One of the best things about being involved in the Ten Things of Thankful blog hop is the chance I've had to "meet" other bloggers, like Joy, from I Can Say Mama. Joy is having her own blog hop to wrap up 2013. Sounds like fun to me!
Here are Joy's questions, and my answers:
1) Gained or lost weight?
Yes--both, but I think it pretty much evened out.
2) Predominant feeling in 2013?
gratitude
3) Predominant feeling for 2014?
Still gratitude, but I'm hoping that feeling will inspire more action on my part.
4) Something you did for the first time in 2013?
I participated in a 10K run. I've always admired individuals who became more active/discovered new interests as middle-aged (or older) people. I decided it was time to grow up! :-)
5) Something you did again in 2013 after a long pause?
I started buying fabrics again, but I'm hoping they won't just become a stockpile this time. (I'm a dreamer!)
6) Something you unfortunately did not do in 2013?
finish all of my unfinished projects
7) Word of the year?
It's a toss up between "suSPICious" and "sadly," both of which our youngest daughter uses frequently. I think of her as my little Eeyore.
8) City of the year?
West Yellowstone--home of the greatest cabin-for-a-crowd
9) Hair longer or shorter?
Longer--I'm terrible at taking time to go get my hair cut.
10) More or less money spent?
Less--our nest is emptying.
11) Highest mobile phone bill?
Dumb phones and unlimited texts=steady phone bills
12) Hospital stays?
Daughter stayed in one to deliver our newest granddaughter, and granddaughter was readmitted due to jaundice.
13) (Fallen) In love?
More every day--John and I have a great marriage!
14) Most called person?
John
15) Whom did you spend the most beautiful time with?
I had several most beautiful times: a family reunion in Yellowstone, with John, a couple of our kids, my parents, my siblings, and their kids; Thanksgiving with John's parents and most of my kids and granddaughter; a few days we had granddaughter to ourselves while she was becoming a big sister; and Christmas, when all of my kids and granddaughters were here.
16) What did you spend most of your time with?
Well, a solid 8 hours out of every 24, I'm enjoying a comfy bed. I'm a big believer in a good night's sleep.
17) Song of the year?
I'm not that great about keeping up with new music.
18) Book of the year?
After hearing Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt speak at Brigham Young University's Education Week, I bought a copy of her book, "Living Your Covenants Everyday." She writes about being purposeful in all you do, and elevating routines into rituals. I'm trying to incorporate some of her suggestions into my daily schedule.
19) TV show/movie of the year?
I enjoy watching "Once Upon a Time." As for movies, I think that "Saving Mr. Banks" was my favorite--though I would recommend "Austenland," "Philomena," "Gravity," "Captain Phillips," and probably others I'm not thinking about right now.
20) Insight of the year?
"Be still and know that I am God." I've learned to relax more about things outside of my control.
21) Three things you totally could have done without?
plumbing problems
water heater breakdowns
furnace woes
Wow, I hadn't really thought about the fact that all of this happened in 2013. Maybe I need to change my answer to question #10!
22) Most beautiful event?
The (surprise for my mom) family reunion to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
23) More short-sighted or more far-sighted than 2013?
I keep needing slightly stronger reading glasses.
24) The most dangerous thing you did?
Probably chasing coyotes out of my backyard--not exactly dangerous.
25) The most expensive thing you bought?
college tuitions
26) The most delicious meal or food you ate?
meals spent with family
27) The best party?
my parents' 50th wedding anniversary
28) The most important thing you wanted to convince somebody of?
I've spent a good amount of time reminding myself that I am not in charge of the decisions of others, and that sometimes, it's better for me to keep my mouth shut.
29) The most beautiful present you gave to somebody?
My siblings, dad, and I sure surprised my mom in Yellowstone.
30) The most beautiful present that somebody gave you?
Though my household shrinks as children leave the nest, my family continues to grow, with the birth of my newest granddaughter.
31) The most beautiful sentence someone said to you?
It's more than one sentence, but this is what my daughter (who has worked hard to heal from reactive attachment disorder) posted on my facebook wall earlier this year:
My mother is the BEST! She has been helping me with so much lately. She has been going out of her way to make sure I get to all of my Hospital appointments and she has hooked up my fridge with goodies multiple times. By the way, she's been driving all the way from (______) twice a week to get me to these appointments! Thank you mom. You have been a blessing in my life. Who would have thought that in all those times I have been ungrateful for her, she has always loved me and done her best to help me? I am glad that I haven't shut her from my life. She is another great blessing in my life.
