*As the New Year Approaches...*

As the new year approaches, recall your favorite joys, sorrows, and weeping past year of 2013. We have all gained and lost a lot. We have made new friends, commitments, and everlasting memories. It was a hard year, but now we must move on. Take this day as the only day to reminisce with the past 365 days. Laugh a little, cry a lot, and rejoice in peace. Make new resolutions and this your best year yet! Let go of the negative energy in your lives and welcome the positive. Many of us will be with our loved ones, working, or alone. If you're alone, pick up that phone and make it a point to go out! This is the first time in my life, that I will work through the New Year, but who cares! I vow to make the best of it. Take a breath, take a chance, take a step forward, and make this the best year of your life! Remember, you only live once. 

*Should Women and Men fight One Another in Any Violent Sport?*

No! Women and men are built differently and it's not only insane, but physically dangerous. Most of the time, men overpower women. They have always hunt and preyed since the beginning of time, while women were the nurturers. Unless a female is taking extra hormones, there is no way she can beat a man in the ring without injury. It goes against nature and genetics. This is a free country and females can try, but they will endure physical injuries.

Photo Credits: Listed Above.

*How to Adapt to a New Puppy*

If the opportunity arises, take it. I've wanted a new dog forever! My wish came true last night. Her name is Athena and she is 5 weeks old. As soon as I saw her photo, I fell in love. If I didn't take her, I'm not sure where she would end up. I've never owned a puppy in my life, so I didn't know what to do. Thankfully, my boyfriend has had them in his life forever, so he's able to train me. We already have a cat, so I'm glad that we're taking her in small. That way, Max can get used to her and vice versa. I've always loved animals and once dreamed of becoming a vet. They've always soothed my soul. Athena is currently in the potty training process, but is accustoming well. I'm proud of her. She knows what she can and can't chew on and if there is an issue, I'm sure we can fix it. The purpose of my post is, that if you get a new dog, make sure you introduce it to other dogs and children. That way, it knows to be playful and not attack others. Athena is a baby, so she can be trained, which is awesome. She is so heartwarming and I'm looking forward to our future together.

*Give Someone Something to Remember the Cheer in the Holiday Season*

A friend of mine mentioned a valuable point about the holidays. No one takes the time to write out Christmas Cards anymore. Instead, they go online and send virtual greetings. What happened to the tradition of wishing everyone a happy holiday season? My family has been sharing Christmas Cards for the past 24 years of my life. I love the cheerfulness and grace. I thinks it's important for someone to buy a card or make one and send them out. It's a special gift that comes from the heart. I know everyone is busy and time is running out, but don't forget how special it is for people to remember how you feel about them. Get out and change the virtual tradition! Send a real card like old times. 

*Some Great Holiday Suggestions*

Are you looking for a convenient way to shop this holiday season? If you have a big family like me, you might opt to do a secret Santa (even though I never end up doing it), which consists of picking a name out of a hat, shopping for that one person, and that results in saving money. It's a lot of fun and I do something like it every year with a bunch of ladies. It's convenient and allows friends to spend time together. If you're in a money jam this year and love to bake, make some cup cakes or cookies and wrap them up for your friends and family. It's not the value of the gift that counts, but the thought itself. If you decide to buy a tree this year and run out of hooks for the tree, you don't have to run out and buy them. You might think I'm nuts, but use ribbon. It doesn't only work, but makes the tree look spectacular. Also, as I've mentioned in previous posts, scrapbook! It's so much fun and memorable because it comes from the heart. Happy Holidays to you all! Hope you have a spectacular time. 

*What's Your Favorite Thing About the Holiday Season?*

My favorite holiday has always been Christmas. I love the fresh smell of pine and sweet smell of love. Since I live in South Florida, I have experienced many diverse Christmas.' The one thing I miss about up north is the chance of a white Christmas. The crisp smell of snow and marshmallow's soaking in hot chocolate are indescribable. The most important thing I miss is having my entire family together during the holidays. You appreciate your family and friends the most when you're separated. There is nothing like watching Home Alone reruns with an older cousin. Most of all, the seven fishes, the way Nonna makes them is unreplaceable. So, for all of you who take these moments for granted, I envy you. Make sure this holiday season is a little different. Appreciate what you have and share your favorite things at dinner time. 

*Proof that Reality TV Shows Are Phony*

Maury: 

The Test: 

Ok everyone, I have to admit that I watch Maury, The Test, and The Steve Wilkos show. In fact, I record them all on my DVR and browse through the drama. I love it! I don't have drama in my own life, so I find the drama in these shows extremely entertaining. Unfortunately, I was browsing through today's episode of The Test: Season 1, Episode 63: "Is my 27-year-old boyfriend Cheating," and noticed the couple looked extremely familiar. Clara, 52 and Barry, 27 both believe they're cheating on one another. At first, I didn't think anything of the familiarity. I kept watching the show and the host introduced Princess, Barry's mother. Immediately, a spark went off in my mind. I thought, "Oh my god! This couple was on Maury for the same reason!" I googled their names and sure enough, they were on Season 22, episode 30 of Maury: "You're 52 ... Stop Sleeping With Our 27-Year-Old Son!" Both shows aired exactly one month apart. What a coincidence! Or is it? Either this couple has a fake story or both shows are scripted and phony. I pay attention to every detail in every show. I have caught celebrities wearing the same outfit on two different shows and genres on the same day. In fact, I pointed that out and it was a coincidence, but not this. These episodes were aired on purpose, but are the producers aware of the slip? Probably not! Today, everyone will see the dirty truth that exists in our society. 

**Maybe I will Include this in My Book**

Distasteful memories cleanse my cheeks. I recall every lie that wasted at my feet. My heart began to beat an irregular beat. My face was drenched in impeccable heat. Why did we have to meet? It was the day we were introduced that gave me a boost. His smile was full of charm, his gaze-penetrating. That was what did the most harm. As I gave him a kiss on both cheeks, an electric shock kissed my lips. I felt it all beneath my hips. My body began to twist.... With it all.... I began to fall.... And that was all....

*What Type of Wedding Proposal Do You Dream Of?*

Every type of proposal should be filled with love and happiness. All girls expect a dreamy proposal, but they don't always end that way. So, if there any gentlemen reading this, take notes. When a man asks a woman to marry him, it should be special. I'm not saying it has to be romantic, but it's definitely a plus. Personally, I've never been proposed to, but I've heard of proposals gone bad. If you want to marry someone, make sure that you've discussed if with that person in the past. Some people don't enjoy or want proposals, so they may turn you down. If you propose in front of a million people, make sure the other person is ready because there is nothing like embarrassment. If you're a timid person, work on it, because that special other is everything. Personally, I would never marry a man who hands me a box and stays silent until I open it. I want my engagement memorable. Surprises are everything no matter what anyone says. Don't hand your significant other a box and wait for them to ask you what it is. Chances are, they won't marry you. If you've been with someone for over 5 years and won't ask them to marry you, then you have commitment issues. Take that step, it's now or never. Don't write a corny poem unless you want to be laughed at. Make sure you don't stutter. If you can't marry the person, don't ask them. There's nothing more hurtful or embarrassing than being left at the alter. Also, women, don't say yes unless you mean it!!!! Most people only want to be married once, so that engagement should be everything. I'm not attempting to pressure anyone, but I'm being realistic. Nothing is better than the truth. So, I hope you take my pointers and my discouragement seriously. Take that chance and do it the right way! I wish you all nothing, but true love, happiness, and health for the rest of your lives. 

Photo credits: veemoze.wordpress.com