What I Learned In 2012

For the past couple years now I have written a post sharing what I learned in the previous year and how it changed me or relates to how I will go forward in life. As I was thinking over the past year I realized it would be harder in 2012 than previously. So much has happened from major disappointments to shock, to joy. Trying to pick the biggest lesson from the year was difficult for me but I think I can sum it up to say that no matter what happens around you to stay strong and confident that the best is yet to come. Don't worry, I will spare you a lengthy melodrama or too many cheesy remarks. 
Hope is a powerful thing, always believe that your life can be improved. Whether it's your mental or physical health, happiness, or dealing with a tragedy, we must learn to take it in stride. Know yourself and process your emotions. Reach forward either by focusing on the future and what you're going to change or do, or reach out to others. No matter what is happening there is always someone going through something worse. There is always someone with less blessings, less family, less money, etc. All we have to do is remember the victims or Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy to understand this. 

We need to strive for peace, always. Whether it's local or abroad. A small or a large scale. Little things can make a big difference. No matter how chaotic things get in our lives, don't forget the big picture. It's worth working towards!
And lastly, I have learned to recognize those that are true friends. This past year, more than ever, I have appreciated those who stand with me and beside me. Those who have made me laugh in spite of tears, pray through the tears, and be to thankful through the tears. Those who have put me first when I needed it. Those who have read my blog hahaha even when there is nothing worth reading! Those who have tested my new recipes a.k.a. experiments. :) Those who I have spent so much time with and made so many memories with that I hope I never forget. Shows, concerts, dinners, movies, or just sitting and talking. 
I hope that everyone has at least one friend in their lives that they can list these things about, that they can count on. I know I have more than one and for that I am eternally grateful.
I am looking forward to an awesome 2013 and I truly wish you all the best that life has to offer!!
As always, thanks for reading and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 



And if you're really interested, here's look back at one of the last posts of 2010 and 2011:

2010 
2011

Happy New Year!

Here's to another year! 

Wishing you and your families all the best in 2013!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! I know I did! For those fellow travelers who go home for Christmas each year you know that the most fun is not opening your gifts, but "sorting the loot". That time when you get home and you're unpacking and finding new "spots" for everything. If your house is anything like my house, when opening gifts you don't really have time to LOOK at what you got or play with anything. There's always family you want to visit with, food to cook and then eat, clean up, catching up and playing games :) All the things that make the holiday special, not just "what you got". But I must admit last night when going through all my presents I realized that is one of my favorite times. Trying on the clothes I got, planning my week of new jewelry, playing with the Kindle Fire that I totally was not expecting, oohing and ahhing over my new cowgirl boots and thinking of all the things I'm going to wear them with.  Running around turning on all my Christmas lights and decorations, watching Elf, and generally just enjoying the Christmas spirit and being home. There's something about being "home". I think no matter how old you are, wherever home is for you or whether you go for the day or the afternoon, there's something nostalgic about being home on Christmas. I am so thankful for all I received and the things I was able to give, the time spent with my family and friends and that the snow held off until I was safely home. 

Hoping you and yours enjoyed just as wonderful of a holiday :)

Tis the Season - Online Shopping and The Greater Good Network

I wanted to take a minute to share this site for those who do some of their Christmas shopping online. I just placed my first order with them and am very excited for my stuff to arrive! If you're already planning on purchasing gifts, why not have a portion of that money go to a great cause? Please check it out and consider placing an order!


The Greater Good Network


The above link will take you to the Breast Cancer Site Store but along the top of the page you can choose another cause from the Greater Good Network of options that's important or special to you!