2011 - A Look Back

This is now the third year that I have answered these questions about the past 12 months. I don't really edit these or try to be cool about the answers. The responses are totally honest and I try not to over think them.

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
I stopped recklessly spending our money. Sure this sounds naive and silly, but what an incredible change. Giving to our church as soon as we get paid each week and honoring God with our finances has changed the way we spend our money.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
Once again, as in 2010, I have been challenged at my job. I am in a management position now and supervise people with whom I was once a peer. We also work in separate buildings, so trying to balance time with staff and my own job can get stressful. I would like to really develop my management skills over the next year and help to develop the staff too.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Creating lots of wonderful crafts, especially knitting.

I painted this:

 made rosette necklaces:

 and knit like a crazy chick.

 It's been so relaxing, so comforting. It ties into the spending thing, as I am not going overboard (as I did with scrapbooking) buying supplies (yet) and it has been so rewarding.


Thrifting has been life-changing for me. It fits in the spending wisely goal, gives me the chance to own things I never could have owned before, and teaches me to be grateful. Yes, I get cooler clothes now, but I also have a neat milk glass collection and a budding Pyrex collection that I can afford to enjoy.

 

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
Hmmmm...I struggled with reading the Word this year. I only participated in one study and I disliked it severely (that's better than hate right?) so I think I became frustrated and disappointed. Just didn't motivate me. I know the remedy is to read and pray and reflect no matter what. My brain just isn't connecting there right now. 

5. Pick three words to describe 2011.
hopeful, simple, creative

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
Happy, silly, overwhelmed.

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).
Spontaneous, stressful, exciting

8. What were the best books you read this year?
I started legitimately using my Goodreads account to track the books I read this year. I set a goal of 30 books, but I am two books shy of reaching that. Oh well, I enjoyed a ton of great books this year, many of them audio books that I purchased through Audible.

The book with the most impact was One Thousand Gifts. 

Best Fiction that I listened to was The Night Circus. I doubt I would have enjoyed reading it, but I loved Jim Dale's narration.

Favorite non-fiction book was Tudors: The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty. I am a geek and have been on a Tudor history kick for a few years now.

Best fiction that I read was the Paris Wife.

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
My husband who keeps me sane and grounded. He's a supportive guy and I need that.

We grew incredibly close with our friends Katie and Dan. We had fun adventures together, we understand where we are in life, we call each other for advice. 

We also joined a community group of young married couples. Even though we have only met three times, I adore these people who are rooted in faith and cheering each other on to endure through things. 

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
Definitely focusing less on what others have and being content with and grateful for what we have. In 2010 I was stuck in the trap of jealousy and this year I was determined to love where we live, work, and what we do for fun. 

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I say what I feel more often now instead of hiding it. 

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
We've become part of community, which is so necessary for me to grow.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
I gained 2 pounds again!! I neeeed to cave and join the free gym at work. I have never done this. I don't know how to do this. Now I am growing and expanding and the thighs? They need new pants to live in monthly. I don't want to say that I will go to the gym daily because I know I won't, but I would like to be healthier overall. I had that little fainting spell in July and it scared the heck out of us. I think I need to start some working out, even if it's just to prevent problems in the future. 

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
We have friends who are parents now - and it's amazing to watch them with their children. I'm thinking of Paige and Michael with Molly. I've seen their family grow and they've allowed us to be part of their little family. It's been so lovely seeing my friend become a mom and watch her be the best mom possible. 

She's an inspiration. And I stole the photo from her blog...


Our friends Debbie and Bobby invited us to their home upstate. We cherish their friendship - they never judge and they encourage us so much. That weekend reminded us of what is important - and allowed us to connect with one another.


15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
In addition to my 9-5 I became a 'virtual assistant' for Rarebits. This has been awesome!! And was unexpected. I love Patty, she's been in my life forever. She's one of my other moms, sharing memories, magazines and her favorite things with me. Being a part of the Rarebits journey is a blast and I love it.

In my admissions job, I am proud of my accomplishments and value my director immensely. She has trusted me to do my job well and I strive each day to do my best. I was fortunate to get my own office this year and am proud of the new relationships I've fostered in other departments on campus.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Understanding and being ok with the fact that not everyone will like me. 

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Worrying. About nothing.


18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Connecting with people rather than sitting at home doing nothing. Much less wasted TV watching.

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
Love the life I have, not the one I dream of having.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.
Enjoying the simple things in life, cherishing the ones we love.