Hi friends! Merry… no wait, that’s not right… Happy New Year!
Today’s post is coming at you a little later than usual because I didn’t end up getting home until after 2 last night (this morning?), so I ended up sleeping in a little. I probably could have prewritten a post yesterday and scheduled it to post so that I could stay in bed, buuuuut then I wouldn’t be able to chat with you guys while eating breakfast…
I briefly considered trying out a new breakfast for the New Year, but I was honestly too tired to think up anything different and ended up on autopilot through the whole breakfast-making process. Sleeping in or not, I still only managed to get around 5 hours of shut eye last night, so you’ll have to forgive me for being a little scatterbrained – I’m thinking that an afternoon nap is going to be very necessary today.
Oh! I should probably fill you guys in on what it was that kept me up so late. Okay. So. I was originally going to go out to the movies and then hit up downtown to watch the fireworks with the boy, but there was a last minute change of plans. About an hour before we were supposed to leave, the boy called me and asked if I wanted to go have dinner at his parents’ and meet his family. No pressure, just something to consider.
Cue panic. I’m generally all right with adapting to a change of plans, but meeting the family of the guy I’m dating? That’s not something that you just spring on someone! I need at least a week to freak out , obsess, and prepare!
I had 54 minutes.
Not going to lie – my initial reaction was to say no. Every ounce of my comfort loving self wanted to stick to the original plan and tell the boy that I could meet his family another time, so that’s exactly what I… almost did. Even though I may have slightly hated on resolutions in yesterday’s post (which was a little more cynical than I wanted it to be), I have to admit that it was the fact that it was the New Year that motivated my final choice. I went… and I’m so glad that I did because I ended up having a great time. Good food, fantastic people, and tonnes of fun (Taboo might just be my new favorite game)? A great memory for sure. Oh! And speaking of great memories… Remember that year-long project that I briefly mentioned at the end of yesterday’s post? Time for the big reveal…
A… jar, Amanda? Yes! But not just any jar – a jar filled with 365 good memories. I got this idea off Pinterest, and what you do is start with an empty jar and for each day of the year, you write down the good things that happened to you on that day and throw the paper in the jar. At the end of the year (or, I guess, whenever you could use some cheering up), you open the jar and read about all of the amazing things that happened. It’s still too early to write an entry for today, but I started one day early so my first entry reads:
December 31:
Pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and having a great time meeting the boy’s family.
Happy New Year, loves. All the best for the upcoming 365 days 
. – . – . – .
What was your first breakfast in 2013?
Anyone else interested in filling a jar with good memories?
And… how was your NYE?! What did you end up doing?
{ 61 comments… read them below or add one }
So I swear I’m not a super-stalker reading this ASAP when you post it
It just popped up in my google reader feed. This 365-memories idea is AWESOME. Hope you don’t mind if I steal it too. And kudos’ to you for breaking out of your comfort zone last night! I just woke-up after 9-hours of sleep so am doing coffee first, then breakfast! Happy 2013!
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit recently posted..The Best of the Rest…
Definitely don’t mind if you make your own jar of memories
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Amanda!! Wishing you the very best for 2013.
What a fantastic idea a jar of good memories is!
Okay do you mind if I join you in this whole memory thing?! Its sounds so awesome!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! recently posted..Answers and Announcements!
I’d love it if you joined in
Oh my goodness, I love that idea. I might have to do something similar!
And I’m glad all went well when you met the boy’s family! That definitely tends to be daunting, so it’s great that you stepped out of your comfort zone and went for it.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Rehashing December.
Happy New Year lovie! Awh well done you for just being spontaneous and going for it! It’s funny how opportunities sprung upon us can bring about panic and then they turn out to be awesome! I have been a lot more spontaneous recently which is a big thing for me as I like planning and I like routine and I can safely say I haven’t regretted one of those times
Why haven’t I been like this before?! Life is a lot more fun hehe!
LOVE the jar idea. Too often we dwell on the negatives in life even though there are fewer of them and it would be nice to see the positives in everyday and remind ourselves that life is pretty good
Nicky recently posted..Starting to feel Festive, Coffee Date and Protein Cakey Cookies
Happy New Year!! AHHH!!! I can’t wait to hear how meeting his family went!! I can’t wait for details! xoxo
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Happy New Year! Taking a Look Back at 2012
WHOAAA love this idea. I am so proud of you for see ing the boy’s family. that is a big out of comfort zone thing and makes me so happy. I am literally sitting behind my computer smiling ear to ear. You sure know how to kick off the new year! Hope you get some rest today
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Fact. It’s 2013.
Yay for being spontaneous!! Meeting his parents is quite am event, so great you went!! Love the memories idea!
