2013: An End and a Beginning

2013 is coming to a close has been closed for over a month and I can't quite put to words the changes and growth that have occurred. We started a new chapter in our marriage and in our life and we are finding our footing daily as we learn our new roles.

2013: The Survey
 

Was 2013 good for you? This was a growing, blossoming year for me. Yes.

What was your favorite moment of the year? There have been so many favorite moments. The first is probably the first time Remmy smiled a meaningful smile. The second is watching her and Jason playing on the California beach.
 

What was your worst moment of the year? Hmmm... I think I kept my worst self under wraps this year. I know I had some pretty terrible thoughts but, thank God, they never passed my lips.

Where were you when 2013 began? At the Higley house

Who were you with? Ma Pa Higley, Josh, Laura, Palke, and Jason. We watched Season 7 of How I Met Your Mother episodes 2-10 and flipped over in time to see the ball drop on Time Square.

Did you keep your new years resolution of 2013? I never committed to a word for the My One Word challenge. I did a fair job of living in the moment, though, which had been an unspoken goal.

Where were you when 2013 ended? At home playing Settlers of Catan Cities & Knights with Jason, Josh and Laura.

Do you have a new year's resolution for 2014? My One Word this year is "Simplify." My life feels chaotic and complicated lately. I want to slow down, be present, and rid myself of the clutter in my mind, body, spirit, and space. 

Did you fall in love in 2013? The most beautiful, smart, endearing little red head came into my life and I am completely in love.
 

Did you make any new friends in 2013? Yes, my old college roommate added me to her mom's group and we also started attending a small church regularly and are getting to know the people there.

What was your favorite month in 2013: May

Why this month? Aunt Deb came to visit, I finished an important work project and we welcomed our daughter into our lives.

Did you travel outside of the country in 2013? Nope

How many different places did you travel to in 2013? The usual suspects, along with Hemet, Carlsbad and Newport for some
flavor.


Did you miss anybody in the past year? I didn't talk to my Aunt Deb as much as usual this past year and I was terrible at keeping in contact with friends.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2013? "Frozen" hands down.

What was your favorite song from 2013? "Let Her Go" by Passenger and "Love Is An Open Door" from Frozen soundtrack, along with "Let It Go" and "In Summer" and the rest of the soundtrack.

How many concerts or plays did you see in 2013? We saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra and some folk music in Sisters. I don't recall any plays this year.

 

Did you have a favorite concert in 2013? Trans-Siberian was the only one I went to so it wins by default.

What was your favorite book(s) in 2013? Gosh, I don't even know what I read this year and I haven't done much reading lately. "Refined by Fire" and "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" are the only two that come to mind.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? Nope.

What was the biggest lie you told in 2013? That I was fully recovered from all the post-baby body weirdness.

Did you treat somebody badly in 2013? There was that one time I decided I wasn't feeling up to being graceful and I didn't apologize. And I didn't think about that until right now and right now I think it doesn't much matter.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2013? Probably. 

What was your proudest moment of 2013? Finishing the Tinkerbell 1/2 marathon while 6 months pregnant. That was the most difficult race I've ever done on a number of levels, but is the race I'm most proud of. I finished and I didn't drop a baby on the course. Win, win!

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2013? I may have thrown up in a grocery bag during prodromal labor and my aunt held it out the car window while we drove home from the park. Yeah, that happened.

If you could go back to any moment of 2013 and change something, what would it be? The thing I want to change I don't think I could have. I really wanted the unmedicated birth, but I don't think there's anything I could have done differently to keep that silly girl in the optimal position. In the end, I just thank God I had such an amazing birth team and avoided surgery.

Where did you work in 2013? AH Foundation and I received a promotion.

Favorite TV shows(s) of 2013? I discovered "Vampire Diaries" and "Hart of Dixie" and I'm a little ridiculous about them.

Favorite Band(s) of 2013? Gloriana

Favorite Food in 2013? Frozen tropical fruits, yogurt and french fries.

