Dear 2013

Dear 2013,
I cannot believe it is time to say goodbye already.  It seems like it was only yesterday that I was saying farewell to your predecessor 2012.  You arrived rather uneventfully and it looks like you will be leaving the same although on a slightly more optimistic note.
We have been through some ups and downs over the last year.  Thankfully the downs were few and through them I have learned valuable lessons on who I can count on, who I cannot, and how to let people in and admit when I am scared.  The downs have also allowed me to experience how comforting it can be to know others are praying for you.  Thank you for the lessons and experiences 2013.
The ups over the last few years have been much more plentiful. 

• In January I had my SITS Day.  To date that was the most visitors I have had on the blog at one time. 
• In February I got to be a little creative and made some Free Printable Joy bookmarks. 
• In March I was blessed to attend the single and saved workshop.  It was especially nice to take my brother with me since we hardly ever do anything together, just the two of us.
• April was a truly amazing month.  I dove quite a bit deeper into the blogging world and had my first Chasing Joy Brunch & Learn (#CJBL).  It was fantastic and I am still so proud of myself for taking Chasing Joy to this next level.
• In May I was very happy to be able to use my blogging skills to shine the light on caregivers and help the American Cancer Society celebrate it’s 100^thBirthday
• A cool thing that happened in June was coming up with my Recipe for a Joyful Life.
• In July I had fun with a few friends at my BBQ and came up with some tips on how to host your own. 
• August was super exciting because I did it again and hosted my 2^nd Chasing Joy Brunch & Learn.  Making it officially a series. 
• September was awesome because I got to attend Power Up Weekend in DC and I introduced the Chasing Joy Ambassadors.
• In October I went to my absolute favorite Blog conference Blogalicious!!!  While there I did my boudoir photo shoot.
• The highlight of November was hosting the 2^ndAnnual Joy of Giving Charity Event where over 250 items from the American Cancer Society’s AstraZeneca Hope Lodge of Philadelphia’s wish list were collected. 
• The Christmas Holidays during December were nice including being able to donate some toys to children in transitional housing but I was the most excited to revel (sort of) my boudoir photos.

See 2013, we have shared lots of ups and joyful moments over the last 12 months.  In addition to the above I am really happy about the fun things that I did with my mom this year like going to see Wicked and the Nutcracker.  I am also really appreciative of new friendships that were made this year as well as the time spent investing in established friendships. Oh and lets not leave out the love life.  2013, did you connect me to my Mr. Joy Chaser???  It is too early to tell.  But you have connected me with someone that I feel interested in and excited about.
2013 here are a few other highlights of our year together. 

Here are my To Tweets of 2013. Number 1 has to do with big boobs.  LOL (https://twitter.com/chasing_joy/timelines/417493398673567744)  

Here are my most liked Instagram photos.  Apparently you guys really like the photos of my meals. (http://instagram.com/p/ih7ZFrJje9/) 

Here is a video portrait of my activities on twitter during 2013 (https://www.vizify.com/joychasing/twitter-video)

Here are my favorite Pins of 2013 (http://www.pinterest.com/JoyChasing/favorite-pins-of-2013/)

So 2013, it seems as though you have been pretty good to me, all things considered. I hope 2014 picks up where you left off and continues on a joyful path.  There is always a slight sadness in saying goodbye to another year but I am excited to meet your successor in a couple of days.
Farewell 2013 thanks for everything.
What parting words do you have for 2013???