it's over 2011, it's been over for a long time

{ -- chopped my hair off! -- }

It has been...the longest and most challenging year of my life. I started this blog in the middle of the year because things were going downhill. Fast. And, I've realized that it wasn't the result of anything I was doing or had done. I was in a really destructive relationship and something had to change. Ever since it's been over, things have never been better. I no longer am paying twice for everything supporting someone who can't even support himself, I'm not being lied to and manipulated into feeling bad. You can't be with someone who wants to make you feel bad on purpose. I later learned that, through talking with my therapist, his actions and how he treated me were proposed as a sociopath and it was nothing I could have helped or change. It was not going to get better and I am better off out of that relationship.

Phew! Moving forward has never sounded so delicious. So, here I am...making huge strides towards feeling better about being me and I feel awesome. It's all in how you learn from these situations that make you a better person. I had an amazing New Year and I spent it with some amazing people. I couldn't be more grateful for them.

Here is to a new, improved me and an even better life in 2012. I am over you, 2011, and we are breaking up...and, no, you don't have a choice. You can't take me down, nothing is stopping me now.

Hope you all had a safe New Year and did it with a huge grin on your face, I know I did. Cheers!

<3

wub wub wub

I can now say last year! Okay, so, last year I got to go see Skrillex twice and I can't explain in this post how amazing both shows were. More so the second show than the first. It completely blew me away. I got to see him in my home town and the second show in Lawrence, KS. The second show, in Lawrence, was in the beginning of November and I've really wanted to share the experience with you. Skrillex is a dubstep artist and has gained, assuming, the most popularity when it comes to the genre. It's a bit like techno but...not as boring? :) I'm not technically versed in the genre so I won't go on anymore. If you want to read more about it, go here.

The only way I can share is with the videos I recorded. I wasn't planning at all on recording a bunch but ended up wanting to record the entire show! I uploaded the videos immediately to YouTube and created a playlist of all of them in the order of the show. Below I've embedded the first video that started it off and here is the link for the entire playlist.

I hope you enjoy! It was a blast. I basically cried during the first half, I was so happy. If you're interested or if he ever comes close to your hometown, it's more than worth your time and money. He sells out fast though! Happy New Year!

<3

a pause

{ -- tuckered pups -- }

It's been a busy, few weeks with the holidays and I've learned a lot. I have been working out consistently, even lost some weight and I feel awesome! Albeit, a bit tired because it's one more thing I need/want to get done but I've no regrets. I'm reaping benefits like crazy! Life is really good.

I wanted to take time though to post about some inspirations in my life, other than the usuals. This one is about other people online that inspire me. When I take a break from work, the pups or cleaning...this is where I go. I'm not as caught up as I'd like to be with all of them and I wish I had the time to sit and watch or read but, man, I've got a life to live and I'm living it :) Here are the top five!

• Anna is a blogger. A sweet and simple blogger about all the good things in life. I love how short and sweet her posts are and how bouncy she sounds! Check her out at Life is Sweet*
• Dooce is also a blogger, a completely blunt blogger. I love her sense of humor, her fun/cute family and honesty.
• I love photography but it's a past hobby of mine. I just haven't revisited and have lost the interest but I still love to look at other's awesome photos. A favorite of mine is Girl With A Camera. Not only does she have great photos but she lives in another country, has an awesome accent, is a gamer, and knows how to imitate vampires and zombies :)
• I love to cook, absolutely love to cook but I am also a health nut when it comes to cooking. Almost vegetarian but not 100% so I absolutely adore this couple (who just had a super cute baby). They share the most delicious recipes with the craziest/healthiest ingredients that don't include a lot of meat but are not limited to including it. Check them out at (never home)maker!
• Last, but not least, recently married bloggers, the CTFxC. They vlog their every day life. A home-made reality show. So fun, so cute and I admire their confidence in front of a camera. They've been doing it for over three years now?!

I hope you all had a really great holiday with family and friends. I recently just attended my friend's holiday party. Hours of good company, awesome food, games and staying up late :)

Merry (belated) Christmas and Happy New Year from me and the pups.

<3