Lucie recently posted..A party, a party fail and Tuesday Recipes
Without sounding sappy and very cliche, you are such an inspiration girl! I am so happy for you for what you did
I too would have initially wanted to say no, any change of plans can throw a wrench into things, but meeting his family, that’s a big change! And OH EM GEE, I love that idea… I saw something similar last year [using index cards] and started it but never followed through… Maybe I’ll try again this year aka today?! XO
P.S. Breakfast this morning was french toast topped with cottage cheese + applesauce + apple butter + crunchy PB… Total win! And Ryan [+Charlie] and I kept it low-key last night and stayed in
Allison @ Life’s a Bowl recently posted..Heart of Haiti Holiday Stars [Giveaway]
I should text you reminders everyday
2 am is rather impressive! I think I made it until about 11:30
.
My first breakfast of 2013 was two pieces of Ezekiel toast (one spread with almond butter and cinnamon and one spread with TJ’s cranberry apple butter) and fresh strawberries, raspberries, and a Cutie mandarin orange. It was quite yummy!
Lastly, I am loving that jar idea!! Thanks so much for sharing.
Congratulations on stepping outside your comfort zone. I could definitely take a cue from you, I am SO rigid when it comes to plans and having things “my way.” I want to change but I just feel too stubborn and comfortable with what I know (I hate the unexpected/unknown…even if they can bring you the best things…I’m probably missing a lot of potentially great moments). I really like that jar idea too!
I’m not a big fan of the unknown either, but each time I try something new, I end up loving it and feeling so much more alive. Routine is comfortable, but it gets dull after a while…
I am SO glad you went!! Even more glad you had a great time!! I have seen this jar idea and I think it’s great!! Your first entry is perfect. I had a PB&J bagel today..I didn’t even think about having something crazy haha.
Brittany recently posted..NYE-I’m Getting Old
I’m glad you had a great time
Being spontaneous in such situation is being good sometimes!
I should join you in that because it seems to be really amazing! I can imagine my big smile while reading all these nice things…
The jar idea – just great!
My first breakfast? Rice flakes baked with chocolate avocado mousse. Quite delicious! Today I’ve eaten avocado for the first time.
My New Year’s Eve was quite pleasant. I end up talking with my mother, looking at fireworks and finally drinking a small glass of champagne.
So – I’m going to join you in the “jar thing”. I think we’ll be more than happy on 31th December 2013
whiness recently posted..170. Tuesday / nareszcie! zapiekanka ryżowa z awokado.
It’s great to hear that you’ll be joining in
It’s kind of daunting to think about doing it for a whole year, but it barely takes any time at all so it shouldn’t be all that bad.
I had a big delicious bowl of greek yogurt, banana, cherries, cereal, and sunbutter.
I thought you might approve. I’m so proud of you for stepping outside of your comfort zone and going!! I totally would have fought the urge to say “skip it” as well, but I’m so glad you pushed those feelings aside and went anyways!!
Also, I love love this 365 jar idea! What a great way to keep you focused on the positive in life instead of the negatives.
Olivia @ Life As Liv recently posted..Adios, 2012.
Oh girl, you know I approve of that breakfast
Ahhhhhhh I love this idea!! I just read about it on another blog, and I decided that I absolutely have to do it. I think it’ll be so much fun to open up on NYE! I got so excited when I read it, I started bouncing in my seat, which caused the boy to look up from his sprawl on the couch to ask what in the world I was so excited about this “early” on New Years Day (it was 11:30)….he agreed that it sounded fun so I now have to find a jar….and I’m super proud of you for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone last night…way to already kick ass in 2013
Caitlin recently posted..2013: A Year of the Moment
Way to go on getting out of your comfort zone and meeting the boy’s family! I have a really hard time getting out of my comfort zone, so I know how big of an accomplishment that is. I’m glad you had so much fun.
Also I love that jar idea – it would be so fun to read all those memories at the end of the year.
My NYE was really low key – I just ordered in sushi and had a Gilmore Girls marathon with my sister. It was quiet but really nice.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin recently posted..Kitchen bucket list
I’m so glad you lived for the moment and said yes. What an amazing step, and look at all the smiles it brought. Congrats, my dear. I’m sure they loved you, how could they not?!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This WILL be an amazing year. I’m so glad you ended up going too – great progress in living in the moment! I need to follow your lead.
Go you for stepping out of your comfort zone and having a fun night with the boy and his family! I struggle with being spontaneous so that’s a goal I’m working towards this year.
I love the idea of the memory jar! I just gotta find a jar and I will definitely be doing this!
