Honestly, if I were to put this year down in the books, it would be by far, my most introspective yet my most outwardly set of days...if that makes sense.
I have learned more this year about myself, those around me and what matters most.
And so...here's what the year brought and taught me...
...that there is no need to spend time defining needs and wants, sometimes they are the same thing and sometimes, you just need to go for both
...that only you can find beauty in what you see and it can be as simple as a photograph like my favorite one above or a roadside tire
...that goals can change pretty frequently and so can their deadlines...go with the flow
...that not everyone will understand what we're setting out to do, no need to explain, keep them wondering
...that having a plan B will be your best friend, no really
...that on a cold day, the windows rolled down and the heater on does in fact feel great and if you meet someone who agrees, stay with them
...that if someone tells you to lower your expectations, ask if they'll lower their standards
...that if someone tells you to lower your expectations, ask if they'll lower their standards
...that social media is just that - social - it celebrates togetherness and reconnecting and I am ever so thankful for everyone I've reconnected with
...that I love my past as much as my present because it made me, me, and I rather like me
...that I may never arrange the dishwasher to the liking of a select few, but it does attract laughter and that's even better
...that God sees all, and that's what really matters to me
...that God sees all, and that's what really matters to me
...that the sounds of crickets chirping and rustling leaves at night are infinitely better than the television on
...that a well made cocktail can make the world a better place and my cheeks nice and rosy
...that being an open book is the best thing in the world, just don't share every chapter with every person
...that sometimes, you just need to show up, no excuses, just be there
...that sometimes, you just need to show up, no excuses, just be there
...that quite often, the person you least expected can offer that perfect chip of advice and you'll be blown away when you most need it
...that maybe my not watching the news doesn't make me very knowledgeable but I sure have more room for fun
...that football and Christmas music were not my go-to's this year but writing and blogging were, change is good
...that falling in love with life can happen anytime, stay open
...that making eye contact with strangers makes me plain happy, who among us doesn't deserve a random smile?
...that I will always have the utmost respect for the building, engineering and construction industry and all those hard hats
...that I do love divulging into my darker emotional side with music and lyrics and movies
...that I am thankful for those that tell me the truth no matter how tough it is
...that I am thankful for those that tell me the truth no matter how tough it is
...that life can come with many surprises, stay alert
...that if it's in front of you, right in front of you, grab it
...that travel, true friends, a martini and really good chocolate cake are my favorite pleasures
...that one perfect kiss can make all your blues go away, be it from the one you are crazy about or your child
...that sometimes just getting out of the house or office is all you need to feel alive again
...that a long drive to anywhere is better than advil
...that family rocks and is not always related by blood
...that family rocks and is not always related by blood
...that listening to others discuss politics, sports and fox news is better than participating, for me at least
...that I didn't focus on my faults this year, I fell in love with them
...that our shortcomings can sometimes be the perfect setting for what's upcoming
...that our shortcomings can sometimes be the perfect setting for what's upcoming
...that I can make a kid laugh, be there for a friend and make a man's heart beat
...that those that have been there for me get my blessings for life and major hugs too
...that those that have been there for me get my blessings for life and major hugs too
...that being passionate, goofy and wanting things to be beautiful are my trademarks, well those and singing/dancing out loud
...that no one, absolutely no one, can ever take who you are away
...that those we lose in life, by death or heartache, were with us for the time meant
...that as a parent, we love our parents even more, because now we get it
...that right now, I wish nothing more than a view a top a mountain in Southern California, being thankful for my life and everything in it
...thank you 2015, being 43 was amazing...here's to 2016 and being 44
