There are many arguments as to whether 2020 represents the new decade or if 2021 does…since apparently the world started on year 1. However, for argument’s sake, let’s just say we’re starting a new day, month, year, and decade at 12:01 am on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

A lot has changed personally for me in the last decade.

• I’ve changed companies six times (and nope, I’m not ashamed of it. As you get older and more adept at your job, the less bullshit you want to deal with and you move on to the next spot that works for you and your lifestyle.) I’ve been on the boards of organizations, I’ve volunteered more, and I started a small side hustle (like most people have – something none of us could have said 10 years ago.) And, right now and in all honesty, I’m dealing with one of the biggest clusterfucks I’ve ever dealt with in my career. Don’t ask – it’s all BS and I’m so over it and everyone knows it. Unfortunately, this situation has made me less eager to do more for my organization or get back involved in volunteering. It’s a shame, but I hope to be in a better place in 2020.
• Bella went from a happy, young, healthy cat, to an older, slower, more medicated, but definitely still happy cat. And yes, her vets think her quality of life is still excellent – or else I wouldn’t be making this statement.
• I dated many, many, many, MANY men in the last decade – I used to chronicle my antics in a blog, which I still refer back to from time to time when I need a laugh. However, when I followed that old adage of to focus on myself and be happy with me, that’s when I met the love of my life. #manofmystery. He couldn’t make me happier if he tried. Though the Michael Buble concert tickets he got me for Christmas is a good start. We’re looking at 2020 with bright eyes and happiness in our hearts. Planning the concert, a trip or two to Europe, two weddings (one that we’re both in), and many other smaller things – 2020 is shaping up to be much better than 2019. Fingers crossed….we need a good year.
• My friends are my rocks. I started this previous decade with many people in my life. Some have stayed, many have gone (good riddance!), and a few new ones arrived. Overall, I have fewer friends, but they are the best people in the world and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ladies dinners anyone?
• I’ve become obsessed with taking care of myself and the #manofmystery. And by that I mean, I cook regularly for us, I sleep in when I can, I take yoga classes often, I meditate daily (or I try), I journal when I can, and I’m trying to write more here.

Several years ago, I vowed never to make a New Year’s resolution, as I feel most of us fail with them. And then we feel like shit and it totally defeats the purpose of feeling good about your resolution. So instead, I stated that I will always travel and visit one new place every year. For the past six or seven years, I’ve succeeded every year, except 2019. We had plans to go to Montreal, but they had to be canceled, as we were dealing with a new twist in Bella’s illness.

So for the new decade, I will make a few resolutions. Hey – let’s try something new and old at the same time.

• I will visit one new place this year (gotta keep it.)
• I will find an awesome job that I will stay at for years and feel fulfilled. AND BE FUCKING HAPPY DAMMIT!
• I will go back to meditating daily (let’s face it, I feel better when I do it.) It helps with the yoga – can’t wait to take a class later tonight.
• My partner (here at CPW) and I will make this blog a success (whatever that means for us.) Though I do have a dream it takes off, we do a bi-coastal podcast, and somehow do a radio tour across the country (hey, a girl should dream!)
• #manofmystery will continue our journey together and will go to many more countries, more shows, and sleep in more often.

While this post may have seen like a rant for most of you, it was incredibly cathartic for me. And I hope the rest of you who are reading this now – or in the future – have an amazing 2020! Remember less is more. Travel whenever and wherever you can. Read often. Eat what you want. Cherish the ones you love and hold them close to you.

And always drink champagne. Lots and lots of champagne!