recap of 2010

It’s that time again! Joining with the rest of the internet I’m recapping 2010. Previous years here: 2008, 2009

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’ve never done before?

Moved to an apartment, the first I’ve ever lived in. Attended RCIA classes. Went back to school.

2.Did you keep your new year resolution and will you make more for next year?

Some of them, yes. I made a list for 2010, which I already deleted a while ago because much of it was to do with the house which made it an impossible and painful list. But I did read more, which I’d committed to doing; I think the biggest resolution I kept was to go back to school. I did that.

I didn’t keep the resolutions that was probably most important, which was to begin working out regularly and looking after my own health. It’s back on the list for 2011 and I need to make it happen – just grit my teeth and do it already, much as I did with school. My mom has been inspriring me like crazy in this regard lately, and I need to take it on as she has.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! My friend Jessica, on 2.3.2010, to Leah (or Baby Leah, as she is STILL known in my house) and my friend Megan, on 6.13.2010, to my goddaughter Ella. Both these girls are precious and amazing. My cousins Susan and Sarah also had babies – Sophia and Adam, respectively. They are nommy and perfect and I can’t wait for them to grow some more so that we can really play!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

We said goodbye to Murray in March, which was a huge change for our family. I still miss him when I go to my mom’s house. Madeline’s caregiver Denise, who is absolutely part of our family by now, lost both of her parents in November and December of this year. Though I’d never met them, Madeline had and it was a loss for all of us in that respect. (If you’re the praying type, send some Denise’s way, will you?)

5.What countries did you visit?

hahahahahaha. HA.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you didn’t have in 2010?

Gosh, that’s hard to say. I am feeling really lucky right now. More money in savings? A more balanced work/home schedule would be nice.

7. What dates of 2010 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

2.3.2010, when Leah was born; March, when we said goodbye to Murray; 6.13.2010, when Ella was born; Fourth of July weekend, when we moved.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Going back to school and getting through it, and doing fairly well at it. Staying married, for sure, though that’s not something that I’ve discussed much here – I’m really proud of the relationship that my husband and I are rebuilding, and proud of how brutally, terribly honest we are with each other now. It feels like starting over.

I’m proud that we’re back “home” in the Catholic church. It’s been a long process but it was such a great decision for us… one that has really helped us rebuild.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I’m going to echo Christina (even though I don’t agree with her statement, mind): I’m still fat. I really ignored the “health” aspect of my resolutions for 2010 and I feel awful about that.

The house.

10. Did you suffer from injury or illness?

Nope, other than this MOTHERLOVING cold that won’t end (I’m almost better). Madeline was the victim of her second-ever ear infection this month as well, poor peanut.

11.What was the best thing you bought?

Other than tuition and books, which were AMAZING gifts to myself? Well, technically I didn’t buy it but I am very much in love with my Kindle. Probably more than is proper, actually.

I also bought new boots for myself before there was snow on the ground, and you know what? After last year I am really, really aware of what a luxury a purchase like that truly is.

12.Whose behavior merited celebration?

My mom’s, just for being who she is. I have absolutely no idea what I would do without her. My entire family’s, actually, from the very real conversations that I’ve had with my dad, the way he loves Madeline and gives her his attention, the emails from Laura and the calls with Sara (we’ve always had great phone calls) to the note from Sophie at Christmas that made me cry… I am beyond blessed to have my family. They all merit celebration, all the time, and I should tell them that more.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled or depressed?

My own. Who else’s could it possibly be? Glass houses and all that… One thing I’ve learned this year is to never throw stones.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills, as usual.

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

Leah! Ella! Madeline, of course and always! My sister’s pregnancy! The end of the Fall 2010 Semester of 14 Credits! Christmas!

16.What song will always remind you of 2010?

This is always a hard one for me. Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album, Jason Aldean’s music, music from several Disney movies… My Christmas collection gained new meaning this year, too, because this was the first time Madeline could really sing along and dance with me and get it all.

Oh! And the Johnny Appleseed Prayer. That will always remind me of this time in my life. We sing it each night.

17.Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

a. happier No question.

b. fatter 

c. richer 

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

Speaking honestly. Getting up earlier so that I had some time to myself before starting the day. Snuggling with Madeline. Could there ever be enough snuggling with Madeline?

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

Hiding from people. Feeding my anger over stuff I couldn’t change.

20.  How did you spend Christmas?

With family. It was a phenomenal Christmas this year. I loved it all.

21.Did you fall in love?

Yes – with Leah, and Ella, and the idea of my sister’s daughter whom I’ve yet to meet. More in love with both Jimmy and Madeline, of course.

22.What was your favorite TV program?

The Office, Outsourced.  

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

Nope.  

24.  What was the best book you read?

Oh my goodness – just look at my Book List tab. I read a lot of good stuff this year, too much to mention. With the Kindle in my hands I imagine that this will warrant its own post at the end of 2011!

 25.  What was your greatest musical discovery?

I’m musically lame. I don’t know. I like the Zac Brown Band? And they’re new, so does that count?

26. What did you want and get?

 So much. I couldn’t even tell you. Compared to where I was last year… maybe the best all-encompassing answer is my sanity. Some peace of mind, even if its intermittent.

27. What did you want and not get?

The ability to fix everything.  

28. What was your favorite film of 2010?

EASY. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, of course.  

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

I worked, and went home to have dinner and cake with Jimmy, Maddie and my parents. I was 26.

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

See #27… although I have learned a lot without that ability. How about my classic answer of Money Tree?

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?

HA! Well, toward the end, maybe “I’m trying?” I bought cool boots and an Indoor Scarf so that’s something. I also invested in more than one pair of jeans (during the Old Navy 2/$30 sale, naturally).  

32. What kept you sane?

My mom. Madeline. Nyquil.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Gay marriage and people’s crazymaking reactions to it. I guess you could say it stirred me since we switched religions and all that.

34. Who did you miss?

My grandpa, as always. Laura, too many states away, as always. My sisters, at different points in the year.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Leah and Ella. my sister’s daughter. (She is ADORABLE on ultrasound, you should see her!) Sophia and Adam are also pretty awesome.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

I don’t know that I can sum it up easily. I learned a lot about myself this year, and about what I need, and about the times when it’s appropriate to issue a total ultimatum to cause it. I learned to stop caring so intently about what other people think (I won’t pretend that I don’t, just that I care less) and that it’s important to suck it up and say what’s honest.

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

Madeline’s been singing this one, but you know what? It works for me on a lot of levels.

If you’ve got troubles/I’ve got ‘em too/There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you/We stick together and see it through/’Cause you’ve got a friend in me

Some other folks might be/a little bit smarter than I am/Bigger and stronger too/Maybe/But none of them will ever love you/the way I do, it’s me and you

From Toy Story. Well, I’m honest anyway. The damn song makes me cry every time.

Happy New Year! Love, laughter and happiness to all your celebrations.

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