January 2019 – Page 2

I finished December with three books which brought my yearly total to 52, 8 books short of my reading goal of 60. I read 59 books in 2017 and was hoping to beat it, but I am still very proud that I managed to read one book per week (on average). I also ended the year with three books I would all highly recommend for you to put on your to-read list!

The life she was given by Ellen Marie Wiseman (★★★★☆)

Wiseman knows how to weave a story. Lilly Blackwood has spent the first 10 years of her life locked up in the attic of her parents’ mansion before her cruel mother sells her off to the traveling circus. 20 years later, Julia Blackwood returns to her family’s mansion after her parents’ death, left to figure out the mystery of her family.
I really enjoyed this book about two young women in the middle of the 20th century whose lives, as we find out very early, are mysteriously connected, but we only find out much later in which tragic way.

Heart Berries: A Memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot (★★★★☆)

This is an emotion-driven memoir about a Native American woman’s struggles with abuse, mental illness, and survival, packaged in a series of stream-of-conscience essays. It’s not a straight-forward story to read, but if you allow yourself to dive in and absorb Mailhot’s words, it’s well worth your time.

Tell me more: Stories about the 12 hardest things I am learning to say by Kelly Corrigan (★★★★★)

This was my first introduction to Kelly Corrigan’s writing and based on this book, I am looking forward to reading more of her work. This felt like sitting down with a friend and talking about the unpredictabilities and inevitabilities of life.
Corrigan captures wise life lessons (the 12 phrases being the headings of the chapters in this book) that we all have to navigate throughout our lives (grief, love, marriage, parenthood, friendship) and guides us through the emotional work that we all have to do at one stage or another. Her experiences are relatable and she emphasizes the need to enjoy and embrace every season of life.

What did you read in December? Anything you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment, and then add me on Goodreads to keep in touch.

Another year is in the books. It’s hard to sum up a year, but as always, I’ll try. Like last year, I created this little infographic.

2018 was a mixed bag. Some things didn’t go as planned, some things were frustrating as hell (especially politics), but we also had some wins this year.

I got to see two good friends get married, I got to turn a URL friend to IRL friend, J and I celebrated 12 years of marriage, and I ran my fastest half marathon yet.

We sold our house but found a great new place to live, and while this year ended with me being furloughed (again), we also ended this year on a good note!

JANUARY

In January, I chose a new word for the year. I shared my top 10 favorite books of 2017. I talked about the things I wanted to do in 2018 (spoiler alert: not all of them happened). I shared our 2017 spending report and ranted about the 1st (of multiple) government shutdown scenarios.

FEBRUARY

In February, I talked about why I started a bullet journal for 2018. I shared the recipe for cherry crumble cake (one of my favorites) and the 6 things I love most about running. February was also a time I reminisced about the visit at Horseshoe Bend, AZ with my cousin and his girlfriend.

MARCH

In March, I celebrated another birthday. I shared my thoughts on treadmill running. I wrote about my bullet journal essentials (contrary to popular belief, you really don’t have to invest in all the things!) and let you in on my favorite marble cake recipe. I also reviewed the Milestone Pod and shared the sad news that some unforeseen circumstances kept me from a trip back home to see my family.

APRIL

In April, I shared 12 tips to reduce trash. I recapped the visit at Lower Antelope Canyon with my cousin and his girlfriend. I also told you why I am still using YNAB, the budgeting software I’ve been raving about for the last 4 years. I also ran my first half marathon of the year and earned my first PR.

MAY

I started the month of May with a work field trip to Sonoma County. I shared our first quarter spending report and went to my first ever Women’s Wellness retreat with my friend Susi. I also shared some information about getting your blog GDPR-compliant.

JUNE

In June, I recapped my first trip to Washington, D.C. where I got to attend some good friends’ wedding and meet up with my friend Marie! I shared some thoughts on running for Global Running Day and also on the untimely death of Anthony Bourdain and the fight for ending the stigma. It was frustrating to follow the news and so I shared a random ordinary summer weekend with you guys.

JULY

In July, I wrote about social media and sponsored content. I ran the Davis Moo-nlight Run with my friend Susi. I also shared my second quarterly spending report. At the end of the month, I finished my third half-marathon in San Francisco.

AUGUST

In August, I baked a delicious greek yogurt-lemon-zucchini-bread. I recapped a visit to Monument Valley and Goosenecks State Park. I wrote about how running has changed me and 5 things I do and don’t pay for. I shared the recipe for a tasty skirt steak stir-fry.

SEPTEMBER

In September, I shared some random thoughts, one of which was about my 17th California-versary. I blogged about what is currently going on with me and more random thoughts.

OCTOBER

In October, I shared some thoughts on my fieldwork. I bought some things at Trader Joe’s. The Red Sox won the World Series and I shared what was currently going on in my life.

NOVEMBER

November was NaBloPoMo and I participated for the last decade, so I wasn’t going to break the streak now. I shared 5 things you might not know about me. I posted a recipe delicious sweet potato gnocchi and told you why it’s so important to vote. I set a new PR in the half marathon at the Urban Cow.

I shared my nighttime routine and things to never do before I die. I blogged about the devastating California fires and stupid healthcare woes. I baked some very tasty zucchini-cheddar-scones and made a veggie-stuffed frittata.

My blog got hacked and I recapped the TMAC20 fitness challenge. I shared more German idioms and gave you a little life update.

DECEMBER

In December, I shared my Christmas Wish List, which is always fun to put together. I blogged about some race bling from last year and who I am at the moment.

Share some highlights of 2018 with me in the comments! And thanks for always reading and commenting here. Your support means the world to me.

RECAPS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS:

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

What I read in December