2008: Year in Review
What did you do in 2008 that you have never done before?
I had my first gallery exhibition (June 2008) at the local gallery I joined a couple months previous.
What date in 2008 will remain etched in your memory?
December 12, 2008. I saw my father for the first time in fifteen years and met my sisters, who, while I knew them fifteen years ago, they were each 10 and 6 at the time. I was meeting them each as grown, amazing, unique women.
Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage and finally, hopefully, sorting out my mum's estate. On the plus side, we're both employed full time and doing well in good work.
What did you get really really really excited about?
OBAMAOBAMAOBAMA!
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Watch Law & Order and/or CSI. Until I have computer network access in my studio, I usually have a TV on in the background...and that TV is usually tuned to those shows. I look forward to being able to access our music library and podcasts in the studio instead.
Also, in the process of understanding my role as a parent, I think i said "no" too much during the earlier part of this year. I thought about this whilst on vacation with my family and resolved to do better, to know that parenting isn't just protecting and restricting but also about teaching a child to question limits and go out and experience things. This seems to be doubly true and needed in the case of my brother, and I'm glad I had this epiphany and reformed.
Did you fall in love in 2008?
Honestly? Every day. My husband has seen me through some dark, stupid days, and every day I wake up next to him engaged and wanting to continue to build/grow our relationship. He still surprises and delights me.
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 30 this year and, truly, have almost no memory of the day. Until the early part of this summer, I really was operating on autopilot--even I didn't realize how much. I look forward to experiencing 2009 more fully, being more present in my own life.
What/Who kept you sane?
The ridiculous antics of the pets who share our home--Bishop, Ripley, Zim (cats) and Yoda (terrier)--kept us sane, despite the madcap laughter they inspired.
Who did you miss?
My mother. I still think of her daily, want to tell her stories, share things with her, found things I wanted to buy her whilst Christmas shopping...
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year?
I once thought I oughtn't have children because I couldn't be as awesome of a mum as my own. Having to practically step into her shoes, I see this is something I actually do well--I make different choices than she might, have different values and priorities--but my brother is a straight-A student who is learning to cook, skateboard, and expand his interests beyond our doorstep, asking questions about the election, the world, and substantial issues. He is loving and curious, confident and caring. I am a good "mom."
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