My Resolution in 2014

 

You know? I have been harder on 2013 than I should be.  While it's true that it was full of a lot of heartache, sadness, and regret - when I look back through all the pictures and reflect on all the experiences that I had throughout this year, I can't help but recognize how beautiful life is.  2013 was full of a lot of giggles, traveling, new experiences, fresh starts, progressing, growing, learning, achieving and goal-setting. I mean, just look at all the awesome stuff I got to experience:

I spent my 27th birthday in San Francisco with my cousin and

Oceanside with my fave family on the BEACH:

I reconnected with dear old pals:

I got to hold this puppy, and many others with my work in Cause for Paws...who did SO great this year I can only hope to continue to see the same success:

 

Rode in a boat for the first time, and several times after that, and got to explore many of the beautiful natural bodies of water that Utah has to offer (reminder: Add "Learn to Swim" on my list of things to do in 2014):

I even learned how to wake surf...kind of...

Spent lots of time with Adrian and this OTHER handsome, hairy fella:

I got to spend my FAVORITE holiday with some really amazing people:

 

I visited California for the second time in a year, this time to attend the Taylor Swift concert with these ladies:

I went to Lagoon for the first time in 9,000 years with these two first timers

(and had a blast):

Spent most of my free time with this guy:

Lived with one of my closest and dearest friends (whom I love and adore more than he can even know) and had more fun than two people should legally be allowed to have:

Had a Denver adventure road trip with Adrian to hang out with some friends and visit my dear Williams family:

(I have another picture with Lori in it - but she threatened me with my life if I ever show it to anyone)

Cause for Paws experienced such success this year in the Annual Strut Your Mutt fundraiser:

 

Spent a lot of time with this little cutie, learning, adventuring, giggling and enjoying:

Visited Brooklyn for my first (and last) time and got to see James and Shanagh, who we've missed terribly since their move back to NY:

 

Spent a weekend in New York City, where I got to see Newsies on Broadway (bucket list - check!):

Enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with Adrian and his amazing and welcoming family in Utica, NY:

 

Enjoyed a peaceful and quiet Christmas with my family and this stud muffin here in Utah:

 

...and last but certainly not least, was able to spend as much of my time with this woman as was possible. I love her dearly and am grateful for another Christmas that we were able to spend together.

We sent 2013 off with much gratitude, and welcomed 2014 with much hope:

So far it's only been 2014 for 8 days, and it's already shaping up to be even more wonderful to me than I could have imagined.

My one and only resolution for 2014 (besides to win the lottery) is to live an attitude of gratitude, each and every single day. And what better day to start than right now in this minute?

.: This is my new life, and I am grateful :.