2019: Checkpoint

Yadda and all.

1. What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?

Driven Houston to Dallas between midnight and 5 AM. I'd like not to repeat that ever again.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Nah.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

None babies around here.  Wait, a cousin had a baby this fall and he's really cute.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Woo boy, this has been a year. Sabrina's teacher lost her dad in an accident the day before school ended for the summer, so we went to the rosary for him.  Then, we lost Chris's mom during the Weekend of Misery. My cousin, Chad, passed from leukemia that we didn't know he was enduring, and my friend, Kelly, passed after a very long battle with cancer - both far, far too young.  And this past week, a sweet 11 year old boy from just around the block died.  It's been a lot.

5. What places did you visit?

Houston, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina. Points along the way.

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

As always: More surplus dollars.  A boatload of patience.  More and closer friendships.  Will power, fortitude, self discipline, and better ways to communicate.

7. What dates from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

May 23: the day of Sabrina's elementary school graduation ceremony and her being given an award by her peers.  May 24: Sammy's middle school graduation and watching my boy completely break down because he was leaving such a special place.  June 8-10 (AKA the Weekend of Misery): Sabrina gets sick on a Girl Scout trip to NASA in Houston, so we do the midnight ride home (she is fine upon return); Chris's mom passes away while he, Sammy, and my parents are in a car a few hundred miles from their destination of Las Vegas (Sabrina and my flight is mercifully cancelled due to weather); on the return drive, the road trippers stop in Amarillo for lunch, where my father suffers a heart attack (he is treated very quickly and is now doing very well; the boys drive my folks' car back and the folks fly back a few days later). Whew.  August 14: Sammy starts high school and Sabrina starts middle school.  

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Survival.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Evergreen: Letting frustration win, again and again and again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Thankfully, no. Let's do that again.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A Ring doorbell.  A new hot water heater to replace the one that gave out but did not flood the house on its way out.  Disney +.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My niece for welcoming our foursome to stay in her house and upend her life for 5 days.   


13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Basically anyone who clings to arbitrary lines drawn in the sand for no other reason that they were on one side of the line when it was drawn.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Also evergreen: Day to day stuff.  Amazon Prime.  Taxes.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Game of Thrones.  Disney +.  Finding useful gifts for people I love.  Awesome bargains I found.  Watching my kids have a blast at the beach.

16. What song will always remind you of 2019?

I know nothing of music this year. Something about an old road?

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Tough year, but I'm working on happier.

b) thinner or fatter? My mind tells me fatter every time i look in the mirror, but my clothes still fit, so meh.

c) richer or poorer? 'Bout same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Smiling.  Finding the upside. 

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Fretting.  Being annoyed.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2019?

Hosted a Christmas Eve dinner for my side of the family, then we went to Mass together and it was lovely.  Except that Chris said he wasn't feeling well.

We came home, cleaned up, somehow got the kids into bed, and let Santa do his business.  We finished much earlier than in the past, and Chris went to bed, and I followed (also earlier than in the past).

Christmas morning was happy.  The kids adored their gifts from Santa, we had donuts and pigs in a blanket.  We had trouble getting out the door to go to my parents' house because we kept forgetting things and having to turn around. More breakfast, then giftapalooza. We all watched Chris turn paler and quieter, then go sleep the entire afternoon and evening. I made him a clinic appointment for the next morning, then tried to enjoy the rest of the day. Epilogue: he had strep AND the flu.

21. Did you fall in love in 2019?

Um, pass.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

There was this little show called Game of Thrones. I watched the whole series the week before the final season started.  I'm glad I did it that way instead of having to wait years to see what would happen.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2019?

It was a Thursday?  Yeah, I don't remember.  I'm sure my family was nice to me, and that's all that matters.

24. What was the best book you read?

Evvie Drake Starts Over, and not just because the author is an internet friend.

25. What did you want and get?

My Wifi thermostat installed (I've been waiting on this for years).  A new computer desk (see next year's list for said desk assembled and put in place).  A good start to high school and middle school for my kids.

