Ok, let’s give this little “year end wrap-up” a try:

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Celebrated seven years of marriage to my lovely husband. Started rock climbing. Became president of the North Beaverton MOMS Club. Took Ana to Disneyland. Joined Stroller Strides. Attended a MOMS Club Luncheon. Saw my daughter turn three.

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

I don’t believe I made a resolution last year, as I am not generally a fan of resolutions. But this year my resolution is simple: to breathe. I want to try and remain calm before I yell or say something I will regret. I want to take a deep breath, remember what is really important, and understand that every little thing does not matter. I am going to relax, close my eyes, and just breathe. For me, for my husband, and for my daughter, I am going to breathe. And it probably wouldn’t hurt my blood pressure either!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Oh yes… My little sister, Darcie, had a baby boy: Silas. My step-sister, Mandy, had a baby girl: Francesca. My friend, Jennifer, had a baby boy: Matthew. My friend, Jen, had a baby boy: Zeke. My friend, Angela, had a baby boy: Henry. My friend, Laura, had a baby girl: Amelia.
(Sorry if I forgot anyone. There are just so many babies right now!)

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my Grandma Thissel (my Mom’s mom).

5. What countries did you visit?

I don’t think we left the county this year. We were too busy recovering from our visit to Italy at the end of last year.

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

A baby? Ha!

Seriously I could go for a surplus of cash for all the home improvements we are needing to make. Oy! We need a new roof, we need to re-side the house, we need new windows and we’re seeking assistance from experienced aluminium window installers to ensure a top-quality installation, we need to trim the floor on our main level, and the list goes on and on and on.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Why can’t I think of one? No ONE date really sticks out in my mind. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Being the best mom I can be. Working with my board to turn around our MOMS Club. Starting to exercise again so I can live a healthier life for my daughter.

9. What was your biggest failure?

The moments when I’ve been less than the parent I want to be.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No real illness or injury, but I did have the E.R. visit for my abdominal pain after my HSG procedure.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My iPhone (I’ve had one for years, but I got the latest version this year…I think.). It allows me to stay organized, connected, and never get lost. I don’t know how I ever lived without it.

12. Where did most of your money go?

The mortgage, car payments, bills, and groceries.

13. What did you get really excited about?

Every little thing my daughter does or says. She is adorable that way.

14. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? Happier.
– thinner or fatter? Hopefully a little thinner! Stronger, if nothing else.
– richer or poorer? Maybe a little richer? But ask me again after tax time! Yikes!

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

Relaxing and just enjoying life.

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

Yelling. Rushing. Stressing.

17. How did you spend Christmas?

We hosted Christmas at my Mom’s house in Seaside (she was in Arizona).

18. Did you fall in love in 2009?

I fall in love with my husband and my daughter every single day.

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

No. I’m not a big hater. It’s pointless.

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

I turned 29 years old and I took Ana horseback riding for the first time during the day. That night, Sim and I planned to go to the Jewel concert at the zoo but blew it off due to the chaos of the crowds and parking and decided to go see The Hangover instead. Best. Decision. Ever.

21. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Fashion? Ha ha ha ha! I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl. Comfort is key.

22. What kept you sane?

My daughter and her amazing hugs. Exercising. Laughing with my family. My supportive husband.

23. What political issue stirred you the most?

I try not to get involved in political issues because the whole thing stresses me out, but as someone who has a husband who is self-employed and basically uninsurable, I would really love for our country to get on board with universal health care.

24. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Now if only I could actually follow it…

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

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I’m gonna to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
(Hannah Montana “The Climb”)