How Was 2011 For You?

[Countervail]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I became more aware of myself and with people.

2. What did you do over the summer?
nothing, I just sat in front of my laptop.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
eh? I didn't have any girlfriends nor Boyfriends because I'm still questioning my sexuality

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
Osama's death xD

5. Favourite song from the year?
Who you are by jessie j

6. Favourite artist this year?
Jessie J

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
yep and didn't

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I got out of the shell and learned to fight for myself.

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?
A LOT!

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
yess!

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Not that i can't remember anything.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I learned better vocabulary in English and very little in Spanish and Japanese.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Many to mention so I decided not to list them

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I asked my classmates "suppose that all of us in the car's gay, who would you date? it has to be the same sex."
and they didn't care for everyone else's answer but mine and after I said it, they shouted, "YYYYiiieee!"

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

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Nothing really. )

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
Nahh!

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
9

[Hexagon]

+ YouTube Video

[Fiddledeedee]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I'm not sure; probably reasiling my sexuality and coming out.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I went to America visiting relatives for 2 weeks, spent a week in Ireland with no internet, and was lazy, i.e. I slept in, mucked about, and could usually be found on the internet.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Nonexistant, just as I wanted.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
The double murder threee doors down from my house. Walking out one morhiing to find police tape everywhere would tend to stick with you...

5. Favourite song from the year?
I have no idea what was written when, so I can't answer that one.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Emilie Autumn, perhaps.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I probably did, but I cant remember them!

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Winning NaNoWriMo, especially as it was my first time.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
Hannah, an autistic girl in my class. She's come a long way this year, especially relating to her interaction with others.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Yes; a conversatio with my stepmother about my being self-centered.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
Life is one big life-changing experience. Specific things would be everything related to my sexuality (not very specific, but oh well!), going to sailing camp and what I learned from that, doing NaNoWriMo, cutting for the first time, etc.. Changing friendship circles almost completely has done me some good as well.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I started self-harming.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
No, although I began my GCSEs.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Sailing camp at Easter, closely followed by acting the part of Abigail from the Crucible with the class clown as Proctor.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I can't (legally) drink yet, and I think I've been rather sensible this year. Hopefully the sensible part will change in the next 12 months!

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My family, sans my mother. And spending more time with my crush!

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Going to see my grandparents for Christmas as usual, and spending time with my stepfamily. We don't generally do anything for new year.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
I hope to have a better relationship with Mum. My resolutions are to not cut, and to be more social.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
7ish? Average, but with the good outweighing the bad.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I hope so - you guys are awesome!

[Jim94]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

Acceptes my self for who I am.

2. What did you do over the summer?

Was alot with my sister because it was just the two of us at home.
Alot down town and gym.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

Nothing.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011 ?

Nothing really special , had enough drama in my own life

5. Favourite song from the year?

Lately "Iron" by Wookid

6. Favourite artist this year?

Adele and Wookid(just the Iron song , dont know any other song of them )

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

Nope, I didnt make any new years resoltution.

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

Geined around 14 kg at the gym in less then 12 months , it was something big for me (I was really skinny)

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

Probebly my mum.

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

Yeah , be patient whatever happends.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?

The same as answer 1

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

Talk to other that are like me.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Hmm...I dont know , I've learned alot but...

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

Trip with my sister , the train being late then missing the next train in a city that we never were and so on , it was fun and something I think I will remeber.


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

Long story short , we made fun with cops and there was nothing they could do (Not drunk)

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

Probebly having a home.

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

Nothing that would stick out from the usual.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?

I dont think so.
I hope the mentality of the people around me will chnage.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

I give it a 5

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

I hope so

[Mimerio]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

A lot of people know about me now :3 yay

2. What did you do over the summer?

Lot of exploring, some holidays, both were very fun

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

N/A

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011 ?

Gay Marriage hoping to be legalised in England and Wales by 2015

5. Favourite song from the year?
N/A

6. Favourite artist this year?

N/A

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

I made 2, accomplished 1

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

Making new friends at college

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?

Not all love is requited

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?

