Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Looking Back: 2013 in Review

Like 2012 before it, 2013 definitely wasn’t the best year for me, especially as I faced the loss of my beloved grandfather Pat just six short months after also losing my Nana. Overall, I've additionally continued to feel that I’m struggling to find my “place” and determine the right path in life.

Still, despite the difficulties, there were some bright moments, too, including an amazing trip to Hawaii, memorable visits with loved ones and plenty of new experiences. As we now head into 2014, here’s a look back at the good, the bad and the ugly of 2013.

January

-- Celebrated my husband’s 30th birthday, along with the two-year anniversary of adopting our beautiful kitties Molly and Twix
-- Supported Stephen as he began his first semester of grad school
-- Comfortably watched from home as crowds gathered in DC to see President Obama sworn in for a second term
-- Began blogging for All Women Stalk, where I shared advice posts focused on weddings, travel, beauty and more
-- Toured the exquisite Fairy Garden exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden


February

-- Attended an opera master class led by the talented Patricia Racette as the first of many 2013 trips to the Kennedy Center


March

-- Began working as a publicist to help represent a wedding-related startup company
-- With news of my grandfather Pat’s deteriorating health, traveled to California to say my final goodbyes before he passed away


April

-- Visited America’s Teaching Zoo in Southern California, where I got a firsthand look at a 90-year-old tortoise, an emu, a serval and many other cool creatures
-- Attended a performance by opera star Diana Damrau at the Kennedy Center
-- Was interviewed by the Washington Post Express about my experience living in our now previous apartment complex and neighborhood
-- Attended a Show Boat dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Center
-- Toured DC’s iconic cherry blossoms and headed out to Virginia wine country with a visiting friend from California


June

-- Coordinated a beautiful vineyard wedding for clients Lia and Matt
-- Celebrated our third wedding anniversary by attending a fun wine-and-sushi-tasting event
-- Attended a DC Jazz Festival concert at the Kennedy Center


July

-- Traveled to Hawaii's Big Island and Oahu for a spectacular vacation and the chance to be a bridesmaid in my sister-in-law’s wedding
-- Purchased our new Honda CR-V


September

-- Traveled to California to attend my friend Jess’ winery wedding and spend time visiting my family
-- Said goodbye to my 20s and hello to 30
-- Attended a birthday weekend performance of Tristan and Isolde at the Kennedy Center
-- Met up with my longtime blog friend Diana for a fun-filled day touring DC museums


October

-- Took in a Force of Destiny dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Center
-- Participated in the Favorite Fall Things Blog Swap


November

-- Moved to a new apartment in a neighborhood we love
-- Attended performances of The Nutcracker and the annual American Opera Initiative at the Kennedy Center, along with a musical theater master session led by Sutton Foster
-- Purchased a Karlstad couch from Ikea to help spruce up our new place


December

-- Attended Jazz Piano Christmas and Elf performances at the Kennedy Center
-- Caught up with my grad school classmates and friends at various holiday parties
-- Celebrated Christmas with my mom and sister in New York City
-- Toured the Christmas at Mount Vernon holiday displays  


Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone, and here’s to a great 2014! 

20 comments:

  1. What a year! Loved reading about what 2013 was like for you. Cheers to another year! xo

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  2. Looks like a great year despite the losses...that couch looks so comfy!!

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    1. Thanks so much, and happy 2014! The couch has definitely been great so far.

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  3. Despite the sadness, I think you still had a lot of wonderful times! Visiting places and hanging with friends and loved ones :) Hope 2014 is a blast for you, heather!

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    1. Thanks so much, and happy 2014, Laura! :)

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  4. Heather, it sounds like you had a wonderful year full of new experiences and friends. Though your grandfather moved on as well, it sounded like you still cherished your moments with him. I know next year will be great for you too!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  5. here's to this year being even better! my 2013 wasn't that great either. but lots to look forward to!

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    1. Thanks so much, and happy 2014, Elle! I hope it's a better year for you, too.

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  6. what an awesome year you had, even though I know it was mixed in with some hard times. Here's to a fabulous 2014 for us all!

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    1. Thanks, Laura! Here's to a great year ahead!

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  7. What a year! You are so good at getting out and nejoying DC. I would love to get to some shows this year!

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    1. Thanks, Kate! You should definitely head to the Kennedy Center sometime. I want to start checking out some of the other area theaters, too.

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  8. Well we hope that 2014 is only full of happiness!! :-)

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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    1. Thanks, ladies! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, too!

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  9. I hope that 2014 is a great year for you Heather.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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    1. Thanks so much! Wishing you a great year, too!

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  10. I am hoping that 2014 is an amazing year for you. Seeing it all written down like this it is nice to see that despite some sadness in 2013, 2013 was full of many awesome events for you.

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    1. Thanks so much, Faith! I am glad there were joyful memories, too, despite the sadness, and am definitely hoping this will be a great year.

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