MIA Where have I been??

First post of the new year and first post on this blog in 6 months. When I say life happens, it happens! It's taken everything in me to get back to posting, because although I was on a roll last year, this was something I truly enjoyed. It was a pastime for my creativity in clothing and also an outlet. So I'll sum it up as fast as I can. I went to Mexico in July on a WONDERFUL girls trip and had every intention of posting pics of that, but shortly after I got back things in my life took a turn for the worst. My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and I became his caretaker. I'm the only child and this weighed HEAVILY on me, not just because I did everything by myself, but because I loved and still love my father dearly and he was my everything. Seeing him decline was so difficult for me that some days it was hard to breathe. I wont linger too much but only to say that his death has left me with an emptiness that only those who have gone through this can understand. Moving forward in life without him has been very trying and some days I still don't believe he's gone,but one thing I know for sure is that he would want me to press on and do all the things I'm supposed to do; live life to the fullest (because he did), experience new things (because he did), be kind and try to be a good person to all, even those that wrong you (because he did). So many things I could say about him and what he meant to not just me, but to his family and friends and all the lives he touched, so I'll stop here. I also turned 40 in November, and life really got put into perspective even more. I guess I could say I've lived half of my life and I've learned to be very mindful of all the blessings I have, in spite of my loss. I knew that when I turned 40, I wanted this to be a turning point for me. I had a list of a few things I planned to accomplish. I pretty much am on the path with most of it. I started locing my hair in August which actually was something I'd thought about doing for awhile. A post will be coming on that shortly. My youngest daughter started hers in June and I told her that I would go on the journey with her ( yes a journey, because it is). She was a little nervous about it and I wanted to let her know I supported her and it just was a no brainer to begin my own. I'm currently on a 14 day vegan challenge but I told myself that this was the year that I would become a vegetarian anyway. It's been 6 days without any meat and I'm being so honest when I say I don't miss it and feel so good!! I've found that although I didn't hate cooking, I'm enjoying the new recipes and cooking my own meals. I started back exercising because you can eat healthy all day long, but you gotta stay active. School picks back up for me in another week and I can now count down because by the end of the year, I'll have my degree! Lots to look forward to so let's get this year started on the good foot! I have SOOO many outfit postings that I may end up doing two a day to catch up! Thanks for sticking around if you've been rockin with me for awhile, and if you're new, thanks for stopping by to read and check my blog out! #LETSGO!