What is it about the new year that inspires new beginnings?

Granted, I’ve done the same thing every year... some years it’s a birthday thing—since I’m a late December babe, and others it’s a new year thing.

However, I’d like to think I’m evolving past waiting. After losing Cordelia, I’ve been working on making forward strides in my life. I started a new diet/lifestyle change (okay, Erica?!) in early November, which led to missing out on all of the things offered at the family Thanksgiving table—yet also led to twenty pounds gone, and over three inches off my waist. I’ve used this energy and completed projects... both freelance and around the house.

In fact, the house has never been cleaner.

I’ve become a tad more social—albeit I still have a way to go, and a LOT to figure out. But I’ll get there.

Taking advantage of the clean house, I invited some friends over for my birthday. We had great food, drinks and lively conversation and games... it was fantastic! Honestly, it feels like I have better friends now than I’ve ever had before.

Which is good. I’ll always treasure my alone time, but it is comforting to know there are some who will come around when asked.

Maybe karma and I have made amends, because life is actually pretty good for a change.

So, what will the new year bring?

Should I set goals? Taking stock of last year’s, my success rate is pretty low. However, one of the goals was barely quantifiable and rather ambitious. I did take risks and step outside of my comfort zone, but perhaps not as much as I should.

There is this new girl in my life who loves adventures, and she inspires me. And she also likes to hang out. We seem to share many similar goals and ambitions and a love for travel and seeing the world.

And living life.

I think I have a lot to learn from her.

I have managed to read thirty-four books this year (so far, we’ll see if I finish Consuming Angels before the day ends). The goal was twenty-five, so there’s that. I still prefer to read than watch television, yet now that seems to include movies, and even music on most days.

I started back up at the gym a few weeks ago, and now that I’m skinnier, I am definitely seeing results. I’m looking forward to seeing what this new year will bring, even if there really is nothing to “start” tomorrow. Now that the holidays are over, I’d like to pursue another round of the diet and eat as clean as I am able after the round. I’m in talks to start a new job in January, which I’m excited about. And I’m looking forward to getting to know this beautiful young lady in my life.

We’ll see what happens.

What i'm listening to:

Blank Space
Taylor Swift
1989