Favorite Drink in 2013? Raspberry Crystal Light

Favorite Place in 2013? Carlsbad

Favorite person(s) to be with in 2013? My little family

Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2013? Bobby and Leslie

 Favorite trip in 2013? Anniversary trip to Bend

Favorite stores in 2013? Powell's Books and Nordstrom

 Most Difficult thing you Went through in 2013: Learning to be a mama and career woman has been pretty hard but also rewarding.

Most exciting moment(s) in 2013? Completing the Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon. My newphew's arrival followed by Crystal's baby's arrival a week later and Reese baby's appearance two months after. Meeting our baby in May. First hiking trip with baby. Oregon State Fair. Meeting our niece.Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Rip City: Best in the West!

 

Funniest moment(s) in 2013? All the ones that come to mind involve poop. Poop has become a large part of my life it turns out.

2012: But for the Grace of God go I

The sun is setting on another year. The air has turned a bitter cold and as I breathe it in I reflect back on what 2012 brought and taught me. It was a strange year that will reverberate through and color the rest of my life. Fortunately, the heartbreak and joy balance eachother out nicely.

2012: The Survey

Was 2012 good for you? This year was challenging, humbling, and full of growth. Those things aren't bad, just uncomfortable. 

What was your favorite moment of the year? This year my favorite moment was sitting in an ultrasound room with my husband listening to our baby's heartbeat for the first time. I wish you could bottle up those emotions and relive them every day. There is nothing like the sound of a miracle.

What was your worst moment of the year? The single worst moment was learning I'd been lied to by the one person I trust unconditionally. The fall out from that was pretty hairy as well.

Where were you when 2012 began? I don't remember and there are no pictures to document the occasion... Oh wait. I spent all of December 30 in Bend doing the Ale Trail. December 31 we were recovering and Jason and I drove home. I remember driving home, it's entirely possible I stayed home and slept once we got there.

Who were you with? I'm sure Jason and the cats were home.


Did you keep your new years resolution of 2012? In 2012, I committed to the My One Word challenge. My word was grace and I can say in confidence that choosing to respond in grace and hold myself to a standard of grace has positively affected every area of my life.

Where were you when 2012 ended? At the Higley house with Higley parents, Josh, Laura, Palke, and Jason. We watched Season 7 How I Met Your Mother episodes 2-10. 


July 2012 - Dinner at Elmers on the
way home from Cousin Palooza 2012.

Do you have a new year's resolution for 2013? I will continue with the One Word challenge, though I am not sure what this year's word will be yet. Humbleness, consciousness, and hope are all words I'm tossing around right now.
 
Did you fall in love in 2012? Yes, and I learned to choose love even when it's really, really hard.
Did you make any new friends in 2012? Met some new runners and friends of friends.



This was the best picture from the race. Leslie is terrified of
mascots and finds Stitch particularly frightening.
So awesome.

 What was your favorite month of 2012? February.

Why this month? In February my best friend and I took a girls' trip to Orlando, stayed at a DisneyWorld resort, ran the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon (my first) and visited Harry Potter World. So much was packed into five days and every day of it was awesome.


Did you travel outside of the country in 2012? Well, 2012 was NOT the year I actually went to Canada. Seriously, I will renew my passport. I was just thinking about this earlier today, but I have fatty pregnant face right now and I'm not thrilled with the idea of renewing my passport whilst 5 months pregnant.

Preparing for Turtle Shell 2 Epic Relay activation and reuniting
with Kisha after she spent a year in the Dominican Republic.

How many different places did you travel to in 2012? Roseburg, Epic Oregon Relay (Tigard to Eugene), up and down the northern Oregon Coast, and Orlando.


Did you miss anybody in the past year? I got pretty anxious for my grandparents to come back north and started missing the Johnstons dreadfully mid-winter. Fortunately everyone was back home by June.


What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2012? "Brave" and "Les Miserables" are the only movies I remember watching in 2012 (Les Mis just made the cutoff with a New Year's Eve 7 pm showing). I preferred Les Mis to Brave.

