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I’m so excited for my annual superlatives post! As we approach a new year, I have enjoyed reflecting on the highs and lows of life in 2018. Here are my superlatives for the past year!
1. Biggest milestone:
Being consistent with blogging! I absolutely LOVE to blog, but if I don’t make a concerted effort to prioritize it, I easily fall into a trap of never actually typing out the posts that are writing themselves in my head. In the past, I had always shied away from having a blog schedule or blog deadlines, because I never want this blog to be a chore or something that I do begrudgingly. It is my hobby, and I always want for it to be something that is fun, not stressful. But, it was actually stressing me out that I never had enough time to post! So, this year I decided to post once per week, every week. And it went really well! I did miss two weeks this past summer when I was on vacation/sick, and my posts were sometimes a day or two late, but otherwise I successfully published a blog post every week! Posting every week (and posting GOOD content every week–not just filler so I could check off a box) has made me feel accomplished and proud of my blog. It is sometimes a lot to fit into each week, but I am always happy I did it!
2. Hardest challenge
Chopping off part of my thumb this past spring! I knew as soon as it happened that it was going to be bad, but I didn’t realize how bad. Trying to get the bleeding to stop took days and ended up with me having an impromptu cauterization (thank goodness for a coworker who is a PA and a work building situated next to a medical office). And then, I really wasn’t able to use my hand for weeks. I couldn’t type, couldn’t put my hair in a ponytail, couldn’t cook, couldn’t clean, couldn’t open the most basic containers. I had to wrap my hand in plastic wrap and hold it above my head in the shower. Do y’all know how challenging it is to shower one handed? Holy moly. I realize that I am incredibly lucky because a) my injury could easily have been much worse and b) there are people who live daily with worse injuries, but that didn’t make it any less challenging. I sure was glad to finally be able to stop bandaging my hand and get it back into action! I am happy to report that my thumb has made a full recovery. Looking at both of my thumbs, you can’t tell which one was nearly permanently lost earlier this year!
3. Most memorable trip
I went on a trip to Arizona with my husband’s family this past summer, and it quickly became quite memorable after I came down with a bad stomach bug. This ultimately resulted in an eventful speed ride to the hospital that turned into an ambulance pickup on the side of the road, followed by an ER visit that revealed a gallbladder in possible need of removal. Yikes! Thankfully I made a full recovery with no further gallbladder issues. But it was certainly a “vacation” I’ll never forget!
4. Best bite
Mickey ice cream bar at Disney World! Y’all, I was about to have a 2-year-old style meltdown in the middle of the park due to low blood sugar, and this ice cream cured me and put the biggest smile on my face that I was totally not expecting! It was one of the most refreshing things I have ever tasted on a hot day. I am now a believer: There is nothing Mickey ice cream can’t fix!
5. Favorite photo
Ugh, do I really have to pick just one?? Probably this photo I took of Wes on Hilton Head Island. Sunsets + palm trees + my love. Heart eyes!
6. Inspiring read
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. Y’all, I can’t recommend this book enough. Trevor somehow has you laughing hysterically one minute, then incredulous the next about a serious social justice issue. His book taught me a lot about South African culture, which admittedly I didn’t know much about. And his resilience (and his mother’s!) in the midst of tough circumstances is absolutely inspiring.
7. Most valuable lesson
I have really big emotions. Things that may seem just a bit sad to one person might feel catastrophically tragic to me. This year, I believe I have finally recognized my big emotions for what they are and accepted them. I feel very emotional, and that’s okay, perhaps even good. I have given myself grace and taken the time that I need to process through my emotions rather than forcing them under the surface or wondering why I am “abnormal” for feeling SO MUCH when others don’t seem phased.
8. Favorite gift received
My hubby gave me a Roomba for Christmas, and I am only sort of embarrassed to admit that it’s of the best gifts I’ve ever received. All that dog hair, gone! I love coming home to a clean house (well, at least the floors are clean).
9. Scariest moment
My sweet pup Rufus is a runner. He sees an open door, and he’s gone. This is very scary for us because we live on a street with heavy traffic and are less than a mile from an eight lane highway. We are always careful about open doors. But, several months ago, I went outside with Rufus to go on a walk. I realized as soon as I walked out that I hadn’t put him on his leash. He was already out on the sidewalk, and several cars were approaching. Internally, I panicked, and terrible crash scenes started playing in my mind. I pretended to stay calm and casually called for Rufus to come, knowing it wouldn’t work since it never has in the past. He turned and looked at me, then turned back out toward the road. Then he turned back toward me and came running back. I couldn’t believe it! This was the first time that Rufus got out and we didn’t end up on a wild and frantic chase. It was a scary couple of seconds, but luckily we had a happy ending!
10. Favorite Raleigh spot
Trellis Beauty, a clean beauty store, opened in Lafayette Village early this year. It has quickly become one of my favorite places! The owner, Tracy, is so awesome, and I have found many favorite beauty products there. And I love that they are good for my skin, animals, and the environment! They cherry on top is that Tracy’s French bulldog, Jack, is often waiting in the shop for a puppy cuddle!
11. Things I’m most looking forward to in 2019
It’s the year of weddings! My sister, brother-in-law, and BFF are all getting married. It will be a year of love, joy, celebrations, and bridesmaid dresses!
I’m also excited about taking a family trip to Belize for my mom’s 60th birthday! What an adventure! And what a great way to celebrate one of my favorite people! Grateful for another year with my Mama.
That’s a wrap! I am grateful for another year of life. Here’s to an absolutely fantastic 2019! (And if you’re curious to read my superlative posts from previous years, check them out here.)
xoxo Laura
P.S. – I’d love to hear about your highs/lows of 2018 in the comments!
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