~2008 In Review~

1. What did you do in 2008 you've never done before? Went to the Oregon Coast on family vacation and went on a retreat by myself including a really nice hotel room and a spa.


2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2009? I finished my Personal Progress and finished five projects. My only goal this year is to become a morning person (or should it be to not be a night owl).


3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2008? My sister-in-law Brenda. And several women in my ward, I'm closer to some than others.


4. Did anyone close to you die in 2008? This is tough. I had a family member die, but I wasn't close to this person because of the choices they made inflicted MAJOR pain and suffering in so many people. So this person is close only on paper.


5. What countries did you visit this year? None.


6. What would you like to have in 2009 you lacked in 2008? Energy.


7. What day from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why? There was a day sometime in May or June where I received some incredible personal revelation that changed my life.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting my YW medallion (again) and cleaning my garage!!!


9. What was your biggest struggle in 2008? Lack of energy and being overscheduled.


10. Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2008? I have plantar fasciitis in my right foot (because of the toe I broke in 2007), hurt my back moving the fridge, really struggled with energy levels, and had my first root canal.


11. What was the best thing you bought this year? My new sewing machine.


12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Ratchet's. His way of dealing with his dyspraxia has improved so much. There are so many fewer meltdowns due to change.


13. Whose behavior disappointed you? Anyone who took a dog into a store. (The Health Department prohibits animals in any store that sells food unless it is a sevice animal. There is food at fabric stores. And in malls.)


14. Where did most of your money go? Gas (and our mortgage).


15. What did you get really excited about this year? MonaLisa getting a solo in the Nutcracker.


16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2008? Waitin' on a Woman and Should've Said No.


17. Compared to this time last year are you: much happier, much nicer, or richer? Probably richer. We paid off a bill we've been working on.


18. What do you wish you had done more of? Exercise.


19. What do you wish you had done less of? Rested body parts to heal them (I know I had to, but I wish I wouldn't have had to), which also led to watching too much tv.


20. Did you fall in love in 2008? I fall more in love with the Bear every day.


21. What was your favorite TV program in 2008? Lost. I watched all four seasons. I blame it on the writer's strike.


22. What was the best book you read this year? A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.


23. What was your greatest musical discovery this year? Taylor Swift (stop laughing).


24. What did you want and get? A new sewing machine.


25. What was the best movie you saw this year? I honestly can't think of a new standout this year. So, I'm going with some classics like Roman Holiday and While You Were Sleeping.


26. What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn? We went to dinner as a family on my birthday, but then the Bear and I went to the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera a few weeks later (our birthdays are only 17 days apart). And of course I've stopped aging.


27. What one thing would have made this year more satisfying? If I had finished the Old Testament. Only 207 pages to go. Ugh.


28. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year? Lazy. Very lazy.


29. What kept you sane this year? My husband.


30. What celebrity did you fancy the most? Who notices celebrities when you have a hot husband.


31. Who did you miss this past year? The old me.


32. Who were the best new people you met this year? Our ward boundaries changed and we had some really amazing people join us. Plus we've had some fabulous people move in.


33. What is a valuable life lesson you learned this year? There is a reason I was only allowed to have two kids. I was sent high-maintenance ones that need more individual attention. And I love them both with all my heart.