2013: A Year in Review.

This year marks the fourth time that I'm taking a look back at all things that were in the past year. (If you're interested, here's the posts for 2010, 2011, and 2012). Both Facebook and Instagram are offering to basically do the same thing for you if you're curious in seeing what you captured via social media.  I'm more a fan of reflecting back on the year myself and seeing how I've grown, been stretched, and celebrated. It's a good way to look forward to the year ahead with resiliency but also with something more important, hope. Hope for a new year filled with new adventures, new challenges, new relationships, new passions, and new growth.

Here's to 2013, my year in review...

• Returned to New Orleans at the end of January, began a new job, and settled into a new routine moving back in with my parents for three months while I looked for a more permanent home in NOLA.
• Mardi Gras! It'd been many years since I celebrated one of the city's best seasons. Loved. every. minute. of. it. 
• Began my volunteer work with RECreate. A great project through the Young Leadership Council, it was my way of honoring one of my 2013 goals to get involved in the city! 
• The birth of my niece and goddaughter in mid March. I'll never take for granted the ability to see her every couple weeks/monthly and the joy she has brought into my life.
• Adventures in condo ownership! I navigated the Craigslist world for many weeks searching for an apartment before changing directions, falling in love with a condo in an old house Uptown, making and having an offer accepted, and signing my life away. Over and over again.
• A trip back to St. Louis for Easter to visit the Odd Quad and many other friends.
• French Quarter Fest in April. Both my sister and Daph were in town and with a crawfish boil at the house and an amazing weekend, I was falling back in love with NOLA.
• That time my car flooded. Again. You win some, you lose some.
• Trivia with the Red Feathers at Dat Dog. I looked forward to trivia each week throughout the summer with my coworkers who became friends.
• Celebrated Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Norrell in Arkansas with St. Louis friends. A great escape and good weekend for the soul before spending the summer working my tail off.
• My cousin's wedding in June on the beach. Sand! Ocean! Perfection for 24 hours.
• A visit from Shruti and Evie for the 4th of July. We had a blast conquering the city. Still one of my favorite days from the year!
• Met Ed. I can't reflect back on the second half of 2013 without thinking of him or being filled with wonderful memories of spending time with him. Things didn't turn out the way I hoped/thought they would but not something I regret. 
• Running of the Bulls (NOLA style) in July.
• Daph moved to NOLA! 
• Red Dress Run and the YLC Gala in August to see my Dad honored for his commitment to the city. Red Dress Run is another of my favorite days of the past year.
• Binge-watched Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. Good life choices.
• Traveled back to St. Louis to conquer the Tough Mudder with Danielle in September. Greatest physical accomplishment to date in my 31 years. Previously, Insanity.
• The dining room table project. God bless America. Such an undertaking.
• NOLA on Tap and Seafood Festival in the fall. 
• Halloween New Orleans. What a party!
• NODAC in San Antonio in early November. My first orientation professional conference. And CSAA reunion!
• Spent my Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas at the toy store helping out and taking a trip down memory lane from my many high school days.
• Accepted an invitation to continue my involvement with LeaderShape as a Co-Lead Facilitator! Can't wait for the retreat in April. See you soon Chicago!
• NOLA Christmas Vacation. Good time with family, friends, and a little "me" time.

Sprinkled throughout the year? Many streetcar rides down to the Quarter for a night out, some day shopping, or new adventures. The revolving door of visitors who came to the city for work, pleasure, or some combination of the two: Dan, Chase, Laine, Mary Lou, Betsy, Nino, Shruti, Evie, Kate, and chances are I'm forgetting a person or three. More concerts, festivals, and celebrations than I can count. Family dinners. Mark and David becoming a wonderful support system in my life. The quest for a new worship community. New friendships. Dates. Laughter. Tears. Oysters. Oh, the oysters.

If I dub 2013 the year of transition, my hope is 2014 will be the year of celebration. Looking forward to what's in store! Happy New Year! Bring it on 2014. 

Cheers.