Last Blog of 2011

...nevermind that I haven't posted one in four months...here's a fun ending to 2011!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Started and finished 8 master's degree classes
Witnessed the miracle that is a new mother and a newborn baby

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I resolved to make no resolutions, so yes.  This year, the ol' "lose some weight" resolution is back thanks to a holiday season filled with way too many goodies!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Jen, Ashley, and Brianna!  Two new nieces and a nephew!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.

5. What countries did you visit?
Just ours!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A master's degree!
A fun summer trip with Hubby and my family

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 6, and July 7 because my nieces were born.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
My coursework in my master's degree.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Wow, that one is tough. And the truth is a little too personal to admit.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Another year of Rheumy Arthur Ritis!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
iPad, TV, or my Kindle Fire. Yikes. Electronics? I'm turning into Jeremy!

12. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage, Car payment, and student loans. Namely: bills.

13. What did you get really excited about?
Babies being born and Ronnie staying with us.

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Lady Gaga's whole CD will always remind me of Ronnie and summer 2011!

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? I wouldn't say either... – thinner or fatter? about the same...needing to lose about 10 pounds! – richer or poorer? richer, thanks to 20 extra credits and a step down on my salary schedule and Jeremy's new job.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Wish I would have visited Haylie more this fall since the weather ended up being good.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about silly things (like the roads!) and nagging my amazing husband. :-/

18. How did you spend Christmas?
With all of my siblings, mom and dad, husband, nieces, and the rest of our great extended family!  This was a great Christmas!

19. What was your favorite TV program?
New Girl and BIG BANG THEORY

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I actually read several great academic books, but those aren't any fun to discuss.  The Help, Heaven is for Real, and the Tale of Desperaux were my favorites!

21. What was your favorite music from this year? I continued to favor country best, but LOVE Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift best.  Fun "top hits" are good too.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?
The Help, I suppose.  Not a big movie fan!

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 24 and I taught summer school in the morning and then went to dinner with Jeremy and Ronnie that evening!

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being finished with my masters already!

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Flowy and floral.  Love loose cardigans!  I also stocked up on more "beautiful jeans" and I love my selection now!

26. What kept you sane? Jeremy Ryan Knowles and my support for teaching, Mom, Laurie, and Debbie.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
I am smart and can overcome some crazy tests.  Also, as I said to Jeremy tonight: "I am still young!" AKA Babies can wait.