Tuesday, January 09, 2007

A Random Tuesday "It's a New Year" Meme . . .

(Edited on early Wednesday morning: Yesterday, Blogger was giving me fits. And from a couple of comments from a few of you, I think it must have been giving a lot of you fits too. So... I'm not putting an entire post out here this morning, but am leaving this fun "Let's get to know each other" meme to give some more people a chance to answer and participate on their own blog. So, if you didn't make it by yesterday just continue reading below! Ciao!)

But first, I gotta make a quick little (but very LOUD) comment about last night's BCS championship game-HOW ABOUT THE SEC??

As a Bama fan and someone who lives week-in and week-out during football season with the dominating defenses and tough-as-nails competition in the Southeastern Conference, I was BEYOND THRILLED to see Florida win the national championship and see the SEC look so awesome!! Very few people predicted that win (and the way they just embarrased Ohio State), but I (and a lot of us down South) predicted it easy! We kept looking at each other during the game and laughing, "There's that Heisman Trophy winning quarterback" (as he repeatedly got sacked and had trouble even passing the ball!) and yelling, "Go Gators! Who respects the SEC now?" Hee hee . . . you guys all know how much I love sports so it was a fun evening!

Also accomplished from my "To Do" list yesterday: I finished the two hot pink walls in Delaney's room and and today will do the two lime green ones; took down all my Christmas decorations except for the tree and my nutcracker collection (I've decided the snowmen will stay up during the winter months; I just love them too much!); and I sent feelers out to to two editors about assignments (will do more today!).

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And now, for my regularly-scheduled Random Tuesday post . . . I found several different versions of this meme on different blogs and thought it was great for the beginning of the new year! As is the regular custom on Tuesdays here (for you regulars, and for those of you who are new since last Tuesday!), post in my comment section some or all of your answers if you're so inclined, or post that you've done in the list on your own blog. Or just read my answers for your own enjoyment!

Here you go . . .

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?

* Blogged * Rode a mechanical bull * Ate from a chocolate fountain * Took my daughter to her first day of high school

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Gary’s cousin Melissa

3. Did anyone close to you die?

Papa Doug (Gary’s grandfather)

4. What countries did you visit?

None, which really stinks.

5. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?

More hours in the day ; More money at the end of the month

6. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

A few that stand out— The weekend around May 27 (our anniversary), we spent it at the nicest little bed& breakfast lodge in Mentone and enjoyed the beautiful DeSoto Falls; also the day Delaney won her first 1st place trophy in a tournament; the night Taylor Hicks won American Idol (hometown boy!); the days in Savannah and Tybee; New Year’s Day in the mountains; Homecoming Day at Bama; the day in Magic Kingdom at Disney World; many, many memorable days!

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope, unless you count a broken toe

8. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Scout learning to go to the potty; McKenna’s stand on issues that made me so proud (realizing that the things I’d tried to teach her since infancy were actually making a difference in the way she lives!)

9. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

My own sometimes—losing my patience with the kids (the day I got so angry at Scout after she spilled blue paint all over my dining room floor really stands out; ugh!!)

10. Where did most of your money go?

Just regular ole living expenses (and things for the kids)

11. What did you get really, really excited about?

Sports, srapbooking, traveling, and my family

12. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier, About the same, Poorer

13. What was your favorite TV program?

“Lost” and “Heroes”

14. What was the best book you read?

Two really stood out—I absolutely LOVED “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini and “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd. Also loved the Joan Hess mysteries I went on a binge with one month!

15. Is there someone or something you missed this past year?

I wish I could see my friend Angela more often, and I sure missed a winning season by Bama (but next year it’s coming baby and BIG!)

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

I turned 38 (still 2 to go until 40!) and we had several family celebrations—with my parents and with Gary’s parents. And then our annual tradition continued—the girls, Gary, and I went bowling (this started about 6 years ago and no one in the family lets us skip it now. Too fun!)

17. What kept you sane?

Long hot baths, good sports to watch, Gary, church, and prayer. (How about that for a mixture?)

