2014 – Year in Review!

2014YearinReview

Has this year FLOWN or what?! So many good things have happened and thanks to you the blog has really grown. I can’t believe how far how it’s come. I look back with a lot of pride, but mostly I look back with gratitude. 2014 has been life-changing. I am most definitely looking forward to what 2015 has in store and believe me, there are BIG changes coming – so STAY TUNED! I thought it would be fun to take a look at the year’s highlights while keeping in mind there is a reason the rear view mirror is so small and the windshield is so big. I look back fondly, but will be focused on making new memories and living in the moment in the new year! Without further ado, here is Life of a Traveling Navy Wife’s 2014 Year in Review:

January
The year started with a lot of business travel. I also told you about a very important decision.

February
I was off to Barcelona for work and wrote you a note from the sky. And I bought tampons (for myself) for the very last time.

March
One of the biggest things to happen to me not only during the year, but in my LIFE was having my single-site, Davinci Robotic partial hysterectomy – my surgeon and I made history with my belly-button! The surgery is one of the best things I have ever done and I give thanks that I found Dr. Garg. The hubs never left my side. I was so lucky he could be here for the recovery. All of you were so supportive and I cannot thank you enough for that.

HysterectomyJourney
Being wheeled into the operating room

 

April
I spent time recovering from surgery, wrote about one of the most difficult conversations to have in a marriage and participated in the #Indie30 day Challenge by BootsNAll. Highlights were taking readers on a Sunday Stroll through San Diego and explaining why The Only U in Colombia should be YOU! I also got the fastest promotion in the history of my company’s division. EEEK! 😀

May
While the blog celebrated its first anniversary, I celebrated the 17th birthday doctors said I wouldn’t live to see and told you all about my tradition of Operation Birthday! The hubs and I took off to Sonoma a bit early to celebrate. I also introduced you to Dr. Zhivago Einstein and Glider and spent an entire 36 hours in Puerto Rico for a site visit. Then returned for a week (hubs in tow) later in the year.

June
I went to Detroit for the first time and was reminded to draw my own conclusions despite what others may tell me.

MatanzasCreek
At Matanzas Creek celebrating my birthday

July
I received a Liebster Award and took the plunge and wrote about the hard parts of step-parenting. We had our #2014EPICSummerRoadTrip from San Diego to the Redwoods and many places in-between, celebrated our first wedding anniversary and the hubs celebrated his birthday, too!

August
I attended my first industry conference and met Liz Koch while visiting her amazing tea room, the Mad Hatter, talked my profession a bit and wrote my first post that went viral (later in the year).

September
After much contemplating, I moved the blog to WordPress.org and I’m still getting used to it! I also got a new About page and I am totally digging it :). Hubs had nose surgery and was able to join me in Puerto Rico on a business trip and it was great having him there with me.

PuertoRico
At Richie’s Cafe in Puerto Rico

October
During whirlwind business travel (I was gone three weeks in October), I went to Chile, made fun of myself a bit reflecting on the old adage, “never say never,” gave thanks on the anniversary of my third cancer diagnosis and introduced you to Anna, my friend who left an abusive husband and cult.

November
I started CORE40, did my own hair color at home (and didn’t cry) and learned that a lot of people don’t put oatmeal in smoothies. I had my first viral post this month! Here’s hoping 2015 brings more of those! I also announced my first holiday gift guide and gave away every single item in it to a lucky winner!

December
I was honored and humbled to be announced Business Traveler USA’s Business Traveler of the Year. I told you why I don’t do Santa, welcomed you into our home for a glimpse into our holiday style a la Harley Davidson and in a guest post told you why despite marrying a man with kids, I’m not a parent. I also entered a contest to accompany 24 other bloggers to Kerala. I’ve dreamed of the tea plantations there. So in a shameless plug, give me a vote, would ya? We had a great holiday in Arkansas and we’re ready to ring in 2015!

HarleyDavidsonRide
With our Harley Davidson Road Glide Custom out on a beautiful December day in Julian, CA

WHAT A YEAR!

Of course, I’ll be bringing you more great giveaways and if there is anything you’d like to see, let me know in the comments! Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year’s Eve however you spend it and may 2015 bring you all the health and happiness in the world!

XOXO,

~Heather