didn't make any

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I can not think of anything

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
The members at Empty Closet who are brave enough to come on here, share their story, and inspire others

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Don't take anyone for granted, ever!

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
No, nothing major

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Not that I can recall

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
No I don't think so (Damn my year sucked huh??)

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
When we thought my grandmother was dieing and she turned around and made a full recovery in a days time, Miracles do happen

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
CHARGING UP MY CREDIT CARDS!!!

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My friends, and some of my family

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
For Christmas I will spend time with my relatives and New Years eve I still do not have plans any takers ;o]

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
To get out of debt!

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I voted 3 up top but after answering this I would have to say 1 or 2 at best

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
For shure!

[partietraumatic]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Definitely going away to university

2. What did you do over the summer?
I went to france on holiday, went to a music festival and generally saw alot of my friends. Also i had an amazing holiday to Majorca with 3 of my friends.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Except for a couple of brief one night things, virtually none existent

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Well obviously the financial crisis is the biggest news of the year. Here in the UK the scandal of MP's expenses is still rolling on. And of course, MJ's death.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Impossible to chose conclusively. Probably Quicksand by La Roux

6. Favourite artist this year?
The Arctic Monkeys, a stunning 3rd album.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No, i never bother with them

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Making new friends at university and settling in so well. Also being only the 2nd person ever at my school to get full marks in my spanish A-level exam

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My best friend for having the strength to get through the surgery she needed.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
If i have, they don't spring to mind lol

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
University has been pretty life changing. Ive met some people who i feel i will be friends with for a long long time

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Not that i can think of

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Yes, my A-levels.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
The small things really. Being with my best friend. Hanging around with my friends and having hilariously good times. My holiday to Majorca with my friends.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Whilst in Majorca we rented mopeds. At one point we accidentaly pulled onto a motorway slip road, going the wrong way! On reflection very VERY dangerous, but after we had got off the road, well all fell about in hysterics with the adrenalin rush!

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My friends, who all make me very happy.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Family are coming here for xmas. New years plans are a bit up in the air atm

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
Nope, i wont stick to them so i dont bother

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
Probably not quite as ground breaking as 2008, but still a good year. 8/10

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I don't know, probably.

[George]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Would have to be the death of my dad.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I'm going to Brisbane for a week. (It's currently summer here so this question is a bit backwards for us Southern Hemispherians)

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Non-existent until Monday.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Definitely the Black Saturday bushfires down here.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Lady GaGa - Teeth. x)

6. Favourite artist this year?
Guess? (HINT: starts with an L, ends with ady GaGa)

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I honestly cannot remember.. o_o

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Winning a public art competition which involves this massive arch I designed being built with a budget of $120,000.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My family.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Oh yes... I'm not going to go into it, it's too long. xD

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
Yeah.. Dad passing away and a change of direction in what I want to do with my life.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Yup - do a photoshoot!

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
A shitton.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Kissing a boy for the first time.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Failing maths.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
The fact that I'm alive and healthy is enough to keep me going right now.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Going up north to Brisbane for Christmas/New Year with my aunty.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
Yes I am. Next year I'm going to be a powerhouse with my VCE and go as best as I physically can.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
About a 2/3.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Hopefully. I haven't been on a lot recently, and next year is going to be an uber busy year for me, but I'll definitely squeeze in time for you guys.

[AllSmiles]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
That's probably that I've come out to so many people.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I was in London, I was in out summerhouse in Blokhus and I was at home.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I've had one (2??) relationship this year. He's the most awesome guy I've ever met. It all ended all of the sudden some time ago, but we're back together now.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Hm, the death of Michael Jackson, I think. Even though I'd never been a fan of his, it's the story I think about when I think about 2009.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Never Forget You by the Noisettes.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Daniel Merriweather, I think.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No, I didn't.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Hm, there are two things I'm very proud of: 1) I came out to my mum. 2) I came out to most of my classmates.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My mum for being awesome about me being gay.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
That love can hurt at times.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
I came out as gay to loads of people.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
No, I had expected to come out at some point.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Hm, I don't think so.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Being in London in the summer. That was just awesome. And just talking with the guy I'm in love with for most of a night.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Telling a girl that I really liked her. Now she seems to be pretty obsessed with me.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My family, my friends and the guy I'm in love with.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
I'm going to be with my family at both xmas and new year.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
I'm not making any new years resolutions, but I hope I'll be completely out in 2010.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
Hm, I think I'll say 10. 2009 has been the best year for me ever. I hope 2010 will be better, though. But I think it will.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Yeah, of course I will. I don't see why I wouldn't, this place is just awesome. And all of the people are just so sweet and helping.

