Thankful

As 2013 winds down, I'm taking a moment to appreciate all of the great things that have happened this past year. 


Currently, I'm most thankful for my job - for the long hours, for the nitty gritty details, and for the relationships I have with my co-workers. Traveling the past two months has given me a HUGE look at what I actually have at work, and I'm so thankful for it. ***2014 Goal - do NOT whine about work***

                                                          

And that my friends, is as much as I will reveal about my job.

I am also very thankful for my family. Since my Grandma passed away in October, I have come to appreciate my mom a whole lot more. Don't get me wrong - my mom and I have always been close, and now that I'm grown up, she is my best friend. It just really puts things into perspective when you lose a loved one. Thankfully, I have only lost my Aunt (mom's sister) in February 2012, and my Grandma (mom's mom) this past October. So losing loved ones is still pretty new to me. I would be fine if I never had to lose someone I loved again (as I'm sure everyone would), but in the meantime, I'm going to cherish the time I have with them, appreciate them more, and make as many memories as we can. 

Last family picture taken before my Aunt and Grandma passed - Christmas 2011

Those are the major things I'm thankful for - and I'm going to spend a good amount of time in 2014 to appreciate my family and my job more. Then of course there are about 241 little things I'm thankful for. . . . 

My super irritating sister, that has become one of my best friends this past year.

My animals for keeping me sane and providing unconditional love.

My dad for checking everything on my car every time I go home.

My nephew for reminding me how crappy being a teenager was, and helping me realize how poorly I treated my mother during those years.

My co-worker for fixing everything on my car when something's wrong.

My neighbors for being so friendly and willing to let the dog out.

My health - although crappy because of what I put into me, it could always be worse.

My neighborhood bar where everyone feels like family.

An ice cold beer after a long day at work.

I could continue on and on and on, but I'm sure you don't want to read that long! In the next few days I'm going to focus on 2014 and making some realistic goals for myself. I'm also going to work on planning out specific projects to accomplish throughout the year. And my big new year's eve celebration will be the same as always - stop at the neighborhood bar after work for a few drinks, pick up some terrible for me food, and be home by 7 to avoid all the cuckoo's out there! What are your plans? Whatever they are - enjoy it and be safe!!

I'm Back!! (for good)

Hey to any followers I may have left . . . . 

November and December were super travel months for me. I don't travel well - in fact I would rather not travel at all (especially for work). Luckily, I survived, and have a two week reprieve while the holidays are around. All I'm hoping is that my house isn't full of 204921 germs from across the country and that I can stay healthy enough to enjoy the holidays (I'm always a wreck during flu season, worrying myself sick that I'm going to catch the bug).

So, while I'm back to normal (kind of) for the next two weeks, I will be filling you all in on the world that is Stephanie. As I type right now, I should be loading the car, and heading off to my parents for Christmas. But, I hate packing, and I'm really sick of traveling, so I'm welcoming this delay :]

I got back to my house Thursday evening, and I've spent the past 3 days doing my holiday baking, and wrapping presents. This really isn't anything compared to what awaits me at my parents house - I do all of the wrapping for them too (I actually enjoy it), and cook Christmas dinner. But mostly I'm excited to see all of my family - especially my mom. 

I leave you with a few pictures of the past 3 days at home. And expect to hear more from me, because I really am back to blogging! Merry early Christmas everyone!!

Cooper trying to get to presents. Table was promptly moved further from the couch after this.

Cooper's favorite part of Christmas - empty wrapping paper rolls.

My kitchen while on the baking marathon. I LOVE my house, but some additional counter space in the kitchen would be nice.

Merry early Christmas everyone!!