Under the wire...

   I am barely squeezing this in under the wire since January is almost over already, but here are my belated reflections on 2012:


  In 2012, I gained a new appreciation for some old friends.

  I lost my goddamn mind.

  I stopped washing my hair. Remember that?!

  I started drinking water. It's not so bad with a little lemon.

  I was hugely satisfied by my cooking -- especially exploring new recipes.

  And frustrated by my lack of work-life balance.

  I am so embarrassed that I couldn't act like a normal human being in front of a guy I like.

  Once again, I spent too much money!

  Once again, I did not commit to a plan for the future.

  The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is a tie between my gimpy knee and the fact that my left big toenail finally grew back.

  The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my willingness to try to let go of the "little things". Even if I still can't always actually let go, at least I am more willing to try it.

  I loved spending time with Kristi and little Jordan.

  Why did I spend even two minutes regretting things I did or said? (When I should have just moved on).

  I should have spent more time having adventures.

  I regret buying shoes on ebay.

  I will never regret buying my new white coat even though with that money I could have bought a plane ticket home.

  I cried in public way too much.

  I didn't travel enough.

  Boys drove me crazy.

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

  The most relaxing place I went was Poughkeepsie, NY.

  I feel so peaceful when I write that down.

  Why did I go to sleep angry?

  The best thing I did for someone else was take her to Mount Rushmore.

  The best thing I did for myself was give myself permission to want something.

  The best thing someone did for me was take me on a perfectly planned weekend in the country.

  The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is go to my co-worker's party.

Year in Review

In 2012, I gained a full-time teaching position, and along with it my very own classroom filled with over sixty students each day and five awesome team members who let me ask them a hundred questions as they come to mind.

I lost some old friends, but made some new ones in return. 

I stopped running on a regular basis, and for no good reason either.

I started reading (and writing) again.

I was hugely satisfied by the comma in my first official paycheck, and each check after that for a matter of fact.

And frustrated by not being able to do all of the things I wanted to do this past year.

I am so embarrassed that I didn't turn down that one dare.

Once again, I listened to my music just a little too loud.

Once again, I did not write as often as I promised I would.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is a new pair of glasses with some hot pink on the arms.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is the extent to which my teacher mind wanders.... it's multiplied three fold.

I loved spending time getting my classroom ready, even though it was on short notice.

Why did I spend even two minutes thinking I could change the past?

I should have spent more time taking pictures.

I regret buying the sketchbook that I have yet to use.

I will never regret buying my MacBook Pro even though with that money I could have bought any number of things, either for my classroom or for my new teacher wardrobe.

I gave in way too much.

I didn't dance enough.

Scheduling parent teacher conferences drove me crazy.

Were those crazy bitches I use to work with crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was the restaurant with an old friend.

I feel so at ease when I write that down.

Why did I go to bat for you?

The best thing I did for someone else was offer my time, words, and thoughts.

The best thing I did for myself was actually make the decision to do things because I wanted to.

The best thing someone did for me was listen without judgment.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is the Joshua Radin concert - -though I'm not sure how much better it could get.

Off With Your Head! (Farewell and good riddance, 2012!)

In 2012, I gained a small, but much needed boost to my self-esteem.

I stopped trying to figure out God's plan for me.

I started opening up a little bit more.

I was hugely satisfied by reducing how often I lose my temper.

And frustrated by the fact that there's still enough going on in my life that I feel like losing it anyway.

I am so embarrassed that I bought Super Hero undies.

Once again I thought about going back to school.

Once again I did not take a real vacation.

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

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is how I feel since losing those twenty pounds.

I loved spending time reading and cuddling with my kiddo.

Why did I spend even two minutes wasting my time trying to get someone to see things from my point of view?

I should have spent more time with friends.

I regret buying that bright banana yellow sweater.  What was I thinking?!

I will never regret buying those ridiculous patent leather stilettos even though with that money I could have bought two pairs of sensible work shoes.

I cried way too much.

I didn't laugh enough.

My best friend drove me crazy.

Was work drama crazier than ever last year?  Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was the beach!

I feel so excited to plan on going again when I write that down.

Why did I go to that fancy luncheon?

The best thing I did for someone else was call that person out on a lot of bullshit.

The best thing I did for myself was take my stomach pains seriously and go to the doctor.

The best thing someone did for me was get me speakers for my office so I can listen to music all day!

