Pretty Good Year

I normally love end of the year programs..you know, the ones where they do the “best of” news and music and books. I haven’t paid much attention this past week because I could care less about Tiger Woods, reality shows, Oprah’s favorite books, Lady Goo Goo, the balloon boy, or anything else that is of no importance to ones daily life. I like to pay attention to the less than known newsmakers. For instance, did you know that:

• December was the first month since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq nearly seven years ago in which no U.S. forces died in combat in the country?
• The worst food in America is the Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing? It rings in with 2,900 calories and 182 g of fat..yes, 182 not 18.2.
• The most read Blog of 2009 was not The Nitty Britty..it was TMZ.com. Surprising to anyone? You go America!
• The Dow ended the year with nearly a 19% gain..Woohoo! We’re rolling in the bucks now!
• According to NOAA, October was the third coldest on record in the US, with almost every state showing temperatures from one to ten degrees below normal. Some Parts of Colorado received record snowfall during October, starting the first week of the month… AND it appears that December is headed for a repeat, with temperatures ranging from one to fifteen degrees below normal. HOLY GLOBAL WARMING!!

I’m sure you feel more intelligent after reading those facts..so to lessen that feeling I’m going to give you my top lists:

Top TV Shows of 2009:

1. Mad Men (I love Don Draper..seriously love him)
2. Modern Family. If you have yet to watch it you must. It is hilarious! Cam is my favorite
3. The Office. I still love it after all of these years. Parkour!
   

Top Albums of 2009:

1. Tori Amos, “Abnormally Attracted to Sin” even if it were horrible she’s my fav..and I saw her in concert. Fabulous!
2. John Mayer, “Battle Studies” love it..love it.. love him…love it..
3. David Gray, “Draw the Line” this came with live versions with some of his older stuff..just great..
   

Top Christian Songs of 2009:

1. Hold My Heart by Tenth Avenue North.. I sing this obnoxiously while driving..
2. Forward Motion by Thousand Foot Crutch…man can I run to this song..
3. Let the Waters Rise by MIKESCHAIR…great song about struggles and trusting God..
   

Top Accomplishments of 2009

1. I climbed Pikes Peak!
2. I did a triathlon with Mike…hated it…but finished!
3. I went back to college…
   

Top Baylee and Jack funnies:

1. Baylee stapled her finger with a pink staple…hilarious!
2. Jack shot a golf ball through our back window..not so funny then but funny now..
   

Top Feasts:

1. Japanese New Year’s Eve at Yoshi’s…the food was so good I forgot to have a cocktail..
2. Thanksgiving Paella at the Senti’s. who needs turkey anyhow?
3. Macaroni and Cheese by Baylee. After a long hike I came home to Baylee’s mac and cheese..super yummy and NOT from a box. She does love me..
   

Baylee’s top Movies:

1. Hot Rod – came out in 2007 but she’s insisting
2. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
3. The Soloist
   

Jack’s Top Girls:

1. Debby Ryan (some Disney showgirl)
2. Julia (his crush from across the multi-purpose room)
3. Taylor Swift?
   

Top Family Trips:

1. D.C to visit the Lehenbauers (the Lehenbauers + museums =good times)
2. Chesapeake to see the McFadden’s (our favorite joke by Liam, age 3 at the time: A man walked into a bar and said, “Oops!”)
3. The top of the Manitou Springs Incline. Great views from the top!
   

Although I’m not one for resolutions because I’m not a very consistent person..I do hope that:
1. Mike comes home
2. Baylee gets above a C- on a History test
3. I be cool and stay in school
4. Jack goes above the 50lb mark

All very do-able, right?

Happy New Year Yinzers!