keeping the cup full.

One of the things this past year has taught me is when I rely on others to keep my cup full vs doing what I know I need/want I'm not nearly as happy. So I've begun to call attention for myself the things (and people) that I love, cherish, find fun in, enjoy and overall want to invest more of my life. And with that I've been doing quite a good job keeping my cup full.

I was lucky enough to escape back to the East coast / Philadelphia area to visit my nearest and dearest -- my whole family including some aunts and uncles and my bestest of friends from childhood and my earlier adult years. While it's always a whirlwind to go back home because there are so many people to visit it's always incredibly rewarding. And to top it off I got to enjoy both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah given how they overlapped on the calendar this year. Holidays are always tough, just not the same without Mom and all that she brought with her special touches, generosity and thoughtfulness. But each year has its own traditions and each year we move forward and find ways to honor and remember mom while also enjoying and celebrating what we still do have, each other. Like this year I took 5 of my nieces and nephews to see the Hunger Games 2 movie - so fun having a whole row in the movie theater filled with the kids, my brothers and sister in law. What a great day. I also got to celebrate one of my oldest and dearest friends birthday with her while seeing two friends from high school I haven't seen in years. Also a very fun night. And of course all the dinners, breakfasts and special moments in between were what I cherished most because I don't get to do that throughout the rest of the year.

As sad as I was to leave (and that final goodbye with my brother Shawn finally brought about the tears) as I boarded the plane and flew back to LA I had a strong sense that I was flying back to my home. That while I would give ANYTHING to have it be one long drive or short plane ride away vs on the other side of the country, LA is where I belong right now. Who knows if it's forever but it's what makes me happy right now. And while I'm looking to ensure a full cup - it's LA that I will stay. SO in effort to celebrate all that LA has become to me and the people that make it up I hosted a holiday mingle at my house. Sadly I had to reschedule it because I fell ill after my two week east coast tour and was in no shape to cook, clean and prep so the crowd was much smaller than originally expected but no less enjoyable. It was an intimate affair but I sure did love spiffing up my home, cooking up all sorts of yummy treats and putting KoKo in his black bow tie with two jingle balls attached :)

So it's been a busy holiday season and while a bit lonesome now I'm looking forward to some time to unwind and reflect on 2013 while I plan for what promises to be a great year in 2014. Happy holidays all, stay warm, peaceful, joyous and filled with whatever is your version of holiday cheer!

And as 2014 approaches - ask yourself, what fills your cup / what do you want to do more of in the new year?!