Confessions Of An Optimist: Out wit the old; In with the new

I'm back writing as part of a new resolution to myself to share ideas, dreams and questions with all of you. With that being said, there's so much to share about the past year of my life so I will do a quick recap.

I began working as a full time, second grade teacher in August 0f 2013.
I planned a wedding all year long
I traveled to Duke university with my family to watch basketball- this has become a new tradition!
Andrew and I bought a house in March of 2013.
I lost a great grandmother on my father's side. This was an eye opening experience.
I married my best friend on June 22, 2013. It was absolutely beautiful. While I enjoyed all parts of my day, our ceremony will forever be my favorite part <3
I left for Cancun for a week on June 24, 2013. It was quite the experience.
My sister embarked on her senior year in August and helped lead her team to the DIII National Championship Field Hockey Game. It was such an incredible experience and quite the memorable journey. She trained her whole career for the moment and I couldn't be more proud.
I officially signed as assistant coach of the Elkton field hockey team!
My long life friend Caitlan got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid!
We enjoyed our first fall/winter season in our new house and for Christmas I got a dog-Ruthie! She's lovely in every sense of the word and I can't imagine my house without her.

Now that a new year has officially begun, I am unsure how this year could top the last. However, I am hopeful that it will be full of many lasting memories. I am currently loving my job and married life. I have been avidly "working out" and eating better since November. I did a great job this summer but once coaching took over my afternoons my great habits slipped away. I can confidently say I feel better and very determined. My sister, some friend and I are running our first half marathon at the end of April and I am so excited! I've already began running more than I ever have before and I can't wait to see even more improvements. I had a beautiful Christmas with all of my family and got so much more than I ever deserved. I am thankful for the blessings God abundantly offers me and I really hope to do a better job at acknowledging them and Him. Which brings me to my New Year's Resolutions. Here are some things I hope to improve on and accomplish over the next year.

Be the healthiest I can be- I feel I am pretty good at this, however, I want to see the best me I can be.
Do more- I want to break away from my routines and visit new places and try new things.
Save money for our big trip. Andrew and I have been so anxious to go to New Zealand. I fell in love wit the country and I know Andrew would too. It's our goal to go back in the next few years.
Finish the outside of our house this Spring- Painting, landscaping, etc.
Hang out more with my friends. I want to continue having cookouts, parties, dinner dates, etc.
Be more thoughtful at any time, anywhere.
Organize my basement. When we moved in- all of my "junk" went to the basement. I should work on that
Take pictures. I am learning that I have a love of capturing everything! I would love to put my decent camera to use and capture even more
Run more and try new work out regimens. I love changing up my routine and want to try the new P90x. run another half, insanity, etc.
Pin and Conquer- I want to work more on the things I pin and make them a reality! Food, clothing, make up, work outs, house ideas, etc.

Wish me luck on my journey and I'll do the same for you! Look for more posts to come on any topics that speak to me at the time. Fashion, entertainment, sports <3, marriage advice, teaching tips and life in general

My life in photos: