2013, We Had Some Good Times, but It's Time To Move On!

2013 was a challenging year for me, with health issues, and some marriage challenges that really tested the strength of our relationship. Many of these things I would prefer to forget about and just move forward, but it is the challenges in life that help us learn and grow, so that's what I hope for 2014, a year of learning and growing as I move forward with new goals that I'm sure will bring new challenges.

As I go into 2014 I can say my marriage is strong! Though, I admit I have moments where I have to force myself not to dwell on remembering the things that hurt; if I am to move forward I must learn from the mistakes, but not dwell on them. I can't change what has happened, so over-thinking it won't help. After 21 years, I can say I love my husband more than ever, and I'm ready for the rest of our lives together.

My health is manageable. I have Psoriatic Arthritis and Fibromyalgia so I have days that are bad, but as we continue the treatment those days should be few and far between. I'm learning to eat better, and to listen to my body when it says it's time to rest, I need to listen. And, I've learned that it's okay to ask for help; that there are people that care and want to help. Needing help doesn't make me less.

Even with all the challenges, there have been some great moments, these are the things I want to remember from 2013:
I met Patricia Quinn from Rocky Horror. That was fab!
My oldest daughter and I took a trip to D.C.
We spent more time outdoors, both in our yard, and hiking; including a trip to Tennessee.



We moved into a new house.


The new house had a pool, which Dawson learned to love.


I made my first trip to Vegas. I didn't like it, but I love the bag I got!

I discovered oysters on a great trip with hubby to New Orleans.

Awesome concerts included, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, P!nk, Rob Zombie, & Drop Kick Murphys.

I lost 55 lbs, and 7 inches around my waist!



Okay, so maybe it wasn't such a bad year! Especially that last one. I changed my eating to be more health aware. I ate more natural foods and I ate more often, and the result is that I'm now in a size 12 pants and a medium shirt, a medium! I've never worn a medium! The new size is great, but really the best part is that the loss of inches minimizes my risk of developing heart disease. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in women, and not something I want to mess around with. So while I'm thrilled for all the new fashion choices I have, I'm even more thrilled at how great I feel.

I'm ready to tackle 2014 with my plan to continue to live a healthier lifestyle. In 2014, I will focus on me, my blog, my marriage, and our future. And, I will have lots and lots of fun! Life is too short to focus on the bad things. My word for this year is: Positive!


2014, watch out, here I come!
♪It's going down, I'm yelling Timber♪ (Ke$ha)

28 comments:

  1. First, I haven't met many that suffer from PsA and one of my goals is to really get a handle on it this year. I need my life back.

    Second, I am so happy for you. You look amazing and should be very proud of yourself.

    I hope 2014 is a stellar year for you! You deserve it.

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    1. Me neither! So nice to meet you and find someone that can understand!! It really does take over your life and not only through the pain and fatigue but through all the other things you have to give up and the relationships that are affected. I'm so hopeful that it will be a better year for all of us that suffer. If you ever want to talk about, (vent) I'm here!
      And, thanks for the compliment. I have to admit that I am proud of myself, but it is in my weightloss that I find the positive of the disease because the meds help to limit my appetite. Low dose chemo= best weight loss plan ever ;)

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  2. Wow what a year!!! I love that you were able to travel so much and see so much of the country. Here's to what 2014 will bring you and your family!!

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    1. Thank you so much! It was interesting looking back at the year, and realizing that it wasn't so bad after all, and we really did get to do a lot. Now, I'd like to just add some International travel. I hope you have a fabulous year!

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  3. DC is great. I have family in Bethesda, so I spent a lot of time in that area when I was growing up. I want to take my boys there, but my youngest is still a little too young still.

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    1. It really was great. It was for my daughter that I went, but I really liked it and would like to go back. There is still so much I didn't see!

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  4. It sounds like you had quite a year in 2013!! Congratulations on moving into a new house, especially since it has a pool!

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    1. Thank you! The pool has been great for entertainment and exercise. But, none of us expected my dog to like it so much...we can't keep him out of it! :)

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  5. I remember going to DC with my Mom as a teen. It was absolutely a blast. Hope your 2014 is wonderful.

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  6. Sounds like you had a great 2013. Hopefully 2014 will be even better!

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  7. Great post! I love New Year's posts; they always inspire me. Perhaps I should go through my 2013 pics just to reflect and focus on the good.

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  8. Doesn't sound like too bad of a year! Congrats on all your accomplishments and awesome trips you took :) I hope 2014 is great to us all!

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  9. Yeah girl! Despite the downs it looks like you had a great year! 55lbs is an awesome weight loss! I hope to make a trip to Vegas this year!

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  10. holy moly!! 55 lbs! that's a huge accomplishment, congrats! i hope to be in your shoes this time next. year. nay. i WILL be.

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  11. You look amazing now and your health is by far the best change that was made! Here's to a game changing 2014 for you!

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  12. Sounds like there were a lot of GOOD things in 2013. I hope 2014 brings you more happiness!

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  13. You didn't like Vegas? I thought it was fun, but New Orleans...oh yes! I LOVE that city. I went there this year too. :)

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  14. I admire your attitude. I thinks it's important to not dwell on the past and move forward.

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  15. You look amazing and it looks like you had a lot of great things happen in 2013! I'll be thinking of you and I bet 2014 will definitely make your marriage stronger.

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  16. You look great! I'm hoping for big things in 2014 as well.

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  17. It is great that you are looking forward to the new year. It is nice to celebrate the year that ended, but moving on is great as well

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  18. I hope your health is good in 2014. Congrats on the weight loss, that is my goal this year. Looks like you had a pretty great 2013.

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  19. Wow, it seems like you had a GREAT year! Congrats on losing weight, and getting a new home with a beautiful pool!

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  20. Sounds like a good year even with the ups and downs. Congrats on working through the marriage stuff so proud of you!

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  21. Congrats on losing 55 pounds and 7 inches. I would LOVE to lose that much in a year :)

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  22. I love all your pictures. Here's to a happy healthy 2014!

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  23. Sounds like you have had an amazing year. Some fun journeys too! I want to see D.C. one day.

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  24. 55 pounds!!! You look amazing and I love your outlook for 2014!

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