A quick reflection...

As the year quickly comes to an end, I've been reflecting on the years events, life changes, positives/negatives, and definitely the goals of 2012. Now when I saw goals, I do not mean the so called "resolutions " people commit to then completly forget about a week or so later. When I make goals I give better details, make sure they're for the most part realistic, and things that are truely good for my life, much more then weight loss goals, although those always exist.
So without going into extreme detail to where I need to write a novel, I will simply overview the things that come to mind; I'm sure there will be plenty more over the next few days. :-)
First of all, as always I am always thankful to have such amazing friends! Without my friends,  I'm not sure I'd survive. Between my best friend of 20yrs to new friends that have came into my life in 2011 (or back into my life for a few Lol), each one of my friends are very important to me.
Secondly, id like to reflect on how much stronger I've become towards my ex. Please don't take this wrong, I am not dwelling on the past, I am simply stating that I have made remarkable progress at growing "a backbone" ,standing up for myself,  and protecting my family.
Thirdly,  although the love department never withstands much good luck, I've also made progress there. First with mixed thoughts/emotions towards a dear friend of mine, which is better that we stayed friends; this gave me a chance to open up a bit. The second time wasn't really planned, but around my birthday I met (or reacquainted) with someone who seemed to be pretty good, and was good at making me laugh. Things went well, followed by a period we lost touch, but recently started hanging out again. I'm not sure how that will go or even how it stands, but as an optimist, at least I.opened up more then I thought was possible.
I'm sure there will be.more to come within the.next couple of days, but for now I'm pretty happy at the.accomplishments, big or small, that came in 2011. And this will help me realize what to plan for 2012 goals!  :-)

Christmas 2011

Todays rant & rave is brought to you by Christmas, friends, family, & Faith. :-)
So, as always, here I am thinking again. Thinking about life, thinking about everything. Today is Christmas,  Jesus' birthday, celebration of families and friends, or some might only see this day as a consumer driven crazed festival.  I could see it in any of these, but I'd like to think mainly the first 2. I was born & raised Irish Catholic, so of course I remember the biblical version & celebrate it with my daughter. However, one of the best things about any holiday is seeing family & friends, especially the ones who make you smile. I cherish having enough free time to enjoy Faith and today was a great day for this, even the past week of preparing for it together between baking to shopping to church and most of all unraveling what Santa brought.
I am very thankful for my close friends, they come into my life at my worst times and remind me of how strong I can be if only I can remember a sense of humor, smile, a good laugh & especially a nice pair of cute (yet uncomfortable) heels! ;-)
I am glad I got the chance to spend time with close friends for this holidays, but it also made me think of what was missing or yet to come.  Will traditions stay? Will my close friends always be there? I certainly hope so!
Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night! <3