I really enjoy having this blog because it allows me to look back on the year. While only a few of my posts detail my personal life, it’s still a nice reminder of everything that I’ve accomplished.
Here’s 12 of my favorite moments from the last 12 months.
Starting out the year in California. At the beginning of the year I flew out to California with my boss to help facilitate a a conference in the bay area. While I was as sick as could be, I managed to get a weekend to myself and had some friends in the area, so we hiked through the redwood forest where I saw some of the biggest trees in the world. To try to show how big the trees are, please reference the photo below where for the first time in my life I look tiny. Such an amazing experience and I’m always looking forward to my next trip where I can explore the natural wonders of the world.
Spending less than 48 hours in New Orleans. Another trip where I was very sick, but I was not going to let a sinus infection slow me down in The Big Easy. I got a grand tour of the city from my friend Meg and her best friend Paul, who knew everything about everything NOLA. We went to a crawfish festival, spend approximately 15 seconds on Bourbon Street, ate really good food, enjoyed New Orleans finest beverages, and sniffled all the way.
Completed my first 10k. While no speed records were set, it was a fun time with my friends and their dogs to walk around Austin and explore the city. The weather was perfect for the event and even better company. I have some anxiety about races and do not like the race atmosphere of everyone being confined to a small space, but I’m glad I pushed passed that and completed this one.
Explored the Desert. The first time I was in Phoenix, I was there with some friends who purchased an RV and we were going to drive it back to Austin. So we spent all of 8 hours there, and most of that was at a Walmart buying supplies for the road trip ahead. This time, I flew out to help one of my oldest friends and her fiance move into their new house. A lot of fun memories made on this trip, and I’m glad I could help them move, and was even more exited to celebrate their wedding later in the year. Hiking in the desert is no joke, but the scenic views made it all worthwhile.
Spent as much time as possible on the water. I love being at the lake, and it’s probably because I grew up being surrounded by them. It’s always great to go out boating with friends and enjoying the day without a care in the world. Whether it’s on Lake Austin, Lake Travis, or if I’m lucky enough to make it up to the freezing cold Long Lake, I’m always happiest on the water.
Shirley died and was replaced. When I moved to Texas, which will be 5 years ago in January, my parents sent me across the country with our 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid, who I named Shirley. We bonded for 4.5 years until one day, she decided she had had enough, and would not be making it to the end of the year. I loved (and hated) that car as most people do with their first car. Out with the old, and in with the new – a leased crossover SUV that’s an electric-gas hybrid. My first “real” adult purchase and now I feel much safer on the road!
Went to the homeland. I try to make it back home to Minnesota/Wisconsin at least once a year. Having a demanding job doesn’t really allow for a lot of time away from the office, so I try to make the most of my long weekends and made it home for Memorial Day Weekend and Labor day weekend this year. This photo is from Nelson’s Ice Cream in Stillwater, MN and it’s some of the best ice cream around, second of course to the ice cream at the MN State Fair Dairy Barn. I was glad for the time home because it’s always nice to reconnect with everything I left behind. Bonfires, day drinking, yard work, Emily and Mike’s wedding, and saying goodbye to the best friend a girl could have ever asked for for the last 9 years are all part of what made the trips home great.
Bakin’ Cakes. Shocker, I know, but I think this year I tried to be more methodical and intentional with how I baked and who I baked for. I have no interest in mass production and want my cakes (and other baked goods) to be special to the people who received them. I’ve definitely given more thought into opening a bakery or online store, but until that comes to fruition, I’ll keep on baking for those who I care about the most.
Focused more on my health. As much as I enjoy being on the lake, I really find serenity in getting up early and going around Lady Bird Lake as much as possible. I’ve also transitioned to going to the gym earlier in the mornings if possible so I can get it out of the way. I’ve been more focused on my diet as well and trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes I struggle to put my needs as a priority but it’s always a work in progress.
Geneseo, NY. The most magical weekend of 2018 was by far Astrid and Jeff’s wedding in Geneseo, NY. The weather was perfect, my rental car was perfect, the wedding was perfect, the reception was perfect, I didn’t cry or drop an F-bomb during my speech but accidentally flipped the bird to the camera, and I got to explore the best of what western New York has to offer. Also Astrid’s mom and I channeled our best pinterest selves and created some pretty amazing tablescapes. What a weekend. Can we do a repeat in 2019?
Bed Bugs. Franklin and Wallis. Frank-a-lin and Wallball. Dumb and Dumber. Thing One and Thing Two. Nothing makes me happier than having to scoop their litter boxes every day, buy premium food so they can live their best lives, having to buy new shoes because they chew them, clean up hair balls, and buy them toys that they definitely will pass over for mail and rubber bands. Jokes aside, happy to have another year of these two being happy and healthy.
Starting Over. At the end of the year I got a new job, in a new industry, in a new part of town, and I couldn’t be happier. After three years at my last job it was time to move on and put my needs first. I obviously can’t predict where the new job means for me or what I’ll be doing, but I’m excited for a fresh start.
So there you go. My 12 favorite moments from 2018. I haven’t been in a very christmasy mood this year but my parents are coming in to town in a few days and will spend Christmas here in Texas. Hopefully 2018 will close out quietly, and 2019 will be a refreshing year of new challenges that I’m looking forward to conquering. Thanks for another great year of MTBO, and I will see you all in 2019.
Happy Eating!
Kelly
