I am grateful for a new year. Mike and I have been talking quite a bit about 2009... memories we have, the good the bad and the ugly. We've discussed things we want to do better this coming year. I'm grateful for a new start, a new reason to try harder, a reason to be better. I don't look back at 2009 and think of it as one of my better years. To be honest, I'm glad it's over. I hope this coming year can be better. I have made a few new year's resolutions. I really hate doing that because I don't tend to stick to them. But it's nice to have a reminder of the things I need to do better.
One thing I have decided to do is journal better/more. I have a really hard time sticking to this one. I have so many journals that I have started and they only have 3 maybe 4 entries. I started this blog as a way to journal and document the happenings of our life. It has been an incredible blessing to me to be able to look back and remember all the things we have done through the past couple of years. It's easy for me to just sit at the computer and quickly import a few pictures and then journal a few thoughts. The thing I have noticed is that I can't share some of my "true" thoughts or feelings because other people are reading it. I need to be able to truly express my thoughts, even if other's don't think it's appropriate. I want to be able to look back and remember what my life was truly like. So as of today I have started a new blog. I will be the only invited reader to this blog. It's Mine and Mine Alone, nobody get's to share my thoughts with me. I'm excited, it should be fun.
Some of the other things I want to do are: work out regularly, become healthy. Be more organized and on top of household projects. Eat out less, cook more. Just be happy, despite any other circumstances.
Here is a meme from 2009
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Volunteered during the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. Also attended the dedication. Went through many, many unpleasant medical tests. Went golfing, and actually enjoyed it. Started making watches and selling them. The kids switch from a public school to a charter school.
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No I didn't. And I know even before the year starts, I probably won't keep any of my resolutions for 2010. I however will make them and try to do better. I need to revisit them around July to see how I'm doing.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
I have a couple friends that have had babies. I also have a couple neighbors that let me "borrow" their babies for a couple hours. Love it!
Did anyone close to you die?
Mike's Grandpa passed away in December. My heart breaks for Grandma, she is so lonely. It doesn't make it any easier knowing that their time is coming. It's still hard to face that loss.
What countries did you visit?
None. We were able to go to St. George, Colorado, San Diego, Filmore. I will take any vacay that I can. In fact I am feeling the inch to go somewhere...hmmmm...where could I go?
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Motivation and self confidence
What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? February 7. Brayden got baptized. It was a proud moment as a wife and mom.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Watching my kids grow into wonderful people. I love when I watch them make a good decision. I also served in the primary for 3 years. I grew tremendously as a person through this experience. It was a sad thing to be released.
What was your biggest failure?
I spent too much time throwing myself a "pity party."
Did you suffer illness or injury? I continued to suffer with migraines and stomach aches. After months and multiple tests we were able to alleviate some of the stomach aches. I have been on a dairy free diet (well...I do cheat sometimes.) The migraines have been a roller coaster for me. Sometimes they are better, sometimes I am miserable. It just depends on the week.
What was the best thing you bought?
Our new car! Love, love, love it! I have been trying to convince Mike for months that it was time to get rid of the Tahoe. After having it in the shop for various different things, he decided I was right. I just wish we would have done it before this last time in the shop....$2000. YIKES! At least it will be all fixed up for a new owner. Anyone want a Tahoe?
Our new car, an Acura MDX
The second best purchase of 2009 (well I didn't purchase it, Mike gave it to me as a Christmas gift) is our external hard drive. I now have all 7,154 pictures saved on an additional drive. I would have seriously died if I lost them. I have a friend that lost about two thousand and my heart was sick for her. I no longer have to worry.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
I have many wonderful examples around me. I am constantly in awe of the wonderful qualities people have. I makes me want to continually be better.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There are a few people in my life that I spend countless hours worrying and wondering about. I have spent many days depressed and down for the choices that they have made. I don't know why I feel I need to take the burden on, but I do. I have the natural personality to "fix" things, and in many situations I can't. Hate that.
Where did most of your money go? Probably food. We go out to eat way too much. It's just so convenient to stop and grab something, especially when we're out running to soccer, dance, scouts, meetings, etc, etc. Mike also would prefer to eat out for lunch, then bring one from home. We have both decided to better about this.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Taking a trip to San Diego. It was nice to get away and be with good friends.
What song will always remind you of 2009? Party in the USA, Miley Cyrus. and I gotta feeling, Black Eyed Peas. Anytime any one of these songs come on, we roll down the windows and "jam!"
Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer?
I don't know if I'm any of them. I always try my best to be nicer, despite what's going on around me. I can't say that I'm any happier or richer though. I do feel I am blessed though.
What do you wish you'd done more of? Taken time to develop some friendships.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying about "stuff."
How did you spend Christmas? With family. Loved the excitement of Christmas this year. The kids were so fun and so grateful. It really was a fun year.
Did you fall in love in 2009? I am constantly falling in love with my hubby. He is so good to me. He is a great provider and friend.
What was your favorite TV program?
So You Think You Can Dance. I love this show. Anytime it's on we all start moving and boogying. It was great this past year because it was on twice. Both Season's had incredible dancers.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Hate is a very strong word. But yes, there is someone that I dislike at this moment.
What was the best book you read this year?
I can't say that I read any wonderful books. I need a list of good reads from people. I'm ready for a good book.
What was your greatest musical discovery? I'm not a huge music person. I loved David Archuletta's Christmas CD. It helped bring a peace to the Christmas season. I love the soundtrack to Wicked.
What was your favorite film of this year? We don't go out and watch movies very often. I did see "New Moon" 3 times though. It was fun attending the midnight showing.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I can't even remember what we did, how sad is that?
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? I spent a lot of time in sweats and comfy clothes. It's too comfortable.
What kept you sane? I'm not sure anything saved me this year from insanity. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. I think this is going to be my moto for 2010. I need to remember to change things up if I'm not happy with the way they currently are, (ie. the laundy.) If it's not working, there's probably a reason why.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Taylor Lautner
What political issue stirred you the most? I try to stay out of political issues.
Who do you miss? Mike's Aunt Selma. She was able to come to the US for almost a year. It was so fun having her around and getting to know her better. We miss having her around. BJUSSSSSSS Selma! We also miss our other Brazilian visitors, Nilo and Rosemary. We would also love to see Mike's Grandpa and Grandma in Brasil. We haven't seen them since Brayden was 6 months old.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
By reaching out to others, you truly lose sight of your problems. At the beginning of November I read about a challenge someone was doing, it was to do one service a day for the whole month. I really feel at that time in my life, it was an answer to a prayer. It was totally overwhelming to me at first. I kept thinking about huge extravigant things I thought I "needed" to do. What I learned through the process is that little simple things can truly brighten someones day. As I began each day, I would have a service in mind and figure out how I was going to execute it. As my mind became focused on others and things they needed, my problems seemed so small. This was truly an experience that I will never forget. Although I'm not doing a service a day, I am still continuously trying to think of the little things that can brighten someones day. What an amazing lesson learned.
