2012 Year in Review

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before? I volunteered to be secretary of the PTA. I wanted to get more involved, and boy have I! It's been eye-opening to say the least, and it has given me tons of headaches, but I believe in being pro-active for your kids. And this is definitely one way of doing it.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't keep them, but I did say that I wanted to run a 5K this year and run the whole thing. I'm proud to say that I completed that task in early September.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! I have another nephew, Jack Calvin, who was born on June 18. I got to visit him when he was brand new! I also had 2 very good friends have babies, one Travis born in March and Charlotte was born in September.

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, thankfully.

5. What places did you visit? No real trips for us this year other than two trips up to Green Bay.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? Just the same as last year, more date nights with the husband.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 18 when my nephew arrived.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I actually stuck to my guns and said I would begin to declutter our house. I've even begun selling things on eBay and was completely surprised when a pair of shoes I had sold for more than $100!

9. What was your biggest failure? Getting let go from the freelancing gig was a real blow to my ego. I know the Internet market has changed a lot since I started freelancing, and it's obviously much different than working for a brick and mortar place, but it still was rough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope, thankfully.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Not sure on that one.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My husband. He's had a very rough year, and the amount of love and compassion he has is amazing. It reminds me how lucky I am to be married to him. And special recognition goes to my mother-in-law for showing us what true strength is.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? A couple family members for different reasons. And the whole instance at Sandy Hook Elementary school made me ill. And the fact that the NHL owners are locking out the NHL players. I miss my hockey!!

14. Where did most of your money go? Sports for the kids.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Anything involving Jack. He's such a fun, adorable blessing into our lives. And I can't get enough of him. He's at the age right now that I love, and I try to make it a point to see him at least once a month. I feel so lucky to live so close, yet I still feel like we're too far. :)

16. What song will always remind you of 2010? You Don't Know You're Beautiful by One Direction because the kids loved it so and because Phil couldn't stand it.

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

a) happier or sadder? Happier. It's been an emotional year, but I'm overall happier.

b) thinner or fatter? Thinner. Running has really helped. I don't run in the cold, so that's going to put a damper on things. But even over the summer I made a point to run (and the kids joined me--they even ran their first mile race this fall), and even though I still don't fully enjoy it, I know it's good for me.

c) richer or poorer? Poorer. Mainly because I lost my freelancing job.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Decluttering the house. I'm working on it, but I feel like I should make it more of a priority.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Not enjoying each day for what it's worth.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2012? We started off at our place with my mother--in-law on Dec. 15-16, then moved to Chicago with my brother, sis-in-law and Jack on the Saturday before Christmas. On Christmas day my parents came over and we did our entire Christmas with them. It was a great way to cap off the holiday season.

21. Did you fall in love in 2012? I'm still madly in love with the husband.

22. What was your favorite TV program?  Modern Family and The New Girl. Most of the trashy things on Bravo, especially Top Chef.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2012? I don't really remember. That's pretty sad.

24. What was the best book you read? I kept track this year and read more than 60 books. I just tend to fly through them. The one that really stands out is Gone Girl. And I also enjoyed Summerland.
25. What did you want and get? Appreciation for my hours of volunteering at the library. They're wanting to hire me shortly.

26. What did you want and not get? Hockey back in session.

27. What was your favorite film of this year? I don't have the patience to sit through movies, so I didn't see many. I did go see Magic Mike by myself in the theater and loved it.

28. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes. I've made a bunch of really great friends thanks to the PTA. I love knowing women who care so much about our kids.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Hockey.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? Casually comfortable.

31. What kept you sane? Wine and alcohol in general. :) And a good run followed by a nice shower.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Channing Tatum. Yummy!!

33. What political issue stirred you the most? The entire election campaign really captivated me. I think this was the first time I was completely immersed in all the issues. I wish I could understand why some people believe that others don't deserve the same rights. And I believe that teachers are not paid nearly enough.

34. Who did you miss? I miss getting together with my mom's extended side of the family. We normally got together 1-2 times per year, and grandpa was our glue. But we are planning a family reunion in July 2013, so that should be wonderful.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. When people don't care as passionately about the same things you do, try not to get angry with them. I think that's a lesson that both Phil and I need to remember.