2013 Recap

2013 was quite the year. It was my first full year of working, which of course is coupled with my first summer without a summer break. Even without a real break, I was very blessed to travel for work and play, highlights being Paris, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago. I learned a lot about myself as an individual, friend, daughter, girlfriend, worker, and person. I think the biggest lesson I learned this year was to surrond yourself by positive people. I had a rough last couple of months, but am so blessed to have moved on to bigger and better things. While I still have a lot of things I would love to work on, like letting go easier, harboring less anxiety, and gossiping less, I learned a lot this year that I would not have thought. 2013 definitely had it's fair share of ups and downs, but I am excited to say that I think 2014 will be the best year yet.

JANUARY 

                              

Cheered the Ravens on to a Super Bowl win

FEBRAURY

                                     

Spent a week in Paris with my college roommate

Celebrated birthday's in DC

MARCH 

                                     

Hung out with the cousins

                               

VMFA Wine Nights became a Friday night tradition 

APRIL

                             

Ran my first 10k on Monument Ave (post race) 

                            

Spent Easter in Maryland with my family 

Visited Blacksburg with my best girlfriends for the Hokies Spring Game

Made a Charlottesville trip for Foxfield weekend

MAY

Celebrated Kayleigh and my 23rd birthdays at the Rivah with best friends

JUNE

Saw USA vs Germany men's Soccer match in DC

Played in an awesome kickball league with awesome people

Celebrated my sister's 21st birthday

JULY 

Launched fireworks at the Rivah on 4th of July

Celebrated 1 year in exploring D.C. and cheering on the Nationals

Hung out at Virginia Beach with my sister and Mimi

Made a trip to Brooklyn for Eric and Eileen's Wedding 

Rain did not stop us from enjoying Dierks Bentley

AUGUST

Made a business trip to Atlanta, complete with a visit from Mom & Allie

SEPTEMBER

Went to my first NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway

Won a whopping 1 game of wiffleball

Took my boyfriend to his first Raven's game in Baltimore

Rode the Intimidator at Kings Dominion with friends (faces waiting in line)

OCTOBER

No fall would be complete without Hokie football

Went to a (rainy) Powhatan Festival of the Grape

Headed to Charlottesville for UVA's homecoming weekend

Hosted a Halloween Party on the famous Hanover Ave

NOVEMBER

Visited NYC with my best friends

Hiked 9 miles to the Top of Old Rag Mountain

Worked and played in Chicago

DECEMBER

Got our groove on at the work holiday party

More Christmas parties at The Jefferson

Spent over a week at home with my family for Christmas and rung in the NYE at the National Harbor

Can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!

NYC Bucketlist

Hi Friends! 

 This week is a busy one work wise. The start of October means the end of a 8 month long support project for me, as well as taking on an additional project in it's final stages I have little experience with. Lots of learning as I go! 

 Besides October being busy work wise, I am squeezing in lots of fun play time too. Two trips back to my alma matter for football and friends, one wine festival, and one trip to my boyfriend's school for homecoming, not to mention my weekly wiffle ball games and gym workouts! But honestly, I love being busy. 

Aside from all of that, I am really looking forward to November. I booked a long weekend in NYC! 

I haven't been to Manhattan in 4 years, but even better I get to see one of my best friends after almost 6 months. She has been living in NYC for a year and a half and I have been kicking myself that I have not visited yet! Now, she is a total NYC pro and I am sure has tons of fun things planned. I told her my goal was just to "be fabulous in the city, taking in all the sites, sounds and people" (I mean you can't go to NYC without people watching). 

 NYC Bucketlist 

 Broadway Show 

 Every time I have visited NYC, I have seen a show. I don't know if it's on the agenda, but when I think NYC I think Broadway! 

 Picnic in Central Park 

 Isn't this the quintessential New York experience. It will probably be too chilly for a picnic in November, but I wouldn't mind a little stroll.

 Bottomless Brunches 

 Sunday Funday anyone? I have never been to a bottomless brunch, and am itching to go! 

 Lots of Rooftops and pretty views 

 My friend has an amazing rooftop ( that is so Instagram worthy) that I can't wait to take advantage of! 

What are your 'must-see' items for NYC?

Book Worm

Over the summer, I read a couple of great books and thought I would share. I love being swept up in a good story and always want to get into a good rhythm of turning off electronics and reading for 30 minutes before bed, but it is harder said than done. I track all my books on GoodReads and love how easy it is.

 

Firefly Lane (4 Stars) and Fly Away (3.5 Stars)

After hearing all the hype surrounding these two books, I dove in. Firefly Lane is great story about friendship and what it means to care for someone no matter what. Fly Away, is very tragic and while the stories were told excellently, it was hard not to be sad. Both books ended a little abruptly in my opinion.

 

Girls in White Dresses (3 Stars)

Another book with a lot of buzz. A very easy read (I read it simultaneously with another book). It was not exactly what I was expecting and the story line was a little choppy at times. But I recommend for women in their 20’s, very relatable and funny.

 

I’ve Got Your Number (3 Stars)

Sophie Kinsella is one of my all-time favorite authors. She is quintessential chick-lit at its finest and this was another example of her witty writing. It is easy to like her characters and while the story line is predictable, it is a great girly read.

 

The Expats (4 Stars)

My best friends Mom lent this book, so I was a little skeptical to begin but loved this book. The Expats is such a great thriller for those who are new to that genre. Plus I loved the aspect of European adventures and twists throughout. I will most likely read this again!

 

Up next, I am starting on The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen and cannot wait for Kim Greunfielder’s new book, Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink. I loved her previous books A Total Waste of Makeup and Misery Loves Cabernet. And of course Sophie Kinsella’s new novel Wedding Night. What good books have you read recently?

Blogtember: Life Lately

For today's Blogtember it's all about Life Lately! I love looking back on these types of posts and remembering all the fun times I have had. (PS - I love the timehop app to see what happened a year ago on your social media) I decided it is always fun to do a large photo dump, so here is what I have been up to lately!

"We are the Millers" at the Drive-In Theater, complete with wine!

 

 

Enjoyed refreshments while cruising on my friends boat one afternoon.

 

Love lazy Sunday mornings on my porch with a good book and frappe!

 

Lots of pretty runs and walks outdoors, taking full advantage of beautiful weather in Richmond.

 

 

NASCAR tailgate and racing at Richmond International Raceway!

First Ravens game of the season!

Late night wiffleball games are even better when you win!

My company's employee appreciation day at Kings Dominion with friends!

 

Brunch with sorority sisters at my new favorite place, The Black Sheep!