It may not be the end of the year, quite yet, but I’m already gearing up for 2015. I

know that every year – probably since I started this blog – I say, “This is going to

be my year!” And every year, when things go awry, I inevitably end up thinking,

“Okay, next year will be my year.”

 This time is different; I’m leaving the

proclamations in the back of the drawer. I’m going to roll with the punches and

take the inescapable bad times with the good, and do my best to make the latter

just that much better. Because you know what? Even with all of the awful events

that happened this year — and let me tell you, it was a doozy — this

year was my year. Every year is my year. I’m one resilient son of a gun, and the

amount of incredible opportunities and steadfast relationships I have in my life

make me feel like the luckiest gal in the world, even when I’m feeling lost or

perpetually stuck in a turbulent moment.

There are no perfect years. Even those

who win the lottery, are born into royalty, or skyrocket to international fame are

not immune to pitfalls and heartache, so why should I expect to be any different?

I’m a work in progress, but I’m proud of myself for taking everything in stride and

finding the bright spots in the bleakest moments — because when I look back on

2014, I don’t focus on anything other than the memories I want to keep. And

goodness gracious, I have some great ones to look back on. Here are some

highlights from my year, for which I’m forever grateful:

 

 1. Taking a spontaneous trip to Madonna Inn with my best friend, Kimbly,

who dropped everything when I needed her, no questions asked. I love

you, Kim! 

 2. My first trip to Paris, courtesy of the lovely team at Comptoir des

Cotonniers. And then my second one, with my motley crew: Eliot, Angie,

and Helena. Remember how a trip to Paris was my dream? I went twice,

this year! Insane. 

3. Starting my Invisalign treatment (I’m currently receiving complimentary Invisalign® treatment in exchange for sharing my experience). I waited forever to take the plunge,

because I have a tendency to procrastinate — especially when it comes to

unfamiliar territory. I really should be thanking you all, for this and for the

first part of #2 (and probably half of this list) because I wouldn’t have had

the opportunity to receive complimentary treatment, if I didn’t have you

guys as my audience. The other day, I was looking at old pictures and

comparing them to my smile-in-progress, and I got so excited. I had to call

Bobby in the room to show him how much wider my smile has gotten, and

how less of my gums show. During my second trip to Paris, I was just

getting used to my first Invisalign clear aligners. Now, I’m about halfway

through. Time flies! If you would like more information on Invisalign

treatment, click here. 

 

4. All of my visitors (and there were a lot). I’m so close to my family and

friends, and moving to another state made me nervous about not being

with them, enough. Luckily, I have a flexible schedule that allows me to

travel, but I’m especially grateful to live in a place that people want to visit.

My guest room is rarely empty, and I’m closer than ever to my family and

friends. 

 

5. My trip to Japan. It seems completely surreal to think that as of last year, I

had never been outside of the US. I didn’t even get my passport, until this

year! For my 30th, Bobby took me to Japan. My dad was born there, and

his dad lived there, when he was a kid. It was such a special trip for both

of us. 

 

6. Designing my “Keiko” Bonlook glasses. And naming the colors after my

favorite girls, no less! 

 

7. Collaborating with some of my favorite brands. I’m grateful for all of them, but I’d have to say that any

time I get to work with Urban Decay, I get extremely excited! They’re a

longtime favorite of mine, and working with animal loving beauty addicts is

basically a dream come true.  

 

8. Getting my Miku tattoo. Miku has been my constant, faithful companion

and best friend for the last ten years, so getting her tattooed on my leg

was the least I could do to prove my love to her. It makes me so happy,

every time I see her little smiling face on my leg! 

 

9. So many Disney trips! Actually, so many trips, period. Nashville, NOLA,

LA, Paris, Tokyo, Florida, North Carolina…I stayed pretty busy.  The Disney trips are a good way to get the whole family together, and keep the kids entertained. This year, we took our very first family trip – complete with grandparents, parents, kids, and grandkids. We’re planning on making it an annual event, because family is number one.

 

10. And last, but certainly not least: seeing Tessa (my little sister) graduate

high school. She’s the most special person in the world. I cried my eyes

out when she walked across the stage. Of course, I also cried when she

first went to kindergarten, so she’s used to it. Monchichi is all grown up!