Here's to 2011!

I started a post back in 2006 that reflects back on the previous year and answers the same questions each year. Such a great way to see how much change can happen in just one short year. I can honestly say that 2010 flew by! I can't believe it's gone. But, they say the older you get, the faster it goes and I believe it's true.....So, here's to 2011!

2010--What kind of year was it???

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

In 2010, I ran my first of several 5k races! What fun! I have really enjoyed making new friends and getting into shape and I hope to run many more in 2011!

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My New Year's Resolutions last year were to make a huge impact in my job and I can say that I definitely succeeded! I had my best year ever and even won the Silver Qualifier Sales Award! I was so honored and so proud of all my hard work. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it! The other resolution was to spend more time with my kids. I really wish I had more time in the day to do everything I want to do. With all of the changes at work this year, I am on the road more and more and feel like I am not home as much as I would like to be. And that doesn't look to be getting any better at all in 2011. So, I will have to make the most of each moment....and hope to that everyone gets their little bit of time! And my final resolution was to lose that last little bit of baby weight....and it is definitely gone! The running has been such a great exercise and stress reliever!

And now to this year....I want to continue running! Maybe even a 10k or a 1/2 marathon? That would be so tough, but if you had told me a year ago I would be running 5k races and even getting a medal, I would've laughed. So, who knows? It's definitely possible!

I would also like to be debt-free and I have set up a budget and other worksheets to get there. It's definitely possible if I make some concessions and work hard! I realize it won't happen all in one year, but I know I could make a big dent in my debt in 2011, so here goes nothing! I would love to own my home by the time Richie retires and it can be be done with a little effort!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin Alyssa had baby Kaden in February! Now Landen has a playmate as they are just 5 months apart. I hope they grow to be close cousins and friends.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my my Grandma Hart passed away in November. This is my first grandparent on either side to pass away. I am really trying to reconnect with that side of my family as I realize now that time is definitely not going to slow down and every moment is one to cherish.

5. What countries did you visit?

I didn't visit any countries this year. Having a baby/toddler keeps you pretty close to home. However, Richie and I were able to go to Oregon for a week which was like another country. It is absolutely beautiful there! We had such an amazing time!

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

Last year I wanted a toned body and I think I am as close to it as it is gonna get! Running is helped me develop so much muscle tone and just feel better! I also wanted to feel settled...well, guess what? I had no idea we would sell our house and move to a duplex. So, I have to say, I don't feel the least bit settled. But hopefully 2011 will find us finally settled in our dream home! I would like to have more patience and peace in 2011. I felt so stressed in 2010 with everything that was going on. Is anything going to be easier in 2011? Absolutely not. But, I want to accept that and find my own peace with my life!

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

I think September 30, 2010 will be a date I won't forget. It was Landen's first birthday! My last "first" birthday! :(

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I think winning Silver Qualifier was a great achievement....took a lot of hard work and I made it!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No illness, no injury....I think this is actually the first year in many years. I will have to say I had a few rough days in the summer/fall while I was running everyday. That really wore on my body. I am trying to cut back to 3-4 days a week and no more than that. I want to be in better shape, not hurt!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I got a new iPad for Christmas and I just LOVE it! It's nice to surf the web with a little computer in my lap. I love how I can play a game, zip over and check out my photos, or listen to some music. Tons of fun!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I am giving it to Kay Lynn. We had parted ways about 3 years ago after some hurtful things were said/done when I was going through my divorce and ultimately left ABF. But, this year, she wrote me a sweet email apologizing. I know it took a lot to do that. And I genuinely appreciated it. It was definitely a lesson in forgiveness--that no matter how much time has passed, we can still mend fences. And that people do deserve our forgiveness. Kay Lynn and I are great friends again and I am so thankful for her friendship.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Gonna go with a certain group of PDers. Yep, you win. Congrats.

