2013 And Beyond

Christmas day 2013 is over, Valentina and I had a lovely and quiet holiday this year, she was up early and excited about all her gifts.  She is one of those children that is very happy with whatever she gets, she is a very grateful little girl.  Most of her gifts entailed jewelry this year, all kinds of kits to make her own too and of course she is into make up these days as well.  We had a nice dinner and I didn't bother counting calories, I didn't go over board but I allowed myself to indulge a little... Christmas is about having fun and relaxing, the New Year is just around the corner, I am looking forward to all that it will bring.

So, update on the date... he doesn't live in the city, we had freezing rain in both places last Saturday so it was postponed until this weekend... So far the weather looks like it will be good in both places, we are tentatively speaking about meeting on Friday night.  Hopefully the weather will co operate and we will be able to meet to see if we are as attracted to one another as we seem to be.... Either way I am sure it will be a fun night out of getting to meet someone new.
One week from today the new year will have been rung in, I think this is one of those years I am looking forward to saying good bye to, other than losing the weight ... it has not been a good year.  There were just too many incidents that out weighed the good... maybe it wasn't that there were too many incidents, more like there were bigger issues to have to deal with than I thought I could handle.  I have to say one thing here, I don't like the saying that 'we are never given more than we can handle', I am paraphrasing that.  This year I feel like I was given way more than I could handle and I haven't dealt with the challenges as well as I had hoped.

Losing the weight and becoming healthy was one of the best things I have ever done for myself... I wish I hadn't taken so long to put exercising and eating correctly together, however; even though it took me some time... I am glad I finally got to that crossroads and took on the challenge to become the best me.  I am excited for 2014 and continuing on my healthy plan to take off the last 20 pounds or so that I want to lose. I am aware that it will take making a goal, having dedication and exercising.... the great thing is that I actually love exercising and I see this as a way of life in the future.  I remember wondering if I would ever love exercising but I found my niche (walking) and when I did, it helped me to stay with my goals.
I know that loss in the sad form is something we all have to deal with in our lives ... this year it seemed like there was one loss after the other, each one became more difficult to handle.  One came along and it almost took me down, I don't sleep well to begin with but I rarely slept for months following this loss.  I still don't sleep through a full night, I am actually lucky if I can rest for more than 2-3 hours at a time... this doesn't help me to deal with the challenges I have to handle... sleep would go a long way to helping me... I have been learning to deal with the lack of rest, I wish I could find a way to handle the other challenges I have been given.

I guess that 2013 was a year of change and a year of growth, although these types of years can be overwhelming and challenging... in the long run they can turn out to be the greatest years. It is not easy seeing that, especially since I am still in the middle of all of the changes... I am hoping in 2014 that I will be able to look back and know that everything worked out for the best and I might even be able to be thankful for each challenge I was given...

105 comments :

  1. I love all the quotes that you include in your posts. They are wonderful reminders for me. This year hasn't been good to me, Launna. "We are never given more than we can handle..." sometimes I doubt that quote, too, because I feel like the challenges given to me can be too overwhelming.

    I hope that we will have a much much better year next year, God willing. Take care always, Launna! ♡

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    1. Thank you Irene, I am so touched by each of your lovely comments... I adore your blog... the honesty and openness <3 ... 2014 will be a better year for both of us :)

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  2. This is such a lovely and inspiring post dear! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

    xoxo;
    What Kenny Hearts a Lifestyle Blog


    - Facebook
    - Bloglovin
    - Instagram @whatkennyhearts

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    1. Thank you so much What Kenny Hearts, I wish joy and happiness for you in 2014 and beyond :)

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  3. So glad to see that you and Valentina had a great Christmas. You both deserved it. So proud of you for holding to your new lifestyle. As to not being tested more that you can handle, I agree that some times it feels like God has overestimated our ability to cope, but in the end, we are still here and still moving on so maybe He knows something we don't about ourselves. Wishing you all the best for 2014. I know you will accomplish all you set out to do.

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    1. Thank you Cindy, I am sure I will accomplish all I set out to do...

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  4. I'm glad to hear you and Valentina had a nice Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful new year ahead in 2014.

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    1. Thank you Daisy, I hope you have a wonderful New Year ahead too, I wish you joy and happiness :)

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  5. Hey Launna
    now as this year is going to end, try not to carry the bad memories in the new one.

    Giveaway dose

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    1. Thank you Prerana... that is exactly what I am going to try to do.... take the good memories with me...

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  6. i feel with you ,and i´m glad that a new Year is coming! Hope we can read many Letters from Launna 2014! and many good News!

    a lot of Kisses :)

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    1. Thank you Love T, I hope we all get a better new year ahead <3

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  7. I always say 'chuck out the old and bring in the new'. Leave behind any excess baggage and move on to a bright and light future. It's a New Year and a New You. I'm wishing you every success and happiness for 2014. I can't wait to see what happens.

