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For the past few years, I have been making this annual list. I kind of keep track mentally during the year, and then take stock in December.
This year was about big changes. As I prepared to make this list, I was convinced that the only new things I did this year were move and have a baby. But when I really thought about it, I realized that I did a lot of new things this year. Some were big and some were small, but they all shaped my year.
1. Lived in Washington, DC
A long time ago, I jokingly told Nick that if I had to leave Hawaii, I wanted to move somewhere completely different from Hawaii. Well, we went from tropical paradise to a busy city in the middle of winter. Although DC was my #1 pick, I was really unhappy here for a while. Once the weather warmed up and I got to explore this city, I realized that I could not be in a better place right now.
2. Lived in a city
I felt like this deserved its own point because I had never lived in a city before! It took me a long time to get used to living in a city, there are so many benefits.
3. Gave birth
Giving birth was the most physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging thing I’ve ever done. I wrote M’s birth story. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here, if you want!
4. Had a baby
I don’t mean this in the sense people normally use it, like giving birth, I mean it in the literal sense. I came home from the hospital with a tiny human to love, protect, nurture, and take care of.
5. Breastfed
I could devote months of content on here to breastfeeding and I’m sure I will write a lot about it at some point. Breastfeeding was the hardest part about having a newborn. But now, it’s such a special bond that I share with M and I am really thankful that we are still going strong.
6. Took an Indian Cooking Class
Nick and I have taken a lot of cooking classed together over the years, but we rarely make any of the things from them. It’s just a fun date. But Nick makes the recipe we learned in this class all the time. It’s my favorite meal we eat at home. Life-changing.
7. Went to the Inn at Little Washington
For Nick’s 35th birthday, we splurged on an overnight getaway to Little Washington. We ate at the Inn at Little Washingotn, a place Nick has been wanting to go ever since we moved here. We stayed in a little bed and breakfast. My parents watched M overnight. It was just what we needed and a great birthday celebration for Nick.
8. Had Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago
We went to Chicago for a friend’s wedding. We had been to Chicago before but only for one night. This time, made getting deep dish pizza a priortiy. Another life chaning experience – as soon as we got home, Nick ordered a deep dish pan and started making deep dish pizza.
9. Went to a bunch of museums in DC
I had been to DC many times before I moved here, so I had been to a bunch of the museums before. But since living here, I’ve gotten to go to a lot more, and to spend more time at ones I rushed through on previous trips. I love that since all the museums are free here, we can go for an hour or so and just see a few things. 2019 favorites are The Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
10. Went to Charlottesville, VA
2019 was really more about being home than traveling, but I still managed to go to Charlottesville, VA for a girls weekend. It was a much-needed weekend with two of my best friends from Hawaii. I went from seeing them practically every day to living far away from them, which was probably the hardest part of my move. It felt so good to see them again and I hope we can do it again in 2020. I also really enjoyed Charlottesville and I hope to go back soon, especially since it’s so close to me.
That was my 2019 in a nutshell! Read the lists for 2018, 2017, and 2016.
What are some things you did in 2019 that you had never done before?
Breastfeeding was something I struggled with big time!!! My supply was never enough, and a constant stress for me. I eventually gave up and switched to formula.
I have been wanting to take some cooking classes. It is for sure on my mind for things to do in 2020!
You did so much in 2019! What an incredible year for you! I can’t wait to see what you experience and accomplish in 2020! This is such a cool yearly wrap up.
I had my first deep dish pizza last year as well. I was in Chicago and went to Uno’s. I hated it. So I’m confused! Where did you guys go? I should probably give it another go but…
Fitting a whole year of events into one page is a task but I should say, reading your fruitful 2019 was very interesting dear Carolann. A year filled with travel, stays, Labour, childbirth, feeding, cooking classes, etc., covered a varied number of genres I should add. Thank you for taking time in putting together a eventful article and I should say it was a very commendable read.