The Countdown of ALL Countdowns

It's the final countdown! In few hours another chapter ends and a new one begins.  That signifies not only the New Year but that of "Yours Truly's" different countdown of sort (which hopefully will have another blog if "yours truly" will not be lazy).

This year is no doubt another good year just like the rest. With all the ups and downs I've been through I can say that I did passed year 2014 with flying colors. There were times that I almost doubted my power to overcome the obstacles that came my way but with God's grace and the unconditional love of my family and friends, I was able to survive the year with stronger faith in God and in myself.

There are lots of blessings that I am so grateful for.

For having 2 jobs where there are millions who are unemployed and still looking for jobs to support their families... I cannot be more thankful. I pray that I will be able to continue working with such great people in both jobs who I don't just consider my friends but my second families.

For having wonderful BFFs here and back home I am so amazed at how blessed I am for having them in my life. They inspire me in so many ways that without them, life will be boring. I pray that I will be able to remain faithful to the friendship that you guys unselfishly given me. (Sorry I can't have photos of all of you. I don't want to forget someone and get hurt and I don't have all the photos of you guys in one place. But you do know who you are, right?)

For my Maine Family... thank you for all the love and acceptance. You are not only my family now but my home. I pray that we continue to grow in love and understanding.

For having my brother Japol to come and visit me here in Maine even for just a short period of time was nothing short of a blessing. Having been away for 7 long years from my birth place where I left behind my family and friends, life here in Maine can be a bit of a struggle. Though social media helps a lot in connecting with them it's still not the same as having them in person. Being able to hug them in flesh and bones, laugh with them without the aid of the speakers, eat and drink without watching my diet, go shopping and sight seeing with endless photo ops are priceless moments. I pray that my other brother - Gary will be able to come and visit me here soon too. And yes, it would be better if both of them will come at the same time. Then, we will be able to create new happy memories together like we did when we were little.

For  the love of my life who God chose to be my partner in life, thank you for the 7 colorful years of love and passion. wink* I couldn't imagine my life without you. Thank you for the patience and understanding, the love and sacrifices and yes, for being a pain in my b*tt too because that made our relationship stronger if not wonderful. I pray that we keep the faith for each other. I love you to the moon and back.

And of course for myself. They say..."You can not give what you don't have!" So if I don't love myself, I cannot give love to others. It has been 3 years now since I made a choice to lead a healthy life. That decision is one of the best I made and I will never turn back. Running is now a passion. Eating clean and healthy is now a lifestyle. And working-out is now a commitment.

I turned 49 years old this year. It was significant not because this age is at the threshold of what will come next year. It may be just a number to some but for me it has great relevance because I have accomplished a lot of things in my own little way. They may not be grand like a politician who was able to pass a great bill for human rights or a celebrity who was able to make a blockbuster movie or a scientist who is working hard to discover a cure for cancer. My accomplishments maybe insignificant to others but what I have been through to accomplish them are what matter most because they helped me to grow stronger and better.

I will be a Golden Girl in a couple of months and that is huge. That will be the milestone that will start the new chapter of my existence. I don't know what to expect. I don't have any plans. And I don't care what may come. But if there is anything I know... that is - to live life to the fullest just like I did in the past 49 years and continue being grateful for all the blessings that will come my way.

This is the photo of how I started 2014.

Happy New Year to us all!!!