This is the SEVENTH year in a row.

Here's a link to the first year that I did this... 2006!

And here's a link to last year.

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before? Learned how to organize search parties for a missing person, and how to comfort your BFF when her boyfriend commits suicide. These are things that no one should ever have to learn.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year? I did the "months of" resolutions. They were modified and changed, but I did it!

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

4. Did anyone close to you die? Grandma Hazel, and Andrew. This hasn't been a good year. 

5. What countries did you visit? Everyone stayed here in the USofA

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? I'd like to have a LOT less drama in 2013. There was lots of drama and sadness in 2012.

7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?  
February 19 - The day Grandma Hazel died.
May 3 - The day Andrew went missing.
September 4 - The day they found Andrew's body.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? I married lots of people - to each other! It's so cool to be able to do that.

9. What was your biggest failure? No failures.. just do-overs! 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I had surgery on my wrist, on my, ahem, girl parts, and a colonoscopy. I spent a lot of time on the really good sedating drugs.

11. What was the best thing you bought? I bought myself a pair of Bearpaw boots. Hooray for warm, dry feet!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? All of us who came together to search for Andrew. It was an amazing effort.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Andrew's. Seriously, you guys, suicide is NEVER EVER the best option. It's a terrible, selfish act.

14. Where did most of your money go? Mortgage, car, and medical bills. Three surgical procedures.. even with insurance, that was a lot of dough-re-mi.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? My niece found, and gave me, a rosary that had belonged to my papa. What a treasure! I'm so grateful..

16. What song will always remind you of 2012? Karmin - Brokenhearted. Not that *I* was brokenhearted. I just really liked that song. And also her weird, wonderful hair!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: 
i. happier or sadder? A little sadder. This was a hard year.
ii. thinner or fatter? I am THINNER. I've been really good about exercising.
iii. richer or poorer? Poorer. I'm supposed to be getting a raise after the first of the year, though, which will help.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Spending more time with the family. That's a resolution for 2013.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Worrying. It doesn't do a thing to change the outcome of a situation. (same as last year)

20. How will you be spending Christmas? With my ragazz' and our family on Christmas Eve.. and then going to California for a week. 

21. Did you fall in love in 2012? I fall in love with him every single day. I am the luckiest girl in the world. (same as last year)

22. What was your favorite TV program? I got into Parenthood this year.. and United States of Tara.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Hating people means that you're giving them real estate in your brain.. and I refuse to do that. So to all the haters: go away. (same as last year)

24. What was the best book you read? I loved The Hunger Games. (and yes, I read the oh-so-dirty 50 Shades of Gray books.). Bloom, by Kelle Hampton, was FABULOUS. And Fairy Tale Interrupted, by JFK Jr's Assistant, was really good too.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery of 2012? I caved in this year and got Sirius XM Radio so I've always got a lot of music with me. I love being able to listen to whatever genre I want, whenever I want.

26. What did you want and get? I got a beautiful Pandora bracelet, because I have a boy who loves me and is so good to me. 

27. What did you want and not get? I can't think of anything. I'm so lucky. (same as last year)

28. What was your favorite film of this year? The practically unheard-of "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World." Rarely has a movie made me cry that much.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I had days and days of birthday celebrations.. Benihana, Coffee with the niece, Brasa with my honey. It was fun!  I am one year older than I was last year at this time.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?  A little less drama and sadness. 2013 is going to be a much better year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?  I don't think I have one of those anymore.. unless you count lots of pink.

32. What kept you sane? My ragazz'. (same as last year)

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I was a big fan girl for Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough on Dancing with the Stars. Also, when I grow up I want to be Lisa Vanderpump from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Oh my gosh.. the elections this year. What a polarizing event. I was Minnesota Nice and Voted No Twice (on the Marriage Amendment and Voter ID issues). 

35. Who did you miss? My Papa, and Grandma Hazel.

36. Who was the best new person you met? The niece's friends Katie and Joy.. they're awesome.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012? 1. That suicide is just the worst. 2. That it really IS possible to do things that you'd never dream you'd be doing. 3. That no matter how hard the day is, there's always a new day tomorrow.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Tom Petty: The waiting is the hardest part. Everyday you see one more card. You take it on faith, you take it to the heart. The waiting is the hardest part.