End of the Year Survey.....

In an attempt to get Dan to blog, I have copied this survey from our friend Catherine's blog!
My answers are after the A, and Dan's after the D...

Thank you, Catherine!

-- What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
A: I got to go to San Antonio and visit some friends. While we were there, we also played a drinking game with the movies Blade Trinity and Fast and Furious. That was a new experience for sure! We went to see Jonsi in the Newport, which was my first concert there. Also, I became a manager and gained more professional experience and confidence. I feel more of a connection to Cbus as well! We made trip to Freeport IL (for Dan's cousin's wedding) and Youngstown OH (for an UNI football game). I drank more tea. I also bought 2 pairs of skinny jeans and wear them on a regular basis! I also got a smartphone with internet and everything!

D: I worked as an academic advisor for the first time. One of the benefits of my new job is that I get to take classes for free. One class I took was Boxing for Beginners, so I guess this year I punched a girl in the face for the first time. I also took Elementary Swedish I. Our class had a traditional Swedish julfest (christmas party) at the end of the year, which included a full smörgåsbord and much singing in Swedish. I still box at our new gym, and I'm continuing to Swedish II next quarter. I'm looking forward to continuing both of those activities this year, as well as my job, even though I still don't know what I really want to do with my life. I also made money playing trombone in a band this year. Finally, we joined a CSA foodshare program over the summer - we ate lots of Ohio-produced food.

-- Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
A: I did OK, I did not blog more...so that is sad! Of course, it is always fun to try and start out the year with goals in mind. I am becoming more crafty and I did join the gym! My resolutions will probably be the same as last years, more blogging, crafting, reading, and working out. I would like to visit more places in Ohio as well! Also, I would like to keep in better touch with my friends and family.


D: I don't really remember my resolutions from last year. They probably included the old regulars, like watch less TV, read more, work out more, etc. I did learn a combat sport, which has been a goal of mine for a long time. We purchased some home workout stuff, which I used occasionally, and we joined a gym in November. I also bought a book last week, so I guess I'm making progress. My resolutions will be the same this year probably.

-- Did anyone close to you give birth?
A: My sister-in-law Karla and a few friends from college!

D: A few of my friends finished their dissertations this year - that's kind of like having a baby, except that you can just put it on a shelf and forget about it after a while. Congrats to them! Also, my step-brother and his wife had a baby too.

-- Did anyone close to you die?
A: Jan, an old family friend/neighbor who watched me grow up.

D: Our department secretary Melinda passed away this year. A guy from my high school class also died this fall. We weren't really close or even really friends since HS, but it's still very sad and strange.

-- What countries did you visit?
A: A year ago, we visited Iceland...this year we traveled all over the US. I need to update my passport before I can leave the country. Maybe we can go to Europe or Canada this year?

D: I had a nice streak going (Mexico 2007, Spain & Canada 2008, Iceland 2009), but I didn't leave the US this year. I guess Texas is its own country practically. Hopefully we can go somewhere foreign this year - it can't cost much more than flying to Iowa!

-- What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
A: More cute boots! But seriously, I would say less stress! Also, I would love to go to a OSU or UNI BBall game.

D: I would like to have more desire to clean up after myself and take care of household chores with some degree of urgency. I would also like to have more of an idea of what I'd like to do with my life.

-- What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A: March 20,2010...UNI Dominated!

D: Also March 20, 2010 - I will never forget my uppercut fist pump/primal scream combo in the Grandview Buffalo Wild Wings when Ali hit his 3-pointer in the Kansas game.

-- What was your biggest achievement of the year?
A: My job promotion!

D: I hate measuring my life acheivements in terms of career progress, but I guess my new job was probably the biggest achievement.

-- What was your biggest failure?
A: I did not choose UNI to beat Kansas on my bracket...Also, I struggled to find a healthy life/work balance for awhile...It caused a lot of stress!

D: After not having any for 26 years, I had 4 cavities discovered and filled this year. I was also very lazy about cleaning up and doing laundry - the dryer has become my new clothing storage unit.

-- Did you suffer illness or injury?
A: Fractured Elbow from playing soccer.

D: I got sick twice over Christmas break. I also picked up a solid contusion on my forearm in boxing class. It hurt for 3 weeks.

-- What was the best thing you bought?
A: I love my boots! We got a washer and dryer and a new TV. It is nice not having to warm up the TV before we can watch it, and also it is nice that we can do laundry at home without having to save up quarters! OH and how can I forget Lips Karaoke for Xbox...Dan and I are 34th in the WORLD for Hold On by Wilson Phillips!

D: Aside from the washer/dryer and TV, Red Dead Redemption on Xbox was one of the best video games I've ever played. My new bass trombone mouthpiece is also pretty good - I don't have to practice nearly as much to keep my chops up like on my last one.

-- Whose behavior merited celebration?
A: I am not sure...Conan redeemed himself. The Chilean miners were also pretty inspiring!

