2013 - Where Did the Time Go?

Two months later, I'm finally getting around to updating the ole blog.  I've said before that this blog certainly isn't written to get buzz or be this thought provoking series of writing, but rather, this serves as a virtual journal for me.

The last day of the year is here!  Once all the "memory rolls" start coming out on all the news channels, I know that we're wrapping up a year.  The slow, sappy music plays.  People we've lost grace the screen.  The "big" moments are put up to be celebrated one more time.  It kind of makes the bad look minuscule and the good look more prominent - which I suppose is how it should be.

It gives me a chance to reflect and look back.  This has certainly been an important year.  It's been a rough year at points, but by going on the motto of the montage...there's been more good than bad.  This has been a year of immense growth and opportunity.  My cousin gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, my sister gave birth to a handsome baby boy, and two of my best friends found out they were pregnant!  The world is sweeter with new life around and babies to snuggle.

Continuing with that thought, my nephew being born was probably the highlight of my year.  I am honored to be his auntie and godmother, and I pray for him every night.  I pray that he grows up with the knowledge of everyone who loves him, I pray he knows how much God loves him, and I pray he will grow up with a heart full of understanding and peace.  I've never been more proud of my sister and the incredible mom she has become.  Seeing her with Rex has been a delight.  My heart is filled with wonder and amazement every time I look into his eyes and hold his sweet little body.

Having two of my best friends tell me they were pregnant was another bright moment.  Going through the journey of "adulthood" with them has been so much fun, and it's been even more amazing to see them turn into soon-to-be mommies.  2014 will be another year filled with baby coo's and sweet snuggles!

With the good, which has certainly outweighed the bad, always comes moments of frustration and confusion.  I have been blessed with incredible opportunities within my career, but with those comes stress and a little lot of anxiety.  Teaching a new course, attempting to fit on a couple more professional "hats", and smiling while doing all of it has proved to be hard.  I've enjoyed all the opportunities, and I love my students, colleagues, and county, but whew....there have been a few times this year where I've thought, "I can't do this anymore."  However, I know that this journey is part of the bigger plan that God has in mind for me.  Learning to listen to Him and follow His lead is difficult.  But...I'm learning, and that in itself is worth the confusion.

I'm not sure what 2014 will bring.  Lots of love, I hope.  Lots of peace, I pray.  Lots of healthy family members and friends, I know.  I love "clean slates" and this is my favorite thing about a new year!

Wishing you and yours a happy New Year and a wonderful beginning to your "clean slates".

Conquer those mountains...or 400 steps ;)