What a year 2018 was! It was an atypical year but it seems like most years these days are. We welcomed Reese into our lives and have already visited multiple corners of the country with her. We took two trips just the two of us as well to celebrate the last remaining days as a couple without a little one and we have both transitioned in a way into new roles at work, with me back as a working mom and leading a new project and Bryan taking a big step into a new position in management in a new factory location. I’d say this was a great year! With everything that has gone on, this is where I stand on my goals at year’s end:
- De-clutter the house and organize the garage.
- We’ve done good in many areas…but this is an ongoing project, especially now that we are getting baby clothes and toys left and right. Next up is baby-proofing the house.
- Cook 20 meals at home every month.
- Our average for October-December was 27 meals/month. Pretty good!
- Revamp my wardrobe, making it easier to pick out outfits by getting rid of what I don’t like and storing away seasonal stuff. Focus on buying quality pieces in the store versus cheap items online.
- Another ongoing project but I got rid of a lot of clothes recently. Now I need to go through jewelry and shoes.
- Visit my grandaddy.
- Went in November and was so happy to see him!
- Buy a family car.
- Bought a car…and we love it!
- Prepare with organization and structure for the SE exam. Prioritize this for the first three and a half months of the year.
- Debating taking the exam this spring or next.
- Have fun learning guitar.
- Might try to do this in the beginning of next year. I will not forget about it!
- Make at least six girls nights happen.
- We have had five girls nights and have one already planned for January…and they keep getting better and better.
- Maintain a healthy skin routine.
- Have been doing an okay job with this. Still keeping regimented with face wash, toner, serum and lotion. I think my skin has been looking pretty good.
- Re-learn our lindy hop choreographed dance from the wedding.
- Need to work on this one.
- Pack five picnics somewhere.
- We only did two this year but that’s okay.
- Work through my devotional book and pray nightly with Bryan.
- Definitely slipped on this. It is something that I would like to get back into though.
- Read ten books for fun or learning.
- I read five books this year. New goal for next year is ten.
- Swap reading/music/puzzles for TV one night a week.
- This last quarter hasn’t been that easy because of being tired at night and/or traveling. Something to continue to strive toward for next year.
- Cross stitch something.
- Oh my goodness I just need a bit more thread and they are done.
- Make at least two recipes from three different cookbooks.
- I’ve experimented with recipes but still need to delve into the cookbooks.
- Travel to visit a friend.
- We visited Grandaddy in November and family for Christmas. Next year there are a slew of trips for friends thanks to countless weddings we have to attend…and all of which I am in.
- Dine at five new-to-me restaurants.
- We’ve done pretty good this year on trying a few new-to-us places.
I’m quite pleased with the outcome of the year. Did I accomplish everything on my list? No. But I came pretty close despite the life-changing events that occurred this year. I have no regrets for what we did or didn’t do this past year. It was a wonderful year but I think 2019 is going to be even better.
Chelsea
Evolving in the Emerald City 