Out with the old.

I'm pretty sure that I've done this meme in the past but I can't seem to find it so I grabbed it off Jennie's blog. Here's a year-in-review of The Year That Should Be Forgotten (although in this, it doesn't appear as bad)

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

I started running, and learned to love it, I lost weight and maintained my weight loss, I took my children on a plane and stayed with them in a hotel.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

This is the first year I have really EVER stuck with my resolutions, and I rocked them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A cousin did, a beautiful tiny preemie boy named Jude. My neighbor, although we weren't close when she gave birth, we are now. An old friend who I'm in and out of touch with but got to see a few weeks ago at her older child's birthday party.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

A good friend's son passed away in February, which was heartbreaking, and my husband's aunt (the grandmother of above baby Jude) in September which blindsided the family. While others didn't pass, this was the year of the Diagnosis, with far too many friends and family beginning the fight against cancer.

5. What countries did you visit?

Just the U.S., but I actually traveled this year! Outside of Florida! I went to Pennsylvania and Delaware twice, on the second trip we also made it to Maryland, and then I made a third trip directly to Maryland.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn't have in 2011?

Less stress. Uh huh, sure.

7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

No specific dates stand out. Early in the year I decided that I'd like to put a big black X over 2011 and people kept telling me not to count it out. Turns out I was right, for the most part.

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

I went from a 14/16 to a 6/8. I'm healthier, stronger, and happier than I've ever been. I don't sweat so much, I enjoy being outside even during the summer, I swear shorts, I bought boots that fit my calves. All the little things that come with becoming not a "bigger girl" for the first time in my life. I weigh less than I did since about eighth grade. Every run I did, every PR I made, every time I laced up my sneakers and stepped out the door (by myself for the most part). Every time was an accomplishment that I want to remember.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I can feel every parenting failure, even if I don't remember every one.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had a health scare of my own which I still haven't taken care of specifically, but it was more my extended family and friends which suffered this year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I bought a beautiful pair of brown riding boots that I never thought I'd fit (I have large calves). And I bought a new pair of running shoes for the coming year.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I can't honestly think of CELEBRATORY behavior.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My sister's, particularly, as usual. Others, generally.

14. Where did most your money go?

Bills, daycare, food, supporting extended family.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My Delaware trips made me very excited.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Not necessarily 2011, but this song will remind me of Henry (we can always get him to dance by singing it in his ear):

and this one for Spencer (because he sings it CONSTANTLY):

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier: yes
Thinner: yes
Richer: about the same

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Gotten up earlier (voluntarily)

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stress and freak out

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Like this.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?

I stayed in love with my family, and I fell in love with running.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

A lot - I found new shows to love this year. I fell for CSI again now that Ted Dansen is on, and Unforgettable, and Prime Suspect and Person of Interest and Suburgatory,and The New Girl.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nope.

24. What was the best book you read?

Faithful Place by Tana French, Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I don't think I had any musical discoveries. There were some great things profiled on NPR that I wanted to remember to check out but never got around to it.

26. What did you want and get?

I wanted a happy, healthy family. I think for the most part I have that.

27. What did you want and not get?

Abs! For next year!

28. What was your favorite film of 2011?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 - in 3D!

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 31, and we had a Fourth of July party on the deck to celebrate the birth of me, my husband (age 32) and the nation (age ... um, 236?)

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Unlimited funds so that we could worry about other things.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?

Jeans.

32. What kept you sane?

Are you believing that I'm sane? Dear, dear blog reader.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

There are many, but I choose to rant about these with my husband in front of the tv instead of on social media where aunts can defriend me on Facebook for making comments about the fire-worthiness of certain Alaskan governor's books.

34. Who did you miss?

No one and every one.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Did I meet anyone new this year? That person. The Best.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Deep Breaths.

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Gitchee Gitchee Goo Means that I love you.