Looking Back and Ready for What's Next!

Happy New Year!! Cheers to all things that made 2011 so special and memorable as well as a nod to those that made me struggle, because without those two things combined, I would not be so grateful and optimistic about the year ahead. This year there is so much that I am looking forward to and so much that I am excited to be a part of.

One of those being my new approach to food. This past November I embarked on a ten day juice fast, which was probably one of the most disciplined things I have done in some time. But it really opened my eyes and opened my heart to cooking. While on this fast I realized how unhealthy I had become, how addicted to food I really was. It was crazy! Even while I was on the fast I would make lists of places I wanted to eat when I was done, I even dreamed of chili cheese fries...hahaha! Well let's just say that since that fast, I have not had chili cheese fries, or all the other things that were on that list. I gained a new love for veggies, soups, and KALE!! Hahaha yes kale has become one of my favorite things to cook, drink and eat. It's so weird, so refreshing, and so exciting. I come home and I cook for myself, my family and Nick every night and I have to admit, I am quite good at it. So this year I am so excited to continue on this path of being healthy and refreshed. I have a great support system of friends and family who are with me on this path and it makes it so fun and easier, so I am truly grateful for that support.

On the note of friends....this past year has been a great year of friendship. This past summer Nick went on tour with his great friends Kyng and with him gone for about six months I found out that I had a great support system. Some old friends that I knew without a doubt would be there for me, and some new ones that I am so happy have developed into great friendships. All girl camping trips with Sara, Susana, Verno and Amy were some of the highlights of my summer. Or Jersey Shore Thursdays with my new found family. Making Adrienne laugh so hard that she declares "no more" and reuniting with an old Ahso friend.

My outings with Sara and just the great insight we give each other, this is a great friendship that I am so happy continues to grow. New friendships with Monica and reunited with my Steph (Grammy). I was not able to visit my Amy as much as I would have liked, but skype has been a remedy for that. And my friend Adri has continued to show me strength in so many ways, I continue to pray for her and Sarah and even though I am not as present as I can be in their lives I always carry them in my heart. So with this new year ahead of me, I hope to continue these friendships and make more wonderful memories that I was so blessed to have last year! So bring on the charades...soup parties...all girl camping trips (Zion is rumored to be the next one)...Youtube nights and dinner with the Crew!

This year I am going to continue to work on me...work on friendships...my relationship and just be good at what ever it is I decide to do with my time. I want to get some traveling in....Seattle and a spring road trip are in the works...and Europe in winter. I am not going to try and make a list to read a book a month, or lose ten pounds...rather I am going to just do my best at what ever it is I decide to take on this year.
Looking at all the great things that I am fortunate and blessed to have, I am really motivated and excited for this new year. Just like all the years before I know there are going to be some bumps...even some straight up mountains in the road, but for now I am going to remain optimistic...hopeful...happy!


Today Sounds Like:

Stay Free - Black Mountain

Joy - Phish

Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

Bron-Yr-Aur - Led Zeppelin