None that I can think of

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

Think about coming out to my family

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Not sure

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

So many, so many to count


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

I fell up the stairs infront of my supervisor at work experience, I wasn't drunk

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

Having a loving family

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

Staying at my sister's house for christmas, maybe going otu for new year

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?

Hoping to come out to my family
I hope that nothing will be different

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

8 / 10

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

Most likely

[EM68]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Getting married to my husband!

2. What did you do over the summer?
Get married, sell the house and have minor heart surgery

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Great! My husband is the most amazing person ever!

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
The tsumani, leagalization of gay marriage in NY, the presidential race

5. Favourite song from the year?
Born this Way

6. Favourite artist this year?
Lady GaGa

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
Yes, I got a new job, went to the gym more.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
getting a new job, getting married

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My husband, he is a teacher in middle school. Its a tough job and he does it day after day.

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

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
See above.

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

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
See above.

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

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My family, my new job which I love

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
seeing family, spending some quality time with my husband, getting some work done.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
Not sure yet. going to make some goals for work.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
9. Having heart surgery took away from having a perfect 10 year but close.

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

[Lotty]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Changing schools. I used to go to 'gymnasium' which is the highest level, Latin and Greek included, and now I do 'atheneum' which is practically the same difficulty, but without Latin and Greek. And since my first school only gave gymnasium, I had to change schools. And man, did that change me.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I went to France, had my first kiss there, with a two years older dutch guy.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I had a holiday-boyfriend called Daan. He was sweet, but a bit like a lap-dog. He did everything I wanted, and always agreed with me, it was annoying.
And I had a short relationship with my current best friend, Amrita, we'd kissed about six times, and had two dates in a week, then decided we could better be friends.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
The story of Aaron Timmers. He was a guy from my neighbourhood, a nice guy, everyone said, but I didn't know him. He jumped off a flat because his girlfriend broke up with him, and he'd already planned their whole future together.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Have you got a minute? 'Cause that's not just one.
Although 'Snow White Queen' is my all time favourite.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Evanescence. And Green Day. And My Chemical Romance, Within Temptation, Simple Plan, Breaking Benjamin, Nirvana, 30 Seconds to Mars, Linkin Park, the Foo (fucking) Fighters, Owl City, and some others I can't think of right now.
Oh, and the Green Apples, my friend's Green Day cover band.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
My resolution was to come out to at least my parents and sister. Extended family was also the plan, but I've still got time.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Coming out to rather a lot of people. Very boring, I know.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My ex-girlfriend/current best friend. She's going through a bit of a crappy time right now, but she's keeping her head high. I'm so proud of her.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not everyone who you think is your friend, actually is your friend.
Dreams exist to get broken.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
A lot of them.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I cut myself. I'm not proud of it. And I never thought I would change schools or quit volleyball.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Ah, no.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
My first gay kiss.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Stupid incidents, me? Never!!! (sarcasm, sarcasm)
Too many to tell.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My (few) friends.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Christmas: break the tradition of wearing a dress. I wore a blouse with a blazer.
New Year's eve: eating apple beignets, and firework!! And inviting my best friend over, 'cause she's got trouble at home.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
Coming out to a lot more people, not getting lower than a 8/10 for English tests, find myself a nice girlfriend, finally going to a J&O meeting.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I guess 5, not because it was average, but because sometimes it was great, sometimes it was awful to be me.

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

[Beertruck]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

Well! I got a job and moved out of my parents house finally, so I'd say that's pretty big.

2. What did you do over the summer?

Worked. Also went up to Vermont for a beer festival, so Beertruck was in beer-heaven for a weekend.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

Nothing long term, but a lot of really good memories.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?

Occupy Wall Street, but that might be because I walk pass Zuccotti Park every day on the way in to work.

5. Favourite song from the year?

Very tough. I'm gonna go with Titus Andronicus' A More Perfect Union - it might be because I'm tickled by the all the NJ references.

6. Favourite artist this year?

Hrm... well I was obsessed with The Head and The Heart for most of the year.

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

I did! Getting a job and moving out were a couple of them, plus a few superpersonalized ones that I can't share here.

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

Well! I had my first kiss with a guy earlier this year. It was the day after gay marriage passed in New York, during Pride Weekend... at The Stonewall Inn. It was kind of drenched in history and gayness, and if you asked the me from May 2010 if he thought that was possible, he would have laughed in your face.

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

Can I collectively say humanity? It's like 2011 was the year we rediscovered our passion.


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

Yeah - some people really suck. Some people just want to take advantage of you. And sometimes you can play with fire without even knowing it.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?

See above kiss.

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

Well! I interviewed (and cockblocked) a Very Famous Writer and Relatively Famous Rock Star earlier this year, which I honestly did not think would happen ever in my life.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Not sure what you mean by qualifications, but I've certainly learned how to do new things for work.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

Laying with a guy I was seeing in a park in the city during the summer, people watching. Not necessarily because of the guy, but the fact that I was doing it, openly, with no fear.

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

Ahahaha. Okay, surprisingly enough, mine was not a drunk story! For some stupid reason, I refused to go to the doctor when I was sick. It just got worse and worse - I was sick and suffering for a full month until I finally dragged myself to a doctor. Spent waay too much money on over the counter stuff that didn't work and of course once I went to the doctor, I got a prescription that cured it in like 2 days.

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

Family, friends, all the usual stuff.

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

Family, friends, all the usual stuff.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
Yep! Lose some weight, put myself out there some more, plus some pretty specific professional goals.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

I said 8 - pretty good year!

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

Maybe! I hope so.

[solarcat]

1. Biggest change? Realizing I like guys. Which lead me to question everything else about me.

2. Didn't do anything over the summer, really. Though that's when I started coming here.

3. No boyfriends.

4. A lot of stuff happened this year, so I can't really choose one memorable event.

5. Honestly, I have no idea what songs came out this year. My favorite that I heard though, might be Anniversary, by Voltaire.

6. Favorite artist this year? Don't know any new ones, but the ones I've listened to the most? Voltaire, Vocaloids, Asian Kung Fu Generation, The Pillows.

7. I think the only resolution I've made is to be more honest with myself.

8. Thing I'm most proud of? Coming out (of course!), beating all 3 Spyro games (and a few others), translating a bunch of songs from Japanese (still can't sing most of them, though).

9. Most proud of... my 10 year old neice, for being so excited about being smart.

10. No real lessons learned the hard way this year.

11. Life-changing experiences? Coming out, and such, that's it.

12. Most of what I did this year was what I do every year.

13. No new qualifications.

14. Happiest memory? Having my sister and her kids over a few weeks back.

15. No, I was fairly un-stupid this year (suprisingly so, in fact).

16. Right now, I suppose I appreciate my family the most.

17. Christmas and new years plans are the same- stay home, eat sweets (that I made), play video games.

18. No resolutions necessary- I don't need to resolve to do anything, I just have to do it (try for a job, and such).

19. I rate 2011 a 4. A lot of crap, with a few good points, here, there, and right here.

20. I'm gonna be here for a while; you really are an awesome lot!

[Ben]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

I guess it's not really in my life, but I've really seen my family grow up and grow closer this year. It's been nice.

2. What did you do over the summer?

I went on a family holiday to Italy with my boyfriend, my brother and their partners, my mum and her friend and my grandparents. It was super fun And I went to London a couple of times because I'm cool like that : )

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

Good! I've been pretty stable with my boyfriend for all of this year. I can barely remember things without him, really.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?

The London riooooots. Because it happened while I was away and it was kind of voyeuristic to watch from a distance.

5. Favourite song from the year?

Glee's Rumour Has It/Someone Like You cover because it was awesome

6. Favourite artist this year?

I don't know D: That lady on Britain's Got Talent who played the organ!

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

I had to check the 2010 thread, but yes I did stick to them. They were to basically keep things as they were.

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

I'm just proud of being independent and working hard. My grades just keep going up so far, and I've been trying a lot this year, so it's paid off.