Ashley @ AlmostVegGirlie recently posted..The End is Near+Kelp Noodle Stirfry
How dare you sleep in and not post LOL. I’m glad you had such a good time girl. Sometimes we need that you know? I would have freaked out (as someone with social anxiety). Good for you for just kinda going with the flow and getting through it!
Hollie recently posted..New Year’s Resolution: Streaking
Oh I was freaking out big time. I wouldn’t say that I have a serious case of social anxiety, but the shakes and lightheadedness were definitely there.
And don’t tempt me to start apologizing for not posting
OMG I love everything about this post, Amanda! Firstly way to go on stepping out of your comfort zone…so proud of u! As you know that’s my main goal for the year so i’m pleased the outcome was great! And that’s a major step in your relationship so woo again!
As for that memory jar idea- i am blown away by it! Such a simple yet meaningful idea! Thank you so much for sharing it. I am going to get a jar tomorrow but for now, I’ve written an entry for January 1st on my phone to add to the jar. Oh and I’ve also passed on the idea to a couple of friends who also love it!
Khushboo recently posted..Clink-Clink
Eee! So excited that you’re going to be taking part as well! Hope you share some of your entries on your blog
And I have to admit that it was your post about stepping out of your comfort zone that kind of inspired me to do the same. Love you, girlie <3
Happy New Year, Amanda! Your New Year’s Eve sounds fantastic though I’d admittedly have been absolutely scared, too. Meeting his parents for the first time? Aaaaah! I’m glad it turned out great for you.
I’m in on the memory jar! Actually, I started writing down (at least) one good happening every day as a kind of New Year’s resolution two years ago. But that was in a boring old Word document and after forgetting several days it petered out a while ago. I thought about starting again this year, though, and the jar idea is really neat.
My New Year’s Eve was unspectacular but still nice as I ended up spending it at a friends’ house with her family and friends of them. We played a game, ate snacks and at midnight her father entertained us with his usual 30-minute fireworks. He clearly is a teenage boy at heart, still
.
Miss Polkadot recently posted..Christmas counts more [than calories]
Happy new year! That’s a GREAT resolution. I’m going to be working on pushing myself outside of my comfort zone right with you
Sarah @PickyRunner recently posted..Enjoy Life
Love the jar idea! I did a similar thing one year where I kept a “one sentence diary” and I just wrote one sentence every day of something that happened that day. it was cool to go back and read at the end of the year, but sometimes hard to remember to do it!
That is so awesome that you broke out of your mold and went out with the boy! And Im so happy you got to meet his family, what a great way to spend New Years
BTW, I sent out your birthday card yesterday, so hopefully THAT gets to you on time!
I love, love the jar idea! Such a great way to stay positive throughout the year! And yay to going outside your comfort zone and meeting the boys parents! Sounds like a great New Year for you!
my first breakfast of 2013 was leftovers: veggie omelet and some cinnamon almond butter oatmeal that my husband helped me finish!
happy New year! I also need a nap!
Sara@fitcupcaker recently posted..Happy New Year- A Great Celebration!
That’s such a good idea! Totally starting today!
I LOVE THIS IDEA!! It definitely ‘forces’ you to see the good in each and every day, including the crappy days, and I think that’s such an important thing to be able to do (and so few people can!) Also – your NYE sounds like so much fun!! hanging out at someone’s house and getting silly with games is actually one of the best party scenarios I can imagine
love that you busted out of the ole comfort zone and got to have so much fun!
Glad you decided to go to your boyfriend’s parents’! I was actually gonna say when I read that line about going to the movies, “I’m sure he’s getting pretty tired of always going to the movies!”
haha.
And I agree with everyone: that jar idea is really cool! mainly because it’s nice to look back on the year since too often I think we tend to forget the little things that happen to us!
Happy New Year!!! I stayed out wayyyy too late too… so my first breakfast was actually lunch. LOL!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Junk-Free January + Polar FT4
Happy New Year, Amanda! Only 54 minutes before meeting the parents would definitely have stressed me out. But maybe it’s better that way because you didn’t have weeks to stress over it? I love your jar of memories idea. How often do you think you would add to it? I feel like I would be trying to add to it everyday.
Brooke @ wreckingroutine recently posted..2013 – Exciting Things are Happening!
Yeah, I have a feeling that having less time to stress about it was definitely beneficial on the one hand
And I’ll definitely be adding to the jar every day. I think the idea is to have one piece of paper a day.
Happy 2013!! Sooo happy you had such a spontaneous and fun New Years Eve – what a great way to start the new year!! I looooove your idea for filling the empty jar with happy memories – I’m definitely going to join in the fun!
