2010 Questions

The end-of-the-year survey tradition continues for a fifth year.
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

1) What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Co-led a team of High School students to Kenya. Led worship in the main service at Mariners Church. Moved to Irvine with Bre. Created our own version of Guess Who. Attended the charity: water charity: ball. Threw an Oasis of Hope breakfast.

2) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I've made the same resolution for the last five years: be smarter. I'm fairly certain that I have finished each year a little wiser...and a little smarter. I think 2010 is no exception.

3) Did anyone close to you give birth?
Sue had a sweet new baby. So did Erin.

4) Did anyone close to you die?
No, but I did mourn the loss of Andrew Koenig.

5) What countries did you visit?
Kenya. I know, surprise, surprise.

6) What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A more gentle spirit. And a more tender heart.

7) What date(s) from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
We had a big Fall at work...I could list off the date of every Sunday from Labor Day to Halloween and tell you what was important, but mostly 10.10.10: When we launched our small groups (that date was so planned and promoted, I will never forget it.)

8) What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think one of my most proud moments was hearing a girl in my small group, Ryanne (who has spent this year wrestling with and coming to a better understanding of God's incredible and undeserved love for her) articulate why she wanted to be baptized. She said, "Because He is my Father and I am His daughter." I love it.

9) Did you suffer illness or injury?
I thought I had malaria. (I did not.)

10) What was the best thing you bought?
Dinner for ten.

11) Whose behavior merited celebration?
The students of the Kitale Leadership Institute.

12) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My own, in some moments. But this year, I think I wrestled with the thought of human traffickers and child abusers...their behavior makes me nauseated and so sad.

13) Where did most of your money go?
Rent. Food. Gas. You know, awesome grown-up things.

14) What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our High School Ministry raising money for a charity: water well. A trip to D.C. and New York with my mom.

15) What song will always remind you of 2010?
"The Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. "Firework" by Katy Perry. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. And, of course, the Cee-Lo Green song.

16) Compared to this time last year, are you:
Wiser? Yes. Healthier? Yes. Richer? Maybe?

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

18) What do you wish you'd done less of?
People-please.

19) How did you spend Christmas?
With two sets of grandparents, both parents and my brother...in three different homes, but all in one day.

20) Did you fall in love in 2010?
Ummm...I don't think so.

21) What was your favorite TV program?
Modern Family. Dexter. 30 Rock.

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

23) What was the best book you read?
The Millennium Trilogy. East of Eden. The Hunger Games Trilogy.

24) What was your greatest musical discovery?
Brooke Fraser: Flags

25) What did you want and get?
A super awesome small group of High School girls. A kick-a roommate. Some friends at work.

26) What did you want and not get?
To see Taza in D.C...or The Sartorialist in New York.

27) What was your favorite film of this year?
Inception. Oh, and HP7 Part 1.

28) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28 and spent my day talking about Kenya, leading worship for High School service, eating cake during small group and then carving pumpkins...

29) Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most?
I really like Kristen Bell. I love that she cares about humanity.

30) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
I love dresses...and leggings...and, more recently, my charity: water sweatshirt.

31) What kept you sane?
Jesus.

32) Who did you miss?
My Kenyan friends.

33) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
I can not do things based on the opinion of others.

34) What did you gain this year?
Some wisdom. Some peace.

35) What did you lose this year?
Some weight.

36) Who was the best new person you met?
I sure do like Becky.

37) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Please still my anxious urge toward rebellion. Let love keep my will upon its knees"