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

I'm so proud of my sister in law for giving birth to a wonderful little girl despite being really young

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

I'm glad to say that I don't think I've had any hard life lessons to learn. I think I've been well-equipped for this year, and it's been super!

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?

I met my beautiful little niece and it's made me very very broody indeed. Babies are so cool!

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

No! It's great. This year has been so great, I've not needed to do anything I wouldn't do.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Not really, I guess I passed first year with good enough grades to progress.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

Sitting on top of a mountain with my boyfriend eating ice-cream!

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

After a little tipple on the vodka, I was headbanging in a cubicle when I managed to whack my head against the partition. I then proceeded to inappropriately stroke this guy in one of my classes… or something. The rest I don't remember all that much.

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

Contact lenses! Yes

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

We've had a shedload of people come over and go during Christmas times, and it was nice to see them all. For new year, I'm going to see my grandparents. They have an awesome window to see fireworks through!

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?

I'm going to try and stay under 9 stones for the year! I don't want to keen gaining weight

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

10! I like this year. It's been the best!

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

I'm pretty sure I will be! I want to answer this thread every single year for the rest of forever!

[MommaFrog]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

Can't decide between getting a divorce or becoming a mom.... I think I'll go with becoming a mom...

2. What did you do over the summer?

Gave birth to a beautiful little girl, left my husband, moved back in with my mom...

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

My husband cheated on me the entire time we were married, I left him, and have been lonely since....

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
Osama Bin Laden = dead

5. Favourite song from the year?
Raise Your Glass - P!nk

6. Favourite artist this year?
Lady Gaga

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
Yepp, she came out!!! ((It was to not be pregnant anymore...))

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I am proud of having the strength to leave my abusive husband and to be a good mom

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

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Just because someone says they love you, doesn't mean they do
A Tiger can't change its stripes
Not all friends are true friends
People always want to believe the worst

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
Again, giving birth to my daughter, and leaving my daughter

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Left my husband

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I got my CNA certification and re-enrolled in college

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Holding my daughter for the first time

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Hmmm..... thats a tough one, probably not leaving my husband sooner, that count?

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My daughter
My mom ((Even if she annoys the piss outta me))

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Christmas eve = Dinner at aunts
Christmas day = be at home
Day after Christmas = home with my sister niece and nephew

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
I am... I want to be more comfortable with myself and be a good mom

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
2....
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Yes, I love everyone here way too much to leave!!!

[Fugs]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
My biggest Change has got to be coming out as trans.
2. What did you do over the summer?
I came out as gay, other than that I didn't really do much. Just played video games and tried to exorcise
3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I didn't really have any, just crushes which were quickly squashed.
4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
When Jamey committed suicide.
5. Favourite song from the year?
I can't really think of a song that could be my favorite, I like too many :3
6. Favourite artist this year?
Skrillex for sure.
7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
No I did not and I don't plan to >
8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Well, I have been writing a lot and I am proud of what I've been able to write thus-far.
9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
I'm proud of Paper, Jsnow, and quite a few other people here on EC. I don't have a favorite ^.^
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Finding out how incredibly depressed I was is a difficult thing, learning how to deal with it is even more difficult.
11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
Quite a few oddly enough, it's my most eventful year. I first came out as gay, next I got severely depressed, then I came out as trans.
12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Yeah, I cut, quite a bit. I never thought I'd do anything like hurt myself.
13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Nope =/
14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
The last day of junior year.
15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Too many to remember
16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My friends on EC.
17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Sit around and be lazy :3
18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
Probably not, I might try to be less depressed.
19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
1
20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
Of course, EC will always be my home.

[GoinStag]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Coming out to my parents or switching schools. One of those.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Nothing.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Uhhh. I learned a bit about love.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
I guess that Casey Anthony shit.

5. Favourite song from the year?
I didn't really listen to the radio this year...maybe "She Will" by Lil' Wayne. That was pretty sick.

6. Favourite artist this year?
none of themmmmmmm

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
didn't make any.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I guess coming out to my parents.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
nobody
10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
yeah

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
yup

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
yes, ma'am.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I stayed in school. Does that count?

