Looking forward to 2014.

2013 was a tough year physically, emotionally & mentally. Both Gideon and I faced trials that we never thought we would've ever have had to face. We were driven out of our first home which was the biggest trial we have ever had to face. Our home which we spent so long to make into our little haven, taken away from us so quickly. Our health was at risk and we couldn't stay.

I don't like talking about that trial because it is really something that changed Gideon and I. Thankfully we have a plan to buy a house in the future and bury the memories of our first experience. Furthermore, we faced car issues, employment hassles and the stress of university. Life lessons being taught over and over and we saw no end.

2013 was emotionally exhausting but thankfully with my husband by my side, we were able to conquer everything together.

Based on our 2013 experience, we are now optimistic toward the future. We have set goals together which are:

1. Love each other more each day. Pretty self explanatory, really. This entails dating each other & lowering the amounts of times we bicker... haha.

2. Set foundations for ourselves. Our parents respectively taught us to be diligent with our money. 2014 will be the year that we *hopefully* purchase a home. Although the market is not in our favour, we hope that once I begin to gain more casual work & Gideon starts his new line of work, we can start to plan our future home together.

3. Be happy. Gideon and I both had a tough 2013 & at times were hardly happy. This year we have no choice but to be happy. Smiling, laughing and loving are what we are striving to do more of.

4. Continue our education. I'm a firm believer in education & our constant need to learn and educate ourselves. I plan to learn Auslan to further my abilities and skills in education & perhaps complete a photography course part-time. Gideon is undertaking his Bachelor degree in Counter Terrorism & is enjoying it. After finishing a Masters degree and a Bachelors degree at the age of 23, I am planning to learn more hobbies and skills that are fun & practical.

5. Travel. Gideon and I have the most fun when we are exploring and we strive to do more of this within the year. Hopefully we can visit new countries and add stamps to our passports soon.

I feel really good about this year & I wish for nothing but the best for you too.

-C.