2008 Recap

I stole this from Maya who stole it from her friend. It seemed like an interesting thing to do.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Had my first child turn one, graduated college, been technically homeless.

2. Did you keep your 2008 resolutions, and will you make more this year?
I never really make resolutions. It seems to me that you can set goals to change at any time of year, and that's what I do.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Carly, and I know about 10 other women who are due to have babies in the next few months. I am not exaggerating.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
None. I've never been outside the continental U.S.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A decent-paying "real" job that I like. Dream big.

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Definitely graduation.

8. What was your biggest failure?
Not dropping the baby weight from Chaela and not finishing my book when I had time.

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just colds.

10. What was the best thing you bought?
An umbrella stroller.

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Well, a lot of people, I think. Chaela, for being such a good baby during 90+ hours in the car in less than a 3 week period, Will, for being willing to move back East with me for a few years, me for graduating, my entire family, for being so generous to Will, Chaela, and I, etc.

12. Where did most of your money go?
I don't know, but it's gone! Bills, mostly. We don't get to do much these days but pay bills.

13. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter.
Happier, because I never thought I'd actually graduate. The same amount fat,I think, even though here in VA we're doing a Biggest Loser challenge, so hopefully that won't last much longer!!

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Gotten better grades.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Sat around doing nothing.

16. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I like what Maya said about falling in love with her husband every day. I feel like that. Most of the time. ;) Ha ha.

17. What was the best new book you read?
I read a lot of books, so it's hard to choose. Probably "The Well of Shades." I stared it in 2008 but didn't finish it until 2009.

18. What was your favorite film of the year?
Probably Iron Man, and I know this is silly, but I really like Eagle Eye for some reason. I appreciated The Dark Knight, but it was really too violent for me.

19. What kept you sane?
Will. No question.

20. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Things you think are impossible really can be achieved if you stick to it. I confess, I honest to goodness never thought I would graduate. I mean, looking back it was inevitable, since I wasn't going to drop out either, but I never really grasped the reality of finishing school, you know?


An update on us:

We're doing well, still in Richmond. I've sent out my resume to quite a few places and Will has applied for several jobs. Right now we're focusing on places that reimburse tuition for him, since that would be an enormous load off our backs. Diane and Nate are beyond generous to put up with us, and I'm hopeful that I'll have a job soon and we can start looking for a place to rent.