2019 Highlight Reel
I didn’t make resolutions for 2019, but good things happened anyway.
The blog. Though I started the blog at the end of 2018, I did so in order to have it for 2019. The whole idea was to write only when I wanted to and not feel pressured to post otherwise. I only posted four times, and that means I succeeded.
The bus. We bought a school bus. Ben likes working on motors, I like making things pretty, and we all love traveling. Converting it into an RV combines the interests of our family.
The Curly Girl Method. I detoxed my hair from parabens and sulfates this year, and I have discovered a new version of my own hair. It’s been liberating and defining. I’m not saying I’ll never go back; however, not straightening my hair for a year has made me more confident in its natural state.
Volunteering. In 2018, I started volunteering at a local pregnancy center. This year, I have been very involved in their donation intake and organization. I have wanted to give back to other moms since I became a mom, and it’s so great to be in a season where that is possible.
Home education. Besides spending intentional time with my kids, my favorite part of homeschool so far is working my way through Charlotte Mason’s writings. She. was. brilliant.
Emeals. Using the Emeals app has made feeding our family easier. I practiced with it in 2018, got better at it in 2019, and plan to continue using it in 2020. After signing up, I chose from several diets and then selected how many people I would be cooking for. Each week I pick the meals I want to make. Then it populates a grocery list that I can use at the store or send directly to the store for grocery pick-up.
“New” washing machine. I spent a day at the laundromat and realized what a privilege it is to own a working washer and dryer.
Winston. My sweet miniature schnauzer died this year, and while his life brought me so much joy, his death brought me closure. I never gave myself freedom to handle death the way I wanted until now. Death is never convenient, but I’m learning healthier ways to process it, and as always, pets are some of our best teachers.
Jack. Part of giving into my grieving was bringing our lab-mutt Jack to live inside after years of being a mostly-outdoor dog. Once again, he teaches me and takes care of me at least as much as I instruct and care for him.
Figs. We got a great crop of figs this year, and I made jam. I don’t have the greenest thumb, but I’m proud of reviving this tree in the past few years with love and prayers.
Kimberly. A former student needed a place to stay this summer, and I’m so grateful she stayed with us. Her beautiful, artful presence marked our 2019. Inviting someone into our everyday life is one of the greatest vulnerabilities, and it was worth the risk.
House updates. Ben made us a new wooden post to replace the wrought iron porch column on the front of our house. Then he made new shutters and stripped the red paint off our front door. I love turning into my own driveway even more now.
Camping alone. I camped out in a tent alone for a weekend while attending a homeschool conference. While I enjoyed the conference, it was mostly a wonderful excuse for me to hide for a weekend.
Flying alone. Visiting our best friends in Delaware was the first time I had flown alone since having children. I was afraid that I had lost part of myself—the part of me that loved to travel alone. When I landed back at home, I knew I still had it.
Getting off meds. Those two adventures gave me the confirmation I needed to get off an SSRI I had been on. I did not go off quickly or without planning and consultation with healthcare professionals. Still, it was my own decision, and owning that has been healthy for me.
My new prescriptions. Working out and counseling are my new prescriptions. I have several other self-care habits, but these two were most helpful this year. Working out reminds me that I am the most important person to me, and marriage counseling reminds me that Ben is my favorite person. Taking those two things seriously makes me feel better in all the other facets of life.
Graphitober. I drew 17 little sketches in October. It was meant to be 31, but leaving this project unfinished was a healthy exercise for my perfectionism. I may go back and complete it; I may not. I’m learning to appreciate what something gave me in its time and not drain it dry after it’s fulfilled its purpose.
Colorado. Our friends got married in Buena Vista in October. What’s more romantic than a wedding in the Rockies? Ben and I left the kids with grandparents and celebrated our friends’ marriage and our own birthdays. Traveling alone earlier in the year made me appreciate the miracle of finding someone I actually enjoy traveling with.
Family Vision. On the morning of Thanksgiving Day, Ben and I left the kids with grandparents once again while we followed the advice of our counselor and put a vision for our family onto paper. Further sorting and establishing this vision is by far what I am most looking forward to in 2020. 2019 seemed to be all about preparation for the next season, and by leaning into the transitions of this year, I hope we are setting ourselves up for the year. Maybe I’ll even put five posts on the blog this year.