2010: Looking Back

2010: Looking Back

My friend, Jill, assembled/created the following list of questions to reflect on the past year. I so enjoyed reading her responses and was excited when she encouraged her friends to answer the same questions. I've spent the last 24 hours thinking about the past year and here is what I've come up with...

What was one goal you accomplished in 2010?


I accomplished two major goals this year. First was running more than 1,000 miles. I finished the year having logged 1105 miles. I'm grateful that I remained healthy and uninjured during the year. Second, I successfully defended my dissertation proposal and am on track to finish my PhD in 2011.

What is your favorite memory of 2010?

Staying in a swanky hotel in Taipei. D, K, and I spent our last day in Taiwan traveling from the southern part of the island to Taipei. We spent nearly 18 hours in a wonderful hotel. We swam in the hotel pool, took a dip in the hot tub, steamed in the sauna, played/read in the kids' play room, ordered room service, played with the magic glass in the bathroom, and enjoyed a wonderful night together as a family. It was a perfect and relaxing way to end our stay in Taiwan. I boarded the plane home after a wonderfully sound night of sleep.

What is your least favorite memory of 2010?

Breaking up with my advisor last February and facing the fact that I didn't have funding or a dissertation project. My stress level last January was at an all time high. I was angry, frustrated, and fearful that I would never finish my PhD.

What was the best trip you took in 2010?

The weekend D and I went to Philadelphia for the marathon. K stayed with my parents. D and I enjoyed a quiet night at the hotel, long hot UNINTERRUPTED showers after the marathon and two peaceful nights post-marathon together. We shopped, ate wonderful meals, celebrated with a bottle of wine and enjoyed Philadelphia.

What was your favorite purchase in 2010?

I have three: 1) my garmin, who has since been named Gary; 2) my camera - I purchased it "new to me" and then it was stolen when our house was broken into and through our insurance I got a brand new one; and 3) my new purse and wallet (who would have guessed that a red purse - big enough to serve as both a diaper bag and purse - would make me so very happy).

What was the best book you read in 2010?

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I did not read a single book in 2010. NOT ONE. I barely read an article in TIME. I read so very little that we canceled my TIME subscription for this year. In my defense, I did read more than 300 articles related to my dissertation.

What changed about you in 2010?

I think (you'd have to check with D to be sure) I became a better listener. I also surrendered some of my pride - I am no longer embarrassed to sing or discipline my child in public - and I've actively engaged in our church's bi-monthly community celebrations and concerns times.

What made you cry in 2010?


What didn't make me cry is probably an easier question to answer. I cried out of exhaustion, exasperation, loneliness, and feelings of inadequacy.

What is one home project you accomplished in 2010?

We (and by we I mean by dad painted) painted our kitchen, dining room, entry-way, and hallway up the steps. We also agreed on a color for our living room which we plan to paint in January. We also had repairs made to our sunroom and office following the blizzard last February. Both of these rooms were repainted, too.

Best meal of 2010?

We had the most fabulous meal at Mi Lah in Philadelphia the night before the marathon. It was hands-down the best vegetarian restaurant I have ever eaten at. During our meal we got to chat with the owner/executive chef.


At home, D cooked so many wonderful meals that I don't have the time or space to recount them all here. Of particular note were the fish tacos he made for my birthday dinner. This meal was complete with two dessert courses: 1) a chocolate tart with toffee filling; and 2) four cheese served with nuts, jam and crackers.

What made you want to scream in 2010?

My original dissertation committee chair. She made my life miserable. Also the individuals that broke into our house -- you both suck.

What was your verse of 2010?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).