Thanks to The Sunny Side of Life for this idea! A bunch of questions to answer every 12/31, that helps you put a retrospect together for the past year:
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’ve never done before?
Skydiving! There were probably other things too, but that’s the first one that comes to mind.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t set specific Resolutions for 2009, instead I wrote my 101 Things to do in 1001 Days over there in the side bar and I’m slowly working my way through them. I did cross quite a few things off over the course of 2009. However, I also am about 10 lbs heavier than I was at the end of last year, so that’s something I focusing more on this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My bff Elizabeth had her THIRD baby boy in September!!
A co-worker became a grandfather for the first time 11 days ago.
And one of my former stepdaughters (the younger one) gave birth to her first baby on Christmas day. Though she doesn’t count as close anymore. But I numbered her as one of my children for over 6 years, so she still counts. She’ll always count.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No; but people close to those close to me did. And it was hard enough watching them have to deal with the loss.
5. What countries did you visit?
Technically none. Though I did visit NYC in February and for a California girl, that place is totally like a foreign country! There was a trip to Vegas too, and that’s a whole ‘nother planet!
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Drive and commitment! Oh, and focus. I’m so easily distracted from my tasks and goals… Squirrel!!
7. What dates in 2009 will remain etched in your memory and why?
March 28th – skydiving. That was a big one, I’d been talking about doing it for decades! And I loved it even more than I thought I would, if that’s possible.
May 13th – Skye’s 5th birthday. Princess makeover at Disneyland, my mom and sister were there too. She’s my last and turning 5 was a big milestone for both of us.
June 12th – Cali’s High School Graduation. I’m the mother of a high school graduate and adult.
September 16th – I officially registered for the Paris Marathon. It’s on April 11, 2010 – my 40th birthday. In Paris, France! That’ll be another major life goal.
8. What was your biggest achievement this year?
I feel like I finally got myself back. And I’m living life again instead of just going through the motions, just surviving day to day. I made real life goals (and some silly ones) and I’ve got the makings of a life plan in the works.
9. What was your biggest failure?
The weight. Always the weight. After a year of hard work, I’m up 10 lbs from one year ago. Awesome.
10. Did you suffer an illness or injury?
Actually, quite the opposite! I found out that what I thought was torn cartilidge in my knees was actually the result of double-jointedness and loose tendons! I had to learn how to stand correctly and I have to pay more attention to how I run. But no surgery necessary!! And my doctor said running was GREAT exercise for strengthening the muscles I need to keep my knees in line.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Saturn, complete with sun-roof and “secret” third door that the little kids just love!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Sunny, who I stole this from, has made some really inspirational progress this year.
Elizabeth, who handles motherhood, autism and all the other curveballs that life throws at her with equal parts faith, courage and grace.
NieNie, who I don’t know personally but have been following for a while. Her ability to face each day with such hope and positivity is truly inspiring! I only wish I could remember to be half as grateful for each day of life that she is. When my obstacles seem overwhelming, it just takes one of her posts to remind me that my problems are small and insignificant compared to what she faces each and every day. And she does it with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. We could all learn so much from her!!
Those are just the first three that came immediately to mind. So slights intended to anyone!
13. Whose behavior made you apalled and depressed?
I could point the finger at so many others, but the truth is, it’s myself that I’m most disappointed in. I wish I had done more. I wish that depression hadn’t stole so much of my year. Unwarranted depression. But now I know what’s causing it, and 2010 should be MUCH better!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, food, the usual
15. What did you get really excited about?
Silly things. Trips to Disneyland and the Winchester Mystery House. White water rafting and Universal Studios. The newest installments of Harry Potter and Twilight.
And major life events. My oldest graduating. My youngest starting Kindergarten. Jason getting his learner’s permit.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Bon Jovi dropped a whole CD this year! I’ve been listening to The Circle non-stop since November 10th.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you (a)happier or sadder (b) fatter or thinner (c) richer or poorer?
Happier, Fatter, break-even. I’m equally poor this year as last!