14. Where did most of your money go?

This year most of our money has went in savings. And I am so happy because it has allowed us to start building our dream home! I hope to continue saving and can establish some healthy spending/saving habits for 2011.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

That God has given me a wonderful year of lessons, memories, and life experiences. I can honestly say that 2010 was a year of changes, both good and bad. And I am so very thankful to him for them. We have a church home. I joined the church this year and have enjoyed the messages, the music, and the fellowship. We have parted ways with friends and made new ones. And I love the people in my life right now. I know that without that experience, I might not have met these people. I was able to keep my wonderful job during a layoff in our company. And I thank God for that blessing.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

I think it would be "I'm Not Who I Was" by Brandon Heath. I don't feel the same and I am happy for that....this year has been a year of growth, both spiritually and physically!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer?

I am happier, although it was a tough year. What a roller coaster ride! I don't think I'm thinner, but in much better shape. And I am going to be poorer after this house gets done, but I have some big plans to be richer in the long run!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Relaxed. Read books. Spend time with my kiddos. (This hasn't changed in 3 years!!!)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Less worrying. (Same as the last few years too!!)

20. How will you be spending New Year’s?

I am not sure just yet....still trying to figure out what we want to do.

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?

Yes, I did. I have such a closer relationship to God than I have had in years. I am so very thankful for that and the experiences in my life that pushed me there.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

House Hunters, The Good Wife, Desperate Housewives, and HAWAII 5-0!!!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope, I don't bother wasting time on someone if they don't deserve it.

26. What was the best book you read?

Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover!

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?

I love, love, love Brandon Heath, Jars of Clay, and Third Day!!!

29. What did you want and not get?

A good night's sleep! I thought babies were supposed to sleep through the night at some point??

30. What was your favorite film of this year?

Wow, this is tough because I can't remember the last movie I saw....wait, it was Tangled! I guess that gets the best film for the year since it's the only one I remember.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I am 32. And I had one of the best birthdays in years. I took off a day of work and spent the day at the spa where I got a facial and a massage. Then, I came home and sat on the couch and read a good book. Such absolute bliss!!

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

I think it would be better if I could just have more time in the day....it seems like the days are packed and I have so much to do with so little time.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

I had a blast this year! From nude colored heels, to leggings then jeggings, it has been fun to play in all the 2010 fashions!

34. What kept you sane?

My sanity came from God constantly telling me it was going to be OK. The little reminders that he's in control and not me, that was the best. I think being reminded that by letting him write my future, I am better off is the best sanity out there!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I am not sure honestly. I have enjoyed hearing about the ''royal wedding" and reading about the young couple. I am impressed with their "beyond their years" logic....it seems that William has learned a lot from his parents' mistakes/life experiences and it is refreshing to see young people learn from others instead of having to experience the pain themselves.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Heathcare, the economy, gas prices....will it ever get better? I have my doubts. But I pray it does. Soon.

37. Who did you miss?

I don't really have anyone I miss--I love the people in my life right now.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Love ya Laura! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and becoming friends! And I am so thankful for Mer and her friendship (and for introducing me and Laura!!)....

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:

Forgiveness. It was and is a struggle, but I have learned that we need it and we need to give it. No matter how much time has passed, if you should ask someone for forgiveness, then do it. You will be surprised by the relief, the renewed relationship, and the peace that you can experience. And you will love the respect that comes with it too....

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I would have to say that Brandon Heath's song I mentioned earlier takes the cake!

"I'm Not Who I Was"

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was
I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

I found my way around
To forgiving you
Some time ago
But I never got to tell you so..........

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

*************************************

Thank you Lord that I am not who I was! I am so happy to be the person you want me to be and that you are continually working in me to be. I am not perfect, I am who you made me to be. Thank you for 2010--the experiences, the memories, the challenges, the tears. It's made me who I AM!! :)

Here's to 2011....a year still waiting to be written! Make some memories, mend some fences, and make some changes!