26. What did you want and not get?

Skinnier.  Peace on earth.  Children with consistent table manners.  And where is that rich benefactor?

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

Probably Toy Story 4.  Although Captain Marvel was surprisingly fun.

28. Did you make some new friends this year?

I'm really hoping for a new or strengthened friendship in the future, particularly a local one.  I have lots of friends across the internet, but I'd really like someone close both figuratively and literally.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Inner peace.

Slightly modified from last year: the ability to communicate anything to my husband (and OK, children) and have him understand instantly and completely.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

Ironing is clearly not a skill I possess.

31. What kept you sane?

Caffeine.  Naps.  TLI.  Long showers.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Still not fancy. I enjoy following the British royals more than ever, so we'll put that here.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Boy, that's a loaded question. Moving on.

34. Who did you miss?

Everyone I lost (which is too long a list this year) and everyone I don't see often enough (which is most everyone). As usual.  
 
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.

Take a deep breath.  Take another.

2017: Checkpoint

I'm sorry if this comes off a little grey this year.  I'm hoping for more rainbows & glitter in 2018.  I put Sabrina in charge of that...

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

Visited my brother's family & stayed in his house.  Went on vacation via airplane for which I had to shell out $$$ for many tickets.  Got completely verklempt over my son receiving numerous middle school awards.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Pish.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A couple of cousins added to their broods.  But I haven't held a squishy newborn in some time.  Bummer.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully, not this year.  Whew.

5. What places did you visit?

San Antonio, Texas.  Portland, Oregon.  Vancouver, Washington.  The Oregon coast/Pacific Ocean.

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

We'll just double down, OK?

More surplus dollars.  A boatload of patience.  More and closer friendships, both in person and across the internet.  I need some buddies. Will power, fortitude, self discipline, and better ways to communicate.

7. What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Hmm.  May 30, the middle school awards ceremony.  Some day in October when Sabrina was elected to student council (the date is not significant but the memory is because I tried my darnedest to be on student council my whole academic career and never succeeded).  Not a lot of specific dates this year, but nice moments for sure.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Making it through?  Keeping my cool (mostly)?  Eh.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Once more with feeling: Letting frustration win, again and again and again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Strep plus a nasty virus at the end of spring break and over my birthday.  That's about it, thank everything.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My husband will say his new car, but I don't believe we needed one, so not that.  We finally finished replacing all the windows (except the weird one in the bathroom which can stay because it's weird), so perhaps I shall go with that.  Suuuuuper boring.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Last year's answer just carries straight over: as we wind up this year, it feels like nobody behaved very well, at least at large.  The Ladies Internet continues to be compassionate, insightful, and kind in so many ways.  

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Anybody fighting and yelling because differences exist.  That's a vague but direct answer.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Still - and more - true: Amazon Prime.  Taxes.  Also, new car.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Any time Amazon showed up at my door?  It didn't take much this year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2017?

I have been noodling over this question for days, and I have no answer.  I didn't even know Despacito was a thing until I heard it on a 2017 review show.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder?  Honestly, a bit sadder, but hopeful for 2018.
b) thinner or fatter?  My rings are looser on my fingers, so I must be headed in the right direction.
c) richer or poorer? Poorer.  Stupid taxes.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

This remains ever the same: Catching myself before I get annoyed with the kids, particularly for interrupting me.  Spending time with lady friends.  It bears repeating, I need more friend time.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying.  Now and forever.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2017?

Christmas Eve dinner at our house, just us, the kids, and the folks this time.  Lots of leftovers.  Mass in a very warm chapel with not the best selection of music, but that's OK.  

Santa business.  Terror over a big present that could not be made to work.  Much fretting.

Christmas morning nailbiting.  Kid delighted by Santa's last minute apology for a reindeer stepping on an important gift.  Parental relief.  Giddiness over other kid finding a gift she was sure she wouldn't get.

Family togetherness at the folks'.  Pickle hunt that went on far, far too long.  Much eating.  Much revelry.  Much tired.