What was your favorite song from 2012? "Blessings" by Laura Story
How many concerts or plays did you see in 2012? Zack Freiwald down at Earth & Vine in Baker City.


Did you have a favorite concert in 2012? Voices of Hope concert at Living Savior Lutheran. We weren't singing this year, but it's always so great to hear them sing.


What was your favorite book(s) in 2012? Unladylike: Resisting the Injustice of Inequality in the Church by Pam Hogeweide and Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis made the biggest impact on my life. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling had me in stiches an entire weekend.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? Nope.

Dad, Mama, Ryan, Steph, and Judah Bentley came to visit!
August 2012 - Bob's Red Mill

What was the biggest lie you told in 2012? "We're great."

Did you treat somebody badly in 2012? I had some moments with my husband I could have shown more grace. Sometimes grace is really, really hard.

Happy, tired Finishers!
Disney Princess 1/2 Marthon
Disney World, Orlando

Did somebody treat you badly in 2012? The bad behavior was not directed at me, but it definitely had lasting consequences that affected/are affecting me.

What was your proudest moment of 2012? Finishing the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2012? The first time I threw up at work from pregnancy induced nausea. It didn't get less embarrassing, but we all kinda accepted that was going to be the routine for awhile.

Katie's (pregnant lady in denim skirt) baby shower fun!
Looking forward to three more of these in 2013.

If you could go back to any moment of 2012 and change something, what would it be? My response on May 15, though part of me is glad things played out the way they did cause it could have been worse.

Where did you work in 2012? AMC Foundation

Favorite TV shows(s) of 2012? Once Upon a Time and we've gotten into Burn Notice

Favorite Band(s) of 2012? The Band Perry and ABBA

Favorite Food in 2012? Mashed potatoes and cantaloupe

 

Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks
Harry Potter World, Universal

 Favorite Drink in 2012? Butterbeer

Favorite Place in 2012? German and Norway Pavilions at Epcot

Favorite person(s) to be with in 2012? Leslie, Dez, Heather, and Crystal

Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2012? Aunt Deb, Bobby, Grandma+pa

Favorite trip in 2012? Orlando trip with Leslie. Bonneville Dam Hot Springs for my birthday is a close second.

Favorite stores in 2012? I really didn't do much shopping this year... Cottonbabies and Amazon got most of my spending money.


Hardest thing you had to go through in 2012? Rebuilding my marriage.


Most exciting moment(s) in 2012? Running the 1/2 Marathon at Disney World/Epcot. Crystal's pregnancy. Ethan's birth. Going off the antidepressant medication. Spending a week with the Bentley Family. Laura's pregnancy. My own pregnancy and learning we're having a little girl (totally won the lottery on that one). Planning a trip to San Diego.



Funniest moment(s) in 2012? Laughing while our doctor friend was doing an ultrasound. Now every time I laugh I picture what happens to the baby and that makes me laugh harder.



The day we found out we were having a girl. You can't tell,

but we were totally in shock and still absorbing the news.

2013 will bring the first Bentley grandgirl!



May 2013 bring you much joy, peace and happiness.

Go make your dreams come true!

My One Word

February is almost over and today I came across a quote that embodies my one word for 2012: Grace.

Grace is a concept and word I've been thinking about since late December. Words that come to mind when I think of grace are kindness, love, beauty,  forgiveness, charity, mercifulness. These are characteristics I want to build up in my life.

In 2012, I commit:

• To live every moment of every day believing the best instead of the worst.
• To extend compassion when anger rises.
• To be honest and gentle at the same time.
• To remember we all have a story that shapes who we are and why we do what we do.

Grace and Strength

In keeping with my current ponderings about grace, strength, light and New Year's resolutions, today I looked up at my calendar and was challenged by this month's verse:

"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1

For some reason this hit me really hard this morning. I often think of strength as being overpowering and grace as being gentle. To see those two words side by side, complementing one another, has made my head spin in a way that will require me to sit with it for awhile. Be strong. In grace.

