Year in Review — 2017

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before? Had lithotripsy for kidney stones.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Several online friends had babies this year.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Don and my cousin, Charlie.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017? Energy. I am going to have to work a lot harder at being healthy from now on.
7. What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? April 12. The day that Katie had her second reconstructive surgery.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Recognizing that God was saying it was time to walk away and then doing it.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not realizing how sad Katie had been or how tough Katie’s surgery was going to be on Ben.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Kidney stone.
11. What was the best thing you bought? An iPad for Ben that can run the apps he uses.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? People who stand up and speak when something is wrong.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The current White House occupant.
14. Where did most of your money go? Judy’s Dance Academy and Amazon.
15. What did you get really excited about? Essential Oils. Who would have figured that?
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2017? “Mended” Matthew West; “Try Everything” Shakira; “World Changers” Matthew West; “Sound of Surviving” Nichole Nordeman; “Lions” Skillet; “Crazy Beautiful You” Leann Crawford; “The Beautiful Things We Miss” Matthew West
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? I think I’m mostly tired. The last month took a lot out of me.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I was more spontaneous and less driven by schedules.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Express my frustration.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Watching my kids open presents and resting.
21. Did you fall in love in 2017? With essential oils. Yes.
22. Think of something important to mention. If the door is closed, maybe it isn’t your door.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? The Crown.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? Non-fiction: You Can Do This: Seizing the Confidence God Offers by Tricia Lott Williford. Fiction: Sisters One, Two, Three by Nancy Star
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Leann Crawford
28. What did you want and get? Successful surgical outcomes.
29. What did you want and not get? A puppy. Maybe 2018 will be my year.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Leap!
31. What did you do on your birthday? Sat in a dance studio.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Planning more intentional family time and organizing more family fun activities.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017? Jeans and t-shirts.
34. What kept you sane? Music.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? No one really.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare.
37. Who do you miss? Don. I really miss his voice behind me at the 8am service.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Fr. Pete
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017. You have to let go of one thing for something better to come along.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“You’ve had your share of life ain’t fair but you don’t tap out

My money says you’ll still be swinging  ’til the last round

When the odds say you should quit, well, you do the opposite, yeah

That’s what you are

You’re the fighter that doesn’t know how to back down”

Never Ever Give Up — Matthew West

 

Year in Review — 2015

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before? Became an advancements chair in Cub Scouts.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, a friend from church gave birth to the most precious little boy. My sister had a baby girl. My good friend also had a baby girl. It’s been a baby bonanza over here 🙂
4. Did anyone close to you die? Aunt Marilyn.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015? Serenity.
7. What date from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? December 6. When Ben finished his part of the Townes Super Nova award.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Going to AHG camp with Katie. I’m not good at camp settings and up until the time we left I was thinking of reasons not to go.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not managing to take Ben camping once before he belonged to the dance studio again.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I broke my toe when we came back from camp. It was a long recovery. Also the usual colds and asthma related issues.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A 64-gig iPad mini. Space is awesome.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? I’m proud of Katie and Ben. Katie switched AHG troops and has taken to the change like a duck to water. Nothing phases her. Ben didn’t make the easy choice for Boy Scout troops and it takes tons of character to buck a trend.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Most politicians (with a few notable exception).
14. Where did most of your money go? Judy’s Dance Academy and Amazon. I think they are dead even.
15. What did you get really excited about? I’m not sure I got really excited about anything this year. It’s been a weird year.
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2015? “Day One” — Matthew West; “He Moves, You Move” — Audio Adrenaline; “Not Right Now” — Jason Gray; “The Unmaking” — Nichole Nordemann; “Safe” — Westlife; “You Got Me” — Gavin DeGraw; “Grace Wins” — Matthew West; “Exhale” — Plumb
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? I think I’m a bit happier. We have a lot of tension and struggles right now, but hopefully we can get more sanity and grace this year.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Just be with the kids instead of trying to orchestrate our time together.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Time on Facebook.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With family. It was a crazy, fun day.
21. Did you fall in love in 2015? With my phone.
22. Think of something important to mention. It is not impossible to love more than one dog.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? CSI: Cyber; Scorpion. Netflix: Gilmore Girls (how did I not watch this show years ago????)
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? Blueprint Homeschooling
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? I Am They.
28. What did you want and get? A new iPad with way more memory and Ticket to Ride.
29. What did you want and not get? I don’t think there’s anything I wanted that I didn’t get this year.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Inside Out
31. What did you do on your birthday? I think I was at the dance studio with the kids.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A family vision.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015? Capri pants/jeans and t-shirts. I’m pretty steady that way.
34. What kept you sane? Music and Netflix.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? George Clooney (though he is no longer “available” so I may need to rethink this now).
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Tamir Rice.
37. Who do you miss? Michelle O.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Karen P.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015. Never Underestimate the power of prayer.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

