2018 in Hindsight

We're officially 6 days into 2019 - it's crazy to think of. I keep seeing posts on Facebook about how 1999 was 20 years ago, a reminder that's accompanied by a mixture of amusement and mental denial.

I've come out of the past year weary and feeling a bit stuck; it doesn't feel like I've accomplished that much. I know I've been silent on here, which feels a bit like failure. I'm not a superstar author yet or working a new job that pays buttloads of money (something I'd hoped going into 2018). I haven't done much photography, either. At the same time, I know this is just a feeling. I've accomplished a lot in one year. Maybe it's not as glamorous or immediately rewarding as I'd hoped, but I've laid the groundwork for a ton of changes for the future. So I wanted to take a moment to reflect on that, and relish the memories I've made this past year.

In 2018 I:

1. Rang in the new year in Japan with people I love. I actually fell asleep at 9pm on the 31st - the first time I can ever remember not being awake at midnight... but you know, that's ok.

2. Went to Vancouver twice - once to see Jacob's bucket-list concert, and again to meet an old friend.

3. Started interviewing again. I had the most amazing interview of my life, even, and even though I didn't get the job, it solidified my resolve to improve myself and work my way towards that field. I also got interview others. It's odd thinking I've run at least 3 times more interviews than I've actually been in myself, but that's life. It's quite a perspective shift to be on the other side of the table, but it's given me confidence.

4. Celebrated 3 years with Jacob in March. We'll be celebrating 4 this year. We've also lived together for 2 years now and we haven't killed each other yet :)

5. Bought my first townhome with the help and support of my amazing family. And then renovated the heck out of it!

6. Celebrated Evie and Fletcher's 2nd birthday!

7. Enjoyed a fantastic vacation in Romania full to the brim with friends and family, beautiful sights and truly amazing food. Got to celebrate my grandfather's 70th birthday, and 49th wedding anniversary with my grandmother, right there with them.

8. Enrolled in my first creative writing class, and then immediately enrolled in 3 more, because I can only function when my plate is too full.

9. Traveled to San Fran with 4 amazing women for the last ever Night of Writing Dangerously. I was the first to reach 50k wods that night, ring the bell and win the crown, with the others following in quick succession. I hope I never forget that night or the happiness and satisfaction that came with it.

10. Finally wrote 'The End' on my first ever novel draft with minutes to spare on the NaNoWriMo clock.

11. Sent out my first short story query to literary magazines.

12. Welcomed little Alister (Nugget) to the family.

13. Read at least 34 books.

In 2019 I want to:

1. Work on education, career-wise as well as not. I've enrolled in a Project Management Certificate program at the University of Washington. Every Saturday for the next 5 months I'll be working on gaining skills and experience that can translate directly to my career and future. Beyond that I want to keep working on writing, take more classes, and maybe find a new hobby to focus on in the year to come.

2. Writing-wise, I want to edit my book, and get my short story published somewhere. I will also start writing another book (in November if not before), and finish a few more short stories.

3. If I have the time, get back into photography/volunteering. I miss helping cats get adopted, though I've learned self-care comes first.

4. Focus on health a bit more. The next 5 months will be busy, but somewhere in there I've got to fit in some movement. Jacob's pinky promised to take a dance class with me.

5. Read at least as many books as I did in 2018.

6. Find time to relax.

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