The start of 2009Oh, Christmas. You come and go so fast. I'm a little sad to see it go this year. But not so sad that I didn't rip down the decorations two days later to reveal a cleaner, and less cluttered house. AHH! It felt good. But we had a great Christmas and a relaxing New Year. It just feels good to start fresh. A friend of mine answered the following questions on her blog, so I thought I'd start out the new year by being totally unoriginal and stealing her post. 2010 will be a good one, I can just feel it. I feel motivated to accomplish the goals I've set for this year and excited to see what this year brings. Here's to hoping.
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Easy. Corinne joining our family. I thank God for her everyday and for listening to my gut when it told me it was time to have another baby, when other parts of my brained screamed out, "ARE YOU MAD, WOMAN!" She's brought us so much happiness and I've seen Taylor grow so much from being a big sister. She has a sassy little attitude and I swear she's afraid of nothing! So glad she picked us for her family.
2. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Our co-op preschool has been fantastic. It's the highlight of the week for Tay, and it's so much fun to see her learn and grow. The kids have become such great buddies and it's fun teaching every 3 weeks.
3 What was an unexpected obstacle?
Having to try and sell our house (it didn't work.) And then going through the remodification process which has been going well, thankfully. So far, so good. Jessica, from the home mortgage dept. at Wells Fargo, is my new BFF. =)
4. Pick three words to describe 2009.
Just Keep Swimming
5. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
up and down
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking).
Trial by Fire
7. What were the best books you read this year?
I'm such a follower, but I don't care. I read the Twilight series twice through and loved it both times. I'm madly in love with a fictional vampire.
8. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
Where to start? Wes, of course, comes out on top. We've grown closer through all these trials we faced this year. And my kids are in second place. They give me so much love. Taylor wakes me up everyday with a kiss and, "I love you." It's the best.
9. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
Confidence. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. I feel motivated to tackle challenges now that I've lived through a couple that I never saw coming my way. And I'm ready to take on new challenges like finishing my degree, finally.
10. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
At times I've let myself laugh instead of cry, when normally I would chose the latter. When I wake up with Taylor's pee all over me and Corinne next to me with a poopy diaper, I teeter on the edge a little, but end up laughing in the end. At least when I recount the story to Wes later in the day.
11. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I've learned that things happen for a reason, even if He doesn't convey that reason to you in neon lights. And when I'm having a particularly bad day, I try to remember that worse things have happened to better people, sadly.
12. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Kickboxing class no longer takes it out of me. And I can run 3 miles without really breaking a sweat. Thank goodness for the gym. I would go every day if I had the time. Luckily, I've been able to go at least twice a week. I love the endorphines and yes, being back to prebaby weight aint that bad either.
I have some true blue friends that I just love. I rely on them and they rely on me. They accept me with all my faults and are great examples to me of the kind of woman I want to be when I grow up. =) Wes and I have also become a better team. We've learned to work with each other and have really gotten on the same page when it comes to our family and what we want out of this roller coaster ride.
14. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
I don't waste actual time. I really don't. I feel like the only time I'm sitting is when I'm driving. I'm going, going, going, all day. But maybe the biggest waste of time was worrying about things I can't control and what others think of me. Because in the end, if I'm honest with myself and am trying to do what I believe is right, that's all that counts.
15. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Playing and being with the kids. I give myself kudos for that.
16. What were the biggest things you learned this past year?
Take Taylor to the bathroom, BEFORE a car ride home so she doesn't pee in the bed that night.
Going back to your "natural color" is never a good idea.
Don't eat a lot of garlic when nursing.
If Wes is on call, he WILL most definitely be called out, and at the most inopportune time.
Talk is cheap, and actions speak a lot louder than words.
16. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you.
(Again, stealing a friend's answer.)
You can't always get what you want, but you get what you need.
The end of 2009. What a difference a year makes.
