What can be said about 2018? It was an unforgettable year.
I’m incredibly grateful for my friends and family who care about me, but I also had to do some letting go of people who weren’t the friends I thought they were.
I also had the amazing opportunity to go on a monumental several-month road trip of the United States. Despite never having traveled alone for more than a week, I packed up my car and set out entirely alone. I stayed with some friends and family along the way, but the majority of my nights were camping by myself. Not only did I get to see some of the amazing scenery and history this country has to offer, but I also got to prove to myself that I can travel solo and have a great time in my own company.
And last, but certainly not least, I got over 15,000 annual views on this blog. My current figure is 15,098, which is more than 1,000 more views than I received last year. I must be doing something interesting! Thank you to all of you who read.
Without further ado, here’s the recap:
- Paula and I went on a girls’ weekend at Mount Rainier on President’s Day weekend. We went out on snowshoes, drank wine, did puzzles and had a fabulous weekend of girl bonding. It was so much fun!
I was so excited I could do a high ponytail!
- My 31 year old horse Biz has been good. My vet decided to go a conservative route last winter and not pull one of his damaged canine teeth, but instead another one broke; it has since healed. He is doing well with his remaining three incisor teeth and a daily painkiller.
- In March, I did my first 15k Hot Chocolate Run in Seattle with Katy and Katie. The weather was cold, but the company was good!
At the Expo
- At the end of March, I had the opportunity to join my friend Lelani, her daughter Laura and Laura’s friend Brenna, on a 6 day road trip down to San Francisco and back. We camped, saw the San Francisco sights, and did some wine tasting in Santa Rosa.
Me with the Golden Gate Bridge
- Paula, Brandon, and Joel and I spent Memorial Day weekend in Walla Walla wine country again. We did some shopping, soaked up the sun at the pool, and relaxed for a few days.
- In June, Oliver went to be with the angels. His cancer had progressed, and it just wasn’t fair for him anymore. I still miss him terribly.
Oliver and I on our last day
- Taryn, Brandon, Brent and I took a two week trip to London in late June and early July. It was my first overseas trip since 2006, and we did and saw so much!
Taryn and Me with the bow of the Cutty Sark
- I left my job in July to fulfill a dream of mine. I converted my car with a bed and storage, and traveled the United States for four months seeing the sights. Since I was on the road so long, this trip probably deserves slots 8-30 in this review. I learned that I could do it, and had an amazing experience, and hope to be able to do it again at some point. That is such an incredible understatement too.
- I spent a week in September visiting family and going to my cousin’s wedding. It was great to see everybody and catch up on life with my aunts, uncles and cousins.
- My former boss, mentor and friend, Larry, died in mid-December. He played an important role in my life and my career since I met him in 2001, and I will miss him terribly.
I am hopeful that 2019 will reveal itself to be a good year, with new beginnings and continued love from my friends and family. May all your lives be blessed as well.
Wine and History Visited 