2008

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?

I got engaged.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Maria and I made about 50 New Year's Resolutions over a couple of bottles of champagne last year ... so clearly, I'm not sure what they all were. From what I do remember I did some, I didn't do some. The time I spent with her that night was so perfect. I still laugh about how much fun we had making the resolutions -- and I'd say a year later we are still having fun, so I kept them. For next year, I have a lot of "To Dos" on my list -- I am not calling them resolutions because (as Weight Watchers says) it's a lifestyle change not a diet -- and I think I'm going to go with that, not only in dieting but in life.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A few cousins, yes, but no one super close. Little Miss Caroline is still our one and only.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, this year we lost Siobhan. One of the most tragic events of my very young life. A loss of life in that manner is something no one, especially not anyone as young, should go through. It is a tragedy but so much strength came from it. We all learned how precious every day is and I still get sad when I think that she won't have the full life she so deserved.

My mom also lost one of her best friends, Patti. She was an inspirational woman and one to not be forgotten. She made so much out of her circumstances - please visit www.ovationsforthecure.com and support Patti's life work.

5. What countries did you visit?

Belize baby!! Soup and I had the most amazing time in Belize. Belize was, is, indescribable. Really. But that was it for outside of the US travel in 2008.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

A new house. Gotta get out of this one bedroom condo! I love you Soup but it's killing me!

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

March 29th -- the day we left for Belize - we counted down to that day for a long time!

May 10 -- The proposal day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

All of the success I have had at my job and all the positive reinforcement I get from everyone there.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Ugh seems stupid but weight loss, or lack there of. I had done a really great job at the end of 2007 but made absolutely no progress throughout 2008.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope, not that I can think of. And three years strep throat free!!!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

The Wii? For Soup's birthday he got the Wii -- and I got him! (He proposed on his birthday!) Hmm but the best thing I bought for me - gosh this is pathetic that it's so hard. Oh I just got some brown boots that are exactly what I wanted -- so brown boots! LAME!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I have to go with Kerry. 2008 was her YEAR baby. The marathon, the new job, the buying a condo - umm rock on sissy!!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Those are really strong words. Really strong. If the question was whose behavior disappointed you -- I'd have to say there were a few people throughout the year who disappointed, minor things nothing spectacular - but no one appalled me or made me depressed.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Savings -- With Soup and I combining most finances we were able to save a lot more this year -- hopefully that will go to a downpayment sooner then later.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Engagement!!! Planning a wedding. Portland -- as scared as I am ... I am SO excited to go and do something on my own!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

Cupid Shuffle -- The boys silly dancing and singing while on their vacation to the bahamas.

Lost in this Moment -Big&Rich -- It came out about a month before we were engaged and I really loved it and I couldn't wait to be able to really picture my wedding when listening to it. I smile/cry every time I hear it.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:?
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?

Happier, same - refer to #9, richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Get out of the house. I often get home from work after going to the gym and feel as if I have to stay in for the night. I really need to get out more -- do things on my own, go have dinner with friends, go grab a drink at starbucks (except I dont drink coffee), just go for a walk, get OUT and away from the laptop.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Wasted time worrying -- everything will work out.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Not at Christmas yet -- but the plan is - the big McFam party on the 20th; Christmas Eve with the Soups; Christmas Day with the immediate family. Can't wait.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?

I fall in love with Soup every day! (You can stop gagging now)

22. What was your favorite TV program?

How I Met Your Mother; The Hills

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Don't hate the player, hate the game.

24. What was the best book you read?

Water for Elephants -- Sara Gruen

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Taylor Swift -- I am such a follower but I love her.

26. What did you want and get?

I wanted to be engaged and now I am.

27. What did you want and not get?

A house.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

PS I love you was good. I'm not really a big movie person..

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

6/6 - Always a wonderful day! This year it was a work day and I was greeted in the morning by Skittle Cupcakes made my Lauren!! It was such a great surprise and so nice that everyone at work then knew it was my birthday. I celebrated that night with dinner at the Cactus club and drinks on Boylston -- a fun birthday as always.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Gosh I feel like I'm harping on it -- but the house thing seems to be a common theme. We were really on track to have a new house by the end of the year and then a whole bunch of things happened and it just wasn't the right timing.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?

I wish I had ANY concept of fashion. I would describe it as absolutely NONE.

32. What kept you sane?

Soup, Sissy, Ria, Poomela

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

K Fed -- HA just kidding. I'd have to say David Cook is pretty cute.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

It was an election year! I'm glad Obama won. I'm annoyed at how much of everyone's lives were wrapped around the election. It was so frustrating so often.

35. Who did you miss?

Pammy - why are you so far away? My grandmothers. I spend a lot of time with Soup's Nana and I wish my grandmothers were around to see me engaged and to see me married. My dad always says I am like Nina, I wish I could know what he means.

36. Who was the best new person you met?

I'm 99% sure I met her in 2007 but I didn't really meet her until 2008 -- and that would be Lauren. She's super great and super sweet and just all around a great new friend to have.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.

Good things come to those who wait. And wait patiently :)

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Baby, you're amazing, and I want you to see; that you are everything and more to me. - Josh Kelley