As 2014 approaches, 2013 comes to an end

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Well, it's New Year's Eve and I thought it best to close this year out with a review of 2013.  I was listening to NPR one Saturday and listened to different people summarize their 2013 lives (as a part of Hanukkah) and I thought what a good practice.  I like the idea of this practice, mainly because we, as human beings, tend to forget (or overshadow) the great blessings and often the negative actions we have encouraged (intentional and unintentional).  Don't get it twisted, we most definitely remember ALL of the negative things that have happened to us but we spend little time on those that we gave out; but that's another topic on another day.

Blessings for the year
  • Celebrated my 10th year of marriage with the greatest husband and friend; who could have imagined the love, respect, and connection I have with this man?
  • Spent 7 nights on the Kaui'i island in Hawai'i; what?
  • Spent 30 days in India; met many new friends, learned more about an interesting culture, and saw some great Mughal architecture (including the Taj Mahal).
  • Got to see my best friend several times (more than the normal 3-4 times a year); total awesomeness!
  • Every person in the household saw a salary increase (via promotions and an adjustment for an impending promotion); some hard-working individuals in this camp.
  • Went to Vegas for the first time; had a great time with the bestest!
  • Finally took a trip with Jamie's side of the family; we had a really good time and I think his parents REALLY enjoyed themselves and that makes me so happy.
  • Realized why friends are so special to me.  Yes, I will share.  Friends are so special to me because they are the people that choose to love you REGARDLESS of affiliation.  If more clarity is needed, be sure to bring it up in the future.
  • Received unexpected gifts on Christmas.  Although they may never know it, it meant a lot to us that we were thought of in this way.  Secret: it touched my heart so much that I cried a little.
Negative actions
  • Let the selfishness of others get to me and responded accordingly (several times)
  • Didn't talk to my sisters much
  • Didn't spend enough time with the friends that I do have; must change this in the new year.
  • I felt horrible that we didn't get others (outside of niece and nephews) gifts for Christmas; irrespective of my intent, this is a negative action because it implies that the givers expected something in return or felt obligated and I should never discount the spirit of giving, ever.
  • Dreaded and complained about taking out my extensions when Jamie requested because I was too scared to see what my hair looked like. 
All in all a great year, my negative actions seem low.  I should probably double-check that list and update if necessary.  See what I mean, it is hard to go back and review your own negative actions.  I encourage you to at least think about the blessings from this year, if it looks as though you haven't received any then it is my guess that you have truly let the negatives outweigh all the great things in your life.

This post is pretty long so I am finished for today.  It's New Year's Eve, I have to go and figure out how to improve things for 2014.

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!!!

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