The Clock on the Wall Says It's Time To Go

Since I have an obsession for lists and an even bigger obsession for end of the year retrospectives, guess what!  It's time for me to name my favorite things about 2010!  This is partly in an effort to combat my tendency to drown myself in self-pity and loathing at this time of the year since the coming of the New Year (what does 2011 really mean anyway?) also brings along with it the onslaught of questions of accomplishment, personal growth, bad habits, and just what the hell I'm going to do with myself from here on out.  It's an exhausting process as I've suggested before, so instead I'm going to take the road less traveled - in my case, this is POSITIVITY - and ruminate on those things this year that actually put a smile on my face in no particular order.

2 Generations of Troyer Women in Japan

Even though this hasn't happened yet and won't for about another week or so, I really am looking forward to being able to show my mom around Japan.  This has been in the works for years since there was talk about her coming out to meet me here after my first experience here in 2005, but there wasn't any follow through.  Truth be told, I thought she wouldn't come out here this time around either, but people have a way of surprising you every once in awhile.  In any case, I know she's going to love it here and it is genuinely exciting for me (good Lord, I feel a little choked up) to be able to see her experience this country for the first time.  It's also fulfilling a promise that I made with my grandmother before she died, but I'm going to stop here before I really start to cry.  THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY. 

Japan

Just in general?  Being back here kicks ass.  It also finally gave me the right to fill in the second eye of the daruma I bought 5 years ago, promising myself that I'd eventually make my return.  Now I get to spend the New Year with my host parents, introduce them to my mother, and who knows what else in the next 6 months.  And of course, I've met some great people here.  I feel like this goes without saying.

Seattle

I've been missing that city like mad recently, and of course all of the people I met there.  It was hard letting go of that stage of my life, but I plan on making a triumphant return at some point over the summer just because Seattle is always going to have a special place in my heart.  Ahem, The Crescent?  My life is a little emptier not standing in front of a drunk audience leading them in a rousing rendition of "Oh! Darling" or "I Touch Myself."

 New York

Clearly, I get around.  I didn't spend near enough time in one of my favorite cities (only one week by my count), but I am constantly missing pizza, pissed off denizens, trains, and having everyone walk as aggressively as I do. 

My Friends Being Themselves

Without getting all saccharine on you (it's as uncomfortable for me as it is for you), my friends are awesome.  Between being too smart, too talented and too patient with my antics, seeing everyone graduate, get jobs, make sacrifices for the ones they love, and just generally move into the next phase of their lives, I consistently feel pretty small but also very proud for what you've all done.  And also...

Kelly and Chuck Getting Engaged!

Congrats, guys.  I plan on sleeping on your couch for years to come when you're responsible adults and I'm still downing more margaritas than I'm entitled to.  

Mad Men

That has to be the most ridiculously good-looking cast on TV. Contrary to what I think I've led people to believe, I only just started watching Mad Men this summer when I was packing up my apartment before Japan.  But that is just how great this show is.  I'm chomping at the bit for some news about Season 5, but so far the internet has been quiet.  GODDAMMIT MATT WEINER.

 

Michelle Obama

I've come around on President Obama in the last couple of years (which is saying something considering how completely cynical I am about politics), but he still pales in comparison to his wife.  I'd vote for her in a heart beat.  And then she'd wear something amazing at her inauguration and I'd fall in love with her all over again.  How about another couple of pictures of her being easily the most stylish better half of a head of state? Eat your heart out, Carla Bruni.

 Lady Gaga

Love her, love what she does, love her for being batshit crazy, love her for helping me to just dance.  I don't care what anyone else says.  Bitch is working it.  I'm dying for Born This Way.  

Insane Comic Book/Graphic Novel Movies

Specifically, Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.  Absolutely the most fun I've had in theaters in years, and it actually makes me want to go back.  However, Iron Man 2 was a total let down.  

Kanye West

Don't care a thing for his music, but he lives without a filter and I live to watch.  This video won't embed, but you can watch a compilation of his most ridiculous on air moments here on Jezebel.

Maru

I love this cat.  He almost makes me think I want a cat of my own, but we all know at heart I'm a dog person.  But just look at him!

Completely irresistible. 

Corgis
My new internet obsession.  I can't get over them and their stubby little legs, oversized ears and happy faces.  I blame it all on this video:

I'm sure I'll think of things to add to this list, but for now that will have to do.  I need to get myself ready to head out to Kobe tomorrow and then onwards to Nagoya.  I will probably have my computer with me (ugh, don't want to carry it), but will likely have spotty internet access.  But a Happy New Year to you all and I'll see you in 2011!