21. Did you fall in love in 2017?

With my Ninja coffee maker.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Didn't watch all that much.  I saw quite a bit of this season of Outlander and that was fun, especially after reading the first book.  Now I want to read the rest.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2017?

Tried to recover from multiple germs.  Got a pedicure to help that along.

24. What was the best book you read?

I finally got a copy of The Royal We, and it is much fun in the light of Harry & Megan's engagement.

25. What did you want and get?

The right teacher fit for 4th grade for Sabrina.  A continued smooth journey through middle school for Sammy.  

26. What did you want and not get?

Lessened tension.

Netflix.

And that rich benefactor must be crawling here.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

I took myself to see La La Land, which was a treat.  Just this week, Sabrina and I saw The Greatest Showman.  So, musicals.

28. Did you make some new friends this year?

Not really.  I'd like to change that.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Teleportation.

Always, always, always: the ability to communicate anything to my children and have them understand instantly.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

No holes, no lint, not falling off, not skin tight, no visible underpinnings.  Let's go.

31. What kept you sane?

Laughter.  Texting.  The Ladies Internet, for sure.  Caffeine.  Prayer.  Same, same, same.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

No fanciness to speak of.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Blergh.

34. Who did you miss?

Anybody I didn't get to spend much time with.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

Growth is good. Relax your grip.

Bright Spot

Things haven't been super fantastic of late, especially in my own head, but you just keep plowing through, right?  I went to do the grocery shopping at Aldi this morning.  It's not really close to home, but I'm willing to make the trek for the savings.  I got all the way there and opened my change tray to get a quarter so I could pop out a cart.  I always have quarters in a special spot for just such an occasion.  But today, no quarters.  About 2 dollars missing.  So I called home to ask what happened to my quarters.  "I washed the car."  Okey dokey.

I dug through my purse, and after a good bit of sweaty wrestling with that beast, I did come up with a quarter, so I was able to head in for a good game of bumper carts.  My store just reopened after a remodel, which has brought out more shoppers, so the aisles almost require safety gear.  And I have no idea where anything is anymore, so I ended up doing a couple of circuits to make sure I got everything on my list (I still forgot napkins.)  I got to the check out, unloaded everything, picked up the paper towels and cans that tried to make a break for it, and finally made my way up to the cashier.  I try to pay attention in case anything rings up at the wrong price, but I wasn't completely focused today.  I did see the final price flash, and I went to pull out my credit card.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the cashier grab something out of his drawer, scan it, and put it back, super fast.  By the time I was ready to swipe, the total was a few dollars less.  "Did you just give me a coupon?" I asked.  "Sure did."

I thanked him for making my day.  And he really did.  It was a little thing, and he didn't have to do it, but he did.  I'm going to look for ways to pay that kindness forward.

2016: Checkpoint

Let's keep a good thing going.

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?

I'll start with the ugly one: buried a friend. Not my parents' friend or grandparents' friend. My friend. I'd prefer not to do that again.

Took my kids to Las Vegas.  Took my husband to Las Vegas.  Went on a car trip with 6 people in said car (to Las Vegas).  Made an actual Christmas list for myself.  Sent a kid to middle school.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Uncle.

Last year: I'm about 6 months behind in my photo organizing (a perpetual annual goal), because the bazillion Disney photos terrify me.  But I'll get to it as soon as Christmas is down and the house is put back together.

I did manage to get this done.  Buuut, I'm now 6 months behind on THIS years' pictures.  So, lather, rinse, repeat.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Nope.  My niece did, but she's all the way in South Carolina, so not close to me geographically.  But an exciting little addition to the family, I must say.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

I really didn't want to visit this question this year.  Sadly, yes.  My friend, Erica @alldressedup, a very wonderful gift from the internet, passed away in April.  It still hurts to say out loud.  It probably always will.

My cousin, Mike, also died this summer, very suddenly and very surprisingly.  We weren't close, but he was family, so it's a significant loss.

And then there were way too many famous people who figured into my formative years.  Even though these weren't personal losses, well, they were personal losses and they make me sad.
2016 took too much is what I'm saying.