The one thing I'd like to do again but do it better is summer vacation.

Year in Review 2012

In 2012, I gained a slightly different perspective on life (translation: just expect people to be dumb and/or rude).

I lost my patience for some things.

I stopped actively gardening.

I started running the school book fair.

I was hugely satisfied by winning at Family Science Night (twice).

And frustrated by not being listened to.

I am so embarrassed that I lost my favorite sunglasses.

Once again, I long for more time at the beach.

Once again, I did not finish NaNoWriMo.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is a few less pounds.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my mental tripwire location.

I loved spending time shopping.

Why did I spend even two minutes worrying?

I should have spent more time organizing. And planning awesome gift packaging. And lounging around.

I regret buying nothing! Okay, maybe one pair of blue earrings that I've had for a month and not worn yet.

I will never regret buying new, properly fitted, undergarments even though with that money I could have bought lots and lots of other clothes!

I  waited  way too much.

I didn't write enough.

People I don't like drove me crazy.

Was everyone's schedule crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was the beach with Martha and Josie!

I feel so glad when I write that down.

Why did I go to Memphis when it was 105 degrees outside?

The best thing I did for someone else was offer some reassuring words and prayers.

The best thing I did for myself was  exercise smarter.

The best thing someone did for me was listen.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is prepare for Christmas!

2011 -- Two Legs Walking Straight Out of my Life

And a brand new year walking in the door.

In 2011, I gained a healthier diet.

I lost a very dear friend who I still think about every day.

I stopped going to New York as much as I used to.

I started thinking more seriously about what I want to do next.

I was hugely satisfied by my personal relationships.

And frustrated by my October Board meeting.

I am so embarrassed that I lost my cool in front of my boss.

Once again, I barely squeezed past the finish line for NaNoWriMo.

Once again, I did not buy a new pair of brown pants. Maybe this year.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is half a missing toenail! (But it’s growing back, thank goodness).

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is I’m less afraid of...well, everything.

I loved spending time in Georgia.

Why did I spend even two minutes wishing he’d love me the same way I loved him?

I should have spent more time lying on the grass outside in the sun.

I regret buying that black pencil skirt without noticing it didn’t have back vents. Who makes a pencil skirt without back vents?!

I will never regret buying my Nine West blush pumps even though with that money I could have bought two months worth of bus/metro fare.

I shopped way too much.

I didn't write letters enough.

Home repairs drove me crazy.

Was the political scandal reporting crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was The Marshall House hotel in Savannah, GA.

I feel so happy when I write that down.

Why did I go to Vermont?

The best thing I did for someone else was help organize their wedding.

The best thing I did for myself was sing along with the radio, driving fast on the back roads with the windows down.

The best thing someone did for me was remind me I can do anything and that “anything” can begin at any time.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is my last dinner with Joe.

Goodbye 2011, I can't say I'll miss you.

In 2011, I gained a bachelor's degree in elementary education, with a minor in history (and the shit load of debt that came with it).

I lost an old friend.

I stopped trying to gain his approval.

I started looking for a job in the "real world."

I was hugely satisfied by finishing my first NaNo event, especially since I was so far behind. Woot!

And frustrated by the idiocy that I too often deal with at work.

I am so embarrassed that I was caught singing at work.

Once again, I rocked the casbah (and failed at blogging).

Once again, I did not laugh enough.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my guns. LOL.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my hope, or lack thereof.

I loved spending time jumping on the trampoline with two of my three favorite guys.

Why did I spend even two minutes thinking that things could be different?

I should have spent more time in Georgia.

I regret buying the e-reader that I never use. (Maybe this year?)

I will never regret buying that glass tabletop even though with that money I could have bought much needed new clothes.

I cried way too much.

I didn't dream enough.

My work drove me crazy.

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

The most relaxing place I went was the ocean!

I feel so excited when I write that down.

Why did I go to your house that one night?

The best thing I did for someone else was forget him.

The best thing I did for myself was make some new (realistic) and well intentioned goals for the new year.

The best thing someone did for me was tell me that they were proud of me.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is Road trip 2011!

2011 in Review

In 2011, I gained a new niece!

I lost a storage closet. And it's a problem.

I stopped caring about quite a few things.

I started locking away my thoughts.

I was hugely satisfied by food.

And frustrated by the endless house "to do" list.

I am so embarrassed that I don't cook more often.

