Close out

Borrowed this from 70 Piggies to close out the year:

1. what did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

Went to Hawaii

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

Nope, I sure didn’t, but I’ll always try.

3. did anyone close to you give birth?

A couple new babies in the friend circle and a new nephew making plans for a February arrival.

4. did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. what countries did you visit?

Just here, actually. Hmmm…that feels something like a failure.

6. what would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Humility, patience

7. what date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

December 7, surgery. Nothing big, but I know I’ll have to write that date down whenever I fill out medical forms in the future, so I might as well remember it.

8. what was your biggest achievement of the year?

Becoming part of a small group at church…one that surprises me and pleases me with every passing week.

9. what was your biggest failure?

Whenever I gossiped or spoke ill of others.

10. did you suffer illness or injury?

Sprained ankle…strep throat on Christmas.

11. what was the best thing you bought?

The first few gifts for baby Xander (the nephew-in-the-making)

12. whose behavior merited celebration?

My wonderful husband who has loved and even liked me throughout some emotional stuff when my reactions didn’t really earn either.

Calling #13. #13? Ah well, moving on.

14. where did most of your money go?

Oh gosh, I’m sure not the most worthy places it could have.

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

Hearing that I have a nephew on the way.

16. what song(s) will always remind you of 2011?

MMmm…I’m sure I’ll forget what year to associate it with, but this year “It Is Well with my Soul” has been on my playlist more than any other.

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

a) happier or sadder? Same.

b) thinner or fatter? Same. Sigh.

c) richer or poorer? Who’s counting?

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

Building others up. Finding reasons to spread positive words about people who need it.

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

complaining

20. how will you be spending Christmas?

Spent it on an air mattress in the family room, moaning and groaning and feeling generally horrible but thankful to have my husband, Mom and Dad all with me.

21. where did you begin the year; and where will you end it?

At Rubab Khala’s house watching the ball drop and passing out hugs to the best in-laws evah…ending it at home on the couch with a hanky in-hand. Darn cold.

22. did you fall in love in 2011?

I’m IN love.

23. how many one-night stands?

What kind of question is this? My goodness. None, thank-you-very-much.

24. what was your favorite TV program?

Tough one…I’m addicted to television. It’d be unfair to name just one. I need better hobbies. Dexter or Private Practice or anything on Bravo.

25. do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Don’t hate…

26. what was the best book you read?

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

27. what was your greatest musical discovery?

Huh? Do people have these? I had not a one.

28. what did you want and get?

Every day spent knowing I’m loved and able to love back.

29. what did you want and not get?

Pregnant.

30. what was your favorite film of this year?

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

31. what did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I’m 33 and frankly I don’t care for aging – shallow, but true. I believe we went out to dinner on my birthday…sushi, if memory serves and at this age that’s doubtful.

32. what one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

To have been more compassionate.

33. how would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

I work from home and my husband is gone all week. We’d be lucky to think my fashion extends beyond the pajama realm.

34. what kept you sane?

New challenges waiting to be tackled.

35. which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Jennifer Garner. Could she be more darling? And bake up cuter kids? Cute, cute cute.

36. what political issue stirred you the most?

Pass.

37. who did you miss?

My nieces and family in Texas. I wish I saw them more. I want to be the Aunt who picks them up from school unexpectedly or has impromptu pizza parties, not the one who webcams, though I’m glad for that, too.

38. who was the best new person you met?

So many!

39. tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:

Moisturizing minimizes wrinkles. Or so I’ve been lead to believe.

40. quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!