40 Questions

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Visited London and saw the sights. And got to meet David and Sheena. Oh, duh, and started my own business!

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Mmm, I don't remember what my resolution was, so chances are no. And no, not really got one for this year except I'd like to get into the habit of washing up the dinner dishes as we go, rather than let them stack up for days.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My bro- and sis-in-law, Pete and Rebekkah, gave birth to our neice Audrey. My friends Amanda and Rodger had Emma, Ashley and Bryce had Ezra and David and Neyir had Maxwell.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, Scott's gran passed away this summer. We loved her very much. We still think of her often, especially when the phone rings as soon as we've sat down to dinner.

5. What countries did you visit?
The United States, twice, and England.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
I've pretty much got everything I want. I suppose I could always use more faith to get us through the hard times.

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
31 January. Fifi's birthday.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Giving birth to the coolest, sweetest, prettiest little girl in the world.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Unless I'm blindly forgetting something, I think this year has been one of all successes. :)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Just a c-section.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, it isn't something I bought, but my sister-in-law bought, but my new sewing machine is the best new thing I own!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My mom and Scott's mum were both the best mums one could have after becoming a mum herself. Neither have given any unwanted advice or treated us like we don't know what we are doing. They've been encouraging, helpful and kind. When they give their opinions, it has always been in a loving, non-confrontational way. Cheers!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The behaviour of midwives and doctors in this country in regards to breastfeeding.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Towards baby stuff like clothes and baby wipes.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Training up with the Breastfeeding Network and getting the franchise for Tiny Talk.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2007?
Aqueduct's new album "Or Give Me Death"

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? Much, much happier.
thinner or fatter? Much, much thinner! (Breastfeeding + running after baby + semi-regular excercise)
richer or poorer? Much, much poorer! (I don't work anymore!)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading. But I know in hindsight that I never really had the time so I couldn't really have done any different.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eat junk food. I should really be eating more nutritiously in order to set a good example for our kids. Also should've done less worrying. God has been really faithful to us this year, even though we've not been so good at trusting Him.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast, then presents with Fifi and Scott. While Fifi napped, I cooked for Christmas dinner, then we went to Scott's parents' house for dinner and more presents. Then we came home and played with Fifi's new toys!

21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
As usual, my mom.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Yes, with my little girl.

23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Nada.

24. What was your favourite TV programme(s)?
Scrubs, That 70’s Show and Jeeves & Wooster. Oh, and Gilmore Girls!!! Oh, and Lost!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Don't think so.

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt was very good. I didn't get to read much this year, though.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Since I can't think of any, I'll say Onelinedrawing, even though I discovered them last year. I just forgot to mention it when I did this survey back then.

28. What did you want and get?
I really wanted to make friends with other mothers, and I got that. Carol and Maria, as well and Mhairu and a few others from the breastfeeding groups, are really great to be around.

29. What did you want and not get?
A new house. But I've come to terms with the fact that this will be our house for a while, and the faster I get used to it, the better it will be.

30. What were your favourite films of this year?
I only went to the cinema about three times so... that Edith Paif film was good. And I have to admit, Hairspray was much better than I expected... I think I'll have to buy it. (Fifi loves the singing, I love the dancing.)

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 and had a party at my house where I insisted on making everyone play Taboo.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A free housekeeper.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Casual, but trying hard to be a little trendy. I don't want to start dressing like a mom.

34. What kept you sane?
Baking. Sewing. Co-sleeping. Breastfeeding.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The only one I can think of right now is Elijah Kelley (Seaweed in Hairspray)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Considering my only mild interest in politics, the only thing that interested me was the little bit that I read about in The Economist on the flight home from America.

37. Who did you miss?
My family in Arkansas and Pete in Texas. I also miss my friends Amanda and Devon a lot.

38. Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Carol and Maria, my new mummy friends.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Babies are only babies for a really, really, REALLY short time. Don't rush their growing up. I know some people think I'm crazy because I'm still breastfeeding and co-sleeping, but one year has gone by unbelievably fast, and I'm glad I've had a year of both (and who knows how much longer?). If every year goes by as fast as this, then they'll be off before I know it, and I'll be begging them for just a quick hug or kiss. Let children be children as long as they ought to be.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.