This was a tough year for me. Although there were so many bright spots, I felt often very low, experienced loss, and felt unsure about the future most of the year. While I don’t know what lies ahead in 2020, I do know that people and adventures like these are what bring the best of life to the surface – and for that, I am forever grateful. Here are the brightest memories that lit the way through 2019:
JANUARY – SUN VALLEY, ID AND MADRID, SPAIN
We kicked off the New Year in Sun Valley, ID and I happened to be sick for the third year running! In an effort to help kick-start my metabolism, my mom took me to her favorite hot springs in the Sawtooth wilderness. We were run off the road by some rude people and ended up stuck in a snow bank, but you can always count on true, good Idahoans to help tow you out. Mom had always shared such magical memories of this place and I’m so glad we were able to make great memories here together.
Shortly after, I headed to Madrid to visit my brother, Rex! He had been studying abroad in Spain since August of 2018 and had all the best architecture, markets, FOOD, and adventures mapped out for my visit. He had also met the sweetest girl, Laura, and I loved having her join us each day. It was so much fun to see the city through their eyes, wander through old parts of the country, try ALL the new foods, improve my Spanish, and the very best part was our long talks over train rides and city walks. My heart was so sad to leave.
FEBRUARY – SEATTLE, WA
Noah was able to return home over the holidays and we were both so excited to visit his family in Washington as soon as we could! When we were finally able to, we were surprised by a SNOWY WONDERLAND!! It’s rare that so much snow sticks in lower Seattle and we soaked up every bit of it! We found a piece of The Shire in our backyard, explored backcountry roads in the Olympics, and enjoyed ALL the cheese and movie nights with family.
MARCH – WONDERCON, ANAHEIM, CA
After 11 years of going to Comic-Con, I broke tradition and attended Wondercon with two of my great friends, Brandon and Natcha! The lines were short, the food trucks bomb, and the cosplay top-notch! You can now count me an official Wondercon convert.
APRIL – YUMA, AZ
Noah had left for training in late February, so I drove out to Yuma for a visit! We spent our weekend lazing by the river, exploring the old wild west prison museum, trying new breweries, and catching-up over the best breakfast.
MAY – LONE PINE AND SAN MARCOS, CA
This was a hard month for me. I still can’t articulate why, but I’m learning that’s how depression works sometimes. My head and heart were, and still are, a little confused – but, a true ramble always does my heart some good. Noah and I headed to the hills for a last minute camping trip over Memorial Day weekend and the best surprise was finding a snowstorm in late May! Noah had rented us snowshoes, something I have ALWAYS wanted to try, and I was BEYOND elated!!
The other bright spot of joy this month was seeing Lakes graduate! She got her first full-time teaching job this year following graduation and it’s been so fun watching her love of learning grow. I have no doubt in my heart that the kidlets of today are going to build a better future because she will share her passion, love, and respect of the world around us and one another.
JUNE – SANTA CRUZ AND MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
We turned around and headed to Santa Cruz a few weeks later to celebrate Rex’s graduation as well! Although he’s one of the youngest siblings, he always knows exactly what to say to mend a heart and never hesitates to tell someone when he appreciates them. It’s been an absolute honor to watch him grow up and I know that with his capacity to care and learn, he’s going to reach the top of the world.
Laura flew out to California from Spain shortly thereafter and we took her on her first camping trip EVER! It was filled with so many fun firsts: we taught her how to build a campfire, roast s’mores, she saw the Milky Way for the first time, saw her first bear in the wild, and her first soak in hot springs! The memories from this trip are something I’ll treasure forever.
JULY – TAHOE AND JULIAN, CA
Lakes had been dreaming of the PCT for years and we officially drove her up to kick-off her hike! We enjoyed fireworks over Lake Tahoe, picnics and board games on the beach, backcountry fishing, and cold misty mornings before we parted ways. I also double-dipped on the camping adventures this month and headed up to Julian with Sara and my brother Dane for the weekend! We took in the starry skies, wild berries, warm summer nights, and great hikes.
AUGUST – CORONADO, CA
This month was filled with SO many great memories, it felt like the epitome of summer. We celebrated friend’s weddings, my birthday with a Jurassic Park bar crawl, and ALL the concerts! BUT, the memory that stands out the most is Noah gifting me a kayak for my birthday! I had always talked about all the adventures I would go on with a kayak, and he made those dreams come true. Being out on the water was everything I dreamed it would be and more.
SEPTEMBER – BOULDER, CO
This month was the best reunion and did my heart so much good! The wedding of one my best friends brought so many of us together again after almost 10 years! I spent the whole weekend laughing until my face and stomach hurt and appreciating how truly good people stick together. Seeing Andy find his love and celebrating with so many incredible people was absolutely perfect.
OCTOBER – PORTLAND, OR + SEATTLE, WA
This month was a WHIRLWIND. We celebrated the Marine Corps Ball, went to Disneyland, I baked wedding cakes for good friends, celebrated the wedding of another best friend, kayaked to my heart’s content, and flew back to the PNW for Noah’s pre-deployment leave. Of all the memories this month held, a concert at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland was my favorite. Noah and I hopped whiskey bars, made new friends, and danced at McMenamins until I thought the crystal chandelier would crash down. Thank you Tyler Childers for a great night and Powell’s for a great next day.
NOVEMBER – NEW MEXICO
Lake’s and I checked off another state this month on our goal to see all 50 states before we turn 50! We road tripped to New Mexico with her cutie dog Lira and toured the Collossall Caves, Saguaro National Park, and a very snowy Thanksgiving day in Santa Fe Plaza! Three storm systems converged on us at once and chased us out of most of our NM plans. We were bummed, but I always love any adventure with Lakes and Lira’s joy of the snow made all the long drives around the storms worth it.
DECEMBER – CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
The very, very BEST way to end the year! We celebrated Terra’s bachelorette in Cabo and it was everything we all needed and more. An amazing cooking class, walks on the beach, the saltiest chips, warm blue waters, soft pink sunsets, celebrating best friends, reuniting with old friends, and making new ones. I can’t wait to get together with these incredible women and celebrate again in only a few short months!
Although this year felt so cloudy, these people were the genuine light and I cannot wait to see what 2020 has to bring. I will listen to my heart, continue to open myself to trying new things, and I’ll be grateful for every adventure and experience that comes my way. With that, cheers to YOUR 2020! I hope it is filled with best friends, deep loves, and rambles that make your heart soar. Happy trails always, xoxo.
