2008!

I used to fill these out on Xanga when I was in school and really enjoy going back and reading them each year. I never really finished the one for 2007, but what I did get done revolved around losing Donna, wanting to work out more, and getting married.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Became a Store Manager, became an 'aunt' and 'godmother', bought a house under my name, was a bridesmaid, ate year-old wedding cake, removed popcorn ceilings, put Eucie on our Christmas card.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I think last year was one of the first years I didn't make a resolution. I think my resolutions for this year will be to give myself a break, throw more parties, try to pursue hobbies, and to get in shape (which includes forgiving myself for not sticking to a perfect eating and workout plan).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, Whitney had Pearson Kadence in April, and Kayla had Emma Lee on Halloween. I heard both of their birthing stories and am ready to wait awhile for myself.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Pop Paw Hanna died suddenly, as did Bean's uncle Larry, and most recently Bean's uncle Barry. 3 in less than a year is a unthinkable.

5. What countries did you visit? This year I stayed in the US of A.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? A stress-free life, but I'm realistic enough to know that it's not possible for me. So instead, I will say: more time to relax and maybe get a massage!

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The day we finally got the keys to our new house, walked in, and started ripping down the wallpaper. It sticks with me because we were so sick of living in that tiny hotel room and so happy to have 'our' first place, instead of a place that he bought and I moved into.

9. What was your biggest failure? Being unable to control my stress and exploding randomly; causing my husband to be unsure of how to handle my moods. I would like to release some of the blame from myself for not going back to the doctor and having my prescription switched away from Yaz, which I think it what made me crazy. We'll see if it improves after I switch next year. Although it's still my biggest failure because I should have taken care of it already.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Our house!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Bean, for being so understanding and forgiving and loving even when I'm not; for being my partner; and for the way we can have the exact same idea for the same thing and it all works out just right.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? I don't know if it's so dramatic to say 'appalled and depressed' but I guess a friend of mine who is going through some changes in her life that make it hard to keep in touch, and I miss seeing her, but I feel like she doesn't miss seeing me. Although I certainly don't hold it against her because I know it's hard to balance everything and she's not doing it on purpose.

14. Where did most of your money go? To the new house, plus all of the paint, supplies, decorations, and furniture.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Painting the front door gray, and replacing all of the hardware. It's so beautiful, I love to come home every night and look at it! I know, I'm so cool to get super excited about a front door.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "Don't Know Much" byAaron Neville and Linda Rondstat because it's the first song I've ever sang at Karaoke and Bean's first one too, and we did a really good job. And it was hilarious.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? What about crazier?

ii. thinner or fatter? Always the same.

iii. richer or poorer? Richer, after my latest promotion, but not really by much

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Going to the gym, and yoga. That really helps me relax, but it's hard to get going.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Let myself be stressed out and snap at customers. Talk about personal-ish stuff at work.

20. How will you be spending Christmas? In Houston for the first part of the week, and then up on Christmas day to Baton Rouge for my brother-in-law's wedding.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008? I was already in love, but it just keeps getting better.

23. How many one-night stands? none... is this question even necessary?

24. What was your favorite TV program? Jon and Kate Plus 8, 17 Kids and Counting, 90210, Ugly Betty, LOST, The Office, Lipstick Jungle, Real Housewives of Orange County/New York and about 2 skits I can remember from SNL...I really think DVR has made me watch a lot more TV

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No, I don't have time to hate people

26. What was the best book you read? I read so many books, I can't remember which one was the best. I still really like Jodi Piccoult though.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Leona Lewis is pretty good, but I don't have her CD.

28. What did you want and get? An IPOD for Christmas! Now I can listen to Gloria Estefan anytime I want! And play solitare incessantly!

29. What did you want and not get? The Brum, an electric vaccum/broom for all of these hard floors.

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Sex and the City of course! And also The Dark Knight.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? My birthday was sorta lame this year. I turned 25; Bean took me to dinner after I had to lie big time so he wouldn't figure out that I spent the morning taking boudoir photos for him for our anniversary. Dinner was good, and we went to a concert later that was less than fun. It's ok though because next year it will be my 'magic' birthday- I turn 26 on the 26th! And I will do a much better job of planning a fun party.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? I don't think there is any one thing. It was satisfying enough, especially because we went to NYC and went to Yankee Stadium and saw RENT on Broadway before they took it away.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Paint-stained clothes at work every day, and pretty much the same stuff as usual. I really like dresses and shoes, but don't give myself enough money to spend on that stuff very often. I usually spend my personal money on going out to dinner and stuff.

34. What kept you sane? The times I did Yoga at home or at the Y, and taking baths.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I guess Matt Lauer, at least Bean likes to tease me about him the most.

36. What political issue stirred you the most? Of course the Presidential election! It was an amazing year, I'm so happy to have voted and had my candidate win. I can't wait to see what happens next year.

37. Who did you miss? Donna. Every day.

38. Who was the best new person you met? Now I don't know if there is one, and I'm not sure if my timeline is accurate, but I'm thinking we started Dinner Club this year, so it would have to be all of the girls in that group.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: Despite what everyone says, when you get married, you should go to bed angry, because it's better in the morning. And maybe you'll have a good dream about your spouse that makes it a lot easier. Plus you realize that whatever you were mad about the night before really doesn't matter.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: What if it all goes right/ What if it all works out/ What if the stars line up and good luck rains down/ What if you chase your dream/ And it changes your whole life/ Yeah what if it all goes right