Every Friday I’ll indulge my order-crazed brain in a list of randomness. Welcome to my Friday Fives.

Happy New Year, everyone! This is starting to sound a little broken record-ish, but I have lots to share with you about our Christmas (namely the baking), but I didn’t think I could ignore the elephant in the room that is 2015. Is there anything more refreshing than a new year? It’s always full of promise and hope. A blank slate that’s as white as the blanket of snow out my window. It just screams whispers for reflection.

Before I get to my highlights and resolutions, I have to look back at my 2014 resolutions. Overall, I think I did okay. There will always be room for improvement, especially when it comes to my housekeeping, but I’m getting there. My hair, though. I think I’m finally at the age where I’ve stopped fighting my natural curls. Especially in this dry climate, my brush and straightener have been on retirement for a while and I don’t mind. It certainly feels healthier without all that heat damage. So, maybe that one was doomed from the start.

Beyond the resolutions, 2014 was a great year. So many moments that made my heart soar. Here are my top five favorites:

5. Surprise!

2014 was the year of the surprise! January saw me surprising a certain sweet little for her birthday, April was my surprise trip for Bobbie’s birthday, September brought Bobbie to Utah in her own surprise for my birthday and October brought Bryan and Robbi to Utah where I dead-weighted him in utter shock. There’s nothing better than a surprise like these, no matter which side you’re on. It’s complete euphoria. Thanks to all those involved in some of the sweetest moments of my year. (And, in a different kind of surprise, me running my first 5k certainly ranks as a shock of the year.)

4. Wedding!

Family weddings are such wonderful reasons to gather together and see faces you haven’t seen in a long time. Thanks, Bryan and Robbi for bringing everyone together for a great time in Dallas!

3. New Jobs!

First, a job at USU where I loved being on campus and helping students see the world. Then, an amazing opportunity to work for my old employer in Florida, from home. It’s a dream come true and I’m still needing a pinch to make sure this is the real deal. So thankful to be reconnected with my Miami Family and not be scraping snow off my car every morning in the dark.

2. Utah Family!

Nowhere have we found such an incredible group of friends. Our Utah Family is nothing short of amazing and we are so appreciative of their love and support and for bringing us into their fold so quickly. It has made all the difference.

1. Etsy!

Wow, I’m so glad I decided to take the plunge this year to launch my online business. I didn’t have any expectations, but I’m still blow away by what I’ve sold and the friends I’ve made in this little online community. It’s so gratifying and I can honestly say I’m loving every minute of it…even all of the trips to the post office.

Now, on to this year. Here are my hopes for the next 12 months:

5. Adventures!

I want more adventures this year. Whether it’s exploring more of our new-ish state, or taking a big trip for our first big anniversary, or culinary adventures, I want to be there. I haven’t exactly pinpointed everything this could be, but the gears are turning and ideas are out there.

4. Blog/Etsy!

Now that these are underway, I want to explore more functionality (blog) and prints (Etsy). I also realize that I’ve been putting off my blog posts in the last few months. I’d like to be realistic about what I’m willing and/or able to put into this site. Maybe it’s more, maybe it’s less. I’m not giving up on it by any means, but maybe I can shift my expectations a bit to make myself feel better about it. Etsy-wise, I just want to expand my offerings, which takes time…a lot of it. Let’s make some time for creativity this year! And that brings me to…

3. Time Management!

Now that I’m working from home, I really need to manage my time wisely. I need to get in my steps, trips to the gym, random errands, just like everyone else. It just makes it harder when you get up early to work on Eastern Time and then want to nap once it’s their 5pm. Something tells me going to bed earlier will be part of this equation.

2. Horn!

If I’m being completely honest, my horn comes out of its case roughly 2 days before I have a gig. I’ve never had a problem having to get “in shape” to play after taking long periods off. I’m blessed with good mouth muscles, I guess. But, when I asked Lily what one of my resolutions should be she said to play my horn more. She’s absolutely right. I’m so happy when I’m playing. Maybe I’ll try to tackle one of the pieces I never played in school.

1. Family!

With Bella’s recent sickies, I’d like to dub 2015 the Year of the Bella. This pup, who has made me happier than anyone or anything should, is getting older. I want the three of us to make some sweet memories while we still can. We started that trend by taking her on our vacation last September, which was some of the best fun we had all year.

Those are my hopes and goals for the new year. How about yours??