Once again, I long for more time at the beach.

Once again, I did not finish NaNoWriMo.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my neck.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my faith in the healthcare system.

I loved spending time alone (it was rare).

Why did I spend even two minutes listening to a wacky lady complain. I should have walked away.

I should have spent more time preparing for the Zombie Apocolypse.

I regret buying the wrong shade of lipstick.

I will never regret buying new dress pants even though with that money I could have bought lots of yoga pants.

I cried way too much.

I didn't sing enough.

Worry drove me crazy.

Was life crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was the beach.

I feel so wistful when I write that down.

Why did I go to Starved Rock when it was 100 degrees outside? It was good, but I was sweaty!

The best thing I did for someone else was schedule some meals to help a friend who is ill.

The best thing I did for myself was start exercising.

The best thing someone did for me was take me to an energy reading.

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

2012!

In 2011, I gained a slightly better sense of humor.

I lost respect for a fellow professional who had been a mentor to me.

I stopped worrying quite so much.

I started riding my bike more often.

I was hugely satisfied by my vibrator.  LOL!  Just kidding!  Just now, I'm hugely satisfied by that shock value.  Tee hee!

And frustrated by being fooled too many times by someone that I thought was a friend.

I am so embarrassed that I went to a wedding and had too much to drink and then tipsy (not drunk) texted my sister. 

Once again, I ate too many cookies.

Once again, I did not get enough sleep.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my eyelashes.  I bought Rapid Lash.  And it works!

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my reduced willingness to tolerate being used by others.

I loved spending time gardening.

Why did I spend even two minutes looking at a Twitter update from someone I don't even like?

I should have spent more time swimming.

I regret buying two new pairs of running shoes today when I really only needed one.

I will never regret buying expensive, pretty undies and pajamas from Victoria's Secret even though with that money I could have bought groceries for two weeks.

I stressed out way too much.

I didn't daydream enough.

My former mentor drove me crazy.

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

The most relaxing place I went was...I don't know.  I didn't really have an opportunity to go anywhere.

I feel so disappointed in myself when I write that down.

Why did I go to that one place when I knew that douchebag Joe was going to be there?

The best thing I did for someone else was boost his confidence enough with true validation of his character, that he's finally got some hope for the future.

The best thing I did for myself was agree to the challenge of completing a 5k in a few months.

The best thing someone did for me was challenge me to a 5k.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is a self-care routine that includes sufficient sleep and exercise.

Writing Challenge

The week of January 9, 2011 is National Letter Writing Week. The old-fashioned snail mail type of letter. I challenge you to write at least two letters this week. I don't know if there will be a prize yet, but please just check-in with a comment at the end of the week to let me know how you fared!

Knock, Knock. Who's There? 2011. 2011 Who?

Where did the last year go?

In 2010, I gained some pretty amazing pairs of shoes.

I lost an enormous length from my hair.

I stopped exercising. Again.

I started praying more.

I was hugely satisfied by my answered prayers.

And frustrated by my lack of closet space in this house.

I am so embarrassed that I slacked on writing.

Once again, I wished summer wouldn't end.

Once again, I did not organize my photos. When the heck am I going to do that?

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is at least twelve inches of hair.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my belief in the Force.

I loved spending time with my sisters! Spa day!

Why did I spend even two minutes thinking the Mayhems would behave?

I should have spent more time outdoors.

I regret buying um...no regrets that I can recall.

I will never regret buying those adorable shoes that took forever to get because the devil sent me a coat instead even though with that money I could have bought an entire outfit (minus shoes).

I worried way too much.

I didn't clap enough.

The weather drove me crazy.

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

The most relaxing place I went was Tybee Island. And the spa. It's a tie.

I feel so refreshed when I write that down.

Why did I go to the bookstore? That place is dangerous!

The best thing I did for someone else was find super cheap airfare to D.C. so she could see her brother and be with him an extra day and a half.

The best thing I did for myself was go to D.C. with my friend, and find my reservoir of faith.

The best thing someone did for me was give me a spa day with my sisters! Thanks honey!

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is create and stick to a (daily) writing schedule.

