Top Ten

I was thinking about the thinking I'll be doing tomorrow... for my "official goals" for 2011, and I started to mull over 2010.

You could make a top ten list for just about anything, and I wanted to see what friends remember from the year.

I'd love to hear your pics, in any category you want. (And they don't really have to be ten, they could be two).

*Obviously my friends and family are more important and more enjoyable than anything on this list, that goes without saying. So AFTER my family and friends...

Top Ten Books Read In 2010:

1.The Help

2. South of Broad

3. The Speed of Light

4. People of the Book

*Okay, those are only 5. But those were the BEST 5 of the bunch this year* 5 Stars to each of them.

Top Ten Everyday Pleasures (That don't break the bank):

1. Writing a chapter in my novel- a chapter I feel great about.

2. Reading an excellent book.

3. Finishing an excruciating run.

4. Enjoying a seemingly effortless run.

5. A date with Margot at the Bread Peddler on a Saturday afternoon.

6. Playing backgammon with Bob every night at dinner.

7. An excellent glass of Merlot.

8. Clean sheets.

9. Skyping with my parents and Bob's parents

10. Walking around Olympia, especially in the Farmer's Market with a cup of Batdorf and Bronson coffee. -It's heaven, I'm telling you!

Top Ten Happy Memories from 2010:

1. Bob returning home from Iraq.

2. Margot's first... smile, crawling, walking, teeth, etc. They're all great.

3. Bev's wedding. It was lovely and fun, and an amazing opportunity to see my dear friends from college who I miss SO MUCH!

4. Margot's Christening, with all of our families there.

5. Margot's first birthday (with friends and family attending).

6. Running two half marathons and a full marathon. It was incredibly empowering after having a baby.

7. My cousin Hana's visit out to Washington. It was very cool to play tourist and have late chats into the night.

8. The first week or so when the idea of writing a novel occurred to me. (It's been great since then as well, but that was magical for the first little while).

9. Any time I spend with my friend Annette. She's grounded and nurturing. She's a great book critic/ editor/ sounding board.

10. The day I realized I weighed less after the baby was born, than before. (In Birmingham, on Bev's scale. She saw me go berserk with happiness. It's shallow and stupid, I know. But it felt like a victory to me!)

It's been a fantastic year. Tough, but still positive.

I'm really looking forward to next year... I'm sure it will be outstanding as well.