One of my favorite blogs out there is All & Sundry, written by Linda. She’s funny and smart and wise and manages to make me both laugh and cry with many of her posts. She writes an annual recap that for years I’ve pondered doing, and this year I’m going for it. Thank you, Linda, for the inspiration (here, and frequently).
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Took the summer off. Took the children to Storyland and to Legoland. Signed with a literary agent. Parted ways with that literary agent (she is wonderful, I just wasn’t ready). Wrote a draft of a book. Began taking a writing class (probably in the wrong order, those two!). Watched one child turn 8 and the other 5. Watched my husband turn 40. Went to BlogHer. Hosted the class gecko for a week and unexpectedly found him totally adorable. Saw Wicked.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I’ve also never chosen a Word of the Year, though one is presenting itself to me somewhat forcibly right now and I’m considering that.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. Four of my closest friends from college (three #2s and one #3).
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My great-aunt. She was not close to me on a daily basis but she represented something substantial and her death made me reflective. The grandmother of my oldest friend, who was a signficant part of my childhood (and of my life now since she lived in the same town).
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More forward motion towards writing a book. Or else clarity that I should give it up. A more even keel with my children (this is improving, but I have a long way to go).
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 31-August 4, the trip of a lifetime to Legoland. December 24, another Christmas Eve in the ER (now at a 33% lifetime average) for Whit.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Nothing comes to mind, which makes me really sad.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Progress towards my book.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
What feels like non-stop colds, sore throats, sniffles. I want my immune system to grow stronger (and my Swedish fish, chocolate, Diet Coke and white wine diet surely is a culprit here). Also, a bum right hip that bothers me when running.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Several books: Devotion, by Dani Shapiro, The Gift of an Ordinary Day, by Katrina Kenison, The Geography of Love by Glenda Burgess, and Hand Wash Cold by Karen Maezen Miller.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Into the bank.
13. What did you get really excited about?
My summer off with Grace and Whit. Several books that I read (see #11). Working with Dani Shapiro and meeting Katrina Kenison.
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
California Girls by Katy Perry and Hey Soul Sister by Train were the soundtrack of a summer that I’ll never forget.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier.
– thinner or fatter? The same.
– richer or poorer? Probably have marginally more money in the bank.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Written. Really looked at my children. Sat on the floor with Legos or American Girls.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stressed. Had insomnia. Cried.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
At home.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
The only TV show I watch is Gossip Girl, which I mostly watch through iTunes on plane rides. I’m addicted.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
See #11. For fiction, Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout and Three Stages of Amazement by Carol Edgarian.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Nothing really new, other than Annie Lennox’s Christmas CD.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
I hardly ever go to the movies other than with the kids.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I took the kids to day one of a new camp and then spent the day mostly alone. My parents took me out for lunch. Matt had dinner with a friend in Cambridge (I was at the beach with the kids). I was 36.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More moments where I slowed down and just paid attention.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
75% Juicy Couture sweatpants, 25% skinny jeans and heels with sequins thrown in.
26. What kept you sane?
Running. Reading. Writing. My family.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Praying is saying thank you.
I’m so happy to have met you in 2010!!
I love this, and might steal it for myself, as I couldn’t help but answer all the same questions as I went through (we even share some of the same answers – especially the disappointments).
Thanks for sharing this recap. I am SO curious now what your *word* might be…And I hope with all my heart that dates in 2011 that will remain etched in your memory are ones in the beginning of June in Oregon. xoxo
While the questions seem so logical for a year-end recap, I’m so glad you answered. Every little bit shows me a little more of you and I so enjoy that. 2010 is a year I prefer to forget, but I’m trying hard, as you know, to find small glowing bits to make it feel less of a disappointment. Here’s to your ongoing writing, stick with it, I think it holds great promise.
Happy New Year, my friend.
Hi Lindsey, Here’s to wishing you and your family a transcendent and present New Year, filled with luminous steps into the continual now.
Loved this picture of your year — it makes me want to reflect on these things, too. There’s plenty of overlap — the books we love, the passions we pursue, even Hey Soul Sister (Jack put that on a Christmas mix for me). And I feel the same way, Lindsey, about meeting you: honored and grateful. That connection was so clearly meant to happen. All blessings upon you and yours for 2011.
What a great way to review these years that run by so fast! Miss you, babe!! Here’s to a 2011 full of promise! Oxo
What a great way to review your year. I do hope this next year is exactly as you imagine it to be.