Another year is coming to an end, and the Washington Post Magazine headline reads "The Year in Review." In the article, Dave Barry laughs at 2008 -- from gas prices (which are only funny because the economy was in better shape when we couldn't afford gas), to OJ Simpson and Joe the Plumber. For me, this means it’s time to take stock of what I did (and didn't do) this year. Perhaps my list of experiences will bring to mind your own fond memories. I hope so!
* Took my toddler on 16 airplane flights – and only spilled one airline cup of apple juice
* Witnessed my son’s first steps, first word, first birthday and first haircut
* Reunited with my husband after his 15-month "work-related trip" to Afghanistan – whew!
* Lived (with my husband, toddler, and decrepit collie) like squatters in my mother’s upstairs bedroom for a period of nearly 3 months – and no one came to blows
* Took a two-week no-work-allowed vacation to Zihuatanejo, Mexico – longest vacation of my life and worth every penny
* Endured hideous stomach flu and frequent projectile vomiting in an Orange County hotel room – after 3 days cooped up with a puking toddler, I got the bug myself (ugh)
* Trekked across country with carload of household items, three people and the family dog to our current home in Alexandria, VA
* Lived in a very small hotel room for two weeks while cat pee abatement took place in home-to-be – rented sight unseen through the wonders of Craigslist (Note to self: you can’t smell cat pee through the Internet)
* Became a freelance writer, thanks to the inspiration of Christina Katz’ book The Writer Mama, her blog, an online class, and my own hard work (and tears)
* Launched the LeadingMama Blog, and kept at it even when laundry piled up and the vacuum needed running
* Published articles in 17 regional parenting magazines
* Sold articles for publication in 2009 to 15 additional publications, including two national consumer magazines and four magazines abroad (
* Signed contracts for two additional articles with a national trade publication
* Joined a new group of moms for camaraderie and learned (again) that we all want the best for our kids and we could all use a little boost now and then
* Enjoyed countless library sing-alongs, play groups, park days, zoos and aquariums, and Smithsonian museums
* Cleaned the sand out of my son’s diaper after his first fantastic swim in the Pacific
* Cleaned the sand out of his mouth after his first sandbox adventure in the back yard
* Voted for a presidential candidate who WON (damn, it feels like it's been a long time since THAT happened for me!)
* Cooked Afghan food for an Afghan dinner guest (gutsy but successful attempt)
* Learned to make tortillas (both corn and flour) from scratch
* Checked out so many library books I reached the 40-books-at-a-time limit on several occasions!
* Baked Christmas cookies with my son, who suggested we roll the dough into snakes (Hisssssssssss) because that’s what we do with his Playdoh
It's been a busy year, and 2009 will be busier still. In the last precious days of 2008, I’ll dream and plan the adventures that lie ahead. Oooh, what fun!
