2011 IN REVIEW

My friend Amy at Keeping Up With The Schultz Family did this so I thought I would give it a try.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Traveled out of the country.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No I did not keep it and I don't think I'll do any for 2012.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A dear friend had a little girl in November and a close blog friend (Amy) also gave birth this year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No but I am closer to people who have lost a loved one this year through my blog. Their pain is unbearable and my heart hurts with them.

5. What countries did you visit?
I was in the UK, France and Italy.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Great health and energy with a little bit of ambition on the side!

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 29th for the Royal Wedding. October 3rd because I turned 60! December 11th because we saw Wicked which was my birthday gift.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think sightseeing around Europe, alone most of the time, was a huge achievement for me!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight loss.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well I have very severe asthma (COPD)which is always present. Had a scare with a lump in my breast which turned out okay. Glory be to God.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I think maybe my netbook by Toshiba. It is great for travel. (I also just got a Droid incredible 2)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I believe that each year when something devastating happens all the people who go over and volunteer their time to help should be celebrated.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The football scandal at Penn State

14. Where did most of your money go?
Beside the normal bills I would have to say up in a cloud! I never have much to show for the money I spend except for the charities I donate to.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I stayed up all night and going to Westminster Abbey this year was a thrill for me! Also seeing the famous kissing balcony was a dream come true.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
I will say Firework by Katy Perry. (click here for lyrics)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
A little happier, a little fatter and about the same money wise.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I would have gone out more to meet with friends.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating the wrong things and wasting time on feeling sorry for myself.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with our son, his girlfriend, our daughter, son in law, husband, dogs and a friend from my husbands office. We ate snacks, opened presents, laughed, ate pizza, decorated gingerbread houses and danced to a Michael Jackson game!

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I fell in love with Paris!

22. What was your favorite TV program?
I have many but Modern Family is on of the best. I am also enjoying Two Broke Girls!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you did not hate this time last year?
I don't do hate. I think I have disliked our government more!

24. What was the best book you read?
Water for Elephants

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Liking some country music with Scotty McCreery!

26. What did you want and get?
A Wii and also a Pandora Charm Bracelet. Also got a new phone, it wasn't on my list but I wanted one!

27. What did you want and not get?
A cruiser bike, Justin Beiber cologne, a movie and a book.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Help but seeing Breaking Dawn was pretty good too!

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We hung out at home, I turned 60 and got the tickets to Wicked. See #7

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having my father her with me. He lives in Florida and I miss him.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Well I spend a good part of my day in my pajamas. Otherwise it's jeans and a blouse.

32. What kept you sane?
Well this is kinda mixed, blogging kept me sane but it can also drive me crazy!

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
William/Kate and Scotty McCreery.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't do politics so no answer here.

35. Who did you miss?
Family members who are no longer here on earth. Wouldn't one more day be awesome?

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Well I enjoyed meeting Win & Bob who are Phil's parents and also Ali his girlfriend back in the UK.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?
Life is short. I have always heard that phrase and have seen the years fly by but reaching 60 this year threw me for a loop! Where did my life go?

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Band: Baz Lurhman (performed by) Written by Mary Schmich in 1997.
Song: "Everybody is free to wear sunscreen" (click to see all the lyrics, they are pretty awesome)

"Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, nevermind, you won't understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded, but trust me in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine."