Last week, Shelly at Life on the Wild Side posted a great recap on her blog. I knew right away that I wanted to do the same thing, but it’s taken me several days to get around to it. Now that I’ve finally answered the questions about my life in 2009, I know why.
The darned thing is way too long!
Even after skipping a few questions, this post has gone on and on and . . . well, you know. It’s possible that when it comes to bloggers, I am of the WORDY variety. Oh, who am I kidding? Of COURSE I’m wordy. It’s just who I am.
All through 2009 and now into 2010, I am a woman of MANY WORDS. So here it is, my post FULL OF WORDS about my life in 2009. Did you do a recap of 2009?
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I swam with a dolphin in Orlando while on vacation with Mark. Yes, it was as magical as I imagined. Yes, I almost gagged when I got saltwater in my mouth.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept some of last year’s resolutions, including scrapbook more regularly, start a Bible study and start recycling. I did not lose weight. So, yes, I’ll have to have resolutions this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Of course. My friend Mandy had a baby girl right after moving back to Kansas City. And my sweet friend Elizabeth had a darling baby girl who I’ve yet to meet and it’s killing me! In addition, cousins and co-workers and everyone in between have had babies this year, and I’m not about to try naming them all, because I’ll undoubtedly forget someone.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Of course. I can’t remember a year in my life when someone didn’t. (I guess that’s just the nature of life. Or the circle of life. Or hakuna matata.)
Anyway . . . in November, my family lost a dear friend, Mr. Crowley. He was my parents’ boss at one point and my brother and my principal at others, but he became so much more. He was my mom’s mentor in some ways, encouraging her to grow from a school secretary to teacher to principal. He was our friend, letting us swim in his pool during the summers, because we couldn’t afford a membership to the local pool, singing with my mom and me in the church choir, and generally being a great guy. Though I had not seen him in many years, I know he will be missed by many, and I’m thankful for his influence on my life.
5. What countries did you visit?
None. Although I did have every intention of going to Jamaica, which I believe requires a passport. It turns out my second choice, Florida, does not require any such thing, despite the fact that I heard more foreign languages spoken during my three days in Orlando than I had in the three years before.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A job and/or a ministry that I can be passionate about and use my gifts in. And, apparently, an end to the rule about not ending a sentence with a preposition.
Also, a CHI hair straightener would be nice.
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t actually remember the specific dates, but I remember the days well: The night that Smitty got Annalyn to walk while pushing her doll stroller and the day she took her first step while playing with Triple and Mad Dog’s daughter. It was July-ish and August-ish.
What can I say? I’m not a numbers person.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
This is a hard question. I don’t want to sound too pitiful, but I’m not sure I achieved anything great in 2009. I guess I’d have to say attending Blissdom. I didn’t know a single soul who would be there, and yet I got on a plane anyway. And even though I was completely self-conscious and nervous and freaked out, I ended up making some great friends and connections. All by myself!
9. What was your biggest failure?
My biggest failure of 2009 was letting another year go by without adopting healthy eating and exercise habits. While I dream of the day I lose weight, it’s not all about the numbers on a scale. It’s about being healthy enough to be a good role model for my daughter, to enjoy regular activities like I’m designed to without huffing and puffing and sweating like a horse, and to be able to safely consider having another baby.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope, nothing major, thank God! Mark twisted his ankle badly at work, but considering he drives a semi, I’m thankful for small injuries, too!
11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mark for being the best dad our little girl could ask for. Annalyn for being sweet, smart and sassy – and darned cute, if I do say so myself. My brother and sister-in-law for giving me tickets to see Wicked. My parents for spending every Thursday night at my house so I can go to choir practice. Smitty for going back to school, earning her master’s degree and getting a job teaching at an alternative school.
12. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My friend who left his wife and two kids to continue an affair with his wife’s best friend. I can’t talk any more about this, but it both shocked me and depressed me.
13. Where did most of your money go?
Debt. And food. And no, I don’t want to talk about this, either.
14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I was super excited to be asked to write for (in)courage. I still haven’t figured out why on earth I would be included in the amazing group of women creating a home for the hearts of women. But whatever the reason, whatever God’s plan in this, I am grateful. And still really, really, really excited.
15. What song will always remind you of 2009?
*Sigh* Anything by Lady Gaga or Black-eyed Peas, probably.
And Mighty to Save, because we sang it to death at Easter. I know, I know. Easter is supposed to be about life and rebirth and, yes, resurrection. But, I’m so sorry to everyone who loves that song, but for me, there will be no resurrection of that one.
16. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
Let me start by saying I am not a fan of this question. Let me finish by not answering it.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Praying. Loving. Learning.
18. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Complaining. Gossiping. Eating.
19. How did you spend Christmas?
I’ll actually give you the short version this time: with family. (But if you missed the long version, see yesterday’s post!)
20. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I really liked Shelly’s answer, but I won’t copy her. At least, not completely. I had moments where I fell in love with my husband again. I had many moments where I fell in love with my daughter. I fell in love with Glee and Wicked, with my church’s choir, and with God’s creativity, compassion and wisdom.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
How long do you have? Kidding. I’ll actually be discussing this topic in full in a later post. The short version (yes, I am capable, it turns out) is Chuck. I love Chuck.
22. What was the best book you read?
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Just one? Really? I can’t. But I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the music of both Glee and Wicked, I loved getting to know Brandi Carlisle, Adele, (more of ) Lady Antebellum, Straight No Chaser and Kris Allen. (And just in case my brother is reading, yes, I know Adam Lambert was more talented, but I can only take him in small doses. And I like Kris Allen. Okay? There it is.)
24. What did you want and get?
An mp3 player. Now to upload all my music . . .
25. What did you want and not get?
A new job. Anyone else with me in that boat?
26. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, State of Play, Duplicity, The Proposal and The Blind Side.
27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to work, ate lunch with Mark and Annalyn, then went to dinner with Smitty. I was 31.
28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Appreciating what I have more.
29. Who did you miss?
Katie who lives across the country. Michelle and Sally who live in Iowa. The girls I did Bible study with a few years ago. The couples we used to spend all our free time with. Zac and Mandy who I still don’t see often enough, even though they moved back to town. My Granny. My two friends from college who don’t speak to me anymore. My former co-workers who shared so much of my life and always made me laugh. My brother-in-law’s ex-fiance. Jason and Christelle who moved across town but might as well as moved across the country.
30. Who was the best new person you met?
How can I begin to list all the new people I’ve met this year? I attended two big blogging conferences and met sooo many amazing women. Plus there’s the folks I’ve met online but not in person. So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to cheat in so many ways on this question. I’m going to say that the best people I met in 2008 were Josh and Brittany. I love them and love that we’re friends. The end.
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