Moved into a brand new home. And contrary to what anyone tells you, brand new homes do not stay cleaner than any other kind of home. Five kids are five kids, no matter where you put them.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any resolutions that I can remember, but I did make myself a promise sometime during the year to write letters regularly and to not use my credit cards for Christmas. I've done well on both.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few friends, but not anyone extremely close. My sister-in-laws are due soon, though!! Yeah!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Quite a shock.
5. What countries did you visit?
Amish Country. ;-)
6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
A life free of consumer debt. Organization and normalcy.
7. What dates from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July and October. Moved into our house for real and had our first Family Gathering with extended family. June, Houdin turned 13.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving in. Actually finishing the biggest project we've ever undertaken aside from having kids--building a home.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Being in debt. Did I mention that I don't like being in debt?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Not this year.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, I'd say my new house, but I think I've worn that one thin...and I didn't actually buy it yet. That's not for another 29 1/2 years. I got a lot of stuff for free from FreeCycle--a black lab puppy, an awesome dishwasher that actually works, a very comfy couch, a fridge and a piano. Oh, and a kitchen table. Stuff I bought...hmmm...a big roaster with buffet compartments, a new frying pan that's actually big enough to make a side dish that will feed my family. Oh! I bought a Corda-Roy's foam thingy and a Landing Pad. Those are really awesome. I know I bought a lot more cool stuff, but it would take too long to write it all out and you'd be bored stiff. The most recent best thing I bought was one of Bard's Christmas gifts--Seasons 1 and 2 of Little House on the Prairie on DVD. She now has a crush on Pa.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine. I'm so cool.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?
Mine. Too bad I'm a loser.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Toward this house. And feeding all of these people that keep telling me they're hungry.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The house getting finished. Around the first of the year, the drywallers were starting their job. It was so cool to see it come together.
16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The Baby loves it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier.
b) thinner or fatter? fatter.
c) richer or poorer? poorer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Learning
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Yelling.
20. How will you be spending New Year's Eve?
Done. We had the neighborhood NYE party here. Ate food, played the M&M game with our Amish neighbors. Played Rook Board with Du and Jen and the Amish neighbors until almost 2 AM
21. Did you fall in love in 2004?
Many times. I love my man.
22. How many one-night stands?
Yeah, right.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Don't have one. We don't have TV reception.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. There are people who annoy me, but I annoy people, too.
25. What was the best book you read?
Loser by Jerry Spinelli.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My baby girl. She sings a mean Frosty the Snowman.
27. What did you want and get?
Okay, I'll say it again. A house.
28. What did you want and not get?
Out of debt. My 35 MM camera fixed. Letters from my family for Christmas. A great big electric griddle.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Secondhand Lions
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was thirty five, and I can't remember what I did.
31.What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
Lots of money, a maid and a vacation.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
Jeans and t-shirts.
33. What kept you sane?
My husband. He's so awesome. And my friends.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can't really think of any. Isn't this exciting?
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
All of them.
36. Who did you miss?
My friend Kathy. It's been too long. I need to get in touch with her.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
There are way too many. Heather, you're one of them, though we haven't actually met. Ursy-loo and Ashley, I had such a blast with you two this year, I have to include you. I became much closer to my friend Shawna. Love to you, friend.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding...
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
These are days you'll remember. Never before and never since, I promise,
will the whole world be warm as this. And as you feel it, you'll know it's true
that you are blessed and lucky. It's true that you are touched by something that
will grow and bloom in you. These are days you'll remember,when May is rushing
over you with desire to be part of the miracles you see in every hour. You'll
know it's true that you are blessed and lucky. It's true that you are touched by
something that will grow and bloom in you. These are days. These are the
days you might fill with laughter until you break. These days you might feel a
shaft of light make its way across your face. And when you do you'll know how it
was meant to be. See the signs and know their meaning. It's true, you'll know
how it was meant to be. Hear the signs and know they're speaking to you.