As I continue to reflect on last year and what I want this year to look like I have thought a lot (alot) about the My One Word challenge. While it is spiritual in nature, I think it could be applied secularly as well: How do you want to grow? What kind of person do you want to be by 2012's end? How would implementing one word change your relationships?

Passion... Grace... Intention.... these are words I'm mulling over.

What one word would you choose to guide your actions and what kind of person would that word shape you into?

2011: Life is Good

I'm a little late on this annual tradition (three days!). I have been having so much fun with family and friends I haven't really sat down to reflect on 2011. Something I'll have more time for this evening, me thinks. 2011 brought many good things and was a far cry from 2010. Without further ado...

2011: The Survey

Was 2011 good for you? Yes, life was good.

What was your favorite moment of the year? Honestly, it may have been holding my dear friend's newborn. That is the moment that sticks out and I still get teary eyed thinking about it. Life is a blessing.

What was your worst moment of the year? It was pretty upsetting when I realized I'd spent all weekend taking pictures with a broken camera that didn't have a memory card. But the worst was gett the call from my brother after he'd just gotten home from the ER.

Where were you when 2011 began? At the Hall's house.

Who were you with? The Monday Night Posse

Where were you when 2011 ended? Snuggled in the guest bed sound asleep.

Did you keep your new years resolution of 2011? To live boldly. To be intentional in my actions, be present in every moment, and stand my ground. I didn't live as boldly or as intentionally as I would have liked, but I was more present.

Do you have a new year's resolution for 2012?  I want to live intentionally. That is, do what I say I'm going to do, be consistenet in word and deed, and cherish the moment. 2012 will be bringing many life changes and I want to soak them all up.

Did you fall in love in 2011? Every. single. day.

Did you make any new friends in 2011? A few.

What was your favorite month of 2011? August

Why this month? August was an awesome month for outdoor activities (hiking, Cascade Lakes Relay, Hood to Coast, etc) and lots of family time.

Did you travel outside of the country in 2011? No, I still need to renew my passport. Maybe 2012 will be the year I actually make it to Canada?

How many different places did you travel to in 2011? I don't know that I even got on a plane in 2011. Weird.

Did you miss anybody in the past year? Missed my brother, so glad those days are over.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2011? How to Train Your Dragon

What was your favorite song from 2011? "Raise Your Glass" by Pink or "I Love You This Big" by Scotty

How many concerts or plays did you see in 2011? Hmmm... everything I thought I'd seen I apparently saw last year. So perhaps none.

Did you have a favorite concert in 2011? Voices of Hope concert at The Grotto. I always love singing at The Grotto.

What was your favorite book in 2011?
Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? Nope.

What was the biggest lie you told in 2011? "I'm doing better."

Did you treat somebody badly in 2011? No.
Did somebody treat you badly in 2011? Yes, but we worked it out.

What was your proudest moment of 2011? Accepting the job at Adventist Medical Center Foundation.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2011? Possibly when my brother took his pants off during karaoke.

If you could go back to any moment of 2011 and change something, what would it be? The thing I would like to have changed was my sister and my best friend's wedding being on the same day in different (not close) cities. Not something I could change, but it is the thing I would have liked changed.

Where did you work in 2011? LifeWorks NW and AMC Foundation

Favorite TV shows(s) of 2011? Big Bang Theory, Grimm, and Once Upon a Time

Favorite Band(s) of 2011? The Band Perry

Favorite Food in 2011? Honey Lavender or Copa Mista gelato

Favorite Drink in 2011? Vanilla Chai Tea

Favorite Place in 2011? Bend

Favorite person(s) to be with in 2011? Jason, Aunt Deb, Dad, and Heather

Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2011? Aunt Deb, Bobby, Grandma+pa

Favorite trip in 2011? Anniversary weekend in Bend

Favorite stores in 2011? Stash Tea Warehouse

Hardest thing you had to go through in 2011? Starting depression medication was a tough decision, but one I'm glad I made.

