Looking back on 2018

When I sat down to write my annual end-of-year recap, I thought of this scene from my favorite movie Before Sunset:

Céline: Yeah, time goes faster and faster. Apparently, it's because we don't renew our synapses after 20. So, it's pretty much downhill from then on. Oh well.
Jesse: I like getting older, you know, it feels...I don't know, it feels more immediate. You know, like I can appreciate things more.
Céline: No, me too, actually. I really love it.

Like Céline and Jesse, I feel like every year flies by faster than the one before and while they may joke about getting old, the heart of the conversation is about how they appreciate things even more now. Appreciation and seizing opportunities were sentiments I tried really hard to embrace in 2018 and I'd like to think I succeeded. (Although let's be real, I don't know if I'll ever necessarily like getting older ☺)

But the truth is, 2018 was an incredible year. It took unexpected turns in mostly positive ways. I faced challenges, good and bad. In previous years I usually made vague references to the ups and downs of friendship and today I can say that it's been nothing but ups. I feel like my circle both got a little wider and tighter at the same time and I'm thankful for that. It goes without saying that I'm also thankful for my family but each year I feel a deeper gratitude for the traditions we maintain in spite of how busy each of our lives get. And most of all, I look back on 2018 with happiness and that's all I can ask for.

Here are some of highlights from 2018

Iceland with Alexa • My trip to Iceland in March was amazing. It made me realize a few things: I can survive freezing weather if the view is worth it, Icelandic ponies are the cutest, and Alexa is my perfect travel buddy.

I started a new job in March • I went from the girl who stayed at her first job for 8.5 years to 3 different jobs within the last 5. I'm still not sure how I feel about this not-so-new gig but making a move was definitely the right choice.

Concerts, shows and ballets • I saw James Bay, Hozier, the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, Wicked, Once on This Island and the usual three ballets performed during the American Ballet Theatre Spring Season. Each performance I saw was completely different and not a single one was a disappointment. I'm so glad I have friends like Carina, Alexa and DJ to attend events like these with!

Cons and festivals • I attended ApollyCon in DC, BookCon, New York Comic Con (it was my first time!) and the Boston Teen Author Festival. There's something special about being surrounded by people who love the same things you do and each event had this contagious energy to show off what you fangirl over.

More outings in the city • I've said this before but working in the city doesn't mean I always take the time to explore it. I try new restaurants and ice cream places on a regular basis but this year I made more of an effort to explore and planned some really great days. In June, Alexa and I had a "French Day" to check out a bunch of French spots in the city. In December, Alexa, Kristin and I had a "Festive Fun Day" to see all the holiday-themed festivities. Then over the summer I took a personal day to visit The Frick Collection and walk around Central Park. And there's still bunch more days I know I'm forgetting to mention!

Aruba with Carina • I'd never been to the Caribbean before or done a beach type of vacation but a long weekend in Aruba was exactly what I needed. The weather was beautiful and I loved living across the beach for 4 days with my best friend.

Traditions with my cousins • Aside from our annual Secret Santa, we've now added apple picking to the list! I'm working on adding more like maybe brunch once a month but that might be more of a challenge. In the meantime, I'm very happy with our fun activities during the holidays and the start of fall.

Release of Kingdom of Ash • It might seem silly to list a book as a yearly highlight but I know my fellow Throne of Glass lovers will understand! I've been following this series for the last 6 years and it's my absolute favorite. Reading the epic last book was bittersweet and memorable. Especially because Sarah J. Maas had an event in NYC and I got to share the experience of how this book made me feel with friends through group texts and an ice cream outing to eat our feelings.

Solo trip to London • The most empowering highlight of this year was, without a doubt, traveling to London on my own. I never thought it was something I'd be capable of doing but not only did I do it, but I loved every minute of it. Plus it gave me a much-needed second chance to fall completely in love with London.

And with that, I can say goodbye to 2018! I've already got some fun things planned for 2019 so I can't wait!

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Thank you for reading my blog and hope you all have a Happy New Year!