What a year it was! It was filled with intense ups and downs, but a also a lot of joy, awe, and contentedness. Can't ask for more.
2018 Goals:
How it Went:
I did a great job at my word of the year "invest". I was able to use my money toward a world that I want. I shopped for more long-term, high quality, and eco-friendly things when I could. That also meant things like electing to have wind energy in our home, and getting fossilized bamboo as our flooring choice. On a smaller scale I bought a decent coat, birks, and some saltwater sandals that seem to be pretty durable.
We also invested in small local businesses, so many restaurants included! Which I feel great about. I love our little town and it's fun local spots!
I was grateful to get to visit Arkansas, Cuba, Mexico, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island in 2018. While in Mexico, we spent some time at the beach. It was rocky, but really lovely. We saw so many fish! I need to post what I can about these trips soon. Not sure if I can stomach a Cuba/Mexico post without photos. :( :( :(
I am not sure if I treated my body better or not... it feels like a half-pass. On the one hand, I was kinder to myself related to my body, and had fun getting dressed again from time to time. I also started drinking teas for caffeine, which are still sweetened but way less bad for me than a latte or a soda. On the other hand, I took a lot less walks, and didn't eat super healthy. We cooked very little... because moving, etc. etc. KC's job was really horrible until he left in September, but now works in a different city... so we didn't take a lot of walks. We tried kayaking, which was super fun and has inspired me to try that more often as a means of fun exercise! I dunno... what do you think?! hahah
I watched 12 new-to-me period dramas. Most of them were good at least 3 stars. At the top of my list are Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep is hilarious and heartbreaking), Sweet Land (slow and lovely), Little Women (2017) (cinematically beautiful!), and Guernsey (obviously). Absolutely the worst movie I've EVER seen was Diary of Chambermaid. Blech.
We bought our home in April and have had a lot of fun making it our own. I feel that 2019 will be even more of that type of year as we *really* settle in. :)
We tried a few new restaurants in town, and a few new(er) cuisines (to us). We ended up eating quite a bit of ramen/neo ramen and a lot of Indian. We also tried some fun new brunch places, and yummy things like lots of lobster rolls, and Cuban food on our travels.
I definitely surpassed my reading goal, by a lot. It was a means of treating and avoiding anxiety in a crazy year. I have no regrets. See my top 26 books of the year, here.
I got to spend more time with my sisters, nephew, mom, and grandma which was really nice. We also made a point to see KC's closeby grandparents every few months. There were a few months where we were super busy, but I feel good about it. It's something I hope to continue in 2019. Lastly, we got to see my grandma and dad a few times from Arizona, AND my extended family a little bit more than in the past few years.
I bought a lot of socks. I bought some at LL Bean, a few pairs of Smart Wool, and got a pair of Bombas for Christmas. My feet are still cold sometimes. But its a step in the right direction, har.
2018 was definitely an adventurous year! Between the adventures in new places and the (perhaps more mundane) ones that come with severe decluttering and buying a home, we learned a lot! One of my favorite adventures was *finally* trying kayaking for my birthday this year! :) I liked all of the adventurous moments both big and small.
Overall 2018 was a great year! I feel like it has laid a wonderful foundation for 2019!
How did 2018 go for you? How did you do on your goals?
Sharing my 2019 goals and word of the year soon! :)
XO,
Alexandra
