Martha Mayhoo's 2008 Year in Review

In 2008, I gained 25 pounds thanks to the Prednisone.

I lost my desire to work so hard for something I'm not sure I even really want.

I stopped feeling good about the decisions that seemed to make sense last year at this time.

I started putting myself first, just once in a while. It feels good. And selfish. But mostly good.

I was hugely satisfied by the fact that I made my first quilt.

And frustrated by a certain someone who just doesn't bother to listen to me.

I am so embarrassed that I taught my daughter all the words to "Peggy Sue."

Once again, I did do a totally rocking job with learning new recipes.

Once again, I did not finish something I've been telling myself I'm going to finish for the past three years.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is ten inches of hair. Someone out there is very happy with their human-hair wig!

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is that I am a bit more cynical.

I loved spending time with the students in my classes--especially the Monday night students this past fall.

Why did I spend even two minutes trying to convince myself that things were going to change?

I should have spent more time outside, feeling the sun and wind on my face.

I regret buying two pairs of boot that I didn't really need. But they were on a really, really good sale.

I will never regret buying those Wilton cake pans and decorating tips even though with that money I could have bought Jenny Craig for a month or two.

I worked way too much.

I didn't sleep enough.

Shawn drove me crazy.

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

The most relaxing place I went was Washington, D.C. to visit sister #3, who knew on a gut level that I just needed to get away and clear my head.

I feel so relieved when I write that down.

Why did I go to Wal-Mart for my produce when Trader Joe's is ten times cheaper and a thousand times better?

The best thing I did for someone else was give a hug when he really, really needed it.

The best thing I did for myself was let myself feel some of the feelings I've gotten so good at stuffing down.

The best thing someone did for me was tell me that I'm a good person and a great mom.

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

2008 In Review

In 2008, I gained more knowledge than a lay person should have about antibiotic resistant bacteria.

I lost my patience more often than I wish, but less than ever before.

I stopped worrying as much about the kooky Mayhems.

I started using my credit card for all purchases, and tracking my spending quite easily.

I was hugely satisfied by the family vacation--baby and kids on a plane with no problems!

And frustrated by MRSA.

I am so embarrassed that I didn't finish a novel for the first time in four years.

Once again, I wished for more time with my MacStewart clan.

Once again, I did not lose those last 5 lbs of baby weight.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my lovely scar! Said with sarcasm because of two doctors who didn't do what needed to be done thus leaving me in the hands of a surgeon.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my fear of bacteria.

I loved spending time reading with the children and watching them grow.

Why did I spend even two minutes worrying about the kids in school? They really like it and do so well there.

I should have spent more time keeping things organized. The laundry room is a disaster and has been these past three months.

I regret buying birthday party hats. Almost no one wears them anymore.

I will never regret buying my yellow peep-toe shoes even though with that money I could have bought a lot of diapers!

I thought about writing way too much. I should have actually been writing.

I didn't sleep enough.

The house repairs drove me crazy.

Was the rain crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was Paradise Island, Bahamas.

I feel so glad when I write that down. Everyone had a great time.

Why did I go to those meetings that reminded me of the hint of hopelessness that clings to public education?

The best thing I did for someone else was offer my help. I could have easily NOT offered.

The best thing I did for myself was give myself permission to let go of this year's novel. It was not easy, but I believe my sanity was maintained.

The best thing someone did for me was save my baby from ending up with a hideous scar. Dr. Wonderful is looked at with awe by his fellow pediatricians, too.*

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is plan family meals. Easier on the pocketbook, and the kids eat better when they know what to expect.

*Caryn self-published a book we wrote together, and dad and Uncle R helped with the parapet wall. Everyone who babysat. It's hard to choose just one thing.

You say good-bye....

....I say hello.


In 2008, I gained quite a few more pregnant and engaged acquaintances from high school.

I lost a little confidence in something that I was once so sure of.

I stopped writing in my journal half way through the year.

I started being a bit more honest with myself.

I was hugely satisfied by his announcement that he was trying to go back to school.

And frustrated by his lack of confidence in other areas of his life.

I am so embarrassed that I sang with him in the car that one day.

Once again, I got excited for something that didn’t happen.