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    1. Thank you Rum-Punch... I wish you all the best in this New Year too... I am looking forward to 2014 and what it will be bring <3

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  8. I agree Christmas should be relaxing and spending the time with the loved ones :)

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    1. Thank you Anita... Christmas is definitely to be shared with people you love <3

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  9. amazing words! happy holiday and merry Christmas love <3

    Letters To Juliet

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  10. Replies
    1. Thank you Pip, I had a really nice quiet Christmas... I hope you had an amazing one... Have a fabulous new year, I hope you have an amazing one <3

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  11. It's great you had a lovely Christmas :) x
    Check out my MAC giveaway :)
    Freya's Fashion Chapter

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    1. Thank you Jenny, I hope you had a lovely Christmas too :)

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  12. Thank you Kate, I am already following you on Bloglovin and GFC :)

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  13. Yeehaw!!! I found a way to comment from my iPad! Hugs Launna, you are so much stronger than you know and are getting stronger everyday. You can get through all that life throws your way the best that you can. I hope you have a great date!

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    1. Thank you so much Janice, I'll let you know about the date... :)

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  14. lovely post.

    I have an on-going giveaway on my blog. Hope you can drop by and join.

    http://chasingculprit.blogspot.com/2013/12/win-amazing-dresses-worth-200-from.html
    http://chasingculprit.blogspot.com/2013/12/win-item-from-sammydress.html

    It will mean a lot to me.

    xx
    ellie

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  15. It's a great Christmas for you and Valentina.. wish you have a great new year too :))

    Chic Swank

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  16. I'm so glad that you and Valentina had a lovely Christmas! I hope you will have a sparkling new year full of Happiness and I would like to read a lot of inspiring letters from Launna in the 2014!!!!!!!
    Kisses

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    1. Awe thank you Paola... you are so sweet, I hope 2014 brings you many dreams :)

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  17. great post and beautiful photos! I follow you via GFC, can you follow me back? x

    http://fashionsectionbylory.blogspot.com/

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  18. Good to hear you had a nice Christmas :-) Too bad that your date got postponed though, so fingers crossed for this weekend! I know it's a little early, but I already want to wish you all the best for 2014! Keep doing what you're doing, and you will be just fine.

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    1. Thank you kissandmakeup ;-)

      I'm meeting him tonight... the weather looks okay ;-)

      Happy New Year to you too ♡♥♡

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    2. He's nice... we have a date for New Years! I'll let you know ;-)

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  19. your words are so wise....and I love that quote about the arrow pulled back to shoot forward. Can't wait to hear about your date....Hugs Launna.

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    1. Thank you Nikki, I'm sort of excited for the date... just going to have fun. I love that arrow quote too. It reminds me to hold on... ♡

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  20. Great quotes, happy holidays!
    effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

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  21. i really love this post,nice quotes
    check my blog if you want too:)
    NEW POST -> tr3ndygirl.com

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    1. Thank you Trendygirl ... have a lovely New Year ♥♡♥

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  22. Sounds like you and Valentina had a perfectly peaceful Christmas! I do hope 2014 will bring you everything your heart is yearning for!

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    1. Thank you Kc... I hope you have a lovely 2014 ♡

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  23. wonderful words again!!! thank you for sharing!
    wish you a great new year!

    <3
    http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

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    1. Thank you getcarriedaway... I hope you have an awesome New Year ♡

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  24. Valentina is just an adorable little girl. I think that she was so happy for her gifts.
    I am very glad to read that you and she have a nice Christmas past.
    And now I can not wait to know how it goes your weekend. I cross my fingers.
    Kisses my sweet Launna and thank you so much for sharing your lovely words.
    The Indian Savage Diary

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    1. Thank you SO much Maggie...I love reading your comments. I'll let you know about the date ♡

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  25. ohhh i hope the weather will be nice so you can meet him ^^

    Invite you to enter my giveaway with DresSale here

    visit my blog ^_^
    www.LuchLuchCraft.com
    My online store ^_^
    www.TokoLuchLuchCraft.biz

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    1. Thank you Inge.. I hope the weather co-operates too... so far it's snowy :-(

      I hope you have an amazing 2014 ♡♥♡

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  26. your words have always impressed me launna.....
    keep in touch and a happy new year

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    1. Thank you Kriti, I love all your comments... I hope you have a lovely 2014 ♡♥♡

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  27. Replies
    1. Thank you Mitha... Happy New Year to you ♡♥♡

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  28. on christmas you really can indulge! glad you liked the blue dress <3

    x
    dahi

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  29. hope you have a wonderful new year Launna, you deserve it!! xoxo

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  30. well I hope you have a better year in 2014! You certainly deserve it after such a rough year! xo hope 2014 will bring you joy and happiness :)

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    1. Thank you Pop, I hope you have a fabulous 2014 ♡

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  31. I'm happy for Valentina. Happy new year for you and your family. Good luck with your dates.
    xoxo

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    1. Thank you Enara.... happy new year to you too...♡

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  32. Great post Luanna. I'm glad you had a nice Christmas and she was so excited about the presents. Also, I hope the weather is perfect for your date.

    xoDale
    www.savvyspice.com

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    1. Thank you Dale, the weather was great... we have another date Tuesday night for New Years... I think it will be a nice way to ring in the New Year.

