Year in Review - Part II

I saw this on a friend's blog and liked it. Here are my answers. If you've read this...now it is your turn! (I'm a certified blog voyeur, so make it personal!)

1. What did you do in 2006 that you had never done before?
Became a proud parent thru adoption…aka Emma Pie!

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2007?
Good grief, maybe I should have made one?? I HAVE made one (or two) for 2007 and plan to keep it! I know that w/o challenges…growth is non-existent.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend Sara, my Sister-in-law Angie

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.

5. What countries did you visit?
Various travels, but none out of the country

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A toned and tanned bod, more patience, more focus, more discipline, more passion for the “right” things and less passion for the “wrong” things!

7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 13. Our sweet, baby Emma was born

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a parent, adopting Emma (yes, there is a theme here)

9. What was your biggest struggle?
Learning (and still learning) to let go of things that don’t matter and focusing on desires that truly do matter.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope (minor knee surgery…if that counts)

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm…thanks to Dave Ramsey, debt reduction!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband, Joel...his true colors have come thru beautifully as I’ve witnessed his tender and loving interaction w/ Emma. He is an amazing father. Also, his loyalty and selfless service to others is always something I envy.

13. Whose behavior appalled you?
The train wreck A.K.A. HOLLYWOOD (their liberal, indignation is so tiresome)

14. Where did most of your money go?
Props to Dave Ramsey again…debt reduction and church/charities!!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about this year?
The phone call I received at my office on Friday, January 27…we had been chosen by a birth mom!

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Anything by Sara Groves (my FAV artist of ALL TIME)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, nicer or richer?
As I mature, I realize the magnitude of my blessings which makes me feel a whole lot richer!! I sure hope that I’m nicer, but who knows J

18. What do you wish you had done more of?
Acting on goals that I’ve only thought about, doing more for my husband and others in general.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?
Allowing insecurities or fears dictate what I do.

20. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yup, with a little peanut named Emma!

21. What was your favorite TV program?
Survivor, The Biggest Loser, Heroes

22. What was the best book you read this year?
“Eve’s Daughters” by Lynn Austin

23. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The David Crowder Band and the fact that I dig musicals (thanks to my artsy hubby who has insisted that we see at least one musical a year).

24. What did you want and get?
I/we wanted to start a family and were blessed w/ Emma

25. What was your favorite film of the year?
Anything that I don’t fall sleep while watching…The Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe.

26. What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn?
I was at an all day planning session for my job. I turned 34.

27. What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?
Nothing…truly!

28. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year?
Yikes…I’m no catwalk diva. Something that fits and was purchased w/in the last 5 years.

29. What kept you sane?
The foundation of knowing that I am not in control, God is. Plus, support from hubby, family, friends, etc J

30. What celebrity did you fancy the most?
Some would say Nick Lachey (did I just admit that??)…but I also enjoy Rachel Ray.

31. What political issue stirred you the most?
School Choice, of course! (All Children Matter)

32. Who did you miss?
I make it my job to keep up with those that matter to me…my husband will attest to that. As for those who are deceased…I’d always cherish another moment w/ any of my Grandparents or my Aunt Carol.

33. Who were the best new people you met this year?
I would honestly have to say this was probably a year of developing current relationships. I think that my friend/acquaintance circle is pretty wide, but I’d like it to be deeper (more intimate) so I’m working on that.

33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year.
Well, I’d have to say that I’m learning NOT to sweat the small stuff. God will take care of that stuff as well as the big stuff. At the same time, I’m learning to develop and focus on what I’m passionate about (that is evolving too!)