2011 in Review

Thanks AGAIN to my SIL Emily's for reminding me about this awesome blog meme. I can't resist these. I love writing prompts!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Watched my daughter play violin in Carnegie Hall in May and then with the Hershey Symphony in December, took our kids to a Michael Bublé concert in June and an Elliott Yamin concert in September, watched our son read his winning poem at a reception for contest winners in May, celebrated 15 years of wedded bliss in December, endured a flood and other natural disasters, wrote a novel with my husband . . .
   
   
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Pretty well, yes, using a "phrase of the year." And yes, I did pick a new phrase for 2012 (but haven't blogged about it).
   
   
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 3 of my 4 sisters-in-law on my husband's side all had babies this year.
   
   
4. Did anyone close to you die? No. Thankfully, no.
   
   
5. What countries did you visit? We visited New York City and spent a week at the beach in Delaware. We took the kids to Wilkes-Barre for the aforementioned Michael Bublé concert and Magiquest. We were going to spend a weekend in CT looking at fall foliage, but I got sick. :( Oh, and we also hosted A LOT of house guests.
   
   
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? A maid?
   
   
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
   Aside from the usual ones, February 23rd. It's the day we met some new, wonderful friends.
   
   
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Living in the moment and enjoying the great relationships that now stem from that. Watching all 7 Gilmore Girls seasons in a few months' time (I know, important achievements, eh?). Also, writing a novel with my husband.
   
   
9. What was your biggest failure? Eh, I don't like to think in terms of failure. It is what it is.
   
   
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Again, thankfully, no. Some unusually bad allergies, but otherwise fine. My mom is another story . . . :P
    
    
11. What was the best thing you bought? I don't know. Probably some much-needed new clothes? I hate shopping.
    
    
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Dave and Christie's, and their boys.
    
    
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? I plead the 5th.
    
    
14. Where did most of your money go? Mortgages, student loan payments, malpractice insurance, general bills, retirement, Thing 1's orthodontic work, and various car repairs this past year.
    
    
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Our New Year's Eve weekend visitors, what my husband did for me/us for our 15th wedding anniversary, the Michael Bublé concert, meeting Elliott Yamin (haven't blogged about that yet), the beach, just our general family and day-to-day life. I'm genuinely happy.
    
    
16. What song will always remind you of 2011? Maybe "Feelin' Good" since it's the AWESOME opening to the Michael Bublé concert or "Misery" by Maroon 5 since I made it my ring tone ("Why won't you answer me?") in anticipation of their outdoor concert with Train that we got to see with friends (haven't blogged about that yet either)! Also, our daughter's budding fascination with Taylor Swift has us hearing many of her songs (and I like them!).
    
    
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
    a) happier or sadder? If it's possible, happier. Also, a little restless (in a good way).
    b) thinner or fatter? The same.
    c) richer or poorer? Financially? About the same. In life? Richer all the time.
    
    
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Again, it is what it is. I'm content. But I'll say blogging.
    
    
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Hmmmm, ADD-induced distracted thinking? :P
    
    
20. How did you spend Christmas? Here with my beautiful family, enjoying good food and a really nice holiday. Lovely!
    
    
21. Did you fall in love in 2011? Again and again.
    
    
22. What was your favorite TV program? Gilmore Girls and Modern Family. X-Factor is good, too. And Amazing Race is always a favorite.
    
    
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I honestly don't hate anyone.
    
    
24. What was the best book you read? Water for Elephants and The Help.
    
    
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Learning more about Taylor Swift. What an impressive girl!
    
    
26. What did you want and get? The chance to take the kids to see Michael Bublé in person on his Crazy Love tour. Also, I was craving new, deeply-meaningful friendships in addition to those we already have in order to add greater richness to our lives. Got that in spades, more than I had allowed myself to imagine.
    
    
27. What did you want and not get? That maid.
    
    
28. What was your favorite film of this year? The Muppet Movie and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.
    
    
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 37 and I spent the day with my family. Also, a friend of mine took me to lunch and Color Me Mine and we had a nice day together.
    
    
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? The ability to teleport.
    
    
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Layers. And better-fitting clothes.
    
    
32. What kept you sane? My family, my friends, and therapy skills. And Scout. Oh, and texting. And Gilmore Girls. And Modern Family.
    
    
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Michael Bublé and Elliott Yamin. Also, Taylor Swift.
    
    
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Civil rights/Prop 8.
    
    
35. Who did you miss? The Johnsons, when they were in Arkansas for 4 months.
    
    
36. Who was the best new person you met? The Johnsons.
    
    
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. Open your home to new friends and new possibilities. Get together often. Eat out (for dinner and then again for dessert). Stay up late talking and laughing. Never be too old for "weekend frat parties." You'll get behind on things and pay for it later, but it will be totally worth it.
    
    
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
    
    "It's like you're always stuck in second gear,
    Well, it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year.
    
    But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour.
    I'll be there for you, like I've been there before.
    I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too."