[Absentminded]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
-Um, I've matured a lot, and I'm with the most amazing girl I could ever ask for.

2. What did you do over the summer?
-Pshh, not much, went to NJ, nearly got killed...

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
-Started out horribly. Made the biggest mistake of my life with one girl, but, by July I got it straightened out and learned a lot from it. Now I'm SO happy, I couldn't ask for anything more than the distance gap to disappear.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
-I don't want to say Micheal Jackson...so...Vermont allowing gay marriage


5. Favourite song from the year?
-Someday - Tegan and Sara

6. Favourite artist this year?
-No new ones...Lots of Tegan and Sara, and +44...

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
-Last year, was to lose weight. I did over the summer, but then school started. I wasn't able to keep up biking and fasting.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
-Um, my grades are pulling upwards...and not being too horrible of a girlfriend (so I've been told...)

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
-Uh...I have no clue.


10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
-Yeah. Cheating = bad. Honesty is an amazing thing.


11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
-Yup, I met Lou, and almost got killed...

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
-Get together (AND TAKE BACK) someone who treated me like shit...


13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
-Nah...

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
-I'm not sure...

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
-There are too many....I can't remember them all..


16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
-Lou
-My family
-My friends

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
-I have no clue.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
-Nah, I never stick to them...

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
-about a 7 or 8.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
-I hope so. I hope I'll be able to give more advice to people in the coming year, cos I didn't do much this year.

[Ben]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

Honestly this year has been so distinctly uneventful so far as changes go I'm pretty much the same as I was this time last year. I guess the biggest changeeee would be getting older… That's good though. I rarely get boring years and 2008/2009 have both been very average which I like.

2. What did you do over the summer?

London, baby.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

As last year. Nothing.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?

Swine Flu!!!! *scary music* The press saying we're all going to die because of it.

5. Favourite song from the year?

Lady Gaga's acoustic Pokerface.

6. Favourite artist this year?

Psh Lady Gaga

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?

To get more healthy. Epic fail!

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?

Applying to uni with good grades =)

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?

My mother!

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?

Oh goodness well I'm not one for focusing on the lessons but yeah there have been quite a few.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?

Joining Twitter. Kiddinggg even though it is awesome. I have had one or two, yes.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?

Managed to perfect the chocolate cookie.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Yep!! Got my AS levels. Full A levels this year!

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

I loved Manuel and Ricardo the sexy Portuguese waiters. Thinking recently the last time I laughed hard was seeing Judy Garland squeal in her duet with Peggy Lee xD I liked getting my results but I think I was more happy to get accepted into Glasgow. Omg I just have happy moments all the time. My brief obsession with Reginald was very happy xD And hothistoryguy#6 om nom nom. Deren Brown sending me a private Tweet made me insanely happy and so did when Sia did as well.
Funny how most of my happy times involve hot guys this year.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?

Hahaaa. No comment.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?

Life <3 And Nigella Lawson.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?

Family stuff and jazz. Nothing special.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?

My resolution is to get laid and/or to get a lover.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

I'm going to say 4. Tbh I don't share bad things with EC too often but yeah a few bad things have happened.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?

Like I said last year, for sure!

[Mikeyspoons]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Going to university.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Hung around with friends and moped.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends?
Pretty rubbish and ended badly until about two months ago when I met Martin

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Leona Lewis being punched in the face.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Pixie Lott - Boys and Girls

6. Favourite artist this year?
Pixie Lott and Lady Gaga

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No, I didn't
I like cock

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Getting into Liverpool University

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
No one really

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not that I can think of... I'm not very good at this

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
Meeting Martin

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I can drive much better than I thought I would.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
3 A-levels

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Getting into Liverpool uni and being with Martin

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Getting stuck in a revolving door

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Martin and the family and friends

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Seeing family and surprise suprise, Martin

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
Nope, I'm perfect as it is

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
7

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Hopefully

[Connor22]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I came out to 3 people (woot!)

