Should Old Acquaintances Be Forgot?

Should old acquaintances be forget? This is the age old question that Robert Burns so poignantly asked in his melodic poem Auld Lang Syne in 1788. Even though he posed this question well over 200 years ago, it's amazing how true this question rings today. Originally sung by the Scots on New Years Eve, we still carry Burn's tune with us as we turn our calendars to reflect that a new year has begun.

Of course, as each new year begins, and as tradition often dictates, we are asked to take an inventory to see how we have changes within the last year - what accomplishments we've made, where we fell short, and where we gained strength. All are important in shaping us, whether failures or achievements, and even though I can honestly say that I made my fair share of mistakes in 2012, I have taken these moments, and re-calibrated my decision-making skills to reflect that I have learned. Of course, with learning from mistakes comes forgiving yourself, which presents to be a challenge for me. However, I can make that my goal for this new year - to forgive myself, to embrace myself, and to explore my limits in positive, healthy ways.

Now, if you read my post from last year, you will remember that I made a list of resolutions for myself, and I'd like to take stock, and see what I truly achieved:

"Top 10 Goals for 2012" 
1) Keep being the best girlfriend that I can possibly be <3

Indeed, I have been working on this, and I know that this is something I will have to continue working for each and every day. Believe it or not, the world is so full of temptations, and I truly do struggle with not giving in to flirtation. I try to wake up each day with dedication, and purpose, because I know that my relationship is worth fighting for. I truly am so very blessed, and I feel lucky and happy everyday because of the joy he has brought me!

2) Become a certified step aerobics instructor

Indeed! I did pass this exam; however, I am still looking for opportunities to teach a class. I am going to rededicate some energy to this and hopefully land an opportunity this next year!

3) Run my first half marathon

Although not 'officially', in terms of a race, I did run a half marathon, and I did make my 1,000 mile goal for the year! I am very proud that I've continued to stay dedicated to my passion for health and fitness. Although I may not work out every single day anymore, I do make an effort to stay very active and eat very cleanly.

4) Finding a full-time job that will satisfy all of my financial needs, (and that will at least be somewhat fun ;) )

YES! I scored big time on this! I am very happy with my job and I learn something new each and every day. Although it is extremely different than being a full-time student, I am happy with what I do, and I'm passionate about the new trends and creative juices I get to discover each day!

5) Become less anxious!!! Write down my feelings ASAP, and get all negativity out of my system!!

Thankfully I have really combated my issues with anxiety, and I'm finally coming to the point of accepting myself, and learning to really like myself. Yes, I still have days where I'll have anxiety attacks, but they are much less prevalent than they used to be! :)

6) Be able to purchase my first Coach purse (yes, I know this sounds silly, but it is something that I really want, and it will be a good motivator for me too!)

Dang it. I missed the mark on this one ;) Unfortunately Coach purses are even more out of my budget now than they were last year at this time! Living on my own has proven to be a big enough responsibility, but hey, a gal can keep dreaming (and drooling) each time she walks past the storefront in the mall, right? ;)

7) Continue blogging, and creating poetic pieces

Sadly, free time is still in short supply, but I did pretty well on posting at least once a month... Okay, I know that's terrible in terms of SEO, and I should be an example for others, since this is kind of my job, but client work comes first! :)

8) Purchase my own car! (Probably a used one, but hopefully one with less miles and better gas mileage than my current soccer mom 'tank' ;) )

I'm still saving! I'm super close though! 2013 it will be! :)

9) Graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors

DONE! :D On top of that, I had the incredible honor of being the class salutatorian, and this is a memory I will carry with me forever!

10) GET MORE SLEEP!

Surprisingly, I did not totally fail on this one! Now that I'm an old woman working 40-50 hours a week, I find 8 hours is generally what I get any more! (I still want more though! haha!)

Well! Now that I've had a chance to take a bit of an inventory, I should now take a moment to list my 10 goals for 2013!

