1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

Quit my job and just be a student for 4 whole months (thanks to my husband).

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

No and No. I continued to use my cell phone while driving and I did not have more sexy time with my husband. Boo. Although I did return to flossing regularly after my braces were removed.

This year's resolutions are to have more sexy time with my husband, limit cell phone use while driving and contact my elected officials at least once a month.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, see previous post.

5. What countries did you visit?

Sadly, none, but Michael promised me a trip to Ireland as a graduation present (which is still about 2 years away).

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

More self-discipline. Oh, and to know where my husband is going to be gainfully employed for the forseeable future and whether or not that job requires an out-of-state move. That's all I'm asking for...please?

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Dec. 27th--see previous post.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I spent the year as a student, employee (except for those 4 wonderful months) and spouse and managed to get good grades, bring home the bacos and hold my shit together (for the most part). Of course, all of this is thanks to my husband for making it possible.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Allowing myself to be bullied by my former boss and not quitting my job sooner. What was I thinking?

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope, thankfully.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A new dog. Esme is a wonderful companion.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband's. And my in-laws'.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Too many to name.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Into various retirement accounts, utility bills, our mortgage, textbooks. Blarg. Not enough went to a nice vacation abroad.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Harry Potter!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

Too many damn Top 40 songs played at the restaurant where I work.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Both but mostly happier.
b) thinner or fatter? the same.
c) richer or poorer? poorer for sure.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Having sexy time with my husband. See my friends more often. Read more books that weren't text books.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Freaking out about work and my grades.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

We spent X-mas at our house with my mom and grandmother. It was a little too much togetherness time but we had fun.

23. What was your favorite TV program?

House, of course. And the Simpson's and Family Guy.

25. What was the best book you read?

The Kite Runner.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I didn't have one. Sad.

27. What did you want and get?

Accepted to nursing school (although technically I didn't find that out until 2008).

28. What did you want and not get?

A cool job for my husband located in a cool city.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

The Simpson's Movie.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

30, and I didn't do much. I wasn't up to celebrating at the time but maybe I'll do something more exciting for 31.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A cool job for my husband in a cool city and spending more time with my girlfriends.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

Jeans and ________. As a student I don't have to dress up.

33. What kept you sane?

You know who you are.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Daniel Craig after seeing "Casino Royale." Rrrowwwrrrrrr.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

Don't waste time on things like anger and worrying. Take action when and if you can and if you can't, find something more useful upon which to focus.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Beans, beans
They're good for your heart....

For better or for worse...

And in this case it was for worse. But before I get to that I really must acknowledge my husband for the wonderful human being that he is, for being my pillar of strength, for letting me cry all over him and for comforting not just me, but my mom and grandma.

A week ago today we found out that my Aunt Mauna was killed in a car accident in Champaign, IL where she lives. We didn't find out until Friday that the guy who caused the accident was driving drunk and that he had 2 previous DUIs and that he was driving on a revoked license. And that he fled on foot and hid in a drainage ditch and the police had to send a dog in to drag him out. And now that man is in jail and the charges against him come with a 35-year prison sentence.

The funeral service was so nice...so personal...so happy and sad at the same time. We recounted funny memories and we got to see the sides of my aunt's life we didn't know much about as evidenced by the very long line of friends, co-workers, neighbors (and a couple ex-husbands) who arrived at the funeral home to pay their respects. And I got a fit of the inappropriate giggles when my cousin sang a song that was a little out of her range and it reminded me of when my Aunt June sang so horribly at my Aunt Susie's wedding.

Anyway, the whole last week has been spent in shock and in mourning. I slept all day on Tuesday and am just now starting to feel somewhat normal. But it's hard to carry on with normal activities when the loss of a loved one is always in the back of your mind. But I need to, we all need to, because we're still here on this earth. And for better or for worse (hopefully more for the better) we will keep on going...all the while missing our loved ones and every fond memory a celebration of our crazy lives.