I know this is very cliche, but I wanted to sit down and think about/appreciate 2019, and what better way than to write it all down!
Its crazy to think about everything that I did and did not do! I got a lot done, but I also had a few bumps along the way, and that’s okay! Everything I did this year has helped me grow, and will fuel my goals for 2020!
Looking back, nothing too exciting happened in January and February, which may be what actually lead to me starting this blog in March!
Starting a blog was definitely interesting. I had to pick a name, a website host, and actually start writing! I also had to tell my family and friends. The blogging world is very saturated so it felt silly telling everyone I decide to start one. However, blogging is not about how many followers you have; it’s about sharing the things you enjoy with others!
Everyone has been so supportive! It’s very exciting to see this hobby slowly grow and people besides by family actually show an interest!
In March was my first big trip of the year! Kevin and I traveled to Florida for our good friends’ Bachelor and Bachelorette/Bridal Shower parties. This trip is actually the one that inspired one of my top posts of the year, The Perfect Lilly Pulitzer Bridal Shower! The whole weekend was so wonderful and I loved writing about it.
April sent me to Asheville, NC with two of my college roommates. We spent too many hours in the car, but we saw some amazing things like the wild miniature ponies at Grayson Highland State Park and the Biltmore Mansion. The two roommates, Beth and Taylor, that I went on this trip with are on a mission to visit all 50 states! I love tagging along on their adventures when I can! You can read more about our Asheville trip on, When College Roommates Take Asheville! I also went to Austin (Austin Adventures) with them in May!
May also took Kevin and I back to Florida for our friends’ (The Bachelor/Bachelorette from March) wedding! The wedding was absolutely beautiful, and I just love spending time in Florida! My grandparents live there so I typically head down at least once a year. For 2020, we already have three trips planned!
May was also my second wedding anniversary with Kevin!
June was a little more low key. Work picks up for Kevin and me during the summer so we tend to do less/smaller trips or local activities. I went to the Maryland Lavender Festival, to the first ever Maryland Lilly Ladies Meet Up, and a Rose Festival!
Thinking back, July was also slow, but it’s also exciting to reflect on how much I accomplished at work! It was my first busy season at my current job and I am so proud of everything I completed. It makes me excited to see what I will continue to work on in 2020! My family also went to Europe for three weeks which I am super jealous about, AND I started my part time Lilly Pulitzer job!
August is still busy at work, but it’s also my birthday month! We celebrated by eating at three restaurants during DC restaurant week LOL. Work also sent me to Oregon for training – my first time in the state! Kevin met me out there after my training finished and we got to explore the Oregon Coast and Mount Rainier. I also snuck up to New York for another fun weekend with my college roommates!
September and October were great, but also not. September took Kevin and me on our much deserved and needed vacation (since busy season was over) to Jamaica. It was our first time staying at a Sandals Resort and it was AMAZING!! You can read about out trip here: My First Stay at at Sandals Resort.
However, the end of September into October was hard because work sent me on a last-minute 16 day business trip. I definitely learned a lot on my trip, but it was hard being away from home for that long. Eating out and living out of a suitcase definitely gets old after a while!
October, November, and December were definitely busy! Lilly Pulitzer requires all part-time employees to work at least 10 hours a week. This is a very reasonable requirement, but it’s a lot when you already have a full time, 40 hours a week job. I definitely missed out on some fun with family and friends. I truly enjoyed my time working at Lilly, I made great friends and I love the brand, but I am excited to have more free time in 2020!
These months were also busy with friends coming into town, lots of birthdays (including Kevin’s!), and the holidays!
This past year, has had its ups and downs, but I am so appreciative of everything I have accomplished and the things I have done. My life wouldn’t be the way it is without the love and support from my friends, family, and YOU!
I hope you have a fantastic New Years, and I can’t wait to share 2020 with you!
XOXO, Kaitlyn