18. What is one new thing you’d like to accomplish this coming Year?

Send out a book proposal for a nonfiction idea I have, substantially work on my mystery novel, and—in a more general way—experience life with more JOY every day!!

19. If you could do ONE thing this New Year and NOT get chastised by, or for it, what would you do?

Just get up one warm, summer morning, get in the car, and just drive to some unknown destination all by myself—no kids, no worries, just me and the open road! (Also -- Eat Krispy Kreme donuts every morning for breakfast!)

20. If you could really, and actually, meet one blogger in 2007, who would you want to meet?

How can I choose? I’d love to meet every one of you!!

Send in your own answers. And to all of you--have a fantastic day!!!!

(Edited also: Yesterday I got to read some fantastic answers on some other blogs that people linked to me. SO cool to read more about each of you. For example: check out Amanda, Jessi, and Andi.
And hey--if you've never tried French Vanilla Cool Whip, go try it today! Tried it tonight and Yummy is all I have to say! )

34 comments:

Andy said...

hey i posted mine on my blog spot. that was fun. loved your answeres.

scrapperjen said...

I love these answers. I'll try to do mine this week. TFS~

Anonymous said...

I was loving that game last night. I get so tired of hearing how great the Big 10 (11) conference is! As I heard on NPR today, "speed kills". And that is what happened last night. I really think OSU didn't see what hit them. I wish Arkansas could have beat Wisconsin, but I will take this game last night over all the other bowls!!!!

Hooray for the SEC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheryl Wray said...

Andy--I'm on my way RIGHT now to check out your answers!!
Jen--Can't wait to read yours too!
Kelly--Oh, wasn't that just FANTASTIC??!! You're even more in Big Ten country, so I guess you hear it all the time! I get so tired of ESPN and national people going on and on about the Big 10 and OSU. They looked awful last night!! Which was wonderful! LOL I really cheered for Arkansas; I wish they and Alabama could have pulled their games off!!

Phats said...

Hmm Just need to remind you of two things
Capital One Bowl
Outback Bowl :) haha!

It's funny I am pretty sure the hogs, and vols were favored in those games and the big ten took them, the Bucks were heavily favored last night and the gators took them, football is an interesting game for sure.

GO BIG TEN!

Michelle said...

I'm finally getting a chance to come thank you for your comment on my blog (ref my daughter's "Dora Christmas!")

My husband enjoyed the game last night - he's actually a Michigan fan, so he can't stand Ohio!

TJ said...

I came by earlier today but stinking blogger is being a biddy...what a was going to say was that is a nice Meme to wrap up the year with...loved all your answers!
:-D

Diane said...

Great questions! I think I'll have to "borrow" them from you. ;)

Anonymous said...

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
Went to my first First Grade Authors’ Tea/Autographing in grandson Matthew’s class; loved it and looking forward to going this year to grandson Garrett’s Author’s Tea; had a grandaughter who started high school; had to rest more; learned that my grandaughter wants me to go to London/Paris with her!! Got to rest more now; Saw my son’s novel in publication; Saw Garrett get his First Grade Bible from Sunday School; Bought a Royal Potty for granddaughter Sydney and she used it!; Toured the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, N.C.—first real vacation since 1998; went to Wichita, Kansas, and I know I must have many many more.

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Great Nephew Dwayne had a son

3. Did anyone close to you die?
no relatives; several friends from church, etc., like sweet Bill Jollitt who was so cheerful and sweet even when suffering

4. What countries did you visit?
None

5. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
more energy and better health but so many people have it much, much worse

6. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
high school reunion (2nd one in 40 years in June) Didn’t recognize one guy even when he told me who he was until I came home and looked him up in annual; He had gained weight (needed to) and looked so different no one recognized him. July going to Biltmore and to visit cousin in Asheville

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes, but not complaining

8. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Scout learning to go to the potty; grandchildren all so precious

9. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My own sometimes—wishing I didn’t say something or wishing I had, etc.
Crazy movie stars
10. Where did most of your money go?
living and giving
11. What did you get really, really excited about?
all my family being here like at Christmas

12. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Can’t answer; I would have to weigh myself!!
13. What was your favorite TV program?
American Idol
The Closer (on tonight on Tuesday; it is great with Kyra Sedgwich (sp)
Masterpiece Theatre
Jeopardy

14. What was the best book you read?
Can’t remember now but I ready many that must have been good

15. Is there someone or something you missed this past year?
People who I don’t see enough
16. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Women don’t tell ages especially year before 60!! i think I was sick.
17. What kept you sane?
At least two or sometimes three baths a day! At least 2 cups of coffee in the morning; prayer; Bible study; worship; Being still

18. What is one new thing you’d like to accomplish this coming Year?
Finishing my novel in first part of year!!

19. If you could do ONE thing this New Year and NOT get chastised by, or for it, what would you do?
Do absolutely nothing one day except fun things.

Bare said...

I always love the meme's you have! I keep meaning to "borrie" some, and will probably get around to it in the near future! In the meantime, I'm glad to hear you've gotten your "to do list" finished. I took down almost all of my Christmas decorations today (the one's that were left over). I have a few pictures that need to come down, and I'll be finished! Whew!

Phats said...

ROLL TIDE!

Cheryl Wray said...

Phats--Yes, Roll Tide and Go SEC!! (I'll stick by my assumption that the SEC's the best, despite your arguments! LOL) We got a good bball win tonight! Yay!
Tammy--Blogger has been AWFUL today!!! I tried to get on for hours this morning and never could. So glad you finally made it in!
Denaid--Go right ahead and borrow them! And good to see you pop in. I think you're a first-time commenter!! woohoo!
Mom--I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED your answers!! You will absolutly finish your novel!! I also love The Closer, but I always somehow miss it when it's on!
Miss--You should definiteley borrie it! lol Ifyou do, let me know so I can read it! It always takes me forever to get all my decorations down!
Phats--Roll Tide again!

Unknown said...

thanks for the motivation to update my blog!!! I just posted my version and yours was so cool!!! being new to your blog...I'm gonna know you in no time flat...LOL!! have a great night cheryl and wow...a book??!!!! widhing you all the best in that endeavor!!!

Aimeslee Winans said...

Hi, Cheryl! Excellent meme! Loved your answers. I plan to do it sometime this week, I promise!

{{hugs}}

Anonymous said...

Wow Cheryl! You amaze me! You always have interesting and jam packed posts on your blog....sometimes I feel like I struggle to write about things. I love the Meme...I will write my answers soon and post them. Sounds like you accomplished a lot...I bet the bedroom walls look great...can't wait to see pictures!
Have a great day!
Oh and yes...we were glued to the game...I kept hearing GO GATORS!! Hee Hee!

Jeff said...

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
* Traveled outside the US!
* Started keeping blogs (not just one, but two)
* Played hockey in a foreign country.
* Completed National Novel Writing Month.

2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

3. Did anyone close to you die? Thanksfully, no.

4. What countries did you visit? Canada. I know, it's not much outside the US, but it is over the border nonetheless.

5. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
* I'll echo the more money at the end of the month.

6. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
* The whole Montreal trip in late July/early August.
* 9/11: The fifth anniversary in '06 was really a hard one on me. It was the same sort of crisp, clear fall day and when the church bells rang at 8:45 that morning to signify the moment the first plane hit it was just chilling.

7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Fractured a bone in my right hand, playing hockey of course.

8. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Hmmm.... that's a hard one.

9. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
See answer for #8

10. Where did most of your money go?
Living expenses... :(

11. What did you get really, really excited about?
* Spending time with Will is always good, even after nearly 12 years it is always good to have the time.
* Writing came back to me as something I really enjoy doing, which was nice and unexpected.
* And, of course, playing hockey (Cheryl is going to ban my use of that word here one day, I just know it).

12. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier / fatter (but I am working diligently on that) / about the same

13. What was your favorite TV program?
"Heroes" (Jan 22 won't get here fast enough)

14. What was the best book you read?
Without You by Anthony Rapp. Rapp is one of the original cast members of Rent and the book details the creation of the show, which is a fasinating story on its own; but also the slow death his mother was going through at the same time the show was starting up on Broadway. It's an amazing story and it had me laughing and crying a lot. I read it flying to and from Alabama last February and the person sitting next to me on the way down gave me a tissue because I was crying so much. Slightly embarassing, but that's how moving the book was.

15. Is there someone or something you missed this past year? I wish I had seen more people when I was in Bama this year. But, I'm coming back for a few days next month (that's February 22-24, Cheryl!) so hoepfully I'll see the people I missed.

16. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 38 too. We spent it quiet, which is how I like my birthdays. Will cooked a yummy pesto pasta dinner and we went to a show (although for the live of me right now, I can't remember what it was).

17. What kept you sane?
* Will
* Good friends
* Working out
* Hockey (oops, there it is again)

18. What is one new thing you’d like to accomplish this coming Year?
* Get this second draft done (if not the whole book) for Neutral Zone
* Get our finances more in order.

19. If you could do ONE thing this New Year and NOT get chastised by, or for it, what would you do?
* Take at least a year off work to reclaim that 8-10 hours out of my day for things I'd really rather do (like write).

20. If you could really, and actually, meet one blogger in 2007, who would you want to meet?
Andy Towle, who runs Towleroad. Everyday he consolodates news, mostly about what's going on that affects gay rights around the U.S. and the World, but also about crtical issues affecting everyone. I'd like to thank him for his efforts.

Congrats, Cheryl, on getting so much of the to-do list done!

Anonymous said...

love your random tuesday, it's really good to be back, I hope you had a really great holiday season

~Telah said...

How bout that Bama game last night! That was a lot better than Saturday's game. And even a surprise visit from Saban! Roll Tide!

aimee said...

Ok, I will try this again. Silly computer...

First, have you considered switching to the new blogger? I have and can tell you that I have very little problems anymore. It was quick and easy to switch too.

Here are my answers:
1. moved to Oklahoma
2.my sister in law
3. my husband's grandmother
4. none
5. To make more friends. Since we move a lot (like every two years) it is hard to make friends for me
6. Easter. I don't really want to say why. It is still to hard to talk about. Things are getting better though.
7. Strep throat for the second year in a row!
8. My boys always surprise me because they are so good most of the time!
9. Mine when I lose patience
10. vacation, holidays, moving
11. My family coming for Thanksgiving
12.happier, more cautious, a little wiser, but have a deeper happiness.
13. Grey's Anatomy, Lost, The Office, Scrubs, Gilmore Girls
14. Harry Potter...was that in 2006? I don't remember.
15. I missed going to a friend's wedding. I was really excited about going, but life happened.
16. I spent my 29th birthday with family.
17. Family, Gilmore Girls dvds, scrapbooking
18. Take advantage of more opportunities. Say yes to life.
19. A shopping spree to buy a closet full of new clothes!

Good luck with your books!

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Nice to read your answers Cheryl. I wish that I felt like doing it but right now I just dont. Thanks for stopping by my Tuesday Tidbits. My Wordless Wednesday is finally up..I am late today because I have been out with my daughter this morning...running around!! Now I have things that NEED to be done!! Have a great day..Sandy

savvycityfarmer said...

So many blogs, so little time...hope you understand...nice to read your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

hey cheryl,
thanks for stopping over and leaving your thoughts on my blog. always appreciate the honesty--we are still early in our parenting six yrs. old and under...but have already had to make that same tv/computer rule with our first grader who has already asked us for one in her room...anyway, stopping by here was a breath of fresh air with your great song today and your love for sports--i am much like you in my love for sports--i always wanted to be in broadcasting and on sportscenter--as for the game--well..i'm from Ohio so i think we were yelling two completely different things at our televisions--ugh.

the not so "new" mom on the blog said...

Howdy Doody Dere! Great meme - I will stick it up on me blog (at least it will give me something to post) heheheh - Yes Gary, I suppose we all get a little bit of bloggers blog!!! Can't wait to see D's room, are you done yet???? Ok, bye for now!!!

