I'm not Antonio Banderas either...but I'll play!

  I definitely think that reflection is good, but sometimes scary, too. Some of these really had me stumped for a while, but I guess that shows areas of improvement for next year. Here's a toast to you, Sisters. Happy 2006.

  In 2005, I gained travel experience (not to mention the same baby niece).

  I lost a lot of my naïveté.

  I stopped listening to my parents (and exercising, too).

  I started a new journal AND a new sketchbook.

  I was hugely satisfied by my fiction workshop.

  And frustrated by my work environment.

  I am so embarrassed that I (still) don’t have straight teeth.

  Once again, I danced in the rain.

  Once again, I did not make a scrapbook (which is the same as not organizing my photos).

  The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is several inches of hair.

  The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my outlook on the world, from individuals to nation-states.

  I loved spending time in foreign countries in good company (including Sister #1).

  Why did I spend even two minutes wishing he would love me?

  I should have spent more time paying attention to what my friends WEREN’T saying.

  I regret buying my slut rag, also known as the “pink debacle.”

  I will never regret buying that colorful shawl from the gypsy even though with that money I could have bought opera tickets.

  I laughed way too much.

  I didn't drink enough.

  My friends drove me crazy.

  Was my schedule crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

  The most relaxing place I went was Cyprus, that Mediterranean paradise.

  I feel so cold when I write that down. (Chicago winter and all).

  Why did I go to the Uptown Tap?

  The best thing I did for someone else was tell them I was proud of them.

  The best thing I did for myself was listening to my heart, even when it was wrong.

  The best thing someone did for me was hug me tight and close and say that everything was going to be okay…even though we weren’t sure of that.

  The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is love.

I'm not Antonio Banderas, but imagine me using his voice when I say "Let's Play!"

Did you see the piece by Mary Schmich in the Tribune on Wednesday? Well, we don't always have to be crazy! Reflection is good, right? Here is mine:

In 2005, I gained a niece.

I lost my ability to trust two people.

I stopped exercising.

I started writing another book.

I was hugely satisfied by NaNoWriMo.

And frustrated by my in-laws.

I am so embarrassed that I don't sing well.

Once again, I played with a baby.

Once again, I did not organize my photos.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is 7 fewer pounds.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is the strength I have cultivated to withstand annoying bullshit.

I loved spending time with my family (not certain in-laws).

Why did I spend even two minutes doing anything for THAT LIAR'S WEDDING?

I should have spent more time in Europe.

I regret buying the poncho I'm wearing right now as I type this.

I will never regret buying those apricot rafia Amalfi sandals even though with that money I could have bought over a week's worth of groceries.

I thought way too much.

I didn't DO enough.

My in-laws drove me crazy.

Was my husband's family crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was the Sofitel in Brussels.

I feel so wistful when I write that down.

Why did I go to Walmart?

The best thing I did for someone else was Take grandma to Walmart.

The best thing I did for myself was go to Europe and finish writing another novel.

The best thing someone did for me was babysit (you know why if you've ever done it!)

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is visit England.