Fourteen in '14

I LOVE winter break! I LOVE winter break! I LOOOOVVVVEEE winter break! I can't say it enough. After a busy and sometimes stressful semester, this break feels sooooo good. It mainly consists of sleeping in, coffee, more coffee, blogging, reading, family time, eating, and snuggling with the puppies. 

That's the good life right?

I'd say so. 

However, I am joining the wonderful "Fourteen in 14" linky party!

Here's my year!

14. Favorite Quote

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

13. Favorite Article of Clothing

I love my new faux vest from Forever 21. It's a little much, but I think it's fun and festive for the holidays.

12. Favorite Movie

(source)

If you haven't read the book, you need to! It's a fantastic book and the movie is just as good. Typically, the movie is never as good as the book, but in this case it is!  So you need to read it and then watch the movie! It's a must see. 

11. Favorite T.V. Movie Series

(source)

The most addicting show ever. It will leave you at the edge of your chair wanting more. It's that good. FYI: If you start this show…good luck getting off the couch this Christmas break. ;)

10. Favorite Restaurant

(source)

The Kitchen Sink dog

Oh my word. This restuarant has the most delicious hot dogs and hamburgers. It's a very unique atmosphere and the items on the menu are extremely different. A few weeks ago, I got, "The Kitchen Sink" and it's a bacon wrapped hot dog with everything imaginable on it. Served with sweet potato fries and chipotle mayo dipping sauce. 

YUM.

 It is so worth the calories.

If you are ever in the Joplin, MO area…you need to try this place.

9. Favorite New Thing I've Tried

Dancing onstage at a luau.

While I was in Hawaii, we attended a Luau. They picked one person in the audience to come up and shake it. That lucky person was me. I was able to get over my fear of dancing in front of people with a bang. Dancing onstage in front of hundreds of people. 

Problem fixed…HA! 

8. Favorite Gift I've Received

My fiancé's mother gave me this beautiful charm bracelet for Christmas. It has an engagement charm with our date engraved on the back. You can add chains to it for life's future big moments. What a thoughtful and sweet gift.  I love it. 

7. Favorite Thing I've Pinned

Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

This soup may be the best thing I've ever made. The thought of it makes my mouth water. If you love tomatoes, basil, and tortellini, this is the recipe for you! 

6. Favorite Blog Post

7 Ways to Tackle Anxiety: I have terrible anxiety and this post let me vent and alleviate some of the anxiety I was feeling at the time. As I reflect, it's one of the most meaningful pieces of writing I've ever written.

5. Favorite Accomplishment

I did it. I finally created my own teaching blog. I have wanted to create a blog for a few years and finally found the courage to create one. It has completely enhanced my teaching and made me find a new profound love for writing. It's been a wonderful hobby.

4. Favorite Photo

 Here is my sweet little family. 

3. Favorite Memory

I couldn't pick just one memory. Here are the sweetest memories of 2014 for me!

In April, the love of my life asked me to marry him!

In August, my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows on the beach in Hawaii. They were kind enough to take us kids! 

2. 2015 Goal

To give back. This Christmas season made me realize how blessed and fortunate I am. I am able to pay my bills, rent, and provide food for my fiancé, my puppies, and myself. I want to make a monthly habit of giving food back to the homeless and animal shelter. 

1. One Little Word

Listen: I need to do a better job listening. I'm a self absorbed person. I constantly like about me, me, and ME. Even when I'm listening… Sometimes, I'm hearing what the other person is saying, but not listening. I'm patiently waiting my turn to chime in what I want to say. How selfish is that? That is a personal flaw I need to desperately work on. I want to genuinely listen to what another person has to say.

What was your fourteen for '14? Join the linky party!