Happy "Well, I Guess Let's Do This Over Again And Hope It Goes Better Than Last Time" New Year

      I am, in general, opposed to odd-numbered years (stop me if you've heard this before), but I am often comforted by the fact that the majority of odd-numbered years are spent being an even-numbered age, and then when I am an odd-numbered age (also quite despised by me), I have the luxury of being in an even-numbered year. Funny how life works out like that sometimes. Anyway, one of my friends commented that 2011 "definitely has two legs." I have no idea what that means, but I'm taking it as good omen and hope you will, too.


      In 2010, I gained some amazing new friends.

      I lost a $20 bill in the wind one day. Who does that?

      I stopped returning phone calls. I just hate the phone so much.

      I started wearing I Spy again.

      I was hugely satisfied by finishing another novel.

      And frustrated by my indecision about what I want to do next with my life. The possibilities seem too endless.

      I am so embarrassed that I handled it so poorly when someone had a crush on me that I did not return. I felt like I was thirteen again! And not in a good way!

      Once again, I re-caulked my bathroom. I am a caulking machine.

      Once again, I did not get rid of my extra bed frame. I KNOW.

      The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is a new wrinkle between my eyebrows. I've named it Lucille. Honestly, I don't mind having her around.

      The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is how I think of Mat. Or rather, how I don't.

      I loved spending time getting pampered with my sisters, compliments of Sister #1's husband.

      Why did I spend even two minutes being annoyed at one of my friends, when dropping her from my life turned out to be the easiest thing in the world?

      I should have spent more time drinking sweet tea. (What? It's delicious).

      I regret buying that sweater from Banana Republic that tragically got torn to shreds just a few months later. It just wasn't fair!

      I will never regret buying that little red dress even though with that money I could have bought lunch for a month.

      I lied way too much.

      I didn't call Ryan enough.

      My job and the animal farm that comes with it drove me crazy.

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

      The most relaxing place I went was Trout Creek.

      I feel so inspired when I write that down.

      Why did I go to the eye doctor so much? Oh yeah, because my eyes were threatening to melt out of my skull. Stupid eyes.

      The best thing I did for someone else was help make their wedding perfect.

      The best thing I did for myself was drive seven hours roundtrip to Athens, Georgia.

      The best thing someone did for me was send me the most heatfelt birthday wishes I've ever received.

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

Not Quite 2011 Yet, But...

It's time to cut 2010 with a knife and steal its lunch money!

In 2010, I gained a new job.

I lost my ability to have patience for stupidity.

I stopped thinking the worst all of the time.

I started putting myself first. Okay, I can think of exactly two times that I deliberately put myself first, but for me, that's pretty good!

I was hugely satisfied by crossing two very important things off my "bucket list".

And frustrated by being taken advantage of by someone that I really care about--and who I thought cared about me, too.

I am so embarrassed that I went to Lover's Lane. Tee hee!

Once again, I dreamed about having another baby.

Once again, I did not finish my baby's baby book. And my baby is five.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is ummm...my bladder? It's not something you can see, but I get to see it super-sized every 3 months on the scope and it looks (and behaves) way different than it did last year!

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is the well of fear and strength that I found buried deep down inside of me (probably somewhere under my pancreas?). It's really kept me going through some hard times.

I loved spending time with my little girl.

Why did I spend even two minutes feeling guilty about that one thing?

I should have spent more time doing that one thing.

I regret buying the Timberland boots.

I will never regret buying those Speedo swimsuits and American Girl Doll (and accessories) even though with that money I could have bought well, nothing. Because I wouldn't buy anything else that costs that much. But I suppose I could have paid my student loans for a few months with that money.

I agonized way too much.

I didn't kiss enough.

My in-laws drove me crazy.

Was mom crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

The most relaxing place I went was Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan.

I feel so dreamy and relaxed when I write that down.

Why did I go to my in-law's house?

The best thing I did for someone else was go one extra step and stumble outside of my comfort zone for that person's benefit.

The best thing I did for myself was learn how to confidently jump into the deep end of a pool.

The best thing someone did for me was patiently coax me into that first jump into the deep end.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is that night in May.

Decisions, decisions

Please help me decide. Vote either 1 or 2. It's just for a title of something I'm working on, but I can't make up my mind!

See you in 2010!

Good-bye 2009, Hello 2010!


In 2009, I gained trust and confidence in an unusual friendship.

I lost my mind.

I stopped worrying so much about the grades.

I started letting things work themselves out.

I was hugely satisfied by defeating my eighteen hour semester.

And frustrated by our timing.

I am so embarrassed that I didn't write anything (good) this year.

