Heather, who often finds herself under the laundry pile, participated in a meme. She didn’t tag anyone. I saw the ball lying there and thought I’d pick it up and run. I don’t want Lifenut to turn into Gretchen’s Big Blog O’ Doom. The answers are honest and not entirely depressing, I swear. Here’s my touchdown dance:

1. What did you do in 2005 that you had never done before?

For the first time since our honeymoon, hubby and I had a weekend getaway to a posh hotel. We bought a home. I saw U2 and the Newsboys in concert.

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

Last year’s resolutions can be found here. I kept the resolution to find a new ponytail-thwarting hairstyle. I sewed Aidan’s Brownie patches onto her vest whilst recovering in bed from the first miscarriage. No to the rest of the resolutions. I don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions anyway.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes. My brother and sister-in-law had identical twin boys on May 11th. It was a true miracle. They had Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. I lost two pregnancies and two grandmothers.

5. What countries did you visit?

I visited exotic locales like Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Montrose, and the bathroom at the Loaf N’ Jug in Gypsum, Colorado. All are contained entirely in the United States of America.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?

A medical bill-free mailbox and peace.

7. What dates will remain etched in your memory and why?

February 10th, February 12th, February 14th, June 13th, July 1st, July 23rd, December 1st, December 6th, December 23rd, December 27th. Why? Either I received really good news or really bad news on those days.

8. What’s your biggest achievement of the year?

Smiling again, laughing again, looking forward to the future. Then, when bad times came again drawing upon past mistakes and triumphs.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Pass.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. For the first two months of 2005 I had to wear a walking cast due to the startling realization I had an extra bone in my right big toe and it broke. Then there were those procedures at the hospital.

11.What was the best thing you bought?

Our house, a dream come true.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The kids have been a marvel to behold (at times).

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?

Those are strong words. I feel those emotions every time I read the newspaper.

14. Where did most of your money go?

It was lovingly placed in envelopes, stamped, and picked up by a white truck. Some of it stayed locally. Some of it flew to far-off destinations. Nearly all of it went to a corporation called Exempla. You might see “Exempla” in big gold letters on the sides of hospital buildings. Then there was the mortgage, which is a joy to pay. Really.

15. What did you get really really excited about?

The getaway, seeing U2, moving and an upcoming hush-hush adventure…

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?

“City of Blinding Lights” by U2

17. Compared to this time last year are you?

a)happier or sadder? A barrel of worms, here. In a way I am happier. I am wiser. I am more melancholy, but not necessarily sadder. I am more of everything.
b)fatter or thinner? I was pregnant this time last year, but not far along. I have basically stayed the same for a few years.
c)richer or poorer? Richer.

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

Romping.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Being the life of the pity party.

20. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?

Fondue! Year #11 in a row.

21. Did you fall in love in 2005?

Yes, with the babies.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

“Lost”

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

No. I don’t hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

How wonderful it is to hold an iPod.

26. What did you want and get?

A house

What did you want and not get?

A baby

28. What was your favorite film this year?

“Walk the Line” but I haven’t seen Narnia yet so it could change.

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

I turned 34. We ate out.

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

A Snickers bar.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion in 2005?

Black! Shoes! Earrings! Darling!

32. What kept you sane?

God. Hubby. The kids. Other family members and friends. Writing.

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

Nobody.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Iraq.

35. Who did you miss?

Everyone who left.

36. Who was the best new person people you met?

My nephews.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.

Pain is a teacher, a sculptor, the refining fire. It is the hand under my chin that gently nudges my face up. I’d stare at the ground all day if I could. Instead, I look around and up and see I am not so alone. More than anything I want beauty to come from these ashes.

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

How about a whole playlist? It’s the iPod in me. Can’t help it. Here’s 2005, in song:

“Precious” by Depeche Mode
“Quiet You With My Love” by Rebecca St. James
“City of Blinding Lights” by U2
“Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
“Thrive” by the Newsboys
“Collide” by Howie Day
“Little Star” by Madonna
“Secrets” by Tears for Fears
“Touch” by Delirious?
“Let Go” by Frou Frou
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson
“Cornelius” by the Newsboys
“Stars” by the David Crowder Band

I’m tagging my husband, the reluctant blogger.

*Bill Vaughan