Most exciting moment(s) in 2011? Getting chickens. New babies. Seeing family. Christmas. Planning a trip to Disney World/Disney Princess Half Marathon with Leslie. Little brother being discharged from the Marine Corp... lots of excitement.

Funniest moment(s) in 2011? I need to remember these better. Probably when I fell through the snow with one leg while we were hiking around the Strawberry Wilderness and yelled, "Hey, I found the trail!" Or my going away cake from LifeWorks NW.

Wishing you the most blessed 2012!



Four Happy Years - September 2011 - Bend, OR



Winter Reflections

Look not mournfully into the past.

It comes not back again.

Wisely improve the present.

It is thine.

Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear. 

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~

The red, gold, green, and white has come out of their boxes. Christmas music has been my companion for three weeks and the chill is in the air. Amidst the joyous chaos that is the holiday season, I find myself reflecting more and more on this last year and all the changes in store for us in the coming year. As a culture, we tend to think of January 1 as a clean slate, though it's not really true: it's merely a continuation of whatever we set in motion the year before.

Two years have passed since I had my meltdown. A year ago I was a barely functioning exoskeleton. The contrast between this year and last at this time is stark and beautiful. I am overwhelmed by the love and encouragement I received from those dearest to me and my heart overpours with gratitude for those who came alongside us and helped bear the load - emotionally, physically, and financially. I am so blessed. We are so blessed.

I feel such hope for the next year. More intense than the hope I felt while surrounded by the Monday Night Posse on New Year's Eve and more real. Does that even make sense? I'm not paralyzed by fear - I'm excited!

As we spend time with our family and friends in the coming weeks, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, playing games, and generally enjoying each other's company I want to have in the forefront of my mind the central purpose of the holiday I celebrate - the simple, beautiful gift that was given to mankind - and the gift I was given this year that will not end when the clock strikes Midnight on January 1.

 

2010: A Year of Standing Still

Old Father Time has passed the torch to 2011. This year my response is, "Good riddance!" In reflecting, however, I'm remembering the highlights 2010, though trying, brought. So here's to the annual survey. (For a 2009 refresher, click here.)

2010: The Survey

Was 2010 good for you? The year as a whole, no, but it had some high points.

What was your favorite moment of the year? Running under the Hood to Coast "Finish" banner with 10 other teammates in various stages of pain while our spry 12th runner took off ahead. We were all laughing, tripping in the sand, and yelling, "Tooooom! Wait!" I laugh every time I remember that moment.

What was your worst moment of the year? December 16 when I came face to face in the shortcomings of our mental health system.

Where were you when 2010 began? I don't remember... weird. Did I go to bed before Midnight?

Who were you with? I bet Jason was there wherever I was.

Where were you when 2010 ended? At the Halls' house, standing with my arm around Jason, Josh and Laura to my right, and the rest of the Monday Night Posse in front and behind me. It was a beautiful thing to countdown and clink glasses with people who have come to mean so much to me over the last year.

Did you keep your new years resolution of 2010? I followed through with some of the not-so-fun commitments I made to myself. I had also resolved to be more cultured and that was certainly accomplished.

Do you have a new years resolution for 2010? To live boldly. To be intentional in my actions, be present in every moment, and stand my ground.

Did you fall in love in 2010? Every day.

Did you make any new friends in 2010? Yes, 2010 was a good year for new friends. I love my running buddies and it is fun to stay in contact with my subbed-in H2C teammates.

What was your favorite month of 2010? July

Why this month? The sun came out and stayed out for awhile, I made a surprise trip to Baker for Dad's 50th birthday, hung out with my abuelos, and Aunt Deb came to visit.

Did you travel outside of the country in 2010? No, I really need to renew my passport. I'm looking at you, Canada. And Dominican Republic. And South Korea. And Japan...

How many different places did you travel to in 2010? Baker, Bend, Prineville, Salem, Hug Point, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Seaside, Tillamook, Carlsbad, San Diego, Denver, Sutherlin and a bunch of places along the I-5 corridor.

