Reflections

Today's list is a bit long...and overdue, but tradition nonetheless.

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

• Quite a bit actually: Graduated from college, got a big-girl-job, traveled all over China and became engaged to a handsome guy!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?

• Last years: 1. Drink more H2O (because I'm bad at it) -- I'd say check thanks to my new bobble! 2. To feel strong and hopeful -- hopeful-yes, strong? Not really. 3. To read the Bible daily -- sigh...afraid not, though I was able to consistently do devotions toward the last half of the year! 4. To create a budget and stick with it -- managing pretty well I'd say! (and please oh please #5: find a job) -- hooray!
• This year

3. Did anyone close to you die?

• Not that I can think of...

4. Did anyone close to you give birth?

• A new meaning of Advent...waiting for baby Benjamin to be born to my boss' daughter!

5. What countries did you visit?

• China and Hong Kong

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

• A gentler spirit and milder tongue

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?

• August 1 - the day I said 'yes!'

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

• Graduating Magna Cum Laude and finding a job!

9. What was your biggest failure?

• Spending too much time worrying

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

• No, thank goodness (except for the 'China Flu' after our trip...that knocked me out for a few days)

11. What was the best thing you bought?

• My Bobble!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

• My Maid of Honor, Megan is such a strong spirit, selfless, always willing and trying to serve others. She is generous and so loving - I am daily inspired by her strength and courage.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

• There's plenty of undulations in friendship, some weather the storm and some remain lost at sea for some time. Only time will tell if it is meant to return and I plan to move forward.

14. Where did most of your money go?

• China and wedding, wedding, wedding!!

15. What did you get really really excited about?

• This sparkly new ring on my finger! Not only the creative outlet to plan a wedding, but the creation of something new with someone I consider my best friend.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

• I think As She's Walking Away by Zac Brown

17. Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder?

• I would have to say, happier - this time last year was a bit rough.

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

• Read more books!!! (Textbooks don't count)

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

• Spent time and energy on damn carpet beetles.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

• A quiet one at home. The usual lounging around in our pajamas, a delicious dinner and some movies

21. How will you be spending New Years?

• With the Anderson clan - friends, food, wine, future family, and a midnight kiss

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?

• A love continued to grow

23. What was your favorite TV programs?

• Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, and Survivor

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

• Nope, I try not to hate people.

25. What was the best book you read?

• Hmmm, that's a hard one - I loved Eat, Pray Love and The Help

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

• The Band Perry

27. What did you want and got?

• An iTouch!!! (even though the surprise got ruined...it's still fabulous!

28. What was your favorite film this year?

• I have a few: HP and the Deathly Hallows Part I, and How to Train Your Dragon...I feel like there were many more but I can't remember what all I saw this year!

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

• Twenty-three and my office celebrated with a delicious taco bar luncheon, later it was off to Mulleady's for happy hour and fabulous friends!

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

• Warmer weather!!

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

• Professional...classy...and a bit more dressy. I bought my first pair of boots!

32. What kept you sane?

• Lots and lots of coffee and deep breathes. Prayer.

33. What did you get that you didn't deserve?

• Everything I've received is a blessing and underserved, that's the absolute beauty of it all.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

• If I had to watch one more political commercial for who in WA state is the worst, slimiest, backstabbing liar I'll rip out my hair. I can't even tell you what they represented because they were too busy ripping each other apart

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

• I'm not sure that I fancied one more than another...haven't kept up on my tabloids!

36. Who did you miss?

• Friends and family scattered about

37. Who was the best new person you met?

• They aren't necessarily 'new', but I got to know my officemates Donna, Amy and Sarah much better and have been blessed by their wit and humor!

38. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010?

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding --Proverbs 3:5

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Mama you taught me to do the right things
So now you have to let your baby fly
You've given me everything that I will need
To make it through this crazy thing called life
And I know you watch me grow up and always want whats best for me
And I think I found the answer to your prayers

--Mama's Song by Carrie Underwood