Holiday recap!

Phew!

It seems like the last couple of weeks flew by. Thanksgiving came and went, and then all the sudden it was Hanukkah. I blinked once and we were celebrating Christmas, which of course rolled right into New Years.

Me and the Bro on Christmas morning

I'm exhausted and my waistline has grown several inches.

Aside from the usual Holiday happenings, I have a couple of life updates for you guys! Stuff's been going down around here and it's been a while since I've filled you in, so let's get right to it...

My social life got an unexpected facelift during the holidays. I was able to catch up with so many of my friends who I don't get to see that often, and for that I am so grateful! Lots of holiday parties, a pajama bar crawl, New Year's Eve celebrations... December was good to me!

New Year's Eve - Happy 2015!

PJ Bar crawl. I love my onesie!

Holiday party

Holiday Happy Hour

I'm about to start the next semester of my graduate school program. In case you missed it, I went back to school to get my Masters of Education in School Counseling. So far (three semesters in), I love the program and am looking forward to having face-time with students this semester during my practicum placement. I've still got a ways to go, but am planning on graduating in Spring 2015.

Regarding personal health and wellness, you guys know I was trying to make a couple lifestyle changes involving being more aware of what I'm eating and trying to increase my activity levels/gym time. For a while, I was going to the gym several days a week and meeting with a trainer. That was a great jump start, and put me on the path of leading a better lifestyle. At this point, I'm no longer seeing a trainer but trying to take what I've learned and give it a shot on my own. I don't go to the gym quite as much, but I am still making better food choices and hitting the gym when I can. It's a work in progress for me, and I'm taking it one day at a time.

In the love life department... I've got some exciting news! I met someone, and have been seeing him for several weeks. He's very different from my past relationships: he's calm, laid back, not pretentious, even-keeled in all aspects. He's a happy person, always smiling, always trying to make me smile with him. It's still pretty new, but I'm happier than I've been in a long time. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

With B on New Year's Day

Having a new guy in my life doesn't change Bruiser's status as my main man. Taking after his momma, he's put on a little winter weight (but in my opinion, it just makes him all the more loveable).

Bruiser loves his momma! Big hug.

Bruiser hanging out on my his bed

Resolution-wise, I didn't make any. I find that each year, I make all these promises to myself and never keep them or see them through. I don't want to let myself down any more. 2015 is about being happy, and for me, it's about conquering one day at a time. So, every morning I set a goal for myself. Whether it's going to the gym, making sure I eat veggies with every meal, or doing a good deed for someone else, each day I set a goal that I know I will accomplish. With these "daily resolutions," I set myself up for being successful everyday. That kind of positivity goes a long way and I've found it to be invaluable.

As for the blog, I'll keep up with it as much as I can. Of course it slows down during busier times, but I think overall I've been able to stay connected with you guys when it counts. I've got lots of good stuff that's been brewing over here, and am excited to share it all with you! Thanks to all of you for your continued support and readership!

Here's to a happy and healthy 2015 for all you! Love you!

-GJU