13 WONDERFUL Things That Happened in 2013

I thought I’d take time out from the regular beauty posts to write something a little more personal.

2013 was probably one of the toughest years for me; personally, professionally and emotionally. I know I had spent a lot of this year complaining, but after a lot of tears I’ve come to be thankful for what I had experienced.

Here are thirteen WONDERFUL things that happened to me this year…

13 WONDERFUL things that happened in 2013

01. I regained my sense of self again

02. I adopted Andre Cheese Hamlin
While I didn’t think Andre was going to be a part of my life long-term, the decision to make her a part of the family was one of the best things I did this year. Giving LC a sister, who would ordinarily been a natural born enemy, has just been a blessing. While the decision not re-home her when my ex-boyfriend abandoned Andre was difficult, I’m so glad that I kept her. Although I don’t have many sleep-in’s since both Andre and LC like to wake up at the crack of dawn to be fed, having them at home after a hard days work is SO worth it.

03. Becoming a shift worker
Since my working hours change every day, it puts time spent alone, with friends and family, even sleep in perspective. While others take their sleep for granted, I cherish the hours I do get because most of the time I get so little. Spending time with friends, family and yourself is also valuable because there will be times when they’re not available and you are, and vice versa. Time is precious, waste it wisely.

04. Embraced my singlehood
I’m sure a lot of my closest friends won’t agree with this, but I did enjoy being single this year. After my ex and I broke up, although very turbulent to start off with, I am so thankful it ended when it did. I look back at photos of him and think, “What the FUCK was I thinking?” and just breathe a sigh of relief and feel so blessed that I’m no longer a part of his world. I always thought I would have been nothing without him, but I realised I was nothing while I was with him.

05. I met The Man at the right time
Although our friendship hasn’t never been smooth sailing, I had met him at the right time and have a friendship of the right circumstances. Being friends with him has reminded me how precious I am, not to doubt myself and how to be stronger emotionally. He has taught me how to stand up for myself, how to fight a worthy battle and when to walk away to ones already lost. He has shown me that my quirkiness is something appealing and not something I should pretend isn’t there. He has shown me what a real friendship is like and how friends should be treating you. He’s also made me feel more myself, beautiful, sexy and made me laugh at how cute and nerdy he is.

06. Became closer to my family
As if I wasn’t already oversharing my life with my dad and brother, I’m much closer to them than I ever have been in my life! There are times when I miss our family lunches on the weekend and have that feeling like I genuinely miss spending time with my family. On top of that, I see my mother regularly for coffee and have Friday drinks with my sister and once a fortnight get our nails done together.

07. Turned vegetarian
I haven’t been a vegetarian for a good five years or so. When I moved to Melbourne I was one, but after a little while I just began eating meat a couple times a week. It got to a point this year where I was so run down from eating so much junk food, which included meat. When I started going on regular Vegan dates with Kimmi from The Plastic Diaries, I felt so much better after eating healthier food and I just wanted to continue that.
There are some things I haven’t given up yet, particularly cheese. But I always buy cheeses that are vegetarian friendly.

08. I became debt-free
Probably one of my favorite moments this year, where I looked at my credit card statement and everything had a PLUS (+) in front of it, instead of a minus. Not having to worry about living pay check to pay check and having the freedom to spend a few hundred bucks here and there and being able to pay it off within a fortnight is just an amazing feeling. I feel more in control of my finances and with my life.

09. I met Chenea
For those who don’t know, Chenea is also known as “wifey” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. She has been one of the most amazing people I met this year. She has accepted me for who I am, think that I’m wonderful and beautiful in every part of my being and has just been my pillar of strength through it all. She is truly amazing person, inside and out and I feel utterly BLESSED to be part of her life, even in the smallest way. She is my SERENDIPITY.

10. I bought a car
I actually bought it just before Christmas last year, but I picked it up on the first business day of 2013. I named her Monroe and she’s the best little car ever!

11. Found some amazing beauty products that I swear by!
It’s rare to find holy grail products, but when you do, it makes you wonder how you managed to go without them for so long. I love finding products that suit my skin type, my complexion and help with problems I constantly have. It makes routines so much easier; you know what products to use to target problems or to achieve a specific look.

12. Being on first name basis with my nail technician, hairdresser, waxer, barista and GP
Again, makes life so much easier. I can call up a place, say my first name and they know who I like to see and book an appointment with them on their available days. They know exactly what I need done, which doesn’t waste anyone’s time. I’m in and out with no fuss.
I’m determined to be on first name basis with my dentist next.

13. I’m so much happier
While life isn’t easy, I appreciate and love the life I wake up to every morning. Although I’m still trying to find purpose and meaning, I’m happy that I will get there eventually. As one of my friends had mentioned to me earlier this year: I am on a waiting list. My turn will come soon and when it does, I will be exactly where I’m meant to be and with the right people in my life. Knowing this, makes me happy. My life isn’t perfect now, but it will be one and that’s something definitely worth waking up to every morning and looking forward to.

13 WONDERFUL things that happened in 2013
What are some wonderful things that happened to you in 2013?