Wrap It Up, B. Wrap. It. Up.

**Title taken from an excerpt of "Chappelle's Show."**

Ah, the end of another year. Now would be the time to start stating some insight, possibly a cute quote or two, maybe even start listing 2014 resolutions. I do not have my own list of resolutions, nor will I list any, and do not really see a point in putting down a quote. I will, however, state some insight (obviously, since it is a blog.)

2013 was interesting. It started off well, had a few bumpy parts, but overall is ending pretty amazing. I traveled to places I had never been: Mississippi, Alabama, and Las Vegas. I bought my car on my very own and adopted my German Shepherd on my very own. I am employed as an administrative assistant at a bank in Garland (employed for one year) and am loving my work here. It has taken years for me to be finally at a job I love. That may not seem like much to some, but to me is quite an accomplishment, especially at the age of 29 and supporting myself.

If I were to pick out a favorite part of the year, I choose December. The holidays always bring out the sappy side of me, but December truly was an epic and my most favorite time span of the year. People are always in a rush to end the year so they can start over brand new and forget about the previous year. With that said, why do I choose December? It is a great way to end on a positive note. After years of horrible dates, relationships, just crap guys in general, my best friend found her soul mate. She is the happiest she has ever been and words can not do justice of how happy it makes me to see her so happy. The same applies to another best friend. She met her soul mate almost one year ago (also after years of horrible relationships, etc.), then married him shortly after Christmas. The pictures of their ceremony make me tear up with happiness and joy. I honestly CANNOT think of women more deserving of this love and happiness than these two.

I have the big 3-0 coming up in 2014. I did not think I would ever say this, but I am ready for it. I am excited, anxious, and ready to embrace what the year and that birthday both have in store. I have incredible friends, a fantastic, loving family, I look 18 and have the mindset of a 32-35 year old. To me, there is no better way to start off 2014. For those of you encountering trouble, despair, or a bad hand of cards, it only gets better from here. Always remember you have the support of friends and family to help you through your hard times. Do not hesitate to reach out to others. Ask for help, ask for a shoulder to lean on, ask for a listening ear. There is someone out there who will oblige, trust me. I hope you all have a safe, happy, and fun New Year! I leave you now with a picture, depicting my mood for the goodbye of 2013.

Having, Giving, Sharing, Receiving.

**The title is from a Friend's episode where Joey writes vows for Monica and Chandler. I found it appropriate for this post.**

It is difficult to believe that Christmas is already upon us. The $500,000 question seems to be, "Have you been naughty or nice?"

Reflecting back on 2013, both of those answers applies. Every single one of us has been both naughty and nice. Sadly, it feels as though more people are naughty than they are nice. I was recently told by someone, "You aren't very nice." That is probably because I would not give him what he wanted. Who cares. That is not the best attitude to have or maintain, but there are honestly bigger fish to fry. I am all for being nice, polite, etc. to everyone since everyone is dealing with personal issues or fighting some battle. The holiday season is also tough on a lot of people and can put a downer on celebration. (The holidays are tough on myself and my family.) However, that behavior of being nice and polite should be reciprocated at least some, regardless of what burden you carry or what battle you are fighting.

I have made several comments about giving cooked meals and hugs in lieu of materialistic Christmas gifts. When I make these comments, I am about 80% serious. This does not seem to sit well with some people and I am honestly not sure why. The true, real meaning of Christmas is not about materialistic presents, but is about love, togetherness, and fellowship. Christmas and the holiday season in general is about reaching out to others and showing love. As a country, we have lost sight of that. We get in fist fights to get our hands on the last PlayStation, shoot guns and hospitalize, or kill people to get our hands on the last 72" television, and we stab people with knives to get our hands on the last "must have gift of the year." This is not healthy, nor is this the mindset we should continue to have. This behavior is ludicrous!

Be thankful and grateful for what you already have. Give to others, not just now, but all year long and give to those less fortunate. I am not saying give expensive, materialistic gifts, but give the gift of love, a cooked meal, or even a hug. Share in the fellowship with your loved ones and actually MAKE THE TIME to meet up for coffee, or drinks, or a meal. When you receive a thoughtful gift, regardless of what it is, say thank you. Reciprocate with a hug.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Festivus, and overall a Happy Holiday! Spread some laughter, some smiles, and just overall spread some cheer. Who knows, maybe you will help make someone's day or someone's Christmas ten times better by this behavior. :)