THIRTEEN THINGS
THE GAL HERSELF
ENJOYED IN 2007
This blog serves as my well organized journal and has enabled me to look over the past year and savour the highlights.
1. My mom’s health. She gave us a pair of serious health scares in 2006, but her health has held steady this year. Which is great news, because she's still my mommy.
2. My cats. All three of them are healthy and happy. These are my babies, and I'm grateful that they're fine.
3. The 2007 NL Central Division Champion Chicago Cubs. What an amazing season! What a terrific cast of characters! These guys were a gas and a giggle and spring can't get here fast enough.
4. Elizabeth Edwards’ book. This book had a tremendous impact on me. Her unflinching honesty and her willingness to face and share her pain … how she embraces others when she needs help … Maybe I just picked up this book at a time in my life when I was receptive to her message, but I know I'm a different woman now than I was when I began it.
5. My three mini-getaways. I got away more than once this year, each trip for just a few days at a time, and all three trips left me feeling rejuvenated. I just got back from Key West, in November I visited Lincoln's Springfield, and in the spring I went to Chateau Elan. I recommend all three destinations to everyone!
6. Greg Maddux finds a home with the Padres. He's got a contract to play another year and in the NL, too!
7. Senators Clinton, Obama and Edwards. As I write this, the Iowa caucus hasn't happened yet. If I was a caucus goer, I'm not sure which one I'd support. But I do know this: I could proudly cast my vote for any of these three. (Biden, too.) It's a good and hopeful time to be a Democrat. I feel optimistic for my country again.
8. Getting my health in order (somewhat). OK, so I look like a fat pigeon. But there is still a bright side: My anti-depressants are working, my skin is finally clear, my teeth and gums are in good shape, and my cholesterol is in line.
9. Waitress. Last year it was Little Mary Sunshine. This year the “little” movie that captured my heart was Waitress. It’s out on DVD. Rent it!
10. Memory Almost Full and Magic. Two of my all-time favorite artists came out with personal and introspective new music this year. For me, the highlight of Paul McCartney's CD was "That Was Me." And the Boss touched me with "Long Walk Home."
11. Jersey Boys. This multi Tony winner deserves all the awards and praise it's received. For all that I know of The Four Seasons' songs, I knew nothing of their colorful and very dramatic beginnings. It's both gritty and glitzy and very well staged. If you can get a ticket, GO!
12. Good friends. This is the family I chose. I adore each and every one of them, and I realize -- and am grateful for -- each time they've kept me afloat in 2007.
13. All that this blog brought me. I feel like a real member of the blogosphere, and want to thank all of you who visit often, listen, comment and send positive wishes my way. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And now I raise my glass in a toast to a terrific 2008! And thanks to Boho Rap for the new banner.
Include your link in the comments and I'll add you here:
1) Susiej shares 13 easy yet thoughtful tips for writing the perfect thank you note
2) Look to Pjazzypar for 13 very funny quotes from comics
3) Ellen B gives timely props to a great American character
4) Malcolm shows us how Bo Diddley is relevant today
5) Sandy Carlson looks back on the role of faith in 2007
6) Nicholas tours his DVD collection
7) Greatfullivin takes on criticism
8) Robin prepares us to battle coughs and sniffles
9) The Pink Flamingo wouldn't load for me. But go visit and let me know what she says.
10) Nicole Austin has a wise and witty TT about (sigh) men
11) The No Nonsense Girl has ambitious plans for 2008
12) Jenny McB is back! Check out her thoughts, musings and "resolutions."
13) Janet has a new look
14) Lori's TT is the most popular resolutions, and I just know yours will be among them
15) Army Wife shares her poetic side
16) Wacky Mommy brings us along to Costco
17) Damozel updates us on 2007's real news stories (meaning, no Britney or Paris)
18) Natalie reminds herself (and us) how to be healthier and more fit in 2008
19) Joy Is My Goal needs our help! She got $$ for Christmas and can't figure which of these 13 things to spend it on.
20) Yen has a movie TT, and you know how I love movie TTs!
21) Deanna shares her collection of Disney toys
22) Nadiah lists her plans for 2008
23) Patti has a TT brought to us by the letter A
24) Emerald City Guy has some new year's resolutions that are uniquely his
25) Harlekwin (she who designed my new TT banner) shares her plans for 2008
26) Danielle is planning for Valentine's Day already
27) Karen -- Georgia Angel shares her wish list
28) Linda R. Moore introduces her roadmap to a successful 2008
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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I'm glad to see so much joy here -- as you reflect. The best recipe for a happy 2008. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your mom's health was good this past year. Here's hoping that she has a healthy 2008. Happy New Year and best wishes to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteNice reflections from the year. Happy 2008 to you!
ReplyDeleteThat's great news about you and your mom's health improvements.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have heard so many good things about "Waitress", the aspect that has me intrigued is Andy Griffith's performance in the movie.
On the recent Emmy Awards telecast, they did a salute to "The Sopranos". Part of the salute included a medley of Four Seasons tunes by the cast of The Jersey Boys. Some people complained that the performance was out of place, but I thought it was amazing!
This is a wonderful list. I share your gratitude for No. 13.
ReplyDeleteLets see if you can double that list for 2008!
ReplyDeleteNice list. It's interesting to see how your blog helps you memorialize your year. All the best for 2008!
ReplyDeleteVery upbeat list, I like that! I have a lot of respect for Elisabeth Edwards, I have not yet read her book but I look forward to it. Glad your Mom is healthy.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great year. Here's to an even better 2008.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what your #1 is all about. It's also very stressful. I live with a phone. My mother is doing okay, but she won't behave herself. I sure hope your mother behaves better and takes better care of herself than mine does!
ReplyDeleteSJR
The (Frustrated) Pink Flamingo
http://thepinkflamingo.blogharbor.com/blog
Sounds like a great year! I hope 2008 is good to you. :D
ReplyDeleteHappy TT!
www.nicoleaustin.net
Hey girl,
ReplyDeleteThe year 2007 has made me feel like I'm a real part of the blogosphere too. :) And getting to know soo many of the great bloggers!!!!
You are an awesome person!!!!! You amaze me! :)
I am so glad that I came here first, another well written post. I will have to catch up on your posts to find out more about your trip to Key West.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and may next year be just as good for you.
#7...hear, hear! Great list :-)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had an awesome year. May 2008 be even better!! Happy TT.
ReplyDeletewhat a good year. hope 2008 is even better.
ReplyDeleteThe Gal Herself, re: #8 -- you are no pigeon -- you are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the reminder to read E. Edwards' book. Elizabeth for president! We just got through a serious scare with a parent's health, so we're crossing our fingers and hoping for the best in 2008....Very nice list.
ReplyDelete13 Unresolved Issues from 2007
Amen to #7!
ReplyDeleteHey gal,
ReplyDeleteExcuse me...a fat pigeon? Do pigeons have great teeth and healthy gums? Do pigeons get their cholesterol in line? Do pigeons worry about their moms? Do pigeons have a wonderful network of friends? No. I think not. And I bet the pigeons don't care about Paul, Bruce, or Greg either (as hard as that is to fathom). So dear gal, in 2008 no more fat pigeon for you. How about (if you need a moniker) just being the "dearest friend to many"? I think that has YOU marked all over it!
your ol' pal
Yes it is good to reflect-- to see all we did, received, shared, our friends, and to see why we are so tired:>
ReplyDeleteA great post!! Terrific reflections! If you get a chance, rent "Away from Her"...it's a tiny little movie with a great big heart! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteVery nice reflections! And glad that your mom's health is doing good! I pray she will be alright this coming year and years! Cheers to a new year!:)
ReplyDeleteMy Thursday 13 is up as well!
A beautiful list :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 2008!
# 8 is quite inspiring :D
ReplyDeleteHappy TT!
Happy 2008!!
ReplyDeleteYour #7 sounds just like my post, which I wrote before I read yours. Great minds baby
Great TT!!! It's so nice to see so many positive things from last year! Here's to an even better 2008! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, I'm also grateful for the slate of Democrats this time around.
ReplyDeleteOooo, thank you for writing that "Waitress" is out on DVD. I missed it in the theater... amazon.com here I come.
ReplyDeleteNumber 8, um yeah, me too! Does it have something to do with the numbers 'five' and 'zero?' I hope not because we can't change those.
Happy New Year!!!
Sounds like a wonderful year and 2008 will be even better! Especially with a new leader :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Great list. Here's to 2008!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ageorgiaangel.com/blog/?p=191
Way cool! There is a lot to be said for health and cats. :)
ReplyDeleteMy TT is about goals this week.