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
can't remember

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
got really high at a skate park and stopped by the cops at like 2 AM.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
music of course!

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

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
nope. I hope I can grow into a stronger, more mature person and like the person I grow up to be.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
2

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

[FJ Cruiser]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
I graduated from high school in my isolated, mid-sized city and went to a humongous university in the downtown of a large city.

2. What did you do over the summer?
I failed at getting a job and went to Spain for three weeks with my family.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
I met an awesome guy, and I'm 80% sure we'll be boyfriends very soon!

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
There are a ton, but I guess the death of Osama Bin Laden. In some ways, our generation was defined by the acts committed under his leadership, so although it doesn't make a huge practical difference, his death is very symbolic.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Dah! So many! I guess I'll go with "Quarantine" by MuteMath. It has a very interesting arrangement with juxtaposing movements, and it's very poetic. If you like blues and/or electronica and/or rock, check them out.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Are we talking musical artist? If so, again, I'm going with MuteMath.

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
Nope, didn't really make any for this year, so I guess I did stick to them.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I'll just stick with saying my academic accomplishments.

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
I'm proud of my brother. After attending the School of Hard Knocks for years, he finally got his act together and is going to the university in our hometown. It's not a hard school to get into, but it's not necessarily easy either. He made all As and Bs after not having any sort of education for years.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Yes. Love >>>>>>>> lust. I'll just leave it at that.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
Graduation, travel, and finally accepting my orientation. I did a ton of growing up this year.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I skied a double black rated mountain face on only my second day of skiing. I thought I would never do anything ski/snowboard related again after a severe injury snowboarding a few years ago, but I got over my fear and had a ton of fun learning a new sport.

Even bigger though was coming out to a few people. I wouldn't even let myself believe I was gay at the beginning of the year. I might even tell one or both of my parents in the next couple days. We'll see.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Uhhhh....I learned how to do land surveying. I guess that counts...

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
All of my family got together in Spain this year to visit family that moved over there the year before. We got together during the town's annual week-long fiesta, and it was some of the most fun I've ever had.

Also, my first couple of weeks of college were awesome. Tons of outdoor activities, football games, and seeing some of my favorite bands at a music festival.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
I knew better, but I decided to piss my brother off anyway while he was driving and rehash an argument. He got so mad he stopped the car and kicked me out on the side of the freeway, and I had to walk a couple miles home. Stupid on my part, but it looked like a scene from a movie.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
Really, I'm just appreciating everything in my life at the moment. Things were so crazy for the past few years, and now everything seems normal again. I've adjusted fairly well to college, and now I've reached a groove in my academic career to where I can actually focus on improving my social life. Socializing is not something that comes easily to me, but I've actually had time to practice, and I'm liking the direction things are taking.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
My family decided to have Christmas in Santa Fe this year for some reason. It was a nice change of pace, beautiful scenery, and I got to try skiing. For New Year's, I'm not exactly sure, but I'm planning on doing something that's not sitting at home with my parents for the New Year in a long time.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
No resolutions, but I'm hoping to come out of my shell even more and build confidence in my interactions with people.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I'm saying 8. I would put it higher, but I still have some major regrets about my social and love lives.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I honestly have no idea.

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

2. What did you do over the summer?
Graduated high school, went to Paris, Madrid, y Barcelona

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Got over a few and found someone new

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
The arab spring

5. Favourite song from the year?
Helena Beat- Foster the People

6. Favourite artist this year?
Rihanna was really killing it... Love her

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

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Doing good in my first semester of college, and making a lot of new friends

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
My friend who made friends and opened up

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Can't say

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
A few

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
A certain drug

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
Can't say

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
There are too many to choose from! Either going to Europe or meeting a special person.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Sleeping with a guy who I clearly didn't want to see again

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My health and my luckiness

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Seeing skrillex in Milwaukee!

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
Get a job. Focus more on school than on my social life

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
10. It was amazing

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

[DJT]

1.The biggest change in your life this year?
- It's not really that big, but i think i'm a bit more confident than i was last year

2. What did you do over the summer?
- I worked on a farm, Hay-making and Tractor driving.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
- N/A, it's just me and Aslan (in the closet) :/

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
- When the iraq war ended, finally. I'm glad the soldiers get to come home.