 

And all those things I didn’t say

Are wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

can you hear my voice:

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I’m all right song

My power’s turned on

Starting right now

I’ll be strong

I’ll play my fight song

And I don’t really care if nobody else believes

’cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.

“Fight Song” Rachel Platton

Year in Review — 2014

1. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before? Became a squad leader for American Heritage Girls.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, a friend from church gave birth to the most precious little girl, and another friend gave birth YESTERDAY to another beautiful little girl.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Sam
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014? Peace. I would like very much for my life to be more peaceful
7. What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January 10. The day we lost the bravest, most stubborn dog in the world.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Surviving the almost overwhelming waves of grief.
9. What was your biggest failure? Being afraid of making waves and speaking up when things aren’t going right.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Usual assortment of colds and lung issues.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A Midori Traveler’s Notebook. Thanks to it I have finally achieved planner peace.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? I’m not sure how to answer this. We were all grieving and we all handled it differently — some more productively than others.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Kids who have apparently been taught that different means bad. It’s like reliving my childhood.
14. Where did most of your money go? Judy’s Dance Academy (and I will gladly give her even more; the kids are thriving there).
15. What did you get really excited about? Zac Brown Concert.
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2014? “Drink a Beer” — Luke Bryan; “Compass” — Lady Antebellum; “Overcomer” — Mandisa; “Thrive” — Casting Crowns; “Keep Me in Your Heart” — Warren Zevon; “Remember Me” — Mark Schultz; “Shine” — Newsboys; “Keeping Score” — Francesca Battistelli; “I’m Not Going to Miss You” — Glenn Campbell
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Very sad. Trying to build a new normal without Sam has been one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced. And so very hard.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Expressing grief in front of the kids so they’d know how to do it.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Listen to other people tell me that she was just a dog. Caring about others’ opinions about anything.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With family. I went to Christmas day service again. So glad we’ve started doing that 🙂
21. Did you fall in love in 2014? With Spirit FM. It’s radio I can actually have on in my car and not worry about what the kids are hearing.
22. Think of something important to mention. Choosing a word for the year can be simultaneously the most exciting and most difficult things you can do to yourself.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Criminal Minds (although I’m watching on Netflix and not current). Also loved Gracepoint.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? The Goldfinch Donna Tartt
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Francesca Battistelli
28. What did you want and get? A new phone with more memory than even I can use.
29. What did you want and not get? More time with Sam.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Mom’s Night Out
31. What did you do on your birthday? I don’t remember.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A family vision.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014? Capri pants and t-shirts. I’m pretty steady that way.
34. What kept you sane? Friends who understand me.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? George Clooney (though he is no longer “available” so I may need to rethink this now).
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Balancing gun rights with the right to not fear being out in public.
37. Who do you miss? Sam.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Rowena.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014. Unexpressed grief leads to anger which leads to much larger messes than just admitting you’re grieving and letting that happen.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I am a mess; I am a wrecking ball

I must confess that I still don’t get it all

Lord I believe that all your words are true

It doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with you.

I press on. I press on. I press on. When I still don’t get it. I press on.

