As another year draws to a close, one can’t help but reflect on the year – and a blogger cannot help but write all about it, amiright? I read these 20 questions for a New Years Eve reflection at Simple Mom and thought it might be fun to fill in the answers on my blog. I’ve probably done this several years now

20 questions for a New Year’s Eve reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? There are so many things I’d consider mentioning here but I think BB starting 4K has probably been the most exciting – she absolutely loves going to school with her brother and riding that big yellow school bus and I’ve loved the few hours a day to myself. I’m sure later I’ll think of something else obvious but right now that’s what is coming to mind.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Although we love our puppy, learning to be puppy parents has been a very trying experience with a lot of ups and downs – much like becoming parents!

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? I became a “karate mom” this year somewhat unexpectedly and have been so impressed by the kids’ karate instructor and the influence that it’s had on both kids.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? I guess the last answer is a bit twofold – karate has been both a blessing and a curse these past months as I’ve struggled to figure out our evenings 3-4 times a week, namely when and what to feed the kids for dinner in between lessons!

5. Pick three words to describe this past year. Busy, enlightening, fun

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your year—don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you. (If you’re not married, have fun guessing the answers from other friends and family, or just skip this question.) chaotic, memorable, new

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their year—again, without asking. busy, productive, athletic

8. What were the best books you read this year? Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, Daddy-long-legs by Jean Webster, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? Aside from my husband, I’ve been very grateful this year for my many friendships here in Wisconsin – I’ve continued to grow closer to a few wonderful ladies and continue to make more friends each month thanks to my women’s group.

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? Having both kids at school this year has been a major change for me.

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I think I’ve gotten more comfortable with talking to strangers and feeling more confident socially.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? I don’t know if I’ve grown spiritually so much as gotten more comfortable with my own beliefs and ideals.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? Apart from gaining weight, I’m not sure that I have. I’d really like to get more active in 2014.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? Really just the old slow and steady of making new friendships and becoming closer to them. I don’t know that I’ve done any significant thing to make this happen so much as just kept myself social as much as possible.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? I’ve really enjoyed the new role I took on in my son’s cub scout pack – managing the website for the pack and putting together a monthly newsletter. It’s been challenging at times but it’s really helped me to get to know the other parents a little better and to understand how scouting works.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? With all of our evening commitments and daily goal, I seem to be constantly behind of cleaning.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? probably games on Facebook… shhhh….

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? I’ve spent a lot of time this year working out better organizational systems around the house – how we store things and use them. This has been a big help.

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? I think the biggest lesson I continue to learn is that I don’t know everything and that all life lessons are made to be relearned, with new revelations discovered each time. I am a work in progress and I can only grow by being fluid.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes this past year for you. It’s getting better all the time.