It's the last day of the year, FINALLY. It's January 7th! I'm behind already! Screw it.
2010 was a hellacious, sucktastic, horrifingly sad and hurtful year and it is over and I'm thrilled. Let's look back and try to find something positive on which to build a foundation for a better 2011. I also did this at the end of 2008.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
This is a joke, right? I feel like everything about 2010 was a new out-of-the-norm type experience.
I became an advocating warrior-mom.
I learned more than my fair share about autism.
I started running and lifting weights and working out with a trainer. I did a little kickboxing and some powerlifting and set some lofty goals for the new year.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year. I was too consumed with preparations for Mallory's birth, or, spun better, my resolution was to keep TWO children alive all year, and I succeeded. Phew!
Now that I'm, urgh... 30, yes, I will make some resolutions and set some goals.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, a few friends in our circle gave birth.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More hours in the day and an open-ended calorie allotment each day. Not possible?
I would like to make time to write at least several times a week. I want to work on my Autism-related book material. I want to make time each week for exercise and healthy meal planning. I want to feel more confident in my role of wife and mother, special needs mother and 30-something. I want to feel secure in my relationhips and only seek out positive people.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 30, Mallory was born at 9:06am, it snowed all day, a gentle soft snow and I sat in bed, holding and nuzzling her all day.
February 26, I turned 30 and was told that Noah likely was autistic.
December 21, Noah's 3rd birthday, a much anticipated day for a variety of reasons but he had a nice day and knew it was a celebration for him and I was thrilled to pieces that he was able to enjoy something so typical that you and I take for granted.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Giving birth to Mallory. Getting myself back in shape.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Being so hard on myself.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Illness. Lots of child-vectored germy flu-like illnesses that featured a variety of unpleasant bodily fluids.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A fresh paint job for the kitchen. It made half of the downstairs much more warm and inviting.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage. Noah's therapy/school tuition. Target.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Noah learning to speak and calling me SugarMama.
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
The introduction theme to Super Why.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Sadder.
– thinner or fatter? Thinner AND Stronger.
– richer or poorer? No different, a little richer maybe.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Turned off the electronics. Done more Yoga or deep breathing. More communicating with Marc.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Emotionally-driven binge eating, worrying, hand-wringing over worthless people.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
At my parents house with two ankle-biters.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
Parenthood, Biggest Loser, Survivor
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I don't think I read anything merely for pleasure, I sure did buy a LOT of books on Autism.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
I think the noise in my head was too loud to really focus on any music this past year.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
I don't think I saw anything this past year that actually came out this past year.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Small party at home, I appreciate my family trying to make it nice for me but it was just an awful time in my life. I turned 30.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Given that I've always said the worst thing that came happen in life is for something to be wrong with your child and that exactly happened to us I'd have to say there is little room for satisfaction and pleasure, however, more chocolate and rice krispy treats might have made me happier. (also, fatter.)
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Wha....?
26. What kept you sane?
My Dad. Smiles on the kids faces. Running.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
You absolutely have no control over what card you may draw tomorrow. Stay present, focus on the NOW. Knowledge is power. Unsupportive and drama-ridden folk need not apply for your friendship. In the worst of times your real friends will emerge.
better late than never
Posted by: Taobao | January 26, 2011 at 02:20 AM
* be happy together is good enough. I am not asking for things that I could never get.
Posted by: Shop taobao | January 22, 2011 at 04:39 AM
This is a really good post. It might take 5 years but I am sure that you'll look back on 2010 and say "DAMN I can't believe what a strong person I proved to be in 2010, and that I made it through all of that and came out the other end okay even if I didn't always feel okay." I really admire you for all that you do and I'm sure lots of people who actually get to see you and spend time with you do too! Can't wait to talk to you about PLing more! <3 Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | January 15, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Stacy Kravitz
Posted by: FabulousMissS | January 08, 2011 at 07:45 PM
I miss you.
Posted by: jodifur | January 08, 2011 at 05:47 PM