Once again, I did not finish the story.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my smile. I think it disappeared for a while this past year.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my outlook for the future.

I loved spending time laying in the sun over summer.

Why did I spend even two minutes thinking that he would have remembered that?

I should have spent more time laughing.

I regret buying that television on a near-monthly basis.

I will never regret buying three new pairs of shoes even though with that money I could have bought his Christmas present in cash.

I expected way too much.

I didn't fight back enough.

The parties drove me crazy.

Were the scandals crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was the river.

I feel so peaceful when I write that down.

Why did I go to your party that night when I knew it would turn out messy?

The best thing I did for someone else was let him go.

The best thing I did for myself was trust that it would work out.

The best thing someone did for me was give me the biggest hug ever in the middle of his work.

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

The Year in Review

  I get to be the first! Happy 2009, Sisters!

  In 2008, I gained a million new memories made all across this country traveling and laughing with my friends.

  I lost the magic minnow Dad made for Marc (but then I found it again just in time).

  I stopped doing pilates in October and I need to start again.

  I started AND finished my NaNoWriMo story.

  I was hugely satisfied by the results of the elections on November 4th.

  And frustrated by my Vice President.

  I am so embarrassed that I still haven't told people that I don't talk to Lindsey anymore.

  Once again, I made too many new regrets.

  Once again, I did not tell people nearly often enough how much I love and appreciate them.

  The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is several inches of hair. It's so strange to think that this is the same answer as back in 2005 when I first filled this out --and the reason is the same!

  The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is that I have so much more hope.

  I loved spending time with Ryan and his daughter.

  Why did I spend even two minutes feeling sorry for someone who didn't deserve my pity?

  I should have spent more time in the sun.

  I regret buying my membership to the NAPW rather than membership to WIIS.

  I will never regret buying that flower dress from Anthropologie.

  I worked way too much.

  I didn't sleep enough.

  Mathew drove me crazy.

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

  The most relaxing place I went was Poughkeepsie, New York.

  I feel so ridiculous when I write that down.

  Why did I go to Virginia so much?

  The best thing I did for someone else was call when they really needed me.

  The best thing I did for myself was go home for Thanksgiving.

  The best thing someone did for me was hug the better part of me and remind me that some things don't have to change.

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

Merry Christmas!

....And long live Snowzilla!!

Quilt Making

I made a quilt. It's not a great quilt, but it turned out pretty cute--good enough that I gave it away as a Christmas present for our neighbors. Here's a picture.

I started with something very basic--a simple, nine-block quilt with a winter theme, no fancy edging or anything. I stitched the nine blocks together, added the "quilt sandwich" backing, then stitched it all together. The blocks were quite large, so that made it even easier. It turned out to be a lap-sized quilt/throw...and I can't wait to make another one!

Oh yeah...Grandma's old sewing machine still kicks a$$.

Can't Wrap This!

Go look at this. Trust me, it's worth it.

Come Sniff Me

Seriously. I smell so damn amazing, I'm ready to throw off my clothes and rub my scent all over everything!

Okay, I'm kidding. Sort of.

As we all know, I'm sort of a creature of habit. I've been wearing the same three perfumes for the past 10 years. My body chemistry reacts funny with fragrances, and they never seem to smell quite as good on me as they do in the bottle. Sometimes, it's downright nasty.

Not this time. Ooooohhhhh. Not this time.

I kept sniffing my own sweater today and got four--count 'em, FOUR!--compliments from my co-workers on how good I smelled. And it wasn't just because they saw me sniffing myself.

I got a few purse-size bottles of perfume from Estee Lauder (courtesy of the hubby, who was trying to cheer me up after a particularly bad day last week). He got me Pure White Linen, Beautiful and Sensuous. I wore the Pure White Linen first--Shawn liked that one the best. It was okay, but not my favorite. I love the Sensuous, but it's a little too--um...alluring for daytime use. Let's remember the population I work with, okay? The one guy already wants to eat my ear. So that left Beautiful. When I first spritzed it on this morning, I thought it was kind of strong and I wrinkled my nose. As it adjusted to my body temperature and chemistry, I couldn't help but think, "Damn! What is that FINE smell?" And then I was all like, "Oh yeah, it's me. I am one sexy b-yotch."

And I am sistahs, I am.