As I think back over 2011, I am grateful for many things. Namely, I am thankful for the people in my life – my family, friends, church community, ministry partners, readers – who have willingly invested their lives into mine. Thank you. This year has been joyful, challenging, and difficult. In the midst of it all, I am thankful that I am not an isolated individual, but am surrounded by some incredible people.
I wish you a wonderful new year!
Here are my 2011 resolutions. I stuck with most of them, except for writing a book. For this coming year, I am tossing out my typical list of goals/resolutions. Instead, I want to forge a few new habits. I’ll share that in another post soon.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law welcomed their second child in mid-December.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sadly, we had a miscarriage (our second within a year). Steve’s grandmother also passed away. Here are some thoughts on her that I wrote after her passing. That event had reverberating effects on me, mostly serving as a reminder and inspiration to live a life that is invested in lasting and worthwhile things.
We took a cruise in the Caribbean, and visited Puerto Rico, Saint Thomas, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Saint Maarten, and Barbados.
More time and energy to create.
The day we found out that our unborn child had miscarried; I can vividly remember our doctor’s exact words to us as she shared the news.
Working on making our 100-year-old house into a home; it included projects like painting several rooms, and lots of decluttering.
I don’t think I would call this a failure, but I didn’t complete a book like I had hoped.
Nothing notable.
My black spiral artist sketchbook, where all my reflections, hopes, creative ideas, and musings are recorded.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mother, who left a great job for an opportunity to work for the Governor of Hawaii. Her new role is incredibly challenging, and she is a model of courage and vision to me.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one’s.
House payments. Honda CRV.
Hosting our family Thanksgiving. The midnight showing of Harry Potter 7.
“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO.
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
Happier, neither thinner nor fatter, richer.
Writing.
Internet browsing.
We visited family in Lodi, CA. Lots of wine tasting, lots of presents, and lots of dessert.
We’re going to host a few friends at our place. Although, I predict that by 11pm I will be ready to hop into bed.
No.
None.
Top Chef & Jeopardy.
No.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin.
That Fleetwood Mac is still one of the greatest bands in history.
A great 5-year anniversary with my husband. An annual pass to Disneyland.
29. What did you want and not get?
Another child.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
I turned 30. My friends and family indulged in another themed birthday party. This year, we turned our house into a 1920’s Speakeasy. It was open-mic night, so people recited poetry, sang songs, and did other creative performances while we sipped on Old Fashions. It was one of my favorite birthdays ever.
Living closer to more of our family.
Creative and simplified. For most of the year, I was committed to not buying new clothes, which led to reworking and re-imagining my current wardrobe. Pinterest was a big help.
Steve. Exercise. Weekly time with friends. Prayer retreats.
Steve Jobs, for his vision, drive, and innovation.
American greed and consumerism.
Steve’s grandmother.
Our new nephew, Logan.
There is power in the ability to hope.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
The Larissa Monologues 