32) The most beautiful sentence you said to someone?
I don't know, but I hope something I've said has helped someone.
33) How will you celebrate New Year's Eve?
John and I will be helping to chaperone a church youth dance.
34) What will you have for dinner?
Hmm, leftovers? I'm not sure. I better figure it out soon, I guess.
35) What drinks will be in your glasses to clink?
I'm not sure what refreshments will be served at the church youth dance, but I'm positive there will be no glass clinking.
36) Will you ignite any fireworks?
- I think there are states in the US where it is not allowed to ignite private fireworks on New Year's Eve so for all of you who are not allowed (or other countries where this is not allowed): What is a special tradition you normally do on New Year's Eve every year? Will you do it this year, too?
Normally, we stay home and play games and watch movies. I generally doze off on the couch, and John wakes me up a few minutes before midnight so we can count down and say "Happy New Year." We're not exactly party animals.
37) What are you going to wear? Comfy or glamourous?
John just a minute ago told me that the dance colors are white, black, and red, and that the youth will be dressing in the theme colors. I don't know what I'll wear--I guess it depends on how young I want to pretend to be. It is church attire, though--dresses or skirts for the girls, slacks and ties for the guys.
38) Did you have any resolutions for 2013? And how about 2014?
Of course! Running the 10 K was a success, and I made progress in other areas as well. My visual reminder of 2014 resolutions:
39) What are your wishes for the new year?
I can't go wrong with faith, hope, and charity.
40) In one word: 2013 was...
AMAZING!
Thanks for all of you--and best wishes for the New Year!
Here are Joy's questions, and my answers:
Yes--both, but I think it pretty much evened out.
2) Predominant feeling in 2013?
gratitude
3) Predominant feeling for 2014?
Still gratitude, but I'm hoping that feeling will inspire more action on my part.
4) Something you did for the first time in 2013?
I participated in a 10K run. I've always admired individuals who became more active/discovered new interests as middle-aged (or older) people. I decided it was time to grow up! :-)
5) Something you did again in 2013 after a long pause?
I started buying fabrics again, but I'm hoping they won't just become a stockpile this time. (I'm a dreamer!)
6) Something you unfortunately did not do in 2013?
finish all of my unfinished projects
7) Word of the year?
It's a toss up between "suSPICious" and "sadly," both of which our youngest daughter uses frequently. I think of her as my little Eeyore.
8) City of the year?
West Yellowstone--home of the greatest cabin-for-a-crowd
9) Hair longer or shorter?
Longer--I'm terrible at taking time to go get my hair cut.
10) More or less money spent?
Less--our nest is emptying.
11) Highest mobile phone bill?
Dumb phones and unlimited texts=steady phone bills
12) Hospital stays?
Daughter stayed in one to deliver our newest granddaughter, and granddaughter was readmitted due to jaundice.
13) (Fallen) In love?
More every day--John and I have a great marriage!
14) Most called person?
John
15) Whom did you spend the most beautiful time with?
I had several most beautiful times: a family reunion in Yellowstone, with John, a couple of our kids, my parents, my siblings, and their kids; Thanksgiving with John's parents and most of my kids and granddaughter; a few days we had granddaughter to ourselves while she was becoming a big sister; and Christmas, when all of my kids and granddaughters were here.
16) What did you spend most of your time with?
Well, a solid 8 hours out of every 24, I'm enjoying a comfy bed. I'm a big believer in a good night's sleep.
17) Song of the year?
I'm not that great about keeping up with new music.
18) Book of the year?
After hearing Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt speak at Brigham Young University's Education Week, I bought a copy of her book, "Living Your Covenants Everyday." She writes about being purposeful in all you do, and elevating routines into rituals. I'm trying to incorporate some of her suggestions into my daily schedule.
19) TV show/movie of the year?
I enjoy watching "Once Upon a Time." As for movies, I think that "Saving Mr. Banks" was my favorite--though I would recommend "Austenland," "Philomena," "Gravity," "Captain Phillips," and probably others I'm not thinking about right now.
20) Insight of the year?
"Be still and know that I am God." I've learned to relax more about things outside of my control.
