New Year's Meme

Another one of these fun Memes...Thanks to Leah for indulging us in the fine art of naval gazing.  An activity that is so much fun to me too.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

I took a job that included Coordinator in the title!  Yay!!!

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Resolutions schmesolutions.  But, this New Year, I decided I would be kinder to myself.  I'm going to be 40 in this new year...better late than never, right?!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Two dear friends and on the same day too (8/15/08)! 

And, my brother's wife had her first!  

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

Umm, in vivo or in my fantasies?  I think that Chicago Sarah visited enough places to make up for my immobility in 2008. 

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

A vacation, to somewhere warm.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 13, 2008 when Gracie was hospitalized...for a week, and the entire year afterwards learning to take care of her and get her stable.  I won't bore you with the details, you can read her blog if you haven't already been subjected to it.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I completed Yoga 101...for real.  I tried in the beginning of the year then gave up after the first of four in the series.  I finished at the end of the year and did all four!  I even signed up for more classes.  So pleased.  I do love me some yoga.  It's hard work but so worthwhile.  Ask Chicago Sarah to tell you how calm I was about being stuck in the ice and snow in my car when it was REALLY cold out after my third class.  I was calm.  Really, I didn't care that my car was stuck.  So odd.  It's calmed me.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I took on WAAAAAAAY too much at work at the beginning of the year up through the summer.  I've been learning how to chill.  It's all good.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Does narcissistic injury count?  Oh, no...not really.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The gas to go visit Birdie's Mama and little Birdie...all the times I went.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Gracie's regular vet and the second specialist that he recommended.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Gracie's first vet.  It was awful.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Gracie's vet bills.

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

It depends on the day, month or phase of the moon.  Right now it is yoga, but I get really, really, really excited about my nieces (including Birdie) and knitting too.  It's crazy, but it's me.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Amazing Grace.  I'm sorry, do you not a theme here?

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?

Happier, it is a toss-up for the other two...

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

Yoga, people, I would have found happier sooner.  

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

Eating without thought.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I actually dozed on and off all day...it was very nice.

21. Did you meet/date anyone special in 2008?

Still getting to know Lehu, 13 years now!

22. How many one-night stands?

One-night stand?  Really?  No, none, ever in my life in fact.

23. . What was your favorite TV program?

I can't tell a lie, I really love Intervention on A & E.

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

Hate is a strong word.  Really.  But I actually have a nauseous feeling when I see the Governor of Illinois on television even if it is the same footage over and over...

25. What was the best book you read?

I have only read a little this year...just finished an Ellen Hart mystery The Iron Girl, easy read.  And, I'm almost finished with The Friday Night Knitting Club which is really good.  I'm enjoying it.  I ordered Eat, Pray, Love and will read that as my first in 2009.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

My little Sansa MP3 player that Lehu gave me.  I love it !!!

28. What did you want and get?

For my birthday I got a set of options needles, and a month later I got the harmony set (Mom didn't like them, lucky me).
28. What did you want and not get?
A dog who is healthy that I don't have to worry about.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don't know if it is my favorite, but I really thought Baby Mama was funny.  Contrived and maybe a little predictable, but funny.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 39 and I had a great dinner with friends at Rick Bayliss' Frontera Grill.  It was fantastic.  Then Lehu and I went to see Avenue Q.  Great birthday!

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting a handle on my ability to say no at work.  But, at least I'm getting it now.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Working toward one ... was mostly focused on ease and comfort.  Now, in 2009 I want to work on ease, comfort and style.  I can do that.

33. What kept you sane?

Knitting.  No doubt.  Though at times, I question if my sanity really exists...

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Genevieve Gorter from HGTV.  I missed her...she has a new show that will premier on New Year's Day.  Yes, the Tivo is set.  

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Barack Obama's rally in Grant Park.  I think I actually cried, as I watched from my living room and got text messages and photo messages from friends who were there...

36. Who was the best new person you met?

My new boss.  For reals people.  For reals.  I've never had a boss who could actually mentor me!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

If you keep on doing stuff that other people should be doing, they will never do it themselves.

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

Not just about the doggie...but she sure does account for a lot...

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.