Did you miss anybody in the past year? My brother and my besties

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2010? Secretariat

What was your favorite song from 2010? "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry

How many concerts or plays did you see in 2010? Jason took me to see CATS! and a friend took me to see The Lion King at the Keller. We also saw Clackamas High put on Les Miserables and an elementary production of Wizard of Oz.

Did you have a favorite concert in 2010? No concerts, but I loved Les Mis.

What was your favorite book in 2010? My favorite fiction book was Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay and my favorite nonfiction was Until Death Do Us Part by Ingrid Betancourt. (I read the version printed after Betancourt was released from her captivity.)

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? I'm not impressed with my work performance.

What was the biggest lie you told in 2010? "I'm fine and everything's great."

Did you treat somebody badly in 2010? No, I finally told the truth with compassion and firmness.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2010? No, because I set up boundaries.

What was your proudest moment of 2010? Completing the Hood to Coast.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2010? I must have blocked it.

If you could go back to any moment of 2010 and change something, what would it be? I would have been happier to hear from my best friend at 7 am instead of being grumpy pants.

Where did you work in 2010? LifeWorks NW

Favorite TV shows(s) of 2010? Glee, Without a Trace, Lie to Me, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, and How I Met Your Mother

Favorite Band(s) of 2010? Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry

Favorite Food in 2010? I was really digging post-run hamburger and fries this year. Horrible, I know.

Favorite Drink in 2010? Vanilla Chai Tea and Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte

Favorite Place in 2010? Disneyland

Favorite person(s) to be with in 2010? Jason, Aunt Deb, Dad, and Heather

Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2010? Aunt Deb, Bobby, Grandma+pa

Favorite trip in 2010? Drive to Carlsbad for Thanksgiving and surprise trip to Disneyland at the tail end of it.

Favorite stores in 2010? FitRight NW and RunningSkirts

Hardest thing you had to go through in 2010? Recognizing I have depression and the ensuing battle that's resulted from that. Thankfully I'm blessed with a supportive husband and friends who love on me.

Most exciting moment(s) in 2010? Jason entering the Bachelors part of his adult degree program; anytime marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, roasting sticks, and a fire were around; eating at the Marrakesh with the Monday Night Posse; all of Hood to Coast; and standing in line for the teacup ride at Disneyland...

Funniest moment(s) in 2010? It's only funny now, but was very not funny at the time: when my hammock strap broke during our Goat Peak/Rock(?) backpacking trip. I was so tired I said to Jason, "Screw it, I'll just sleep here" (here being the bottom portion of my hammock on the ground while the other portion was tied to the other tree).

Nike & Jason in 10-degree weather at the 2nd Twin Lake. First snowshoeing trip of the season,

 December 31, 2010.

2009: A Less Than Insightful Review

2010 is upon us, are you ready?! Last year I lifted this exercise from Pink Spandex and it seemed like a worthwhile thing to do again. (For a 2008 refresher, click here.)

I haven't been blogging as regularly, or much at all if I'm honest, as I would like as my free computer time has changed drastically in the last seven months with the boy returning to school. I'll post a blog in honor of So Long 2008 to give a little more depth to my 2009 soon...

2009: The Survey

Was 2009 good for you? A lot of good came out of 2009, so yes.

What was your favorite moment of the year? Graduating from PSU - finally!

What was your worst moment of the year? The exact moment I realized Gus was paralyzed. The subsequent 24 hours were pretty horrific as well.

Where were you when 2009 began? At the Geiser Grand in Baker City

Who were you with? Some of my favorites

Where were you when 2009 ended? It's here for another 14 hrs and 36 minutes, so I'll tell you tomorrow.

Did you keep your new years resolution of 2009? The only thing I resolved to do was graduate and that I did. Oh, and it looks like I also resolved to keep in better contact with friends and family. I still suck at that.

Do you have a new years resolution for 2010? To keep in better contact with friends and family. <---Let's try that again. Also, to follow through with the not-so-fun commitments I make to myself. Did you fall in love in 2009? I fell more in love.

