2009 recap - meme style

I saw this idea over on http://www.multitaskingmama.com/ and decided to give it a whirl.

What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Hmmm...I rode a dolphin. That was pretty freakin cool. I've swam with them before, but this was the first time I rode one. Also I climbed an ancient Mayan pyramid. That was pretty awesome, too.
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't even remember what they were, so it's a pretty good bet that I didn't keep them.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
While several people I know gave birth, none of it affected my day-to-day.
Did anyone close to you die?
Just my doggy Jasper. And he was 12, and suffering, so in the long run it was really okay for him to go.
What countries did you visit?
Mexico, Guatemala and Belize
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I think I would like to have more peace and less stress.
What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Hmmm...April 17 my baby turned 6 and September 20 my big boy turned 8.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
This year was the year that we made our last car payment and credit card payment. That's a pretty big deal to me.
What was your biggest failure?
We didn't manage to save up money for the future like I had hoped we would.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major this year at all, for any of us.
What was the best thing you bought?
Well, we've put a deposit down on a brand new puppy, that we'll be getting in just a few weeks!
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My kids, at times. I am very proud of the people they are becoming. They are both smart, athletic, kind and honest. What more could a mama want?
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Most politicians, as usual. And Tiger Woods.
Where did most of your money go?
The mortgage, as always
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I am really really excited about the upcoming new puppy. I can't wait to watch him grow up and see what fun Rico and the kids will have with him!
What song will always remind you of 2009?
Maybe "If Today Was Your Last Day" by Nickelback.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
a) happier
b) same
c) same
What do you wish you’d done more of?
scrapbook - but I need to learn to let go of the guilt I feel for being so far behind.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
stress!! There is only so much I can do, and honestly in the grand scheme of things, if my family is healthy and happy, nothing else really means crap.
How did you spend Christmas?
Relaxing and enjoying each other!!
Did you fall in love in 2009?
Nope, been there, done that.
What was your favorite TV program?
LOST has been my fave since it started. Can't believe 2010 will be it's final season.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't waste time with hate. As I said, if someone or something doesn't affect my family, it doesn't matter in the long run.
What was the best book you read?
I think maybe my favorite book of the year was "Duma Key" by Stephen King. Very good book. But I read pretty much daily so there are a lot of great books on my list. I got very into vampire books this year (thanks a lot, Twilight) so there were a lot of good ones in that genre this year, too.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Huh, don't think I had one, really. Still heart my iPod, but that's nothing new.
What did you want and get?
I wanted a Cricut for scrapbooking, and got it in November at a Black Friday sale. Woohoo.
What did you want and not get?
New flooring in my master bedroom. Maybe in 2010.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Definitely "The Hangover". Funniest movie ever. And honestly if you get married and DON'T go to Vegas for your bachelor/bachelorette party, I feel sorry for you, because it really is that fun.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 35 in 2009, and went to sushi with my friend Evelyn, and then a Japanese steakhouse with my family.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Unlimited cash to do all the things I would like to have done around the house.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Bold
What kept you sane?
focusing on the little things in life
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmmm...maybe Taylor Swift. That girl has class and talent.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care reform. We'll see what comes of all this mess in 2010
Who did you miss?
I got back in touch with several old college friends in 2009, and chatting with them made me miss some of the other people and good times we used to have back in the day.
Who was the best new person you met?
I met quite a few new people this year. I think the best, as far as good hearted, genuine person that I had the pleasure to meet this year was Evelyn. Her courage and strength is simply astonishing.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009
I learned that what doesn't matter just doesn't matter. Let go of the little things and focus on what is fabulous in your 'right now'.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
"Toes" by The Zac Brown Band
I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today, life is good today.