A Year In Review

Somehow it's been several months since my last post. A lot has happened, both good and bad. Now that I'm getting back into the groove of writing, I can't help but reflect. There have been some heavy things on my heart that I've wanted to write but haven't been able to until now. BUT before we get into that, here are a top ten list of the crazy things that have happened since last December:

Number One:

Our toilet flooded while we were at a Christmas party with friends from church, and whoever built this house used cheap particle board that swells when it gets wet. I assume they never meant for water to get under the laminate flooring. I’ll leave the devastation that causes to your imagination.

Number Two: 

As a result of this bathroom dilemma, Travis had to redo the bathroom floor. That's putting it lightly. He literally cut up both layers of the floor to show the gravel underneath the house. (It led to finding a whole bunch of other problems, but that's another story for another day.) 

Side note: it was COLD.

While he was replacing it one night, it got really late and he decided to shut the bathroom door and leave one section unfinished until morning. Harmless enough. BUT my horny cat somehow squeezed under the bathroom door and fell through the floor. 

Three days later Tilly came back home, knocked up.

Number Three:

Baby Iclyn was born in February. Yes, she had only one kitten. 

Even crazier, on baby girl’s 6 month vet visit, in which I was planning to get her fixed,

(Didn’t want to push my luck and have her repeat her mother’s actions) 

it turns out that SHE had been a HE the whole time. 

Oops.

Sorry Iclyn. 

At least your name wasn’t too girly cuz it’s yours forever…

Number Four:

This time last year, while the wildfires were spreading, we adopted a 6-month old mostly-beagle puppy named Paisley. She was a sweetheart with NO house training or manners, so that was a long journey. Now, she’s grown into a much more obedient, albeit playful, little girl. Well, for the most part. She IS still young.

Number Five:

Tilly (my rebellious, evil, slutty cat) absolutely HATED Paisley. I figured she would get over it and she started to for awhile. Then one day she attacked me. It took everything in me not to snap her neck while fighting her away from my face. It appeared she wasn’t in her right mind anymore and was out for blood. Which she got plenty of. I have the scars to prove it. 

Needless to say, she doesn’t live here anymore. My brother-in-law has given her a new home. Turns out, she does better and is a sweetheart with him and no other animals around to steal attention. And Iclyn, her spawn, is a true sweetheart and makes up for every evil thing his mother ever did. SO that story has a happy ending.

Number Six:

FLEAS ARE THE WORST THING EVER. We brought Paisley with us to Travis’ family’s farm this past May, and she carried home the worst gift possible. They were EVERYWHERE. And LOVE me. Until I kicked the animals permanently out of our bedroom and sprayed it daily, the fleas were (illegally) visiting our bed apparently and would ignore Travis to come feast on me. My poor ankles were swollen and itchy for months… It’s now December, and they’re still recovering. I think I finally got a handle on the situation though. Yay!!

Number Seven: 

Travis and I have argued A LOT, but God is gracious and has blessed our relationship in a way that has been amazing and brought us closer. All the hard times are starting to pay off. Obviously, no marriage is perfect, and we're DEFINITELY no exception. But here's the positive:

We’re finally a team, y’all!

Number Eight:

I got a gym membership and have been truly committed to my health. Working out consistently hasn’t helped me drop a ton of weight (yet), but has boosted my confidence and strength. Starting tomorrow actually, Travis has agreed to join along side me.. Which is a big deal for him since it means he’s going to give up pizza and beer. If anyone knows him well, this is a BIG deal! (Stay tuned for snarky posts about how he’s getting sculpted and fit more quickly and how much of an injustice that is.)

Number Nine:

I decided to start a small business with Market America and pursue it to the best of my ability. It’s been a rocky road, but I’m excited about where it’ll take us! One of the biggest milestones, which I accomplished this past month, is I’m now a TLS health and wellness coach! (Which will help me reach my goals in #8 and inspire others) Email me at ma.dreamalive@gmail.com if you want to know more or help support me in my endeavors!

Number Ten:

I’ve officially lived in one place for an entire year. That might not seem like a big deal, but since I’ve moved out on my own that hasn’t happened, nor did I want it to. Travis and I are building a life here, and for the first time I’m content to stay somewhere for now. We both have amazing jobs that we love, new friends that have become family, a house and the ability to fix it up… and each other to share it with.

Bonus:

I've been a song-writing tornado lately and have decided not to be discouraged with past failures. Instead, I will try again to get it "out there." My goal is to have something put together by the end of next year, and save enough money to get into a studio.

As I’m writing this, there are SO many other things that have happened that are incredible blessings and experiences, BUT those are by far the most exciting. 

God truly is a cool guy and if it weren’t for Him, I don’t know where it would be. He’s spent this past year moulding my mind and perspective to focus more on Him and what’s important. As hard as it has been, I wouldn’t have traded this year for anything. I’m a better me than I was a year ago, and my husband is a better guy too. It’s been a year of growth. 

Reading back over it, this sounds like a post that I would typically save for New Year’s Eve, but that’s okay because it’s in a few weeks anyways. Subscribe to my blog to hear more about the my perspectives on this crazy journey called life, and for encouragement as you navigate it too.

Who’s ready for another year of change and excitement?? 

Don't be shy - If this message has impacted you in any way, let me know! 

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