There were so many changes that occurred this year. Between starting a new job, moving to a new city, and traveling to new places, I experienced some really exciting things. Below, I'm recapping my year, filled with my top 12 moments of 2018.
#1: FOUND MY CORE GROUP OF FRIENDS
All thanks to a ski trip in February, I found my group. These four have become my family over the past ten months, filling my life with laughter, new experiences, and incredible support. This year wouldn't have been half as memorable had it not been for Anil, Betty, Dana, and Emily.
#2: SPENT TWO WEEKS IN CALIFORNIA
Prior to this trip, I hadn't been back to California for more than a weekend in three years. Being able to spend quality time with both my college and high school friends was perfect. I initially went there to interview for a job and see my doctor, but was able to extend the trip to spend the week with my best friends in a place that still feels like home.
#3: STARTED MY FULL-TIME ROLE AT DIAGEO
While I was in California, I was offered a permanent position with the company I was interning for. After much deliberation, I accepted and am so glad I did. Working for Diageo this past year has been amazing. I've really found a love for recruiting, particularly within early career roles. Finding people and offering them a job that could start their career is something I truly love. Plus, my company is so fun!
#4: ENJOYED TRAVELING FOR WORK
With my new role, I've had the opportunity to do a fair bit of traveling. In April, I had a full-team meeting in New York City; May, I ran a meeting in Norwalk, CT, for our rotational program; July, I headed back to Norwalk for corporate induction; September, I went to Tennessee for a career fair; October, I went to Kentucky for a career fair; and December, I went to Norwalk and Québec to host all day Assessment Centers.
#5: STARTED WORKING OUT
This was the year I decided to start getting back into shape. It all started when my friends and I signed up for a Tough Mudder, which prompted me to prepare. Since January, I've run three 5Ks, completed a half Tough Mudder, and started going to Pure Barre. Seeing my body get stronger is the best feeling and I can't wait to continue in 2019.
#6: SPECIAL VISITS WITH MY COLLEGE BEST FRIENDS
I started the new year with a visit from three of my best friends from college. They were able to experience a true Chicago winter, with temperatures below zero. Thankfully, there was a lot of hot chocolate to help warm up. Then, to keep tradition alive, they returned for Memorial Day weekend. We went to Geneva, a tea room, and dressed up for dinner.
#7: TRAVELED TO CANCUN WITH MY OLDEST FRIENDS
At the beginning of June, I headed to Cancun with two of my oldest friends. I've known Keiko and Shannon since I was in the third grade, so getting to travel with them was perfect. Unfortunately, I got absolutely fried the second day we were there, but thankfully was able to join in on the fun after applying a lot of aloe. The sunsets were gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and the company was the best.
#8: HIGH SCHOOL BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING FESTIVITIES
My best friend from high school got married this year and I was lucky enough to join in on the fun. In July, I flew to Oregon to attend her bachelorette party on the coast. We had the perfect weather while we there, plus, I was able to fly in a day early to spend some extra time with Kristina. Then, in August, I flew back out to watch her marry the love of her life. I was also able to catch up with old friends, which was the cherry on top.
#9: MOVED TO CHICAGO
I took a big step and moved to the city this summer. Betty, Emily, and I chose an apartment in Bucktown and it's perfect. There are so many unique features and it's the perfect size for us. Plus, it's so fun to be in the city with so much going on every weekend.
#10: SPENT QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY
There were so many times this year that my family spent time together. We had a couple girls' weekends including shopping, musicals, and fashion shows. We also celebrated birthdays, Kenneth's graduation, and random relaxing weekends together. With my sister moving to South Carolina in a few days, the quality time together was just what we needed.
#11: CELEBRATED FUN HOLIDAYS WITH FRIENDS
So many holidays, so many parties. In February, I hosted a Galentine's Day party; March we went to Chicago for St. Patrick's Day; July, we had a BBQ and lit sparklers for the Fourth of July; October we dressed up for Halloween; and Christmas, we hosted and attended a few parties. It was so fun!
#12: TRAVELED TO DIFFERENT STATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
One of my goals for my 26th year was to visit new states. I was able to go to Wisconsin to ski, Michigan to play in the lake and have a girls' weekend, and many others. It was really fun to explore different areas of the country I've called home for the past twelve years.
2018 was full of changes, great friends, and amazing memories. I can't wait to see what 2019 brings. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve everyone!
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