Goodbye to 2013

As this year nears its end, I can't say I'm sorry to see it go. It had ups and downs, like every year does, but in particular I learned some very valuable lessons I won't soon forget.

Rather than a list of resolutions for next year, here's a list of what I learned:

1) Always be thankful for those that love you and have your back.

2) Don't ignore your instincts - in life or work.  If you're gut is telling you something is wrong, it probably is.

3) Time is a commodity that, once spent, is never returned.  Make sure you're spending it on the right people and things.

4) Las Vegas is a terrible place and someone should burn it to the ground**

5) There are bad people in this world. That's a fact.  But, just because you encounter one, doesn't mean you should give up on people as a whole.  There are also some really good people.

6) Friends can be very wise if you listen to them.

Now go check out this blog that always makes me laugh.  #3 on her list of disappointments is my favorite.  One day it will be legal...one day...


My Champagne of choice this NYE is Piper-Heidsieck.  It comes in this beautiful box (you can use the top to hold a votive candle also).  Marilyn Monroe said she started each day with a glass, but I can't think of a better way to toast in the new year (besides a kiss at midnight, of course).  Cheers 2014!!!






**I'm kind of kidding about this one.  My BFF and I had some fun times on that trip but I swear I will never, ever go back.

Much Needed Article

Based on some choices I've made lately,  I really started to question my decision making process.  As the year ends, there is a lot for me to reflect on - successes and failures.  

While thinking about 2014 and what I hope the next year to be like, I happened across this article:
Mentally Strong People:  The 13 Things They Avoid  

I spend a lot of time on my physical health but don't often think of my mental health and whether I exercise practices that make me mentally strong.  

In reading this list, I immediately identified the things I absolutely don't do ( #7 dwell on the past, #9 resent other people's success, #11 fear alone time, #12 feel the world owes them anything, #13 expect immediate results);
the things I sometimes do  ( #1 waste time feeling sorry for themselves, #2 give away their power, #3 shy away from change, #4 waste energy on things they can't control); 
and things I have a bad habit of doing (#5 worry about pleasing others, #6 fear taking calculated risks, #10 give up after failure)

So my resolution this year is to commit as much time to being mentally strong as I do to taking care of my physical body.  For 2014 I'm focusing on overall health rather than just cutting back on drinking or carbs.  

Here's wishing you all luck with your mental and physical health in the coming year.  (I suggest you read the full article - very interesting) 

Tough times.

There have been a lot of changes going on lately that have made things tough overall.  My aunt sent me this today and it couldn't have been more timely.