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spend time with my kids. If I have ONE resolution this year, it’s to spend more TIME with the kids.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Procrastinate. There are so many more things I could have accomplished last year if I wasn’t such a horrible procrastinator… scratch that, I’m obviously a GREAT procrastinator!! One of the best! I will do my best to become a terrible procrastinor!
20. How did you spend Christmas 2009?
With the whole family. It was awesome!
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I fell in love a little more deeply with Junior Mints when I discovered they were gluten-free!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
I used to be such a tv junkie, with a solid line up from 8-11 every night of the week. It was paralyzing, I couldn’t do anything for fear of missing one of my shows. I just don’t have that level of commitment in me anymore!! So I’ve limited it to Desperate Housewives & The Biggest Loser. If I can catch The Office, 30 Rock, Cougartown, The Middle, and a handful of others, great. If not, oh well.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Hating someone really takes a lot of energy. I’m much too lazy!
24. What was the best book you read?
Wow. Uhm… I can’t always remember when I read certain books. And I read a LOT. I just started Stephen King’s Under The Dome. It’s over a thousand pages and may take me most of 2010 to finish.
The last book I finished “Confessions of a Carb Queen” by Susan Blech was excellent!
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn’t branch out much musically.
26. What did you get and want?
I got love and respect from my kids, what more could I ask for.
27. What did you want and not get?
More time.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
That is a hard one for this movie buff!! Avatar was incredible, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The Blind Side was so inspiring! The Hangover reached new heights of inappropriate hilarity. And I got to see my hunny in Inkheart AND for a few minutes in GI Joe!
29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned that non-existent/perpetual age of 39. I think I worked on my birthday. Nothing big. Oh, we all went out to Chevy’s for a birthday dinner cause they give you a big sombrero and sing at you! So that was awesome!! The next day the older boys and I left for a week of camping, white water rafting and Universal Studios.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hitting my goal weight. I just want that monkey off my back, once and for all!!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Comfort with a hint of mom-jeans!
32. What kept you sane?
I don’t think anyone would define me as sane.
33. Which celebrity / public figure did you fancy most?
My heart will always belong to Brendan Fraser!
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop 8. It’s an embarrassment to California. And it has truly angered me. We need to end discrimination once and for all. NOW! Equal rights for all.
35. Who did you miss?
My BFF who moved even FURTHER AWAY! To Canada… ok, almost Canada!
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I’ve made some great new on-line friends that have taught me so much!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Don’t wait til you’re 80 and dying of cancer to tackle that bucket list! There’s no time like the present! Don’t put off til tomorrow what you can ROCK today!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
In the immortal words of Jon Bon Jovi (“Everyday” Bounce CD)
I used to be the kind of guy
Who’d never let you look inside
I’d smile when I was crying
I had nothing but a life to loose
Thought I had a lot to prove
In my life, there’s no denying
Goodbye to all my yesterdays
Goodbye, so long, I’m on my way
I’ve had enough of cryin’
Bleedin’, sweatin’, dyin’
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life everyday
I’m gonna touch the sky
And I spread these wings and fly
I ain’t here to play
I’m gonna live my life everyday
Change, everybody’s feeling strange
Never gonna be the same
Makes you wonder how the world keeps turning
Life, learning how to live my life
Learning how to pick my fights
Take my shots while I’m still burning
Goodbye to all those rainy nights
Goodbye, so long, I’m moving on
I’ve had enough of cryin’
Bleedin’, sweatin’, dyin’
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life everyday
I’m gonna touch the sky
And I spread these wings and fly
I ain’t here to play
I’m gonna live my life everyday
Hit the gas, take the wheel
I’ve just made myself a deal
There ain’t nothing gonna get in my way
Everyday
Goodbye, so long, I’m moving on
I’ve had enough of cryin’
Bleedin’, sweatin’, dyin’
Hear me when I say
Gonna live my life everyday
I’m gonna touch the sky
And I spread these wings and fly
I ain’t here to play
I’m gonna live my life everyday
I, oh I, oh I, I’m gonna live my life everyday
I (gonna touch the sky), oh I (spread these wings and fly), oh I
I’m gonna live my life everyday
Here’s wishing everyone a fantastic 2010!
I love you. I thought you should know that
And I'm stealing this too.