Hello, I'm back!! I've been wanting to do something to sum up my 2008, and I found a fun, easy way to do it on Lisa's blog yesterday. I like to review each year as it passes and remember the good and the bad and see what I can learn from it all. So without further ado...
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? I planted a vegetable garden. I explored the possibility of doing freelance work for a local newspaper. I finally started using my intimidating digital SLR camera. I met two of the Ghost Hunters from TAPS!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't think I made new year's resolutions last year, even though I usually do. I have made some resolutions for 2009 (#1 is to get good-quality sleep. This year I will become a champion sleeper. I'm serious!).
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Peter's brother's wife had a baby girl in July
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, Peter's Grandma Cost, who passed away one year ago from yesterday. Also, although I didn't know him personally, President Hinckley passed away, a man for whom I had much respect, appreciation, and love.
5. What countries did you visit? It's not a country, although it's owned by England: We spent a wonderful week on the island of Grand Cayman in the British West Indies (southern Caribbean) in the spring.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A baby!
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? March 8th--John turned 3 and we had a fun family party. November 1st--a memorable and fun day trip with my friend Alyson up to Salem, Mass.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I started exercising regularly, after years of wanting to start that up again. And I've really come to enjoy it. I'm now a big fan of Pilates, 4-5 days a week, 20 minutes a day, right at home.
9. What was your biggest failure? I should have had a better attitude about certain things, and I shouldn't have been so hard on myself as much as I was.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I got sick a few times, but nothing too serious. I got the worst, most painful kanker sore ever in June. It ruined my life for a week.
11. What was the best thing you bought? A silver 2008 Toyota Highlander SUV. It's a dream come true. Actually my husband bought it as a surprise for my birthday. The best thing I personally bought was a painting of George Washington praying at Valley Forge that I've wanted for a long time.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Certain politicans (Mitt Romney, Barack Obama)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Certain politicians (Mike Huckabee...Grrrrrr)
14. Where did most of your money go? Back into the economy in various ways to help keep it chugging along. Peter claims that we pay Target's mortgage, but I beg to differ.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My new car, the Cayman Islands trip, and our summer vacation on Cape Cod.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2008? "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Because my son has been obsessed with it for the past two Christmases and beyond, so I started and ended 2008 with that song.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? Happier. b) thinner or fatter? The same. I stay the same weight no matter what. (Fortunately, it's a weight that I'm happy with.) c) richer or poorer? Poorer. Dang economy!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I'd taken it easy more often and not been as rigid about getting things done and keeping to schedules and routines so much.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Self-criticizing, thanks to the lifestyle disorder known as perfectionism.
20. How did you spend Christmas? At home with Peter and John. It was a really nice, peaceful Christmas.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Yes, with our DVR, Facebook, and The Office.
22. What was your favorite TV program? There are a number of shows that I like to watch, but that show Wipeout on NBC in the summer was so hilarious. I loved it!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No. There's enough hate in the world without me adding to it.
24. What was the best book you read? It's a tie between The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Actually, I think Twilight wins!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? That my son truly loves music and instruments. I like watching him enjoy music as much as he does.
26. What did you want and get? A remodeled kitchen and an SUV
27. What did you want and not get? A baby. A new chandelier for the dining room. New window treatments for the house.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Probably The Dark Knight
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 28 and I got a manicure and pedicure, relaxed on the patio with my son, and enjoyed the warm, green summer day. I ordered a mushroom pizza for dinner (one of my faves) and Peter and John made me a cake.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? You guessed it--a baby. Or at least a successful pregnancy.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Classic, form-fitting, feminine, and modest.
32. What kept you sane? The gospel
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Michael Phelps!
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The race for President. I was a Mitt Romney supporter (I am a Mormon from Massachusetts after all) and I'm still ticked that he doesn't get to prove how useful he could be to this country and the world...for now, anyway.
35. Who did you miss? Friends from college and high school who I haven't seen in awhile. And Grandma Cost.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Dave Tango! (see Question 1)
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Be patient and maintain a good perspective on whatever comes your way in life.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. "On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me..." Because my stage of life right now is that of being a mother to a preschooler, so his music is also mine. And that's okay with me!