5. What places did you visit?

Las Vegas, Nevada.  St. Louis, Missouri.  Chicago, Illinois.  Kaukauna, Wisconsin.  Austin, Texas.  Many points in between.

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Same as last year: More surplus dollars.  A boatload of patience.  More and closer friendships, both in person and across the internet.  I need some buddies.

Adding this year: Will power, fortitude, self discipline, and better ways to communicate.

7. What dates from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 2, the day Sammy graduated from elementary school and Sabrina had to say goodbye to her favorite teacher.  July 27, they day we took Chicago by storm.  July 31, the day Elvis came to my great aunt's 80th birthday party.  August 22, the day I sent Sammy through the doors of middle school for the first time.  (And obviously the day of the answer to question number 1, but we'll try to keep it positive from here on out.)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I have no idea.  Did I accomplish anything?  Probably helping/teaching Sammy to study for his first ever semester exams and him doing really, really well.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Well, this one's on repeat, too: Letting frustration win, again and again and again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Coupla colds (one during the Las Vegas trip, but, eh).  Sabrina kicked my big toenail right outta my foot.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Let's see. The new comforter that makes my bedroom feel like a hotel.  A futon and TV stand to finish off the playroom.  The last 2 window blinds I need for the whole house, although they're yet to be hung.

The Hamilton soundtrack.

I'm actually proud of the things I didn't buy, but instead put on a Christmas list, both  account and giving other people some actual ideas for gifts to give me.  Not that anyone had to give me anything.  But they asked, so I did.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

This is a tough one to answer because as we wind up this year, it feels like nobody behaved very well, at least at large.  The Ladies Internet continues to be compassionate, insightful, and kind in so many ways.  Lin Manuel Miranda.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

We'll just chalk this one up to politicians.  Nuff said.

14. Where did most of your money go?

What money?  Day to day stuff.  Amazon Prime.  Taxes.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I can't think of anything that warranted 3 reallys.  Our trips were giddily anticipated.  Christmas morning because I thought I did a really good job this year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2016?

"Can't Stop the Feeling," Justin Timberlake. I can't stop that song.

Anything Hamilton.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? I wouldn't call it sad.  I'd say more cautiously concerned and slightly gunshy.

b) thinner or fatter? Like I'm going to get up and go measure. My clothes fit, so, eh.

c) richer or poorer? I think this one is basically a wash.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

This remains ever the same: Catching myself before I get annoyed with the kids, particularly for interrupting me.  Spending time with lady friends.  It bears repeating, I need more friend time.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying.  Now and forever.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2016?

After 2, it's becomes a tradition: we hosted a Christmas Eve dinner for my side of the family, whoever happened to be in town.  This year, it was my parents and my brother's family in from Washington state.  I made fancy prime rib again and my oven will not forgive me for a long time.  We went to Mass together and it was lovely.

We came home, cleaned up, somehow got the kids into bed, and let Santa do his business.  I watched the NORAD Santa Tracker a little too late and finally went to bed.

Christmas morning started off perfectly.  The kids adored their gifts from Santa, we had donuts and pigs in a blanket, and generally enjoyed life for about 40 minutes until Sammy started feeling poorly and went down fast with a stomach bug.  He didn't let that stop any of us, and we spent a nice day ay my parents' house, opening presents and eating while Sammy holed up in a bedroom with lots of movies.  He bounced back the next day, so even though Christmas Day wasn't what is would have hoped, he wasn't down for long.

21. Did you fall in love in 2016?

Weird forever.  And so this answer shall stay.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I really like American Wife and Speechless.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2016?

What birthday?  OK, I had one, but that doesn't mean I have to think about it.

24. What was the best book you read?

I'm enjoying Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple right now. The Hamiltome.

25. What did you want and get?

A smooth transition to middle school for Sammy.  A more relaxed holiday work season for Chris.  Somewhat less little girl drama for Sabrina.  A fancy coffeemaker for me. (Somebody has to set the bar low.)