“Press On” Building 429

Year in Review — 2013

1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before? Rode the Gator Falls flume ride at Lowry Park Zoo and got involved in Cub Scouts.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, a friend from church gave birth to the most precious little girl.
4. Did anyone close to you die? My Uncle Brother died in February and my Uncle Delbert died in July.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013? Peace. I would like very much for my life to be more peaceful
7. What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January 29, the day that Katie managed to ask Dr. T all the questions on her list and get permission to do almost all the things that she wanted. June 25, the day that Sam was given six to eight weeks to live. November 30, the Iron bowl that none of us thought Sam would live to see. Surprise!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Accepting that I am not able to do regular classroom teaching at this time.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not doing a better job of defending Ben when needed. Not stepping in fast enough.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Usual assortment of colds and lung issues.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Time with Sam via medication. Pain pills are her best friend and mine.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Katie’s. She is definitely developing into an independent young lady (at 5).
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? People who can’t see beyond politics and policies to people.
14. Where did most of your money go? Judy’s Dance Academy (and I will gladly give her even more; the kids are thriving there).
15. What did you get really excited about? The kids’ first real recital and going to see the Nutcracker (and having Ben express interest in being IN the Nutcracker rather than watching it).
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2013? “10,000 Reasons” — Matthew Redman; “I Will Be Here” Stephen Curtis Chapman; “Tunnel” — Third Day; “Don’t Try So Hard” — Amy Grant; “Live Like That” — Sidewalk Prophets; and, “Let it Go” from Frozen (movie version, not single version).
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? I am working toward happier. I have a handle on where the issues are and I plan to make a complete revolution of 2014.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Taking care of myself and my marriage.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Running around for other people.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With family. Although I went to Christmas Day service at my church and it was fantastic.
21. Did you fall in love in 2013? Perdue’s Simply Smart Gluten-Free Chicken Strips.
22. Think of something important to mention. Cherish every moment you get because you don’t know what will be your last.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Top Chef and Undercover Boss.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? A Million Little Ways
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Sara Barielles.
28. What did you want and get? A planner that is more my size and more my style.
29. What did you want and not get? A pocket point and shoot camera that would take some burden off my iPhone.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Frozen. Although, 42 was also excellent. Oh, and I finally understood Meet the Robinsons and it has now become a total theme for our homeschool. Especially, “Keep Moving Forward”
31. What did you do on your birthday? I spent the day with my best friends: Mel, Sam, and P.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Having a clearer sense of purpose and structure for our family.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Capri pants and t-shirts. I’m pretty steady that way.
34. What kept you sane? Having a doctor who loves his dogs as much as I love mine.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Sticking with George Clooney. At this point, I think he’s getting to be a habit with me (name that singer).
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare. Seriously. Healthcare.
37. Who do you miss? My uncles. Seeing my extended family more regularly.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Andrea.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013. I have to make my own choices and live with them.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Let it go, let it roll right off your shoulder
Don’t you know the hardest part is over?
Let it in, let your clarity define you
In the end we will only just remember how it feels

Rob Thomas – Little Wonders

Year in Review — 2012

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Saw Brad Paisley in concert.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make resolutions or set goals last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Not this year.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Oh, heavens. I lost a blogging friend, a labrador friend, two friends lost their fathers, and my great Aunt passed.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? Patience. I need to work on being more patient with P and with the kids.
7. What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? August 30. Ben and I went to Busch Gardens and he rode every roller coaster he ever wanted to.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting Sam through the year alive.
9. What was your biggest failure? Losing energy and not being as strong as I need to be for my kids.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Severe foot problems.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Toss up between the iPad Mini and the Mac Air. Both have made my life so much easier and measurably better.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? P’s. He is working hard at a new position and has to work really hard on being more open and it’s tough.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My cousin’s. I could not believe how he attacked several people who are friends of mine. This whole 2012 election season was uncomfortable.
14. Where did most of your money go? Amazon and Apple.
15. What did you get really excited about? Our passes to Busch Gardens. I would never have imagined that we would enjoy those as much as we have.
16. What song will always remind you of 2012? “Hard to Love” — Lee Brice and “Fix You” — Coldplay. Both songs remind me of Sam. “Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? A little sadder. I feel like things are challenged in a lot of areas and I need to work harder to get things under control and appropriately developed.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Writing and working on more things with the kids.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Working.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Sick. I really hate being sick. Ben and Katie and I were all so sick we could barely enjoy the holiday.
21. Did you fall in love in 2012? Mojo pork from Publix.
22. Think of something important to mention. The only thing we’re guaranteed is the moment we’re in.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Top Chef, Iron Chef America, and Dance Moms.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka and Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Jason Gray
28. What did you want and get? iPad mini
29. What did you want and not get? Nothing really.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Brave.
31. What did you do on your birthday? Made cupcakes with Katie and ferried Ben back and forth from camp.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Feeling less like I had to fight for my kid every where he goes.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Jeans and t-shirts or yoga pants and tops. I’m pretty boring, really.
34. What kept you sane? Finding a good dance studio for the kids.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Sticking with George Clooney. At this point, I think he’s getting to be a habit with me (name that singer).
36. What political issue stirred you the most? This political season was so horrifying. Just so horrifying. I have never been so glad for anything to be over.
37. Who do you miss? I miss the friends I made at the other dance class.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Our assistant rector at church. I feel like I have a real connection there now.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. Homeschool doesn’t have to look anything like real school.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

