New Year, New Life

So I've decided this is the year that I am going to be selfish....

Let me explain. I've always been just a little bit selfish as we all but I usually put others before myself more then I put myself first. So this year I've decided to focus on me. I'm finally doing things that I've always wanted to do but haven't for various reasons like time, money, relationships, family, and school. 

I have been blessed with so much and I am so grateful for what I have and now it's time to allow myself to enjoy some of those blessings!

Here is a few things that I have planned so far this year and the amazing ways that the have come to happen:

• I'm finally leaving the country! A friend of mine won a trip to Cancun and is taking me!!! I get a free trip there and back and I will finally have a stamp in my passport. 
• Dating. I've had a lot of dating experience and it's been great but now that Sam and I ended things (more on that later) I've realized that I need to focus more on myself this year and less on men. If the right guy comes along I'm not going to say no to a date but I'm not going to let that be my focus anymore. 
• Getting my nose fixed. I'm having surgery on my nose which will fix the exterior but more importantly the interior which will help me sleep and breath! The surgery will cost about $3600 out of pocket and there was no way I was going to be able to pay that on my salary. I've saved about $600 for it but that has taken me 4 months and I wasn't sure if I'd ever get the rest of the money. Thankfully I did my taxes early and my Tax return should be able to cover all but $500 of it!!! If I sell a few things I should have all the money by April (fingers crossed!)
• Paying down my debt. I have student loans and a car payment and I have been able to budget in paying a little extra a month so I can pay those down faster! Hoping to be debt free by 2017! It will be tight but I am determined not to have this follow me for years to come!
• School. I have struggled with attending school because of my divorce and because of money but this is the year that I am making it a priority! I need to finish and I will be able to do so! I am re-motivated to get my stuff together and finish my Bachelors! It's very important for me to be educated and to accomplish this feat.
• Weight. I've never really been over weight but I've always been a little chubby since puberty. So far this year I've dropped 7lbs. I am seeing results and I am loving the way I look. The way I've been doing that is I've been doing some form of exercise everyday! I also realized I was eating too much so I cute down my intake by about a 1/3 and I  am eating a clean diet. It was hard at first because I love food and carbs and sweets but now I crave things like grilled chicken, broccoli, dark chocolate and carrots. I eat 3 meals a day and 2 snacks that are just a bit smaller then my regular meals. I've still got 6lbs to go till I'm at my goal weight but I am so happy with the results so far! Yay!

2014 Will be the year of change for me and I am determined for it to be the best year of my 24 years! So here is to change in life and in yourself. Love, accept, learn and grow from it!

Love A