Once again, I wished for the impossible.

Once again, I did not talk to him as much as I should have.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my hair. It's longer! And I have bangs now!

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my fear of the things that will come.

I loved spending time driving til we got lost and listening to great music as we did so.

Why did I spend even two minutes worrying about the consequences.

I should have spent more time at the movies.

I regret buying that white pimp hat. It does serve as a great decoration though.

I will never regret buying that amazing summer dress even though with that money I could have bought three tanks of gas.

I thought about the past too much. I should have been looking toward tomorrow.

I didn't laugh enough.

His girlfriend drove me crazy.

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

The most relaxing place I went was around the neighborhood on that cool summer night.

I feel so spoiled when I write that down. I still can't believe you came.

Why did I go to that horrible lecture? Oh yeah, it was required, unfortunately for me.

The best thing I did for someone else was offer my support.

The best thing I did for myself was give myself permission to have some not-so-behaved fun.

The best thing someone did for me was tell me the truth, and that he was sorry about it.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is summer. Could it have gotten any better, though?

Blah, Blah, Blah

At least 2009 is over.

In 2009, I gained a new living space--the back room with books.

I lost ugly ceiling tiles.

I stopped most types of useless worrying.

I started planning for the future.

I was hugely satisfied by the number of books I read this year.

And frustrated by my lack of serious writing.

I am so embarrassed that I didn't put any effort into NaNoWriMo.

Once again, I played with a baby. I love babies.

Once again, I did not organize my photos. What is wrong with me?

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is WOW! All this long hair!

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is my ability to disconnect more easily from the stuff that usually drives me nuts.

I loved spending time looking at color swatches and going to the beach.

Why did I spend even two minutes thinking resolutions would be fun to keep track of this year? Please don't ever let me do that again.

I should have spent more time working in the garden.

I regret buying nothing and then wishing I had, only to go back and find out that it's gone.

I will never regret buying the Twilight series even though with that money I could have bought lots of socks.

I procrastinated way too much.

I didn't organize enough.

My fits of writing inspiration at inconvenient times and locations drove me crazy. It is not easy to write down ideas while driving a carload of kids from St. Louis to Chicago.

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

The most relaxing place I went was the beach.

I feel so wistful when I write that down.

Why did I go to that Halloween Dance? It was so LOUD...and full of children.

The best thing I did for someone else was go to the doctor with grandma.

The best thing I did for myself was buy new mascara (that I Luh-uh-uhv).

The best thing someone did for me was plan the group gifts this Christmas! What a relief!

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

Third Times A Charm!

In 2007, Courtney, Kevin and I decided that 2008 would be the Best F*cking Year Of Our Lives (BFYOOL). Turns out...we were pretty much spot-on. We wanted to come up with an equally awesome description for 2009, and somehow ended up with the uninspired tagline of: Boomtown! (Long story that involved a trip to the National Building Museum. I'd love to tell it to you all some time, but not now, maybe later). Boomtown! did not catch on, as you can imagine, and 2009 languished. After completing an analysis of what made BFYOOL so great, we/I decided it had something to do with self-fulfilling prophecy. Right? Right? And so, in this roundabout way, 2010 has been dubbed: Third Times A Charm (TTAC). Before we proceed though, here's a look back at Boomtown!

      In 2009, I gained a blackberry -- for better or for worse!

      I lost one of my best friends.

      I stopped wearing so much make-up.

      I started to use Twitter so I could be hip with the kids these days. Besides, what else is a blackberry for?

      I was hugely satisfied by getting out all of my holiday cards on time.

      And frustrated by my love life (or lack thereof).

      I am so embarrassed that I never realized George had a crush on me in high school, even though it was apparently pretty obvious.

      Once again, I worked too much.

      Once again, I did not buy a blender.

      The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is the third arm growing out of my back...JUST KIDDING. I guess my jellyfish scar.

      The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is I no longer think my planner is the key to happiness.

      I loved spending time by myself watching the last episodes of Kyle XY.

      Why did I spend even two minutes worrying about how I look?

      I should have spent more time taking pictures.

      I regret buying those brown flats half a size too small.

      I will never regret buying the leather club chair for my living room even though with that money I could have bought two round-trip train tickets!

      I ate way too much.

      I didn't use the phone enough.

      Congress drove me crazy.

      Was the celebrity death toll crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

      The most relaxing place I went was Charleston, SC.

