In earlier internet days, I used to do an annual year in review on my birthday. Since it’s my birthday week for the first time since launching Primarily Prose, I thought I’d dig out the old 40-question review and check in with myself. It’s always a great idea to check in with yourself to make sure you’re on target and still following the path you’re meant to be on! Without further ado… my Year in Review – December 2019! (stay tuned next week for a year in review you can use specifically geared toward writing projects!)
1. What did you do in 2019 that you'd never done before?
-I adopted our twin daughters!
-Actually finished the Corporate Challenge Half Marathon (previously my only DNF ever), while on maternity leave, no less!
-Launched Primarily Prose!
-Visited Costa Rica!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn’t so much have resolutions as hopes. So, yes, in terms of building our forever family and moving in the direction of my words for the year: bloom and grow. I still need to think on 2020, but I have a few plans already in place.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Ummm, yes!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Old acquaintances, but no one super close this year.
5. What countries did you visit?
Costa Rica!
6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
More sleep? A more peaceful world, for sure. More confidence.
7. What date from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The birth of our daughters, the day our daughters were place in our arms, and the day our adoption was finalized are days that will always be celebrated. I’ll also always remember the day I pressed the launch button on Primarily Prose!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Becoming a mommy and president of my own company.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Holding on to some bitterness for too long.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not this year!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Lawyer and accountant services!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband and family for everything we accomplished together this year and all the people I know who have been working steadily toward their dreams!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Certain global political figures, for sure.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Our mortgage, legal fees, and taxes.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our forever family.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2019?
“My Shot,” from Hamilton.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? Happier.
ii. Thinner or fatter? About the same.
iii. Richer or poorer? Poorer, but on the way back up!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Sleeping and being grateful.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Complaining.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Cozy Christmas at home celebrating our daughters’ first Christmas.
21. How will you be spending New Years?
Annual gathering with friends…
22. Did you fall in love in 2019?
With life, with our daughters, and more with my husband every day.
23. How many one night stands?
ZERO
24. What were your favorite TV programs?
Jeopardy! – we are old fuddy duddies who record and watch every episode together.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is too strong a word.
26. What was the best book you read?
Oh goodness, it’s hard to choose just one. But if we don’t follow the rules of internet memes, then what chaos would that allow? So, rules being rules, to pick just one best book from the year… I’m going to go with Neil Patrick Harris’s memoir.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
We were late to the game, but I first listened to the Hamilton soundtrack while driving around Costa Rica with dear friends and it has become the soundtrack of my year.
28. What did you want and get?
My family.
29. What did you want and not get?
The Prague Marathon! But that’s okay. Raising newborn twins was a mighty fine trade off.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Did we make it to the movies this year? It’s so hard to leave the house for anything…
31. What did you do on your birthday?
We had a wonderful Karaoke party. I love my birthday gatherings because they are such a warm reminder of the community we have cultivated over the years.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having to worry about finances ever again.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?
An interesting combination of business casual, running clothes, and pajamas.
34. What kept you sane?
Running, writing, my husband, our dogs, my faith, and my family.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don’t think I had a celebrity crush this year!
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
No comment.
37. Who did you miss?
Friends and family who are no longer here or far away.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Two: our twins.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.
Dreams come true. Everything that you’ve been through, everything that has happened, has you lead you right here.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
“Look around, look around, at how lucky we are to be alive right now…”