We may shine, we may shatter,
We may be picking up the pieces here on after,
We are fragile, we are human,
We are shaped by the light we let through us,
We break fast, cause we are glass.
Cause we are glass.

“Glass” — Thompson Square

 

Year in Review — 2011

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? Went gluten-free.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not make resolutions or set goals last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? There are a couple of new babies out there in web land that I count as close to me. Particularly Miss Arabella. She’s a doll.
4. Did anyone close to you die? My “other mother” died in October. My fuzzy nephew, Carson, went to the bridge August 12. He was the sweetest golden retriever and it makes me unbearably sad just thinking about how suddenly he left us.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? Time. It seems to be my universal answer, but there it is. I’m hoping the schedule process will help me with that.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? March 11. The day that Sam had her first, and so far, only seizure. Gave me a serious reality check. I never even considered that she might die at home before that night. November 1. The day my doctor let me down. Big time. And December 12. The day that Katie announced she was not wearing diapers anymore. And she hasn’t (except at night, and she doesn’t really need them then either).
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Learning to flex with Ben more on homeschooling.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not paying better attention to the signals my body was giving me.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes. It’s been a long year health-wise. I spent time in the ER. I very nearly got myself admitted over breathing issues. My body has been in a state of revolt for about a year now. At least I’m finally paying attention.
11. What was the best thing you bought? iPhone. Definitely the iPhone. It’s so awesome to have all of my devices speaking to each other. Finally.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Ben’s. I’m not saying he’s been great, because he hasn’t. There have been days where all that stood between him and reform school is the fact that they really don’t exist anymore. BUT, he’s been willing to try more new things (food, activities, etc.,) and he’s actually matured quite a bit in the last few months. I’m so very, very proud of him.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Um, not anybody’s really.
14. Where did most of your money go? It’s a toss up between MOSI, the Zoo, and Amazon.
15. What did you get really excited about? Our Thanksgiving trip to the Gaylord Palms. It was a lot of fun, even if Katie ended up adding another “booboo bear” to her collection.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011? “Hell on the Heart” — Eric Church. (It’s Peyton’s song). And “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” — Blake Shelton.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? I think I’m happier. I feel like I’m finally getting a grip on the health battle I’ve been in and that I can actually make good progress toward being able to do more. Compared to the beginning of the year, I’m a dynamo now :).
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Resting and spending real time with the kids.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Working.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With family. Extra special family because my sibling, her husband, and her son (also known as my nephew) were here. We had a blast with Master E (including Sam, who has returned to her old ways and spent the day out with us, essentially).
21. Did you fall in love in 2011? Corn tostadas.
22. Think of something important to mention. Life is what you make of it.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Top Chef and Iron Chef America.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? If I have to Tell You One More Time . . . by Amy McCready.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Cee Lo Green
28. What did you want and get? iPhone
29. What did you want and not get? I really can’t think of anything that I wanted and didn’t get. Not anything.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? I don’t think I’ve seen a single film from this year. I want to see The King’s Speech. Does that count?
31. What did you do on your birthday? No clue.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Figuring out the health issues sooner and being more proactive in resolving them.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Jeans and t-shirts or yoga pants and tops. I’m pretty boring, really.
34. What kept you sane? My friend, Heidi.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Sticking with George Clooney. At this point, I think he’s getting to be a habit with me (name that singer).
36. What political issue stirred you the most? At this point, I’m pretty politically exhausted. Seriously. I’m dreading the 2012 political season.
37. Who do you miss? Mom (aka other mother). Carson. Some friends who have chosen not to be friends anymore.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Cara from Peanuts are Evil.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. Sometimes, I have to trust myself and my own judgement.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love

“We Live” — Superchick

 

