I Survived!

 I survived last month with only a few small hints of the January Blues, which were squashed immediately like a bug! I found a few things out about myself since my New Year post that I would like to address and share with you here throughout the week, but I feel like they each need their own space. Maybe you can relate to them and give me some extra insight. That, after all, is what I truly feel this space is about. Sharing and learning and growing!

Before I begin telling you about my January, I want to do something that I did previously on this blog: a year in review post. I completed it once before, and since I was pretty absent on the blog in 2013, I thought this would be a great way for us to catch up!

So, without further ado...

1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

- I got robbed. Our house was broken into and the thief took my laptop, a bunch of valuable other stuff, and took our car on a joyride to SLC where he crashed it into a Lexus going about 100 mph. I would rather not have to do that EVER again.
- I went to court (for said robbery).
- I bought a car without my parents involved - my husband was of course involved here. Meet Titus:

- I sewed my first rag quilt. It was my mom's Christmas present, and she loved it.

- I learned how to crochet.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

I kept about half of the resolutions I made last year. I felt good about that. I made several more for this year, and I have high hopes! It's only February, you know.
 
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Once again this year several of my friends gave birth, but no one in my family did.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No one too close died in 2013, but I just lost a good friend to an auto accident about 3 weeks ago. Something that I hope to write about this week.
  
5. What countries did you visit?

None other than home.

6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?


I would love to have reached some financial goals this year. I truly believe that we can pay off the medical debt we acquired if we can just buckle down and DO IT, man! I would love to use this year to become closer as a couple, and have at least one vacation under our belt by the end of the year.

7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?


- June 1st: The ay we moved into our new apartment. I love this little home we have here.
- August 11th: The day we got robbed.
- September 15th: My very first fishing trip ever!

- October 14th: Our 2 year anniversary.
- December 25th: The best Christmas we have had so far The Christmas season was so wonderful this year, and I hope we can keep those traditions alive for years to come.



8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Moving and creating a better space for us to be a family.

9. What was your biggest failure?


I wouldn't say that I failed at anything, but I felt that I let Facebook and other technology invade our relationship too much. I want to definitely work on "disconnecting to reconnect" this year.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?


Nothing too exciting...just the normal flu and a kidney infection or two.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My new Brother sewing machine, and also Titus.

12. Where did most of your money go?


Bills and rent.

13. What did you get really excited about?


Deepening my relationship with my husband and spending time going on adventures and discovering new things.
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14. What song will always remind you of 2013?


"Something Stupid" by Frank and Nancy Sinatra

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder? Definitely happier
Thinner or fatter? About the same
Richer or poorer? Poorer.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?


I wish I had spent more times in the outdoors enjoying nature with Eli.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Spending too much time online.

18. How did you spend Christmas?


We made every day of December into a holiday adventure. When it came to Christmas Day we split our time between the two families and it was great.

19. What was your favorite TV program?


 The Goldberg's, Grey's Anatomy, American Horror Story

20. What were your favorite books of the year?


Divergent, and Total Money Makeover


21. What was your favorite music from this year?


A lot of country.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Best movie I've seen in a long time.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?


We had a party in our backyard. It was awesome. I turned 28.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?


Getting pregnant.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?


Comfort is key, tee hee.

26. What kept you sane?


Laughing with Eli. Our kitties. Our new home. Family. Prayer.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

Don't forget to lock your back sliding door if you have one, and put a dowel down so no one can break in. Also. have a stash of easily accessible cash on hand. so if you get robbed you don't have to beg for money from your family until things get settled. :)

But in all seriousness, family and safety of loved ones is so much more important than any monetary or temporary thing in this world. Hold those you love tight.