Happy New Year!

It's that time of year again!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?

Went on a cruise, went scuba diving in open sea.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Ugh. Resolutions. I had some from last year. Some I did really well at for a while. But I petered out towards the middle of the year. I’m not going to make any “resolutions” per se this year; just keep on working towards being a better me.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Um...I am Mormon, so duh. A few of my best friends. And my sister-in-law. Oh, and my baby sister had a baby!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My grandfather’s wife died unexpectedly (not my grandmother—she passed away a few years earlier).

5. What countries did you visit?

Ooo, fun one. Puerto Rico (although technically not a country), St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua.

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

More self-discipline and better stress-management skills (this is from last year and still the same).

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The cruise (can you tell I really needed that vacation??), watching my sister give birth, my children’s birthdays, going to Disneyland. Mostly, though, I’ve been trying really hard to remember the little things that my kids do day to day that make me smile.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting in shape for the cruise.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Getting back out of shape afterwards.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. I tore the meniscus in my knee. It has sucked big time and has contributed greatly to the answer to question #9 (I miss my gym!!!).

11. What was the best thing you bought?

New hard drive for my computer, Buzz Lightyear action figure for the boys (seriously).

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband for his patience and longsuffering (can we just make this answer permanent?).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I can’t handle news stories about people who hurt children. There is nothing worse.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Toward paying off debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The cruise, visiting family and friends, going to Disneyland with my kids.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

I don’t listen to the radio much, but probably “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis and “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Aside from being totally bummed about my knee, I’m about the same. Happy, content.

b) thinner or fatter? Same.

c) richer or poorer? In less financial debt, so richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising, chilling out, enjoying the moment. (same as last year)

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing out. Worrying. (are those the same thing?)

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my extended family (dad and stepmom) and my own little family. Christmas Eve we went over to my Dad’s for games, Christmas Day we went back over (after opening presents at home) for the traditional Christmas Brunch of Goldenrod Eggs. (same as last year)

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Again and again.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

The Office. And I always love the reality shows; Biggest Loser, Top Chef, and Survivor were my favorites.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Hate is too strong a word. I don’t think I’ve ever really “hated” anyone. Except for a very strong, inexplicable dislike of Kirsten Dunst.

24. What was the best book you read?

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Pandora

26. What did you want and get?

Adobe Illustrator, new hard drive, stronger faith.

27. What did you want and not get?

An immediate recovery from my knee injury.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

So far my favorite for this year is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 32. My dear, sweet husband totally surprised me by having a little party over at my brother’s house.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Healing faster from my knee injury (have I mentioned that yet??). And my insurance company not sucking so much.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Inexpensive.

32. What kept you sane?

Never underestimate the power of adorable children. And escaping onto my computer.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Uhhh… I still have a minor crush left over from last year on Jonathan Tucker (he was so cute in The Black Donnellys). But other than that, I don't much get into the celebrities (not surprising with a husband as cute as mine!).

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The election, of course. But right now, this one is getting me a bit riled.

35. Whom did you miss?

My best friends who all live in different states.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My new nephews.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

That even when things don't seem to be going my way, all I have to do is remember how incredibly blessed I am to feel better.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Count your many blessings"