Hi everyone! I am writing here from fabulous Las Vegas, just coming home from California today. I went there for my birthday which was Sunday, and THANK YOU sooooooooo much for the outpour of birthday love! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! We actually went on an amazing boat for some whale watching! What what? And we saw soooo many big whales so close and sooo cool. I went on a boat trip after my Titans win in 2011 and had the most amazing time ever. The ocean was covered with dolphins; it was one of the coolest experiences so it was amazing to do it again and see whales this time. My family stocked the boat with what looked like a catering event of like the best food ever. I'm sorry but for my birthday...Eat, Drink and Be Merry... We had turkey, wraps, sandwiches, grapes, chips, tons of hummus, peanut butter, blueberry and choc chip muffins, bananas, nuts, red and white wine, cheese, crackers, salads, bars, Kit Kats, donuts, and of course birthday cake. I had the best time. We ended the night with a seafood dinner on the water. Amazing birthday.

So here I am, another year older, another year wiser and another year more accomplished. Ya know, when you’re 21 you think you know it all...that you've "arrived" and know everything... then 25, the same thing. I think it wasn't until I turned 29 where I realized I am constantly learning and just take one day at a time...and that's when I gained true wisdom ;) So, I'd like to pass on some of my wisdom... Do with it what you wish, but either way, I'd like to pass on some things I wish I knew earlier, and am glad I know now.

#1 MEN. If you’re a girl and reading this...you feel me and know why this is an obvious first. If you’re a guy and reading this, sorry, but I'm a girl, give me a break. Men...they are TOTALLY different than us. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT try and make them think like you. If you want someone that thinks exactly like you...date a girl. It’s that simple. Men are just wired differently. Men think with their head, women with their hearts. Give them space. Don't be clingy. Be confident. Don't make a guy sit home and watch Friends with you (well unless he wants to). Let him go out with his guys, and when he comes home don't give him 50 questions: Where were you? Who were you with? What did you do? Don't text him 500 times when he’s out. Just text "Thinking of you, hope you’re having fun." It will be a good change from any crazy girls he’s dated. Don't give any man power over you. Love hard and with all of your heart, but if he takes advantage of that and disrespects you...get out and let God heal any emotions and your heart. Be with someone that knows he’s with a prize when he’s with you...and HAVE PASSION. If he’s your best friend, but no passion...it’s not right. You CAN have both, so don't settle.

#2 Career. Do what you love and what you would do for free. You gotta go after your passion in life. Life’s too short to be trapped and miserable. I know this isn't always easy, but pursue it fully.

#3 LIFE. MY life lessons: DON’T BE JEALOUS. It’s a wasted emotion, and only hurts you. DON’T OVER-ANALYZE, you'll drive yourself nuts. TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME. The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow. FORGIVE. I can’t stand when I hear people say "I will forgive but I can’t forget." That's NOT forgiveness. NEVER HOLD A GRUDGE. I know it’s hard. But it’s for your benefit. Just think about how you want to be forgiven. We should show others the same mercy and forgiveness. WALK IN LOVE. People be crayyyyyyy…it doesn't matter...God loves them, we should too. WATCH YOUR MOUTH. Words are powerful. Watch what you say and use words to speak positive things into your future. I start every day with positive confessions and speak them throughout the day. DON’T HATE. It still blows me away when I see all of the negative things people post on YouTube, on Facebook, etc. Be happy for someone if they're happy and doing what they love and are successful. We are all different. We all have our own talents and gifts and God needs us all to get the jobs done in the world. No one is above anyone, so no need to be jealous. Just pray that God opens doors for you. BE BALANCED. Train hard to get yourself in the best shape. You'll feel better about yourself. But also I'm a big believer in living a fitness lifestyle to be healthy. There are a lot of things that can make you look good on the outside but you’re not a happy healthy body. Don't compromise health for looks. Be balanced with your training, your diet and your downtime. PRAY. It’s my answer to everything. Those of you who have been following me for awhile now know that the real Amanda Latona is not just a bikini model, but a Christian girl living life with an attitude of gratitude. A woman that bases her life around her faith, and is constantly thankful to be blessed to do what I love to do. God has opened the doors for me. I have been blessed to walk through them. To help and inspire, and for that I am truly thankful. Pray. Try it. Trust me.

With that being said, I want to thank you for your continued support. My next blog I will tell you what’s next for me. Where to see me, what I'm getting ready for…and...some very exciting news.

Until then friend,
Thank you.

Amanda Latona xo