5. Favourite song from the year?
- Adele- Hometown Glory

6. Favourite artist this year?
- Adele <3

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
- Ermm? don't really make resolutions

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
- I got over my crippling Social anxiety and fear of social places

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
- My boss. He's been farming for his whole life, just recently had a hip replacement operation and he's still smiling and happy.

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
- I can't think of any so, no.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
- I got a gym membership... Hahaha

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
- I'm a qualified Befriender, but no-one knows what that is, Lol.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
- Passing my Driving test, first time!

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
- Can't think of any at the moment.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
- My mum, and the fact that she's always been there for me <3

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
- I just spent Christmas with my family and i avoid new years like the plague, i find it depressing :/

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
- Get a another job, get into college, go to college, get a boyfriend, maybe come out?
My resolution would probably to read more, i love reading, i just don't do it that ofter.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
- 6/7. I think it was a good year for me, but i know i could do better. There was a lot of procrastination.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
- OFCOURSE! ....BEST. WEBSITE. EVER!

[DareToEatAPeach]

1.The biggest change in your life this year?
Finally coming out!

2. What did you do over the summer?
Moved to Canada and left my old life completely behind...

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Well since my relationship with my girlfriend was a complete lie and I only went through with it because I felt like I needed to be "normal" and fit in with straight society....I would say pretty awful.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
The death of Osama Bin Laden...

5. Favourite song from the year?
Oh tough one....I don't think I can single out one song in particular, but I'll say anything off of Adele's or Lady GaGa's new albums.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Adele

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I can't remember making one, but I probably had something about coming, which I did.

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Coming out and starting a completely new, more positive life for myself at university!

9. Who are you most proud of (can be a famous or non- famous person)?
All of my friends, they are amazingly strong people!

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Definitely, but probably the biggest would be, that no matter what I have to be true to myself...

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I danced in a cage at a club. hahaha

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I graduated high school and started at university?

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
It has to be one of the crazy, fun dance parties that I've had in residence.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
Okay so this would be one night I got extremely drunk and I spent the whole night yelling at people, "IMMA SLAP A HOE!" and when I wasn't screaming that, I was standing around with jelly legs telling people "I'VE NEVER BEEN THIS DRUNK BEFORE!". Yeah I'm pretty sure I said each of those statements at least 50 times each....

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

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Well I came down to Texas to see my parents for Christmas and we're going to San Antonio for New Years.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
I think I have a few....first, get myself an amazing boyfriend...second, keep losing weight/don't gain anything back....third, bring my marks up.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I would say 8. Although the first 3/4 of the year would probably be around a 3 on the scale, the last quarter definitely made it all well worth it!

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I sure hope so!

[andersonh09]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Transferring to a new school and being openly gay there.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Worked as a camp counselor

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Nonexistent

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
Hurricane Irene

5. Favourite song from the year?
Wavin Flag

6. Favourite artist this year?
Alan Jackson

7. Did you make any new years resolutions and if so, did you stick to them?
I don’t think I made any, and if I did I guess I didn’t stick to them since I don’t remember

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
Doing well at college academically and socially, accepting that I’m a lesbian and telling my closest friends

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

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

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
yes, I worked as a camp counselor, I learned a whole lot and definitely gained some new views on things

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
I was a camp counselor, something I didn’t think I’d really want to do and I finally went away to college.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
I gained experience in working with kids and became a certified swim instructor.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
The summer in general was a damn fine time

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
This would probably have to be what I refer to as “the incident” at the Halloween dance at school. I got stupid drunk before hand, like way more drunk than I was intending to get. Went to the dance with friends, came on hard core to this girl, was dancing like a lunatic with my friends and then got kicked out when I went to the bathroom for some bullshit some other kid told public safety. Needless to say, I have not consumed that quantity of since.

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

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
Spent Christmas with the family and not sure about New Year’s yet.

