New Years Resolutions

Every year we look forward to the new year as a fresh start; a new beginning.  We reflect on the year that has passed and we typically complain about how horrible the last 12 months have been for us.  

Well I'm gonna brag for a minute, because I had a fantastic year...

I went to Mexico and swam with dolphins.

I moved back into my own place.

I got a new car, and then another new car.

I re-joined the gym.

I lost 30 lbs.

I now have a paid-off mortgage loan reflected on my credit report.

I got to see my best friend and goddaughter, even tho only for a couple days.

I reconnected with old friends.

I got licensed to teach Zumba.

I've made countless new friends.

I started making cakes again, thanks to someone special in my life.

I had a t-shirt designed for my business, courtesy of Magic Seven Clothing.

I bought a 1981 Schwinn road bike.

I got TWO raises at work.

I turned 25.

...and most importantly...

I reconnected with my family.

Along with that, we often think of a "new years resolution," a goal, for the upcoming year.  For many people the first resolution is to lose weight.  Others might want to quit smoking, give up caffeine, stop drinking, limit your Facebook usage, look for a better job,  pay off your debt, or even just to save money.

If these goals are so important that you feel a need to make a whole new years resolution out of them, why are you waiting for the new year?  If you want to lose weight, don't wait another 3 days.  Go to the gym TODAY.  Go for a walk TODAY.  If you want to quit smoking, throw away the rest of the pack in your purse RIGHT NOW.  If you want to pay off your debt, cancel your dinner plans and put that money towards your credit card balances TONIGHT.  And if you want to limit your Facebook use, save the link to my blog first so you can keep up!!

I made a new years resolution about 6 years ago to never make another new years resolution.  I'm proud to say I've been able to stick to that.  When something is important to me, I do it in the moment.  I don't want to wait for life anymore.  I want to make it happen for myself.  So that's what I'm doing :)  

I am, however, going to document every day of 2012 with a photo.  I want to try something new and/or different every day.  Whether it's a different route to work, a different hairstyle, a new food or beverage, or watching a movie I wouldn't otherwise watch.  Life is short, and I only have one shot at this.  I don't want to waste another 5 years on people or things who don't make me happy or contribute something positive to my life.  I highly recommend the same for everyone else.  

Life is so much more worthwhile when you live it for yourself.

Behind the Scenes

As kids, we all go through a phase of wanting to be a star.  A rock star, a movie star, a pop star...a SUPER star.  We all want to be famous.

But me?

I always wanted to sing and dance in the chorus.  

I've never wanted to be a super star.  I don't like to be in the spotlight for too long.  Even now, I love going back to my high school and being the choreographer for the dance productions.  I don't always want to dance or be on stage, I like to be behind the scenes.  I always wanted to dream up the show and watch it come to life as someone else dances or acts it out.  

Pointless blog, just felt like writing it down.

Acne-B-Gone

If you've had problems with your skin your entire life like I have, or even if you only have the occasional breakout...try this.  It works!

'Tis the Season to be...

Grateful.

I'm so tired of walking around during the holidays and hearing people whining about stupid things.  This is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.  You're all supposed to be jolly!!!!  And instead, all I hear are complaints about long lines, traffic, being broke, etc.  Do yourself a favor and try being thankful that you have what you DO have.  Be grateful for the people in your life.

Here's what I'm grateful for this holiday season...

1. My job.
2. My family, immediate and extended.
3. My friends, near and far.
4. My apartment.
5. My roommate.
6. My health.
7. All 5 senses.
8. My goddaughter.
9. Food in my belly.
10. Clothes on my back.
11. My car.
12. The ability to buy gifts for the people I love.
13. My musical abilities
14. My loyal cake clients.
15. The Capitol Christmas tree.
16. My bed.
17. Hulu.
18. Social Networking.
19. My divorce.
20. Dance.
21. Pianos.
22. My sewing machine.
23. Rain.
24. String cheese.
25. Instant messaging.
26. iPhones.
27. Crying when I need to.
28. My ability to think logically.
29. Pregnant friends.
30. NOT BEING PREGNANT, MYSELF.

Those are just 30 things off the top of my head that I'm grateful for.  Make a list...what are you grateful for?  There are so many people this holiday season who don't have what you have.  You're alive.  You're breathing.  You have people in your life who care about you.  You obviously have internet access, or you wouldn't be reading this.  Think about all the families going to shelters to get their Christmas meal this year.  Think about all the kids who aren't going to be visited by Santa Claus.

You're a lot better off than you might feel today.  Try not to be so negative.  Nothing good comes from a negative attitude.