2. What did you do over the summer?
went to france and passed as a french person (WIN)

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
If only

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Obama

5. Favourite song from the year?
Rise against-saviour

6. Favourite artist this year?
Linkin park (all hail!)

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
yes, to come out to someone and yes... 3 times in fact

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
got to the best High school

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My Dad. He is awesome

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
yes. High school... SUCKS

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
I nearly died, also I found religion
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
be accepted by someone

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
No

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
I dunno... there were a lot

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Ditto

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Life and Jesus (ooh yeah gay religion baby!!)

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Food
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
To come out at school. I don't think it could get any more depressing but itprobably will (YAY PESSIMISM)

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I ALREADY ANSWERED THIS!! 8 DAMMIT

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Watch me

----------

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I actually got to live alone with my boyfriend and I am out to my family.
2. What did you do over the summer?
I took an English class and worked at the library.
3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Couldn't have asked for better.
4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
The death of Michael Jackson.
5. Favourite song from the year?
LoveGame
6. Favourite artist this year?
Lady Gaga...2009 shall be the Year of Gaga.
7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
To be a better friend. I have followed through with some people....
8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Came out to my parents
9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My parents for handling my coming out so well. I was really shocked to be honest.
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not really...I hope that doesn't mean I will be due for one soon.
11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
Besides coming out and stuff, I suppose deciding I want to go to law school will be "life changing".
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Not that I can think of.
13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
No.
14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
The vacation my boyfriend and I took to San Francisco. The best week of my life.
15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I dropped a huge ceramic dish with a pork loin, vegetables and gravy on the kitchen floor. It was the biggest mess.
16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Boyfriend, family, friends, being able to go to university, and that my dad was able to find another job.
17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
For xmas: Stay home with the family and go to midnight mass with a friend.
For New Years: Go to my boyfriends place and have all kinds of fun .
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
I want to do more volunteer work.
19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
9
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Assuming you all will still have me, I hope so!

[Katherine]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

Coming to terms with my sexuality and coming out to my family and friends.

2. What did you do over the summer?

I went to an art camp for a week and probably had more fun in just that week than I had the whole year. That made the entire summer worthwhile.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

I went on my first same-sex date and held hands with someone I really liked. Not very exciting, I know, but it was nice.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?

Wow, there were a lot of eventful ones.... Obama was obviously a big deal.

5. Favourite song from the year?

Argh too many! I guess I'll have to go with Two Step by Dave Matthews Band.

6. Favourite artist this year?

Haha, probably Dave Matthews Band.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?

To be honest, I don't remember many of them, so I guess I didn't stick to as many as I would've liked to.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?

I've become more comfortable opening up around other people. That's a big accomplisment for me.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?

My dad. He has his flaws, but he's done so much to make life better for my brother and me. He works so hard every day for us. And that makes me incredibly proud and thankful for him.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?

God yes. I don't even know where to begin.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?

Definitely. Coming out to myself was certainly life-changing. So were several events with my mother.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?

I don't know. There were a lot of little things.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Not that I can think of.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

Probably either when I went to art camp or when I came out to all of my friends (and had them all accept me with open arms). Both of those will probably be really good memories to me for years to come.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?

I don't know. I'm sure there've been a lot, but I can't think of any in particular.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?

My family. My amazing friends. And all of the lessons I've learned so far.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?

To spend time with my family and hopefully not have them try to kill each other.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?

I hope I'll be able to become more responsible and less emotionally damaged. Oh, and get a girlfriend. That'd be nice too.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

I'm probably going to go with a 7 or 8. I don't know if it's been the most fun year, but it was definitely significant in my life.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?

Let's hope so.

[SaturdaySaviour]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I'm not so asocial anymore. phew.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Hitting the beach... pretty much every day.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Just one fail-ish realtionship with a guy.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Swine flu

5. Favourite song from the year?
Uh... It's kind of hard to name my fav song, but my favourite album would be "The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion" by dredg. Poppier, but I loved it.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Too many of them.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No resolutions.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Coming out to myself and having excellent grades in a hard school.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My brother! He moved to university this year and he's doing really great.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
I mustn't be so damn lazy.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
I got to know myself more.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Nope...

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Um.. no, I guess not.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Coffees after school. ... Talking for hours with people you appreciate just feels good.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I don't drink so much, so no drunk stories for you! I'm too rational to have such incidents...

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Having someone who understands me

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
I'll spend it with my family and friends, like always.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be
different?
I hate making new years resolutions! I just want to be a bit more comfortable with myself... my feelings in particular. I'm on the right track, though.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I loved it. It's been the best year of my life so far, but that means the rest were pretty shitty. I'll give it a 9.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I just joined, but hopefully I will stay around.

[iwanttobelieve]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
moving out on my own while still in High School
2. What did you do over the summer?
moved out/lost my job
3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
N/A
4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Obama's lack of change (no surprise there...)
5. Favourite song from the year?
Uprising-Muse
6. Favourite artist this year?
Red Hot Chili Peppers
7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
N/A
8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
N/A
9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
N/A
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Life's A Bitch and Ultimately You Are Alone In THe Universe
11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
A Stay in Psychward+Mental Hospital For Depression/Suicide
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Suicide Attempts/Cameout
13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
N/A
14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Finding Out He likes me...
15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
walking drunk through a park at 4:30 AM
16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
n/A
17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Alone, crying/sleeping wishing I had a family...
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
N/A
19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
-10
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
probably wont be around then...

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Came out to my self and a lot of people. In less than a year.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Summer was sooo bad I have forgotten what i did in it. xD

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Utter crap! It seems I have the personality of a rotten fish!

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Errr. MJ as it was kind of slapped in the face like a wet salmon so its hard not to.

5. Favourite song from the year?
I have a few that I like.

6. Favourite artist this year?
See above.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
They are made so you don't do them. So no.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Probably having the balls and coming out to my dad!

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Probably my school for not turning a brand new £21million High School into its component parts! (Just like the old one!) The building does it for them.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Take everything in life with a pinch of salt. Even the ones you love can still stab you in the back at a moments notice.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
Loads, too many to list.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Actually go and ask for help with my life! It may seem small but its a huge thing for me.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Nothing major just school ones. (Highers)

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Probily makeing over £1000 for something like 13 Hours work.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Hiding the music teachers microphones then for her starting an enquiry into who stole them. Man that was a bad idea!

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
I'm in good health and I'm alive still!

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Eat, Drink and be merry!

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
I wouldn't call them resolutions more things to do. Come out more, increase my friend base loose a stone or two.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
About a 4.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Hope so! (I can hear you all groan at that.)

[Black Cat]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I came out to myself, but I wouldn’t consider that to be my biggest change. I would say standing up for myself was my biggest change this year.

2. What did you do over the summer?’
Fought with the step dad, hung out with my siblings, listened to my grandparents complain about how I was wasting my life by not joining the navy, joined EC, started writing more, the usual really.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I don’t have a bf/gf. Poor, lonely, me.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Obama’s inauguration. It was pretty cool. That or the “financial crisis”, because people are still talking about it.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Live Like We’re Dying – Kris Allen

6. Favourite artist this year?
Don’t have any single favorite artist in particular.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
Nope. I didn’t make any last year.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I lost weight, which was amazing. I never thought I could do that.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
I don’t know. Myself?

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Didn’t we all? I learned (all over again) that life isn’t always easy. Some people are entirely dedicated to bringing others down. I learned that I possess the strength to rise above it all, but it takes work. I also learned a lot about certain people I’ve cut out of my life, and apparently it was worth it.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
I came out to myself, albeit after years of knowing already, but I finally said the word gay when describing myself.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I stood up for myself; I’ve never done that before. I also cracked the perfect hot fudge recipe, so that’s a plus. And I lost some weight.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I was supposed to get my GED, but I haven’t gotten it yet so no.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Hmmmm, I don’t know. This year has been pretty tough, so my happiest memory would probably be when I finally (after 18 years) stood up for myself and fought back (only verbally, I am not a criminal).

