1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?·
I took a photo a day for the entire year! Go ‘here’ if you would like to learn more about why I did that or ‘here’ if you want to see them all! It was a fantastic experience and one that I will do again sometime in the future but not right away!·
I avoided sugar for 6 months and felt great doing so! Will definitely do that again.·
I went to Hawaii. Would love to do that again!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes, I was able to keep up with my photo blog and my ‘no sugar’ commitment. I think this is the first time in my life that I have kept to New Years’ resolutions so resolutely! Lol.
I haven’t yet thought about resolutions for 2011...I guess I will get on that, but it’s unlikely I will commit to something as extreme as I did this year, but then again, it was so good for my self discipline that maybe I will. Watch this space! lol
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, not someone really close to me, but my friend’s daughter just had a baby and so that makes me realize that the days are here for the next generation to begin their parenting years, and time for our generation to enter grandparenting days! It’s just around the corner!
Although, come to think of it, this year two of my long distance friends are entering into parenting all over again as they adopt children from Haiti/Dominican Republic. Watching their experiences is inspiring and I am blessed to be able to call these selfless people my friends.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully, because we live a long ways from our families and even though I know it’s inevitable, as we are all humans, I pray that it doesn’t happen for a long time.
5. What countries did you visit?
I am truly thankful for the blessings I have had this year to live in New Zealand and travel to Hawaii (USA) and Kelowna (Canada) for wonderful visits with family and friends.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Steady, reliable income for Kevin and myself. A full-time teaching job would be awesome!
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?
All of them! Lol. It’s been a good year.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my teachers’ qualifications recognized in NZ and then being able to get back into teaching after 20 years. This was something I never would have thought I’d ever do again, and especially the fact that I am loving it and look forward to making it my job indefinitely.
9. What was your biggest failure?
That’s a strong word. I don’t like to look at life that way.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thankfully! However, on that note, having had my hysterectomy at the end of 2009, I have never felt better!!!
Oh, I thought of something to write here that may help others who are as oblivious as I was for so many years! This year I 'came off' over the counter pain medication / analgesics / ibuprofen. Little did I know I was addicted to them! I was shocked to find that out! But here my headaches were something called rebound headaches and I had to go 'cold turkey' off ibupofren and after two weeks of excruiating pain, I am so very thankful to say that I have been completely headache free and ibuprofen free for the past 3 months and I feel GREAT!!!! Now I know that if I ever do need over the counter pain med, I should only take it for three days and then go off it for at least 5 days before taking any more. Good rule of thumb. (btw, that was an embarrassing discovery but one I am glad my doctor helped me discover and remedy!)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
We purchased a small corner sectional sofa for a corner in our dining room where we’d had a single armchair. Now we have a place away from the living room/TV where we can read, relax, visit, drink our morning coffee, and enjoy whoever sits down beside us! It’s wonderful!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Whose didn’t?!
Kevin finished his Masters – a huge accomplishment! And he accepted the role of part-time Assistant Pastor with our sister church.
I got my teaching registration and succeeded in my photo a day challenge.
Paige finished her Foundations Course, holds down two part-time jobs and continues to have an amazing relationship with Alex, who finished his 2nd year of Uni.
Danae finished her first year of Uni, was promoted to shift manager at Starbucks and continues to have a fantastic relationship with Devon who was blessed to receive a job in his field immediately upon graduating from Uni.
MacKenzie graduated from high school and received a university scholarship, as well she was accepted at the Austrian Capernwray for 2011.We are blessed and thankful!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
People who only think of themselves. No one in particular.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent and groceries. I’m sick of buying groceries....wonder what would happen if I just stopped?!?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
See question number 12! :o)
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2010?
Glee
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:·
Happier or sadder? Same - happy·
Thinner or fatter? Thinner & healthier – yay!·
Richer or poorer? Poorer financially, richer in so many other ways
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
No point in wishing for what you can’t change. Just take note and make the changes going forward.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about future finances/stability.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
We spent it with our family. Woke up and opened presents, enjoyed eggs Benedict, skyped all our relatives back in Canada, Paige went to her boyfriend’s house and the rest of us went into the city to look at the displays in Smith & Caughey’s windows and to have a coffee and play a card game at Starbucks, then we came home for turkey dinner, gifts & games with Paige and Alex. An awesome day!
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
It’s a new generation....we’re hardly ever on the phone! Lol. But it would have to be my parents.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Stayed in love with my wonderful hubby, which in this day and age is a miracle in itself!
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Sad that this question is even in a reflections quiz....
24. What was your favourite TV program?
Now that we have TiVo (yippee!) I can actually have a few that I can follow!
Glee; Survivor; Apprentice; The Good Wife; American Idol; Top Model
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. And hate is such a strong word. Don’t like it!
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
Hmmm... I’ve read a lot of books this year. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series was good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?Glee - lol .... oh, and the U2 concert was amazing!! A definite musical highlight of 2010.
28. What did you want and get?
My NZ Teaching Registration Number
Our indefinite NZ Permanent Residency
29. What did you want and not get?
A full time teaching position – but that’s okay.... it will come in God’s time when He knows I’m ready and He has the perfect situation for me.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
Too many to count. We love movies. It’s our thing to do as a couple or family. And since Danae and I are members of Contours we get super cheap movie tickets at the local theatre! So cool!
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Geesh.... I can’t even remember what we did. Lol. I turned 46. At least I can remember that!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don’t know how to answer that. I think life is what you make it. Your attitude towards the circumstances and events that surround you will make or break you.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Clothed.
34. What kept you sane?
My faith & my husband & my daughters.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Alright, I’ll admit it, I really enjoy following Brad & Angelina’s adventures.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
It’s not really political, but the troubles that have been occurring in NZ this year are really sad – the Christchurch earthquakes that continue on, as well as the tragic deaths of the 29 miners.
37. Who did you miss?
Family in Canada
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Francelle – I look forward to getting to know her better. We met at a one day teaching workshop at the Education University Campus. We ended up sitting at the same table. She’s an American. Her husband is a pastor. She has 4 kids very close to my kids’ ages. She lives about 5 minutes from me. She just became a teacher. We had a wonderful 2 hour visit and it felt like we’d always known each other.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Keep trusting God. He cares! Hang onto His promises.
Where you are right now is where God circled on the map just for you.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
A ‘lyric’ from the best ‘song book’ ever!
Isaiah 41:9&10
I took you from the ends of the earth; from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I took a photo a day for the entire year! Go ‘here’ if you would like to learn more about why I did that or ‘here’ if you want to see them all! It was a fantastic experience and one that I will do again sometime in the future but not right away!·
I avoided sugar for 6 months and felt great doing so! Will definitely do that again.·
I went to Hawaii. Would love to do that again!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes, I was able to keep up with my photo blog and my ‘no sugar’ commitment. I think this is the first time in my life that I have kept to New Years’ resolutions so resolutely! Lol.
I haven’t yet thought about resolutions for 2011...I guess I will get on that, but it’s unlikely I will commit to something as extreme as I did this year, but then again, it was so good for my self discipline that maybe I will. Watch this space! lol
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, not someone really close to me, but my friend’s daughter just had a baby and so that makes me realize that the days are here for the next generation to begin their parenting years, and time for our generation to enter grandparenting days! It’s just around the corner!
Although, come to think of it, this year two of my long distance friends are entering into parenting all over again as they adopt children from Haiti/Dominican Republic. Watching their experiences is inspiring and I am blessed to be able to call these selfless people my friends.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully, because we live a long ways from our families and even though I know it’s inevitable, as we are all humans, I pray that it doesn’t happen for a long time.
5. What countries did you visit?
I am truly thankful for the blessings I have had this year to live in New Zealand and travel to Hawaii (USA) and Kelowna (Canada) for wonderful visits with family and friends.
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Steady, reliable income for Kevin and myself. A full-time teaching job would be awesome!
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?
All of them! Lol. It’s been a good year.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my teachers’ qualifications recognized in NZ and then being able to get back into teaching after 20 years. This was something I never would have thought I’d ever do again, and especially the fact that I am loving it and look forward to making it my job indefinitely.