21) Three things you totally could have done without?
plumbing problems
water heater breakdowns
furnace woes
Wow, I hadn't really thought about the fact that all of this happened in 2013. Maybe I need to change my answer to question #10!
22) Most beautiful event?
The (surprise for my mom) family reunion to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
23) More short-sighted or more far-sighted than 2013?
I keep needing slightly stronger reading glasses.
24) The most dangerous thing you did?
Probably chasing coyotes out of my backyard--not exactly dangerous.
25) The most expensive thing you bought?
college tuitions
26) The most delicious meal or food you ate?
meals spent with family
27) The best party?
my parents' 50th wedding anniversary
28) The most important thing you wanted to convince somebody of?
I've spent a good amount of time reminding myself that I am not in charge of the decisions of others, and that sometimes, it's better for me to keep my mouth shut.
29) The most beautiful present you gave to somebody?
My siblings, dad, and I sure surprised my mom in Yellowstone.
30) The most beautiful present that somebody gave you?
Though my household shrinks as children leave the nest, my family continues to grow, with the birth of my newest granddaughter.
31) The most beautiful sentence someone said to you?It's more than one sentence, but this is what my daughter (who has worked hard to heal from reactive attachment disorder) posted on my facebook wall earlier this year:
My mother is the BEST! She has been helping me with so much lately. She has been going out of her way to make sure I get to all of my Hospital appointments and she has hooked up my fridge with goodies multiple times. By the way, she's been driving all the way from (______) twice a week to get me to these appointments! Thank you mom. You have been a blessing in my life. Who would have thought that in all those times I have been ungrateful for her, she has always loved me and done her best to help me? I am glad that I haven't shut her from my life. She is another great blessing in my life.
32) The most beautiful sentence you said to someone?
I don't know, but I hope something I've said has helped someone.
33) How will you celebrate New Year's Eve?
John and I will be helping to chaperone a church youth dance.
34) What will you have for dinner?
Hmm, leftovers? I'm not sure. I better figure it out soon, I guess.
35) What drinks will be in your glasses to clink?
I'm not sure what refreshments will be served at the church youth dance, but I'm positive there will be no glass clinking.
36) Will you ignite any fireworks?
- I think there are states in the US where it is not allowed to ignite private fireworks on New Year's Eve so for all of you who are not allowed (or other countries where this is not allowed): What is a special tradition you normally do on New Year's Eve every year? Will you do it this year, too?
Normally, we stay home and play games and watch movies. I generally doze off on the couch, and John wakes me up a few minutes before midnight so we can count down and say "Happy New Year." We're not exactly party animals.
37) What are you going to wear? Comfy or glamourous?
John just a minute ago told me that the dance colors are white, black, and red, and that the youth will be dressing in the theme colors. I don't know what I'll wear--I guess it depends on how young I want to pretend to be. It is church attire, though--dresses or skirts for the girls, slacks and ties for the guys.
38) Did you have any resolutions for 2013? And how about 2014?
Of course! Running the 10 K was a success, and I made progress in other areas as well. My visual reminder of 2014 resolutions:
39) What are your wishes for the new year?
I can't go wrong with faith, hope, and charity.
40) In one word: 2013 was...
AMAZING!
Thanks for all of you--and best wishes for the New Year!
Your granddaughter is beautiful and seriously what a little doll. And I also love what your daughter wrote on your Facebook wall, because I remember thinking the similar stuff about my mom after having my first. Happy New Year to you again Kristi!! :)
ReplyDeleteOK, trying again...third time something on my computer flipped out while trying to comment.
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly had a lot of things to be grateful for this year - what a lovely list! And those grandbabies are just beautiful!
I tried to comment yesterday (I think) but it didn't show up so I'm glad I came back because I picked up two things on my re-read that I either missed the first time or I was meant to see today. Your insight - just finished putting it on a post-it note where I can see it. I need that reminder right now. And the book you mentioned in #18 is definitely something I want to check out. Thanks!
Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2014!
Merry grandbabies, holidays, and very best wishes for a magical 2014, you. K2. Kristi first, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso yay for the 10K!!!
Loved all your answers but what your daughter wrote to you on FB for the world to see -- that brought tears. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteLucky you spending less this year! I need to see Philomena- my grandma also said the book was incredible.
ReplyDelete