In 2014, I wandered.
Memphis. Philadelphia. Austin. Chicago. Des Moines.
Countless trips to Kansas City and Wichita.
From the Oregon Coast to my beloved Blue Mountains to home sweet home.
And I’m going to be ringing in the New Year down in San Antonio
My job took me to new places and on great adventures.
It also gave me the time to travel and visit those who mean the most to me.
In 2014, I celebrated.
Three of my best friends got married…within one month, and I was in all three of them.
Yah, that happened.
I became a bridal shower/bachelorette party hosting pro.
There was a speech to write, flowers to design, lots of accessories to keep track of, DJ-ing, nerves to calm, 10 different hairstyles to do and a few tears.
There was cake too, that was pretty great.
To Kyla, Leah and Richole, thank you so much for asking me to be a part your special days and, a part of your lives. You each are such vibrant, loving, beautiful women, and I am so blessed by our endless laughter and memories.
In 2014, I took big kid steps.
I might have graduated college in 2013, but since I continued to live with my college roommates for the remainder of the year I was kind of in limbo between college life and “post grad life.”
But in 2014, I made up for it.
I moved into my own place and cut 7 inches off my hair.
I fought the urge to get a puppy and settled for plants.
I bought good furniture, became a Kansas resident and a Manhattan townie.
I’ve started to cook more than ramen and pb & j sandwiches.
Heck, I don’t even think talking about budgets and retirement plans are boring anymore.
I realize I’ve barely made it past chapter one on all there is to learn,
but from where I’m sitting, this life ain’t half bad.
In 2014, I learned to enjoy this season of life.
Concerts under summer stars. A purple stadium to cheer in. Making last minute plans and random weekend adventures.
Visits from my family to Kansas and traveling home to surprise them for Thanksgiving.
I had time.
Time to think, read, explore and enjoy good wine.
Time to rediscover old hobbies and uncover new ones.
Time for successful DIY projects and failed attempts at new recipes.
It’s hard not to want to rush through toward the next bend in the road, but 2014 taught me to take a deep breath and take the time to enjoy this season, and live.
In 2014, I swear I lived.
Thanks to all who were part of a pretty fantastic year.
Looking forward to spending 2015 with you, and all that is to come.
The Good Stuff 