2007: A Look Back

I can't believe the new year's here already. As we entered 2008, I took some time to reflect back upon the last year. Like any other year, 2007 had its share of good times and bad, but all in all, it was a good year. Here's my Top 10 experiences from 2007 (in no particular order):

Number 1

The selling of our first house: Lance and I loved our first house. We had a lot of happy memories there. Our townhouse was pretty and comfy and was the perfect place to start our life together. However, we decided to sell it in order to buy a single family home. Which brings us to:

Number 2

The purchase of our new home: After we had our townhome listed, Lance and I started looking at properties to purchase. We found one that we loved but needed to accept an offer on our first home first. And it was meant to be. Our dream house had other offers on it that fell through and although that wasn't good for the sellers, we were thrilled as it was like the house was waiting for us. When we were finally ready to put an offer in, we were dismayed to discover that we were a few hours too late, as the sellers had just accepted an offer. Our offer was stronger and I don't know how it happened, but the sellers accepted our offer and we were blessed to purchase our single family home. There's a lot of cosmetic work to be done but the layout and the location was perfect. I love looking out of my living room windows and seeing nothing but green.

Number 3

M*Bark: With the move to our new house, we were able to bring M*Bark home. I am notoriously a cat person, though because of Lance, I've grown to love dogs as well. But still. I always imagined my first "adult" pet to be a cat, despite the fact that my husband is a wee bit allergic to them. But M*Bark has been an absolute joy (okay, most of the time). I think it helps that she's smart and is a little bit cat-like.Number 4

Weddings: 2007 was the Year of the Weddings. Lance and I went to 9 weddings this year. We were supposed to have 10, but let's not discuss that. 2007 saw many of our friends and family united. Note: I love the Willows food.

Number 5

Spice Girls: Yes, 2007 also saw the reunion of the Spice Girls. A reunion tour, a best hits CD, and a new single? Girl Power. I entered online for the opportunity to purchase tickets to one of their concerts and was thrilled that I was picked to purchase tickets for their Vegas show. Unfortunately, as I was about to purchase them, my personality got in the way. The show was right before Winter Break and we were supposed to be saving money to renovate the house and to go to San Francisco with the MIL. So of course, Good Kat overwhelmed Bad Kat and I missed my opportunity to see the Spice Girls. I'm starting to think this practical side of me is really a character flaw.

Number 6

12-0: The University of Hawaii football team had an amazing, undefeated season. We were fortunate enough to have tickets to the last regular season game against Washington and it was an amazing game. Trailing 21 points, UH came back to win it. A perfect season. For the first time ever, UH was selected to play in a BCS bowl game. Although they eventually lost to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl (and wow, lost they did), the Warriors gave Hawaii an unbelievable season. Colt Brennan, June Jones, and the rest of the Warriors: We believe.

Number 7

Little people: 2007 also brought the arrival of new little people. Kiyomi and Alli both had wonderful little girls. And now that Alli's brought a great-grandchild to popo, she's leaving me alone. Well, sort of. And I got to feed Alli's baby on Christmas Eve, which is a first for me. I had to hold her while I did it (I also waited until she was old enough to not be so scary...) and guess what! She didn't break! I wanted to post pictures of both Kiyomi's and Alli's babies, but I don't believe in posting pictures of young people without permission. But trust me. They're cute.

Number 8

Harry Potter: 2007 also brought upon the moment that I had been looking forward to for two years - the completion of the Harry Potter series. Of course I joined the throngs of "crazy" people at Borders at midnight to pick up my reserved copy. And of course I started reading at soon as I got home. I read until 4 am and I only went to bed because I knew I had to get up relatively early the next day. I admit, I had to remind myself to be a good matron of honor and not tell the bride-to-be that bridesmaid dress shopping was occurring on Harry Potter weekend. Truth be told, there's not many people that I would've stopped reading Harry Potter for. Sadly, she was one of them. In 2005, I had to put down Book #6 to attend my cousin's graduation and graduation dinner. She's another one that Harry Potter went down for. Anyway, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows did not disappoint and it was the most satisfying conclusion to a series that I've ever experienced. J. K. Rowling? Genius.

Number 9

Knitting Club: I taught Melissa and Vera and finally convinced Joy to learn to knit this year and the knitting club was born. It was a small knitting club (it was really just me, Joy, and Melissa), but it was a knitting club nonetheless. And then Jodi wanted to learn. And then Doreen wanted to learn. And yes folks, we have a knitting club! The best part was when I found out that three of them were knitting together at a complex wide meeting (I didn't have to go). Most of the time knitting relaxes me and I love the feeling of creating something. I also find it an effective way to pay attention in boring meetings. I always take a project that doesn't demand too much of my attention and keeping my hands moving keeps me awake and attentive during the inevitably long presentation. I love knitting and I'm glad I was able to share the joys of it with others this year.

Number 10

Rock Band: Lance and I looked forward to the release of Rock Band ever since we heard rumours of its development. The game was not a disappointment. There's drums, a mic, and a lead and bass guitar. I'm finally realizing my dream of playing the drums and it's awesome. And Rock Band's delivering on their promise to have lots of downloadable songs to expand the game's offerings even further. The game's been out for less than two months and there's already quite a few selections to purchase and download. We just got Buddy Holly. :) However, playing the game has really made me realize how much I miss playing music so I'm planning to get my piano from my parents' house in the coming months.

2007 was a fantastic year and I have no regrets. I'm looking forward to see what 2008 will bring. I'm sure it was be a fantastic ride.