1. What did you do in 2023 that you’d never done before?
Worked for my county's government. I'm loving this job.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I was accountable for my resolutions and for sure I will write goals for 2024. I'm really happy about how my goals for the year turned out.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not really.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my great aunt Laides.
5. What countries did you visit?
Just the US this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2024 that you lacked in 2023?
Being slower to get concerned about things beyond my control.
7. What dates from 2023 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Seeing my children flourish at school, church, and home. The family trips we took were fun.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Letting go of what was and receiving the "more" God had for me this year. Turning my back to the past was a necessity.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I failed to hold myself accountable for my health goals late this summer. I'm glad I circled back and grew through this failure.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got sick and by the beginning of the year I recovered, thank God.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Anything that allowed me to be a better wife, mother, and person. These things can't be bought but healthy habits do support these things. I guess I have to say CrossFit membership.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Giving and life stuff.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Spending time with my sweet family and traveling to see family.
14. What song will always remind you of 2023?
I listened to "Precious Blood" by Bethel quite a bit. I mostly enjoyed everything Zeke produced and wrote.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
• happier or sadder? Joyful!
• thinner or fatter? Stronger and leaner.
• richer or poorer? Prosperous.
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reflection led me to make better choices than the usual stress coping mechanisms (extra chewing).
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
I worried about what people would think about some of my decisions. That was useless.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
We spent the day as a family eating Brazilian food and enjoying a relaxing day at home.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
The Waltons.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
"Excellence Wins" by Horst Schulze is outstanding. I heard an interview with Horst and took notes a few years ago. I never thought about buying his book or finding more wisdom from him. I learned a lot and I hope to dive into this book again and again.
"The Gospel Comes with a House Key" by Rosaria Butterfield is not what you expect. I was expecting a polite book about opening my door to neighbors, which I fully support. Mrs. Rosaria wrote an anointed book that truly moved me to tears, repentance, thought, and God help me, action. Here is one of the gems she wrote: "Repentance is a gospel fruit, not a social shame."
"I Left My Homework in the Hamptons" by Blythe Grossberg was a window to a world most of us will never know. It left me confounded. I know better but I was surprised that being wealthy is not enough. I was happy to know that doing what matters for your kids can't be bought at a price.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Zeke's new songs.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
A Million Miles Away.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 43. My family took me out to lunch at my favorite local restaurant. It was going to rain a lot that night so we ordered in and enjoyed a meal at home, which was delightful. A few days later our cousins joined us for a night at the Atlanta Symphony.
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Praying more.
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2023?
Business casual.
26. What kept you sane?
Jesus, Zeke, the kids, CrossFit.
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2023.
God means what He says.
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