      I feel so carefree when I write that down.

      Why did I go to Gunthers?

      The best thing I did for someone else was take mom to see Jersey Boys for Christmas.

      The best thing I did for myself was have dinner with Ryan, Kristi and David at The Gage.

      The best thing someone did for me was buy me the Twilight series for my birthday. Thanks, Vici!

      The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is July 4th.


The funny thing about the last one is that nothing really stood out to me this year. As good or bad or mediocre as the year was, there wasn't really anything that I really regret or wish I could do over. Most of what I didn't like was not much in my control, and even if it was at the time, it isn't now and there's no use lamenting it.

The way I figure it, 2010 is an even-numbered year and that already makes it better in my book.

Happy New Year!

Good Bye and Good Riddance 2009 and Don't Let the Door Hit You in the Ass on the Way Out!

In 2009, I gained a new perspective.

I lost some of my sense of humor...but I think I've found part of it. The sarcastic part.

I stopped trying to understand something that is beyond my understanding.

I started giving serious thought to a career change.

I was hugely satisfied by the number of quilts and blankets I made.

And frustrated by the economy.

I am so embarrassed that I'm having a little trouble making eye contact with Hottie Doc.

Once again, I spent too much time on the computer.

Once again, I did not get out of debt.

The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is my hair! I'm growing it out again to donate it. Last year at this time, it was jaw-length, now it's just below my collar bone.

The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is that I'm a little more cynical. (I just realized that I wrote the same thing last year.)

I loved spending time with myself. Turns out I'm pretty good company.

Why did I spend even two minutes looking for that bitch on Facebook?

I should have spent more time hashing things over to maybe (finally!) clear the air.

I regret buying that pink sweater. I'm so worried about spilling something on it that I hardly ever wear it.

I will never regret buying my super-fuzzy, super-warm Skechers that not only were NOT on sale, but I only wear in the house, even though with that money, I could have bought the Twilight series.

I contemplated way too much.

I didn't sleep, laugh or smile enough.

Unemployment, COBRA and Sallie Mae drove me crazy.

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

The most relaxing place I went was my closet. I know it's ridiculous, but the order and organization is soothing to my worried mind. I spent some time lying on the floor absorbing the peaceful atmosphere.

I feel so OCD and crazy when I write that down.

Why did I go to such lengths to take on more work?

The best thing I did for someone else was not just listen, but really hear.

The best thing I did for myself was let my guard down and make a new friend.

The best thing someone did for me was give me a hug.

The one thing I'd like to do again, but do it better, is that one conversation that could have changed my entire life, if only I'd let it.

Delicious Descriptions

Do you ever see something cute in a store or catalog, then read the description or color name and want to buy it even more? If only my pocketbook could accommodate them all...

Most recently for me:

• autumn cascade (earrings)
• Toscana talisman (necklace)
• Helen of Troy hoops (earrings)
• countess earrings
• Persian blue (color)
• windstorm (color)
• Aztec gold (color)
• Mink muffs (nail polish color)
• pomegranate (lip gloss color)

I could go on and on. Has anything caught your eye lately?

I never thought about a round one.....

The ring in the ad above this was really nice.... and it was round ;-)

Your Dream Engagement Ring Has a Round Diamond

A round diamond is classic and timeless, just like your style Your diamond will always look with the times - and goes with everything Of all diamonds, round diamonds show the most sparkle They are often chosen by sweet, dependable women who make marriage their #1 priority.

What's Your Dream Engagement Ring?

9 Goals For the New Year

I'm not big on resolutions, but I thought I'd put some of my goals for 2009 into print in the hopes that I will be more accountable for making them happen. I feel like typical "new year resolutions" don't succeed because most people just tell themselves what they want to do--no accountability.

This year I want to:

• prepare and eat more vegetables
• lose those 5 "baby" pounds
• use my green shopping bags at least 90% of the time
  
• be less wasteful of food and paper products
• write more letters
• write the next novel, start to finish
• paint something, anything
• keep my laundry room and linen closet tidy
• check-in and assess my goals every six weeks
  

Some of these will be difficult to measure. How much food did I throw away last year? It felt like too much. Some will be easy. I used my green bags about 75% of the time last year. Planning ahead will help me get to 90%, if not more. And in six weeks, I know you'll ask if I don't update.

How about you? Anything you want to be accountable for in 2009?