It’s been a crazy year full of ups and downs to say the least. I had meant to share my year in review a couple days earlier, but felt that it wouldn’t be right to go against my blogging detox to publish the post. And as they say, better late than never right?
So much has happened within the past 365 days that it sometimes it seems a little bit surreal. I hit so many important milestones that 2016 pales in pre-emptive comparison to last year. But as time constantly proves me wrong, I wouldn’t be surprised if 2016 is jam-packed with life-changing moments of its own.
As often as I preach moving forward and not looking back, I feel that that only applies to the negatives as it is important to celebrate your accomplishments. And in doing so, I would like to bid 2015 adieu with my Year in Review:
January
I landed my first blog collaborations since moving to Toronto and learned how to work together with brands. Believe it or not, I wasn’t that much experienced when it came to collaborations. I had quite the learning curve to overcome and easily jumped at any opportunity to work with another brand regardless of the offer.
I’ve since learned my worth and how to effectively negotiate with companies to create fair partnerships.
February
P joined me in Toronto and the 8 month long LDR ceased to become a reality. Moving in with P was a big step for me and I mulled over it for months unsure if it was the direction that I wanted to go. Looking back now, I realize that I had nothing to worry about as we’re happier than ever.
I also got to go on my first “big girl work trip” to LA along with my gal pal Mel (Mel Inspired). I wouldn’t categorize it as work though since we had so much fun and you’re not really supposed to have “fun” on a work trip right?!
March
This was when I began experimenting a little bit more with my closet and realized my love of greys along with some sprinkles of white and black.
I am now a full on neutrals girl with very slight hints of colour here and there. But just because I don’t wear colour means that I’m a boring person! Trust my, my personality is extremely colourful and makes up for the lack of colour in my wardrobe!
April
I went on my second “work” trip to Las Vegas with Sylvia (Beautycakez) and Mel. Whether it was an actual work trip or not is up for discussion, but I can attest that it was a good one.
I purchased my first Chanel bag (there will most likely be many more to come over the next few years). It was a big investment to make, and I thought that I would regret it, but surprisingly I didn’t.
May
My family and I went on our first ever cruise to Bermuda (so far this year has shaped up to be one of many firsts). I learned that I wasn’t the biggest fan of cruises since I easily become seasick.
I also cut off about 10 inches of my hair and relished the change of going from long to short. It’s been over 10 years since I cut off that much of my hair and it was absolutely liberating. As I sit here writing this post, I’m considering going for an even shorter chop next!
June
I finally went on a camping trip with my close friends Kathy and Kevin and tried my hand at a juice cleanse for the first time ever. I’ll be quick to say it’s not for me, but anyone that is able to handle one has my admiration!
July
I made a bold move and quit my job to pursue greener pastures. It was a decision made after months of deliberation and one that I have no regrets. The hardest part of it all was leaving behind all the people that I enjoyed working with, but once they too started going, I couldn’t find any reason to stay.
Although it was a stressful time for me, I learnt a lot about myself. I learned about self worth, about juggling relationships with friends, as well as judging character.
August
Kobe joined the family! Some chided me that adding a dog would be a heavy burden to my finances since at the time I was unemployed, but it was one of the best decisions that I made in the year.
It’s funny the notion that I didn’t even know what I was missing until I realized how happy Kobe has made me. He filled a hole that I never knew was there and I can’t imagine any day without him!
September
I started a new job – hooray! But before celebrating that accomplishment, I went on a girl-trip with Mel to New York! We spent a weekend of exploring, eating, drinking coffee, shopping, and taking lots and lots of photos. How else did you expect 2 bloggers to spend their time in New York?!
October
This entire month was a crazy jam-packed one filled with condo hunts as well as packing. There wasn’t much time left for anything else except for getting ready for the big move!
November
P and I moved into a brand new place together and are finally able to live together alone. Living alone without your parents is one thing, but having to share your kitchen with someone else is very different. Not having a roommate made all of the difference and I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years will bring for me and P.
December
Christmas is my favourite time of the year. Not only because of the festivities that comes with it, but because I get the chance to go back home for an extended period of time longer than a simple long weekend.
Our typical trips back to Ottawa consist of about 3 days since we try to avoid taking time off work if necessary, so in between meeting up with friends and spending time with family, it doesn’t really tun out to be much of a relaxing long weekend.
The holidays are the only time that we can really see everyone and actually hav a couple days to ourselves as well, but it always turns into a hectic time of the year anyways. Regardless, I have to say that Christmas makes me happier than my birthday and I always look forward to it regardless of the cold!
When you don’t think about it, a year passes by so quickly. But when you take the time to look back at all of the experiences that passed you by, you realize how much can happen in 365 days.
2015 was certainly one full of uncertainty as well as many ups and downs. But along with the uncertainty came many excitements and exhuberances as well. With so many milestones being hit, I think it’s safe to say that 2015 will always be a happy memory in my heart.
So here’s to many more firsts and so many more highs and lows, because without the bumps, life would just be a boring drive on a straight road!
<3
