Last weekend my mother invited me to the Kimball Art Museum to see the exhibit Faces of Impressionism. I leapt at the chance not only to spend some quality time with my mom but I couldn't remember the last time I went to the museum. It was wonderful! I immediately remembered how much I love the way the impressionists painted, so many colors and without definitive lines but creating intricate and detailed paintings.

When I was younger I loved all Degas's ballet paintings because at the time I was a ballet dancer and it perfectly suited my interests. It was fun to revisit that excitement. However, now that I am older I find myself drawn to the self portraits of the impressionists. There is something so personal and intriguing about each one.

This year I am trying to take better care of myself, physically and mentally. I am eating healthier, drinking a lot of water, and working out but have come to realize that I need to focus on fixing my mentality.

1. Find what you love to do and try to make that your career. Intern with good companies and for jobs you'd like to have once you graduate.
2. Don’t be talked into making purchases you shouldn’t be making with money you don’t actually have. Instead only spend money you have. You can then put that purchase on your credit card and immediately pay it off to build good credit.
3. Get YNAB immediately. A budget is essential. You will need it to manage your finances responsibly and help you save for all the inevitable factors life likes to throw at you.
4. Continue to workout after college. Keep the habits you formed playing soccer and use them even after you're done.
5. Learn to cook. It is what brings people together and good meals are cheaper and healthier than eating out. 
6. Appreciate good friends. They are harder to make and find when you are older.
7. Clean up after yourself. It makes less chores for later and provides you with a clean house for guests anytime.
8. Lastly, get in the habit of changing the filter every month. You will want heat in the winter time. Lesson learned.

There was one thing I wanted for Christmas. I blatantly told Alex a few times what exactly it was that I wanted, a sleep mask. I have a hard time sleeping at night now if there are lights on, which is a complete 180 from how I used to sleep which was with the TV or some light or noise on. And seeing how Alex sometimes stays up a little later than me playing video games, watching a movie, or reading up on woodworking I figured I might try a sleep mask. I found a few ones I liked and showed them to Alex to give him an idea of what I was wanting. I ended up getting one but it was from my mom. I was thrilled and surprised since I hadn't told her it was something I wanted. I have worn it every night since.

Lately, I have noticed a lot of changes like my sleep mask. For example, I used to really love wearing heels but now I have developed a deep appreciation and love for flats. I have never really enjoyed cooking either but now I love the fact that I can create a delicious meal based on my cravings that is not only healthy but fits within my budget. I also find that I actually thoroughly enjoy spending time with my parents and talking about really abstract and random things. It is fun to see who I align with more. I know that as I get older more changes are bound to happen but it feels as if these changes happened all at once. Overwhelming and surprising but welcomed none the less.

There you have it. I wouldn't have waited very long before eating that delicious treat. I could say this explains a lot of my life thus far but I am not going to let this new found knowledge define me or become something to fall back on. Instead I think I will begin to test it. I declared last night I was done picking and biting my nails. I'll let you know how it goes.

We received this card from my mom Tuesday and it left me feeling appreciative and excited. I survived 2014. Not that I was in danger of not making it through 2014 but it was a challenging year. One that left me feeling beaten and worn down. But here we are in 2015 with the possibilities and hopes a new year brings.