The last 12 months brought some of the biggest changes in my personal life yet. And, yes, that’s an understatement. I can hardly figure out where to start.
OK, who am I kidding? Let’s just jump straight to the biggest milestone of the year, shall we? My guy and I got hitched!
Derek and I walk in as husband and wife. (Photo by Arlene Roessler.)
Derek and I tied the knot in April 2013. Look at those stupid-happy grins! We were thrilled!
The day after the wedding, we left for our honeymoon in Asheville, N.C., where we relaxed for a week. We drank amazing local beer, ate obscenely delicious food, went shopping, and hiked a bit. Totally visited Biltmore, too.
Derek and I goofing off on our honeymoon in Asheville, N.C.
Our honeymoon was one of the most awesome, relaxing, and unforgettable weeks of my life. Mental health was at an allllll time high that week. We totally fell in love with Asheville, too.
On the way home from our honeymoon, Derek and I talked about our housing. Namely, where we’d like to live as husband and wife. We decided to start looking for a new home to share together as husband and wife.
And so began a huge housing adventure! You’ve read about all of that here, here, here, and here. Some of those adventures are still wrapping up, so early 2014 will be a wildly exciting time for us.
As a result of the housing decisions we made from 2012-2013, we’ve moved a LOT this year. I’m so tired of moving. Not knowing where anything I need is hidden/stored. And so tired of rooms looking like this:
Soooo much stuff.
But there have been a lot of positives related to moving. We remembered that we don’t NEED the majority of what we own, donating / giving away stuff feels great, and living in an organized, clutter-free home makes it infinitely easier to be creative. There’s a lot of freedom that comes with NOT craving the accumulation of stuff, and I am happy to have felt that again. It is very freeing.
In 2013, there were also some really wonderful moments with friends and family: parties, celebrations, engagements, new additions (aka: babies), tail gates, concerts, and stand up comedy date nights. There were some delightful travels, too. I’m thankful for all of these wonderful moments.
Wonderful weekend at The Fearrington
This year, our family took us on a wonderfully relaxing weekend trip to Fearrington Village. In January, I got to visit Brevard, N.C., with some of my girl friends, where we toured Oskar Blues. My bachelorette weekend was spent in Charleston, S.C., with an awesome group of girls during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. I spent some time in Washington, D.C., as a social media volunteer for the AFI Docs film festival in June. Then came back to D.C. as part of a delightful vacation with friends in August. I even got some time at the beach with my college girl friends. And a trip to see one of my dear friends and meet her sweet baby!
I’ll refrain from posting pics of the family and friends to protect the innocent. Hah. Instead you get a pic of my dog wearing a bow tie. He’s so fancy.
Fancy Little Louie
It’s been a WILD year — to say the least. Plenty of changes and chances to adapt. Plenty of character-building opportunities. And plenty of wonderful, cherished memories with friends and family.
I leave 2013 a very different woman: stronger, more confident, slightly more understanding/patient, and a lot less frazzled. I had a few dark, low times this year but I’m feeling a lot more like myself now. Well, aside from leaving 2013 a few pounds heavier, thanks to my stress eating habits. But we’re working on that.
I’m so grateful for all of the generous gifts in my life: loving family and friends, a supportive and amazing husband, opportunities for education, and the chance to live in a country where I can chase my dreams. Yes, indeed. I’m one lucky woman.
Where did 2013 take you? What adventures would you care to share? Do tell!