I did finally get the window blinds and futon I listed here last year in the not get section.

26. What did you want and not get?

Skinnier.

And where is that rich benefactor?

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

We  just saw Moana this week, and I just loved it.  Big thanks to @Pamie and @Lin_Manuel.

28. Did you make some new friends this year?

I feel like I'm getting closer to some of the moms of my kids' friends (isn't there a better term for this?).  Must initiate more random coffee/lunch stops.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A jet pack.

Always, always, always: the ability to communicate anything to my children and have them understand instantly.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

I like what's in my closet and I shall wear it.

31. What kept you sane?

Laughter.  Texting.  The Ladies Internet, for sure.  Caffeine.  Prayer.  Same, same, same.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Hamilton kind of took over significant portions of my life, so I'm going to say Lin Manuel Miranda here.  Not in the traditional fancy sense, but in the I really want to be your friend and hang out sense.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Ugh.  I'm trying to stay upbeat, so we'll let this one lie this year.  I hope to have beautiful, positive things to say 12 months from now. Hopehopehope.

34. Who did you miss?

Everyone I lost and everyone I don't see often enough (which is most everyone).

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

You do you and keep working on who that is.

God Bless America

I went to church to pray for the President-elect, to pray for our country, to pray for unity and kindness and understanding.  At the end of Mass, a lone voice started singing "God Bless America." Everyone joined in, beautifully and loudly.  I burst into tears. Best moment of the day.

Confession

I've been playing Pokemon Go.  Yes, that game.  I originally downloaded it on Chris's phone so he and the kids could play together, but I soon realized that wasn't happening all that often, so I downloaded it on my phone.  Sabrina was the one talking about it, by the way.  Not that Sammy wasn't interested, but Sabrina was constantly bugging me to open the app wherever we might be.

Not too long after that, we left on a road trip that took us to, among many places, Chicago.  We had a day to explore the city (and pay ridiculous parking fees), and explore we did.  To keep the kids happy while we covered many miles and mitigate the whining (notice I didn't say stop the whining), I tapped open the app.  I have no idea what you call all these little boogers, but boy, sis we have fun catching them when the popped up.  And in big city tourist areas like Navy Pier, they pop up a lot.  And Sabrina and I went after them.  In fact, at one point, we got separated from the boys and ended up chasing down a Pikachu (the only one I can ever remember) and catching it, just to have the app crash and we lost out on our favorite little Pokedude.  We were both totally bummed.  That's when I knew I was in deep. 

To be fair, I only like catching the characters.  I'm not into the powering up and fighting them or whatever it is you do with this gym business.  I like the collecting aspect.  So we walk around the neighborhood and other places, phone in hands (take turns, people), hoping for that familiar buzz that shows a new creature.  And yes, although I say we, I do play when I'm by myself sometimes.  OK, a lot of the time.  I am a sad, sad person.  Yep. 

Chris is on level 473 of Candy Crush, so I feel like this all balances out. 

(We have yet to catch a Pikachu.)

2015 Checkpoint

Once more, with feeling.

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

Went to Disneyworld with children. Developed something of a coffee habit. Allowed a game console into my house.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Here's what I wrote last year:

I want to keep better track of the budget.  I let that get away from me at the end of this year, and that made me feel bad.  And I'd just like to keep on top of things better.  I'm a terrible procrastinator.

Hahahahahaha. Nope. In fact, I did terribly, forgetting to keep track altogether for weeks and weeks, then trying to catch up and forgetting what had been spent.  I'm planning a big turnaround for this year.

I'm also about 6 months behind in my photo organizing (a perpetual annual goal), because the bazillion Disney photos terrify me.  But I'll get to it as soon as Christmas is down and the house is put back together.

I just want to be better at the things I take on this year.  Whatever that will be.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My neighbor across the street.  I have yet to meet the little guy, but I will, oh yes, I will.
Sabrina's teacher welcomes a new baby, one we didn't know was coming until 2 weeks until the due date. So I had to hurry up and pull together a class baby shower lickety spilt. I think that earns a good snuffle, right?

