Reflections Meme

I copied this meme from somewhere--I'm sure many have done it. I want to reflect on the last year once more before looking forward.

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'’d never done before?
   Started this writing blog and venture. Improved my marriage in a major way. Coded my own website for work. Learned photoshop fundamentals. Bought a new new car. Trained a dog (kind of). Bit the bullet and reconnected with a few old friends. Joined a writing group. Wrote a book! Oh, and HAD A SECOND BABY!! He's as fantastic as the first one, but light years different. New challenges lie ahead for sure.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
   I don't make resolutions. Or, I make them daily, I guess. I always have goals I'm working toward, new things I want to try. I would like to get back on that damn exercise bike every day. The baby is now mobile and not happy sitting in one spot for 20 mins though, making things much harder. Oh, and did I mention he doesn't nap?
   
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
   Yes, me! And a good friend of mine. And another good friend of mine is due in July. Woot!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
   My great grandmother died early in the year, but I can't say we were all that close. Still, she was my oldest living relative.
   
5. What countries did you visit?
   None, but we did go to DC for a visit. That was fun and educational.
   
6. What would you like to have in 2006 which you lacked in 2005?
   Sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep. Intimate time with the husband. That's about it. I had no lack of joy this year.
   
7. What date from 2005 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
   February 7th, thanks to the little one. New Year's Eve, for a different reason.
   
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
   Surviving major surgery, an open incision (twice), two bouts of mastitis, cracked and bleeding nipples, sheer exhaustion, a baby with acid reflux who eats 24 hours a day and continuing to breastfeed through the first year of his life. And WRITING A BOOK!
   
9. What was your biggest failure?
   Total lack of patience with my husband while he learned about life as the parent of an infant. We had some tough times, the hardest we've had so far.
   
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
    See number 8, plus four rounds with evil stomach viruses and a couple colds, and some female issues. My immune system depends heavily on sleep, doh!
    
11. What was the best thing you bought?
    Probably the new van, I luuuuuuuuv my new van. Also, if it hadn't been for buying Lauren Dane's Triad, I might never have considered trying my own hand at the genre. Plus it's a great book!
    
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
    My lovely husband, who has always been lovely but this year has been a real challenge to us all, and he came through better than ever.
    
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
    The right wing, "W", and the Christian right specifically. Won't get on the soapbox though.
    
14. Where did most of your money go?
    The house, the van, the kids. One really fun vacation. DIAPERS.
    
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
    The baby's arrival. Writing.
    
16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
    When I am King, Great Big Sea. Also Sally Ann by the same band.
    
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
    Happier, way thinner thanks to getting the baby out, poorer in money, richer in spirit.
    
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
    Sleeping lol. I wish I could have been more present for the baby's infancy, but we were just so exhausted.
    
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
    Worrying, fussing with my husband.
    
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
    Um, too late for this one, but we spent it with family.
    
21. Did you fall in love in 2005? Yes, with my husband and kids every day. Especially the new one, because he was so difficult I had a hard time finding joy in him the first few months, but I remember looking into his eyes and just feeling that rush. He is most definitely one of mine, and cherished.
    
22. What was your favorite TV program?
    Two--House MD and Medium. I also enjoy reruns of Charmed (dork alert).
    
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
    No.
24. What was the best book you read? Tough one. I loved Harry Potter of course, and there's the new to me scifi author Terry Bisson's short stories. I read Daughter of the Blood (see left) and loved it. I also read and enjoyed a bunch of Terry Pratchet books. Also the erotic romance genre was a fun exploration. No one favorite stands out.
    
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
    My humps, my humps, my lovely lady lumps. Just kidding. Can't think of anything new.
    
26. What did you want and get?
    A healthy baby (well, apart from the awful reflux).
    
27. What did you want and not get?
    Not to repeat myself, but sleep! Hee hee.
    
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
    Saw a lot of Netflix, loved a lot of them, hated some too. I guess my favorite movie in the theater was Harry Potter.
    
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn?
    My darling took me to a quiet, fancy restaurant for dinner. It was lovely and did I say quiet? I turned 27.
    
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
    Sleep? No I'm kidding. This was by far my hardest year since getting married, but probably the most satisfying as well.
    
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
    Penguin pajama pants and cami tops (great for nursing).
    
32. What kept you sane? Focus, intent, breathing through difficult moments. Eminem when it was really bad.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
    This year? Probably Johnny Depp. Every year? Johnny Depp. And Alan Rickman. Snape is my baby's daddy.
    
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
    Marriage for all, women's reproductive rights, the fight for evolution.
    
35. Whom did you miss?
    My grandmother, who isn't dead but who's joy in life seems to have vanished. My good friend who lives 3000 miles away.
    
36. Who was the best new person you met?
    The tiny tyrant, who my life would be bereft without.
    
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
    Patience and keeping my mouth shut. Being non-judgmental.
    
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
    All eyes on [him] from dawn till dusk Hanging on [his] every word Kings and queens never saw such a fuss Servants are waiting to serve...