Last Random Dozen of 2009!

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?

I find it most gross to drink after my kids. Cute little petrie dishes of germs! Tasting someone else’s drink, I am ok with that.

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
I have learned to be more appreciative of the little blessings in my life. I did a “week in the life” album that contained three gratitudes for each day, and it really changed my perspective. See this blog post for a list from that album.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
Usually not until after January 1, but I was sick of them all this year so they came down on the 27th!

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
I want to start the year fresh with a really clean house. During the holidays mail, laundry, and dust seem to pile up everywhere. The bathroom was thoroughly scrubbed yesterday, the mail pile sorted through today, and all the decorations are put away. I am halfway there!

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
I liked winter much better when I was a stay-at-home mom. Especially the stay-at-home part. I love seeing the kids play in the snow, they just get so excited! But cold does not feel good to me, and I HATE driving in it.

Photo taken Jan. 2009

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
Not this year. I have had enough of shopping and crowds for a while!

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Every year my brother and his wife go out to dinner with myself and hubs, then back to one of our houses for an all-night party, sans children. This year we are opting for a more family-centered celebration. Just a nice dinner at our house, some good music, and letting the cousins play together. I am looking forward to the more relaxed plans!

New Year's Eve 2008

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
One friend just had a baby on the 26th, a cousin had a baby in November, and one more friend is due soon. So I hope to get to meet some new little people!

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
With two little girls in the house, one who has the nickname “Drama Mama”, it is definitely DRAMA around here! Then we had hub’s layoff, my illnesses, and practically every major appliance in the house going ka-put this past year. Good riddance, 2009!

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
Actually blogging? Not much, maybe 45 minutes or so, and I don’t update my blog every single day. Now blog reading, I could do that for hours, and sometimes do!

11. Who runs your household?
Me. Me. Me. But don’t tell the 4-year old!

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
2009 has not been very kind to me in terms of my health. I really really hope to get my issues under control and be able to function without pain.