Wednesday, January 14, 2009

farewell 2008

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.


- Albert Einstein

What did you do in 2008 that you have never done before?
Took a quilting class, attended the 1st Faerber Family Reunion, spoke at Stake Conference with a visiting General Authority. We taught the chastity lesson at the GVB, Chris had to give me a monthly shot in the stomach, and taught a workshop on dating at a regional YSA conference. We survived our first youth conference. I got stuck in Chicago and spent the night by myself. Reconnected with old friends on Facebook.

Did you keep your new year’s resolution and will you make new ones?
Honestly, I am sure I had some new year’s resolutions last year but I couldn't tell you what they were. It was probably something about weight loss and something else related to service and church worship. I did not lose weight. I did work out much more often after we moved into our house. And we have had some great spiritual experiences.
I already wrote some New Year’s resolutions for this year! And have them posted to revisit them often.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Cami, Chris’ sister gave birth to her fifth child in April, little Mary. She is so beautiful. Our friends in Oregon had their second daughter Natalie. She too is just beautiful.

Did anyone close to you pass away?
Chris’s Grandpa Paul passed away on December 23rd.

What countries did you visit this year?
Canada…I think that is it. We did not travel much this year.




What would you like to have in 2009 that you did not have in 2008?
We would like to have a new camera and lenses. We want to be debt free!!! This is a big one since we pay almost a second mortgage every month simply paying on student loans. Dave Ramsey has some great principles that we follow. You should check him out.

What dates will remain etched upon your memory and why?
a) December 23rd
b) November just the month because it was a year since we started treatments and four years since we began this journey.
c) the Olympics
d) when President Hinckley passed away

What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
I survived it..really it has been a difficult one.

What was your biggest failure?
1) I did not keep in better touch with family who is all over the US.
2) I allowed Satan power to make me feel like I am unqualified or not good enough. It is my nemesis and I am determined to not let him affect me like that this year.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
No I have had nothing too serious. Thank goodness.
Chris however, had surgery last January. He is usually the one to have the odd illnesses and injuries.

What was the best thing you bought?
My slippers. Chris bought them--I know, so cheap but just the thought of them makes me excited to come home.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Chris. He has worked so hard at church, at work and at home to help me and keep me focused on what is important and good. He helps me to be better and pushes me to do good things.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Chris-no we had a good laugh about this one.
I was however disappointed in the presidential candidates. It was a big election year but I was not impressed.

Where did most of your money go?
The every day things; gas and food. Bills. I guess that is what will happen for a couple years after graduate school.

What did you get really, really excited about?
Our last minute trip to Niagara Falls with Krystal and Jared. Our Christmas trip to DC with Michelle and Richard. The possibilities ahead, we are hopeful for our future and all the things we want to do, can do and all that the Lord has in store for us. We are good at dreaming. Buying our house was really exciting. Decorating it and making it our own has been fun.

What song will always remind you of 2008?
Natasha Bedingfield's Unwritten was played at work a lot. We also listened to the music from Wicked quite a bit.

Compared to this time last year are you a) happier person or sadder b) thinner or fatter c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier-we have maintained a positive attitude and found a better balance with work, school and church.
b) Probably fatter-we had some really good food and enjoyed it all year instead of working out more.
c) We are as poor or as rich (however we choose to see it) as we were last year.

What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading and studying the scriptures, going to the temple, we stopped working as ordinance workers a year ago March and I miss that more than anything; enjoying the every day little things and the everyday activities; cooking dinner with Chris, snuggling and talking and even work. I wish that I had been more forgiving, charitable and loving. I should have spent more time working out and enjoying the summer and the beautiful weather. I would like more faith to endure the things we have to and written more of my thoughts down and taken more pictures of the everyday things that we do.

What do you wish you’d less of?
Worrying--about the things that were out of my control and less time wishing it would change.

Did you fall in love in 2008?
My job—I look forward to going and am blessed because it is worthwhile and motivating. We truly help families and children in our community.

What was your favorite TV program?
Project Runway
The Amazing Race
We just got rid of cable so I think this next year will be different.

What was the best book you read?
I really learned a lot from a Leadership book given to me by my mother. But I probably enjoyed reading others like: A 1000 Splendid Suns, The Kite Runner, The Glass Castle, and The Total Money Makeover.

What did you want and get?
A treadmill

What did you want and not get?
1) A camera and lenses
2) One of our goals and dreams

What was your favorite film of this year?
Netflix movies at home- I know that seems like a cop-out but we rarely have time at home together so that has become our favorite thing. I am not sure I can name one. Iron Man, the Black Knight, James Bond. I think Chris had an influence on these movie choices.

What did you do on your birthday and how old are you?
Wow-28! What a weird thing. I am so close to 30 it is scary. I really thought life would be different at this stage of my life. No regrets but just different. I have a great life. In fact I think it is better than I could have imagined.
Anyway, so my birthday! I had to work and so did Chris. After work we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to the Park Ave Christmas Festival. That weekend we drove down to the Seneca Lake to a castle over looking the lake and ate at this really fabulous restaurant, Edgar's at the Belhurst. It was one of the best meals we have ever eaten. Oh! And I bought myself a winter coat that was a great present.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Casual, very casual and comfortable. I work with families in the inner city and in their homes. I play with kids on the floor or outside so I need and want to be comfortable and able to play as much as possible.

What kept you sane?
1) Chris
2) Church callings and service. There were many activities but through the trials and hard times these callings kept both Chris and I focused on what is truly important and what really matters.
3) Blogging-gives me time to reflect on life and what we have done and could do better.

4) Painting, sewing and creating.

I do not believe that any man lives up to his ideals, but if we are striving, if we are working, if we are trying, to the best of our ability, to improve day by day, then we are in the line of our duty. If we are seeking to remedy our own defects, if we are so living that we can ask God for light, for knowledge, for intelligence, and above all, for His Spirit, that we may overcome our weaknesses, then, I can tell you, we are in the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal. Then we need have no fear.- Heber J. Grant (April 1909)

3 comments:

The Kenyons said...

Reading this post and your last...I think we are a lot alike! :) Although you are a much better person than I am and I hope to be like Lisa Packer one day! Thanks for sharing this...I really enjoyed reading it.

Chris said...

HEY!!!! I bought those slippers. Where's the love.

Amber said...

I have really enjoyed reading your last two posts, and feel like I know you better. Thanks for sharing.