Year in Review — 2010

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? Started taking photography classes online.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not keep as many as I thought I would, but more than I anticipated. I am planning to set some goals for the new year, but I haven’t completely decided on what they’re going to be.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My sister! I have a nephew!!!
4. Did anyone close to you die? My father-in-law passed on December 13. My daughter’s godmother lost her sister on June 8th.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? More time to pursue my passions and to invest in my kids.
7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? September 15. October 24. The two most amazing things happened on those days. The people who know the significance of those dates know what why.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Learning to think more creatively and being willing to take suggestions as I work on that process.
9. What was your biggest failure? Letting myself get sucked up in Internet drama that didn’t really concern me. Not focusing long enough to get things done the way I should have.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? The usual assortment of colds, flus, sprains, aches, and pains, but nothing that required surgery or other massive intervention.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Oh, man. So hard to decide: the iPad, the smartphone, the Kindle? It has to be one of the three if not all three. Sheesh.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? P for amazing grace under intense pressure during the last couple of months.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My mother in law’s, honestly. I wish things were different, but they aren’t and I can’t do anything about that.
14. Where did most of your money go? Honestly? Amazon. I swear I have had a bad, bad shopping habit over the last bit. Definitely planning to reform that soon.
15. What did you get really excited about? The kids’ first trip to DisneyWorld that coincided with Ben’s birthday. It was a great trip and lots of fun for all involved.
16. What song will always remind you of 2010? “Stuck Like Glue” — Sugarland
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? I wish wiser was an option because that’s how I feel. Not necessarily happy, but I’m learning things I need to learn and I’m working on being a better person and a better parent.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I’d had more time to pursue the things I love: knitting, quilting, cross-stitching.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Shopping. Surfing. I have bad habits with a live internet connection. Going to work on that later.
20. How did you spend Christmas? With family. We had a good morning with the kids and then spent the afternoon with our parents. It was a good Christmas.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010? Yes, with Peppermint Bark.
22. Think of something important to mention. Keeping a one year image diary of each of my children between 1 and 2 has been the most interesting thing I’ve ever done.
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Top Chef
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? Four-way tie: The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time; Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery; The Beauty of Different; Project: Happily Ever After: Saving Your Marriage When the Fairytale Falters
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Zac Brown Band
28. What did you want and get? Kindle. iPad. Smartphone.
29. What did you want and not get? Honestly, I think I have everything that I want. It’s a weird feeling to not really need anything. I’m still on the hunt for the “right” coat. I just can’t find one that’s exactly right. Yes, sibling, if you’re reading this, yours is right, but I can’t figure out based on the website which one it is.
30. What was your favorite film of this year? Oh, boy. Um, this sounds really, really bad: Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue.
31. What did you do on your birthday? I don’t remember. And boy, that sounds bad.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing more honest success with my students. I’m still working on how to achieve what I hope to see. Maybe in 2011, I’ll get there.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Jeans and t-shirts or yoga pants and tops. I’m pretty boring, really.
34. What kept you sane? Keeping my gratitude journal. And reading books that helped me understand myself and my world a little better.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?Sticking with George Clooney. At this point, I think he’s getting to be a habit with me (name that singer).
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Health care reform and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal.
37. Who do you miss? Some old friends I’ve lost touch with. I often wonder what happened to them. Makes me sad.
38. Who was the best new person you met? I’d have to say Kim from It’s a Beautiful Wreck. She’s funny, honest, and something of a homeschooling mentor.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. I don’t have to be perfect for people to love me. I just have to be me.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“Save your strength for things that you can change, forget the ones you can’t, you gotta let it go” “Let it Go” Zac Brown Band.

