Reflections on 2010: Erin

1. What was the single best thing that happened last year?

Dave was hired on as a resource teacher in October after having to quit his teaching job in September.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Dave's having to quit his teaching job in September and having to find another teaching job by October--not an easy feat for the middle of a school year.

3. Pick three words to describe 2010.

Simplified, healed, and discontent.

4. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2010.

Stressful, scary (health problems), and worrying (my worst habit this year).

5. What were the best books you read this year?

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
Sabbath by Wayne Muller
In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore

6. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

Definitely Dave. He's seen me at my best and my worst this year, and he's loved and supported me all the way.
My parents and family. I really wanted to focus on spending time with my family this year, and I'm pleased to say my relationships with them have grown.
My carpooling buddy, Leanne. She's been there to listen and cheer me up with trips to Qdoba when I'm facing challenges.

7. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
It wasn't so much me changing, but my life changing when Grandpa died in October. I still miss him a lot.

8. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

I loved being able to lead the Editorial Olympic Committee for my company's Olympics last February. We came up with a great idea (human curling) and executed it successfully. I also enjoyed leading a committee that read almost every page of the Chicago Manual of Style 16th edition to find the changes that came with a new edition of our style guide. We all worked well together, and I think what we did will help everyone else in my department. (Yes, I'm truly a word nerd.)

At home, I had a lot of fun trying out new recipes, whether for dinner or a treat for my coworkers.

9. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

The Internet as a whole.

10. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

Reading edifying, educational books. (Wow, what a nerdy, introverted thing to say.) 

11. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

That circumstances can change in an instant, but God is always faithful.

12. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2010 for you.

Seeking a simplified state but still stressing.

Thank you, Simple Mom, for providing us with these questions.