9. What was your biggest failure?
That’s a strong word. I don’t like to look at life that way.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, thankfully! However, on that note, having had my hysterectomy at the end of 2009, I have never felt better!!!
Oh, I thought of something to write here that may help others who are as oblivious as I was for so many years! This year I 'came off' over the counter pain medication / analgesics / ibuprofen. Little did I know I was addicted to them! I was shocked to find that out! But here my headaches were something called rebound headaches and I had to go 'cold turkey' off ibupofren and after two weeks of excruiating pain, I am so very thankful to say that I have been completely headache free and ibuprofen free for the past 3 months and I feel GREAT!!!! Now I know that if I ever do need over the counter pain med, I should only take it for three days and then go off it for at least 5 days before taking any more. Good rule of thumb. (btw, that was an embarrassing discovery but one I am glad my doctor helped me discover and remedy!)
11. What was the best thing you bought?
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Whose didn’t?!
Kevin finished his Masters – a huge accomplishment! And he accepted the role of part-time Assistant Pastor with our sister church.
I got my teaching registration and succeeded in my photo a day challenge.
Paige finished her Foundations Course, holds down two part-time jobs and continues to have an amazing relationship with Alex, who finished his 2nd year of Uni.
Danae finished her first year of Uni, was promoted to shift manager at Starbucks and continues to have a fantastic relationship with Devon who was blessed to receive a job in his field immediately upon graduating from Uni.
MacKenzie graduated from high school and received a university scholarship, as well she was accepted at the Austrian Capernwray for 2011.We are blessed and thankful!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
People who only think of themselves. No one in particular.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent and groceries. I’m sick of buying groceries....wonder what would happen if I just stopped?!?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
See question number 12! :o)
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2010?
Glee
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:·
Happier or sadder? Same - happy·
Thinner or fatter? Thinner & healthier – yay!·
Richer or poorer? Poorer financially, richer in so many other ways
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
No point in wishing for what you can’t change. Just take note and make the changes going forward.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about future finances/stability.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
It’s a new generation....we’re hardly ever on the phone! Lol. But it would have to be my parents.
22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Stayed in love with my wonderful hubby, which in this day and age is a miracle in itself!
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Sad that this question is even in a reflections quiz....
24. What was your favourite TV program?
Now that we have TiVo (yippee!) I can actually have a few that I can follow!
Glee; Survivor; Apprentice; The Good Wife; American Idol; Top Model
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. And hate is such a strong word. Don’t like it!
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
Hmmm... I’ve read a lot of books this year. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series was good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?28. What did you want and get?
My NZ Teaching Registration Number
Our indefinite NZ Permanent Residency
29. What did you want and not get?
A full time teaching position – but that’s okay.... it will come in God’s time when He knows I’m ready and He has the perfect situation for me.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
Too many to count. We love movies. It’s our thing to do as a couple or family. And since Danae and I are members of Contours we get super cheap movie tickets at the local theatre! So cool!
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Geesh.... I can’t even remember what we did. Lol. I turned 46. At least I can remember that!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don’t know how to answer that. I think life is what you make it. Your attitude towards the circumstances and events that surround you will make or break you.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Clothed.
34. What kept you sane?
My faith & my husband & my daughters.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Alright, I’ll admit it, I really enjoy following Brad & Angelina’s adventures.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
It’s not really political, but the troubles that have been occurring in NZ this year are really sad – the Christchurch earthquakes that continue on, as well as the tragic deaths of the 29 miners.
37. Who did you miss?
Family in Canada
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Francelle – I look forward to getting to know her better. We met at a one day teaching workshop at the Education University Campus. We ended up sitting at the same table. She’s an American. Her husband is a pastor. She has 4 kids very close to my kids’ ages. She lives about 5 minutes from me. She just became a teacher. We had a wonderful 2 hour visit and it felt like we’d always known each other.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Keep trusting God. He cares! Hang onto His promises.
Where you are right now is where God circled on the map just for you.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
A ‘lyric’ from the best ‘song book’ ever!
Isaiah 41:9&10
I took you from the ends of the earth; from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Comments