4. Did anyone close to you die?

I've been able to answer this question in the negative for many years, but unfortunately, this year is not the same and by far.  In February, my uncle fell, hit his head, and was gone by the beginning of March.  Total shock.  Then in September, my parents took my grandmother to visit family up north, and while there, she had an aortic rupture.  She was able to hang on for about 30 hours after that, surrounded by her family and be at peace.  I even got to talk to her on the phone one last time, a memory that will be hard to recall but one I will treasure nonetheless. She was 93.

Also, in December, my brother's dog was in too much pain, so he made the hard decision to let him go.  That was sad for all of us as well.

Enough though, hear me, 2016?  No more of that.

5. What places did you visit?

Orlando, Florida.  The House of the Mouse.  Austin, Texas.  Houston, Texas.  Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Not in that order.

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

More surplus dollars.  A boatload of patience.  More and closer friendships, both in person and across the internet.  I need some buddies.

7. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

February 28, the day I left for a fantastic ladies' weekend while a veritable blizzard descended on Texas.  March 2, the day I came back from that wonderful weekend away to find out my uncle was in the hospital.  June 5, the day my kids got out of school and we got on a plane bound for Mickey.  June 7, the day I got to hang out with Jen and Diane and their terrific families. The rest of that week with my giant family at Disney, every single moment.  September 27, the day my grandma fell and we worried she'd hit her head.  September 28, the day we lost her.  

Man, what an up and down year.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting a smart phone.  I'm pretty sure I'm the last person on earth to do it.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Letting frustration win, again and again and again.  Not being present in the present.  

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I never did get the flu last year, and I attribute that to my flu vaccine and Emergen-C.  I did catch a stomach bug from Sabrina late in the year, but it was short-lived.  A few colds here and there, but nothing too debilitating, thank everything.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Smart. Phone.  Giant white cabinets to organize and hide all the toys.  Anything I bought he kids at Disneyworld because it made them so happy.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Every teacher my kids have had. Our friend, Miss JT, who decided to write a children's book starring Sammy (and Sabrina) - and followed through. Fr. George, who just adored my grandma and has now pretty much joined our family like he's always been there. The Ladies Internet, always and forever.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

A particular toy store gave me a whole lotta grief right before Christmas because their left hand didn't know what their right hand was doing.  A large portion of drivers on the road this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Do I have any money?  The usuals.  A deck refurbishment.  A new washing machine.  Sammy's ears (hopefully the final surgery).

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Do I need to spell it out again?  

A trip to Disneyworld. I'd like one of these every year, please.  Maybe two.

16. What song will always remind you of 2015?

"Shut Up and Dance with Me." Every single one of us would start chair dancing whenever we heard it.  (Also because Diane told us her daughter didn't like it because of the shut up part. That completely charmed me.)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? It was a roller coaster year, and I'm still a little blue from the recent losses.  But it will get better.

b) thinner or fatter? Like I'm going to get up and go measure. My clothes fit, so, eh.

c) richer or poorer? 'Bout the same, maybe down a little since our investments didn't do so hot this year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Catching myself before I get annoyed with the kids, particularly for interrupting me.  Spending time with lady friends.  It bears repeating, I need more friend time.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

"Sammy, hands out of your mouth!"  "Sabrina, we look with our eyes, not our hands!"  Exactly the same as 2014 and 2015.  Sigh.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2015?

All my life, Christmas Eve was my grandma's domain.  Though it changed over the years, we always went to Christmas Eve Mass and opened presents with my grandparents.  With the both gone this year, I decided to fill the time.  So I cooked a fancy meal of prime rib, broccoli rice casserole, and roasted vegetables for the four of us and my folks.  As a little girl, Christmas Eve dinner was a somewhat fancy affair, so I thought I'd resurrect that.  Never mind I'd never made prime rib or broccoli rice casserole before.  Thanks to Google and the Ladies Internet, I was able to pull it off.  I suspect this could become a tradition.  

