Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Another Year Goes By

Sarah over at Party of 5 wrote a meme yesterday to conclude 2007.

Since 2007 was still only yesterday, I thought it was still ok to give it a go for her.

1. What is your happiest memory of 2007?

I was at my son’s soccer game earlier this year and the other team was playing “dirty”. Lots of elbows, tripping, etc. Some of my son’s teammates responded in kind, but not my son, even after he took an elbow to the face. “That’s not the game.” he told me later. It occurred to me at that moment how all four of my teens (who do indeed have their moments) are four really talented and good people, with a great sense of right and wrong and compassion for others.

2. What is your worst memory of 2007?

Learning that my daughter was suffering from anorexia nervosa and that she would have to spend a good part of the year in a hospitalization program. While treatment is still ongoing, of course, she is much stronger (and so am I) and we can begin 2008 with hope.

3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

2007 was much more about my supporting everyone else in the family in their endeavors much more than concentrating on any of mine. I think I am going to say that being able to lift up 5 other people without falling down yourself is quite an achievement.

4. Did you take any memorable trips in 2007?

We didn’t take any big trips involving airplanes or anything like that, but we spent two weekends at our local Sheraton Hotel with a huge water park inside and two of the girls and I took a road trip to Seneca, IL. We went to their Summerfest one day and the next day we explored Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL. It was a blast!

5. What song comes to mind when you think of 2007?

There were days this year that I felt like I was Livin’ On A Prayer like Bon Jovi. Fortunately, I have a great family and friends who will say “Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear”. It’s true. If you have that, you have a lot!

6. Is there anything you are hoping to do or have in 2008 that you didn’t in 2007?

I hope to be able to write a book. I’ve wanted to write a book forever. I don’t even care if it’s a great book. I just want to be able to say that I wrote one that was good enough that somebody who didn't feel obligated to read it actually did!

7. Any regrets for 2007?

Of course. I regret that there were a few occasions that I let my anxiety overrule my gut instincts. I also regret a rant or two that appeared on my blog. Sometimes I overgeneralize if I’m steamed about something. Not a good idea.

8. Best purchase of 2007?


My 24” iMac. No doubt! I LOVE it.

9. Favorite movie of 2007?

I’ll tell you a secret. I haven’t been in a movie theater since...1997. Yes, that’s right. I don’t like going so I just wait until the movies get released on DVD and I actually have a two hour span of time to sit and watch one. I can’t guarantee that any movie I’ve seen this year was actually released in ’07, so I’m skipping this question.

10. Did you pick up any new hobbies in 2007?

Not really any hobbies, no. I did pick up quite a few skills, though! I can build assemble-it-yourself furniture in a jiffy and, as a result, I’m a monster with an electric screwdriver, too.

6 comments:

Malcolm said...

I commend your son for taking the high road and not retaliating. I don't know if I would have been able to do the same thing. Also, best wishes to your daughter's continued recovery from anorexia nervosa.

As did you, I participated in Sarah's meme. Because it isn't all pop culture-related, I posted my answers in the comments section of her blog. Since I rarely go to the movies either, I had to cheat and select a movie from 1950 that I saw for the first time last year.

Rebecca said...

That's a fun MeMe - It sounds like it was overall a pretty good year. :-)

Anonymous said...

Being the cheer leader for 5 others is a major accomplishment. On my whiny days I start complaining about the load I am carrying and I don't think anyone but other moms comprehend how much of a challenge it is to try to be everything to everyone. Thanks for playing along. Have a Happy New Year and hopefully this will be the one where you get that book done. Try to make time for yourself here and there :)

Kendra said...

yes, you do deserve the super mom award! and the cool mom award too! :) happy 2008 jessica!

Anonymous said...

I really liked this meme and yes, being a mom who puts others first so much of the time is a huge accomplishment in itself.

Here's a song lyric that reminds me of that:

"I play my little part in something big". Jimmy Eat World-Big Casino. I think of my little girl when I wonder if I should go to get my doctorate...and realize that I'm perfectly happy where I am now and it's time to enjoy where I'm at and support her now!

Anonymous said...

Good meme! May 2008 be a wonderful year for you!