2018 has had some ups and some downs. When I look back on all that’s happened I can’t help but sum it all up with a song…..

There’s a couple people that I owe a beer or two
And three or four I owe more than a few
For all the times I couldn’t find the answers
Stumbling through the dark without a clue
This one’s for you.

1. My Parents

DG & RG are my biggest supporters and I don’t know what I’d do without them. Words cannot express my love and appreciation for them. Every time I try to write down what they mean to me I am at a loss for words. I am often reminded that I won the parent lottery with these two.

2. Family Vacations

We made some great memories this year and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. From climbing the Bald Head Lighthouse to living it up in Music City to see Alabama, it was great to see some new places and show my parents around Nashville.

3. Travel

I love to travel and see the world. This year I was really fortunate to get to some pretty great places in 2018. I crossed off 2 more states on my bucket list (Oregon and Kentucky). I got to go to Nashville again and had a fun girls trip to Miami. It was a very full year of exploring new places.

4. The Fab 5

Although I love the revamp of Queer Eye, the Fab 5 I’m talking about is not on Netflix. I am very thankful for the Fab group of 5 friends that have shared wine nights, Golden Girls parties, and lots of laughter during the last year. We are 5 millennials who are, strong, independent women living our best life and supporting each other through all of life’s ups and downs.

5. Saltwater

This summer I needed a lot of Saltwater to cure some of my woes. I made it to the beach almost every weekend this summer. It was nice to take a break from projects and rest up and relax.

6. My Work Family

After working at 2 other places after college I found a place and a group of people I love working with. We are a small office of 8 employees, but we have fun and get along so well. I enjoy showing up to work because of my co-workers.

7. BIFF

We are Christina Yang and Meredith Grey and I am so thankful I worked at the Bank for 2 years and we became friends. Thanks for being there for me this year through all the ups and downs.

“The ties that bind us are sometimes impossible to explain. They connect us even after it seems like the ties should be broken. Some bonds defy distance and time and logic; Because some ties are simply meant to be.” Meredith Grey

8. Fields of Flowers

I went to Oregon this spring to visit the annual Tulip Festival in Woodburn. There were fields and fields of Tulips. I found the farm on Instagram and planned for the trip for almost a year. It was an awesome experience to see so many varieties of tulips in one place

9. DIY Projects

The year started off with a lot of DIY projects and the year is ending with progress on my biggest one yet, the kitchen renovation. This summer I finished one of my favorite projects I have ever completed with this ombre wooden door corner bookcase. I think it is one of the best things I’ve ever made.

10. Friends from all phases of life.

I am very thankful for all of my friends from various phases of my life. I appreciate that I have people I can call to use their stove to make dinner for a meal train when my power goes out. I appreciate the groups of friends I have where we don’t get together frequently but we pick right back up each time when we get together.

I hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving with your friends and family!