Unknown said...

Enjoyed... I love your posts... and it seems like so many others do as well!! I'll have mine on tomorrow.. I already have the draft finished.

Anonymous said...

Hi there, yes, I tried posting yesterday a few times but then I gave up. I figured something was up with blogger. I loved all your questions! Great, great post (as always)and I think I'll answer with a post of my own (so I can elaborate further and add pictures, LOL). I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. You know, it takes me some time to "find the time" but I eventually get to it. I'm definetely answering these...in fact, I think I'll make a page with the answers!

Brown English Muffin said...

I cannot wait to see Delaney's room...I hope you took before pictures to put next to the after pictures!!!

If not scrap all that paint off, take pictures and do it all again.

Please!!! LOL Yeah right!

Cheryl Wray said...

Wow!! I go out to lunch, work on rearranging Delaney's room, pick up the girls from school, and scrapbook a page and . . .lookie at all of you who've popped by.
Let's see . . .
Jessi--Your answers were GREAT! I love stuff like this! I've actually written three books, but NEVER a novel. So, we'll see if I can do it. I really want to give it a go . . .
Aimeslee--Cool! I will love reading it!!
Heather--My problem is that I have TOO much I want to write about. I could probably write three or four posts a day actually! The game was GREAT and, yes, the walls are looking really good!
Jeff--I LOVE hearing from you!! Keep on talking about hockey; I talk enough about football on here!! So cool that you got to go to Canada. Gary's been and loved it, but I haven't yet! Heroes is the BEST, I cannot wait for it to come back! I'm carving out some time to see you in Feb. Can't wait!!!
Anon--Glad you're here, but reveal yourself next time! LOL
Telah--Yes, we looked MUCH better last night!! And seeing Saban was cool!! I'm getting excited about both basketball and football! Roll Tide!

Cheryl Wray said...

Aimee--I think I'm switching to Beta tomorrow. My dh did and said it was pretty painless, so I think I will too! LOVE your answers! Hope everthing is well with you; don't have to share all the whys of hard times, just know that I'm thinking of you!! I also love Gilmore Girls. And wouldn't a shopping spree like that be awesome?
Flip Flop--Never any pressure to have to do the memes. Just fun to read them if you do!! Have a great day!
City Farmer--Ditto to you! Glad you got to stop by!!
Amanda--Oh man!! No, I don't need a chocolate fountain in front of me all day long! I would EAT all day long!!
Elizabeth--Thanks for popping by! I really love your blog and kinda got long-winded on my post there!! We definitely have sports in common. i also wish that I had majored in sports broadcasting when I was in college. I know the game was tough on you; it looked like OSU would win it all, so I know that was hard. But we were happy down South!
New Mom--Hee hee, isn't it fun giving G grief?? Can't wait to read your answers when you put them up. Yes, Delaney's room is looking good. I will share when it's done!
G--Can't wait to read your answers!! Glad I can help you with posts! LOL
Muffin--I absolutely took Before and After pictures. Still getting things arranged and stuff, but maybe pics on Friday!

Mz.Elle said...

Ohh I like this one,and I loved your answers as always:)
Gonna steal it!
The questions,not your answers;p

Anonymous said...

This was hard...I see a layout coming hehe...how dare you make me think gf!!

Susie Q said...

Aw gee, pickin' on is OSU fans huh?...and I am here to be a good loser and congrat all the Gator fans. : ) I am an Ohio girl with loads of ties to OSU. My family is die hard and none of us are proud of how they played, believe me. The Gators played like champions. The SEC *should* be proud.
Anyway...stay well and hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Hugs aplenty,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Definitely check out Friday Night Lights gf!! You will love it...obsessive football at its best hehe.
And thanks for the belated bday wishes. :)

AngelConradie said...

cool- i'm going to do it on my page!

AngelConradie said...

i did this too! i called it "the ghosts of 2006 past"- i quite enjoyed looking at last year in depth!