Um…. totally stealing the jar idea for 2013, thanks! Ha. And my first breakfast of the new year was…. the same as it has been for too-embarrassed-to-say-how-long. Hmm, I’m thinking that’s one thing I should work towards changing this year! When it comes to routine, I definitely have always liked it, but food routines (specifically breakfast, sometimes lunch) are still pesky beasts I have trouble with even though I’m doing great otherwise in recovery.
Happy New Year. Sto lat! Er… something like that.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..P&G eStore
I’m so doing that 365-day jar thingy. Such a neat idea!
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling recently posted..Marvelous 2012
Sounds like a fun memory to add to your jar! I love that idea and might have to do it as well! Breakfast this morning was snacking on fruit as I cleaned up from last nights festivities and sickies. We had friends over for appetizers and cocktails but… my husband and 19 month old got the flu around 10:30. So I had a lot to clean up today!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..Happy New Year!
Eep! Hope your hubby and baby feel better soon!
Thank you!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..2013 Goals
whoa, that’s a last minute panic for sure. But you held you game well! Cheer cheer!
lindsay recently posted..Past Year to New Year
Wow…that is an awesome idea! I’m going to do it!! So glad you had an awesome NYE!
kim@hungryhealthygirl recently posted..Good luck for 2013 with Black-Eyed Pea Casserole
Cheers to you for mustering up the courage to meet the boy’s family! I would have been *terrified* too, especially considering some of my previous “first-meet” experiences (think serious grilling…with too much alcohol involved). I’m so glad it went smoothly, and that you enjoyed yourself!
I LOVE the memory jar idea, and miiiight have to make one myself.
When I was in high school, I kept a journal, which served as a place to record major thoughts and activities from the day. Even though I’d jot down just a few lines each night, I’ve really enjoyed re-visiting those memories. I only wish I’d kept it up through college and post-graduation!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish recently posted..The Way Healthy Living Bloggers Do It
I am so happy I read this post before I went to bed last night! I absolutely LOVE the Memory Jar idea! You bet your balls (okay i know you don’t have any…), that I told Joshua we are doing this all year! I am so excited for the end of the year to come only so I can look back & see what made each day so special. You are the GREATEST!!
p.s. I’m so so SO happy that your visit w/ the boys parents went so well. How could they not love you though??!!!
May 2013 treat you wonderful! <3
Jessie recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday
Love that you’ll be doing this! I hope you share some of the memories on your blog, too
By chance, I just happened upon your blog again. I used to follow you a few years ago, and I have definitely missed your insight. It’s so nice to see you back again. I hope you enjoy blogging again, because I will definitely enjoy coming by here again.
Happy 2013! May it be a good one
Happy New Year, Amanda! May it be full of joy and success!
My Reader almost gave me a heart attack when I came back from a 2-week break but I’m slowly catching up on reading. Not so much on commenting though
Holidays can be stressful sometimes but I’m sure you had a great time with your boy’s family. I spent my NYE at the airport in Istanbul waiting to board a plane and sending my wishes to the people I love via telepathy (hope it works!) because even the wifi wasn’t cooperating with my festive spirit.
I’m not positive and persistent enough for a jar like yours but I think it’s an awesome idea
Albizia recently posted..Небето през прозореца
I think I would have fainted when I saw my Reader after two weeks
I’m glad that you enjoyed some time away from the computer with your family 
Love this idea, what a great way to look back on the year at the end of 2013. Happy New Year!
What a great story! That’s great that you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone and were rewarded for it by having a great time. Great way to kick off the new year. And taboo is the best game ever, I’m kind of obsessed. And I love that Pinterest-inspired idea!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted..Happy New Year! 2013
Yay – so glad you had a wonderful time!!! I LOVE the jar idea. I’m totally doing that!!!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile recently posted..2012 Highlights and Ringing in the New Year
Wow wow wow so much excitement around your parts up in Canada!! Congratulations on taking the big and brave step and meeting your man’s parents. That’s huge! I’m so happy to see that your relationship is reaching such wonderful levels. I sense 2013 is going to be a great year for you in your romance sector!
And I loved the memory jar idea so much that immediately after reading this post I tore two papers and wrote memories from yesterday and today on them. I have the perfect jar at home to use for this
Happy New Year Amanda!! Wishing you only the very best for this year <3
Irina @ Chocolatea Time recently posted..2013! 2013!! 2013!!!
Wow I love this project idea! Very cute. I think other options would be a quote a day, or something you are thankful for each day. I did a cute thing once where I saved wine corks from special dinners or drinks with friends, special dates, etc. and wrote who I was with and the date on the cork, then saved them in a beautiful class vase and used it as a living room center piece =) Every once and awhile I would look through the corks and remember those special nights.
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