After dinner, we went to Mass at the chapel at the residence where my grandma lived in recent years.  Their Mass was close (just a mile down the road), late but not Midnight Mass late so Chris would be able to make it (delivery elves work hard Christmas Eve), and not overcrowded.  They cranked the heat up a little too much on a 70 degree night, but otherwise, it was a lovely service.  And special because our newish priest friend concelebrated.

We came home, cleaned up, somehow got the kids into bed, and let Santa do his business.  I watched the NORAD Santa Tracker a little too late and finally went to bed.

Christmas started with a Santa explosion (woo boy, sis he go overboard this year), followed by some serious spoiled from my parents.  Christmas brunch and dinner.  Evening capper: some sort of liqueur my dad and I found that tastes exactly like a cinnamon roll.  Very nice.

And although we were quite aware of holes both permanent and temporary (come back next year, Brother!), it was a sweet, lovely day.  I hated to see it end.

21. Did you fall in love in 2015?

Weird forever.  And so this answer shall stay.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Chris has to admit he fell face first into Game of Thrones. I have never seen him binge watch anything before, except football.

I feel like I lost a lot of good shows this year, and haven't really filled the holes.  I seem to be spending more evenings on the internet or reading, but I still love.  I need to catch up with Jennie and just jump into Arrow and The Flash already.  Also, I have every episode of Orphan Black on the DVR  just waiting for us to watch (hoping this is our next together show).

I'm pretty much still devoted to anything Shonda Rhimes does.

I currently have The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon, Penny, and Leonard hanging on our Christmas tree, so that says something.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2015?

I must have successfully ignored it because I don't remember a single thing. I'm sure there was cake.

24. What was the best book you read?

Man, I wish my library kept a list of the books you've checked out.  I'm going with The Raven Boys and its followups because I'm really excited for the final installment to come out this year.

25. What did you want and get?

Um, duh.  (Also, the right 2nd/3rd grade teacher for Sabrina.)

26. What did you want and not get?

Skinnier.

A rich benefactor.

The last 2 window coverings I need in this house (so close!).

A nice, non-college-dorm-looking futon for the playroom so the kids can have a better place to sit and sleepovers (coming soon to a 2016 near you).

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

I saw Cinderella (with Sabrina on her birthday) and Inside Out in the theater. So I'm going to say Star Wars: The Force Awakens (not that I've seen it).

28. Did you make some new friends this year?

In February, I went to a Ladies Internet hangout/get together/whatever you call it.  And I'm not even kidding a teeny bit when I say every single lady I met or reconnected with there is spectacular. You know who you are, and I adore each and every one of you.  I would hang out/talk/text/telegraph with you any day, every day, all day.  It was a real treat to see all these wonderful women in 3D and I can't wait to do it again. Seriously, call me.

My neighbor, Jodi, and I started having the occasional hang out and drink coffee morning this fall, and I love it so much.  I would like to do that every morning.

I am an introvert to the core, but I'm finding more and more that I really want and need friends.  And I'm grateful for them all, however I can get them (I'm fully on the side of virtual friendships are just as real as in person friendships).  So if you feel like I do, I'd love to be your friend.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

To only ask something one time. And always, always, always: the ability to communicate anything to my children and have them understand instantly.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?

It worked last year, so why mess with it - long tunics and leggings.  Basically public pajamas.

Oh wait, this is Texas and it's the surface of the sun 8 months of the year. So, anything that keeps me from bursting into flame.  I did learn that capris don't really make me look significantly stumpier than I actually am, so those made it into the rotation.

31. What kept you sane?

Laughter. Texting. The Ladies Internet, for sure. Caffeine. Prayer.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Charles Esten made an enormous left turn from goof on Whose Line Is It Anyway? back in the day to super hot country crooner on Nashville a few seasons back. Also, that dude that plays Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time wear his guyliner pretty well.  

Yeah, I don't even understand myself.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Healthcare.  Still totally messed up.

34. Who did you miss?

Everyone I lost and everyone I don't see often enough (which is most everyone).

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.

Don't wait to tell someone you love them.  And do it often.