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I don’t really have one. I haven’t ever been drunk, so I have no drunken stories to share.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
I appreciate everything in my life, because whether it is good or bad it is mine. I’d say my cat, my computer (because without it there would be no EC for me), and my creativity.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
My plans are pretty much the same. Every year the family is all together, there is the fighting of course, and we just take it easy.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
No, I never make resolutions. I hope 2010 finds me in a different mindset, and actually pursuing whatever dreams pop into my head.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I’d give ’09 a solid 4.5. It was actually pretty ho-hum, but I had some real good moments mixed among the inevitable bad ones.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
If they’ll have me then of course I’ll still be here.

[Otsuke]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
This is the biggest of my life I guess. I came out ... Seriously this is a good thing and I think it couldn't have been so perfect.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Since summer begins in .. june? ... huh I worked but finally, didn't OVERWORK myself XD. I took some time to see a friend in Toronto and to enjoy my rare time I had with my friends in Montreal because my work was too far from the city. I really enjoyed my summer. Something I CANNOT forget. That was an important step in my life I assure.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
There was NO fu*king realtionship at all. Some dates. Some FAIL of course... and some that turned out well. But nothing really serious.... bleh.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
It's not really a story. It's more like... an event, a period of time. The thing that sticks on my mind is the fact I feel so FREE after my coming out. Really

5. Favourite song from the year?
Lullaby - The spill canvas.

6. Favourite artist this year?
The spill Canvas

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I don't remember o.o LOL

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I wrote my novel. I am really proud of this!

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Hm... That will look weird but IDK o.o....

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Kind of. Do my bed, and do the dishes.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
My whole life had to chance after I came out. So yes.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Write a novel of 400 pages, be part of an professional orchestra, come out.... blabla.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Qualifications?

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Being with my friends. Thats all. These are happiest memories.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Hm ........ No regrets XD... huh ... seriously, don't know, sorry.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
FASHION. HAHA. Huh I would say my friends and the way I live and things turn out for me.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Going to my grandma's house for xmas, have a big party for the new year, eat eat eat and eat and never sleep. YAY!

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
I hope I'll have a boyfriend but I guess it cannot be a RESOLUTION. XD. I just HOPE it's gonna happen ! Please? My resolutions would be to be more serious in the things I'm involved in.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
8.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
What if I die?

[Amy]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Going to the my writing workshop.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Writing workshop.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
What relationships?

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Obama's inaguration.

5. Favourite song from the year?
My Legs Are Weak by Paloma Faith
I Hate This World by Hank Green

6. Favourite artist this year?
Hank Green

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
One.
Write more.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
My writing workshop and joining a collab channel.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My mother.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
So many.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
My workshop, "becoming" a Nerdfighter, getting a laptop.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Fly. To Massachusetts. Alone.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I passed the CAHSEE and got my driver's permit.
And I've done a lot of CV-worthy things.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
My workshop.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
None that I can think of.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My best friend, my mum, the internet.

17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
Family, family, family, family, best friend; Chinese food.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different?
Writing more, being healthier, being more independent.

19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
4

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Probably.

[Just Adam]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
realising my sexuality
2. What did you do over the summer?
find what lgbt life is like
3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
i wouldent know, my friends relationship is going fine though
4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2009?
Jenson button winning f1 title
5. Favourite song from the year?
HIM :: heartkiller
6. Favourite artist this year?
lady gaga.... were allowing musical artists right?
7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
no i dont bother...i fail at resolutions
8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
still surviving its harder than it looks.
9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
im proud of my friend for making his relationship work
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
yes
11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2009?
kinda
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
couple of things
13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
no
14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
ummm day dreaming
15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
i cant think of any... >.> that shouldent be teh case
16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
my friend, hes allways here for me hes the only constant i have.
17. What are your plans for xmas/ new year?
eat sleep watch tv and maybe pub
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2010? What do you hope will be different? ill get to gym and get thin and get a bf. i cant take another christmas alone in teh cold.
19. How do you rate 2009 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
3 its not been teh worst but its had more bad moments than good and the bad have been bad.... ive had alot of emotional problems this year.
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
i will be unless im kicked out.