So, I have to start out saying that at first, I started writing this for my eyes only. But after completing it, I decided that I wanted to share this with everyone. Yes, it's just me rambling about my year. No, you don't have to read it. It's just a little glimpse into what was my 2013. Hopefully this is the start of me writing more! I'm so bad about writing, however, I know our families like reading what's been going on. So for that, I promise to try to get around to writing more & keeping you all updated a little better in 2014!
Most years for me definitely have their ups and downs. I feel like 2013 was a year that I will only look at with ups and positivity. That's a first. I haven't been so consistently happy since I was a kid. This is the longest I have consecutively gone without being depressed. That in itself is a HUGE accomplishment for me. It's crazy what a little exercise and healthy eating will do for you. I feel so balanced in the "happy department"…finally. And speaking of fitness and making the right food choices, this has been my healthiest year yet. I accomplished some things I never knew were possible: I ran three 5k's, one day I randomly ran 6 miles, I beat my goal weight of 130 (weighed in at 129 in July), I also beat my goal to be a size 5 (the majority of the jeans/shorts I buy are now 3/4s). I've come a LONG way making healthy choices for my body!
So many people make new years resolutions or bucket lists and then don't follow through. They don't live life to the fullest. I can honestly say that this year I was 100% completely fulfilled. Yes, I have continued to struggle with anxiety, but as always, I am working on it. Also, my job can be very stressful at times (you watch kids for 60+ hours a week and tell me you'd never be stressed), however, I love what I do. I wouldn't offer to work so many extra hours if I didn't love the girls and what I do for their family. I worked more hours this year than I ever have before! The girls and I are always up to something fun...running errands, cooking & baking, doing crafts, playing "make over", going to the park, the beach, the movies, etc.
My relationship with Charlie is stronger than ever, and I am proud to say it's the healthiest relationship I have ever been in. Do we argue and drive each other crazy? Yes. But that's okay …it only makes us stronger at the end of the day. I have kept in touch with so many old friends this year …probably more so than the last 6 years since I moved away from Illinois. I got to see these old friends multiple times -- between a few trips home, a few trips to Colorado, and having visitors here in California. I feel like Beth and I have become the closest we have ever been too! We used to hate each other growing up and now I am happy to call her one of my best friends. My relationship with my parents (all 3 of em!) has stayed consistently strong. I have been in a good place with them for years …but I am happy to strengthen our bonds and only grow closer to them. I also continue to love getting to know Charlie's family. They are great and treat me like one of their own. So blessed to have both of our families in our lives!
Speaking of Charlie...here is our year together in review! We went to countless concerts (mostly for free from winning tickets), multiple weekend getaways (Temecula 3x, Vegas 2x, Illinois, Colorado 2x, camping 2x, San Diego 2x, Ventura, & the Bay area), hiked several locations, baked Christmas cookies and got our first Christmas tree together, re-signed another year lease at our apartment, grilled out, had fancy dates in and out, celebrated 2 "unofficial" years together and 7 months later celebrated 2 "official" years together, went to 3 Lakers games, went to a Dodgers/Giants game, experienced NAMM for my first time, had numerous visitors, went to Disneyland, celebrated holidays, watched sunsets from the cliffs in Palos Verdes and from the beach across the street from our apartment, stood in line for 4 hours together trying to win Rolling Stones tickets, went to a Jack Daniel's hosted party at the Playboy mansion for my 25th birthday, tried kayaking for my first time, went to private parties (IROCKE, Lucent Dossier, a Yelp yacht party, & Rebelution's band after party), worked shows together (Charlie writes reviews, I take pictures), went to two music festivals, went sailing for the first time, went to the US Open of Surfing, saw Bob Saget do stand-up, went wine tasting in Temecula & Malibu, met celebrities, partied with Artimus Pyle (Lynard Skynard's original drummer), we did brewery tours in both CO & San Diego, experienced Sky Zone for the first time,
I had a lot of personal firsts this year! I tried sushi, oysters, and several fish dishes for the first time. I also have overcome my hate for salads. I still won't touch lettuce, but I now love me some spinach and mixed green salads ;) For those that know me well, I have always hated salad and seafood. I dominated my list of 25 things I wanted to do before I turned 25 (holyshitimalmost25.blogspot.com). I didn't finish every single thing on the list, but I can tell you that I accomplished a whole hell of a lot and had the best time doing it. I planned a 50th birthday party for Lisa, and it turned out excellent. I'd love to do more party planning in the future.
As I said, this past year was absolutely incredible, and I wouldn't change any of it for a minute. I can only hope and pray that 2014 will bring me as much joy, happiness, love, and good times.
The upcoming year is looking busy already! We have visitors the first three weekends on January, and the fourth weekend, I'll be in Illinois for my friend Bernadette's wedding. We also have tickets to see the Eagles at the newly renovated Forum for the fourth week of January. I'll be home in March to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday (luckily, she is computer illiterate, so she wont' see that!), November for my Grandma's 80th, possibly May to do Summer Camp with Charlie, and hopefully a trip around Christmas time. We're also planning a trip with my dad & Lisa to celebrate my dad's 60th in Italy sometime this summer! As promised, I will try to keep you up-to-date on all of these good times.
Until then, I hope you all had a great 2013, and cheers to an awesome 2014!
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