As The World Turns

Everyone seems to review their PAST year or make huge promises for their NEW year at this time of year. (Is that just too many "years"?)

But, personally I don't make new resolutions every year, as I usually do it on a daily basis---it keeps it a bit more fresh and I have an easier time remembering what I'm not doing that I should be doing.

But, just for kicks and giggles, I thought that I would reflect on 2008 and figure out some of my likes and dislikes for the year....

And it goes like this:

Favorite food that I ate a lot of: I think that this would have to be salads----I LOVE romaine lettuce! (love the crunch)

Favorite trip: Duh, thats a no brainer----London and Ireland, of course. (Although, I loved seeing my G-babies too.)

Favorite book: Have to say "The Road". by Cormac McCarthy. Couldn't put it down! So horrific, yet so touching at the same time.

Favorite movie experience: Well, this one is always hard for me, cause I am a movie fanatic, but I have to say that I really loved "Iron Man" ---so quirky and fun, and then there was this great German film, "The Counterfeiters" that was grand, and well----gotta give it up for "Benjamin Button"----Cate Blanchett can do no wrong in this ladies book.

Favorite place to shop: Well, it still has to be H & M, my fav store. But a close second is Forever 21---cute stuff.

Favorite music: I am afraid that I have to say "Jane Eyre, the Musical", as I ate, slept and drank it for 8 months! Great memories associated with this amazing music. I also liked some of Ingrid Michaelson's stuff, and Sara Barielles, as well as Fiest.

Favorite TIVO'd shows: (I never have time to watch anything live, and besides, who can sit through even one commercial any more?) I LOVE "Pushing Daisies", "Masterpiece Theatre", "Top Model", "So...YTYCan Dance", "30 Rock", "Kath and Kim", "Monk", "Psych" and some of my BBC shows like "Doctor Who" and "Primeval". Guilty pleasure was "Girls Next Door" (dunno, just fascinated by dumb blondes who get everything they want)

Favorite new powder compact: Yes, it has to be said----I finally gave up on my Loreal brand and went with Cover Girl translucent---and guess what? It works fine!

Favorite thing to do this past year: Sleep, of course. (my naps are what I look forward to) I love to dream----I am always skinny in my dreams, and have so many cool adventures.

Favorite people to hang out with: My family, of course. I don't really do much with friends, as I actually consider my kids and hubby to be my best friends, so I LOVE doing things with them. We dance a lot, laugh a lot, eat a lot, watch movies a lot and just LOVE being together.

Greatest thing that someone did for me: My friend, Kathy, made these amazing sweaters for the twin G-babies birthday. I mean, she didn't even blink an eye when I asked her for two sweaters! She just knitted away! Soooooo impressive and so talented....she is an angel.

Lucy and Lane in their new sweaters.

Lucy, so pretty!

Lane---why so serious?

Now, for lifes annoyances.

Most annoying people: Some people sitting next to me when we went to see "Wall-e". The kid kept talking OUT LOUD and the grandmother----instead of correcting him, replied back to him OUT LOUD!! So, I asked her to please be quiet and she yelled at me in the theatre, saying, "Its only a kids movie,---get over it!" OOhhhh, why I oughta.....

Not a great time: Spending hours in the car, driving to gigs in NY, Maine, NJ, NY again, Conn., NY again,----well, you get the picture----but not having a room to stay in after the gig! Nope, had to turn around and drive back 4 to 5 hours after the gig.

Most annoying spending: Gas prices!! Yet, because of the latter, I had to keep driving---arrghh!

Strangest phenomenon: People seem to be getting warmer, as I hardly ever see coats worn on teens these days, and then the flip-flops----20 degree weather and they are still wearing flip-flops and tee shirts in the snow.

Ugliest shoewear: Those "croc" things. It makes me actually hurl chunks when I see them---no, really---and on grown women and men----ugh.

Most annoying thing: How my clothes keep shrinking. It seems that when I put them on, they get smaller and smaller---it is such a danged nuisance!

So, that is about all that I can think of now. I had a great year---started my own theatre---even in not so good financial times (I never did have the best timing) But, I am proud of the fact that I did it all on my own. (Well, with my hubbys help and my little guys patience---he has to be dragged around everywhere I go) But, I didn't have a loan, or a grant or anything----I just kept working until I had what I needed to make it go.... I just hope that it will not be the death of me!

I have much to be happy about. My little guy asked me the other day, as we were once again in the car, driving. "Mom, are you happy?" "Sure", I replied, not even really thinking about it. "No, Mom, are you REALLY happy?" (he wanted the real answer!)

"Yes." I said, with conviction, "I AM really happy!" And I meant it.