18. Are you making any new year’s resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
I don’t usually make resolutions, but I’d really like to get the confidence to tell my mom I’m lesbian (even though I’m pretty sure she knows).

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
8, 2011 was damn good, mostly from the summer on though, the spring was pretty rough for me.

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

1. The biggest change in your life this year?
Realizing I'm gay.

2. What did you do over the summer?
Nothing exciting enough to write home about.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?
Didn't have a relationship.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?
Nothing really.

5. Favourite song from the year?
Someone Like You.

6. Favourite artist this year?
Adele.

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

8. What are you most proud of personally this year (i.e.- something you have done)?
I've cut down on candy...I mean, I bought a candy bar last week and I still haven't touched it. Normally I would have eaten it in ten minutes (or less...). I'm really proud of myself for that.

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

10. Did you have to learn any hard life lessons in the past 12 months?
Not really.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?
Coming out to my family as gay.

12. Did you do anything you never thought you would do?
Coming out to my family as gay. lol.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?
My former neighbours have employed me as their regular dog-sitter. I love it.

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?
Realizing I'm gay.

15. What was your most stupid incident (drunk stories would be good!)?
None.

16. What things do you appreciate most in your life at the moment?
My mom & siblings are very supportive.

17. What are/were your plans for xmas/ new year?
For xmas we had a lovely dinner and I don't have plans for new year's eve.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?
I hope to get a job, first and foremost. I also hope to lose the holiday weight (and then some). I hope to meet some gay people and maybe find a girlfriend. Most of all, I just want the shit in my life to go away.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?
I'd say it was about a 7. I've been much happier with myself (though I still have my days) this year, than I have been in a long time.

20. Will you still be on EC this time next year?
I hope so!

[stupidIvan]

1. The biggest change in your life this year?

Becoming socially and physically aware of myself for the first time in years.

2. What did you do over the summer?

Layed around and lamented over having nothing to do, and played so many video games.

3. How were relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends?

What significant other? I don't see one around here.

4. What news story sticks in your mind the most from 2011?

Two men who, for sixty years, traded a prank Christmas card back and forth every year finally ended it when one man's wife had to enter a nursing home after he had died. Very cute, sweet article.

5. Favourite song from the year?

Das Racist - Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (BRODYQUEST mix)

6. Favourite artist this year?

That's a hard one. (This is visual art for the record, p33p2). Osamu Tezuka, Naoki Urasawa, KC Green, Bana (the plush rump ninja!), Andrew Hussie, and gamzee-makara (your local Kanye West missionary). All wonderful people and artists who have so much to offer.

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

I stopped making them a long time ago.

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

Pretty much nothing. 2011 has been a dull year for me.

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

My mother, for finally getting rid of her garbage boyfriend and kickstarting our family again. Also in regards to famous people (well, sort of famous, internet famous if you would), I'm proud of Andrew Hussie, watching him grow as an artist & storyteller has been thrilling and amazing, I am proud to call myself an MSPA junkie.

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

Yes. People suck. Really bad. REALLY BAD.

11. Have you had any life-changing experiences in 2011?

Mmm.. Nah.

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

Started listening to Dubstep, which really caught me by surprise.

13. Did you gain any new qualifications?

Bum, professional life-failure and family let-down, and l33t n33333333rd :::: ).

14. What is your happiest memory from the year?

Finally being able to let go of the feelings for a girl who would never love me back.

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

Lots of falling happened this year. Particularly a time in which I walked into a glass screen door whilst holding a huge load of laundry. I felt so stupid you cannot even.

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

My family being as together as it possibly can.

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

Nothing. Maybe go out and see fireworks and leftover Christmas lights, but that's it.

18. Are you making any new years resolutions for 2012? What do you hope will be different?

Disobeying my usual routine of NOT making resolutions, I've decided that I'm gonna yoga my butt off five days a week in 2012, along with cardio and other strength-exercises. Imma be FIT.

19. How do you rate 2011 on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best)?

8/10. We lost a lot of famous people this year, and it was a year I think people will remember for a while. A lotta scandal too.


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

We'll see.