D: UNI Men's BBall head coach Ben Jacobson, for not jumping at more money and staying put in Cedar Falls to build his program.

-- Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A: Sarah Palin and her avid supporters...Also BP, and Hawkeye and Duke Fans!

D: BP was pretty abominable. Also Iowa voters voting out the Supreme Court judges out of spite.

-- Where did most of your money go?
A: Our most recent trip to Iowa. I am serious.

D: Paying rent, the Christmas Iowa trip, my credit card bills.

-- What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A: Going to see Conan, Jonsi and visiting our friend in TX, my friends' weddings in MKE and Eldora! Also, going back to IA for Christmas to see everyone. When UNI beat Kansas! Making plans to go to Comic Con. A lot of our friends got engaged, I can[t wait for the weddings. My office's end of the year party!

D: Not to beat a dead horse, but UNI's run in March Madness 2010 was and probably will be my greatest sports memory until they make the Final Four. I was also excited for Geoff's wedding in IL because all my family was there. Another exciting moment was when we won our first rec. league soccer match in dominant fashion; it was also the same game where a guy tried to fight me and I got carded (it was only yellow).

-- What song will always remind you of 2010?
A: Ridin' Solo, We are Who We are, OMG, F-- You, Teenage Dream. Pretty much anything Bieber, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars...

D: Jónsi - Go Do, because I got that album this year and went to the concert. It was great. Also Cee Lo Green - F*** You, because it's awesome.

-- Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
A: happier
D: Happier.

b) thinner or fatter?
A: the sameish...probably a little fatter...
D: Probably fatter. I was probably still coasting off my pre-wedding conditioning at this point last year.

c) richer or poorer?
A: richer ;)
D: Richer. I'm richer and fatter - I'm becoming an aristocrat.

-- What do you wish you'd done more of?
A:Knitting, crafting, socializing!
D: Painting, reading, working out and traveling.

-- What do you wish you'd done less of?
A: Stressing out and eating junk!
D: Watching crappy TV.

-- How will you be spending Christmas?
A: We went to Iowa. Next year I am thinking destination Christmas, who is in?!?

D: We went to Iowa.

-- Did you fall in love in 2010?
A: Do TV shows count? Then, Yes!

D: Yes, with making pulled pork in the slow-cooker and grilling. Also with Columbus a little bit.

-- What was your favorite TV program?
A: Weeds, Dexter, How I Met your Mother, 30 Rock, True Blood, Californication, Eastbound and Down...

D: Eastbound and Down & How I Met Your Mother. Californication came on strong at the end of the year too.

-- Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
A: Probably....

D: My hatred for the advertising industry continues to grow each year. On the other hand, my hatred for local weatherman Bob Nunnally has cooled this year. Now we are like two respectful adversaries, like Professor X and Magneto.

-- What was the best book you read?
A: The last book of the Hunger Games (Mocking Jay). It wasn't the best book in the series, but it ended the story well!

D: I can't remember reading much...I guess my Swedish textbook wins out. It does have funny examples that would never fly in an American textbook.

-- What was your greatest musical discovery?
A: Thanks to my brother in law Jay-Freelance Whales and to my sister in law Kirsten-Florence an the Machine! These are both very recent! Also, my co-worker told me to check out Mumford and Sons!

D: The National, as well as Jónsi's solo album.

-- What did you want and get?
A: Lots of things! My promotion, cute jewelry, a tea kettle, crafting supplies, UNI to the Sweet Sixteen, and most importantly a safe, healthy and happy year!

D: My own office, TWO UNI wins in the NCAA tournament.

-- What did you want and not get?
A: Tickets to Comic Con...that is because the sale date keeps getting pushed back...Also, I failed to get my passport updated with my new name...but that is my own fault!

D: Some magical entity to appear and make me financially stable for life so I never have to go to regular work again.

-- What was your favorite film of this year?
A: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Inception, also the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy was really good!

D: The Millenium trilogy (the girl w/ dragon tattoo, etc.), and HP7.

-- What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
A:26...I don't know for sure, I think we went to Karaoke?! I can't remember it was almost a year ago!

D: We had a party and played ping pong in the basement.

-- What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A: Not letting myself get too overwhelmed when I first started my manager position...but it worked out. I have a good balance now!

D: Having taken a 7-month paid vacation to Europe, either Iceland or Spain. Or just not working at all!

-- How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
A: Trendy, Cute, Comfortable, and Fun!

D: Wearing shorts to work is ok, right?

-- What kept you sane?
A: Danny and my friend Kim! Going to the gym after work and listening to my ipod at work!

D: Having opportunities to do stuff besides work - boxing class, vacations, Swedish 101, having parties. Also having Zeno's bar within walking distance.

-- Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
A: The whole WikiLeaks thing completely fascinated me. Also,Kristen Wiig, Conan, Cast of 30 Rock, Kristen Schaal (she tweeted me!) and Mary Louise Parker.

