Five on Friday and Inspire Me 2014

This week has been full of fun so I wanted to share it with you since we've been doing the Inspire Me 2014 instead. Here are my five:

a) such a great birthday dinner/celebration with my parents, my grandmother and Brian

b) we went to Texas Roadhouse last night. It's all way too good!

c) Lovely birthday gifts from my parents. 

d) On Wednesday we met up with my aunt and her two dogs for a long walk. It was chilly but beautiful

e) The weather has been weird. Last weekend it rained and was freezing but the sun has been shining and it's been a little warmer the past few days.

 

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I've decide to add today's post for Inspire me 2014 on here as well

Today's topic is:

What inspires your blog posts

I've kind of gone back and forth with the topics for the posts I write. There are a few links up I participate in and a challenge (besides this) that I'm doing this year so those are kind of "forced" on me. Forced as in someone else gives me a prompt to write about. In some ways I love that because it makes me think out of my comfort zone. Some of the things I've been prompted to write are not anything I'd normally think of myself writing about. These are the type of posts that I have to take a few days to think about so I can get it right. Besides these link ups/challenge, my posts are based on my everyday life. When I first started blogging I promised myself to write for me and to capture every moment I could. My goal for this blog was/is to inspire and encourage others by my stories. It could be something I went through years ago or simply my weekend. I believe you can find a good meaning in anything you read, if you're willing to look for it.

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Link up with Lisa and I and tell us about what inspires your blog!

Recap of 2013

Happy Friday Friends! As I type this, the snowstorm is coming to a stop, it's windy and feels like -11. It's a day for TV and the fireplace! Stay safe to all those who also got this storm.

I couldn't think of a better day for today's Inspire Me 2014 challenge topic. Remember that if you're linking up to either post our button or link back to us! If you've already wrote a post, please feel free to just link it up! No need to write another, unless you'd like to :) 

Today's topic is:

Recap your favorite 2013 moments

2013 was a pretty good year for me. We spent alot of time with family, got through a devastating tragedy, went on some trips/vacations, and I battled two semesters of classes

February:
I started blogging and although I was very nervous at first, I'm so glad I decided to try it. I've met amazing people, a few of which have turned into some wonderful friends. I also wrote about the huge snow storm we got, Finding Nemo. 

March:

We went to Maine for the day to visit family, I amused you with some Friday Letters and shared my mom's amazing Black moon recipe

April: 

I shared my feelings on Why we judge, White chocolate covered popcorn is pretty delish and our city got hit with a devastating tragedy, 

May:

I participated in Blog Everyday In May, you all loved the chicken and dumplings recipe, my cousin turned 18 and had her senior prom, we celebrated mother's day with all my grandmother's children. I can't remember the last time that happened! And, I came out strong with a 90 on my statistics final. The hardest and most emotional semester I've ever had.

June:

Brian and I went to Louisiana to visit, my cousin graduated high school and I cried, Rachael and I started a Wedding link up

July:

We spent 4th of July at the lake, my SIL, BIL and niece came up from Louisiana to visit, Brian and I spent the weekend at my aunt/uncles babysitting their dogs (all three of these in the same post, go figure!), and I shared a little post about the Marriage Box, 

August:

I shared my semi-annoyance with auto correct, my mom and I went up to Maine to visit an aunt/uncle who were renting a cabin. We stayed with my other aunt/uncle who live up there. A family affair I tell you! And I gave you a blackberry cobbler recipe

September

My parents, Brian and I went up to Maine (again) for a three day vacation, I wrote about the struggle I went through during my very first relationship, I loved the I Believe link up, we celebrated 4 birthdays at the same time, and I shared a story of someone who questioned my disability and how I was able to deal with it

October:

I shared my favorite fall meal, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake tell us about #hastags, we a had jam packed family weekend, and I shared our engagement story

November:

One of my little cousins plays hockey and his team got to go play at the Bruins game for 3 minutes during periods and we all went to watch, we had a wonderful thanksgiving and my SIL and niece came up to visit again both in this post

December:

we went to Disney. I didn't get a chance to make a whole post but it was a perfect vacation! I shared what our Christmas decor is, we had a Winter Wonderland Weekend, we had great Christmas parties and finally I announced Inspire Me 2014 blog challenge

Wow! What a full, fun year. Now it's your turn to share your special moments

Inspire Me 2014 - Day 2

What did you do for New Years?

January 2nd already?! Crazy! I have a feeling this year will fly by. I plan to soak up every memory I can, focus on the moment at hand instead of worrying about what comes next, reflect every chance I get and spend as much time with loved ones as I can!

For today though, I'm happy to say it's our first day of Inspire me 2014.

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Today's prompt is simple:

What did you do for New Years?

Well, guys, I'll admit it....we didn't really do anything. As much as I'd love to say we "partied hard", that's something that will only be in my dreams. While we were blessed to be together at the time the ball dropped, two parents who work opposite shifts and long hours makes for a lazy night. Sure, Brian and I could choose to go out but both of us choose not to drink and would much rather cherish the moments at home. My dad, Brian and I went out to our favorite Chinese restaurant for dinner though. So much good food!

We then came home and watched some TV and waited for my mom to come home. She was hoping to get out at 11pm but didn't get out until 11:30 and made it home with 15 minutes to spare before midnight! Life of a (charge) nurse! We watched the ball drop and pretty much went to bed. 

I spent some time reflecting on past New Years Eves when I was younger. My parents would go out while I would go to my grandmothers. It was always so special because it was a night we looked forward to every year. She's lived alone since my grandfather died in the 80s so she didn't have anyone to share the celebration with. No matter who it is, I believe it's better to be together on New Years. To reflect on the past year and make wishes for the upcoming year. I'd get all snuggled in one of her blankets, we'd make popcorn and watch the party in New York. I'll never forget how excited I'd get the moment the ball dropped and the confetti came down. I guess I thought something magical would happen. Oh, the minds of children! 

Although nothing exciting really happened, I wouldn't change it for the world and can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!

Now, it's your turn! Tell us what crazy things you did :)

Inspire Me 2014 - Day 1