1. DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR.
Rex...we may argue (quite) a bit, but he's still my favorite person to be with. I love that man! And don't anyone tell him that I called him any kind of "buddy." I don't know why, but he HATES that.

2. LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD - LONGEST FRIEND(s)?
Jenni. I've known her over half of my life. And I know I can count on her for anything. We may not talk all the time, but she's one of those people. She's so strong, so beautiful. And I love her.

3. NEWCOMER AWARD - NEWEST FRIEND
Hello, who do you THINK wins the "newcomer award" with me?


3. HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?
Having my baby, hands down, for so many reasons. Oh, his latest nickname: "Little monkey." And I like it.

4. LOW POINT OF THE YEAR?
April 4th, Grandma's last stroke. It was terrifying. I dread the day when I have to face a life without that woman in it.

5. BEST HOLIDAY?
nothing's popping out at me...maybe i'll come back to this one...

6. ANTHEM FOR 2006?
for my life? "A Change Would Do You Good" by Sheryl Crow

7. ANY REGRETS?
not really

8. BEST NIGHT OUT?
Jenni's wedding. It was a really great day, everything was beautiful...a perfect wedding. Except getting lost on the way home.

9. WORST NIGHT OUT?
4th of July--don't ask! And hopefully something I'll never have to repeat.

10. WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES WITH?
Rex

13. FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR?
Lansing Cleaners

14. LAST GIG OF THE YEAR?
M-O-M

15. BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR?
working it out

16. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?
First, get out of this house! And I'm so excited for all the upcoming firsts. A baby's first year is full of uncharted territory...and I, for one, cannot wait!

17. MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK?
Getting some old man at Chuck's all riled up about how Rex "won't marry me" even though I had his baby...the guy threatened to kill him, Rex threatened to punch him in the face...I don't even WANT to get married right now...STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.

18. TWAT OF THE YEAR?
Oh, that hasn't changed. I still hold the same grudges. And one new one: my dad's ugly white trash girlfriend. That's right. I said it.

19. MOST LOYAL FRIENDS?
Jeannie, Veronica, Sam, Jenni

20. BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?
My whole life changed this year! I have become a different person, in some ways better, stronger, more self-aware, a little less guarded...on the other hand, bitchier, rougher around the edges, more body-conscious...I have a lot more responsibility on my shoulders...my relationship with Rex carries that stress, but we also share the joy that comes with having a baby. I know a love that I never did before, so strong and deep and resonant. It echoes in every other corner of my life. Who knew one tiny person could inspire such feelings? I mean, parents say that. I heard it all the time when I was pregnant. But you just don't know until it happens to you. Otherwise, I don't see my friends much, my house holds three more people, my day is filled with bottles and diapers and messes and cries and coos. Happiness comes from much simpler things. For me, everything has changed. :)