D: Kenny Powers, Eric Northman and Hank Moody.


-- What political issue stirred you the most?
A: Health care and Immigration...don't get me started...

D: These boneheads in Arizona with their immigration laws, as well as the impotent, no-legged dog of a health care bill that they passed.

-- Who did you miss?
A: A lot of friends moved away! Sarah, Mark, Carter, Greg, Lynn and Jeff! And my family, of course!

D: I second our friends moving away, as well as our friends in Iowa.

-- Who was the best new person you met?
A: I got to know some co-workers better! Also, some of Dan's family at his cousin's wedding!

D: I didn't really forge any new friendships this year. The people on our soccer team and in my Swedish class are fun, though.

-- Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
A: To appreciate what I have, and though things get stressful, I am lucky to have the opportunities I Have, the friends that I have, and the family I have.

D: When the shit hits the fan, it's probably not as bad as you're making it out to be. Humankind has gotten by for thousands of years and probably dealt with problems that are much, much worse than the one you're facing now. Also, don't skip going to the dentist for 2 years.

-- Quote a song that sums up your year:
A: I whip my hair back and forth I whip my hair back and forth (just whip it) I whip my hair back and forth I whip my hair back and forth (whip it real good) I whip my hair back and forth I whip my hair back and forth I whip my hair back and forth I whip my hair back and forth ( Whip my Hair-Willow Smith-2010) and of course, this songs sums up my typical day : Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy (Hey, what up girl?) Grab my glasses, I'm out the door, I'm gonna hit this city (Lets go) Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack 'Cause when I leave for the night, I ain't coming back I'm talking pedicure on our toes, toes Trying on all our clothes, clothes Boys blowing up our phones, phones Drop-topping, playing our favorite CDs Pulling up to the parties Trying to get a little bit tipsy Don't stop, make it pop DJ, blow my speakers up Tonight, I'mma fight 'Til we see the sunlight Tick tock on the clock But the party don't stop, no (Tik Tok-Ke$ha-2010)

D: I,
I have decided.
At twenty-five,
Something must change
(Bloc Party - Kreuzberg)

Blog...Blah...Blahg

Remember when you were little and wanted a diary so bad, and then when you got your diary you never wrote in it??

That is me, I am that Little Girl!!

Last year, I believe my Resolutions were:

1. start working out again, and to acquire a treadmill- I did join a gym....I did not acquire a treadmill...but I did join a gym!! I actually go to the gym too!
2. become more crafty (like sewing and making stuff)-Yes-I am more crafty than I was a year ago, but am still working on this!
3. master knitting, stamping and making my own stationary-Again, I am still working on it, but I have been stamping my own cards, crocheting and knitting more too!
4. to cut down on my sugar intake-I probably was doing ok on this one, but the last 3 weeks on consumption have definitely canceled out my year's efforts...
5. read more books-I am doing better on this, and am still hoping to cut out TV and add in more reading...
6. keep in better contact with friends and family-I did not improve in this area at all :(
7. limit my screen time (tv, computer, etc.)-I don't think this changed much either...
8. purchase a washing machine and dryer-DONE!!
9. visit/explore other parts of Ohio-There is still more to see!!
10. blog more =]...FAIL...

I am not sure what is wrong with me, but for some reason it is really hard for me to think of anything to write about. My life is not particularly interesting, and I can never think of anything exciting, funny, or witty to write about. I feel like I owe the person who takes the time read what write something interesting. Maybe it is performance anxiety?!
Now, I understand the Family Circus and Marmaduke make appearances in print everyday, and they obviously don't feel like they owe their readers much. But I don't want to be the Marmaduke of the blogging world, so it is easier to just not do it.

I remember being in college with Xanga, thinking I was going to be the next Carrie Bradshaw. I figured everyone wanted to know what I am thinking and what I am doing. Then I started reading everyone's Xanga, and they were all pretty lame, especially mine! So I stopped, and joined Myspace and Facebook, where you can annoy people in just a few sentences a day!


Over break, we watched Julie/Julia. I thought it was interesting that she just blogged about the recipes she prepared out of a book... I wish I would have come up with that! As cheesy as it sounds it inspired me a little to get on here and blog about something. I mean that is why I have a blog right?!

I haven't decided on all of my resolutions yet, but I still have about 4 more days to do so. I am sure my "go-to" blogging resolution will be on the list, and it is possible I will probably fail...but I guess it is worth a shot...

Wish me luck in 2011!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Thanks to all who have sent us cards and gifts!

Dan and I went to Iowa last week to celebrate with our families and it was great time.

We visited Dan's dad, mom and family, my parents, my sister Steph and her family, and a few friends from college.
Thanks to our families for letting hang around an eat their food.
I was actually pretty sad to leave Iowa on Sunday! I miss everyone so much!

I have truly been blessed this year and am thankful for my friends and family!

I will blog more later...this time I promise!

I just wanted to drop a quick note...