Friday, December 31, 2010

Closing out the year

I'm taking an idea from my blogging friend as I look back on the year that was...
What books and or magazines did I read this year?
This year I rediscovered the joy that comes with reading a good book. I've read a lot of books...some great (The Help, Friday Night Knitting Club, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and Island Beneath the Sun ) and some only so-so (House Rules, Knit 2 and Knit the Season). No matter how busy the week is, I always find time to read my People magazine (hubby calls it my porn). I'm also pretty excited to see how our PV Book club turns out. It remains to be seen if we'll actually talk about the books or just socialize, but really either way is a win when you are spending time with your neighbors and friends, right?

What movies and or tv shows did I watch this year?
As a family, we've discovered the humor of Big Bang Theory. What rock have we been hiding under that we missed the first 3 seasons of this very funny show? Also, continuing to enjoy the NCIS series (HELLO: just like my hubby, Mark Harmon just gets better looking with age!). The big change in our viewing habits has to be that the boys are now old enough that we can watch more shows together as a family. As for movies, we said goodbye to Blockbuster Home delivery and welcomed Netflix into our lives. And just last month, I experimented with Red Box. While I enjoy the $1 price, I don't care for the need to return it to the store vs. dropping it in the mailbox. I end up spending more $ in the store (D"UH...their marketing strategy works).

What special days did I celebrate and how?
In July, Hubby and I became parents of a teenage boy. Not sure how that happened (as it seems like just last year we brought the big headed baby home from the hospital). In November, we celebrated 15 yrs of wedded bliss. And let's not forget March 8th. That was a big day for both hubby and I: we both found ourselves with new jobs on the same day!

What gifts did I give/and or receive?
The most memorable gift I gave was to my friend Judie. This summer, she had a series of very unfortunate events and found herself moving into a new place.. I organized a "shower" for her...filling her new apartment with all sorts of fun and practical things. It won't heal all the hurt in her heart, but I hope that this simple gesture on our part showed her what a gift her friendship means to all of us.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
I've enjoyed good health as has the rest of the family. Thing Two took a couple tumbles this year that reminded us what a blessing it is to have affordable insurance and access to health care. Luckily, none of his visits were major concerns but the financial costs could have really weighed us down had we not had insurance.

What fun things did I do with my family and friends?
The boys and I took two trips to spend time with my dad, sister and nephew. Exploring cities that are new to us, visiting places with my kids that I once enjoyed as a kid.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this year?
3 words: sleigh ride martini.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
2010: the year of the electronic gadgets. New laptop, cell phone, t.v, and camera (though technically it belongs to hubby)

What were my accomplishments this year?
After 10+ years of being a (mostly) stay-at-home-mom, I put on the working-outside-the-home hat. I'm proud of how we've all pitched in together to make it work. Everyone has made compromises and taken on more home tasks but I'd have to say...it's been worth it.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
I'm looking forward to the new year: continuing to work on balance, moving forward in some home improvement plans and settling into the new chapter of our lives. 2011? Bring it on...I'm ready!















3 comments:

Colleen O said...

I came looking for your "picture a day" challenge! Is it still in the pondering pile? Well, I found your packaging up of 2010 instead. Also a good idea, (but I'm in picture mode!) HNY!!

ganelle said...

I love this summary of the year. Great idea! I've read most of your liked books, but it looks like I need to try Island Beneath the Sun. Thanks for the rec.! Happy new year!

A. Quietreader said...

Another noteworthy gift by Martha was a wedding scrapbook for a wedding she did not attend - a big surprise for the bride and groom, for sure. The scrapbook made the rounds during their holiday travels and was very much admired.