2008 Survey

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Got married (for real this time heh), swam with stingrays, went snorkeling, quit my very first job, found out we're moving to Japan...

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't exactly recall any exact resolutions, but I remember wanting to make the most of my Columbus, MS experience and I believe I did.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? A few friends from base

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, RIP Grandpa

5. What countries did you visit? Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Honduras, Belize and Grand Cayman!)

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More patience; stop sweating the small stuff

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? December 14th- our cruise wedding

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Standing up for myself and my beliefs and walking away from a job where I knew I wasn't being respected.

9. What was your biggest failure? I'm not sure I would consider it a "failure" but a definite flaw is sticking to the budget. Joe and I have worked hard on budgeting this year and it's finally working out!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing major... killer allergies, the flu and migranes...

11. What was the best thing you bought? That's a tough question. I felt like I bought some really creative gifts for Joe this year (airplane models of planes he flew in pilot training)... but the best thing we spent our money on was probably for the cruise (excursions and other expenses along the way)!!! We can't wait to go on another one!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Hah that's tough! The dogs' behavior improved drastically throughout the year. They can be trusted to roam the house freely while we're gone without destroying anything. Joe also has been great this year! He's really picked up when I need help with things around the house, or when I'm having a tough day he's always there to help with encouragement.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? People from the job I quit. I've never had to work in such conditions and I was in no way going to be associated with it any longer.

14. Where did most of your money go? Bills, student loans, gas, the dogs (vet bills, too many toys, etc.), food and shopping.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Our cruise wedding! It was great to have so many close friends and family members come all the way out for our special day. It meant a lot to us for those who came out to support us. Also, moving to Japan! Ok we weren't excited at first, but now we can't wait! It's going to be an experience of a lifetime!

16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Womanizer

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier! Pilot training is over, we're finally moving out of MS, and we're so excited to see what Japan has to offer!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Working out and organizing my teaching things

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Going out of my way to reach out to friends who don't return the favor.

20. How did you spend Christmas? Unwinding from our vacation at my parent's house. It was the first Christmas my whole family (including my brother) was together in 4 years.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Already was

22. What was your favorite TV program? Oh man! One of my biggest downfalls is having "my shows" that I have to watch! Jon & Kate Plus 8, The Hills, Top Chef, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, ANTM, Real World, The Bachelor/Bachelorette... ok so I love reality tv.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is a strong word. I have run across people I don't necessarily mesh well with...

24. What was the best book you read? The Twilight series is amazing even though I didn't think it would be anything I'd be interested in at all. I also read several books from the author who wrote "The Devil Wears Prada".

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Mmmm I can't really think of anything.

26. What did you want and get? To get a great assignment... and we did!!! Oh and a new diamond ring... I love it :)

27. What did you want and not get? I'm a girl so I'm always wanting things... but I don't think there was anything I had to have and didn't get.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? I can't really remember. I did go see "Marley and Me" on Christmas day. What a tear jerker!

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I worked, went to dinner with a few friends (Joe was in Altus for training) and I turned 23.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Having a good paying job that I enjoyed going to everday!!!

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? I have a weakness for shopping and I'm not afraid to admit it. I think I have a good balance of professional/age appropriate clothes and comfy house clothes. I also now only buy things I absolutely love... instead of impulse buying and having things just sit in the closet with the tags still on.

32. What kept you sane? Joe and my dogs (they kept me company while he was gone for 4 1/2 months!)

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I was pretty into Britney... lol.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? the election

35. Who did you miss? My girls from college

36. Who was the best new person you met? I met a ton of great people while being here in MS (Tina, Catherine, Brittany) but technically I guess that's 2007.

7. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Life in the Air Force is unpredicable. Even when you think you're fully prepared and know the ropes, you're not prepared and they always throw new things at you. Things are out of your hands, but enjoy whatever comes your way and make the most of it! In the end, you'll look back and have so many wonderful experiences, memories and new friends.