      I hope you have a fabulous 2014 :)

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  33. I like that post form you Launna. I hope you have a nice 2014! :)

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    1. Thank you Suze, I hope you have a lovely New Year too :)

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  34. Launna, fico feliz em saber que você gostou do vídeo! ;)

    Com certeza 2013 será ainda melhor que 2014! Feliz Ano Novo!

    Ótimo sábado!

    Beijo! ^^

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    1. Thank you Amanda, I hope 2014 is wonderful for you too :)

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  35. beautiful post <3
    what about follow each other?
    let me know! :)
    happy holidays!
    xx
    veronica

    2 GIVEAWAY on my blog:
    in-the-jungle-of-fashion.blogspot.it/2013/12/jollychic-giveaway.html
    in-the-jungle-of-fashion.blogspot.it/2013/12/dressale-free-christmas-giveaway-win.html

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    1. Thank you Veronica, I will take a look at your blog :)

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  36. Thank you Dario, I hope you have a great New Year :)

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  37. Launna, I have not been on much, but was glad to hear you had a good Christmas with your daughter. I know 2013 has been a rough year for you, and I wish you great in 2014. You are going into it healthier and with more self-control than last year. I am sure you are going to get the very best in this coming year, which you thoroughly deserve. Hugs to you and all the best. Good luck on your date. I hope you have a great time. I know he is very lucky to get the opportunity to get to know you better, and he should appreciate it;)

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    1. Thank you jamie, I have to say you made me cry when you said he should appreciate the chance getting to to know me, that was very sweet of you to say. I hope you have an amazing New Year :)

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  38. Hi Launna! thank you so much for dropping by! I love seeing the little once are opening the gift, it's the most happiness moment. Hope you had an awesome Christmas, I now, wish you a better new year that you've ever had in your life before. I also wish you more happiness form now on. Best luck to your new year Launna!

    http://www.attraction2fashion.com

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    1. Thank you Tanya... you are a sweetheart... I hope you have a fabulous New Year and beyond ♡♥♡

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  39. Oh thats so sweet. Can imagine her eyes that big wirh all the gifts :) I understand what you mean...in 2014 you will keep on working on your big goal. Loosing weight is never easy!!! Think you have a lot of support!! I wish you a wonderful New Years Eve!! Hugs!!!

    www.look-scout.de

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    1. Thank you Martin, my eye is on the goal... I wish you a wonderful New Years too ;-)

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  40. Good to hear that you and Valentina had a lovely Christmas. I'm sure I've said it before but I love her name so much. All the best for 2014, keep up with your goals, you deserve great things.

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    1. Thank you Imogen... I love Valentina's name too ;-)

      I hope you have a great New Year :-)

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  41. Love the Quotes!

    Much love for 2014 ,big Hugs!!!! :)

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    1. Thank you LoveT... I hope yoy have a wonderful 2014 ;-)

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  42. Such a lovely post, I really enjoyed reading it! I wish you a Happy New Year! :)

    I'm following you back!
    http://sofija-photography.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you Sofija... have a wonderful New Year ;-)

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  43. Hi Launna,
    I love your blog. I've been here a few times but I just followed you on GFC now. (I'd love if you followed back!) I'm glad you had a great Christmas, mine was good as well. I got my daughter a lot of jewelry too because she has been wanting to wear mine lately and I don't want mine getting wrecked so I bought her a ton of play jewelry that she can wear. Shopping for little girls is so much fun! :) I'm so glad I have girls. lol. I hope your date goes well and the weather cooperates for you as well! Let us know how it went afterward. :)

    xo, Sarah
    Hustla, baby.

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I am follow you on Bloglovin... I love little girls too... although I do have an adorable grandson who I love like crazy :)

      I will let everyone know about the date after New Years :)

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  44. Enjoy the last sunday of 2013 darling!!!!
    Happy new year Launna, full of joy!!!!!!

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    1. Thank you Paola and I hope you have a fabulous New Year <3

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  45. I hope you enjoy many of Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you Dezazu, I hope you have a lovely New Year!!!

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  46. Thank you Katherine, you are so kind :)

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  47. What a cute post and I love the last pic, it's so inspirational for 2014! Thank you for all your sweet comments this year Luanna, happy new year.

    xoDale
    www.savvyspice.com

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    1. Thank you Dale... Happy New Year to you too ♡♥♡

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  48. I think of each new year as a clean slate onto which I can draw amazing things.
    Happy New Year Launna.

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    1. Thank you Rick, that's a great way to think of it... Happy New Year :-)

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  49. Good to hear that you and Valentina had a lovely Christmas;))) happy new year sweety ;*
    www.sandicious.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Sandra and a Happy New Year to you too <3

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  50. wish you a wonderful new year!!!

    <3
    http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

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    1. Thank you getcarriedaway, I wish you the best year too :)

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  51. i'm wishing you all the best for 2014 - may all your wishes come true!

    x
    dahi

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    1. Thank you Dahi, I hope you have an amazing New Year too :)

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