Looking back on 2008

...Just because I was tagged, and a few of these have come through my google reader... so why not!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you had never done before?
Gave birth to the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year because I usually don't keep them-but for this year its to lose the baby weight and then some before Patrick comes home for R&R-so that means about 30 pounds (15 of it baby) by October. Think I can do it?

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Other than me-Vanessa had Emily, Trina had Bradley, Sarah had Hayden, Nicole had Hudson, lots of other board girls had babies too-gosh I know I am missing people-there were so many beautiful babies born this year, forgive me, my mind is a jumbled mess!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Grandma Neill... thankfully a little piece of her lives on in Maya. That's who she got her middle name from.

5. What countries did you visit?
No others this year, sadly.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A cushy savings account... sadly it will happen, but only because of deployment money coming in.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 22-the day we found out I was pregnant, March 31-the day I saw her and heard her heartbeat for the first time, August 23-the day we found out she was a girl, October 22-the day we got to meet her. It was definitely the year of Maya.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a mommy, hands down.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not embracing every single day like I should have.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Other than the aches and pains of pregnancy, I was pretty ok!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our new computer with a built in webcam so we can see Patrick next year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Patrick's... he put up with a LOT while I was pregnant and miserable. And at the end he gave me footrubs every night without me even asking.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Ehhh here isn't the place for it.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, getting stuff for Maya

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

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
That's funny... I don't really know. I think this past year I've been hooked on songs that have reminded me of other things and times...

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? sadder, but only because the deployment is so much closer than New Years day last year
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? a little more cushy than last year.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Taking in more of every day, embracing time with Patrick, being patient with my pregnancy

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying, wasting time (I'm too good at that)

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Driving here and there and seeing lots of family and passing Maya around to everyone. Hectic!

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fell more in love, yes.

23. What concerts did you attend this year?
Angels and Airwaves did a free show on base for a taping of One Tree Hill, so we went. But that was it.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Biggest Loser! I can't wait for it to come back on the 6th.

25. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
Yes.

26. What was the best book you read?
Any of my pregnancy books. They kept me sane and got me so excited for Maya.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I don't think I made a new discovery last year... I'm boring and like the same stuff over and over.

28. What did you want and get?
A baby!

29. What did you want and not get?
World peace and no deployment... boooo

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
It was going to be the new Harry Potter but they had to go and push it back till next year... and then it might be the new Bond movie but we haven't had the chance to see it yet.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 24... Patrick made me a lovely dinner, and Kas and Nate came over for ice cream cake.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not stressing about money all the time.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Maternity and any of Patrick's tshirts and shorts... anything I could fit over my big belly.

34. What kept you sane?
Patrick, air conditioning, food

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I'm not a celebrity lover, really!

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Ehhh I try not to get into it because people get mean and debate. But when it comes to the benefits and rights of the military (such as pay raises) I'll go there.

37. Who did you miss?
Michigan friends and family. I wish people would come visit us, because no one understands that only 2 weeks at home is so stressful and hectic its less than enjoyable.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I'd have to say Vanessa! (Hi! I know you're reading this!) She keeps me sane with all of my crazy pregnancy and baby questions and worries. I've strengthened numerous friendships too, which I am thankful for!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
The more good you do, the more it will come back to you.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Can it be understood the reasons why you belong to me? -Mirah



I promise to update with lots of pictures tomorrow when we stop at our hotel-tomorrow begins our trek back to North Carolina, but we are definitely NOT doing it all in one day again! I am looking forward to just a 10 hour drive instead of 17!