Lessons I Learned In 2016

Here we are again.  We all know my feelings on 2016 but even the worst of years bring lessons...usually the worst of years brings the biggest lessons.  So here are all the many important things I learned in 2016:

• Expectations are the biggest double edged swords.  We are comforted in the belief that it is the truth, but it holds us back and keeps us from better possibilities
• Don't place all of your happiness in other people.  The only person you can completely trust with that is yourself.  If you don't look out for you no one will.
• Love doesn't always last, but if you keep your heart open you will always find someone to love again.  You can't find your soulmate with your heart locked away
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.  We all understand what it means to fall on rough times.  Reach out to the people closest to you when you're in need.
• Don't take the people in your life for granted.  Sometimes we are so worried about what goes on in our lives that we forget how much our presence means to our loved ones. 
• Make everyday thanksgiving day.  Not the food (even though we can all agree there are few things better than mashed potatoes) but the way you think about the world.  Spend every day realizing just how many great things happen, so that when you're down on your luck you realize there is something to smile about. 
• Sometimes you have to let people go.  We want to hold on because we think our love and attention can solve everything, but then we have nothing left for ourselves.  When someone leaves you drained after talking, or being with them, it's time to let go.
• Learn to accept your flaws.  If you accept every part of yourself there will be nothing that can take you down.  You will be more invincible than Achilles.
• Accept and acknowledge when you're wrong.  When you take a step down and let go of your pride, and stop pretending to be infallible that when people will be most comfortable to approach you.
• Open up to people.  Share your soul with them.  If they are really meant to be in  your life they will stay and accept that part of you (even the terrible ugly parts).  The things that are really meant to happen, will.

Happy New Year friends and family.  2016 was incredibly challenging but I grew so much.  Cheers to 2017.  

xoxo

V

2016 Resolutions

Here we are again.  As we've done in years previous....let's do a quick recap of the last couple of years resolutions....

I started off strong in 2014

And last year was pretty good...and I feel good about how much I accomplished in 2015.

So here's the reveal of my 2016 resolutions (because I know you've been dying to know).

Last year I learned a lot about myself and I grew a lot.  In 2016 the focus is going to be enjoying things more.  Last year all the changes and hard times were really stressful and I think I forgot to enjoy the beauty of life.  So that's what I plan to do more in 2016.  Keep working on myself and enjoy it!

Happy New Year everyone!!!

P.S. A resolution of mine is always to get through the entire movie "The Dark Crystal" which I've never done because it scares me.  I tried this year.  I got 15 minutes in.  There's always 2017.

Also you can check out previous New Year resolutions HERE

Lessons I Learned in 2015

I know this is going to sound completely cliche but I really really can't believe it's already the end of the year.  As I do every year I decided to look back and think about the lessons 2015 taught me....and this is what I came up with. 

• I learned that you should always trust yourself.  You know more than you think you do. 
• Always do what you are afraid to do
• It's not what happens to you that is important.  It's what you do about it. 
• It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. 
• It's not what you have in your life, it's who you have in your life.
• You can get by on charm for about 15 minutes....after that, you better know something
• A cozy blanket and a cheesy movie can make you feel better after a bad day
• No matter how thin you slice it...there are always 2 sides
• It's a lot easier to react than to think
• You should always leave your loved ones with loving words.  It could always be the last time you see them.
• You can keep going long after you think you can't
• People are not as scary as you think they are
• You are responsible for what you do...no matter how you feel
• You either control your attitude or it controls you
• Learning to forgive takes practice (a lot....of practice)
• Your best friends and you can do anything or nothing and still have the best time
• I want to marry someone who loves me as much as Chip loves Joanna on Fixer Upper
• You should tell people how important they are to you.  Always.
• How to be angry and sad and joyful and excited and lonely and afraid and happy....experiencing every emotion and being ok with every emotion
• You cannot make anyone love you.  All you can do is be someone who can be loved.  The rest is up to them.  (this is not about just love relationships either....this pertains to friendships and really all kinds of relationships)
• Your worth is not measured by your job or relationship status
• No matter how good a friend someone is, they are going to hurt you every once in awhile and you must forgive them for that. 
• Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.  
• A 20 minute power nap can literally change your life
• Sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions
• No matter the consequences...always be honest with yourself
• A good 30 minute dance party can help you work through a lot of things
• Everyone on this earth is wanting to be loved and accepted.  Be someone who is willing to love and accept.
• Courage isn't always fighting a fight....sometimes it's just doing something for yourself that is terrifying.
• I will always regret the fact I didn't marry Zack Morris
• When you start to see how much you're worth, you will find people who also see your worth.  They will be your tribe.  Love them.
• Be passionate about what makes you happy.  Passion is a gift to us.  Don't let it go to waste.

2015 was hard.....it was weird and it was wonderful. And 2016 will be weird and wonderful because life is weird and wonderful.  

Happy New Year friends and family. 

xoxo

V 

2015 Resolutions

I've tried to keep my resolutions as realistic as possible

And I don't know how I'll top last years resolutions

But here we go anyway....

Bring it on 2015

xoxo

V

2014

I saw this picture from the Clinique page and loved it so much I had to share it.  I ended the new year on a couple of exciting notes.....
first of all being....I WON OUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE.  For the first year EVER.  I won!  Ohhhh yes.
Also this....

which was very exciting!

In true Vanessa form I was sick for new years but I still stayed up until midnight, put on some hot pink lipstick to try and trick myself into feeling better (for the most part....it worked) and drank that Martinelli's at the stroke of midnight.  

Little brother was my New Years date for the third year in a row.  As in previous years we spent the time leading up to midnight laying on the sofa watching Adventure Time.
After he went to bed I spent the rest of the night with these two.....

Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe are my ultimate power couple.

Wild night...I know.

How did you ring in the New Year!?

Goodbye 2013.....

This year I loved.  This year I lost.  This year I've changed.  This year was hard.  Hard, but I
learned a lot.  I learned that people can be fake.  I learned that people can hurt you a lot without really caring about it.  I've met great people, I've met mean people as well.  The most important thing I've learned is that every person in this world is strong enough to let go.  People come and go, bad things happen...that's life.  But we're all a lot stronger than we think.  Here's to another year gone...can't wait to what 2014 holds.....Happy New Year!

Bromance and New Years

So I started watching a new show on Mondays. I had to find one to fill the void that the season finale of "The Hills" would inevitably cause. And boy did I find a fabulous replacement.

Bromance

I admit...if you are looking for a show that makes you look smart...this is NOT the show for you. It is completely shallow and ridiculous.
And that is why I love it.
The other reason why I love it just might have something to do with

him

Brody Jenner

Son of Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner.
And the new object of my affection.

I first loved Brody on "The Hills". Now he is looking for a new guy to add to his group of "Home Boys". Kind of like the male version of "Paris Hilton: My New BFF".
Bromance noun: 1.Describes the complicated love and affection between two straight males. 2. an emotional attraction between two "bros". Often the attraction is expressed physically through wrestling, nuggies, and headlocks. 3. This bond is usually only shared between two males who have a deeper understanding of each other in a way no woman could ever realize.
(*Urban dictionary)
The guys on this show are hilarious. It fills a one hour vapid void in my life. I love it.
Anyway....Happy New Year! Welcome 2009! I'll be thinking about all of you out celebrating and singing and kissing while I am at work....probably wiping someone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!