2009 Questions

I've done this same survey for the last three years...you can read them HERE, HERE and HERE.

1) What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Moved to Corona del Mar. Began attending {and working at} my new church. Visited Boulder, CO. Rode a motorcycle. Had a black eye.

2) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I've had the same resolution for the last few years: to be smarter. I think I've succeeded every year. This year, I will begin by learning all 195 countries of the world. {Thanks to Leigh for the idea...and the link!}

3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
I don't think so...I think all of the babies were born in 2008.

4) Did anyone close to you die?
Yep, my Aunt Angie

5) What countries did you visit?
Kenya

6) What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A smaller dress size, a grasp on the Swahili language--same as the last two years...

7) What date(s) from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 17: I came home from Kitale.
September 1: I started my new job.
October 1: I went back to Kitale.

Probably a few more not-so-specific dates.

8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Helping a bunch of teenage boys pass their end-of-the-year exams.

9) Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, I did take a spill on my skateboard.

10) What was the best thing you bought?
Mattresses for the boys sleeping at Oasis.

11) Whose behavior merited celebration?
Quite a few people, I would imagine.

12) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I can't recall anyone specifically.

13) Where did most of your money go?
Kenya. Rent. Starbucks. Urban Outfitters.

14) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going back to Kitale. Mariners church.

15) What song will always remind you of 2009?
"One Step At A Time" by Jordin Sparks. "Disturbia" by Rihanna. "Single Ladies" by Beyonce.

16) Compared to this time last year, are you: Wiser? Yes Healthier? Slightly... Richer? Definitely not

17) What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercised. Read. Studied Swahili.

18) What do you wish you'd done less of?
I'd like to do less of nothing...you know, maybe more of the "more of" things.

19) How did you spend Christmas?
Dinners, gifts, movies, naps...read about it here.

20) Did you fall in love in 2009?
Of course I did.

21) What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother. Dexter.

22) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.

23) What was the best book you read?
Fathered By God. Thoughts here.

24) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Well, I sure do love Jay-Z.

25) What did you want and get?
Perspective...some wisdom

26) What did you want and not get?
I don't think I have an answer to this question.

27) What was your favorite film of this year?
Away We Go

28) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
27. I had a giant dance party and three huge birthday dinners. {Here, here and here}

29) Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
Michael C Hall {mostly because I love Dexter}

30) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Dresses.

31) What kept you sane?
Alley-time at the Maguire's

32) Who did you miss?
These guys.

33) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
God is good. All the time.

34) What did you gain this year?
A few pounds

35) What did you lose this year?
A few pounds

36) Who was the best new person you met?
I don't know that I could choose just one...I have a bunch of new people in my life this year.

37) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"All of my life, in every season, You are still God. I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship."