2008 In Review

Last year I reviewed 2007 here. I have enjoyed looking over that review several times this year so I decided to make it a tradition! So here's 2008's year in review:

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Became a mother of 3, lost all my baby weight and then some before Addie's 1 year bday, learned to digital scrapbook, joined facebook

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Is it bad that other than weight loss I can't remember a single resolution that I made? I always make resolutions!

Did anyone close to you give birth? I gave birth, obviously. Several good friends had babies this year as well. My SIL Tess had the cutest baby boy you have ever seen! My SIL Meghan had a sweet baby girl!

Did anyone close to you die? No

What countries did you visit? Sadly, none!

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More weight loss, window treatments for my house, fewer unexpected expenses to pop up.

What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day Addison was born, of course. The day of the election is a biggie because even though my candidate did not win, it was still a momentous day for our nation. The day the financial markets fell apart.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Weight loss is a biggie. But on a more serious note, I had a bit of a rough fall after our ward split and most of my good friends ended up in another ward. I really felt healed about a lot of things once I handed it over to the Lord and let the atonement take effect in my life. I know it's cliche but it's true - the atonement can heal anything in your life!

What was your biggest failure? Like last year, I'm sad I didn't scrapbook more. I also failed at losing the last 20 lbs. before Christmas. I lost about 7 so I still have a ways to go!

Did you suffer illness or injury?! Nothing major or out of the ordinary

What was the best thing you bought? Uh.. does paying the GIANT copay to have Addie count? There was not a lot of room for fun purchases this year. I am SO glad we spent the money for our Disney trip! Oh, food storage. There is a great peace of mind to being prepared!

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Almost anyone in the political arena - what a nasty election year!

Where did most of your money go? Allen and I have "affectionately" called this year "The year of suck." We knew it would be tight paying to have Addie but we had SO MANY other unexpected expenses pop up on top of that. Luckily, we had a good cushion in savings to cover it all. Not fun though. So lots and lots of medical/dental/house/car expenses. 2009 will be the year to recover from it all so I'm expecting another tight year! It's ok (really!), some years are just like that!

What did you get really, really, really excited about? Addison's birth, all our vacations, feeling more established in AZ

What song will always remind you of 2007? Mamma Mia soundtrack, Coldplay album and David cook album

Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer? Happier and hopefully nicer. Richer, definitely not (between previously mentioned expenses and what we've lost in our investment portfolio- it's been a doozy of a bad year financially!) But I'm definitely richer in blessings :)

What do you wish you'd done more of? Exercise, scrapbook, served other people, attended the temple. (Same as last year)

What do you wish you'd done less of? Worry about things I have no control over.

How did you spend Christmas? With my entire family. It was wonderful!

Did you fall in love in 2008? Of course, every day!

What was your favorite TV program? LOST, American Idol, SYTYCD

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year. Um, no.

What was the best book you read this year? Snow Flower and The Secret Fan, Nancy Turner trilogy

What did you want and get? A healthy baby, thriving/happy children, my house is way more put together than it was a year ago

What were your favorite films of this year? Twilight (yep, I loved it). I thought Benjamin Button was awesome and SO original, Mamma Mia

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 33, I had the best bday ever!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Spending more time with my extended family

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008. Down 3 sizes, 2 to go!

What kept you sane? Talking to my sister every day. Blogging.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin

What political issue stirred you the most? All of the above. I felt very invested in this election - it was honestly a little exhausting and I was happy when it was over.

Who did you miss? My sisters, mom, Mindy

Who was the best new person (people) you met? I hate this question, what if I leave people out? A few new friends in my new ward - Jen, Meredith, Heidi. I totally LOVED reconnecting with old friends via Facebook too! So fun!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. See above with Atonement. I also have learned that we have enough - less than others, more than most - and that we are so blessed for all that we have. AND, I've definitely decided that I'd rather have EXPERIENCES than THINGS.

What are you most excited for in 2009? Allen graduating from his leadership/management training program and getting a new job/promotion. Weaning Addie. More fun vacations in the works!

What are you least excited for in 2009? I honestly can't think of a thing. Now that I've adjusted to having a child in full time school there's not much I'm not looking forward to!

Have a wonderful and safe New Year's eve!