Did you make any new friends in 2009? No, making new friends is not something that comes easily to me. I became closer to the new friends I made last year. Oh, wait, I did make new friends! I just realized that I didn't know Cliff and Yoshimi prior to May. Now I feel like I've known them forever.

What was your favorite month of 2009? September

Why this month? Jason and I went backpacking in the Strawberry Wilderness for our anniversary and it was the first actual backpacking trip we've taken together.

Did you travel outside of the country in 2009? Still haven't made it to Canada. I have a friend that lives there now, though!

How many different places did you travel to in 2009? Baker, Metolious, Bend, Prineville, Salem, Seattle, Sisters, John Day, Rockaway Beach, Seaside, Tillamook, San Diego, Denver, Santa Rosa, Boise, and Reno...

Did you miss anybody in the past year? My brother while he was on his second deployment and people I let slip away.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009? UP and The Proposal.

What was your favorite song from 2009? The two that popped in my head are both by Kelly Clarkson - "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "Don't Leave." "I Run to You" by Lady Antebellum was also a favorite.

How many concerts or plays did you see in 2009? I don't think I went to a single concert this year... we didn't even go to the Blues Festival. We went to one play (Faith County put on by Central Nazarene) and also went to Central's Evening in December variety show. Wow, we were not very cultured in 2009.

Did you have a favorite concert in 2009? Obviously not.

What was your favorite book in 2009? I became a Twilight addict in 2009. I'll admit it. Twilight and Breaking Dawn were my favorites.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year? Nothing comes to mind...

What was the biggest lie you told in 2009? I told the boy there wasn't anything wrong when I was actually quite perturbed.

Did you treat somebody badly in 2009? If I'm honest, yes.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2009? Yes, but I'm learning to deal with it.

What was your proudest moment of 2009? Receiving my diploma.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009? I fell down our friends' porch stairs, twisted my ankle (right before a hiking intensive camping trip), released gas, and landed on my backside. My dear husband, instead of saying, "Are you okay?!" when he saw me on the ground yelled, "You just farted didn't you?!" Which made me want the ground to open up even more.

If you could go back to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be? I would have said something to that horrible lady at Pioneer Square.

Where did you work in 2009? LifeWorks NW

Favorite TV shows(s) of 2009? Bones, Lie to Me, The Mentalist, Ghost Whisperer, and Criminal Minds

Favorite Band(s) of 2009? Lady Antebellum and Gloryana

Favorite Food in 2009? Sushi

Favorite Drink in 2009? Vanilla Chai Tea and Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte

Favorite Place in 2009? Denver was pretty awesome

Favorite person(s) to be with in 2009? Jason, Aunt Deb, Dad, the Cook Cousins, and Monday Night Posse

Favorite person(s) to talk to in 2009? Aunt Deb, Bobby, Grandma+pa

Favorite trip in 2009? It's really a toss up between Reno and Denver, but the weekend at Marion Forks was pretty memorable as well.

Favorite stores in 2009? Victoria's Secret and REI... that's a random combo.

Hardest thing you had to go through in 2009? Putting Gus down, dealing with repressed memories, and listening to a very dear friend confess what she had been hiding for the last couple years.

Most exciting moment(s) in 2009? Graduating, trip to Denver, trip to Reno, and Christmas

Funniest moment(s) in 2009? The most recent one was sitting on a plane to San Jose listening to the pilot tell us he was going to turn off the cabin lights and then explain in great detail where the button to turn on your overhead light was located and what it looks like. He said multiple times, "It's the one with the light bulb on it," but he said it in such a way it sounded like he was refraining from saying, "It's the one with the light bulb on it, stupid." So Jason and I are already joking about this, when three rows ahead of me a gentleman hits every button except the one with the light bulb on it, including the Attendant call button. I was like, "No, no, it's the one with the lightbulb on it!" Making sushi with Jason, Crystal, and Yo for Independence Day was pretty funny as well.

Happy New year! May yours be blessed with kept promises, fun, and exciting moments.