I actually followed through with some of my resolutions

As 2013 comes to an end I’m sitting back reflecting on all that I’ve gone through and accomplished this year. Some of you may remember me creating a motivational memory board where I shared all my resolutions for 2013. I’ve kept that board by my bedside all year so each morning I’d wake to see what I needed to work on. Now I knew better than to think I would accomplish or master each task but I did hope to at least make a few of those resolutions stick. While going through them today I realized I did manage to achieve more than I’d hoped for. See below. Lose weight: In 2013 I lost 30lbs. I gained 7 of those pounds back over the past three months since taking a break but overall I still did lose. It wasn’t the ideal amount but I count this as a win since I at least lost something. Dance: Boy have I danced. I find myself turning on music on the weekends and pulling Makenna into the living room to dance our butts off. It’s so much fun. Next I want to master country dancing. Get more organized: I’ve struggled with getting more organized at home but I definitely have mastered it at work. My desk is always perfect before I leave for the day. I still need to work on my bedroom. =) Keep track of money I’m spending: I become much more financially responsible over this past year. I worked hard at keeping track of everything and built up my credit once again giving me a credit score that made it possible to get out from under my old car that had me upside down. Get a new car: Due to my good choices regarding my finances I was able to purchase another car and this time it was something I actually wanted rather than what I could afford. It definitely helps when making that payment each month. Learn to cook: My stepsister has started teaching me things. I even find myself experimenting on the weekends. What’s even better is that I enjoy it. There is still so much to learn but I’m excited about continuing this resolution. Learn to laugh: I’ve learned to do this a lot lately. Rather than get angry when things don’t go my way I try to stay positive and focus on what is going right rather than wrong. I’m slowly starting to live each day with an open heart and it’s amazing how much happier I am. Still something I want to work on but again…another win. So the things I didn’t accomplish…the main ones would be getting down to my high school weight, traveling, and finally buying another laptop or computer so I can keep up with technology. Good thing I have 2014 for that. I will try to write another blog before 2014 giving more highlights of my year but for now I just wanted to say I’m proud of myself. =) Yep…I said it. I’m proud of all I’ve done this year. Now it’s time to make my 2014 board. =)

Seek His presence, not His presents.

I’ve been racking my brain for a week trying to figure out how to fix the current situation our family is in. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in days. I spend my time searching for a 2nd job, a roommate, anything that can help our current financial state. I’ve yelled, screamed, cried but up until last night I had not prayed. The realist in me has tried to logically find a solution. I’ve to...ld myself I don’t have time to leave my fate up to God and that I have to come up with a plan. However I realized last night that while I may not need to sit around and wait for a miracle I do need to pray for some guidance during this time. I’m not the most spiritual person but I have found that while dealing with all of this I’ve lost a little bit of my light. In order to make the best decisions for myself & my daughter I need to be working with a clear mind and full heart. With that said, I think I need to remember this more than ever right now because with His presence I will get through this.

New Car!!!

Goodbye Chevy. Hello Nissan. Feels great to finally have something more reliable. Happy Birthday to me! :-)

30th Birthday Bash

 

Those who know me well probably remember me saying I wanted to go on a trip somewhere far away or that I wanted a fancy dinner for my 30th birthday. I realized this weekend one thing, that far away place wouldn't have included my family. That fancy dinner would have been in a loud restaurant & I wouldn't have been able to share stories with my close friends. Partying downtown wouldn't have inc...luded my daughter. I guess what I'm saying is that everything I thought I wanted for my 30th birthday wasn't at all what I needed. So what did I need? I needed to spend quality time with my loved ones. To share memories with my sweet baby girl rather than partying downtown. Sitting around with my friends & family in our home and watching our kids play together was more satisfying than any trip. Receiving phone calls, texts & emails today from so many sweet friends was the icing on the cake. Then to check the mail this evening & have a card from my grandparents telling me how proud they were of me ended an absolute perfect birthday. I may not be where I thought I would be at 30 but I can say this. I have a beautiful smart little girl that I can't live without. A good job, a family that loves me, an unbreakable bond with my grandparents, friends that are still there after 18 years, and amazing new friends who I'm lucky to have met as well. There is little to no regret here. Yes I'm a work in progress but I still keep a positive attitude and I'm working my butt off on achieving all my goals. That's pretty darn good if you ask me. So here we go 30's...bring it on

                                    

                                            

Meet Scuttles

We decided to rescue a kitten today from Petsmart.  Makenna couldn’t have been happier.  There were lots of adorable kittens there but as soon as I picked him up I knew he’d be the perfect fit for our family.  He’s so sweet and loving and just wants to be carried around like a baby doll.  Absolutely what my  year old wanted.  His adoption name was Scuttles and we decided to stick with it since Makenna is obsessed with The Little Mermaid.  I’ll update with more pics as he grows.

Makenna's First Haircut

Well I finally caved in and allowed my mom to take Makenna to Salon Divas to get her hair cut. This has been an ongoing battle because my bestfriend cuts hair and wanted to be the person to cut Makenna's hair. For those who know my mother you know that when she has her mind made up on something there is no changing. So rather than continue to fight with her I figured I'd allow her to take Makenna this one time to Salon Divas and after that I'd have her go to Alexis. Seems like a good compromise right? Wrong! I ended up completely upsetting Alexis and now I feel like total crap. I should have just stood my grind and taken Makenna to Alexis in the first place. Total bestfriend foul. =( I've already apoloygized but to help make it up even more I've decided I'll be blogging about her business coming up to help advertise for her. I'll share it on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & here. I know it doesn't fix things but atleast its a step in the right direction. Be on the look out for more info. Here are pics of Makenna's first haircut. It may not have gone as planned but atleast I remembered to take pic and keep a lock of her hair for the baby book.

Painting Time - Take 2

Alexis & I decided to try out Easely Amused again. This was her first time and my second visit. Once again I had a blast. The theme tonight was "Tree of Life". For it being her first time I think she did much better than I did. I wish I could blame it on the alcohol but I was completely sober this time around. For those who still haven't tried them out, definitely schedule a night in the next month. They are running specials for September so its the perfect time to experience this.