1) Keep accepting myself, loving myself, and forgiving myself. This is of huge importance, for, how can we be the best to others if we do not first learn to love ourselves?
2) Try some new, creative avenues that might scare me, and inspire me. I want to gain as many experiences as I can, and explore my limits. I have several ideas in mind - including volunteering, possibly modeling, and gaining more education.
3) Remember to prioritize. Yes, there may be chores that need to be done, or a workout needed, but I must remember what's truly important - the people I love.
4) Practice patience with myself and others. We all make mistakes, and I must keep forgiving and letting go.
5) Continue to practice healthy habits. :)
6) Not judging others. We are deeper than our covers, and even the words we use. I need to keep remembering to truly listen to others and respect all people, even if I do not necessarily 'like' a particular person.
7) Ceasing complaints. I can be kind of a big baby at times, so I need to focus on positive thoughts and motivating myself to envision the best.
8) Continuing to love others the very best I can. Give without expecting anything in return, and being willing to help someone in need.
9) Continue to strengthen my skills in the professional world, and establishing new skills and relationships that will help me to continue being the best value I can to my company. Whether by being a better co-worker, a better sales person, or a better writer and strategist, I must completely dedicate myself when at work - it is my passion!
10) Keep putting out 100% every single day. There is not a day that isn't worth living. I was given this life and these opportunities for a reason. I must keep focusing on not wasting a single moment!

2013, I am ready for all you have to bring! I wish you all a wonderful New Year as well! What are your resolutions and inventories?

A Winter Fairy Tale

It all began when I closed my eyes and whispered my wish to the snowflakes drifting across the night sky as they softly hit my windshield as I drove to the DSU formal dance of 2010. Just a few weeks previous, tears had streamed down my cheeks as I thought about all of the wishes I had made in my past. I knew there had to be more to my 'provincial' life I had experienced. I was tired of feeling naive and that I was reliving the same day over and over again. Little did I know that I would soon encounter the best, most thrilling adventure yet - Love. And yes, Love is more thrilling than any book I've read, or tale I had heard.

That, my friends, is where Belle and I have a lot in common. We're both a little odd, both book worms, adventure-lovers, and dwell in our futures (and in our imaginations!). I've encountered my fair share of beasts too, and no.. they did not turn into handsome princes. I know some fools, some boasters, and my parents have their strangeness too (sorry mom and dad). I sometimes don't fit in with my peers, and I sometimes feel like an outsider. But, these things have never entirely stopped me from believing.

My belief is what has brought me here today. For two years ago, I met the most amazing handsome prince you could ever imagine! (You can read more of that tale here). And recently, he took me on a romantic adventure to a land far, far away (also known as Omaha, Nebraska.. and no, it isn't really *that* far away! haha).

My entire life I have loved going to the theatre. My grandparents always took me to shows growing up, and would buy me a front row seat to see Grease, The Sound of Music, Suessical the Musical, Lost in Younkers, Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, Charlie Brown, and many, many more. I loved the excitement and the energy behind those actors and actresses, and often wondered what it would be like to experience that transformation of the stage. Sitting in that audience though, dressed in my best, and spending that time completing immersing myself into those stories was truly magical, and I often miss, to this very day, those times.

Since I have such a love for story, and theatre, this year I wished to be taken to a show. Not just any show, but the show - Beauty and the Beast. I had never seen it performed live, and since it is my favorite fairy tale, I knew I had to see it! Being as blessed as I am, my very generous handsome prince was happy to oblige, and so we made our journey to Omaha.

Once in Omaha, we experienced the ever-confusing roads, the Von Maur Mall (gorgeous shopping centre, by the way), and the Cheesecake Factory (yum!). It was a world class experience to say the least! The best was yet to come, though!

We drove across Omaha to get downtown (again fighting the very confusing roads), and admired their vast array of skyscrapers and swanky cafes. The whole entirety was gorgeously lit, and took us back to the yesteryears as my heels clicked on the brick roadways.

As we approached the Orpheum, I knew I was about to experience something unbelievable, and it was. Magic was in every crevice - through the winding staircases, the stunning chandeliers, the beautiful statues, and the lovely artwork - everything was perfectly fit in its place.

We ascended into the heavens of the balcony, and sat on the classic red velvet seats, and anticipated the grand opening. A holograph of a single rose finally graced the stage as the story unfolded.

The singing, the choreography, the costumes, and the emotions were all perfectly on cue. I didn't miss a beat I was so entranced by the lovely stage and its story.

Days after this experience, I still pinch myself. Did this all happen? Yes! Dreams and magic can really exist and take place in this world. Even after all the disasters we've encountered, and the sadness we have witnessed. I am lucky to say that I still believe, and I hope that you do too.

x