2011 A Year in Review: Our Favorite Things
One of the things I thought I would do a bit different this year was along with doing a recap of the year was looking at some of the things Jenn and I enjoyed throughout the year. So if one day we ever wonder what TV shows we liked or music we listened to in 2011 we will have this to go back to. So without further ado here is a list of our favorite “stuff” from 2011.
Favorite TV Show(s)
Joel: I could probably list ten or fifteen but I will narrow it down. For pure thrills you can’t beat Dexter. For acting you can’t beat Season 4 of Breaking Bad. For the inner-nerd in all of us Game of Thrones is an incredible fantasy adventure. And who doesn’t like a modern day cowboy, that’s why I love Justified.
Jenn: Hmm that’s tough. Can’t choose one, so I will break it down by category. Comedy: Parks & Rec; Drama: Breaking Bad; Thriller: Dexter; Reality: Top Chef; Runner-Up: Mad Men (it definitely had its moments)
Favorite Movie(s)
Joel: Another tough one. I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy and you can’t beat Midnight in Paris and Crazy, Stupid, Love. For action you can’t beat Rise of the Planet of Apes and Thor. I’ll have another!
Jenn: Something Borrowed, cuz I loved the book, and it was cute! But I also really liked Midnight in Paris. I am hoping next year there will be an awesome doomsday movie!
Favorite Meal(s)
Joel: After a lot of persuasion we went to London in New York and it far exceeded my expectations. I still have the receipt in my wallet to remind me of what may be the most expensive meal of my life. I can’t forget that we made it to Gaucho Sloane in London a restaurant we were supposed to hit 3 years ago when I proposed. Better late than never.
Jenn: I would definitely say eating at Chef Ramsey’s in NY. Close second? Joel’s Pot Roast!
Favorite Song(s)
Joel: I’ve probably played “Good Life” by OneRepublic more than any other song this year. I also love Paradise by Coldplay.
Jenn: We Found Love by Rihanna. Life song became “The Valley” by Jars of Clay.
Favorite Video Game(s)
Joel: My favorite category of course but here is my short list: Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception, NBA 2K12, Zelda: Skyward Sword, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Assassins Creed: Revelations.
Jenn: Super Mario Kart! Duh! Although I am loving playing Mario with Joel right now.
Favorite Memory
Joel: Anytime we walked from our apartment down to PCH or around Fashion Island. I truly treasure those times.
Jenn: moving back to NB @ the Colony. But more so visiting CDM at night and listening to the sound of the bayou bell and the crashing of waves with Joel and looking up at the stars. Also loved our many walks to summer house or balboa; and lastly biking along HB with my dad…or should I say cruisin’?
Favorite Vacation
Joel: Although it took a lot of convincing to get me to go, New York, NY was incredible. Most fun I have had on a trip in a long time.
Jenn: Seeing NY for the first time w/ my boo
Favorite Purchase
Joel: Trading in the Ikea Couches for some slick new Modern Sofa and Chair. Mounting the TV and the new entertainment center weren’t too shabby either.
Jenn: hmmm…. I make so many. My VS luggage set. The perfect jetsetter look. Oh, I love all my clothes and makeup too…. And when I treat myself to facials or massages…. I can’t just pick one….
Favorite Electronic
Joel: As much as Jenn hates it my iPhone.
Jenn: My iPhone! What would I do without it?
Favorite Hotel
Joel: The Surrey in New York City, just a gorgeous boutique hotel nestled next to central park.
Jenn: The Wyndham in London. Great deal, great location, and continues to be my favorite place in the world.
Favorite Book
Joel: At this point I have listened to over 150 hours of the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin and am still only half way through the fifth book. Yes I love this series. My favorite book so far in the series is A Storm of Swords.
Jenn: My mother’s devotional; reassuring me every day God is with me, and her spirit is with me, and to remember the beauty in life.
Favorite Place
Joel: Our apartment. More than any place Jenn and I have lived our current place just feels like home. Whether we are watching TV in bed or I am playing video games until the early morning hours I just feel at home and you really can’t beat that.
Jenn: Besides our awesome digs, and where we live (NB, Fashion island, etc), Disneyland; no explanation needed. In the world? Well anywhere with Joel, and still home, but London will always be my home away from home.
Most Thankful For
Joel: Jenn, without question. She is the light of my day, no matter what is going on she finds ways to make me smile, and push me to be the best I can be.
Jenn: Having God in my life, and having a husband I could only dream about when I was a girl: Joel, who has helped me realize that everything is going to be OK, and to re-find the love and laughter in life, and encouraging me to live my dreams. Also for the many years I was able to have with my mom, and that close relationship we had, for my dad, who continues to climb with me every day to a new life.
