2009 in Review

**What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?

Hired a moving company to move us across the country.  It's amazing what a few guys can get done in a day!!

**Did you keep your New Years' resolutions?

Don't know that I really wrote anything down.  I have daily, weekly, monthly as well as yearly resolutions that I'm constantly making ... mostly in my head.  I tried hard at mothering, home schooling, supporting my husband, church stuff, etc.

**Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin Shelley gave birth to her 3rd child and several of my close friends including Natalie & Audra had babies too.  Our friend Madelyn also had a baby and gave her baby the same name as Penguin & my friend Mikelle's baby boy was given the same name as Turkey.  Kinda cool!

**Did anyone close to you die?

Jeepers ... this is awful.  Don't think so.

**What countries did you visit?

I like the good ol' U.S. of A!  Good food, clean water, toilets  .... all good stuff!

**What states did you visit?

UT, VA, PA, DC, NC & MI; Just drove through: OH, IN, IL, MO, OK, TX, NM, MD, & WV

**What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

More patience, 3 children who use the potty, & income for all 12 months

**What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Monday, August 10th ... the day we said good-bye to Pittsburgh.

**What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Job hunting & moving were probably the biggest jobs, but one acheivement that was a bit more rewarding was watching my husband walk across the stage at Heinz Hall at graduation & hearing him being called "doctor" for the first time.

**What was your biggest failure?

Bad days ... days when I have no patience.

**Did you suffer illness or injury?

Probably nothing more than a runny nose.

**What was the best thing you bought?

A big screen TV ... we are no longer watching our favorite movies on a 10-yr old tube TV!

**Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

People in society, the news, & government figures.

**Whose behavior impressed you?

This may sound weird, but I'm always impressed by Paula Deen ... she's upbeat, happy, & beautiful!

**Where did most of your money go?

Housing, utilities, food, holidays, & student loans.

**What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Graduation.

**What song will always remind you of 2009?

I probably didn't buy any CD's in 2009, so just something that I heard on the radio like:

**Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer?

Warmer!

 **What do you wish you'd done more of?

Spent more time with friends, played in the snow more & I always wish I would have taken more photos!

**What do you wish you'd done less of?

Looking to the future.

**How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas morning was at home and Christmas night at my parents' home.  Christmas Eve was spent with my in-laws.

**What was your favorite TV program?

American Idol ... probably the only show I watched ... at least faithfully.  Can't forget Steelers football!

**What was the best book you read in 2009?

Twilight series.  I was somewhat skeptical before reading them and I still don't really love the author's style, but all that aside I thoroughly enjoyed my Twilight reads!!

**What did you want and get?

Sell our home.

**What were your favorite films of this year?

New Moon

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

Went to Del Taco for lunch with my mom & the kids and I think I went to Pei Wei with my family, parents & a couple siblings for dinner.

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

My year was pretty satisfying ... it would be nice to be a perfect person.

**How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Cozy & comfy in the winter!  Lots of jeans.

**What kept you sane?

Music ... listening to music, playing the piano & participating in symphonies.

**What drove you insane?

Potty training & drama

**What political issue stirred you the most?

Health care reform, Same-sex issues, Government spending, Abortion

**Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009

Do what is best for me & my family ... not what other people think is best.

**What are you most excited for in 2010?

Hmmm ... don't know.  I'll be an aunt for the first time (on my side of the family) this year.  I'm excited to have a newborn around!  Mostly just moving forward & progressing with life.

**What are you least excited for in 2010?

The possibility of another job change which may mean moving.