Happy New Year!
New Year’s Day is always a mixed bag of emotions for me. I’m always sad that the holidays are over, but I’m thrilled to have some time to rest. This year that rest is especially important to me. My MBA semester ended just 12 days before Christmas, giving me that long to finish Christmas shopping, wrap and ship gifts, catch up with my lovely friends and family that I neglected all semester, and hit up holiday gatherings. Let’s just say that I’m perfectly happy spending the first day of 2014 resting and using the time before UCF, my alma mater, plays in tonight’s Fiesta Bowl to reflect on 2013.
I anticipated that 2013 would be my best year ever. And it was… I married my best friend! But if you would’ve told me at the start of the year that I would  decide I wanted to get my MBA and actually start the program within months of this decision, I would’ve laughed at you. Hard. I may have even had tears running down my face. With the start of my first semester, my best year ever slowly transitioned to my most challenging year ever. I spent my days trying to strike balance in every aspect of my life, and learning to let go of the things I couldn’t control.
Looking back, I am forever grateful for my husband and his support all year. He cooked. He cleaned. He took care of our dogs. He kept our house together. He kept me together. He reminded me to slow down. He made me laugh. He cheered me on. He reminded me that I can do anything I set out to do. He let me cry. He worked around my crazy schedule. He made me a lot of coffee. And when the semester ended and I had just submitted me last paper, he walked over with drinks to celebrate.
I’m also grateful for my friends. They gave me epic nicknames like “HeMBArie.” They insisted I was destined for greatness. They ran alongside me. They surprised me at my marathon. They listened to me. They made me laugh… a lot. They understood when I couldn’t make it. They kept inviting me. They let loose with me.
It was a great year. Here’s a look back at 2013:
I married my really, really hot best friend.
Just married!
We took a quick minimoon to Amelia Island…
Our lodge in Amelia Island
And then went on an unforgettable honeymoon trip to Costa Rica.
Ziplining through the canopies of the Costa Rican jungle
I lost 9 lbs. by cutting my dairy and gluten intake and managed to keep them off during my marathon training.
My little sister married her best friend.
My gorgeous Sis and her husband
I started my MBA program.
I ran the 2013 Chicago Marathon…
My training partner, Beth, and me at the end of the 2013 Chicago Marathon
And the 2013 Turkey Trot.
The 2013 Turkey Trot with my friend, Hong
D and I finally visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and tried butterbeer.
The butterbeer stand
I’m looking forward to what 2014 brings my way. I wish you a very happy 2014!
I Sweat Pretty 
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