Year in Review — 2009

Let me preface this by saying that prior to last year, I had a private blog, not a public one. I have been doing this year in review in the private blog for several years and decided to move it here this year. Though I haven’t completely abandoned my private blog, I virtually have. It’s for a different purpose and this one more accurately reflects where I am with my life. Tomorrow, I plan to post my goals for 2010. We’ll see how accommodating the crazy drivers in this area are.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Started using Twitter and Facebook. I can’t believe the difference those two tools have made in my life.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I did not keep the majority of my resolutions. I expected to be far healthier and far less distracted by my kids than I actually was. I have some goals for this year that I hope to achieve. We’ll see how I do.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? My buddy and writing partner, Nomi — to twins!
4. Did anyone close to you die? For once, my family didn’t suffer a loss.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? More patience with my kids.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? October 20. The date of my daughter’s cranial reconstructive surgery.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Making the decision to homeschool our kids. It’s obviously the start of a long process, but the fact that we researched, made decisions, and yet have been flexible enough to change as what we thought would work didn’t has been a huge accomplishment.
9. What was your biggest failure? It’s weird; I’m thinking about this and I’m not 100% sure that I can identify one. I guess not recognizing sooner that I was in a downward spiral and then when I did, not being willing to talk about it as fast as I should have.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? The usual assortment of colds, flus, sprains, aches, and pains, but nothing that required surgery or other massive intervention.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A yellow sundress from Eddie Bauer. I haven’t actually gotten to wear it yet, but it is very, very pretty and I’m looking forward to wearing it at Easter this year. Also? Things for the Mac and the iPod Touch and the printable chore lists from Motivated Moms. Oh, and my “big car” — I completely forgot about it. That’s embarrassing.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Some of my blogging friends, most specifically: Mommy Melee. She’s one tough, smart cookie and we should all be glad to have her advocating for the rest of us.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Some bloggers who find their bliss in others’ pain. I cannot believe the number of trollish comments that people get on really painful topics. It is seriously unreal to me and why I avoided public blogging for so very long.
14. Where did most of your money go? Bills. My new car. Katie’s surgery.
15. What did you get really excited about? Katie’s first Christmas that actually meant anything. She was just over a month old last Christmas, so she basically didn’t get anything about it. This time, she was at least vaguely interested in everything.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? “Love Your Love the Most” Eric Church
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Happier. I’m learning to accept that I can’t change things or will people to be different than they are. I have to work on setting my limits and enforcing them.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I had been more active and that I could have taken B to more cool activities.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Screwed around on the Internet. Blogging, interacting is one thing, but spending time just pointlessly surfing has to stop.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Sick. Ben, Katie, and I all contracted some sort of monster illness and were sick for the holiday. It was actually fun because there were virtually no expectations.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? With fancy chocolate, excellent crystalized ginger, and new ideas. Yes.
22. Think of something important to mention. Before we speak we should consider three points: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? (This comes from Simplicity Parenting which I will be talking a lot more about in the near future).
23. How many one-night stands? None.
24. What was your favorite TV program? Top Chef: Masters
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t hate anyone. I dislike a number of people, but I don’t hate anyone.
26. What was the best book you read? Hmmm. Non-fiction: Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids. The book is rocking my world and I’m going to be talking A LOT about it over the next few months. True Compass: A Memoir. He really had a huge impact on the world as I know it. It’s fun to read his recollections of things (I will NEVER get the image of the president of the United States running across a field and climbing a fence to escape his father out of my head). Fiction: The Graveyard Book So yeah, this would be the best. I read a lot of Lisa Kleypas’s historical romances this year and loved them.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Eric Church.
28. What did you want and get? Katie’s tag for my Mommy Tag necklace.
29. What did you want and not get?My front hall painted. I know we’re going to get to it, but it’s reaching serious joke proportions when the paint is almost five years old :).
30. What was your favorite film of this year? I’m a Netflix chick; I don’t go to theaters, so . . . August Rush.
31. What did you do on your birthday? Took care of the kids while P tried to take care of his parents..
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Finishing more of the projects that I started.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Jeans and t-shirts. Not exactly inspiring on any level.
34. What kept you sane? Keeping my gratitude journal.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? George Clooney. I’m sorry, the man is gorgeous.
36. What political issue stirred you the most? Health care reform.
37. Who do you miss? My grandmother. It’s so weird to still feel this way, but watching a Vikings game and wanting to call her and then remembering she’s been gone for almost nine years. Geez, it still hits the gut HARD.
38. Who was the best new person you met? Oh, my. I’ve met so many new people this year. I think I have to settle for a top three, and those top three are: Katie, Momsomniac, and Adrienne. But know that there are so many more both on Twitter and on the blogs who have made such a huge impact on my life this year. I literally can’t list you all because I’d run out of room. I’m thinking I need to update my blogroll. Seriously.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. Test everything you want to say with these three words: True. Kind. Necessary. If what you want to say passes all three, then say it.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

“I’m alive . . . and well.” Kenny Chesney w/Dave Matthews.